WEEKLY BOOK RECS: 6 book reviews and suggestions every week
This week, we’re going a bit darker with some dystopian vibes. If you’re in the mood for gripping worlds where society has crumbled, technology has taken over, or governments have gone rogue, then you’ll want to check out these six dystopian novel book recs. And yep, two of them are indie picks for you to discover some hidden gems! Let’s dive in.
1. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Rating: 4.9/5
Genre: Dystopian, Literary Fiction
Tropes: Oppression, Female Protagonist, Rebellion
Main Characters: Offred, Serena Joy, The Commander
What It's About:The Handmaid’s Tale takes place in the Republic of Gilead, a totalitarian society where women’s rights have been stripped away, and fertile women (called Handmaids) are forced into reproductive servitude. Offred, one of these Handmaids, navigates a world of power, control, and forbidden love as she struggles to survive and, hopefully, escape.
Review:This is a must-read classic for any fan of dystopian fiction. The world that Margaret Atwood creates is terrifyingly plausible, and Offred’s journey is equal parts haunting and empowering. The prose is gorgeous, and the book is filled with biting social commentary that feels more relevant than ever. The pacing can feel a little slow in some parts, but that’s because it’s such a deep, introspective book. The Handmaid’s Tale makes you think long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re new to dystopian novels or just looking for something chillingly real, this one is a powerful place to start.
2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Rating: 4.8/5
Genre: YA Dystopian, Action, Adventure
Tropes: Survival, Love Triangle, Rebellion
Main Characters: Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, Gale Hawthorne
What It's About:Set in the post-apocalyptic world of Panem, The Hunger Games follows 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who is thrust into a deadly competition where 24 teenagers fight to the death on live TV. With only her survival skills, wits, and a growing rebellion to rely on, Katniss becomes the reluctant face of a revolution.
Review:Okay, if you haven’t read The Hunger Games yet, what are you even doing?! This book is so gripping and fast-paced; I couldn’t put it down. Katniss is the ultimate badass heroine, and the dystopian world of Panem is super immersive. The story is full of tension, action, and a little bit of romance, but it’s also a deeper commentary on power, media, and class systems. The world-building is fantastic, and the love triangle isn’t too overbearing (I’m Team Peeta, by the way!). If you’re looking for a dystopian story that’s emotional, thrilling, and iconic, this one’s for you.
3. The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He (Indie Pick)
Rating: 4.4/5
Genre: YA Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Mystery
Tropes: Sibling Bonds, Lost Memory, Environmental Collapse
Main Characters: Cee, Kasey
What It's About:In a world ravaged by environmental disasters, Cee is stranded on an abandoned island with no memory of how she got there. All she knows is that she has to find her sister, Kasey, who’s living in one of Earth’s last eco-cities. As Kasey works on saving humanity from further collapse, Cee fights to find her way back to her.
Review:This book is stunning. The writing is lyrical and poetic, and the bond between the two sisters drives the emotional core of the story. It’s a slower-paced, character-driven dystopian novel that asks big questions about humanity, environmental responsibility, and technology. There are twists and turns that you won’t see coming, and it has this haunting, melancholic vibe that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. It’s a bit more complex than your standard YA dystopian, but that’s what makes it special. If you’re in the mood for something thought-provoking and gorgeously written, this indie gem will not disappoint.
4. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Rating: 4.7/5
Genre: Dystopian, Literary Fiction
Tropes: Post-Apocalypse, Survival, Hope Amid Chaos
Main Characters: Kirsten Raymonde, Arthur Leander, The Prophet
What It's About:Station Eleven follows a group of characters before, during, and after a flu pandemic wipes out most of the world’s population. Twenty years later, a troupe of actors and musicians travel the remnants of North America, performing Shakespeare and trying to preserve the best parts of humanity in a world filled with darkness.
Review:This is one of the most beautifully written dystopian novels I’ve ever read. It’s less about the collapse of society and more about the people who are left behind, trying to find meaning and connection. The characters are all deeply flawed but so relatable, and the story moves back and forth between timelines, giving you a full picture of how the world fell apart. It’s a slower, more literary take on the dystopian genre, but it’s so emotionally impactful. If you want a dystopian novel that makes you reflect on art, humanity, and hope, Station Eleven is a must-read.
5. Severance by Ling Ma (Indie Pick)
Rating: 4.3/5
Genre: Literary Fiction, Dystopian, Satire
Tropes: Pandemic, Survival, Corporate Culture
Main Characters: Candace Chen, Bob, Ashley
What It's About:In Severance, a global pandemic turns people into mindless workers, repeating their daily routines until they die. Candace Chen is one of the few survivors, navigating a crumbling New York City and clinging to the last remnants of her office job as the world falls apart around her.
Review:This book is so unique! It’s a darkly funny, satirical take on the apocalypse, and the way it critiques corporate culture and consumerism is genius. Candace is an interesting and flawed protagonist, and the world Ling Ma builds feels eerily plausible (especially post-2020). The writing is sharp, and the pacing alternates between slow, introspective moments and bursts of tension. It’s not your typical action-packed dystopian, but if you’re looking for something that combines literary fiction with dystopian themes and a dash of dark humor, Severance is a standout indie pick.
6. 1984 by George Orwell
Rating: 4.9/5
Genre: Classic Dystopian, Political Fiction
Tropes: Totalitarian Government, Surveillance, Rebellion
Main Characters: Winston Smith, Julia, O’Brien
What It's About:In Orwell’s classic dystopian world of Oceania, Big Brother watches your every move. Winston Smith works for the Party, rewriting history to suit the government’s needs. But Winston begins to question the regime and starts a dangerous journey of rebellion, secrecy, and forbidden love.
Review:1984 is the OG dystopian novel. Orwell’s vision of a totalitarian state where privacy is nonexistent and free thought is forbidden still feels disturbingly relevant. Winston’s story is dark and tragic, but it’s also a powerful exploration of the human spirit’s need for freedom. The writing is masterful, and the world-building is so immersive that it makes you feel the weight of living under constant surveillance. It’s not a light read, but it’s essential if you love dystopian fiction. Be prepared to feel unsettled, but also in awe of how prophetic Orwell’s vision was.
Which dystopian world are you ready to dive into first? Let me know which of these dark, gripping reads you’re adding to your TBR pile, and don’t forget to tag us in your #DystopianReads posts on instagram @apolloimperium! 🌍📚🔥
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