“As civilisation advances, so does indifference.”
The speculative genre of dystopian fiction explores social and political structures in society, depicting settings and scenarios that challenge the norms of the author and reader. These stories often foreshadow movements and changes that may arise.
As science fiction and tech-based stories have gained popularity, so has this genre, especially in response to recent social movements addressing climate change, polarized politics, and inequality based on gender, race, and wealth. Join us at What We Reading as we review 9 of the best dystopian novels for young adults.
Thirteen – Tom Hoyle
Tom Hoyle’s Adam Grant series starts off with Thirteen, featuring a twelve-year-old boy born on the cusp of the new millennium. Adam becomes the target of a cult that aims to eliminate boys born on this date before they reach their thirteenth birthday.
The cult, led by their fanatical leader Coron, has already succeeded in killing twelve boys. With Coron determined to establish his own ‘kingdom’ in London, this young adult horror follows Adam on an intense manhunt throughout the city.
The Power – Naomi Alderman
Naomi Alderman’s The Power is widely regarded as one of the most significant feminist dystopian novels ever written. The story revolves around a group of people scattered across the globe whose lives are dramatically impacted by a mysterious new force.
Teenage girls develop the ability to generate electric shocks from their fingertips, instantly becoming the dominant gender. The world is turned upside down as traditional roles are upended. The novel follows the lives of Allie, Roxy, Margot, Jocelyn, and Tunde as they navigate this new matriarchal society.
The Humans – Matt Haig
The Humans, a Goodreads Choice Award nominee for Best Sci-Fi, offers a unique and heartwarming perspective on humanity. The story revolves around an extraterrestrial visitor who takes the form of the quirky Professor Andrew Martin.
Originating from an ideal utopia of boundless knowledge, the alien is repulsed by everything on Earth, including human habits like clothing and cuisine, as well as their history of war. With only a dog named Newton as his ally, Martin immerses himself in human society and gradually begins to appreciate its flaws. He finds himself increasingly conflicted between his primary mission to thwart human progress and his growing empathy towards those he was sent to kill.
Love Matt Haig? Check out our book review of The Midnight Library!
Station Eleven – Emily St. John Mandel
Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven is a masterpiece of dystopian fiction, set during the collapse of civilization. The story centres around a famous Hollywood actor who dies while performing King Lear. The narrative moves back and forth through the man’s life, connecting five individuals who are intimately connected to him.
With its whimsical approach, Station Eleven presents a unique take on dystopian literature, full of suspense and creativity. It challenges readers’ understanding of life and offers a superb work of speculative fiction.
The Grownup – Gillian Flynn
In The Grownup, Gillian Flynn delivers a bone-chilling horror tale set on the grounds of a Victorian estate. Best known for Gone Girl, the author presents the story of Susan Burke, a wealthy woman who consults a fraudulent palm reader seeking excitement in her mundane life.
The palm reader convinces Susan and her stepson Miles to visit the haunted Victorian home that has been haunting her nightmares, leading them to experience eerie and terrifying occurrences. As themes of manipulation are explored, Flynn displays her storytelling prowess in this dystopian novel.
American War – Omar El Akkad
American War is a brave and unapologetic debut novel from author and journalist Omar El Akkad. Set during the Second American Civil War in 2074, the book explores themes of internment, identity, and control during times of conflict. The story follows Sarat Chestnut, a Louisiana native who is placed in a camp for displaced persons with her family.
Sarat becomes embroiled in a deadly game of war, manipulated by a functionary who sees her as a powerful weapon. The book raises thought-provoking questions about what would happen if America were to turn its most destructive weapons on itself. The choices Sarat makes will have far-reaching consequences for generations to come.
Red Clocks – Leni Zumas
Leni Zumas’ Red Clocks is one of the best dystopian novels that remains timely even years after its release. The story takes place in rural Oregon, where abortion has become illegal once again, and five women must navigate the complex issues of maternity, motherhood, and freedom.
Eivør, Mattie, Susan, and Ro have vastly different lives but are brought together when Gin, who lives in the forest, is arrested in a modern-day witchhunt. Red Clocks offers a chilling portrayal of a world where basic rights are stripped away, and it is a must-read for those who want a thought-provoking and relevant dystopian novel.
Matched – Ally Condie
The first entry in the Matched series, Ally Condie’s young-adult dystopian novel, is set in a society that dictates who people love, where they work, and when they die.
Condie’s poetic style of writing adds a touch of classic romance storytelling as the protagonist, Cassie, is matched with her best friend on the matching screen, convinced they are destined to be together. However, a glitch flashing across the screen sets her on a heart-wrenching path of choice and freedom.
The Last – Hanna Jameson
Hanna Jameson’s The Last is a gripping blend of a dystopian survival story and a classic murder mystery set in a Swiss hotel in the Alps after a nuclear armageddon. The book follows Jon, a historian residing in the hotel and documenting the daily struggles of the survivors.
However, the delicate balance of life in the hotel is threatened when Jon discovers the body of a young girl in one of the water tanks on the roof. As supplies dwindle and factions form, Jon is forced to either risk venturing out into the fallout or investigate the killer, all while facing the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world.
Want more great reads? Check out What We Reading’s best books from 2022!
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
