5 books you should read if you liked 'The Hunger Games'

Since its publication, Suzanne Collins' dystopian trilogy, 'The Hunger Games,' has captivated readers worldwide with its thrilling narrative, strong characters, and thought-provoking themes. In addition, 'The Hunger Games' has also made its mark in the digital realm with a web series adaptation that has further expanded the captivating world of Panem. The series depicts a post-apocalyptic society where young tributes fight for survival in a brutal televised competition. Here we list down five books you should read if you liked 'The Hunger Games'. These novels will transport you to new worlds, challenge your perceptions, and keep you on the edge of your seat with their heart-pounding narratives and dynamic characters.

'Fourth Wing' is an irresistible fantasy filled with perilous stakes, a determined heroine, intricate political dynamics, a captivatingly passionate romance, and dragons with razor-sharp wit. At the age of 20, Violet Sorrengail, under the command of her influential mother, the Navarre army's commanding general, is coerced into participating in a ruthless competition to gain entry into the esteemed Basgiath War College, where dragon riders are trained. In her quest to become a rider, Violet must endure a series of grueling and life-threatening trials. However, it's not only the dragons that pose a danger; her fellow competitors and classmates harbor animosity towards her, especially Xaden Riorson, a powerful wing leader from the rebel faction and the offspring of a rebel.

'Red Rising' is a dystopian space opera that takes place in a future society where humans have colonized other planets in the solar system. The series is set in a hierarchical society divided by color-coded castes, with Reds being the lowest and the ruling Golds at the top. The story follows the journey of the main protagonist, Darrow, who is a Red miner living and working on Mars. When Darrow discovers that the ruling class, the Golds, has been oppressing and exploiting the Reds, he joins a rebel group called the Sons of Ares and undergoes a transformation to infiltrate the Golds and bring about revolution from within.

The 'Legend' trilogy is a young adult dystopian series written by Marie Lu. The trilogy consists of three books: "Legend," "Prodigy," and "Champion." Set in a futuristic dystopian society, the story follows two main characters, June and Day, whose lives intersect and intertwine in a world divided by social and economic disparities. In the first book, "Legend," we are introduced to June, a prodigy of the Republic's military elite, and Day, a wanted criminal and the Republic's most notorious fugitive. When June's brother is murdered, Day becomes the prime suspect, and June is tasked with apprehending him. As she delves deeper into the investigation, June uncovers secrets about the government's true nature and its oppressive regime.

In 'Immortal Longings', Gong takes readers on a thrilling journey with the vibrant backdrop of 1990s Hong Kong, infused with the pulse-pounding energy reminiscent of "The Hunger Games." Stepping into the realm of adult fantasy, Gong loosely draws inspiration from the tragic tale of Antony and Cleopatra, presenting Princess Calla as the central character. Haunted by the massacre of her parents, Calla has lived in hiding for years. Now, she devises a plan to exact revenge on her uncle, the reclusive King Kasa. The only way to get close to him is by participating in the palace's annual "games" held in the twin cities of San-Er, where competitors risk their lives in pursuit of wealth and power.

N. E. Davenport's enthralling debut novel merges the realms of fantasy and science fiction, setting the stage for a thrilling duology that explores themes of loyalty and rebellion. In a society plagued by racism and misogyny, a young Black woman's journey unfolds as she confronts deadly trials to ascend as an elite warrior. The tale revolves around the bloodshed of a bygone era between the Republic of Mareen and the armies of the Blood Emperor. It delves into the blood gifts possessed by Mareen's most formidable adversaries and the very life force that courses through the veins of the ruling elite War Houses—guardians of the Tribunal, dedicated to preserving the republic.