Fans of Suzanne Collins' *The Hunger Games* series know the thrill of Katniss Everdeen's fight for survival. With a new book on the horizon, the series' popularity is sure to surge. If you're looking for similar reads that capture the same brutal brilliance, look no further. We've compiled seven books that deliver the dystopian action, thrilling tournaments, and unforgettable characters that made *The Hunger Games* a phenomenon.
AnswerSee ResultsBattle Royale by Koushun Takami
No discussion of *The Hunger Games* is complete without mentioning *Battle Royale*, the groundbreaking Japanese novel that predates it. This powerful and shocking story, equally compelling in book form as in its film adaptation, will leave you breathless. In a dystopian Japan, delinquent teenagers are forced to fight to the death in a televised tournament. Prepare for a brutal, violent, and unforgettable read.
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
For a more recent addition to the genre, *The Sunbearer Trials* is a standout YA novel. This thrilling story pits children of ancient gods against each other in a deadly series of games. Filled with memorable characters, fantastic world-building, and intense action, it captures the same spirit of adventure and survival as *The Hunger Games*.
Hide by Kiersten White
Kiersten White's *Hide* offers a bleak and brutal reimagining of classic mythology. A group of young adults compete in a deadly game of hide-and-seek in an abandoned theme park for a massive cash prize. But the game is far more dangerous than it seems, offering a terrifying and gruesome twist on the familiar survival theme.
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
While not strictly a "dangerous game" story, *The Gilded Ones* offers a vibrant fantasy world led by a strong female protagonist. Deka discovers she's different from others in her village and joins an army of women fighting to protect their nation. This captivating story explores themes of identity, betrayal, and survival.
Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
In *Inheritance Games*, Avery Grambs inherits a fortune from a stranger, leading her to a mysterious house filled with puzzles, riddles, and dangerous inhabitants. This thrilling mystery combines elements of suspense, intrigue, and romance, offering a different kind of captivating adventure.
Legend by Marie Lu
Set in a dystopian United States, *Legend* follows June, a young woman seeking revenge, and Day, a lower-class criminal. Their cat-and-mouse game reveals a darker truth about their society, mirroring the political intrigue and social commentary found in *The Hunger Games*.
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
This epic fantasy follows Zélie, a Diviner in a world where magic has been suppressed. Her quest to restore magic leads her on a thrilling adventure filled with vibrant world-building and strong female characters, offering a similar sense of scale and wonder to *The Hunger Games*.
