Dystopian Books on my TBR

I recently watched The Hunger Games, and while I’m admittedly late to the party, I was completely enthralled. The films reignited something in me—a fascination with dystopia and its power to reflect our world through a dark perspective. Naturally, I went out and bought the books immediately. As I began searching for more stories in the dystopian genre, I noticed the dystopian boom that hooked readers in the 2010s had gone quiet. This made me wonder if the genre had become distasteful for many and created the shift towards fantasy as a form of escapism. Due to the rise of real-world anxieties after the 2016 election and the social-political state of our world, could readers have found the dystopian genre too close for comfort? Or have we become desensitized to dystopian fiction as it closely resembles the lives of our friends, family, and ourselves?

Regardless, I do believe that the dystopian genre is important and hope to see it rise in popularity again. It forces us to confront unchecked power, inequality, environmental neglect, oppression, and other harsh realities. This genre isn’t meant to leave readers feeling despair, but instead to invoke a sense of hope. In the darkest worlds, we see characters refusing to back down and demonstrating bravery and empathy for the people. We are reminded that though this authoritative rule feels unshakeable, rebellion is possible and change is worth the fight. Dystopian forces us to engage, to question, and strive for a better future—not just for ourselves, but for all of us. 

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Arc of a Scythe by Neal Shusterman 

In a world where humanity and life are controlled by the Scythes, who are commanded to end lives to control the population, Citra and Rowen are both chosen to be apprentices, a role that neither of them wants. The two must work together to end lives, knowing failure would mean their deaths.

I have already started reading the first book, and I’m hooked. The concept of Scythes feels fresh, unique, and exciting. 

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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 

In the nation of Panem, the Capitol holds a challenging Hunger Games for its twelve districts. Winning means freedom, and losing means death. They send one boy and one girl from each district between the ages of 12-18 to fight to the death on live television. When 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen bravely volunteers in her sister’s place, she signs herself up to face a life-threatening environment and challenges to survive and win the games. 

I am really excited to compare the films to this trilogy. I grew very attached to the characters, and I have been wanting to revisit them.

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Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard 

The Silver Elite rule over the Reds, who are considered commoners. Seventeen-year-old Mare Barrow finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Surrounded by those she hates, Mare discovers that despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power, one that could threaten society’s balance. Fearful of her ability, the Silvers declare she is a long-lost silver princess who is to be engaged to the Silver prince. Despite the dangers, Mare works closely with a Red Guard to overthrow the Silver regime. 

I’ve heard so much about this series, and my sister keeps begging me to read it; however, I am a little intimidated since I’ve heard there’s a tragic plot twist. 

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The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer 

New Beijing includes humans and androids, and a deadly plague is spreading through the population. From space, Lunar people watch, and Earth’s fate lies in the hands of one girl named Cinder, who is a gifted mechanic and a cyborg. Cinder is a second class citizen with a mysterious past, including a cruel stepmother. As her life becomes intertwined with Prince Kai’s, she is caught between duty and freedom and struggles to uncover secrets of her past to protect her world. 

I am really looking forward to the fairytale retellings of these. 

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While these books have been published for years, I believe the genre will give me the hope I desire for a better tomorrow. In stressful times like these, we need something to turn to in order to persevere, and stories are the perfect way to educate ourselves and grow as humans. It is powerful to be empathetic, and it is powerful to hope. 

Anasofia Alejandro, Pine Reads Review Writer 

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