What Happened to Dystopian Novels?

Do you remember the Hunger Games, or even Divergent? If you don't recognize them, then basically, these two books were the main thing back in circa 2010. These two books were a hit in the dystopian genre. But since then, what happened to the genre? Well, I’ll tell you!

We all loved the classic Hunger Games and Divergent books. It was a Romance-Action package all in one! What teenager couldn’t resist that! Not to mention all the hype that was going around it. Ever since both franchises have ended, what other dystopian books have the same vibe and excitement going on? Let's see then!

I think what really made both franchises special were the eye-catching stories they told. I mean, the whole nation in control and wanting to be perfect, there has to be something wrong with that, right? They didn't just have that, but also a little bit of romance, which I think is pretty clever that authors should include a little something to keep readers in check.

There was also something about trying to see what was going to happen next like “Did the protagonist figure out what the whole illusion was?” or “Was the antagonist actually trying to help this whole time?”. It always kept you wanting to read, and when you finished it, there was like “Dang, I wish I could read that again for the first time.”

These days, I can never find a dystopian novel that hits as the classics, but thanks to the new world of tech, I managed to research some books that have strong protagonists who must navigate dangerous, dystopian worlds and fight against oppressive systems. They also deal with themes of identity, love, and rebellion, making them engaging and thought-provoking reads for young adults. Here are my top 3 recommendations for a dystopian-action pack reading adventure.

"The Giver" by Lois Lowry

The Giver is a classic dystopian novel by Lois Lowry, set in a seemingly perfect world where everything is controlled by the government. The story centers around Jonas, a young boy who is chosen to be the next Receiver of Memory, a position of great importance in the community.

As Jonas begins his training with the current Receiver, known as The Giver, he learns about the true nature of his society, including its dark secrets and the sacrifices that are made to maintain the illusion of harmony. As he gains knowledge and experiences that his fellow citizens lack, Jonas becomes increasingly disillusioned with his world and sets out on a dangerous path to change it.

The Giver is a thought-provoking novel that explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the importance of memories. It is a prime example of the dystopian genre, which imagines a bleak future where society has been taken to extremes and individuals must fight against oppression to find their own humanity. The book has won numerous awards and has been adapted into a successful film, cementing its status as a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction.

“Legend“ by Marie Lu

Legend by Marie Lu is a thrilling dystopian novel set in a future United States divided into two distinct classes: the wealthy and privileged, and the poor and oppressed. The story follows two teenagers from opposite sides of this divide: Day, a criminal and rebel from the slums, and June, a brilliant student and rising star in the government's military ranks.

When June's brother is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect, she sets out to capture him and bring him to justice. But as she delves deeper into the mystery, she begins to question everything she thought she knew about her world and the government she serves. Meanwhile, Day must navigate a dangerous world of political intrigue and betrayal as he fights to

“ Delirium” By Lauren Oliver - Delirium by Lauren Oliver is a gripping dystopian novel set in a world where love is considered a disease, and citizens are required to undergo a procedure that eliminates all emotions, including the ability to love. The story follows Lena, a teenage girl eagerly anticipating her upcoming procedure, as she has been taught that love is a dangerous and destructive force. However, when Lena meets Alex, a boy who has not undergone the procedure, she begins to question everything she has been taught and starts to feel emotions she never knew existed. As Lena falls in love with Alex and begins to see the flaws in her society, she becomes part of a dangerous rebellion that seeks to overthrow the oppressive government and restore the freedom to love. With beautiful prose, complex characters, and a hauntingly relevant theme, Delirium is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone who loves a good love story. The novel explores the power of love, the danger of blindly following authority, and the importance of fighting for what you believe in. If you're looking for a thought-provoking, heart-wrenching adventure, Delirium is the perfect choice.In conclusion, the dystopian genre may have had its heyday with the Hunger Games and Divergent series, but there are still plenty of great dystopian novels out there waiting to be discovered. The Giver, Legend, and Delirium are just a few examples of the many thought-provoking, action-packed stories that explore the darker side of society and the human condition.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of dystopian fiction or just looking for a thrilling, thought-provoking read, these books are sure to satisfy. So why not give them a try and see for yourself what all the hype is about? Who knows, you might just discover your next favorite book.