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Are you a fan of Uglies by Scott Westerfeld? This dystopian novel takes readers on a thrilling journey into a future where cosmetic surgery can transform “ugly” people into privileged “Pretties.” If you’ve fallen in love with this imaginative story, then you’re in luck! We’ve curated a list of twenty best YA books that capture the same essence and excitement. Get ready to dive into these dystopian worlds that will leave you craving more.
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Set in a future where love is considered a disease, Delirium follows Lena as she falls in love with a mysterious boy living outside the city’s confines. This gripping tale explores the dangerous consequences of defying an authoritative government. Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions.
Legend by Marie Lu
In a powerful regime-controlled world, June, a talented teenager, becomes a government agent on a mission to capture a boy named Day. However, as the story unfolds, June and Day must band together to uncover the truth behind the country’s atrocities. With its thrilling twists and turns, Legend will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
This instant hit takes place on another planet, where a young boy named Todd lives in a town where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts. Todd’s life takes an unexpected turn when he leaves his town and discovers the secrets that have been hidden from him for so long. The Knife of Never Letting Go will captivate you from beginning to end.
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
In a world devastated by alien attacks, Cassie fights to survive and search for her missing brother. The bond between Cassie and a fellow survivor, Evan, grows stronger as they uncover the truth. The 5th Wave is a gripping novel that will leave you breathless.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Join Juliette, a teenager with a deadly touch, as she navigates a world controlled by a powerful government. Imprisoned in an asylum, Juliette’s life changes when she meets a soldier who offers her a chance to escape. Shatter Me is a thrilling tale of power, love, and self-discovery.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Enter the post-apocalyptic world of Beatrice, also known as “Tris,” as she faces a life-changing test to determine her future. Forced to keep her unexpected results a secret, Tris joins a faction and finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of deceit. Divergent is a captivating story that will keep you hooked.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Set in a society designed to eliminate pain and conflict, young Jonas is chosen to become the Receiver of Memory, exposing him to the truth about his supposedly idyllic world. The Giver is a thought-provoking and timeless novel that explores the meaning of life and human emotions.
The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah
Venture into a water-logged future where Leyla, a talented submersible racer, races through the streets of a submerged London. With her father’s life on the line, Leyla must navigate government secrets while trying to uncover the truth. The Light at the Bottom of the World is an action-packed dystopian adventure.
Rebel Seoul by Axie Oh
In Neo Seoul, a city formed decades into the future, Jaewon, a soldier, must make a life-altering decision as he learns about the hidden operations of the oppressive government. Rebel Seoul is a longer read that will immerse you in its futuristic world.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Wake up with Thomas, a young boy who finds himself trapped in a mysterious Glade with no memories of his past. The Maze Runner takes readers on an intense journey as Thomas and his friends attempt to escape the ever-changing maze. Prepare for heart-pounding excitement.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Explore an alternate reality of 1990s England, where a group of students living in a boarding school discovers their dark purpose as clones created for organ donations. Never Let Me Go is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that delves into the meaning of life itself.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Step into the shoes of Katniss Everdeen as she volunteers as a tribute in a brutal survival competition orchestrated by a dysfunctional government. The Hunger Games is a gripping tale of courage, survival, and rebellion that will keep you riveted until the very end.
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Follow Ember, a seventeen-year-old living in a country governed by an extreme regime, as she confronts the harsh punishments handed out by the government. When she reunites with an old friend, Ember’s life takes an unexpected turn. Article 5 is a thrilling dystopian novel you won’t want to miss.
Monstress by Marjorie Liu
If you’re a fan of graphic novels, Monstress is a perfect pick. Set in an alternate reality of the early 1900s, this gripping story follows Maika, a teenager who uncovers secrets about herself and a mysterious monster. Monstress will captivate you with its stunning visuals and compelling narrative.
Dualed by Elsie Chapman
Enter the city of Kersh, where every individual has an alternate, a doppelganger that they must defeat before turning twenty. West, the main character, must face her alternate and confront the consequences of a questioning system. Dualed is a thrilling and suspenseful read.
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
Embark on a post-apocalyptic adventure with Lina as she attempts to save her underground city, Ember, from its decaying existence. The City of Ember is a gripping tale that will take you on a journey filled with mystery and discovery.
Birthmarked by Caragh M. O’Brien
In a dystopian future, Gaia, a midwife, finds herself in a dangerous situation when her parents are arrested by the Enclave. Birthmarked explores themes of family, sacrifice, and rebellion in a world where outsiders must surrender their infants. Prepare for a thrilling ride.
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
From the author of Twilight comes The Host, a captivating novel set in a world invaded by parasitic aliens. Follow the entangled lives of Melanie, Wanderer, and Jared as they navigate love, trust, and survival in this gripping dystopian future.
Feed by M.T. Anderson
In a world where the internet controls people’s minds, join Titus and Violet as their feeds are interrupted, shaking their world to the core. Feed is a thought-provoking exploration of technology’s influence on society and the consequences it brings.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Immerse yourself in a society where books are banned and burned, and one man begins to question his role in this oppressive regime. Fahrenheit 451 is a timeless masterpiece that will ignite your passion for literature and freedom.
So, don’t stop reading after Uglies! Expand your horizons with these incredible YA dystopian novels that will transport you to new and thrilling worlds. Get lost in the pages of these captivating stories and let your imagination soar.
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