When I was a teenager, dystopian books of the young adult variety like Maze Runner were my weakness. the dystopian settings, the romance, the survival aspects, the rise of an underdog trope, the rebellion against authority and the message they embody not only appealed to me; I could vehemently relate to those feelings. I still like reading and dystopian novels even as an adult and literally devoured them during the pandemic more than ever. they are attractive, entertaining and warning.
for fans like me or youngsters, who want to jump on something equally exciting or imaginative, I scoured the maze of dystopian fiction for the best books like maze runner and found these 15 dystopian novels you’ll enjoy.
You are reading: Books related to the maze runner
what is dystopian fiction?
Before we go any further, let me give you a crash course on what dystopian fiction is. it is essentially a subgenre of a broad “speculative fiction”. the dystopian genre imagines a vision of the future by extrapolating the existing dangers of the social, technological and political structures of our society. dystopian stories often have a dark and oppressive tone, and can be warnings about the future we are headed for. Often these stories help us make sense of the chaos around us so we can better prepare. The popularity of dystopian fiction has seen exponential growth in pop culture, particularly in dystopian literature among tweens and teens. Netflix’s survival-themed squid game is a recent example that took the world by storm.
The theme of dystopian novels generally revolves around these tropes:
- administrative control
- geoenvironmental destruction
- loss of individualism
- class disparity
- technological control</li
- survival
15 best dystopian books like ‘the maze runner’
I put together these 15 best dystopian books similar to ‘the maze runner’,, but each one has something unique to offer and can set itself apart. In this list, you’ll find dystopian steampunk, dystopian romance, dystopian fantasy, classic dystopian, sci-fi dystopian, and a few others that will capture your imagination with their gripping plot, propulsive action, fast-paced stories, and slick prose. Although the recommendations in this dystopian book largely gravitate towards you, there are also some for mature readers and fans of the dystopian genre in general.
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1. ugly by scott westerfield
a futuristic dystopian novel for the selfie generation
First in a trilogy, the uglies series has a unique and unforgettable premise, an engaging plot, and a fast pace. I was impressed to see how skillfully Scott Westerfield writes a relatable and realistic female lead. uglies is, in fact, a bold departure from the dystopian convention of external conflict and violence. instead, it feeds on inner, psychological conflict.
what is ugly? The book is set in a futuristic world formed after going through a post-apocalyptic disaster. The story of Scott Westerfield’s Uglies revolves around Tally Youngblood, who is about to turn sixteen. she lives in a dystopia where everyone is considered ugly until they undergo intense cosmetic surgery at the age of 16. that’s the only way for her to join the high-tech utopia of beauties and live a happy and carefree life. however, the plot happens and it’s not long before she begins to question her choice and what it really means to be beautiful. She discovers the sinister forces at play that lead her to rebel against the leader she once admired with her band of fugitives.
Apart from the already familiar dystopian tropes, the great similarity between the maze runner and the ugly ones is that both protagonists want to escape from a place. there is also a subtle romance. the only caveat is that, like most teen dystopian novels, the supporting characters aren’t very well developed.
you would love the uglies series. it reflects the modern social pressure we face to look and act a certain way. Highly recommended for fans of dystopian novels and Maze Runner alike!
The good news is that uglies has been adapted for a netflix movie. It will be released in late 2022, so grab the book early if you haven’t read it yet.
See Also: G.M. Malliet – Book Series In Order
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available at: amazon | bookstore | audible free
2. rising red by pierce brown:
a violent dystopian sci-fi series fueled by revenge
Darker, more brutal and emotionally deeper, Pierce Brown’s rising red is in a league of its own. will terrify you with the futuristic evils that a real dystopia brings. you’d devour the red rising series if you loved maze runner or hunger games.
what is the red rise about? Pierce Brown’s red uprising story revolves around a low-caste miner, Darrow. He lives in an underground colony on Mars under a totalitarian regime that segregates its citizens based on color. when tragedy strikes, he discovers the lie he’s been fed and the reality that he, and other reds, are nothing more than an expendable slave, working for a decadent regime that lives on the surface. Fueled by a desire for revenge, Darrow is given the opportunity to defeat the tyrants and free the people from him. he infiltrates the golden caste battle school where elite leaders vie for the throne. What follows next is a story of the battle, the betrayal, and the fluctuating loyalties in his quest to penetrate deeper into the community he vowed to destroy.
is a fast-paced dystopian space epic with great characters and one of my all-time favorite tropes: an underdog rising through the dystopian ranks. gave me the impression of spartacus meets sci-fi or thomas in a battle royale. if you’re looking for a book like maze runner, but more mature and somber, then skip it. you can lose it.
See Also: G.M. Malliet – Book Series In Order
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available at: amazon | bookstore | audible free
3.gone by michael grant:
a children’s sci-fi dystopia with no adults, no rules and no escape
You’ve had enough of the dystopian world where adults rule and the government oppresses teenagers. do you just want them to vanish into thin air so you can feel free? This is exactly what Michael Grant envisions in his not-so-strictly dystopian series Gone. the book is in the vein of maze runner and lord of the fliesbut creates a phenomenal world of its own.
what happened? One day, everyone over the age of 15 mysteriously disappears, leaving the entire town in the hands of the teenagers. Not only that, they are also cut off from the world: no internet, no phone, no supplies, not even a single hole to escape from the dome. soon the children realize that they are developing supernatural talents and powers that lead to a rift between them. what follows is the fight to the death to secure power and leadership in a world gone mad.
for fans of dystopian fiction, michael grant’s gone builds an intriguing post-apocalyptic premise and an utterly exhilarating narrative that will make you think, what would you do if you were there?
Sadly, it breaks my heart to see the children in the book get hurt and some of them die, which can be quite hard for tweens or kids in their formative years to digest. however, it gives them a new appreciation for their guardians and other adults on the planet.
gone deftly blends dystopia with sci-fi and fantasy to create an action-packed thriller where the struggle between good and evil, memorable characters, romance and clever twists will keep you glued to the novel until he left. it was published the same year as the hunger games that probably overshadowed it. Otherwise, it’s one of the best dystopian books I’ve read in a long time.
See Also: G.M. Malliet – Book Series In Order
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available at: amazon | bookstore | audible free
4.relax by neal shusterman
a provocative dystopian thriller about collecting corpses
neal shusterman’s unwind series is an exciting and fresh take on the value of human life and who truly owns it through a dystopian lens. Is it the government or is it you? is a thought-provoking yet grimly disturbing read that questions our conviction on the difficult and emotional issues of organ donation, abortion, and our right to make a choice. The story touches on the similar themes of escape and survival that we see in the maze runner, but features a very amazing premise.
what is relaxing about? Set in a dystopia of the second American civil war that fought for reproductive rights, the story follows three troubled teenagers who will be “untangled” for various reasons. abortion is illegal as a result of the war resolution, but parents of unwanted or troublemaking children have the option to “untangle” them; meaning that organs or body parts from children ages 13 to 18 can be transplanted to a different donor and “technically” not end a life. So Connor, Risa and Lev are on the run for their lives, but will they survive to their 18th birthday?
relaxed dystology has political or religious undertones of pro-choice versus pro-life conflict. is a poignant and heartbreaking yet highly intelligent dystopian novel about powerless children at the hands of those who should be fully responsible for them. one of the best dystopian series you would find. I would recommend it to mature readers.
See Also: G.M. Malliet – Book Series In Order
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available at: amazon | bookstore | audible free
5. tunnel in the sky by robert a. heinlein
a classic dystopian survival novel
Published in 1955, Tunnel in the Sky is an original and timeless dystopian novel by the great master of science fiction Robert Heinlein. his scientific imagination has been a source of inspiration for many authors and influenced his works. you’d be surprised at the parallels this heinlein classic has with the maze runner.
what is tunnel in the sky all about? Set in the future, an interstellar portal allows Earth’s overpopulation to easily relocate to other planets. Rod Walker, a high school senior harbors an ambition to become a colonizer. following this, he leaves to take a mandatory ‘advanced survival test’ which is supposed to last a few days. However, something goes wrong and, like Thomas, Rod is stranded on an unknown planet with rugged terrain. There, he meets other boys and girls who must band together to survive his stay.
three things: most of the book is not science fiction but a fascinating story of survival, the protagonist is a black teenager and there is an American dream type saga that adds to its realism and humor. An upbeat, resilient story with a constant sense of tension, Tunnel in the Sky is one of the best classic dystopian novels and a must-have for your dystopian bookshelf, if you’re looking for books like labyrinth.
available at: amazon | bookstore
6. ready player one by ernest cline
retro-futuristic dystopia with a game quest
the pac-man style cover on the front and ernest cline posing in an open flap dmc delorean on the back, just like back to the future, naturally caught my eye. ready player one is much more than meets the eye and cyberpunk is just one trope among many others.
What is Ready Player One about? First in the duology, Ready Player One is set in the year 2044. More than five years have passed since wealthy inventor James Halliday died. he has left behind a mischievous legacy of VR gaming oasis riddled with puzzles and clues. Whoever finds the easter egg first will inherit $250 billion and control of oasis. the game is reminiscent of 1980s and 1990s pop culture because its creator was obsessed with that period. When protagonist Wade Watts cracks one of the puzzles, his name rises to the top of the rankings and his popularity skyrockets. What follows is a renewed interest in Halliday’s egg hunts and terrifying events for Wade as he tries to win the race while evading deadly attacks, for that matter.
In this age of the metaverse where people use nfts, own real estate in decentraland, and even throw birthday parties in the digital world; I find the premise of ready player one exciting, relevant, and plausible. the book has just the right amount of twists and character building to keep you engaged in its geeky world without overdoing anything. there is even a romance that I did not expect.
if the maze runner had done wckd, then in ready player one we can see oasis and ioi. the book signifies the importance of networking, teamwork, and staying in touch with reality through its dystopian sci-fi lens. If you want to escape to a video game or take a trip down memory lane, this book is for you.
*insert coin* ready player one?
See Also: G.M. Malliet – Book Series In Order
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available at: amazon | bookstore | audible free
7. deadly engines by philip reeve
an adventurous steampunk dystopian series for you
If the maze runner wowed you with its grandiose maze, you’ll be completely blown away by the exciting and imaginative world that Philip Reeve builds in his highly acclaimed Mortal Engines series.
what is the mortal engine series about? First of the quartet, mortal engine is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a “sixty minute war” left a major geological instability in the form of perpetual earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. To avoid the inevitable, the world has adapted and a new way of life has evolved. cities have become gigantic moving machines, ruthlessly preying on smaller traction cities. the protagonist tom natsworthy is nobody and belongs to a lower level. He becomes involved in the fight to prevent the city of London from destroying others when he crosses paths with a mysterious girl with a large scar on her face, Hester Shaw.
is a surprising and epic adventure series that immerses you in its fascinating dystopian world of steampunk, memorable characters and action in the air. fans of dystopian fiction will enjoy it.
See Also: G.M. Malliet – Book Series In Order
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available at: amazon | bookstore | audible free
8.divergent by veronica roth
a unique and fascinating dystopian science fiction
A predictable name on a list of the best dystopian books like Maze Runner is Veronica Roth’s Divergent Series.
what is divergent about? Set in a dystopian Chicago, the Divergent series features five factions in which people are grouped according to their best abilities: Selfless (The Selfless), Friendship (The Peaceful), Outspoken (The Honest), Fearless (The Brave). ) and scholar (the intelligent). But there is a conspiracy to destabilize the system, which the main protagonist Tris must find and prevent. tris is a divergent, a person who does not belong to any faction. she has an advantage over others. this innate ability makes them a threat to a faction-based society and those who want to control it. The story follows Tris as she hides her true identity as she advances in the group of her choosing.
Although Divergent is a bit different, it shares many themes with Maze Runner, including mystery, deception, and survival. is an action thriller and one of the best dystopian novels that appeals to teens and adults alike.
See Also: G.M. Malliet – Book Series In Order
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available at: amazon | bookstore | audible free
9. the fifth wave of rick yancey
alien invasion calls to action in this dystopian post-apocalyptic
This book didn’t really impress me. or maybe I couldn’t make an empathic connection as an adult reader. It has ups and downs but also many downs. however, there is such a hype around the fifth wave trilogy among teenagers that convinced me to add this action-oriented series to a list of best dystopian books like Maze Runner.
what is the fifth wave about? unlike other dystopian novels where the apocalypse is mainly caused by a natural disaster or man-made inventions, in the fifth wave we witness the end of the world by an alien invasion in the form of 5 increasingly deadly waves of destruction. no, these aliens are not like the ‘painful’ ones. they are just like us, but much smarter and smarter, and they are called “the others”. Our protagonist, Cassie, who is a high school student, has managed to survive all 4 waves so far. she is looking for her younger brother. she has a strong conviction that being alone is the best way to survive. That is until she meets the mysterious Evan, who may be her only hope to rescue her brother. but can she trust him?
The novel starts strong and engulfs you with its waves of destruction and psychological tension. the book has all the desirable tropes of a dystopian thriller. it also has baffling romance, crushing action, struggle to survive, and “people in charge” we can’t trust. I would recommend it to tweens and teens who want to read more books like Maze Runner or Ender’s Game.
See Also: G.M. Malliet – Book Series In Order
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available at: amazon | bookstore | audible free
10. the tests by joelle charbonneau
dystopian post-apocalyptic novel about friendship and goals
themes of conspiracy, friendship and survival collide in joelle charbonneau’s the test. Although the test series draws on familiar and formulaic elements of dystopian literature, it gets an A for adding freshness to a redundant story.
what trials are all about: the “war of the seven stages” has left the earth ruined. the united community strives to rebuild everything and they know that the future is in the hands of the youth. here, instead of a maze, they have created an elite program for the best and the brightest, which you can become a part of after going through rigorous tests that can be brutal and deadly. malencia “cia” vale, a recent high school graduate, is one of those lucky ones. As she leaves for the test, her father, also elected, gives her some advice: be careful who she trusts, cia. you do that and everything will be fine.
I really loved the characterization of cia. she is not a powerful ninja, but a simple and down to earth girl like us who has faith in herself. she loves to help others, but she is not naive enough to trust everyone. To prove her leadership skills, she goes through written, social, and survival tests before the ultimate finale. She only trusts her childhood friend Tomas de Ella who offered her an alliance. but since it is a novel already, there is a sublayer of romance in which she gets entangled. To survive, the cia will have to choose: love without truth or life without trust?
If you’re looking for an already dystopian novel of the sort of maze runner, hunger games or divergent series but that can stand on its own, then proof awaits you. the suspense at the end will pique your interest in the sequel.
See Also: G.M. Malliet – Book Series In Order
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available at: amazon | bookstore | audible free
11.across the universe by beth revis
young adult sci-fi dystopian mystery set on a starship
If it was its intriguing mystery, deception, and lies that drew you to Maze Runner, then The Other Side of the Universe will definitely lure you in with its unexpected twists. It’s like Agatha Christie meets dystopia.
what is ‘on the other side of the universe’ about? The novel tells the story of Amy, a cryogenically frozen teenager aboard a generation ship called Godspeed. due to overpopulation on earth, they are being transported to a new planet 300 years in the future. But when someone tries to kill Amy, she wakes up early from her cryogenic hibernation. no, she doesn’t have amnesia like thomas. she is the only teenager trapped on a spaceship governed by a strange set of rules under the leadership of the eldest. Ella Elder and Amy’s successor must work together to unravel the mysteries of Godspeed for a chance of surviving to their final destination.
I was impressed with how the author based this science fiction on realism and made it believable. however, there are times when science would feel like fantasy. ripe with all the elements of a page turner, the book made me interested in its plot, the people and the ship. Across the Universe is an exciting dystopian series featuring a coming-of-age theme like that of ‘the maze runner’.
trigger warning: attempted rape scene
See Also: G.M. Malliet – Book Series In Order
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12. 5 to 1 by holly bodger
a realistic dystopia about gender imbalance
another unique dystopian novel already set in the india of the future: yes, india, a dystopian premise rarely seen in the mainstream. Not only that, the story is told through two points of view; one in verse and the other in prose which gives it a magical touch. As for why this book is on the list, it follows the same concept of “trials” and freedom struggles as the maze runner, albeit very different and social, which gives it a dimension of realism rather than science fiction or fantasy.
what is 5 to 1 about? Set in the near future, power has shifted to women in India’s male-dominated society. for every girl, there are five boys available. With this stark gender imbalance, women have now become a prized commodity and five boys must compete in a test to marry a girl as the winning prize, but what if they don’t want to?
5 to 1 is inspired by the grim realities of female infanticide and population decline in India. an evocative dystopia with memorable characters and, realistically, no romance. it sucks you into its social fabric. the cliffhanger at the end left me a bit stranded (I won’t spoil it).
It’s a short and quick read. a perfect choice if you have a diverse book reading challenge or are looking for a unique dystopian book experience.
available at: amazon | bookstore
13. meghan pastor’s cage
a sci-fi dystopia with a paranormal romance
if you wanted to have a more intense romance in the maze runner, then try new york times bestselling author meghan shepherd’s cage series. It has a similar surprising premise where Thomas wakes up in an elevator, terrified and confused, with no memory or knowledge of what’s going on. the protagonist in the cage experiences the same creepy feelings except this time she is a girl who wakes up in a human zoo and it in a space controlled by super intelligent aliens.
What is the cage about? Four handpicked teens, each with a dark secret, join Cora Mason in the cage. confused and clueless, they slowly begin to trust each other in their escape plan. But when a mysterious and handsome young guard appears, they realize that his captors are not from Earth. what follows is a paranormal love triangle and a deadly struggle to escape.
Despite its slow start, the story kept me sufficiently intrigued and entertained with its impeccable prose, excellent world building and character development. you might want to try some of the author’s other work once you’re done.
available at: amazon | audible free
14. lord of the flies by william golding
a dystopian story about schoolchildren on a desert island
chances are you’ve already read this book. is a classic dystopian novel and high school staple that conveys a didactic message with a satirical undertone. Yet 21 publishers rejected Nobel Prize-winning author William Golding’s debut novel before it was first published in 1954, for a reason he’ll see once he starts flipping through it.
what is ‘lord of the flies’ about? The plot of Lord of the Flies revolves around a group of schoolchildren – all strangers – who are shipwrecked on an island that seems nothing less than a paradise. Incredibly delighted and grateful that they don’t have adults with them, they begin to explore this exotic land and make their own rules. As a result of this, a conflict arises between the boys for leadership roles. what began as a utopian dream turns into a dystopian nightmare: dark, haunting and sinister.
Truly exciting and magnificent in every respect, Lord of the Flies explores the inevitability of human violence, the struggle for power and survival. If you’re a teenager and interested in a mystery adventure told through a dark yet subtle dystopian lens, with believable characters and an intriguing plot, then go ahead and get this timeless classic.
See Also: G.M. Malliet – Book Series In Order
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available at: amazon | bookstore | audible free
15. the hunger game by suzanne collins
a trilogy set in dystopian districts that are home to deadly games
It is impossible to avoid the hunger games in a list of the best dystopian books like the maze runner. Even after more than a decade since it was first published, this book holds up so well that rereading it is a joy. Suzzane Collins’ iconic masterpiece, The Hunger Games, has earned its place as a mainstay of dystopian literature for its portrayal of love and sacrifice, strong and intelligent female lead, impeccable writing, and appeal to all ages.
what are the hunger games about? The story takes place in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem; A glitzy and wealthy capitol surrounded by twelve dilapidated districts, existing amidst the ruins of what was once North America. years ago, these districts declared war on the capitol and were burned by defeat. As part of the surrender, each district now sends a random boy and girl to compete to the death in an annual televised reality show about the Hunger Games. When her younger sister, 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, is selected, she volunteers despite being aware of the danger. Between the ever-changing landscape and the rules of the game, one thing remains constant for the contenders: kill or be killed.
spectacular, exciting and engaging reading; The Hunger Games places you inside the arena. Suzanne Collin adds a dystopian twist to the reality show Big Brother, which itself draws inspiration from George Orwell’s classic ‘1984’. the book has much more than action and violence. pick this one up without batting an eye if you’re looking for books like the maze runner.
See Also: G.M. Malliet – Book Series In Order
See Also: Star Wars: Legacy of the Force (Sacrifice) Audiobook Free
available at: amazon | bookstore | audible free
conclusion:
You made it to the bottom of the list of 15 best dystopian books like Maze Runner. In your search for similar novels, one or more of the above books should keep you busy with their suspense. , heartwarming storytelling, and mind-blowing adventures.
If you have book suggestions to add to this list, please let me know in the comments below.
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