24 Books Like the Hunger Games to Devour Now
Since the Hunger Games movies were released a decade ago, the Hunger Games have become a household name. I was obsessed with these books and went on a search for other books like the hunger games I could read to cure my book hangover.
The Hunger Games Trilogy is a YA Sci-fi with the perfect amount of action and romance all tied up in a deadly game. So, whatever reason you loved this trilogy, we have the perfect book for you to devour.
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Books Like The Hunger Games
Dystopian Sci Fi// Trilogies// Books with Deadly Games // Dystopian Romance // Dystopian Novels // Classic Dystopian Books // More Books like The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games in Order
The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2008
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
More info: Hunger Games #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 10+
Plot
This is the first book in the Hunger Games series and it is epic! In the aftermath of what was once North America, there are 12 Districts surrounding the capital.
Each year, each district sends one boy and one girl to fight to the death in a competition called “The Hunger Games”. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her younger sister, Prim, from certain death in the games where it is kill-or-be-killed.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Violence
Why Jackie loves it
This sci-fi book has everything, but at its heart, it is a book about family, love, and survival. This book has a heart while also being a total page-turner!
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m not usually a sci-fi girly, but Jackie convinced me to read this one and I finished the entire series in a week and immediately binged the movies!
Find this book in: Books Like The Hunger Games / Young Adult Fantasy Series / Books About Sisters / Sci-Fi Books / Books Like Fourth Wing / YA Dystopian Novels / Fun Books for Teens / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Best YA Romance Books / Books for 11-year-olds / Reality TV Novels
Catching Fire ( The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins
Katniss and Peeta have won the Hunger Games and are supposed to be able to live out their lives in Victor’s Village but, the Capitol wants revenge.
There is a rumor of a rebellion and the only way for the capitol to squash the growing displeasure is with a quarter quell.
The Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3)
The Capitol wants revenge on Katniss and they know just how to make Katniss pay. The final book in the Hunger Games Trilogy is NOT to be missed. I will not give any more details because I cannot give anything away about this epic conclusion.
If you are reading The Hunger Games in order (as you must in order to understand the series), you will not be disappointed with this epic third book.
Books Like the Hunger Games: Books by Suzanne Collins
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
If you have read The Hunger Games in order then you hate Coriolanus Snow. But, how did he come to be the ruthless ruler of Pam-am?
This book takes us back to the morning of the reaping of the 10th Hunger Games. Young Coriolanus is the mentor for the female tribute of District 12- the lowest of the low. Now, their fates are entwined as his success in the capital will be determined by her success.Â
This was not as good as the original trilogy; however, it provides enlightenment, insight, and so many answers. I think it is a must-read for books like the Hunger Games Trilogy.
Gregor the Overlander
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2003
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8+
More info: The Underland Chronicles Book 1 of 5
#1 Bestselling author of The Hunger Games
Plot
In this book like the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Gregor falls into a dark Underland from the laundry room, in his apartment. The world is on the brink of war and his arrival has been foretold in a prophecy.
Now Gregor must stay and play his part while solving the mystery of his father’s disappearance years ago. This series came before the Hunger Games and is geared toward a slightly younger crowd.
Why Jackie loves it
I would recommend this to a middle-grade fantasy reader, especially one looking for a book series like Percy Jackson. It has lost some of its popularity in recent years, but it is a very fun and unique fantasy
Find this book in: Books like Percy Jackson / Books Like The Hunger Games / Dragon Books for Tweens
Books Similar to Hunger Games: Dystopian Sci-fi for Teens
Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve
I had heard so much about this book and was excited to read it. I have a hard time not comparing this young adult fantasy book to the Divergent Series and The Hunger Games which were both amazing.
This book is part fantasy and part sci-fi in a world of predator cities. Giant cities chase small towns and devour them in an effort to survive. Of all the urban fantasy books, this one closely resembles sci-fi.
Find this book in Books Like the Hunger Games / YA Dystopian Books / Urban Fantasy Books
The Thousandth Floor
Author: Katherine McGee
Year: 2017
Genre: Sci-Fi
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Set 100 years in the future in a 1000-floor tower, New York’s privileged elite navigate romance, privilege, and temptation in this sci-fi YA novel.
It gave me Gossip Girl vibes with a futuristic feel, except it opens with someone falling to their death from the top floor. Avery Fuller is genetically designed to be perfect, but is her life as perfect as it seems? If you love sci-fi, forbidden love stories, and the fight for survival of the Hunger Games, this book is perfect for you to read.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the plot of this book and the fact that it is set in the future adds to the books appeal.
Find this book in: Books Like the Hunger Games / Sci-Fi Books / YA Dystopian Books
Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth
Akos and Cyra are caught in a battle between enemy countries fighting for control of the planet. When Akos is kidnapped and forced to serve Cyra, he learns that they are both struggling for survival.
The two become stuck in a rebellion and they have to choose between fighting for their families or fighting for what is right. Will they choose love for each other or loyalty to their family?
This dystopian sci-fi for teens is perfect pick for books like The Hunger Games
Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Year: 2012
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy/ Sci-Fi/ Fairy Tale Retelling
More info: Lunar Chronicles Book 1 of 4
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 10+
Plot
This four-book series is set in the future in a time of disease and war. This series is part twisted fairy tale, part dystopia, and part sci-fi fantasy.
Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel are re-imagined as you have never seen them before. All of them are smart and strong women far from the helpless damsels in distress we know them to be.
The first in this series of classic book retellings introduces us to Cinder. She is a cyborg (part human, part machine) who lives with her……..you guessed it….. two step-sisters and stepmother.
Why Jackie loves it
I read the first book and immediately read the rest of the books in the series. Even though this is a series that is over a decade old, it is still one of the best YA fantasy book series I have read and still recommend it all the time to teens and adults alike
Find this book in: YA Dystopian Books / YA Romance Fantasy Books / Best Teen Fantasy / Books Like The Selection / Best YA Romance Books / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time
Find more books like this in: Books Like Cinder
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Books Like the Hunger Games: Trilogies
Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Year: 2014
Genre: YA Sci-fi
More info: Best-selling series Book 1 of 4
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
In this trilogy, Chicago society is divided into factions dedicated to a particular virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. On a selected day, all 16-year-olds gather to choose their faction.
Beatrice must choose between staying with her family and becoming who she was meant to be. This first book in the trilogy is unlike anything I had read. It drew me in and kept me turning the pages until the end. Of course, nothing is as it seems in this dystopian YA Fantasy.
Trigger Warnings
Abuse, death
Why Jackie loves it
This series was unlike any other that I had read before. I loved the first two books and the third in the series was a little iffy for me. This series is fast-paced and unexpected.
Find this book in: Books Like the Hunger Games / Books Like the Selection / YA Dystopian Novels / Best YA Romance Books
The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Tally is about to turn 16, the time when every teen will undergo radical and high-tech surgery to make them unnaturally beautiful. Before the surgery, teens are sequestered because of how ugly they are to look at.
When Tally’s best friend runs away to live with a group of people who have rejected the surgery, her life takes a spin. She must choose to track down her friend and betray her or live as “an ugly” for the rest of her life.
It took me a while to wrap my head around just how messed up this society is but I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
Find this book in Young Adult Dystopian Novels / Books Like The Hunger Games
The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Dystopian
More info: Maze Runner book 1 of 5
Age Range: 10+
Plot
Thomas wakes up surrounded by a group of strangers. They are all boys like him who remember nothing about themselves except for their names. They are stuck inside a maze.
The only way out is through the ever-changing maze from which no one has ever escaped. When a girl arrives with a message, the first girl ever, she must head her message and “remember, survive, run”.
Why Jackie loves it
This book reminded us a little of The Hunger Games because of the nature of the maze. It is all one big, deadly game. This is a fast-paced book that I read quickly.
Find this book in: Books Like The Hunger Games / YA Dystopian Novels / Amnesia Books
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Books Like the Hunger Games: Deadly Games
All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman
Seven families compete every twenty years over control of high magick. When the Blood Moon rises, the blood veil falls and each family chooses one child to compete to the death. The stakes are high and the prize is epic.
I loved this urban fantasy book and it left me simultaneously freaked out and wanting more. The parents in this book are brutal and willing to sacrifice their children willingly. It is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, but, the magical competition in this book makes it perfect for a list of books like The Night Circus. This is one of the must-read young adult fantasy books.
Payback’s a Witch
Author: Lana Harper
Year: 2021
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: The Witches of Thistle Grove #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This adorable romance was the perfect post-Halloween read for me. Emmy Harlow must return home to her magical town of Thistle Grove to arbitrate a spell-casting tournament. The winner will have control of magic in the town.
Emmy ran away because of a broken heart but now, her heart may be on the mend thanks to the beautiful and powerful Talia.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this book. The magical competition and the high stakes of this game make it perfect for anyone who loves some heart-pounding action to go with their fantasy books. Add in a sprinkle of romance and its a winner for me.
Find this book in: Books Like The Night Circus / Books like The Hunger Games / Best Witch Books / Adult Fantasy Romance Books
Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestselling Fantasy debut
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When it comes to YA Fantasy books, this one is a classic. The story begins with letters from Scarlett to Legend, the leader of Caraval- a game played once a year in a far-off destination.
Every year, every time it is played, the game is different. Filled with magic and wonder, Scarlet plays this destination-based competition to win this year’s prize – her sister Tella – before anyone else can. This is a game filled with magic where the stakes become higher the longer Scarlet plays.
Why Jackie loves it
This is the first book in a three-part series that gets better and more complex with each new book. This series of YA fantasy romance books is a must-read.
Find this book in: Stephanie Garber Books / YA Fantasy Romance Books / Books Like the Selection / Best Puzzle Books / Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books /Books About Sisters and Bonds of Sisterhood /14 Best Carnival and Circus Books / Best YA Romance Books
The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Tiffany Brooks
Although this book does not have magic, it does have a deadly game that gave me Hunger Games vibes the minute I read it.
When a group of high school students is brought to a deserted island for a reality show similar to Survivor, nothing is as it seems.
As the competitors search for a treasure that has been lost long ago, things start to go very wrong on the set. And the local curse does say 7 will die before the treasure is found. This pick from books like The Hunger Games will keep you turning the pages until the last sentence.
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
The Hunger Games meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this haunting and disturbing tale. At the age of sixteen, all women must go into the wild for a year to release their magic. The people of Garner County call this the Grace Year and speaking of it is forbidden.
As Tierney James Grace Year approaches, she dreams of a world in which women aren’t pitted against each other in a battle to survive. This book is eery and completely creepy. I could not put it down
The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Year: 2011
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The scene has been set for a magical competition between the pupils of two very powerful magicians. The stage: The Night Circus. The pupils, a man & a woman, are unsure of the rules, unsure of how to win, or when the competition will end.
As the competition continues, the opponents fall in love – a situation that only complicates their predicament. They are never quite sure of the rules or how to win.
Why Jackie loves it
Every word captivated me from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down. The story was magical- both literally and figuratively and the descriptions are so vivid. This is one of my all-time favorite books. I have read this book a few times and each time, I get something different from the story.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is magic in a way that I never imagined it before. The story has twists and surprises that left me wondering how I didn’t see what was right there all along.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of all Time / The Best Carnival and Circus Books / Books Like the Hunger Games / Books Like the Night Circus / Cozy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
Ultimate List of YA Fantasy
If fantasy books are your favorite books, then these are the perfect book lists for you. We carefully divided them into sub-genres.
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Dystopian Romance Books Like the Hunger Games
Fourth Wing
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Year: 2023
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: Empyrean Series Book #1 of 5
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
If you have not heard of this book and love fantasy, this is the book for you. Don’t be intimidated by the length of this dragon book. I started and finished this 528-page bad boy in a day and a half. I cannot remember the last time I did that!
Violet Sorrengail had spent her life studying to be a scribe until her father died and her mother, the commanding general, ordered her to join the dragon riders. Violet will become one of the hundreds of candidates who fight to the death to be a part of this elite group.
Unlike the other candidates who have worked towards this their whole lives, Violet is small and brittle and never meant for this to be her path. And other candidates do not have the children of rebel leaders waiting to take revenge.
This adult fantasy book has everything that you would want in a fantasy from epic world-building to amazing abilities, magical creatures, non-stop action, and romance.
Trigger Warnings
Graphic sexual content, death
Why Jackie loves it
I loved every second. It lives up to the hype and then some. The world-building is amazing and the book pulled me in from the first page. Usually the story begins with an event and the story commences after this catalyst moment. Fourth Wing begins after that crucial moment so I felt I was immersed in the story from page one.
Why Kirsten loves it
I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book, but Jackie was right when she told me how much I would love it. Even though I do not usually love world-building, fantasies like this, the plot line and romance throughout this book, kept me hooked the whole time.
Adaptation Information
It’s early days yet, but the rights to turn this book series into a TV series were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.
Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Books / Fourth Wing Series in Order / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Dragon Books for Adults
For More Books Like This: The Best Books Like Fourth Wing
Red Queen
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Year: 2015
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Red Queen #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 15+
Plot
In this world, those with red blood are common and those with silver blood are elite with superhuman abilities. In the war against Silvers and Reds, Mare Barrow is special. She’s a red blood with the abilities of a Silver. But how can that be? To cover the anomaly, she is brought into the King’s home where it’s announced that she will be marrying one of the princes, Maven, who she begins to grow close to. But she’s also attracted to Cal, the heir to the throne. As their attraction grows, so do the problems in the realm, and Mare’s knowledge of just how dangerous the world can be.
Why Kirsten loves it
I have been on some weird YA fantasy/sci-fi kick recently – which is funny because I had to be forced to read the Hunger Games. Now I can’t seem to stop! I’m sure I’ll switch gears this summer, but I love this young adult fantasy novel. The ending was a total shock! I couldn’t put it down.
Find this book in: Books like The Hunger Games / YA Romance fantasy books / Books like ACOTAR / YA Dystopian Novels / Books Like The Selection / Books with Red in the Title / Best YA Romance Books
Matched by Ally Condie
Think of Matched as The Giver with a love triangle. Officials chose who you will marry, but Cassia falls in love with a boy she isn’t matched with and it causes her to reconsider everything she knows about her world and its rules.
The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Year: 2013
Genre: YA Sci-Fi Romance
More info: The Selection #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This incredible series is so much fun – think The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor. It’s a reality TV royal match-making contest in a dystopian world. But in this case, the bachelor happens to be the future king. America Singer, our leading lady, is selected against all odds to be a contestant, forcing her to leave behind her love, Aspen.
When America meets Prince Maxon by mistake before the start of the show, she isn’t expecting to be so enamored with him. Should she try to win his heart or stay true to her love for Aspen?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love royal stories, romances, reality TV books, and high drama so this book was made for me! The covers of the series aren’t bad on the eyes either. This series was pure magic and just so fun.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my favorite books about royals. It also happens to be the reason that Beyond the Bookends exists, but that is an entirely different story.
Find this book in: Books Like The Selection / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Books Like ACOTAR / Books Like the Hunger Games/ YA Dystopian Books / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books / Books for 12-year-olds / Reality TV Novels
If you love this series, you can check out our post for more books like The Selection
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Books Like the Hunger Games: Dystopian Novels
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
In a world with no hunger and no disease, humans can no longer die of natural causes. In order to control the population, two teens are chosen to become the dreaded Scythe.
As Scythes, the teens must master the art of killing and are subject to a quota each day of people who are randomly chosen to die. As they slowly learn to fulfill their roles, they must also come to terms with the lives they will be leaving behind.
Ready Player One
Author: Ernest Cline
Year: 2011
Genre: Dystopian Sci-Fi
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller, A Major Motion Picture
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:16+
Plot
In 2045, most people spent their days in the OASIS, a virtual reality world. When the elusive creator of the OASIS dies and leaves clues behind, the first person to solve the riddles will be in control of the entire OASIS and a massive fortune.
When Wade Watts solves the first clue, he might fight for his survival to win along with his group of misfit friends. Love, a fight for survival, and a group of loyal friends all give me Lunar Chronicle vibes.
Why Jackie loves it
While this book is technically set in the future, everything about it screams 1980. As someone who lived her teenage years in the 80s, I consider myself an expert. This book is so unlike anything else I have read. It is smart and well-written. As a sci-fi, I feel like this would appeal to those who do not normally read sci-fi as well.
Find this book in: Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time / Young Adult Dystopian Novels / Books Set in the 80s / Best Books About Puzzles / Books Like the Lunar Chronicles
The Host by Stephanie Meyer
Earth has been invaded by an alien species that takes over the mind of the human host. The body remains intact. Melanie Stryder’s body has been taken over by Wanderer but Melanie refuses to fade away.
Melanie thinks about her love, Jared so much that Wanderer’s thoughts become filled with Jared as well. Suddenly, Wanderer and Melanie must work together to survive. When they find Jared it becomes a love triangle of two bodies and three minds.
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Classic Dystopian Books Like the Hunger Games for Teens
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Set in a dystopian world, the main character Jonas is special because he is the receiver. In his Idyllic community, he is the one that holds the secrets.
This Newberry Award-Winning classic is one of the most influential novels of our time. Interestingly, the Hunger Games has been added to many curriculums to look at dystopian worlds. If you love a classic, this pick is a must read from the list of books like The Hunger Games.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
This classic book tell the story of Meg, a high school student, who must travel through space and time to rescue her father.
Along with her younger brother and her friend, Meg learns about the tesseract- a wrinkle in time and space that she must travel through in order to save her father from Evil.
With its dystopian feels and fight against evil, this classic pick from books like The Hunger Games is a must-read.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
I may have read this one 20 years ago but, it is not a book that you can ever forget.
When a plane carrying a group of school boys crashes on a deserted island, they revel in their newfound freedom. With no adult to tell them what to do, they can do whatever they want.
Soon, all semblance of order is gone and the boys begin to terrorize each other as all hope for rescue is lost. This book is a dystopian fiction at its finest.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
I wont say how many years it has been since I read this book. But I will tell you that I haven’t forgotten any of it.
Set in a future in which all humans are genetically bred to uphold a particular place in society without question, the cost has been freedom in all aspects of the word.
Fabulous list!! I’d also recommend Community: the Awakening by Nicole Meredith. Such a fabulous dystopian novel – seriously one of the best I’ve read since the Hunger Games.