Based on your love of Hunger Games and Delirium, it sounds like you enjoy dystopian novels with a strong romantic element. If so, you may like these.
Across the Universe by Beth Revis - 2011. When 17-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo on a spaceship, she expects to be thawed 300 years later upon arrival at a new planet. However, her world turns upside down when she is awakened fifty years too early and finds herself embroiled in the mystery surrounding the attempted murders of frozen passengers. Her life endangered by Eldest, the tyrannical leader of the ship's maintenance population, she turns to her only ally: Elder, the young man destined to take Eldest's place as leader. As they solve the mystery together, romance blossoms between Amy and Elder, complicating an already complex situation.
The Shore of Monsters by David J. Nix – 2011. Five generations earlier, a horde of monsters nearly obliterated humanity. All males are dead or ruined by a monster plague; words like 'father' and 'romance' have lost meaning. When teenager Sky joins an expedition to the shore that falls apart, she must survive amongst the monsters that roam the ruins. She gets unexpected help from a very surprising source. Mystery, action, and romance follow!
Blood Red Road (Dustlands Series) by Moira Young – 2012. In a post-apocalyptic future, 18-year-old Saba’s twin brother is stolen by black-clad riders. When tough-as-nails Saba launches a relentless search to recover him, she must fight for her life in gladiator cages, overcome enemies both creature and human, and learn to trust others for the first time. And try as she might, she can’t help but fall for the charming scoundrel Jack, who just may understand her more than she knows. The author tells Saba’s story in a raw first person format that blows you away. Must read for dystopian lovers!
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan – 2010. Seven generations have passed since the Return, a plague that reanimates dead humans into creatures that feed on the living. Teenager Mary lives inside one of the last enclaves of uninfected, protected by a chain link fence that surrounds her village. When the fence is breached, Mary flees the village with a small band of survivors. Their flight toward an uncertain salvation is both harrowing and revealing, as they try to determine if they are humanity’s last hope.
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff – 2006. Fascinating novel about the outbreak of a 21st century world war as seen through the eyes of Daisy, a 15 year old American staying with her cousins on a remote England farm. At first utopian, the kid's existence degenerates into horror as the war encroaches on the farm. Through the several month period covered by the story, Daisy grows from a self-centered girl into a determined survivor. This book will leave a mark on the reader for years to come.
Matched by Allie Condy – 2010. In Cassia’s society, officials determine everything for you: what you will eat, what job you will have, and who you will marry. When Cassia is matched to her best friend, Xander, at a matching ceremony, she believes Society has made a good choice. However, a ‘glitch’ causes another face to be briefly revealed to her: that of a boy named Ky. Haunted by the face, Cassia begins to consider the unthinkable: of rebelling against the predetermined path of her life and choosing for herself.
The Uglies Trilogy by Scott Westerfield – 2005. In a future society, a mandatory operation at age 16 wipes out physical differences, turning "Uglies" into "Pretties". The Pretties are allowed freedom to play, while the Uglies jealously await their turn. Ugly Tally has gotten into trouble that may forfeit her operation. The menacing government offers her a way out: find a group of rebel Uglies, infiltrate, and betray them. Tally agrees, but upon finding the rebels comes to understand the terrible price of becoming pretty.
Unwind by Neal Shusterman - 2009. In post-war future, the abortion debate has been solved through compromise. Parents may elect to have their teenage children "unwound", a process where the teens organs and body parts are harvested for others. The story follows three runaway Unwinds, each discarded for behavior, religious, or economic reasons. As the trio embarks on a harrowing journey of escape, the reader will ponder very heavy moral questions, and wrestle with how much a bad decision can affect future generations. This is a masterpiece on every level!
Answered By: Dane Coriell - 7/4/2012 |