Books Like The Hunger Games
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 is a YA dystopian Sci-fi series with the perfect amount of action and romance all tied up in a deadly game. It started as a trilogy, but now has two prequels, making it a five-book series. So, whatever reason you loved this book series, I have the perfect book for you to devour.
The Best Books Like The Hunger Games
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Dystopian Sci-fi Book
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline – Jump to Section
Best Series Like the Hunger Games
Divergent by Veronica Roth- Jump to Section
Best Deadly Game Like the Hunger games
All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and C. L. Herman- Jump to Section
Best Dystopian Romance Book
The Selection by Kierra Cass- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Dystopian Sci-fi Books Similar to The Hunger Games
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:💋
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
Mortal Engines
Author: Philip Reeve
Year: 2001
Genre: YA Sci-fi
More info: Mortal Engines #1
Age Range: 12+
Plot
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.
Why Jackie loves it
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.Â
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:💋
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
Scythe
Author: Neal Shusterman
Year: 2016
Genre: YA Dystopian Fantasy
More info: Arc of a Scythe #1, Printz Honor Winner
Age Range: 12+
Plot
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 a 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.
Trigger Warnings
Violence
Why Jackie loves it
This series captivated my teen like no other. It is a unique story that only Neal Shusterman could write. Even better, the series is complete, but prequel is on the way.
Carve the Mark
Author: Veronica Roth
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Sci-fi Romance
More info: Carve the Mark #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
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?
Trigger Warnings
Violence
Why Jackie loves it
This dystopian sci-fi for teens is perfect pick for books like The Hunger Games. Akos reminds me so much of Katniss because of how hard he is fighting to save his brother. This was such a fun series to read!
Plot
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.
Trigger Warnings
Violence
Why Jackie loves it
I may have read this one 20 years ago but, it is not a book that you can ever forget. This book is a dystopian fiction at its finest.
Find this book in: Books Like the Hunger Games
Series Like the Hunger Games
Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Year: 2014
Genre: YA Sci-fi
More info: Best-selling series Book 1 of 4
Spice Rating:💋
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
Uglies
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Year: 2005
Genre: YA Dystopian Fiction
More info: Uglies #1
Age Range: 12+
Plot
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.
Trigger Warnings
Body Shaming
Why Jackie loves it
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
Books Like the Hunger Games: Deadly Games
All of Us Villains
Author: Amanda Foody, Christine Lynn Herman
Year: 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: All of Us Villains #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
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.
Trigger Warnings
Murder, Child Abuse
Why Jackie likes it
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.
Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like the Hunger Games
The Girl Who Knew Too Much
Author: Tiffany Brooks
Year: 2022
Genre: YA Thriller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When a group of high school students are brought to a deserted island for a reality show like survivor, nothing is at 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 local curse does say 7 will die before the treasure is found.
Why Jackie loves it
Although this book does not have magic, it does have a deadly game that gave me Hunger Games vibes the minute I read it.
Find this book in: Reality TV Books / Books Like the Hunger Games
Plot
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.
Trigger Warnings
Violence, Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
This dystopian YA fantasy book is eery and completely creepy. I could not put it down.
Find this book in: Young Adult Dystopian Novels / Books Like the Hunger Games
Dystopian Romance Books Like the Hunger Games
The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Year: 2013
Genre: YA Sci-Fi Romance
More info: The Selection #1
Spice Rating:💋
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
Red Queen
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Year: 2015
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Red Queen #1
Spice Rating:💋
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
Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Year: 2012
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy/ Sci-Fi/ Fairy Tale Retelling
More info: Lunar Chronicles Book 1 of 4
Spice Rating:💋
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 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
More Books Like The Hunger Games
Expert Tip
Are you having a book hangover after you read Sunrise on the Reaping? Here are some things to consider when you are choosing your next book.
- What was it about The Hunger Games that you loved? I divided this list into what I loved about the series to help you choose a book.
- Look at all the descriptions. Kirsten and I read all of these, so you can see what we loved about all of the books on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many books are in The Hunger Games Series?
The original series had three books, but since then, there have been two prequels. Sunrise on the Reaping is the newest Hunger Games book and it tells Haymitch’s story
What books should I read if I like The Hunger Games?
The Hunger Games is a YA dystopian sci-fi book. It has a touch of romance as well. If you loved the series, you should read Divergent by Veronica Roth. If you loved the sci-fi aspect, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is amazing. And if you loved the deadly game, you should read The Grace Year by Kim Liggett.
Epilogue
Which Books Like The Hunger Games Do You Want to Read?
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.