1. THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins
This is one of the most well known dystopian books, and most others in the genre are compared to it. The trilogy tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl living in a harsh future. Her world is divided into 12 districts, all ruled over by the rich and powerful Capitol. Every year, a raffle (called the reaping) is held to determine which twenty four 12-18-year-olds will take part in the Hunger Games, a brutal fight to the death. Katniss volunteers when her sisters name is called, and the plot spirals out from there.
The reason this book is so good and so unique is the detail put into Panem, Katniss' world, and the people who live in it. The most interesting part of the world of these novels is the huge contrast between the Capitol and the Districts; the Capitol citizens look down on and do not respect those from the Districts. The Hunger Games bears reference to our world because it shows what could happen if one nation or group took control of everyone else, and the affect that could have on everyone else, even children. This hugely popular franchise now has two films, with another two to follow soon, and a massive fan-base, so now is the time to read these books!
2. LEGEND by Marie Lu
This is much less well known dystopian trilogy, but still one of the best, and one that deserves a lot more popularity. These books tell the story of a future where the USA has split into two warring nations: the Republic and the Colonies. Legend tells the stories of June Iparis, the Republic's most perfect prodigy, and Day, their most wanted criminal. It is written with alternating chapters in Day and June's perspectives, which is an unusual feature which gives the books more depth. Anyway, Day and June have no reason to ever meet… until the night June's brother Metias is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. June sets out on a mission to track down her brother's killer and bring him to justice, but on her trip she starts to discover the shocking secrets the Republic have been hiding. Maybe Day isn't her worst enemy after all…
The most unique thing about the dystopian world of Legend is how there are so many shocking twists about the Republic; there are dark secrets around every corner. Legend is related to our world today because the Trial that 12-year-olds take in the Republic reflects our attitude to wanting only the strongest and best people in our society. This little-known trilogy really is excellent, so read it and spread the word!
3. DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth
Divergent has seen a lot of publicity lately with the film released in March this year. But, as good as the film is, the book is so much better. This trilogy tells the story of 16-year-old Beatrice Prior who lives in a future where her city is divided into five "factions". Each of these believe the old world fell because of a different bad human trait, and now live trying to be the opposite of that. Beatrice grew up in Abnegation, the selfless faction, but now has the option of moving to a new faction. But that would mean leaving her beloved family behind… After an aptitude test, it is determined that Tris is equally selfless, and brave, and knowledgeable. She is Divergent. But what does that mean, and which faction should she choose?
This is a thrilling story with action, romance and adventure. The most unique thing about the world of the Divergent trilogy is how the factions in Tris's city are so different, and how they react to each other's very different views. Divergent relates to our world because it shows how people can split apart a lot over a small difference in opinion. This is one not to miss, and now is the perfect time to start on the trilogy.
4. THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner
This trilogy and prequel is a really interesting and different dystopia. The first book takes place in The Glade, a small area surrounded by a huge stone maze. Inside the glade are about fifty boys all aged between 12 and 18… and none of them remember anything about their previous lives except their first names. Each month a new boy arrives through an old lift. When Thomas arrives, the gladers notice that things start to change. Thomas seems different, more curious than the previous boys, and has a strange urge to join the runners, the gladers who try to find a way out of the deadly and mysterious maze. Then one day later, a girl arrives into the glade and everything changes.
This is an exciting dystopian world and the books are filled with mystery and suspense. Maze Runner will probably appeal to boys more than the other books, but it really is for both genders. The characters in this are excellent, particularly Newt and Teresa. This is also one of the most original worlds; you won't find another book like it. The Maze Runner relates to our world because the decisions WICKED make about The Flare in the later books show how one small thing could destroy the world, and how people do not always agree with the majority. With the film coming out in October, this is should be on your must-read list!
5. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Uglies is one of the first books in this genre; it was published in 2005, well before Hunger Games or Divergent. This trilogy focuses on themes of beauty and identity with some stunning twists, and tells the story of Tally Youngblood, who is alone in a world where your sixteenth birthday brings a life-changing operation to turn you from a vile Ugly to a perfect and attractive Pretty. Tally is 15, and her best friend Peris has already turned pretty. One day, Tally meets Shay, an Ugly with the exact same birthday as her. The two become great friends, playing tricks and hoverboarding. But it turns out that Shay isn't too keen to be made pretty; she's heard of a seemingly better alternative. When Shay runs away, Tally is faced with the worst choice she could imagine. Will she turn pretty at all? The most unique thing about the future of Uglies is how it relates to our world today, with all the current anxiety about girls worrying obsessively over their appearance. This is a really unique book so its time to give it a go!
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2014/aug/04/my-top-five-ya-dystopian-novels-for-teens-divergent-hunger-games