Dystopian novels to read during quarantine

I can’t speak for everyone, but quarantine is driving me insane. Reading has been one of the only things keeping me calm through this stressful time and is a way for me to take my mind off the world around me. 

Dystopia has been one of my favorite genres for a while. I find the storylines so entertaining and the books always keep me at the edge of my seat.  I have compiled a list of seven amazing dystopian novels to read during quarantine to help make this time a little easier. 

1. Shatter Me by Tarerah Mafi 

The first novel in a six-book installment, Shatter Me follows a girl named Juillet whose touch can kill and is locked away for murder. In a world that’s falling apart, where most people live in fear, the reestablishment, a government organization, says it’s the only hope. But is the government lying? Maybe Juillet is meant to do more than sit in a prison cell. If you are looking for a book that has a unique plot and characters you fall in love with, this book is for you. With Mafi’s beautiful deep writing and plot twist after plot twist, the book will keep you reading and knock you right off your seat.

2. The Book of Ivy by Amy Engel 

The Book of Ivy mixes alliances, betrayal and love in a society that was split apart by two families who fought to control the ruins of one country. In order to keep peace, the losing family’s daughters are married to the winning family’s sons. But when Ivy Westfall is married to Bishop, the president’s son, peace is that last thing on her mind. She has one mission: to kill him. This book is a great read and makes you question everything you thought about sacrifice. If you like books that have two strong lead characters and involve trust and betrayal, this book is for you. Ivy Westfall is one of my favorite protagonists and will without a doubt make you laugh and cry multiple times. 

3. Under the Never Sky Veronica Rossi 

Aria has lived inside the dome of reverie her entire life — a man-made dome used for protection against the wastelands. Her friends, job and life are all there. But when Aria’s mom goes missing, she knows she has to take her chances in the dangerous outside wasteland. Although when she meets Perry, who is also looking for someone, her hope spikes in finding her mom. But there is one problem: Perry’s a wild, someone who lives outside the dome, and can’t be trusted. Or so she thinks. This novel has a great storyline and will keep you turning the page. If you like books about corrupt government or romance, Under the Never Sky has a great balance between the two. 

4. Reboot by Amy Tintera 

If you need a unique storyline that fascinates you, Reboot is exactly what you need to read. In this novel zombies aren’t real but Reboots are, and they are an essential part of society. Reboots are someone who died and came back to life. The longer they are dead, the stronger and faster they are, and the less emotion they have when they wake up. Wren Connolly was dead for 178 minutes and is one of the strongest reboots there is. She is also the best soldier there is, obedient and loyal to the HARC. But while training new reboots, Wren meets Callum, who was only dead for 22 minutes and is partially human. But something about the weak reboot intrigues Wren, but if she steps out of line she is as good as dead. But maybe rebelling is exactly what she needs. This book was so creatively written and showed the importance of emotion and acting off of them. Humor is also sprinkled throughout the book and it perfectly balances the mood. 

5. The Murder Complex by Lindsey Cummings 

If you love a good plot twist this book is made for you. The Muder Complex is a book full of coincidences, or is it? In a society where the death rate is higher than the birth rate, no one is safe. Meadow Woodson is no exception, and she knows that. It’s why her father taught her to fight and kill. One day she meets Zephyr James, who is a programmed assassin for the murder complex, the organizstion who runs their society. But Zephyr doesn’t know what he is and as secrets unfold, they start to think if their meeting was coincidence or fate. This novel has such a big plot twist in it that it pained me to stop reading. Meadow is such a strong antagonist, and I also enjoy a novel with a fierce female lead.

6. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken 

This novel is one of the first dystopian books I read and sparked my interest in the genre. It follows a girl named Ruby, who like millions of other kids was infected with a mysterious disease when she was younger. Only some died of the disease, while others came out with frightening abilities, and Ruby was one of them. Her abilities get her sent to a rehabilitation camp like thousands of others. But after one chaotic night, Ruby escapes and finds a team of others like her. They make a journey to East River, a safe haven. But as they arrive, nothing is what the thought it was, and they are left with more questions than answers. This book was beautiful and put me through an emotional roller coaster. Alexandra Bracken brings a sense of realism into this book which left me feeling unsettled in the best way and is something not many authors can do well. 

7. Delirium by Lauren Oliver 

This novel takes place in a world where love is considered a disease and everyone must get a procedure called the cure when they turn 18 to prevent the “disease.” Lena Haloway couldn’t be happier to get the procedure done — anything so she doesn’t make the same mistake her mother did. But when Lena meets Alex, who lives in the wilds, a place that isn’t under the government’s control, Lena starts to question what she once thought. Delirium covers a concept I had never read about before and shows a whole new meaning to love. Lauren Oliver seamlessly combines romance and dystopia into a book that is very beautifully written.