Top 5 Best Dystopian Future Books to Read in 2024

5 books stashed in the warehouse

Here at CuriousMatrix.com we enjoy exploring topics about future. And when writing about future, there is always potential for some kind dystopia. That’s why we also enjoy dystopian future books.

These books offer a glimpse into a future that is bleak, oppressive, and often terrifying.

While some of the most well-known dystopian books include classics like 1984 and Brave New World, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 best dystopian future books that you might not have heard of.

When choosing the books for our list, we looked for stories that were both well-written and engaging, with unique and imaginative worlds.

We also looked for books that offered a unique perspective on the dystopian genre, rather than simply copying the same tired tropes.


Without further ado, here is list of top 5 best dystopian future books:

  1. Red Rising
  2. The Marriage Act
  3. Ready Player One
  4. Recruitment: A Dystopian Novel
  5. Zone One

Top 5 Best Dystopian Future Books

Each of these books offers a unique take on the genre, and we’re confident that you’ll find at least one that will keep you up all night, or day – depending on your preference.

Red Rising

Red rising book

If you’re looking for a thrilling dystopian novel with a unique storyline, Red Rising is the book for you.

Pros

  • The world-building is exceptional, and you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the story.
  • The characters are well-developed and memorable, with complex personalities and motivations.
  • The fast-paced plot will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Cons

  • The beginning of the book can be a bit slow, which might turn off some readers.

In Red Rising, we follow the story of Darrow, a member of the lowest caste in a society that has been divided into a strict hierarchy based on color. Darrow is recruited by a group of rebels who want to overthrow the ruling class and create a more just society. As Darrow rises through the ranks of the rebellion, he must navigate a dangerous political landscape and confront his own beliefs about justice and morality.

Overall, we highly recommend Red Rising to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.


The Marriage Act

Book cover: The Marriage Act

If you’re looking for a thrilling dystopian future book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, The Marriage Act should definitely be on your list.

Pros

  • The short chapters from different characters make for an engaging and well-rounded story.
  • Marrs’ dark and twisty mind is on full display, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns.
  • The book presents a thought-provoking cautionary tale about the dangers of government overreach and social media influence.

Cons

  • Some readers may find the multiple perspectives and back-and-forth timelines confusing.

The Marriage Act presents a chilling vision of a near-future Britain where marriage is mandatory and social media controls every aspect of life. Marrs’ writing is sharp and suspenseful, with plenty of surprises along the way.


Ready Player One

Book cover: Ready player one

Ready Player One is a real thrilling adventure that takes you on a journey through a unique virtual world.

Pros

  • The book is fast-paced and exciting, making it hard to put down.
  • The virtual world described in the book is incredibly imaginative and immersive.
  • The audiobook version is expertly narrated by Wil Wheaton.

Cons

  • Some readers may find the book’s reliance on pop culture references to be overwhelming.

By taking us on a journey through a virtual world that is both imaginative and immersive, Ready Player One earns its spot on our list of the Top 5 Best Dystopian Future Books.


Recruitment: A Dystopian Novel

Book cover: The Resistance Trilogy

If you are a fan of dystopian novels, we highly recommend Recruitment: A Dystopian Novel (The Resistance Trilogy) by K.A. Riley.

Pros

  • The storyline is intriguing and keeps you engaged from start to finish.
  • The characters are well-developed and easy to relate to, even the villains.
  • The twist ending is unexpected and satisfying.

Cons

  • The first few chapters have a lot of characters and can be confusing to keep track of.

Recruitment: A Dystopian Novel takes place in a future where the United States has become a totalitarian regime called The Federation. The story follows a group of rebels who are fighting against The Federation and trying to recruit others to join their cause. The main character, Manthy, is a supernatural being who has been hiding her abilities to avoid being captured by The Federation.

The characters in the book are well-developed and easy to relate to, even the villains. The author does a great job of showing how every person in the “family” contributes, from Manthy’s supernatural abilities to her brother’s tech skills. The storyline is intriguing and keeps you engaged from start to finish. The twist ending is rather unexpected but extremely satisfying.


Zone One

Book cover: Zone One

If you’re looking for a unique take on the zombie apocalypse, Zone One might be the book for you.

Pros

  • The writing style is beautiful and elevates the genre.
  • The story explores the aftermath of a disaster, which is a refreshing change from typical zombie stories.
  • The characters are well-developed and relatable.

Cons

  • The pacing can be slow at times, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea..

We enjoyed reading Zone One because of its unique take on the zombie apocalypse. The author’s writing style is beautiful and elevates the genre, making it a standout read. Additionally, the story explores the aftermath of a disaster, which is a refreshing change from typical zombie stories. The characters are well-developed and relatable, which makes it easy to become invested in their survival.


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