The Hunger Games series has captivated readers for years, and with Suzanne Collins’ latest in the series, Sunrise on the Reaping, we’re once again getting thrown back into the brutal world of Panem. In this new prequel, we’re finally getting the story of Katniss’ mentor Haymitch Abernathy as he competed in the 50th annual Hunger Games.

If you’ve already finished Sunrise on the Reaping or you’re waiting for your turn to borrow it on Libby, there are plenty of thrilling, dystopian, and action-packed series to keep you entertained. From deadly competitions to rebellions against corrupt governments, these Hunger Games read-alikes capture the same high-stakes tension, political intrigue, and compelling characters that make Suzanne Collins’ iconic series so unputdownable.

May the odds of finding a great read be ever in your favor!

If you want dystopian survival…

Gone by Michael Grant
🎧 Audiobook

In an instant, everyone over the age of 15 disappears, leaving a town of kids to fend for themselves. As they struggle to survive, supernatural powers begin to emerge, and alliances form and crumble.

This fast-paced, dystopian thriller has the same gripping tension and themes of survival and leadership found in The Hunger Games. This series is dark and addictive and draws on aspects of Lord of the Flies.

Divergent by Veronica Roth
🎧 Audiobook

Odds are if you were obsessed with The Hunger Games when it first came out, you probably have read, seen, or at least heard of the Divergent trilogy.

Set in a rigidly divided society of five factions, Beatrice Prior must choose between staying with her Abnegation family and transferring factions. As she trains to survive in her new world, she unearths dangerous secrets that could destroy everything.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
🎧 Audiobook

Here’s another series that went hand-in-hand with The Hunger Games back in the day as it was originally published in 2009. If you love mystery and tension, this thrilling series will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Thomas wakes up in a strange place with no memory of how he got there. Surrounding him is a giant, ever-changing maze with deadly creatures lurking in the shadows. Can he and the other boys trapped inside escape before it's too late?

If you want a deadly competition…

The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen
🎧 Audiobook

I recommend this book to anyone who likes The Hunger Games as well as Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

This Greek mythology-inspired romantasy follows Lyra, a cursed office clerk from the Order of Thieves, as she is thrust into the world of the gods. For the first time ever, Hades has entered the Crucible, the deadly contest the gods hold to determine a new ruler to sit on the throne of Olympus. Hades has chosen Kira to be his champion and no one, not even Kira, knows why.

This first installment in the Crucible series ends in a massive cliff hanger, but don’t fret. The next installment, The Things Gods Break, comes out in September.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
🎧 Audiobook

In a world divided by blood—common Reds and elite Silvers—Mare Barrow is a Red who unexpectedly discovers she has a powerful ability. To keep her under control, the royal family forces her into their world of deception and politics. But Mare has her own plans for rebellion.

Captivated by the class struggles and political maneuvering in The Hunger Games? Then this series is a must-read.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
🎧 Audiobook

A game of magic, deception, and intrigue—Scarlett and her sister escape their home to compete in Caraval, a legendary performance where nothing is as it seems. But when her sister disappears, the game becomes more dangerous than Scarlett ever imagined.

This series blends fantasy with high-stakes adventure, making it a great pick for Hunger Games fans.

If you want fantasy with fierce heroines…

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
🎧 Audiobook

When Clary Fray discovers the hidden world of Shadowhunters—warriors who protect humanity from demons—her life is turned upside down. With secrets to uncover and an ancient war brewing, she’s thrown into a world of danger and destiny.

If you love intense action, then this urban fantasy series is a great choice. This is the first installment in the completed Mortal Instruments series. If you fall in love with this series, there’s also The Infernal Devices prequel series and The Dark Artifices sequel series to explore!

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
🎧 Audiobook

Celaena Sardothien is an assassin fighting for her freedom in a deadly competition to become the king’s champion. But as she competes, dark forces stir, and she realizes there’s more at stake than just her survival. With epic battles, political intrigue, and a bold female protagonist, this series is perfect for those who loved the mix of action and strategy in Collins’ series. The whole eight-book series will leave a lasting mark on you.

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
🎧 Audiobook

Bryce Quinlan thought she had her life figured out—until a brutal murder upends her world. As she works with a brooding warrior to uncover the truth, she’s drawn into a web of magic, power, and deadly secrets. Between a strong heroine and a gripping mystery, this is a great read for fans of action-packed fantasy with rich world-building.

Pro tip: You don’t have to read Sarah J. Maas’s other series before Crescent City, but I would recommend at least reading A Court of Thorns and Roses first for maximum emotional impact. Fair warning that this is an incomplete series that will absolutely leave you wanting more!

*Title availability may vary.

Looking for more dystopian drama?