Dystopian novels have been present in creative writing throughout history. Authors have imagined worlds of chaos, worlds of controlled living and discrimination. This genre is extensive, holding a multitude of ideas from authors of different time periods. It would take weeks to preview and discuss them all.
Since there are so many novels in this genre, focusing on novels from a specific period of time helps to narrow them. Novels from modern times, 2000s onward, is a great place to start with dystopian literature as they are increasingly popular. The top three of this generation can be considered, “The Hunger Games,” “Scythe” and “Divergent”.
“The Hunger Games” is arguably the most well-known dystopian novel series of this generation. This series, written by Suzanne Collins, was published in 2008. Through this series Collins comments on the idea of how a hunger for power can manipulate a society.
The main character is a teenage girl, Katniss, living in a society that consists of an all powerful capitol and twelve districts that are ruled ruthlessly under the capitol’s control. Being from the poorest district, Katniss has to fight harder than those from other districts just to keep herself, her mother and her kid sister alive. This situation speaks to many groups of people. This series may appeal to teens who are struggling to keep their family together or are facing a situation which many people may not understand or relate to. Teens in general may relate to the complicated nature of life presented in the novel, even if they don’t have to deal with the same situations
Katniss, along with Peeta, a boy from her district, are nominated to fight in the hunger games and they somehow drastically change the districts for good. Despite the difficulty of the situation, Collins also introduces a romance dynamic between a few of her characters. These character dynamics are always such a fun addition to the story. Collins displays interactions between characters and exciting scenes to form an action-packed series that tops the list of dystopian novels.
“Scythe” is another considerably popular dystopian series written by Neil Shusterman and contains three books. The premise is incredibly creative and original, which is partly why it is included in the top three.
This series is based in a deathless, futuristic world. To prevent overpopulation, there are specially chosen individuals with the objective to kill randomly selected citizens. These individuals, known as scythes, have authority in this society. They are essentially the only thing that people ever need to be afraid of in such a society. The two main characters include a teenage boy and teenage girl, Rowan and Citra, who are selected to become junior scythes against their will. Through their training and the startling events they face, they discover a much different, darker side to life than they knew before.
Rowan and Citra both have internal struggles in which they have to decide who they want to be and how they are going to become that person. Current generations may connect to the difficulty of having to grow up quickly. There are so many expectations for teens. Being able to relate to a character can immerse a reader into a book. The subtle addition of romance is also enticing, there is such a variety of character dynamics that pull readers into the setting. Shushterman’s compilation of characters provides the opportunity for many people to find something to relate to in the novels.
“Divergent” also tops the charts as a dystopian and science fiction novel. It was written by Veronica Roth and is a three book series. It is considered a dystopian and sci-fi novel, including huge storyline components from each genre. This series takes place in a world separated by factions who each have their role in controlling the government. The main character, Tris, strays from her peaceful birth faction to the intense Dauntless faction. She makes this change after feeling as if she does not fit in. Making big changes in life can be difficult but can empower those who sometimes feel left out, readers may relate to this need for change.
Through Tris’ transition, she realizes the reality of the power hungry society she lives in. Tris must find a way to end the ruthless division with the help of her mysterious leader named Four. This series clearly comments on how a separated society can cause massive division. Readers can enjoy connecting these ideas and themes to what they see in the world around them today.
Roth presents twists and character connections that entice readers and keep them hooked. Roth introduces many types of relationships through her characters, from enemies, lovers, friends and many more. Similar to the other two dystopian novels, readers may understand the confusing personal interactions with others.
Each series is full of interesting character dynamics, plot twists and exciting scenes which pull readers in for a wild ride. Each author shows creativity and comments on how society functions and can change or develop.
