Best Scott Westerfeld Books to Read in 2025: Top 10

We love 'Uglies' from Scott Westerfeld books for its futuristic world and thrilling twists. It keeps us on our toes.

Uglies coverPretties coverSpecials cover

Discovering the best in Scott Westerfeld books is like nibbling on a box of assorted chocolates—each novel offers a unique flavor, sometimes surprising, always entertaining. We took a deep breath and sifted through thrilling worlds, brilliant characters, and mind-bending plots to curate the top 10 best Scott Westerfeld books. From lovable outsiders to fantastical journeys, we’ve evaluated each book based on story, creativity, and that special Westerfeld touch. Get ready for a fun ride!

On this list:

10 Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Uglies cover

  • Genre: Young Adult
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 425

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This book is the gateway drug into Scott Westerfeld books. It takes us to a world where everyone is either ugly or pretty. We had to include it! It’s like the book version of teenager Steve trying to choose between braces or style!

9 Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

Pretties cover

  • Genre: Young Adult
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 370

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In Pretties, we continue the thrilling ride started in Uglies. You know that time when your favorite TV show has a second season that’s just as good? That’s Pretties!

8 Specials by Scott Westerfeld

Specials cover

  • Genre: Young Adult
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 372

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Specials is where the story gets super intense! It’s like the moment when you realize you’ve put too much hot sauce in your ramen, but you can’t stop eating.

7 Extras by Scott Westerfeld

Extras cover

  • Genre: Young Adult
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2007
  • Pages: 417

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Extras gives us a new perspective on the Uglies world. It’s like getting a fresh change of clothes on a sweaty summer day. Refreshing!

6 Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Leviathan cover

  • Genre: Steampunk
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 440

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Leviathan takes a steampunk twist on World War I. Who knew flying whales could be so cool? Imagine rolling dice at Dungeons & Dragons with your grandpa in space!

5 Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

Behemoth cover

  • Genre: Steampunk
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2010
  • Pages: 496

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Behemoth takes the action-packed scenes from Leviathan and amps them up. Like when mom makes the same dinner twice, but adds a secret spice ingredient!

4 Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

Goliath cover

  • Genre: Steampunk
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 543

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Goliath ties up the thrilling steampunk series with a bang. It’s the satisfying dessert after a three-course meal. Sweet and memorable!

3 Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

Afterworlds cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2014
  • Pages: 599

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In Afterworlds, we follow a parallel story of aspiring authors and a supernatural world. It’s like reading two books at once! Perfect for multi-taskers like me during lunch breaks!

2 The Risen Empire by Scott Westerfeld

The Risen Empire cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2003
  • Pages: 432

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The Risen Empire combines politics, space battles, and zombies. Who doesn’t love a good zombie story with intergalactic stakes?

1 Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

Peeps cover

  • Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 312

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Peeps is our top pick because it takes a unique spin on vampires, portraying them with a scientific twist. Westerfeld doesn’t serve your typical, brooding vamps; instead, he gives us parasite-infected humans. It’s educational and creepy all at once! Plus, Peeps is like me trying to avoid the last donut on the table—impossible to resist! The humor, relatable characters, and thrilling pace make Peeps stand out in the stack of Scott Westerfeld books. It’s the one I’d recommend after a long day when you just want to get lost in a world that’s gorgeously messed up and wickedly fun. Trust us, you’ll laugh, learn, and maybe think twice about sharing that drink!

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!