There’s no denying that when it comes to Dystopian and Post Apocalyptic Fiction, YA has it pretty much in the bag with the numbers of books for YA readers outnumbering those for other age groups. Every year there is another must read trilogy, or a stand alone novel that is on everyone’s shelves and is tipped to become the next big screen adaptation with A listers clamouring to be on the cast.
We asked you for your favourite Dystopian and Post Apoc books for YA readers and you didn’t disappoint; whilst some of the titles may not be strictly YA, they are on a lot of School Reading lists and so we have included them here as crossovers.
The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
Katniss Everdeen was bound to be involved in this list somehow and it is no surprise that she and her fellow competitors top our poll.
The 5th Wave – Rick Yancey
Aliens are here and it doesn’t look as though have come in peace; Rick Yancey’s truly terrifying novel of subjugation and the refusal of humanity to submit is your second placed choice.
The Giver – Lois Lowry
Following Jonas as he enters into his teenage years, The Giver is a Dystopian novel set in an apparent Utopia of Sameness. Whilst the eradication of pain and strife may be desirable, if it’s at the cost of emotional depth, I think I’d pass.
Divergent Trilogy – Veronica Roth
Tris is about to find out which Faction she belongs to and where her life will be lived from here on in. The only problem is, Tris doesn’t fit, Tris is Divergent.
The Maze Runner Trilogy – James Dashner
Thomas wakes up in a metal crate that has been hoisted aloft by a group of boys. He has no memories, no idea where he was before the box and no idea why he is here. The Maze Runner is a brilliantly different take on YA Dystopian Fiction.
The Long Walk – Stephen King
The Long Walk is actually a novella that was initially published in a collection of short stories but anyone who knows of King’s writing style also knows his novellas would give War and Peace a run for its money. The world is over populated and gravely lacking in resources, the air is thin and poisonous and the young men are angry. The General has a solution, The Long Walk, walk the the competition into submission and win your heart’s desire, after all it’s only a measly four miles an hour, and so what if you lose? Come on, it’s King, you know they aren’t handing out ‘Participation Medals’.
Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury
In a world where books are illegal and Firemen are people who are sent to burn any collections that have been found, Fahrenheit 451 is a completely horrifying future for any reading addict.
The Selection Series – Kiera Cass
America Singer has been chosen for The Selection, a reality TV lottery in which the special few compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon’s love. She must compete against 34 other girls who are all fighting for the prince’s love. As time progresses, everything will change.
Red Queen Collection – Victoria Aveyard
Mare, a 17 year old common girl whose latent magical powers draw her into the dangerous world of the elite ruling class. Will her power save her or condemn her? Whatever the outcome, she is in ninth place.
Gone – Michael Grant
And completing our top ten is Gone by Michael Grant; imagine, one moment everything is normal and the next, everyone over the age of fifteen has vanished. The children are left to fend for themselves, and despite their best attempts at keeping their small town running, chaos descends.
11. The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
12. The Dragonriders of Pern – Anne McCaffrey
13. 1984 – George Orwell
14. Swan Song – Robert McCammon
15. Station Eleven – Emily St. John
16. Dune – Frank Herbert
17. The Day of the Triffids – John Wyndham
18. Obernewtyn – Isobelle Carmody
19. The Grisha – Leigh Bardugo
20. Alas, Babylon – Pat Frank, David Brin
And here are the final five in our list of Post Apocalyptic and Dystopian books for YA readers:
Legend Trilogy – Marie Lu
Everything and More – Geoff Nicholson
Article 5 – Kristen Simmons
Uglies – Scott Westerfeld
Down to a Sunless Sea – David Graham
Post Apocalyptic and Dystopian Fiction are two of my favourite genres, this list has expanded my TBR list yet again.
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