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A dark, immersive dystopian adventure that’s equal parts thrilling and heartbreaking. Not for the faint of heart, but fans of gritty YA and unique sci-fi worlds won’t be able to put it down.

If you liked The Knife of Never Letting Go, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1
    Scythe
    Book 1 in the series:Arc of a Scythe

    Scythe - Arc of a Scythe by Neal Shusterman
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    A clever, philosophical YA dystopian thriller with memorable worldbuilding, though not without flaws. Worth a try if you want a fresh take on what happens after humanity conquers death.

    In the book 'Scythe' by Neal Shusterman, set in a future world where immortality is granted, the story revolves around the concept of Scythes who are tasked with controlling the population by gleaning lives. The plot follows two young apprentices, Citra and Rowan, as they navigate the ethical dilemmas and challenges within Scythedom. The writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, delving into themes of morality, ethics, compassion, and justice within a dystopian society where death is controlled by a select few.

    The scythe arrived late on a cold November afternoon. Citra was at the dining room table, slaving over a particularly difficult algebra problem, shuffling variables, unable to solve for X or Y, when t...
    November 2016
    453 pages

  2. #2
    The Maze Runner
    Book 1 in the series:The Maze Runner

    The Maze Runner - The Maze Runner by James Dashner
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    An addictive, twisty YA dystopian thrill ride with non-stop action and a mysterious, high-stakes maze… but be ready for a slow start and plenty of unanswered questions. Great for fans of high-octane, suspenseful adventures!

    In "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner, readers are introduced to a mysterious world where teenage boys find themselves trapped in a place called The Glade with no memories of their past. The Glade is surrounded by high walls, and outside lies a dangerous maze filled with monsters. The protagonist, Thomas, navigates through this tension-filled and suspenseful story, trying to unravel the mysteries of the maze and the reason behind their presence in the Glade. Dashner's writing style keeps readers engaged and curious, with a plot that is both complex and intriguing.

    Metal ground against metal; a lurching shudder shook the floor beneath him. He fell down at the sudden movement and shuffled backward on his hands and feet, drops of sweat beading on his forehead desp...
    September 2009
    416 pages

  3. #3
    The Forgetting
    Book 1 in the series:The Forgetting

    The Forgetting - The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron
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    If you’re after a fresh, twisty YA dystopian ride with a memorable heroine and cool world-building, The Forgetting is absolutely worth your time - even if you’ve had your fill of dystopian reads. It’s a standout for fans of the genre and those who crave something just a little bit different.

    In the city of Canaan, society experiences the Forgetting every 12 years, where everyone loses their memories unless they have been documented in a book. The protagonist, Nadia, stands out as she retains her memories, leading her to question the truth behind the Forgetting and the origins of their society. Along with her friend Gray, they uncover sinister secrets that challenge everything they have been told. The book explores themes of manipulation, truth, and the importance of memory, with a mix of dystopian and sci-fi elements that keep readers engaged. The narrative is described as unique, engaging, and filled with surprising twists that culminate in a satisfying ending.

    When I first opened my eyes I saw a room of white stone, and the light was bright, too bright, coming into the room from two high windows. I have never been so afraid. I don’t know this room. I don’t...
    September 2016
    417 pages

  4. #4

    A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World by C.A. Fletcher
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    A beautifully written, thoughtful post-apocalyptic adventure that explores loyalty and humanity - with a few unexpected twists. Highly recommended for anyone who loves dogs or reflective survival journeys.

    In a post-apocalyptic world, the protagonist Griz embarks on a journey to retrieve his stolen dog, Jip, after a thief takes it from their isolated island. The narrative follows Griz's adventures through a depopulated world filled with challenges and surprises, as he navigates the ruins of the old world and documents his travels in a journal. The book delves into themes of loyalty, survival, and the enduring bond between humans and dogs, set against a backdrop of a slowly fading world and the remnants of a forgotten society.

    When we were hunters and gatherers and walked out of Africa and began to spread across the world, they came with us. They guarded our fires as we slept and they helped us bring down prey in the long d...
    April 2019
    395 pages

  5. #5
    Unwind
    Book 1 in the series:Unwind

    Unwind - Unwind by Neal Shusterman
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    Dark, gripping, and bold - Unwind is a standout dystopian thriller that will challenge what you believe about life, ethics, and society. Not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable if you’re up for it.

    In a future America after the Heartland War, a peace treaty was signed allowing parents to have their children unwound between the ages of 13 to 18, where their body parts are harvested. The book follows the journey of three unwinds, Connor, Risa, and Lev, as they try to escape being unwound and find purpose in a society where children's lives are disposable. The plot is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, exploring themes of identity, escape, and survival.

    The writing style of the book is described as intense, thought-provoking, and gripping. It presents a dystopian universe where the concept of unwinding challenges societal norms around life, compassion, and the value of human beings. The author, Neal Shusterman, skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, creating well-formed characters that evolve throughout the narrative, making the readers question moral dilemmas and the consequences of societal decisions.

    Connor isn’t so sure, but looking into Ariana’s eyes makes his doubts go away, if only for a moment. Her eyes are sweet violet with streaks of gray. She’s such a slave to fashion—always getting the ne...
    2007
    353 pages

  6. #6
    The Knowing
    Book 2 in the series:The Forgetting

    The Knowing - The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron
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    A solid, imaginative sequel with plenty for dystopian fans to love - even if it doesn’t hit quite as hard as The Forgetting, it’s still a compelling return to a fascinating world.

    In "The Knowing," readers are transported to a separate community from the one in "The Forgetting." Samara, a member of this group, discovers that their belief in creating a utopia is challenged when they encounter Earth people, leading to a complex exploration of truth and motives. The plot, set long after the first book, introduces new characters like Samara and Beckett, whose experiences on a new planet and revelations about the past intertwine with themes of love, discovery, and survival.

    I lower myself down, hand over hand, the sheered, sparkling rock of the cliff face slipping by at a pace that is agonizingly slow. I saw a boy from the Outside scaling a rope once, snatching fruit fro...
    October 2017
    449 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Forgetting )

  7. #7

    After the Flood by Kassandra Montag
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    A high-concept, waterlogged dystopian adventure with a fiercely flawed heroine - ambitious and atmospheric, if not always perfectly executed. Worth a try for fans of tense, character-driven survival tales.

    "After the Flood" by Kassandra Montag is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a world where rising floodwaters have submerged most of the land, leaving only scattered settlements on high peaks and people living on boats. The story follows Myra, a mother trying to survive with her daughter Pearl, as they embark on a dangerous journey to find Myra's older daughter, Row, who was kidnapped years ago. The book is praised for its fast-paced writing style, strong character development, and a plot filled with adventure, survival, and emotional depth.

    The novel explores themes of family, survival, trust, and resilience in the face of disaster. It follows Myra's desperate quest to reunite with her lost daughter, navigating a treacherous world filled with marauders, challenges, and unexpected alliances. The gripping narrative, well-developed characters, and vivid world-building make "After the Flood" a compelling read that delves into the complexities of human nature and relationships in extreme circumstances.

    Seagulls circled over our boat, which made me think of Row. The way she squawked and waved her arms when she was first trying to walk; the way she stood completely still for almost an hour, watching t...
    September 2019
    438 pages

  8. #8

    The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
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    A tense, feminist dystopian thriller that’s equal parts brutal and beautiful. Not perfect, but unforgettable - and definitely worth the hype for fans of dark YA with substance.

    The Grace Year by Kim Liggett is a thought-provoking YA novel set in a near future society where 16-year-old girls are banished to an isolated camp for a year to rid themselves of a perceived magic that grows within them. The story follows Tierney James as she embarks on her own Grace Year, facing physical and emotional challenges while unraveling the mysteries of the society she lives in. The book explores themes of control, survival, sisterhood, and the resilience of women in the face of societal expectations and oppression.

    I follow her through the woods, a well-worn path I’ve seen a thousand times. Ferns, lady-slipper, and thistle, the mysterious red flowers dotting the path. Five petals, perfectly formed, like they wer...
    October 2019
    418 pages

  9. #9
    The Rain
    Book 1 in the series:Rain

    The Rain - Rain by Joseph A. Turkot
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    Atmospheric and immersive, "The Rain" is a slow-burning, emotional ride through a waterlogged world. It’s a great pick for fans of character-driven post-apocalyptic stories, but might drag for those who crave fast pacing and airtight logic.

    The Rain trilogy by Joseph Turkot follows the story of a female protagonist who embarks on an epic journey in a world where it rains 24/7 nonstop every day. The series explores a post-apocalyptic setting where the main characters face the challenges of relentless rain, survival, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as descriptive and immersive, allowing readers to feel and visualize the cold and damp environment vividly.

    The thing that always comes to mind first isn’t the how though, it’s the how much. Back when they were taking measurements still, according to Russell, the numbers to know were 15 and 5,400. Now he’s...
    December 2013
    365 pages

  10. #10
    The Passage
    Book 1 in the series:The Passage

    The Passage - The Passage by Justin Cronin
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    A darkly captivating, big-hearted, and ambitious dystopian thriller - perfect for fans of epic, character-driven horror, but beware the slow build and hefty page count.

    In 'The Passage' by Justin Cronin, a dystopian future unfolds where vampire-like creatures control most of North America due to a failed experiment. The story spans over a hundred years, exploring the aftermath of the virus outbreak and the struggle for survival in a world devastated by these creatures. The narrative is filled with well-developed characters, compelling backstories, and a complex inner dialogue, all woven together through various storytelling techniques like first-person narratives, third-person perspectives, and journal entries.

    The book captivates readers with its gripping plot, multi-layered storytelling, and unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre. It delves into themes of survival, hope, and the unknown future in a world where civilization has crumbled under the threat of vampire-like beings. With a mix of suspense, mystery, and elements of horror, 'The Passage' keeps readers on the edge of their seats, immersing them in a world where the line between humanity and monstrosity blurs.

    The day Amy was born, her mother, Jeanette, was nineteen years old. Jeanette named her baby Amy for her own mother, who’d died when Jeanette was little, and gave her the middle name Harper for Harper...
    June 2010
    785 pages

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