If you're a fan of the gripping intensity and dystopian allure of The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, you're in for a treat. With a new installment on the horizon set to release in March, the excitement is palpable among fans eager to dive back into Katniss Everdeen's world of survival and rebellion. To keep the thrill alive, we've curated a list of seven exceptional books that echo the same brutal and brilliant essence found in The Hunger Games.
These selections capture the elements that make The Hunger Games so compelling—whether it's a life-or-death competition, a chilling tournament, or a richly imagined dystopian fantasy. Each book on this list is sure to satisfy your craving for intense storytelling and high-stakes action.
Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
Battle Royale
You can't discuss The Hunger Games without mentioning Battle Royale, a seminal work by Koushun Takami that predates Collins' series by nearly a decade. This Japanese novel, famous for its film adaptation, is a powerful and shocking narrative set in a dystopian future where teenage delinquency prompts the government to force students into a deadly televised battle on an isolated island. It's a gripping, violent, and haunting read that will resonate with fans of The Hunger Games.
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
The Sunbearer Trials
For those seeking a more recent read that captures the thrill of The Hunger Games, The Sunbearer Trials is a standout. This YA novel features a deadly competition among the children of ancient gods, tasked with replenishing the sun. Jade, an unlikely participant, must navigate the trials and fight for his life. With its memorable characters, vivid worldbuilding, and relentless action, this book will remind you of Katniss' gripping journey.
Hide by Kiersten White
Hide
This national bestseller offers a dark and brutal twist on classic mythology, serving as a poignant allegory for real-world issues like gun violence. In Hide, young adults are drawn into a deadly game of hide and seek within an abandoned theme park, only to discover a sinister force lurking within. Kiersten White's narrative is both terrifying and thought-provoking, delivering a horror-infused experience that fans of The Hunger Games will appreciate.
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
The Gilded Ones
While not following the dangerous game plotline, The Gilded Ones offers a vibrant and violent fantasy world led by a fierce female protagonist, Deka. After being revealed as more than human during a brutal ceremony, she joins an army of women fighting to protect their nation from monsters. This New York Times Bestselling series is perfect for those who crave richly developed worlds and strong characters, much like those in The Hunger Games.
Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Inheritance Games
Avery Grambs' life takes a dramatic turn when she inherits a fortune from a stranger, leading her to a mysterious house filled with puzzles and dangers. As she navigates this new world alongside the grandsons who feel cheated out of their inheritance, The Inheritance Games offers a mix of love, intrigue, and complex puzzles. Fans of the strategic elements in The Hunger Games will find this contemporary mystery engaging and thrilling.
Legend by Marie Lu
Legend
Set in a dystopian United States divided into districts, Legend follows June, a young woman from the wealthier districts, as she seeks revenge against Day, a supposed criminal from the poorer areas. Their cat-and-mouse game uncovers deeper truths about their country, threatening to ignite an uprising. This series mirrors the societal tensions and revolutionary spirit of The Hunger Games.
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Children of Blood and Bone
This epic fantasy became an instant bestseller, renowned for its vivid worldbuilding and strong female characters. Zélie Adebola, a Diviner in a kingdom where magic has been suppressed, embarks on a quest to restore magic alongside a princess in hiding. The narrative's rich setting and themes of resistance and empowerment make it a perfect follow-up for The Hunger Games enthusiasts.
