Best Dystopian Fiction Books of 2025

1984 by George Orwell is a dystopian novel that depicts a government that seeks to control its citizens by rewriting history and manipulating their thoughts. The story follows Winston Smith as he struggles to resist the Party's power and think for himself. Despite being written more than 70 years ago, the novel remains relevant today and serves as a warning against the dangers of totalitarianism. Orwell's writing is powerful and creates an immersive world that is both haunting and thought-provoking.

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin is a thrilling standalone novel that takes readers on an exciting journey to a hidden island utopia called Prospera, founded by a mysterious genius known as the Designer. The lucky citizens of Prospera enjoy long, fulfilling lives until their monitors embedded in their forearms fall below 10 percent, and they retire themselves. Proctor Bennett of the Department of Social Contracts is a ferryman who helps people through the retirement process. But when his monitor percentage drops and he is summoned to retire his own father, he begins to question everything he once believed. The book is next to impossible to put down, exciting, mysterious, and totally satisfying.

Chain Gang All Stars is a highly-anticipated debut novel that explores the corrupt and depraved private prison system in America. The story follows two female gladiators, Loretta Thurwar and Hamara “Hurricane Staxxx” Stacker, as they fight for their freedom in Criminal Action Penal Entertainment, a profit-raising program. This book is a kaleidoscopic view of the American prison system’s systemic racism, unchecked capitalism, and mass incarceration. It's a must-read for those who enjoy dystopian novels like Orwell’s 1984 and Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale.

Wool: Book One of the Silo Series by Hugh Howey is a gripping science fiction adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity's remnants live in an underground silo. The story follows Juliette, a mechanic who uncovers a sinister conspiracy that may threaten the existence of the silo and its inhabitants. The book has been praised for its claustrophobic and terrifying atmosphere, and its ability to appeal to both science fiction fans and general readers. Overall, Wool is a superior SF thriller that offers an exhilarating, intense, and addictive reading experience.

Aldous Huxley's Brave New World is a remarkable classic of world literature that provides a profound vision of a future society where humans are genetically engineered, socially conditioned, and drugged to keep them passive and obedient. Huxley's masterpiece is a thought-provoking work of literature that has both enthralled and terrified millions of readers. It remains relevant today as a warning about the dangers of authoritarianism, mass entertainment, and the influence of elites. This edition from Harper Perennial is a must-read for anyone concerned with preserving the human spirit.

Our Missing Hearts: A Novel is the latest book by the bestselling author of Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng. The story follows twelve-year-old Bird Gardner, who embarks on a quest to find his mother, a Chinese American poet who disappeared when he was nine years old. Set in a world consumed by fear and governed by laws written to preserve "American culture," Ng's novel is a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching exploration of a mother's unbreakable love and a son's journey to discover his identity. This timely and deeply suspenseful story is a must-read for fans of family life fiction books.

The Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood that explores the consequences of environmental disasters and declining birthrates leading to a totalitarian regime called the Republic of Gilead. The story follows Offred, a Handmaid assigned to produce children for one of Gilead's commanders, as she struggles to survive in a world where she is deprived of her freedom and her own identity. The book is an eerie warning of the dangers of politics and sex interconnections. The Handmaid's Tale is a modern classic that deserves the highest praise, as it brilliantly illuminates some of the darker interconnections between politics and sex.

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica is a haunting and thought-provoking novel about a world where humans are raised and slaughtered for meat. The author's skillful writing style makes this bleak book a page-turner, delving deep into the dark side of society and human nature. It's a chilling and alarmingly prophetic book, and an urgent cautionary tale that is both timely and crucial. This Orwellian satire of our modern world is a must-read for anyone who enjoys Hispanic American Literature & Fiction Books.

Light Bringer: A Red Rising Novel is the latest addition to Pierce Brown’s bestselling Red Rising series. The book follows Darrow, the legendary Reaper, who is also a husband, father, and friend. After a devastating defeat on the battlefields of Mercury, Darrow is marooned far from home and longs to return to his wife and sovereign to defend Mars from its bloodthirsty conqueror. This interplanetary adventure sees old friends reunite, new alliances forged, and rivals clash on the battlefield.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel is a hauntingly beautiful novel set in a post-apocalyptic world after a devastating flu pandemic. The story follows a group of actors and musicians known as The Traveling Symphony, who roam the Great Lakes region, risking everything for art and humanity. Mandel vividly depicts life before and after the pandemic, weaving together multiple storylines that ultimately converge. This National Book Award Finalist and PEN/Faulkner Award Finalist is a must-read for anyone who loves literary fiction. The book is a poignant reminder of the power of art and human connection, even in the face of unimaginable loss.