So you’re searching for books like The Hunger Games? But there are so many dystopian books. And how do you know which are 100% worth reading.
I surveyed book lovers and these are their top picks for books like The Hunger Games
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Maybe it’s the dystopian worldbuilding. Maybe it was Katniss Everdeen – The girl who was on fire. Or maybe it was the fast paced plot. But I’ve had a Hunger Games obsession ever since I first read it.
And I’m clearly not alone. The Hunger Games was the first book to sell more than a million electronic copies.
After I first read The Hunger Games, I fell down a rabbit hole of Dystopian Novels. The 2010s spawned many dystopian novels following the success of The Hunger Games trilogy.
The problem is, the results are mixed.
So, how do you know which Hunger Games books are worth reading? I surveyed book lovers, browsed Facebook, Youtube, TikTok and Reddit. And I’ve compiled the absolute best books like The Hunger Games.
Read on for the best books like The Hunger Games
‘What books should I read if I liked the Hunger Games?
I asked book lovers on social media to share their favourite books like The Hunger Games. I also browsed Facebook Groups, Reddit, TikTok, Youtube and blog posts for books like The Hunger Games.
And they did NOT disappoint with their responses! I compiled the results in a spreadsheet, ending up with over 160 different books!
I’ve sorted the recommendations and in this blog post, you’ll find the top 23 books like The Hunger Games.
I’ve also read many of these books and I’ve left my personal thoughts on each book.
Spreadsheet showing results of a survey on the Best Books like The Hunger Games.
Books like The Hunger Games Quiz
1. Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Red Rising was easily the most popular recommendation for books like The Hunger Games. Everywhere I browsed, this science fiction dystopian trilogy was recommended.
Red Rising is a fast-paced dystopian novel that channels The Hunger Games vibes in a science fiction setting. But it’s much more geared towards adults. If you’re searching for book like The Hunger Games for adults, you need to read this series.
It follows Darrow. Darrow lives in a color-coded society of the future. And he is a red – the lowest caste. Like other reds, he works all day. His people believe they’re making the surface of Mars livable for future generations.
But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed.
Humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities now spread across the planet. And Darrow (and other reds like him) are no more than slaves.
Longing for justice, Darrow will stop at nothing to bring down the dominant Gold caste. Even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.
Good reads Rating:
4.26
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, caste system
Content warnings:
Alcoholism, death of family, hanging, hom*ophobia, implied rape,
2. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
I wasn’t at all surprised when The Maze Runner, came out as one of the top recommendations. This trilogy is perfect if you’re after books like The Hunger Games and Divergent. It also features a really unique concept.
Votes often commented that the original trilogy are the best. I also enjoyed the first movie adaptation. But the series really lost it’s way after the first move. Something voters also commented on.
It follows Thomas. He wakes up in a lift. And all of his memories are gone.
A group of teenage boys greet him and welcome him to the glade. Outside the glade is a dangerous maze.
And it’s the only escape.
The concept behind this book in unlike anything else I’ve read. And it hooked me in instantly. The fast-pace and plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
This is definitely targeted at a YA audience. And the writing style is incredibly easy to read. So it’s perfect if you’re searching for a YA book recommendation.
Good reads Rating:
4.24
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult, movie adaptation
Content warnings:
- Child abuse, Suicide, Murder, Blood & gore depiction, Gun violence, Animal attack.
3. Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
The similarities between Battle Royale and The Hunger Games are unavoidable.
Battle Royale is about a cruel government that ships kids off to an island and forces them to fight until only one remains. There is also a movie adaptation.
There are so many similarities between the books, that many claim The Hunger Games is a rip off of Battle Royale. However, the themes differ between the two books. And Collins insists she’d never heard of it previously. You can read more about The Hunger Games and Battle Royale in this article by Far Out Magazine.
Battle Royale follows a class of junior high school students. They’re taken to a deserted island. And as part of a ruthless authoritarian profram, they’re given arms and forced to kill each other. Only one survivor remains.
Battle Royale is much more brutal than The Hunger Games. It was criticised as a violent exploitation when it was first published in Japan.
But it’s also a high octane thriller and a runaway best seller. If you’re looking for books like The Hunger Games, this is a great option. But please make sure you read the trigger warnings first.
Good reads Rating:
4.25
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, movie adaptation, trials
Content warnings:
Child abuse, Death, Murder, Sexual abuse, Violence
4. Divergent by Veronica Roth
Divergent is wildly popular and successful. I was honestly surprised that this wasn’t the top recommendation for books like The Hunger Games. It’s another fast-paced dystopian book with a movie adaptation.
The problem is, while the first book is incredible. Many readers didn’t enjoy the rest of the series. And I honestly agree.
. In Divergent the world is divided into 5 factions.
Each faction is based on a personality trait which that faction embodies – Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), Amity (peaceful), Erudite (intelligent) and abnegation (selfless).
Each sixteen year old must choose a faction. To help them decide, they take a test telling them which faction they belong to. Those who don’t fit into one faction are divergent.
Divergent seems to divide fans a lot. Butit’s a fun premise and fast-paced book. Veronica Roth has a writing style that compells you to just keep reading.
I would take this as a standalone. The rest of the series just isn’t as good as the original.
Good reads Rating:
4.15
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult, caste system, movie adaptation, trials
Content warnings:
- Sexual assault, Suicide, Blood & physical injury, depiction, Knife violence & stabbing, Gun violence, Strangulation, Death from a fall.
5. Uglies by Scott Westerfield
I first read The Uglies, Pretties and Specials during a period of time when I was obsessed with dystopian books. And this trilogy still stands out to me. It has a really unique premise. And I enjoy the darker tone to the series.
It is set in a world divided into uglies and pretties. When you come of age, you get surgery to become pretty. And to make you physically perfect.
Uglies follows Tally, who is about to turn Sixteen. She can’t wait. And in just a few weeks she’ll have the operation that’ll turn her from an ugly to a pretty.
But her knew best friend Shay isn’t sure she wants to become a pretty.
This is a fast-paced dystopian read with a unique concept. But what really set this book apart for me, is the character development. The arc that Tally has throughout the book, and the series, is excellent.
Uglies does a great job of examining cultural values and beauty standards in this book. But the writing style is still really easy to read.
This was published in a time where Dystopian novels where hugely popular. But for me, it stands the test of time. And it’s a great choice if you’re after books like The Hunger Games.
Good reads Rating:
3.85
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult
Content warnings:
Blood, Body dysmorphia, Death, Drugs (fictional), Fatphobia, Hospitalisation, Needles
6. Legend by Marie Lu
Legend by Marie Lu is a fast paced dystopian book full of adventure, plot twists and dynamic characters. The setup and worldbuilding are very reminiscent of The Hunger Games.
It’s set in a future version of The United States. But what was once the United States is now home to the republic. A nation constantly at war with it’s neighbours.
Fifteen Year Old June is a prodigy born into an elite family from one of the wealthiest districts.
Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal.
#But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
They have no reason to cross paths. Until June’s brother is murdered. And Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day races for his family’s survival. While June seeks to avenge her brothers death.
The dual POV works really well in this book. And both characters are equally likeable. They both have excellent character development throughout the book.,
The fast-pace will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re looking for ya dystopian books like The Hunger Games and Divergent, then you should 100% read this book.
Good reads Rating:
4.16
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult,
Content warnings:
- Death (including family), Human experimentation, Plague, Torture, Violence
7. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Delirium is a YA Dystopian series. Published during a period where Dystopian Novels were extremely popular. Delirium is still a favourite among many that stands the test of time.
It’s set in a Dystopian world where love is considered a dangerous disease. And the government forces everyone who reaches age eighteen to have the Cure.
It follows Lena Haloway. She’s looking forward to the Cure and living a safe live.
After all, she watched love destroy her mother. And Lena doesn’t want to make the same mistake.But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena meets enigmatic Alex. A boy from the “Wilds” who lives under the government’s radar. What will happen if they do the unthinkable and fall in love?
Good reads Rating:
3.96
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult, romance
Content warnings:
- Death of a mother from suicide, Alcohol consumption, Nonconsensual medical treatment & surgery, Suicidal ideation, Gun violence, Animal attack.
8. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
I had the worst book hangover after reading Unwind. The dark, creepy premise stayed with me for a long time.
It’s a YA dystopian book with a much darker concept compared to other novels. But the premise will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The book takes place in a future dystopian world. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen parents can have their child “unwound”. Essentially all the child’s organs are transplanted into different donors.
We follow a group of young adults, due to be ‘unwound’. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state, is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound.
Unwind is a bit older. But I had to include it.A creepy, gripping and excellent book like the Hunger Games.
Good reads Rating:
4.46
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult,
Content warnings:
Death, child death, child abuse, mental/emotional abuse, body horror, vivisection, amputation, suffocation, explosions, fires, car accidents, violence, severe injury, paralysis, abandonment, sexual harassment, threats, bullying.
9. The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
The Red Queen is a a hugely popular, YA dystopian series with a fast paced plot and a captivating enemies to lovers romance.
In this dystopian novel, blood defines your status.
Reds are commoners.
But silvers are the elite and have superpowers.
The main character is red. But she has superpowers.
The Red Queen has received thousands of five stars reviews and was a #1 New York Times Bestseller.I can see why!
The plot and the twists in this book left me on the edge of my seat! A thrilling read and an excellent choice for Katniss fans.
Good reads Rating:
4.02
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult,
Content warnings:
- Betrayal, Discrimination, War.
10. The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
The Grace Year is a compelling YA Dystopian novel. It’s darker and gritter than The Hunger Games with a lot of discussion of feminism.
No one speaks of the grace year. It’s forbidden. It’s set in Garner County. Girls are told they have the power to lure grown men from their beds. They believe their very skin emits a powerful aphrodisiac, the potent essence of youth, of a girl on the edge of womanhood
So they’re banished for their sixteenth year. And they release their magic into the wild. They can then return purified and ready for marriage.Sixteen-year-old Tierney James dreams of a better life—a society that doesn’t pit friend against friend or woman against woman.
But as her own grace year draws near, she quickly realizes that it’s not just the brutal elements they must fear. It’s not even the poachers in the woods, men who are waiting for a chance to grab one of the girls in order to make a fortune on the black market.
Their greatest threat may very well be each other.
Good reads Rating:
4.15
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult, fantasy
Content warnings:
Misogyny, Statutory rape mentioned, Sexual assault mentioned, Suicide, Childbirth, Scalping & skinning, off-page, Dismemberment mentioned, Cannibalism mentioned.
11. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Neal Shusterman writes such a captivating ya dystopian novel. Scythe is a fast paced, ya dystopian book with a fascinating premise.
It’s set in a world with no hunger, disease, war or misery. Humanity has conquered all those things.
And they’ve even conquered death.
So now, scythes are the only ones who can end life. And they are commanded to do so. To keep the population under control. Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.
This is a compelling dystopian novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re searching for books like The Hunger Games then you need to add this to your tbr list.
Good reads Rating:
4.33
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult, fantasy
Content warnings:
Self harm, suicide, murder
12. The Testing Trilogy by Joelle Charbonneau
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t familiar with The Testing Trilogy before writing this post. But, there were so many recommendations for this series. And so many people commented that it was perfect for anyone after books like The Hunger Games and Divergent.
The Testing is set in a future world after a war. The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it.
But to enter this group, first they must pass the testing.
The testing is their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.Cia Vale is honoured to be chosen as a Testing candidate. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies—trust no one.But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every gruelling (and deadly) day of the Testing.To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.
Good reads Rating:
4.05
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult, fantasy, post apocalyptic
Content warnings:
- Animal death, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Poisoning, Suicide, Violence
13. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
This is one of the most unique retellings I’ve ever read. If you’re a fan of retellings like A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Cruel Prince or a Curse so Dark and Lonely – then you need to read this one. It’s one of the best retellings I’ve read.
The main character Cinder is an android. She had an accident when she was younger. And she now has a cyborg hand and ankle. But the world she lives in shuns androids.
There is also a deadly plague that is affecting the world (sound familiar…heh).
She meets and falls in love with the Prince. But she can’t tell him that she’s an android.
The pace was perfect and I couldn’t put this one down. It opens straight away. And you gradually learn more about the world.
There were so many intriguing elements at the start that I kept reading to see what would happen. The world-building was really unique. I’m not normally a sci-fi fan. But the sci-fi and dystopian elements work so perfectly.
This book is a fantastic Young Adult Urban fantasy series. I love Young adult books. That’s why I wrote a whole blog post on ya urban fantasy books.You can check out my post on ya urban fantasy books here.
Good reads Rating:
4.13
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult, fantasy, post apocalyptic
Content warnings:
Blood, Discrimination, Emotional abuse, Medical experimentation (nonconsensual), Mind Control (non-consensual), Needles, Plague.
14. Matched by Allie Condie
Matched is a fantastic pick if you want books like The Hunger Games. It has a unique concept. And it’s a quick and easy read.
The problem is, the rest of the series is underwhelming compared to the first book.
It’s set in a Society where officials decide everything. Where you work, who you love and even when you die.
On their seventeenth birthday, Cassia meets her Match. Society dictates her perfect partner for life.But, as Cassia finds herself falling in love with another boy, she is determined to make some choices of her own. And that’s when her whole world begins to unravel . . .
This is a quick, entertaining read. But it’s underwhelming compared to other books on this list. The book reads like a pretty basic love triangle. With many opportunities for rebellion missed.
Good reads Rating:
3.63
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult, romance, love triangle
Content warnings:
- Death of loved one
15. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
The 5th Wave if perfect if you like to read a book with an adaptation. It’s an addictive YA Dystopian novel. And the plot will keep you hooked throughout.
The 5th Wave follows Cassie. After the 1st Wave, only darkness remain. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.
Cassie runs from Them. Beings who look human and kill anyone they see. Cassie believes she must stay alone to stay alive.
Until she meets Evan Walker.
Evan might be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up
Good reads Rating:
4.02
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult
Content warnings:
- Plague, Genocide, Death of a parent
16. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Under the Never Sky has everything you want in a dystopian trilogy and more. It has an interesting premise, plot twists and romance.
It follows Aria. She’s lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she’s never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors.
So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He’s searching for someone too. He’s also wild—a savage—but might be her best hope at staying alive.If they can survive, they are each other’s best hope for finding answers.
Good reads Rating:
3.99
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult
Content warnings:
- Explicit language, mild violence
17. All of Us Villains by Christine Lynn Herman, Amanda Foody
All of Us Villains is set in the remote city of Ilvernath. Every generation, at the coming of the blood moon, seven families name a champion. The champion mustcompete in a tournament to the death. The prize? Exclusive control over a secret wellspring of high magick, the most powerful resource in the world―one thought long depleted.
But this year is different.
A scandalous book exposes the tournament. And thrust the seven new champions into the worldwide spotlight.
The book also gives them valuable insight that previous champions never had. Insight into the other families’ strategies, secrets, and weaknesses.Either way, this is a story that must be penned in blood.
Good reads Rating:
3.92
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult, competition
Content warnings:
- murder, death, grief, violence, gore, blood, parental abuse (emotional and physical), vomiting
18. Brave New World by Aldous huxley
If you’re looking for Books for Hungers Games for adults or classics, then Brave New World is the book for you. Brave New World is a dystopian novel by English author Aldous Huxley, written in 1931 and published in 1932.
It’s set in a futuristic World State. Inhabited by genetically modified citizens. And an intelligence-based social hierarchy
In this society, emotions and individuality are conditioned out of children at a young age. And there are no lasting relationships.
World Controllers have created the ideal society. Bernard Marx seems alone harbouring an ill-defined longing to break free.
Good reads Rating:
4.16
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian
Content warnings:
- Racism & racial slurs, Misogyny, Eugenics, Cheating, Suicide, Self harm, including self-flagellation, Domestic abuse & violence.
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19. #Murdertrending by Gretchen McNeil
#MurderTrending was another book that I wasn’t familiar with before writing this post. And it does seem to be less well known than other books on this list. But it has a fast paced plot and an original premise that Hunger Games fans will love.
#MurderTrending is set in the near future. Citizens enjoy watching the executions of infamous convicted felons. All streaming live on The Postman App from suburbanized prison island Alcatraz 2.0.When seventeen-year-old Dee Guerrera wakes up in a haze, lying on the ground of a dimly lit warehouse, she realizes she’s about to be the next victim of the app.
Knowing hardened criminals are getting a taste of their own medicine in this place is one thing. But Dee refuses to roll over and die for a heinous crime she didn’t commit.
Can Dee and her newly formed posse, the Death Row Breakfast Club, prove she’s innocent before she ends up wrongfully murdered for the world to see?
Good reads Rating:
3.78
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian
Content warnings:
- PTSD & trauma, Death of a stepsister, Murder., Torture, False imprisonment, Kidnapping.
20. Gone by Michael Grant
Seeing Gone recommended for books like The Hunger Games was such a blast from the past. I read this years ago and remember absolutely loving it.
It’s set in a world where everyone disappears. Gone. Except for the young.There are teens, but not one single adult. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what’s happened.Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating.
And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day
It’s a terrifying new world. And time is running out: On your 15th birthday, you disappear just like everyone else…
Good reads Rating:
3.86
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian
Content warnings:
- Ableism, Abuse, Body horror, Bullying/harassment,Eating disorder, Graphic violence.
Other books like The Hunger Games
These books were recommended. However, they did not get enough recommendations to make the top 20.
But, as a huge dystopian lover and Hunger Games fan, I HAD to include them. If you’re searching for books like The Hunger Games then I highly recommend picking these up.
21. We set the dark on fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
This book features one of the best wlw enemies to lovers romances that I’ve read! It’s a Ya dystopian urban fantasy novel featuring a wlw romance and Latine representation.
We Set The Dark On Fire follows Daniela Vargas. She lives in a dystopian world where each man is entitled to 2 wives. A Primera and a Segunda. The Primera is intelligent, calm and analytical. The Segunda is the mother figure.
Outside the wall, the people go hungry. Dani started life outside of the wall. And she must use her wits to survive illegally in the capital. She is also married to one of the most powerful men in the kingdom.
The premise was intriguing. And the main character was instantly likeable. She also grows a lot through the book. But the romance is what makes this so perfect. Two badass women who are married to a Straight man but fall in love with each other.
The world-building is also excellent. And the book has such dark academia vibes. It opens in a prep school for girls. But it discusses so many important issues such as immigration politics and forced marriage.
We set the Dark on Fire features an intriguing dystopian premise and a likeable, strong-minded main character. This YA LGBTQ+ Dystopian bookexplores immigration politics, toxic masculinity and feminism. A great choice if you’re looking for fantasy books with LGBT Characters.
Good reads Rating:
3.76
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian
Content warnings:
- forced marriage, murder, poverty, bullying, explosions and fire, reference to abduction, car accident
22. Lore by Alexandra Bracken
Greek Mythology meets The Hunger games. Lore features Greek mythology, an urban setting and a strong female lead.
Every seven years Greek Gods are hunted by descendants of ancient bloodlines. If the hunters succeed they seize their immortality. It follows Lore Perseus who has turned her back on this world. But as the next hunt dawns, two participants seek out her help.
The plot of Lore is quite complex but it’s executed perfectly. Bracken did a great job building the world and the concept in this book. The greek mythology is woven flawlessly into the modern setting. I was intrigued and hooked from the first chapter.
It has a really great revenge storyline. So if you liked the revenge plots then this is a great book to read.
Good reads Rating:
3.78
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian
Content warnings:
- murder (including graphic murder of children and murder of parents), death, misogyny, gore, terminal illness, abuse, arranged marriage, attempted rape
23. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Oh Ember in the Ashes is such an incredible ya fantasy book. And guess who was an emotional mess while reading this? ME! Any excuse to recommend this incredible book and I’ll take it.
It’s a ya fantasy series with world building inspired by Ancient Rome. It also features a strong female heroine, an adventure plot and a dystopian society.
It also has one of the BEST slow burn enemies to lovers romances. Perfect if you’re looking for books like Crescent City.
An Ember in the Ashes opens with Laia. She has found an illegal sketchbook belonging to her brother. The empire comes and takes away her brother. So she must locate the resistance and go on a perilous mission to save him.
The book opens with a punch and it’s fast-paced throughout. The opening makes you really emotionally invested. Laia goes to extraordinary lengths and becomes a slave in order to save her brother. There is so much at stake that it leaves you on the edge of your seat.
Good reads Rating:
4.43
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult
Content warnings:
- Attempted rape, on-page.Rape threats.Child abuse.Physical abuse
24. The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
I first came across The Sunbearer Trials when browsing for book recommendations on BookTok. And I’m obsessed! It’s an urban fantasy book featuring a transgender main character and Mexican worldbuilding. It also has some serious Hunger Games vibes.
It’s set in a world where the Mexican Gods and Goddesses are real. They had children who are semidioses.
As each new decade begins, the Sun’s power must be replenished to that Sol can keep travelling along the sky and keep the Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses aged between thirteen and eighteen are chosen as the most worthy to compete in The Sunbearer Trials.
The winner will carry light to all the temples of Reino del Sol. The loser is sacrificed to Sol. And their body is used to fuel the sun stones.
Teo is a Jade Semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal – the goddess of birds. As a Jade, he’s unlikely to be chosen.
But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses who isn’t a Gold. Teo must compete against semidióses who have spent their life training for the sunbearer trials.
This was such an addictive read. The writing style was really easy to read. There was enough worldbuilding to hook me in, without it feeling like a big chunk. The pace also kept me hooked.
If you’re looking for urban fantasy books with lgbtq+ characters you should definitely read this. Especially if you enjoyed the Percy Jackson or Hunger Games books.
Good reads Rating:
4.44
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, young adult
Content warnings:
- Blood & injury depiction, Death of a parent, House fire, Bullying
25. Crescent City by Sarah J Maas
Let’s be honest, Sarah J Maas was always going to appear on this list. There are a few things Sarah J Maas writes really well – badass female protagonists, fae and enemies to lovers romance.
Crescent city is an urban fantasy that features a range of mythological creatures such as mermaids, fae and werewolves.
It follows Bryce who is half-fae, half-human. And she is tasked with investigating a series of crimes with Hunt Athalar – a fallen angel. But they discover some dark powers at work.
Let me tell you – I was on the edge of my chair reading this. Sarah J Maas poses a number of mysteries at the start. And this hooked me in. The book was also full of unexpected plot twists.
There is some info-dumping at the start. But the world-building is exquisite and the urban fantasy setting is developed very well. Sarah J Maas writes strong sassy female leads very well. And Bryce is an incredible main character. But all the side characters were very well developed.
I’m a huge fan of Crescent City. If you’re also a fan, then I have a ton of recommendations.You can check out my article on books like Crescent City here.
Good reads Rating:
4.48
Similarities to The Hunger Games
Dystopian, strong female main character, romance
Content warnings:
- loss of a loved one, alcohol use (excessively), drugs, murder, violence, depression, grief, suicidal contemplation
This post was all about books like The Hunger Games
