The titles we’ve selected will be of interest to people of various generations and identities since young-adult fiction is all about being who you truly are. Some of the books presented here have darker themes than others, but they are all united by overcoming hardships. Join the protagonists on their thrilling adventures!
1. The Maze Runner series by James Dashner
A gigantic maze full of deadly traps and a group of teenagers who don't remember their past. This is how the story of The Maze Runner series by James Dashner begins. The protagonist, Thomas, quickly realizes that this place is more than just a test, and each of its inhabitants plays a role in a great conspiracy. The maze is a riddle that must be solved to survive.
The series is exciting with its fast pace and unexpected plot twists. It has everything: the struggle for survival, friendship, and confrontation with unknown forces. This series will be a great choice for readers who love intense stories with deep characters.
2. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Katniss Everdeen did not even realize that one day, she would become a symbol of the struggle for freedom. Suzanne Collins has created a world where poverty and oppressive government control force people to fight in a deadly arena. But The Hunger Games trilogy is more than a story of survival. It is a fascinating tale of revolution, human resilience, and the power of love.
The plot is so multifaceted that you want to retell it again and again. The trilogy is suitable for those who are looking for not only intense events but also complex moral dilemmas and emotional resonance. Readers will see how small decisions can change the fate of entire nations.
3. Delirium trilogy by Lauren Oliver
In Lena's world, love is declared a disease that threatens the stability of society. The procedure of “curing” saves people from emotions, but at the same time deprives them of happiness. Lena, who grew up under these rules, is confronted with feelings that force her to rethink everything she has known.
Delirium series deeply explores the theme of freedom of choice, the value of emotions, and the dangers of totalitarianism. Lena's story will show readers how important it is to maintain humanity even when society dictates otherwise. Her journey makes us wonder: is it worth avoiding pain if it deprives us of joy?
4. The Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard
Mara Barrow lives in a world where society is divided by the color of blood: reds are poor, and silvers have superhuman abilities. But when Mara's incredible strength manifests itself, she becomes a threat to the established order. Her story is not only about the struggle for freedom but also about finding herself in a world where the line between good and evil is blurred.
The Red Queen series offers readers an intriguing plot full of political intrigue, betrayal, and unexpected alliances. It is the perfect choice for those who love fantasy worlds with deep conflicts and strong characters.
5. The Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi
Juliette cannot touch a single person without causing them mortal pain. She is isolated from the world until she discovers that her abilities may be the key to overthrowing a dictatorial regime. Juliette's story is a journey from loneliness to strength, from self-doubt to acceptance of her uniqueness.
This series combines romance, action, and deep inner character development. The strong atmosphere and emotional tension make it ideal for those who want to experience the full range of emotions from reading.
6. The Legend series by Marie Lu
A military state in which the rich rule and the poor are forced to fight for survival. In The Legend series by Marie Lu, the stories of the young rebel Day and the soldier June intertwine in a world of intrigue, secrets, and the struggle for justice. Their destinies collide at the most unexpected moment, changing everything they know.
It's an explosive mix of action, political intrigue, and romance. Ideal for readers who want to immerse themselves in a dynamic world where every choice has serious consequences.
7. The Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie
In a world where everything is controlled by Society — from food to choosing a partner, Cassia believes her life is perfect. But when the system makes a mistake and shows two potential "matches," her faith in the rules is shaken.
This trilogy perfectly combines romance, intrigue, and criticism of a totalitarian society. Cassia's story inspires us to fight for the right to choose, even when it seems impossible. The series will attract the attention of readers who love the ideas of freedom and inner rebellion against the system.
8. The Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld
The Uglies book series describes a distant future where, after turning sixteen, everyone becomes "beautiful" thanks to surgery that aligns their appearance with social standards. Tali can't wait to finally change her life, but a meeting with the rebels reveals to her the dark side of this procedure. She begins to understand that beauty is not just about the outside, but what is hidden inside.
The Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld captivates with its deep criticism of social standards of beauty and ideals. It poses the question: is it worth sacrificing your individuality for recognition? This is a great choice for those looking for exciting stories with social implications.
9. The Giver by Lois Lowry
A society where there is no pain, emotions, and conflicts. Everything seems perfect until Jonas learns the truth about what is hidden behind this facade of harmony. Having received memories of the past, he begins to understand how important it is to feel and choose.
The Giver< by Lois Lowry is permeated with deep philosophical questions about freedom, memory, and humanity. It makes readers think about the price of happiness and the value of emotions. The Giver is a classic of the dystopian genre that leaves a lasting emotional mark.
10. Unwind Dystology series by Neal Shusterman
In a world where abortion is banned but the dismemberment of teenagers is permitted, the three main characters fight for their right to live. Their escape turns into a journey that changes their lives and forces them to rethink the nature of humanity. The series combines tension, emotions, and acute social issues.
The Unwind Dystology series touches on complex topics — morality, the right to life, and the value of choice. This is one of those series that not only keeps you in suspense but also makes you think about the ethical dilemmas of the modern world.
11. The Selection trilogy by Kiera Cass
What if your path to the throne begins with a competition where dozens of girls fight for the heart of a prince? America Singer is an ordinary girl who does not dream of the crown but finds herself at the center of political intrigue and romantic choices. Her fight for her place in this world becomes a story of courage and self-determination.
The Selection trilogy by Kiera Cass captivates with its lightness and, at the same time, raises serious topics about class differences and the choice between duty and heart. For fans of romance and sophisticated intrigue, this will be an ideal addition to the bookshelf.
12. Ready Player One and Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline
The distant future, where most of humanity lives in virtual reality. The main character, Wade Watts, takes part in the search for a great prize left by the creator of this world. However, the game becomes dangerous when powerful corporations and not only players begin to fight for victory.
These books offer an explosive mix of adventure, retro culture, and philosophical reflections on technology and human nature. Ready Player One and Ready Player Two books will be interesting not only to fans of dystopias but also to everyone who loves dynamic stories with deep meanings.
These youth series open up exciting worlds where characters face difficulties, make important choices, and change their destinies. From the struggle for freedom in dystopian worlds to the search for oneself in the realities of the future, each book is filled with adventure, tension, and emotion. They not only entertain but also make you think about complex questions of human nature, freedom, and responsibility.
