6 Top Rated Dystopian Trilogy Novels That Will Keep You Hooked
As the world is in a catastrophic state, dystopian novels become a popular genre to read by book readers. And even before John Stuart Mill coined the term “dystopia,” it has been a favourite sub-topic entry in several novels since the 17th century.
It would not be fair enough to say that the authors wrote these stories to scare everyone who reads it. Well, there could be a bit of truth to that. As part of exciting readers, they create a speculative fiction that can stir a thrill and spike thought-provoking subjects.
Nonetheless, the usual main reason for dystopian authors in creating this kind of genre is to remind us. It’s a sort of precautions not to continue on the slippery slope or crooked road.
Most of the time, they based their stories on experiences. Hence, possibilities of what they pictured out in the plots can happen, eventually, if we’re not going to straighten up our actions.
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So, today, let’s dig deeper into some of the dystopian trilogy books that are worth reading.
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Top 6 Dystopian Trilogy Novels
When you talk about trilogy novels, one book comes into mind, and that would be “The Hunger Games” by the brilliant author Suzanne Collins. Aside from becoming a worldwide box-office hit, it’s also a best-seller.
Initially, Collins wrote it in a trilogy series, and all three books became blockbuster movie hits. The first of it the series’ namesake entitled “The Hunger Games” in 2008. Then, the “Catching Fire” in 2009, and the third one was “Mockingjay” in 2010.
However, in May of this year, Collins came out with the fourth book of “The Hunger Game Series,” making it a quadruplet series. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is a prequel of the original trilogy.
Therefore, we couldn’t consider it as part of dystopian trilogy novels already. Nonetheless, we’ve delved into other exciting three-book series that has the element of dystopia. We listed the top 6 of them.
Divergent Trilogy
Veronica Roth well-crafted this trilogy that also became a massive hit both in the number of book copies sold and in cinema. “Divergent” is the first novel that Roth released in 2011. “Insurgent” followed in 2012, and in 2013, the third novel entitled “Allegiant” came out.
Book Series Synopsis:
Roth set this three-book series in a futuristic dystopian society, which comprises of five (5) factions or divisions. In such a setting, the totalitarian government defines its citizens through their personality and social-related association with the sectors mentioned.
The factions’ sole purpose is to eliminate any threat from anyone who wants to practice independence. Thus, threatening the safety of their society.
Overall, the story follows the life and journey of Beatrice “Tris” Prior.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 1556
Goodreads rating – 4.30/5
My rating – 9.30/10
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Divergent
It all starts in the ruins of Chicago city, where totalitarianism and segregation rule. Every year, all teens, sixteen years old, must choose their division under the five factions.
For this particular year, the time the story begins, it is Beatrice “Tris” Prior’s moment to choose. What faction will she belong? Will she go to Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, or Erudite?
However, her test results prove otherwise, marking her as a “Divergent.” Yet, being one has dreadful consequences. Hence, she should keep it a secret.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 487
Goodreads rating – 4.20/5
My rating – 9.30/10
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Insurgent
The second book tackles the emerging war due to the conflict and different ideologies that the five factions are fighting. And so, Tris has to choose a side to fight. It’s also the time that Tris has to embrace her true identity.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 525
Goodreads rating – 4.03/5
My rating – 9.03/10
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Allegiant
The last book of the trilogy is Goodreads’ Choice Winner for 2013. Due to the war brought by violence and struggle of power, the society that Tris once believed shatters.
And so, when Tris and Tobias have a chance to explore the outside world, they begin to journey through the slides and slopes that come along with it. Yet, new revelations surface that Tris must learn to face.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 526
Goodreads rating – 3.62/5
My rating – 9.62/10
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Delirium Trilogy
Another beguiling trilogy that you shouldn’t also miss out is the “Delirium Trilogy” by Lauren Oliver. In 2012, Oliver published the first two books of the series, namely the “Delirium” and “Pandemonium.”
Later, in 2013, “Requiem” became available for readers around the world.
Book Series Synopsis:
Lauren Oliver delivers a dystopian series where love becomes a disease, popularly referred to as the “Amor Deliria Nervosa.” However, scientists were able to invent a supposed cure to it.
With that, the government imposes that all teens who turn eighteen should get the cure. Then, an evaluation to match each with a partner takes place.
All-together, the story follows the life of Lena Haloway, who is about to undergo the cure, but a few days before her schedule, she meets Alex and begins to fall for him. From there, thrills and conflicts begin to arise.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 1207
Goodreads rating – 3.92/5
My rating – 9.92/10
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Delirium
The first book takes place in a future dystopian society of Portland, Maine. During this time, the totalitarian government rules the land, and one of the things that they urged the citizens to believe is that love is a fatal disease often called “the deliria.”
That said, it is mandatory for everyone, who is eighteen and above, to get the cure. Citizens who get the treatment will have to go through a surgical procedure.
While Lena is extremely looking forward to the day that she will get her operation, she meets a man named Alex who will change everything she believes in, and thus, arising conflicts with the government.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 441
Goodreads rating – 3.97/5
My rating – 9.97/10
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Pandemonium
The old Lena is dead and so, is the former life. In this part, Oliver concentrates on a startling sequel on a treacherous journey through the unconfined world, outside of her community, called the Wilds.
Lena enters into the centre of the growing resistance against the government. As she falls in love with Alex, a revolution ignites.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 391
Goodreads rating – 3.74/5
My rating – 9.74/10
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Requiem
At this plot, Lena becomes an active protester. So, the budding rebellion during “Pandemonium” becomes a full-scale revolution in this book “Requiem.” And at the center of the fight is Lena.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 375
Goodreads rating – 4.05/5
My rating – 9.05/10
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Matched Trilogy
This trilogy from Ally Condie details on a tightly-controlled community called “the society,” where the citizens get “Matched” with their career and life partners. As everyone turns seventeen years old, the government subjects them to the process of getting matched.
Book Series Synopsis:
Everything about their life is under the government’s control. From their career to their life partners, it’s going to get arranged or organised, according to the method followed by the administration.
One of those people who will soon undergo the process of “Matched” is Cassia Reyes, where the story mainly evolves or flows. The namesake is the first novel published in the series, followed by “Crossed,” and then, “Reached.”
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 1322
Goodreads rating – 4.12/5
My rating – 9.12/10
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Matched
This book starts the “Matched Trilogy,” which takes place in a dystopian society, where everything about your life is according to the totalitarian government’s process called the “Matched.”
So, in this society, the officials get to decide your work, time of death, and your love partner.
In this plot, Cassia is on her schedule for the matching process. Her “Matched” is her best friend named Xander Carrow. However, when she begins to check his information, a system glitch happens, and another face pops-up on the screen.
It’s Ky Markham, who became divergent, due to the serious infraction his father committed.
Withal, the officials visit her to inform her that her correct “Matched” is Xander and not Ky. It is from this point where the story will lead to choosing between Xander and Ky.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 369
Goodreads rating – 3.66/5
My rating – 9.66/10
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Crossed
In “Crossed,” Cassia decides to find Ky, who gets taken away. She will do anything and sacrifice everything just to see him. So, when she discovers that Ky is no longer within the area of “the Society,” as he has escaped into the wild frontiers.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 367
Goodreads rating – 3.52/5
My rating – 9.52/10
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Reached
Having found what they’ve been looking for, after meeting each other again, Ky and Cassia lose each other one more time. As the story progresses, Cassia becomes an undercover in the Central city, while Ky is outside the borders.
Ky becomes an airship pilot, and Xander, Cassia’s best friend, becomes a medic who happens to have a secret.
All soon together, a revelation is about to surface.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 512
Goodreads rating – 3.56/5
My rating – 9.56/10
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Shatter Me Trilogy
This dystopian thriller book series by Tahereh Mafi is another gripping plot entitled “Shatter Me Trilogy.” The first novel is the namesake of the three-novel series, followed by “Unravel Me,” and third is the “Ignite Me.”
Book Series Synopsis:
The series follows the life of seventeen-year-old Juliette Ferrars, who has the power to paralyze and kill everything, all living organisms, she touches. And nobody knows that her touch is deadly.
Nevertheless, “The Reestablishment” has other plans for her, and that is to use her as a weapon against everyone, who will contradict what the group believes. Yet, Juliette also has another plan for herself.
After living her whole life without freedom, she has finally unravelled her true strength to fight for her rights and choices, including a future with the one she loves.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 1327
Goodreads rating – 4.62/5
My rating – 9.62/10
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Shatter Me
For exactly almost a year, Juliette hasn’t touched anything because the last time she did, it was a disaster. With that, “The Reestablishment” put her behind bars due to the death of someone she touched.
No one, exactly, knows why her touch is deadly, and no one, actually, cares as long as she doesn’t put anyone else in danger. However, with the current dystopian situation in the society, “The Reestablishment” finds Juliette as their possible solution to the problem.
Now, Juliette has to decide to become either a weapon or a warrior.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 338
Goodreads rating – 3.96/5
My rating – 9.96/10
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Unravel Me
In this book, Juliette learns the terrible truth. While everyone gets either paralyzed or dead upon her touch, one man is immune to her deadly powers. Juliette feels fearful, as Warner, the man who she needs to protect herself from has a mysterious immunity against her fatal touch.
Nonetheless, Juliette escapes along with Adam from the clutches of Warner. She finds out that like Warner, Adam also has immunity from her fatal touch. Together, they join a group of rebels, who also possess powers. Thus, Juliette can now fight against “The Reestablishment,” finally, while trying to fix her shattered world.
Also, she hopes to get the answers she needs about why Adam and Warner can’t get affected by her deadly touch from her new allies. From there, a thrilling adventure and romance take place.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 461
Goodreads rating – 4.24/5
My rating – 9.24/10
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Ignite Me
At this point, Juliette is not sure if everyone she knows, including the rebels and Adam, survives upon the destruction of the “Omega Point.” However, nothing can stop her from bringing “The Reestablishment” down definitely.
With her mission, she relies on Warner, the man who she’s trying to protect herself from, and the person who also saved her. Warner helps Juliette hones her power to save their dying world. Yet, it is not the only thing that Warner wants.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 421
Goodreads rating – 4.41/5
My rating – 9.4110
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Under the Never Sky Trilogy
Veronica Rossi created her debut novel in a three-book series. The first of which in this trilogy is “Under the Never Sky,” published in 2012. In 2013, she released her second book entitled “Through the Ever Night,” and lastly, “Into the Still Blue” was on prints in 2014.
Book Series Synopsis:
The plots follow the story of a young girl who has been living within the well-protected city called “Reverie.”
Outside her city is a young boy named Perry, who is both a Scire and a Night Seer. His path will cross with Aria as she embarks a new journey out of the city into the wasteland after getting exiled.
All the rest of the story centers their adventure together outside Reverie.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 1304
Goodreads rating – 4.45/5
My rating – 9.45/10
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Under the Never Sky
The story starts with Aria getting thrown out from the comfort of her home in Reverie City. Her chances of survival outside in “The Death Shop” wasteland are slim.
However, as she embarks on the outer world, she meets Perry. He’s opposite from anyone living in the city where she came. He’s savage and wild, but he’s the only hope for Aria to survive in the wasteland.
Unknown, perhaps, to Aria, Perry needs her too.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 374
Goodreads rating – 4.00/5
My rating – 9.00/10
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Through the Ever Night
In book 2 of the series, Aria and Perry will have a chance to meet again after months of not seeing each other. And that’s after months when Perry became the “Blood Lord of Tides,” and when Aria has to embark on a difficult mission.
However, their reunion will not be as perfect as they possibly imagined. The Tides don’t like Aria, and as other conflicts arise, Aria has to make another hard decision. Is she going to leave to save her and Perry?
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 341
Goodreads rating – 4.15/5
My rating – 9.15/10
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Into the Still Blue
Aria and Perry are out to find their last refuge, the remaining safe haven known to many before their enemies will get it to the place first. They struggle to harmonize their people, and along with it, is their concluding journey to the Still Blue.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 389
Goodreads rating – 4.15/5
My rating – 9.15/10
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The Chemical Garden Trilogy
This Lauren DeStefano’s trilogy includes the books “Wither” in 2011, “Fever” in 2012, and “Sever” in 2013. The story revolves around a futuristic world with a dystopian element. It gives us a glimpse of the consequences of mankind’s endless extreme scientific advancements and developments as we try to deviate from the natural law.
Book Series Synopsis:
A tragic consequence emerges as scientists become successful in engineering perfect humans, free from all kinds of illnesses and disorders.
Along with it is the creation of a virus that takes away the lives of the offsprings at age twenty and twenty-five years old.
“Wither” starts the series with the reality that the offsprings of the perfected humans know when they’re going to die. And one of them is Rhine Ellery. Before her time of death, she gets sold to be a bride to a rich man and finds help from Gabriel.
As the story progresses to book two entitled “Fever,” Rhine and Gabriel flee from the mansion, but are yet to face an apparent danger along with their escape. While she, Rhine, becomes desperate for answers, her clock is ticking as she soon faces her time of death.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 742
Goodreads rating – 4.10/5
My rating – 9.10/10
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Wither
The story begins at a time that “The First Generation” of perfected humans exist, who can live as long as they can and are living an abundant life. Yet, their children or offspring don’t have the same luck. Their perfection brought a virus that kills their kids at an earlier age.
All their female children die when reaching twenty years old. And the male kids will cease to live the moment they get to twenty-five years old. Among these girls is the sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery.
The latter gets captured and sold to a rich man. She becomes one of the three wives, living in a mansion. Eventually, with the help of her husband’s servant Gabriel, she’s able to flee before she turns seventeen years old.
Yet, new conflicts and challenges set in for her.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 358
Goodreads rating – 3.80/5
My rating – 9.80/10
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Fever
From her escape, she embarks on a new journey to find her twin brother in New York. As Rhine and Gabriel move their way to the city, they get held captive by a circus caravan, forcing them to become lovers in a play.
They meet Maddie, a disabled daughter of a prostitute. Together, they plan for an escape, and thus, finding themselves in the orphanage run by Maddie’s grandma, who happens to be a first-generation woman.
As book two is about to end, Rhine gets in danger as she succumbs to the virus. Her fever rises that leads to her hair falling out. Amidst the suffering, she meets the Housemaster of the orphanage, who offers her a reversal to the effects of the virus.
Yet, Rhine has to face a hard decision of what she’s willing to sacrifice from getting the freedom she wants.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 341
Goodreads rating – 3.78/5
My rating – 9.78/10
Sever
In the last book of the trilogy, Rhine finds out about the truth that she and her brother didn’t know, as their parents didn’t explain to them. It’s also in this part that Vaughn’s experiments of reversing the effects of the virus get revealed.
Overall, giving you all the emotions and feelings in a compelling ending.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 371
Goodreads rating – 3.79/5
My rating – 9.79/10
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Final Say
Other than the dystopian trilogy books I mentioned above, there are other three-novel series that you should also consider, such as “The Winterlong,” the “Darkest Minds Series,” “Helliconia Spring,” and “Below the Root,” among many others to mention.
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