Best 7 Dystopian Books to Read in 2024

Looking for the best dystopian books? Check out these gems: The Hunger Games, 1984, and The Handmaid's Tale. Happy reading!
Brave New World cover1984 cover

When we think of dystopian books, we want gripping tales, memorable characters, and worlds that make us question our own. From futuristic societies to oppressive governments, our picks cover the best that dystopian books have to offer. We focus on stories that keep us on the edge of our seat, and characters we root for from start to finish. Whether you enjoy classic literature or more modern takes, our list has something for every fan of dystopian books.

On this list:

7 The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

  • Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1985
  • Pages: 311

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This book is a classic in the world of dystopian books. It shows the life of women in a future where they have no rights. It’s thought-provoking and a bit scary.

6 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Brave New World cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1932
  • Pages: 288

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In this book, Huxley paints a picture of a future where people are controlled through pleasure and conditioning. We loved how it made us think about our own world.

5 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1949
  • Pages: 328

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This book is about a future where the government watches your every move. Big Brother is always watching. It’s a must-read for fans of dystopian books.

4 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451 cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1953
  • Pages: 249

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In this book, books are illegal and firemen burn them. It shows a world where knowledge is suppressed and ignorance is bliss. We couldn’t put it down.

3 The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Maze Runner cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 375

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A group of teens wake up in a maze with no memory of how they got there. It’s full of action and twists we didn’t see coming.

2 Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 487

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In a future Chicago, society is divided by virtues. The hero must find out where she belongs. It’s a thrilling read with a strong and relatable heroine.

1 Legend by Marie Lu

Legend cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 320

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Legend is a thrilling dystopian book set in a militarized future where a young prodigy and a notorious criminal cross paths, much like Katniss and the Capitol in The Hunger Games.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!