Looking for more books like Maze Runner? Look no further! In this article, readers will discover a list of the best dystopian novels that offer the same level of excitement and action as James Dashner’s iconic series. From The Hunger Games to Scythe, this list has something for every reader looking for their next thrilling read.
1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games is a dystopian novel by Suzanne Collins set in the nation of Panem, where the Capitol holds an annual event called the Hunger Games. Participants from each of the twelve districts, defined by their economies and resources, fight to the death until only one victor remains.
The story follows Katniss Everdeen, a resident of District 12, the poorest of all districts, who volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in the 74th Hunger Games. The novel explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and rebellion against oppressive regimes. Fans of the series can also read the prequel, Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, for more insight into the world of Panem.
2. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Ender’s Game is a well-known science fiction novel that has won several awards and has been translated into many languages. The book tells the story of Andrew “Ender” Wiggin, a gifted child who is recruited by the Interplanetary International Fleet to train as an elite officer.
Ender excels in a training game designed to prepare him for the war against invading forces. As he progresses through the ranks, Ender’s perception of the game changes as he begins to understand its true purpose. The novel is a captivating story of a young boy’s journey to greatness amidst intense pressure and adversity.
3. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
In a world where humanity struggles to survive against an alien invasion, Cassie, a sixteen-year-old girl, fights to stay alive. The series begins with the first book, The 5th Wave, where billions of people have been wiped out by the alien force known as “Them.”
Cassie is left with the impossible task of knowing who to trust in a world where danger lurks around every corner. Despite the bleak setting, readers will find themselves holding out hope as they turn each page of this thrilling trilogy.
4. Tunnel in the Sky by Robert A. Heinlein
In this science fiction novel, Rod and his classmates are sent to another planet as part of a survival test. However, they soon realize that they have been stranded and must find a way to survive on their own. The book explores themes of survival, leadership, and the consequences of human actions. Tunnel in the Sky is a must-read for fans of the genre.
5. Across The Universe by Beth Revis
Beth Revis’ Across the Universe takes place in the future on a spacecraft named Godspeed, carrying thousands of frozen passengers bound for a new planet. However, Amy wakes up fifty years too soon and realizes that her awakening was an attempted murder.
With the help of Elder, the teenage future leader of the ship, she sets out to catch the culprit and save her fellow passengers. The story explores themes of leadership, power, and identity in a dystopian society. The novel has received positive reviews for its unique plot and well-developed characters.
6. The Giver by Lois Lowry
“The Giver” by Lois Lowry is a dystopian novel that depicts a society that has eliminated pain, suffering, and differences through the implementation of Sameness.
The protagonist, Jonas, is assigned a secret task that challenges the very foundation of this utopian society. Through his journey, readers are forced to question the cost of sacrificing individuality and emotion for the sake of a seemingly perfect world.
7. Red Rising by Pierce Brown
In a dystopian future on Mars, the government divides people into hierarchies based on their roles in society. Sixteen-year-old Darrow, who works in the mines, is thrust into a world of rebellion after a small misstep.
Red Rising is a thrilling tale of rebellion in a foreign world, with intense action and gut-wrenching drama. The story takes readers on a journey through alien landscapes, transporting them to a world they may never experience. With its vivid imagery, Red Rising is a must-read for fans of science fiction and action-packed novels.
8. Legend by Marie Lu
Legend is a dystopian science fiction novel that tells the story of two teenagers, June and Day, who come from opposite sides of the social spectrum. June is a prodigy from a wealthy military background, while Day is a streetwise thief from the slums.
When June catches Day in the middle of a heist, she embarks on a pursuit that leads her to discover more about herself, the society she lives in, and her feelings for Day. Legend is a thrilling tale of action, romance, and self-discovery.
9. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Ready Player One portrays the consequences of escapism in a future world where fossil fuels are depleted, and poverty and squalor are widespread. The story follows Wade Watts, who discovers a virtual key to a treasure hunt within a utopian virtual reality.
As the hunt begins, it becomes a race for fame and fortune. The novel highlights both the positive and negative aspects of embracing virtual reality as a means of escape from reality.
10. Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines
In a world where gladiators fight on live television for fame and fortune, Lyn has experienced the loss of seven gladiator fathers and one mother with a specific preference.
Following her stepfather’s defeat, Lyn is bound by marriage to the gladiator who defeated him. Lyn takes us on a journey of physical combat and courtship, evolving from a wife to a fighter who can defend herself. Girl in the Arena is a captivating tale of love and war, exploring the complexities of relationships and the struggles of self-discovery.
11. Warcross by Marie Lu
Warcross is a thrilling cyberpunk novel that follows the story of Emika Chen, a young and skilled bounty hunter. The creator of a virtual reality tournament, Warcross, hires Emika to track down hackers who are causing chaos in the game.
However, Emika soon discovers that the situation is more complex than she initially thought. With its action-packed plot and engaging characters, Warcross is a must-read for fans of science fiction and cyberpunk genres.
12. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
In a world where death is no longer a concern, Scythes are responsible for maintaining population control. The novel, Scythe by Neal Shusterman, explores the lives of two young apprentices, Citra and Rowan, as they learn the art of killing.
However, they soon discover that not all Scythes follow the same moral code. The book delves into themes of power, corruption, and morality in a society where death is both necessary and feared.
13. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Lord of the Flies is a novel by William Golding that explores the consequences of being ruled solely by our basic needs. The story revolves around a group of young boys who are stranded on an island after a plane crash. As they spend more time alone, their initial good intentions give way to fear and hostility, leading to a struggle for power and survival.
14. Nemesis by Brendan Reichs
Sophomore high school student Min discovers she shares a terrifying experience with a mentally ill peer – they are both killed every two years. However, they wake up to find no evidence but their memories.
As if that’s not enough, an asteroid threatens all of humanity. Brendan Reichs’ Nemesis is a thrilling novel that will keep readers on edge. Check it out on Amazon for more information.
15. Uglies by Scott Westerfield
In Uglies, the government provides plastic surgery to all citizens at the age of sixteen to make them beautiful and provide for all their needs. However, the protagonist, Tally Youngblood, questions the necessity of this surgery and finds herself in a risky and expanding reality.
This novel explores the consequences of conformity and the importance of individuality. With its thought-provoking themes and engaging plot, Uglies is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction.
16. Divergent by Veronica Roth
Divergent is the first book in a trilogy of young adult dystopian novels written by Veronica Roth. The story is set in a society that is divided into factions based on personality traits. The protagonist, Tris, faces the difficult choice of choosing her own faction.
After some soul-searching, Tris decides to join the faction of Dauntless, which values bravery above all else. Throughout the novel, Tris must navigate a world full of competition, survival, and complex relationships. Meanwhile, she discovers a dangerous underworld of politics and backchannels that threatens to upend everything she knows.
17. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
Unwind by Neal Shusterman is a dystopian novel that explores the consequences of anti-abortion activism and advanced biotechnology. In this world, unwanted teenagers may be unwound, which means their bodies are harvested for medical purposes.
However, some teens resist this fate and form a rebellion to keep their bodies intact. The novel delves into the moral and ethical implications of such a society, and the consequences of valuing one life over another.
Summary
This article presents a list of 17 books that are similar to Maze Runner. The books listed here share common themes such as dystopian societies, survival, and adventure.
Some of the books on the list include The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Giver. The list is not exhaustive but provides a starting point for readers looking for books that share similar themes and elements to Maze Runner.