If You Loved The Hunger Games, Read These 8 Dystopian Series Next

Mar 28

Inspired by the release of Suzanne Collins’ new prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping

By Jessica Jones

Suzanne Collins is back! Sunrise on the Reaping just hit shelves, and fans of The Hunger Games are diving back into the heart-pounding world of Panem. This time, we’re following a young Haymitch Abernathy in the 50th Hunger Games—twenty-four years before Katniss Everdeen took her fateful place in the arena.

If you’re like me and devour anything that gives you rebellion, survival, and high-stakes political intrigue, I’ve got you covered. Here are 8 books and series that will scratch that Hunger Games-shaped itch in your TBR pile.

1. Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

Factions. Choice. Rebellion.
In a future Chicago, society is divided into five factions based on personality traits. But when Tris Prior chooses a faction—and uncovers a conspiracy that could unravel everything—her life is changed forever. Fans of Katniss will love Tris’ quiet strength and moral conflict.

Start with: Divergent

2. The Maze Runner Series by James Dashner

Mazes. Memory loss. Mayhem.
Thomas wakes up in a box with no memory and finds himself in the middle of a giant, deadly maze. With only cryptic clues and a group of equally confused boys, he must escape before the clock runs out. This one’s fast-paced, high-stakes, and unputdownable.

Start with: The Maze Runner

3. Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie

Perfect matches. Perfect lies.
In a world where the Society dictates everything—including who you marry—Cassia finds herself falling for someone she wasn’t “matched” with. Soft and romantic, with rebellion simmering beneath the surface, this series is a great pick for fans of The Hunger Games’ quieter moments.

Start with: Matched

4. The Bone Season Series by Samantha Shannon

Clairvoyants. Control. Resistance.
In a future London, dreamwalker Paige Mahoney is arrested and thrown into a secret penal colony run by a mysterious otherworldly race. This series blends dystopia with fantasy and is perfect for readers who love dense world-building and slow-burn rebellion.

Start with: The Bone Season

5. Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu

Two sides. One truth.
Day is the Republic’s most wanted criminal. June is its golden child. When their paths collide after a shocking murder, they uncover truths that could tear the Republic apart. This series is sleek, cinematic, and full of twists.

Start with: Legend

6. The Unwanteds Series by Lisa McMann

Creativity is a crime. Or is it a weapon?
Every year, 13-year-olds are sorted into the Wanted (smart, rule-following) and the Unwanted (creative, rebellious). The Unwanteds are supposed to be eliminated—but instead, they discover a magical world that nurtures their talents. Think The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter.

Start with: The Unwanteds

7. Scythe Series by Neal Shusterman

No death. No disease. No escape.
In a perfect world where humanity has conquered death, only scythes can end lives to maintain balance. Two teens are chosen to become scythe apprentices—and are forced to grapple with morality, power, and justice. Dark, thoughtful, and incredibly addictive.

Start with: Scythe

8. Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard

Power divides. Revolution unites.
In Mare Barrow’s world, society is divided by the color of blood—red for commoners, silver for elites with god-like powers. But when Mare discovers her own hidden ability, she becomes the face of a rising rebellion. Expect betrayals, royal drama, and lots of lightning.

Start with: Red Queen

Whether you’re chasing the adrenaline of the arena or the slow unraveling of a corrupt society, these picks will keep you hooked long after Sunrise on the Reaping. Let me know in the comments: what’s your favorite dystopian world?

📚 Join the Conversation! 📚

Which of these dystopian reads are you most excited to dive into after Sunrise on the Reaping? Have you read any already—or do you have a favorite Hunger Games read-alike I missed?
👇 Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below. Let’s chat books! 👇

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