If you're a fan of the gripping dystopian world of the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, you're in for a treat. With the anticipation building for the new Hunger Games book set to release in March, now is the perfect time to explore other novels that capture the essence of this beloved series. Here, we've curated a list of seven books that deliver the same intense, thrilling experience you crave from Katniss Everdeen's adventures.
These recommended titles embody the elements that make the Hunger Games so compelling: from high-stakes survival games to dystopian settings and fierce protagonists. Whether you're drawn to the brutality of a fight to the death, the thrill of a terrifying tournament, or the escape into a fantastical dystopian world, there's something here to satisfy your hunger for more stories like the Hunger Games.
**Battle Royale by Koushun Takami**
Battle Royale
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When discussing books similar to the Hunger Games, it's essential to mention Koushun Takami's groundbreaking novel, Battle Royale. Predating the Hunger Games by nearly a decade, this Japanese novel inspired the film that became a cult classic. Set in a dystopian future where juvenile delinquency is rampant, the government initiates a brutal annual event: a class of teenagers is randomly selected to fight to the death on an isolated island, all broadcasted for public entertainment. The book is as shocking and powerful as its film adaptation, offering a gripping read that will resonate with Hunger Games fans.
**The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas**
The Sunbearer Trials
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For those looking for recent releases that echo the Hunger Games, The Sunbearer Trials stands out. This YA novel introduces readers to a world where the children of ancient gods compete in deadly games every decade to replenish the sun's energy. Jade, an unlikely participant, finds himself thrust into the trials, fighting not just for survival but for his friends. With its rich world-building, dynamic characters, and relentless action, this book will evoke the same excitement you felt while reading about Katniss's journey.
**Hide by Kiersten White**
National Bestseller
Hide
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Hide offers a chilling twist on the survival game genre, blending classic mythology with a harrowing allegory for real-world issues. The story follows a group of young adults playing a deadly game of hide and seek in an abandoned theme park, with a massive cash prize at stake. As the game turns sinister, the players confront a lurking horror that threatens their lives. Kiersten White delivers a terrifying and thought-provoking narrative that adds a gruesome horror element to the survival game trope beloved in the Hunger Games.
**The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna**
New York Times Bestseller
The Gilded Ones
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Although The Gilded Ones deviates from the survival game format, it's a perfect follow-up for Hunger Games fans craving a vibrant, dystopian fantasy with a strong female lead. Deka's discovery of her supernatural abilities during a brutal ceremony sets her on a path to join an army of women like her, tasked with combating the monsters threatening their nation. This New York Times bestseller unfolds a tale of empowerment and rebellion in a beautifully crafted world, much like the Hunger Games.
**Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes**
The Inheritance Games
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Avery Grambs's life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits a fortune from a stranger, leading her to live in a mansion full of puzzles and mysteries. As she navigates the house's secrets and the tension with the grandsons who expected to inherit, Avery faces challenges reminiscent of the intrigue and danger found in the Hunger Games. This contemporary mystery, akin to films like Knives Out and Ready or Not, offers a unique blend of suspense, romance, and puzzle-solving.
**Legend by Marie Lu**
Legend
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Set in a dystopian America divided into districts, Legend mirrors the Hunger Games with its portrayal of societal divides and the fight against a corrupt system. June, a prodigy from the wealthy sector, sets out to avenge her brother's death, believed to be at the hands of the notorious Day from the slums. Their cat-and-mouse game unravels deeper conspiracies within the Republic, sparking a potential revolution. This series will captivate fans of the Hunger Games with its fast-paced action and compelling narrative.
**Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi**
Children of Blood and Bone
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An epic fantasy that became an instant bestseller, Children of Blood and Bone is a must-read for those who loved the Hunger Games for its world-building and strong female characters. Zélie Adebola, a Diviner in a kingdom where magic has been outlawed, embarks on a quest to restore magic with the help of a fugitive princess. This thrilling narrative, set to be adapted into a movie, offers a rich tapestry of adventure and rebellion that Hunger Games fans will find irresistible.
