It’s no secret that we’re big fans of dystopian young adult fiction. And we also love romance stories. So what happens when you add the two together? Well, the books on this list are the answer.
These books are ten of our favorite dystopian romance books for young adults. They all have differing types of love stories, with some novels featuring a minor plotline involving infatuation, while others feature romance as an integral part of the plot. No matter what, each of these dystopian romance books for young adults features all the thrills and tangled hearts you could want!
Here are our ten best dystopian romance books for young adults.
10. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Exploring the popular dystopian tropes of power and identity loss, this young adult dystopian romance has been an undeniable success. It follows young Juliette, who’s been imprisoned for her secret powers.
As she seeks freedom and struggles for loyalty, she’s caught in a complicated love triangle.
Why we recommend it: I admired how this novel explored more complex themes of mental health and respect in relationships.
9. Wither by Lauren DeStefano
ISBN: 9781442409057
Rhine is kidnapped and forced into a polygamous marriage in this dystopian romance book for young adults. As she plots her escape, Rhine falls in love with a servant at the mansion. Freedom isn’t as simple as she’d thought…
Why we recommend it: I liked the moral questions that came up in this book, which I’d classify as a mature young adult dystopian romance.
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8. Legend by Marie Lu
Legend is the story of two teens, Day and June, who are fighting for opposite sides in a dystopian world. As they grow closer, their romance threatens to undermine their allegiances and their very survival.
Why we recommend it: I loved this book and how it paid homage to other classic dystopian novels like 1984.
7. Divergent by Veronica Roth
ISBN: 9780062024039
This dystopian young adult romance novel was such a hit that it was soon adapted into a successful film starring Golden Globe nominee and young adult film queen Shailene Woodley.
In Divergent, Tris is a teenager who just doesn’t fit in. As her nonconformity puts her in danger, she finds an unexpected romance with the enigmatic Four.
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the pacing of this book, which was fun and fast.
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6. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Mare is a commoner caught in the center of a rebellion in this young adult dystopian romance novel. As she struggles to choose between two princes, she finds herself in the midst of a dangerous power struggle.
Why we recommend it: I liked the love triangle and dramatic tension in this book.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter5. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Aria is banished to the dangerous “Outside” in this young adult dystopian romance novel. When she meets fellow outcast Perry, she finds unexpected safety and romance.
This novel has a very similar premise and atmosphere to the iconic film The Matrix, which will soon return to cinemas for its 25th anniversary.
Why we recommend it: I loved the themes of technology and nature in this dystopian romance.
4. Matched by Ally Condie
ISBN: 9780525423645
Society pairs you with your perfect match, and life is easy in this dystopian young adult romance. But when Cassia falls in love with someone who isn’t her assigned match, she finds herself in danger.
This dystopian novel could also easily be classified as a more conventional young adult romance.
Why we recommend it: I loved the romance in this book, which was more nuanced than expected.
3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
ISBN: 1606865811
The Hunger Games was a dystopian young adult romance that changed everything. In it, Katniss and Peeta are pitted against each other in a battle to the death. But when they fall in love, the battle becomes more complicated…
The series was adapted into a gripping film franchise whose iconic scenes have left their own mark in the world of cinema.
Why we recommend it: I loved the romance and action sequences in this dystopian romance.
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2. The Selection by Kiera Cass
ISBN: 9780062059932
In a caste-based society, there aren’t many opportunities to take control of your life. This is certainly true in The Selection, which follows a young woman named America who lives in one such world.
The only possible escape is through a competition where she might possibly marry the prince and become the next queen.
The only hitch? America’s in love with her childhood best friend.
Why we recommend it: I loved the relationships and character development in this dystopian romance.
1. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Lauren Oliver’s Delirium series is the perfect mixture of young adult dystopia and romance. It’s about Lena Haloway, a seventeen-year-old girl who lives in a world where love is viewed as a disease to be eradicated.
In this young adult dystopian romance, everyone undergoes a procedure at age eighteen to be cured of their ailment, and Lena looks forward to her own cure. That is until she falls in love.
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the unique premise of this book.
There you have it! Our ten favorite young adult dystopian romance novels. Whether you’re more of a fan of romance, you prefer dystopian fiction, or perhaps you love young adult novels, these books are all a perfect fit for your taste.
Happy reading!
