Attention, dystopian young adult novel fans! If you’re looking to update your TBR list, you’ve come to the right place. Because while there is a whole world of dystopian young adult novels out there, you might not want to read the same classics all over again.
Here we’ve done the research to put together this list of our ten best dystopian young adult novels we’ve read in 2024. Our criteria for making the list were books that have been well-reviewed this year and published in the last several years. These ten books are examples of why teens love a good dystopian story and contain many of the characteristics that make a solid dystopian young adult novel.
Without further ado, here are our ten best young adult dystopian novels of 2024.
10. Flawed by Cecelia Ahern
In this gripping dystopian young adult novel that we love in 2024, society is obsessed with being perfect. Citizens who don’t comply with the prescribed and oppressive moral codes are labeled as “Flawed.”
When young Celestine Noth accidentally becomes “Flawed” herself, she quickly becomes a symbol of rebellion against the authoritarian regime.
Why we recommend it: I loved the moral themes in this book.
9. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
This dystopian book has been so influential on popular culture that even a Marvel film has been named after it. Although it was published long before 2024, its messages resonate today more loudly than ever and are essential reading for dystopian young adult book fans.
In a highly controlled society, the government keeps its populace complacent with a drug called Soma. Can citizens Bernard and John break free from the chains of totalitarianism?
Why we recommend it: I was blown away by how Soma is so similar to the pacifiers we use today (hello, cell phones and computers!).
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8. Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
This powerful dystopian novel from last year is another fantastic choice for young adult readers in 2024.
Set in a near-future America, it follows two female gladiators who are members of the “Chain-Gang All-Stars,” a state-run program that pits imprisoned people in fights to the death.
Why we recommend it: I loved the social commentary and satire in this book. Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games.
7. Skyhunter by Marie Lu
Marie Lu’s addictive dystopian young adult novel is a must-read for teens in 2024.
Skyhunter is set in a world where the Karensa Federation, a tyrannical regime, is close to total global domination. Talin comes from Mara, the last free nation against the Federation. She’s also mute and communicates through sign language.
Can Talin and her ally Red face the Federation together?
Why we recommend it: I loved the themes of hope and friendship in this dystopian young adult novel.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter6. The Maze Cutter #3 by James Dashner
James Dashner’s next dystopian young adult novel is due out later in 2024, and we cannot wait. It expands upon the world first established in The Maze Runner series, detailing the apocalyptic events that caused societal collapse and their aftermath.
While we can’t outline the plot yet, we expect the third Maze Cutter installment will offer dystopian young adult fans a satisfying conclusion of the battle against WICKED, the evil organization that exploited survivors from the original Maze Runner series.
Other books in the series:
- The Maze Cutter
- The Godhead Complex
Why we recommend it: As major fans of the danger and suspense in Dashner’s other dystopian young adult books, we can’t wait for the 2024 conclusion to this world.
RelatedGoodreads Young Adult: Top 10 YA Novels According To Its Members
5. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Powerless is a modern success story: author Lauren Roberts began writing the dystopian young adult book when she was just 18 years old.
Paedyn lives in Ilya, a kingdom where only the Elites have power. When she is thrown into a relentless competition called the Purging Trials, she must conceal her modest upbringing, or risk it all.
Why we recommend it: I liked the pacing and romance in this dystopian young adult novel.
4. The Q by Amy Tintera
The Q came out last year, but it’s still a fabulous choice for 2024’s best dystopian young adult books.
Luka and Lenna are both fighting for survival in a quarantine zone called “The Q.” Luka is a powerful politician’s son, and Lenna is a leader of the rebellion movement. Can this unlikely pair make it out alive?
Why we recommend it: I loved the dynamic between the two leads in this dystopian young adult book.
Related10 Cunning Classics Young Adults Should Read Next
3. Scorpio by Marko Kloos
This gritty dystopian novel draws on science fiction and space opera influences, and is a fantastic choice for readers of dystopian young adult books in 2024. It follows soldier Andrew Grayson as he navigates interstellar threats and political intrigue.
Why we recommend it: I loved the detailed world-building in this dystopian book.
2. Earthflown: A Potable Story of Love and Collusion by Frances Wren
Frances Wren’s dystopian young adult novel is one of of favorite books in 2024. Although it was first published last year, it incorporates much of the danger and politics we love in a good dystopian story.
Rowyn is “Earthflown”, which means she has a special connection to the natural world. As she learns more about her abilities, she forms connections with other Earthflown, threatening to disrupt the status quo completely.
Why we recommend it: I loved how this book explored identity and coming-of-age.
1. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
There’s a reason this dystopian book is required reading for many English-speaking teens around the world in 2024. Its themes are more relevant today than ever.
It describes a world called Gilead, where women are conscripted to subservient roles including, most chillingly, unwilling surrogate mothers.
Why we recommend it: I found this book so eerily believable. All dystopian young adult novel readers should read this book in 2024.
Did we miss one of your favorite young adult dystopian novels? If so, join the discussion about the best new dystopian young adult novels.
Happy reading!
