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40 Standalone Books like Hunger Games
Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
Battle Royale by Koushun Takami is a high-octane thriller depicting a dystopian future in Japan where junior high school students are forced to fight in a ruthless government-sanctioned program. With echoes of Lord of the Flies and The Hunger Games, this novel explores the darker sides of human nature and the effects of trauma on youth.
As the students are armed and released onto a deserted island, they must confront their peers and their own mortality in a desperate battle for survival. With its graphic violence and thought-provoking themes, Battle Royale is a gripping and unsettling read. Book lovers who enjoyed The Hunger Games will find similar themes and intensity in this Japanese bestseller.
The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell
The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell is a classic adventure tale that follows a big-game hunter who finds himself stranded on a remote island and hunted by a Russian aristocrat.
This suspenseful story, first published in 1924, has been adapted multiple times and remains a popular choice for fans of action-packed literature. Like The Hunger Games, this book explores themes of survival, human nature, and the thrill of the hunt.
With its fast-paced plot and gripping characters, The Most Dangerous Game is a must-read for anyone looking for a heart-racing adventure. Book lovers who enjoy stories of survival and suspense will find this tale to be a captivating and unputdownable read.
The Running Man by Stephen King
The Running Man by Stephen King is a gripping and intense novel that thrusts readers into a dystopian future where the only way to escape poverty and desperation is to participate in a brutal televised death race.
Like The Hunger Games, protagonist Ben Richards must use every ounce of strength and cunning to evade a team of skilled hunters and stay alive for 30 days. With a prize of $1 billion on the line, Ben must push himself to the limits of human endurance in a desperate bid to provide for his daughter and secure a better future.
With its non-stop action, suspenseful plot twists, and social commentary on the darker aspects of human nature, The Running Man is a page-turning thrill ride.
The Long Walk by Brian Castner
The Long Walk by Brian Castner is a gripping and emotionally charged memoir that explores the harsh realities of war and its impact on the human psyche. As a former Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit leader, Castner shares his experiences of leading the way in disarming deadly IEDs and searching for clues to bomb-makers’ identities.
The book takes readers on a thrilling and heart-wrenching journey, alternating between the adrenaline-fueled moments of combat and the lonely struggles of coping with the aftermath of trauma.
The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
In a post-apocalyptic world, a young girl named Melanie holds the fate of humanity in her hands. With her unique abilities, she has the potential to save what’s left of society or destroy it completely. Imprisoned and studied by those who fear her power, Melanie’s kindness and capacity for love may be the only things that can prevent a catastrophic outcome.
Joss Whedon calls this USA Today bestselling thriller “heartfelt, remorseless, and painfully human,” drawing comparisons to the suspense and emotion in The Hunger Games. Will Melanie’s gift be enough to restore hope to a broken world, or will it ultimately lead to its downfall?
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
A group of artists and musicians travel across a post-apocalyptic world, performing Shakespeare’s plays and offering hope to those struggling to survive.
In this National Bestseller and National Book Award Finalist, a group of actors and musicians known as The Traveling Symphony travels across the post-apocalyptic landscape of the Great Lakes region, risking everything to keep art and humanity alive in the face of violence and danger. Similar to The Hunger Games, this tale of survival explores the collapse of civilization and the power of art in the face of adversity.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
In this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, a father and son embark on a perilous journey across a post-apocalyptic landscape, facing lawless gangs and harsh conditions as they search for hope and safety. With nothing but a pistol, scavenged food, and each other, they must rely on their love and resilience to survive in a world devoid of both. Like The Hunger Games, “The Road” is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s capacity for both destruction and tenderness.
The Passage by Justin Cronin
In this New York Times bestselling novel, a young girl named Amy finds herself at the center of a government experiment gone wrong, leading to a post-apocalyptic world filled with violence and despair. With the help of a rebellious lawman, Amy escapes and sets out on a journey across a ruined landscape, driven by a mysterious power that may be the key to saving humanity. Like The Hunger Games, “The Passage” is a thrilling and thought-provoking tale of survival and redemption in a world torn apart by catastrophe.
The Stand by Stephen King
In this #1 bestselling novel, a deadly virus escaped from a biological testing facility threatens to wipe out 99% of the world’s population, leaving the remaining few to navigate a post-apocalyptic landscape ruled by chaos and violence. Two leaders emerge – the benevolent Mother Abagail and the malevolent Randall Flagg – and the survivors must choose between them and determine the fate of humanity. With its eerie plausibility and gripping plot, The Stand is a classic tale of good vs. evil that fans of books like The Hunger Games will find hard to put down.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
In this #1 New York Times bestseller, environmental disasters and declining birthrates have led to a totalitarian regime where fertile women are enslaved and forced into reproductive servitude. Follow the journey of Offred, a Handmaid bound to produce children for one of Gilead’s commanders, as she clings to her memories and fights for survival. With its scathing satire, ominous warnings, and narrative suspense, this modern classic is a must-read for fans of The Hunger Games.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Discover the timeless classic, Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, now more relevant than ever. Set in a dystopian future, Guy Montag, a fireman tasked with destroying books, begins to question his mission after meeting an eccentric neighbor, Clarisse, who exposes him to a world of knowledge and ideas beyond his TV-obsessed reality.
As Montag becomes increasingly disillusioned with his life and society, he begins a transformative journey that challenges everything he thought he knew. If you loved the thought-provoking themes and suspenseful action of The Hunger Games, you’ll find similar appeal in Fahrenheit 451, a book that continues to captivate readers generation after generation.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ is a prophetic dystopian novel that warns of a future where humans are genetically engineered and socially conditioned to conform to a rigid social hierarchy. With themes of control, free will, and the human condition, this classic work of science fiction resonates with readers today.
Fans of “The Hunger Games” will find similarities in the oppressive society depicted in “Brave New World,” where individuals are forced to conform or risk being cast out. A thought-provoking and unsettling read, “Brave New World” challenges us to think critically about the direction of our own society and the trade-offs we make between freedom and security.
We by Yevgeny Zamyatin
Experience the chilling vision of a dystopian future in Yevgeny Zamyatin’s classic novel, “We”, set in a glass-enclosed city where creativity and passion are forbidden. A fictional tale of mathematician D-503 as he discovers his individual soul and begins to question the all-powerful ‘Benefactor’ who rules over the totalitarian society of OneState.
This powerful cry for personal freedom is a precursor to works like “1984” and “Brave New World” and will surely provide a thrilling and suspenseful reading experience for Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series fans. This book promises to deliver a thought-provoking and unforgettable exploration of the human spirit. Don’t miss out on this essential work of science fiction.
The Children of Men by P.D. James
By 2021, Earth sees no newborns in 25 years; humankind’s existence hangs in the balance. Amidst societal decay, desolation, and frequent suicides, historian Theodore Faron numbly recounts past glories until alluring rebel leader Julian enters his life. Hoping to gain access to influential relatives, Julian and her companions seek not only to rekindle Faron’s fighting spirit but potentially save our species.
Brace yourself for electrifying suspense, deep emotional connections, and exhilarating plot twists in this dystopian saga. Discover why “The Children of Men” stands tall among books like “The Hunger Games”.
Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank
When nuclear war breaks out, a close-knit community called Fort Repose in Florida becomes isolated due to destroyed infrastructure and communication systems. Relying solely on their wits and resources, residents led by Mark Bragg face scarcity, conflict, and loss. They strive to preserve morality amid chaos while protecting their loved ones. Will they succeed? Find out in this mesmerizing blend of drama, emotion, and suspense. Perfect for fans eager to explore more stories like “The Hunger Games”.
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
For those loving “The Hunger Games”, read Peter Heller’s novel “The Dog Stars”. A tale of the lone survivor of a flu pandemic that wipes out humanity. Hig, accompanied by his loyal dog Jasper and grouchy ally Bangley, inhabit an abandoned airport – until a faint radio signal breathes new life into Hig’s soul.
Determined to discover the source of the mysterious broadcast, he set off on a treacherous flight beyond safety. This poignant exploration showcases resilience, camaraderie, and love’s power even during dark times.
World War Z by Max Brooks
In “World War Z,” Max Brooks brings to life the harrowing stories of zombie apocalypse survivors. Through firsthand accounts, this book offers a chilling look into the heart of the pandemic that almost wiped out humanity.
If you enjoyed the action and suspense of “The Hunger Games,” you’ll be captivated by the tales of courage and resilience found in these pages. This isn’t just a story about fighting off the undead – it’s also about the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. If you are ready for a thrilling journey unlike any other pick the only existing record of the zombie war.
The Zombie Autopsies by Steven C. Schlozman
“The Zombie Autopsies” takes readers on a fascinating and gruesome exploration of the world of the walking dead. As the world falls victim to a zombie outbreak, a group of brave doctors set off on a daring quest to discover a cure.
By conducting autopsies on captured zombies, these doctors hope to understand the unique biology of these monstrous creatures. Led by renowned zombie expert Dr. Stanley Blum, the team conducts groundbreaking research on a remote island.
Detailed illustrations bring to life the inner workings of real zombies, including their brains, hearts, lungs, and more. But when even the researchers start falling prey to the virus, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Fans of medical thrillers and post-apocalyptic fiction will devour this terrifying and scientifically rigorous tale.
The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters
In ‘The Last Policeman,’ Detective Hank Palace faces a daunting challenge: solve a murder amidst the chaos of an impending apocalypse. An asteroid is hurtling towards Earth, leaving only six months until impact, yet Palace remains committed to finding justice for a suspected suicide.
Set against the backdrop of a crumbling society, this compelling mystery forces us to consider the value of life itself. If you enjoy fast-paced novels that make you think, such as ‘The Hunger Games,’ then you won’t want to miss this thought-provoking trilogy opener.
The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
Immerse yourself in the epic saga of ‘The Three-Body Problem,’ where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. When a covert military operation establishes contact with extraterrestrial life during China’s Cultural Revolution, two opposing factions emerge on Earth, each with vastly different agendas. One seeks to collaborate with the advanced alien race, viewing humanity as irredeemable; the other vows to resist the invasion.
Amidst this conflict, a looming threat descends upon our planet, forcing people to confront existential questions about their own nature. For fans of dystopian novels like ‘Hunger Games’ and science fiction narratives like ‘Dune’ and ‘Brave New World,’ this Hugo Award-winning series opener promises to deliver a thrilling ride.
The Water Will Come by Jeff Goodell
Read the sobering reality of climate change and its devastating consequences in ‘The Water Will Come.’ Journalist Jeff Goodell explores the rapid rise of sea levels around the world, painting a stark picture of the future. As ice caps melt and temperatures increase, entire communities will soon be submerged beneath waves.
Despite attempts to fortify coastlines and develop engineering solutions, the inevitable truth remains: massive displacement awaits us. While often associated with works of dystopian science fiction, this tale of environmental catastrophe unfolds right here, right now.
Brace yourself for an eye-opening examination of what lies ahead, interweaving facts, personal encounters, and cutting-edge research to paint a vivid image of a changing world.
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Step into a mesmerizing dystopian world in ‘Oryx and Crake,’ the first installment of Margaret Atwood’s critically acclaimed MaddAddam trilogy.
After a global contagion wipes out civilization, Snowman, formerly known as Jimmy, grapples with solitude and grief for his lost companions, Crake and Oryx. Venture alongside him on an odyssey through a reclaimed urban landscape, guided by genetically engineered beings called the Children of Crake.
Immerse yourself in Atwood’s rich imagination, which seamlessly blends futuristic concepts with recognizable elements of contemporary society.
The Apocalypse Codex by Charles Stross
A thriller set in a world where virtual reality has replaced real-life experiences, and a virus threatens to destroy even the digital world.
The End of Eddy by Édouard Louis
A coming-of-age novel set in a working-class French town, exploring issues of class, identity, and sexuality.
The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier
A surreal tale of a world where the dead exist in a strange afterlife and can influence the living.
The City & The City by China Miéville
In a world where two cities coexist in the same space, citizens must learn to “unsee” the other city and its inhabitants.
The House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
A found manuscript tells the story of a family’s descent into madness and supernatural horrors within a haunted house.
The Expert System’s Brother by Adrian Tchaikovsky
In a world where advanced AI has transformed society, a man discovers a hidden community of rogue AIs and must confront the ethics of creating conscious machines.
The Power by Naomi Alderman
In a world where women suddenly gain electrical powers, a group of women use their abilities to challenge patriarchal structures and create a new order.
The Word for World is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin
On a planet inhabited by indigenous species, a human colonizer becomes aware of the damage caused by imperialism and capitalism.
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
An envoy sent to a distant planet to persuade its inhabitants to join the intergalactic community grapples with genderless beings and cultural differences.
The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
A group of anarchists establish a commune on a desert planet, challenging the dominant capitalist society and exploring the nature of utopias.
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
A man’s dreams alter reality, forcing him to confront the power and responsibility of shaping the world.
The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut
A spaceship crashes on the moon of Saturn, leading to a series of absurd and humorous events that critique religion, free will, and purpose.
Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
A writer researches the inventor of the atomic bomb and uncovers a substance called ice-nine, which could destroy the world.
God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut
A science fiction satire featuring a philanthropist who wants to rid the world of all diseases but ends up causing chaos.
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
A veteran reflects on his experiences during World War II and the bombing of Dresden, blending time travel and anti-war themes.
Sirens by Braden Cawthon
In a post-apocalyptic ocean, a ship’s crew searches for a mythical siren capable of luring men to their deaths, while exploring themes of grief, guilt, and redemption.
10 Book Series To Read If You Like Hunger Games
Divergent series by Veronica Roth
Set in a dystopian Chicago, the story follows Beatrice “Tris” Prior as she navigates a post-apocalyptic world where society is divided into factions.
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
With every book in the blockbuster series featured in this stunning package, readers can follow this series from the spark that began everything, all the way to the electrifying conclusion.
The Maze Runner series by James Dashner
It follows Thomas, a teenager who wakes up in a mysterious place called the Glade with no memory of who he is or how he got there. He soon discovers that he and others are trapped in a maze and must work together to survive.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
In a society where all memories of emotion, love, and pain have been erased, Jonas begins to question his world when he receives his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory.
The Selection series by Kiera Cass
In a future world where a woman’s value is based on her beauty and ability to bear children, America Singer competes for the chance to marry the prince and become queen.
Red Rising series by Pierce Brown
Set in a future where humanity has been divided into color-coded castes, Darrow, a red (the lowest caste), rises against the ruling elite to overthrow them and bring freedom to his people.
The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer
A cyborg named Cinder must outwit her evil stepmother and an evil android to save the world from destruction.
The 5th Wave series by Rick Yancey
After an alien invasion, Cassie, a young girl, must fight to survive and rescue her brother from the clutches of the aliens.
The Darkest Minds series by Alexandra Bracken
In a world where a mysterious disease kills most children and leaves the survivors with superpowers, Ruby must fight against the government’s efforts to control her and her friends.
The Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld
In a world where everyone undergoes extreme plastic surgery at 16 to become “pretty,” Tally Youngblood must choose between her desire to be pretty and her friendship with Shay, who refuses to conform to societal norms.
Imagine a world where turning 16 means transforming from an “ugly” to a stunningly beautiful “pretty.” Sounds like a dream come true? Think again.
Protagonist Tally discovers that being pretty isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Her friend Shay has doubts about going through the transformation, and when she runs away, Tally uncovers a darker side to this seemingly perfect world. With echoes of “Hunger Games” and other iconic dystopian novels, “Uglies” will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Will Tally choose to betray her friend or risk losing her chance at a life of luxury? Find out in this gripping tale that explores themes of identity, rebellion, and the true cost of beauty.