What Books Are Like The Hunger Games Series

‘If you enjoyed the dystopian setting, thrilling action, and complex characters of the Hunger Games series, you might like books such as Divergent, The Maze Runner, and Red Queen.’

Ever since Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute, readers have been searching for something that provides the same addictive blend of action, rebellion, and social commentary. Many readers crave more stories with young heroes battling oppressive systems. That leads many to wonder, what books are like the hunger games series?

Finding a book that hits all the same notes can be tricky. However, several popular series and standalone novels share similar themes and elements with The Hunger Games. Many titles also focus on survival, often in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

What Books Are Like The Hunger Games Series?

Okay, so you’ve finished all three (or four, if you count the prequel!) Hunger Games books and you’re feeling a bit… empty? You miss the thrill, the danger, and the awesome characters. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many readers fall in love with the world of Panem and crave similar stories. The good news is, there are tons of books out there that capture some of that same magic. We are going to explore books with similar themes, characters, and settings to The Hunger Games, to help you find your next favorite read.

Dystopian Worlds and Fight for Survival

One of the biggest draws of The Hunger Games is the grim, controlled world and the fight against oppression. Many other books explore similar themes of dystopian societies where governments have too much power and ordinary people are struggling to survive. These stories often feature rebellions, brave protagonists, and complex moral questions.

Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

Imagine a city where people are divided into factions based on their personality traits. That’s the world of Divergent. Beatrice “Tris” Prior must choose her faction, and her choice changes everything. Just like Katniss, Tris is a strong female character who fights for what she believes is right. You get that same sense of a society that’s not quite right, with a group of young people challenging the status quo. It’s got action, romance, and a good dose of what-will-happen-next suspense. The main conflict also revolves around a central power structure that is trying to maintain its control through inhumane means.

Similarities to The Hunger Games: Divided society, rebellion against the system, strong female lead, action-packed plot.
What makes it different: Instead of a televised competition, it focuses on the internal workings of a city that’s trying to keep its citizens under control.

The Maze Runner Series by James Dashner

If the mystery of the arena in The Hunger Games kept you glued to the pages, you might enjoy The Maze Runner. A group of teenagers find themselves in a strange place called the Glade, surrounded by a giant, ever-changing maze. They have no idea why they are there or who put them there. It’s up to Thomas, the new kid, to help them figure it all out. This book creates a similar sense of urgency and a focus on survival, with a group of young adults thrown into a dangerous situation beyond their control. Just like Katniss, Thomas becomes a leader and has to navigate difficult decisions while trying to keep his friends safe. The mystery element is similar to the unknown nature of the 74th Hunger Games.

Similarities to The Hunger Games: Young protagonists in a dangerous and unknown environment, fight for survival, group dynamics and teamwork, focus on puzzle solving and overcoming obstacles.
What makes it different: The emphasis is on a physical mystery (the maze) and doesn’t have the same level of political commentary as The Hunger Games.

Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard

In Red Queen, the world is divided by blood. Silvers, with their incredible powers, rule over Reds, who are considered commoners. Mare Barrow, a Red with a very special power she didn’t know about, is thrown into the dangerous world of the Silver court. This series, like The Hunger Games, explores the themes of inequality and rebellion. Mare is a strong, determined protagonist who must navigate both her newfound powers and the complex political landscape. It shares the high-stakes, fast-paced feel of the Hunger Games. Like Katniss, Mare becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed. However, the worldbuilding is more focused on magical abilities.

Similarities to The Hunger Games: Societal inequality, rebellion, a powerful protagonist, themes of oppression and fighting back.
What makes it different: Includes magical powers and a fantasy element, with a different type of power structure.

Strong Female Protagonists

Katniss Everdeen is a powerful character. She’s brave, smart, and incredibly resilient. If you love a strong female lead, here are some books to check out:

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

In the Seven Kingdoms, some people are born with special skills, called “Graces.” Katsa, a Graceling with the Grace of killing, works for the king. But she starts to question her purpose and the world around her. Similar to Katniss, Katsa is a strong, independent character who isn’t afraid to challenge authority. This book includes a fast-paced plot with a lot of action and a slow-burn romance. Katsa is a skilled warrior who uses her strength and determination to fight for what is right, like Katniss. However, Graceling is a fantasy novel with more magical elements.

Similarities to The Hunger Games: Strong, independent female lead, rebellion against authority, fast-paced and action-packed.
What makes it different: Takes place in a fantasy world with magical abilities instead of a dystopian setting.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

While a little older than some of the other books on this list, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo has a very strong female character in Lisbeth Salander. Lisbeth is a brilliant but socially awkward hacker, who becomes involved in a complicated mystery. This book showcases a protagonist who is tough, resourceful, and not easily intimidated, like Katniss. The mystery angle offers a different kind of thrill from The Hunger Games but provides a captivating narrative. Unlike Katniss, Lisbeth isn’t fighting in a physical arena, instead she fights against a world that has abused and wronged her.

Similarities to The Hunger Games: Strong, resourceful female lead, challenges injustice and societal norms, fast-paced plot.
What makes it different: Focuses on a mystery/crime plot, more mature themes, and not in a dystopian setting.

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

Kelsea Raleigh is about to turn nineteen and inherit the throne of Tearling. She is a strong-willed young woman who must protect her kingdom against powerful enemies. Kelsea possesses a strong moral compass and is prepared to fight for justice, similar to Katniss. Both face immense pressure in a hostile environment and must learn to lead effectively. The focus of this series is more on political maneuvering and ruling than just immediate survival.

Similarities to The Hunger Games: Strong female protagonist who challenges authority, focuses on leadership and making tough decisions, explores themes of political turmoil.
What makes it different: Features medieval fantasy elements, a more detailed look at the responsibility of ruling, magic is more of a subdued presence.

Themes of Rebellion and Overcoming Oppression

The core of The Hunger Games is the fight against an unfair system. If you enjoyed the themes of rebellion and standing up for what’s right, these books might be up your alley:

Legend by Marie Lu

Legend is set in a dystopian Los Angeles, split into two sectors. June Iparis is a prodigy soldier from the wealthy Republic, and Day is a famous criminal from the slums. When their paths cross, they must question everything they thought they knew. This book offers a fast-paced adventure full of action, deception, and resistance. Like Katniss, June and Day come from different sides of the society, with very different backgrounds but ultimately find common cause. The themes of challenging an unjust system are similar to those found in The Hunger Games.

Similarities to The Hunger Games: Dystopian setting, a society divided by class, a protagonist fighting against an oppressive government, action-packed plot.
What makes it different: Features a dual point of view, a more traditional “good vs. evil” conflict, a bit more of a traditional romantic subplot.

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

After a war has ravaged the earth, the United Commonwealth is trying to rebuild. To achieve this they use “The Testing,” a brutal competition that selects the best young people for leadership positions. Cia Vale has to face both mental and physical challenges to pass. The book incorporates a similar level of tension and competition as The Hunger Games. Cia, like Katniss, displays resilience and cleverness, as she must overcome deadly obstacles set in her path. Both books make the reader question the morality of government selection and control processes.

Similarities to The Hunger Games: A challenging selection process with deadly stakes, a fight for survival against an oppressive force, young protagonist in a dangerous situation.
What makes it different: More focused on strategic planning, less focused on physical combat.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Juliette Ferrars is kept in a cell by a tyrannical government for a power she can’t control, her touch is lethal. This story has a strong element of rebellion and a strong female lead who has to overcome personal obstacles. Juliette’s fight for freedom against a corrupt government and powerful opposition has similar undertones to the conflict in The Hunger Games. Both series deal with young individuals having to grow up fast under extremely demanding circumstances. However, Shatter Me introduces a paranormal element, with characters possessing unique abilities.

Similarities to The Hunger Games: Dystopian world, government control, a young person with a special power who must fight for freedom, an oppressed population.
What makes it different: Features a romance angle, has a more paranormal/supernatural element with the special powers.

Books with Deadly Competitions

The Hunger Games themselves, a brutal, televised competition, were certainly a huge element of the story. Here are some books that feature similar kinds of deadly competitions:

The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

Okay, this one is a bit different, but it shares that same competitive vibe. The Selection is about a competition where young women compete to win the heart of the prince. Sounds pretty? It’s definitely not all glitter and gowns. There’s intrigue, betrayal, and a lot of pressure, much like The Hunger Games arena. Although the goals are different, the stakes for the young participants are high. Just like Katniss, America, the main character, has to make tough choices and deal with difficult circumstances. But The Selection is more focused on romance and social politics than survival.

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

If you’re looking for something that is very similar to the basic concept of the Hunger Games, Battle Royale is worth checking out. It has a very similar premise – a group of students are forced to fight each other to the death. This book offers a darker, more graphic look at what happens in a forced battle to the death. It really examines how people behave under such brutal circumstances. The brutal realism and suspense of this book are similar to the intensity of The Hunger Games. The book asks difficult questions about morality, power, and human nature, like the themes of The Hunger Games. The tone, however, is darker than the Hunger Games.

Similarities to The Hunger Games: Deadly competition between young people, high stakes survival, a brutal and inhumane system.
What makes it different: More violent, a focus on the psychological impact of the competition, no romance element.

The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancy

While not a competition in the traditional sense, The Fifth Wave features a group of young people in a deadly battle for survival after an alien invasion. They must face both the aliens and humans who are just as dangerous. This book creates a suspenseful and terrifying experience for the readers. Cassie, the main character, has to make tough choices to survive and protect her loved ones. The constant tension and danger that permeates the story reminds one of The Hunger Games. Although the setting is not dystopian, it explores similar themes of struggling against impossible odds.

Similarities to The Hunger Games: Young people fighting for survival, high stakes and danger, strong female protagonist, themes of trust and betrayal.
What makes it different: Focuses on an alien invasion rather than a government-controlled society, different type of conflict and threat.

These are just a few suggestions, and there are many more books out there that might fill the Hunger Games-sized hole in your heart. Keep exploring, keep reading, and you’re sure to find your next favorite adventure!

Ultimately, what makes a book similar to The Hunger Games is subjective. It could be the strong female lead, the complex dystopian world, the fight for survival, or the theme of challenging authority. Hopefully this list provides a great starting point. Happy Reading!

Books to read if you loved the hunger games

Final Thoughts

If you crave similar dystopian themes and intense competition, explore Divergent and The Maze Runner. These series feature strong female leads and high-stakes survival. They offer similar emotional journeys as The Hunger Games.

Red Queen presents a society divided by blood, a captivating concept. Legend showcases a futuristic battleground. Both echo the social inequalities present in The Hunger Games.

For readers wondering “what books are like the hunger games series,” these options provide similar thrills and thought-provoking content. The Testing is another must-read option with its grueling trials.