(There are NO SPOILERS in this post)
Okay, so last week I suggested a bunch of apocalyptic books where the parents have died or dissapeared, and the kids have to survive on their own (you’ll find that post here). This week I’m writing about four series that are more similar to The Hunger Games. They’re about futuristic dystopian America where society has been dramatically altered– which is my all-time favorite kind of books to read. Since I wrote such a long forward last week, this week I’m getting right to it!
The Delerium Series by Lauren Oliver Series completed: Delerium ($7.70), Pandemonium ($7.50) and Requiem ($8.27)
Summary from Amazon- In an alternate United States, love has been declared a dangerous disease, and the government forces everyone who reaches eighteen to have a procedure called the Cure. Living with her aunt, uncle, and cousins in Portland, Maine, Lena Haloway is very much looking forward to being cured and living a safe, predictable life. She watched love destroy her mother and isn’t about to make the same mistakes.
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena meets enigmatic Alex, a boy from the Wilds who lives under the government’s radar. What will happen if they do the unthinkable and fall in love?
What I didn’t like: The ending of the series was slightly more open-ended than I would like. I wasn’t disappointed in it at all, I just would have liked an epilogue of some kind to wrap it up a little better. I ended up not being able to get this series out of my head, so I read some fan fiction epilogues (this is my favorite by far–but don’t read it until after you’ve read the whole series! https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9671382/1/Requiem-Epilogue) and I was quite satisfied after that.
What I loved: This is probably my favorite fictional dystopian world, even above the world of Panem in The Hunger Games. It just seems so very possible and real, and I thought the author did a terrific job of setting the scene and exploring what a world would really be like if love were outlawed. I love the main character, love the romantic angst that tells the story, but isn’t overwhelming, and I love just the idea of it all. One of the most interesting things to me is that the main character, Lena, really seems like she would normally be a supporting character to her best friend Hana. She’s not the typical fierce girl of the young adult genre, and I loved that about her. I thought the whole thing was really well done and deserves a movie pronto! I highly recommend this series for HG fans, or for any young adult reader. Major love here.
The Divergent series by Veronica Roth Series completed: Divergent ($4.99), Insurgent ($6.99) and Allegiant ($6.99)
Summary from Amazon-In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
What I didn’t like: The last book was a huge disappointment, I’m not going to sugar coat it. I wouldn’t recommend you go read any other reviews, because they’ll surely spoil the ending for you, but a huge majority of the book readers agree with me here. It was almost enough that I swore off the upcoming movie and vowed to never recommend the series. After some time away from it, I’m less upset, and I recognize that the series as a whole is still very good, but I still wish it was different. The author just seemed very rushed with the last book, and it was almost like someone new wrote it. The style was different, the plot not as well thought-out, and the conclusion extremely rushed and confusing. I am hoping that the movie series changes the last book, and makes it much better.
What I loved: The first two books. They were awesome! Fast paced and exciting, unpredictable, and a really cool concept. The movie coming out looks amazing, and I’m excited to see it. The writing in the first two was great, the characters complex, and the plot original. I just wish she had spent more time on the last book. As it stands, I still recommend the series, but I want you to know ahead of time that the last book is sub-par. I think if I had known that going into it, that I would not have been as seriously bummed out by it, and would have enjoyed it more. This series is the most like The Hunger Games out of all the ones I’m reviewing today.
The Matched Series by Ally Condie Series Completed: Matched ($7.43), Crossed ($6.94) and Reached ($5.69)
Summary from Amazon- Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander’s face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham’s face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it’s a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she’s destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can’t stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society’s infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.
What I didn’t like: What’s interesting about this series, is that while I don’t have anything bad to say about it, it doesn’t inspire as much passion as the first two series I mentioned. I really liked it, enjoyed the conclusion, and thought it was an interesting take on the government control that is seeping into our own society, but there’s something about it that just doesn’t get me as excited as others. I think it’s just personal preference, or where my head was at the time, because I definitely recommend it, and would read it again. Let me know what you think about that.
What I loved: This series is written like the classic “hero’s journey” and I really thought that was neat. It doesn’t take place all in one spot, and you really go on quite an adventure. The element of governmental control is super fascinating, and the fact that there isn’t a definite good vs. evil is a refreshing take for young adult fiction. I think that the description of this book makes it seem like it’s only a love story, but it’s a lot more than that, and I would challenge you to pick up a copy of this one!
The Selection Series by Kierra Cass Series NOT completed: Two of three finished– The One comes out in May. The Selection ($2.99) and The Elite ($6.99)
Summary from Amazon- For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
What I didn’t like: At first, this book made me laugh. The first ten chapters or so are so much like a non-violent Hunger Games, that I didn’t even know what to think! It seemed like a blatant rip-off. Further into the story it really comes into its own, though, and I’ve really enjoyed it so far. It’s kind of like The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor.
What I loved: You really end up liking the characters in this story a lot. You root for the good guys, hate the bad guys, and are torn in the supposed love triangle. As I mentioned, at first it seems like you’ve read it before, but eventually it’s a real treat. Definitely put this one on your list if you like a “lighter” read with a little gumption. The caste system is really thought provoking, and everything is not as obvious as you might think…
That’s it for today! I hope you decide to read one! Let me know 🙂