Best Dystopian Horror Books To Read
The world of dystopian has become more interesting in the advent of Young Adult instalments of Hunger Games, Divergent, and many others. It has also paved the way for many dystopian fiction sub-genres, such as sci-fi, historical, and horror. Speculative fiction has always been a fascinating genre that leaves a lot of room for the imagination.
Here are some of the most spine-chilling dystopian horror titles you will read.
This post contains some affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.
Also Read:
Underrated Dystopian Novels To Read
The Running Man
Yet another acclaimed novel under his pseudonym Richard Bachman, Stephen King never fails to scare you out of your wits in this novel. It details a reality TV show wherein Ben Richards, a contestant, needs to survive from being hunted by trained killers.
This surprisingly prophetic piece from King delves into the themes of fear, poverty, and extreme oppression. It leaves the readers both satisfied and horrified at its conclusion.
The Running Man is an allegory to the illusion of the American Dream, and King intelligently crafts it within the horrifying plot of this book.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 317
Goodreads rating – 4.10/5
My rating – 9/10
For The Latest Price:
American War
The novel details the Second Civil War and a catastrophic plague that is pulling America apart at the seams. The novel’s lens is focused on Sarat Chestnut, a young girl who is born and shaped into a world of chaos.
Battling ideologies, irreconcilable differences, and a thirst for blood is what motivates the whole novel. It’s a comprehensive take on America’s current political and military clashes, as well as environmental demise.
This debut novel from Omar El Akkad perpetually haunts its readers for its plausibility and realistic themes. American War is a timely novel that resonates with its readers.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 384
Goodreads rating – 3.79/5
My rating – 8/10
For The Latest Price:
World War Z: An Oral History oF The Zombie War
This zombie apocalypse novel details a wildly contagious virus that instantly devastates the world. We then see an action-packed journey of humans to literally run for their lives away from bloodthirsty mutants.
Max Brooks crafts an eerie world of a pandemic that is timely, realistic, and horrifying. World War Z offers a fresh and strong take on the apocalyptic genre.
This compelling masterpiece sets a standard for the dystopian horror and zombie genres; a true must-read for apocalypse junkies.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 342
Goodreads rating – 4/5
My rating – 9/10
For The Latest Price:
I Am Legend
The novel details the life of Robert Neville after becoming the sole survivor of a pandemic, whilst the rest of the world has turned into blood-hungry, almost lifeless creatures.
I Am Legend goes beyond the horrors of zombies and vampires. It intensely goes head to head with the psychological and mental blows of self-isolation.
Richard Matheson solidified his name in the genre by offering fresh ideas and solid characters in this novel. It is a chilling take on apocalypse and how humanity will be able to save themselves.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 162
Goodreads rating – 4.07/5
My rating – 8.5/10
For The Latest Price:
The Road
The novel is a harrowing journey of a father and a son through lifeless, devastated America. They go on to their journey albeit without any destination.
The Road never fails to sustain the readers’ attention, continuously leaving them on the fence about what’s about to come. It bravely tackles fatherhood, poverty, and death.
This classic from Cormac McCarthy proved him to be a lyrical writer. The Road is an overall genius take on the consequences of an apocalypse, as well as the lengths at which humans would go to survive.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 241
Goodreads rating – 3.97/5
My rating – 8/10
For The Latest Price:
Bird Box
In a world where an invisible and unknown phenomenon forces people to take their own lives, Malorie must use all she’s got to save her children and herself. With a blindfold and two children, she must find a new home once and for all.
Bird Box poses its readers a challenge to visualize the events, without knowing exactly what is ahead. This heart-pounding story about a mother and facing what is unknown is a satisfying read.
This hair-raising debut from Josh Malerman creates a captivating yet terrifying world that readers will surely find themselves immersed in.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 262
Goodreads rating – 4/5
My rating – 8/10
For The Latest Price:
Rot and Ruin
The book is set several years after a horrifying zombie outbreak that changed the way humans live. Benny, a fifteen-year-old, must sign up for a job to become a zombie hunter, and on his way to discover that his sheltered life isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.
Rot and Ruin is a seemingly ordinary zombie novel, but with a minor twist. It takes on tried-and-true themes to create a vicious world that is compelling and frightening.
This novel from Jonathan Maberry is one that zombie fans of all ages will appreciate. It paces the story wonderfully and successfully sustains the thrill.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 458
Goodreads rating – 4.10/5
My rating – 9/10
For The Latest Price:
A Clockwork Orange
Set in a dystopian England, the novel details Alex, a teenage gang leader, and the story of his psychological rehabilitation rid himself of his deviant behaviour. It further explores the world of juvenile delinquency and extreme violence.
Although it doesn’t utilize traditional horror plots to frighten its readers, A Clockwork Orange uses real-life horror to effectively disturb and frighten. With its interesting narrative device, it successfully keeps the readers on edge.
Anthony Burgess has created a dystopian, yet somehow still a realistic world of violence, hatred, and brutality. It’s a brilliant classic that dares to break the rules.
Genre – Dystopian Literature
Pages – 240
Goodreads rating – 4/5
My rating – 7.5/10
For The Latest Price:
Final Say
The dystopian horror genre is a one-of-a-kind world you can immerse yourself in. It is a surprising blend of two already terrifying genres – dystopia and horror. These novels aim to be both thought-provoking and horrifying at the same time.
Also Enjoy Reading:
