Best Science Fiction Action & Adventure Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a captivating science fiction action and adventure book that takes place ten years after the war between the Districts and the Capitol. This novel follows Coriolanus Snow, the future President Snow, as he mentors the female tribute from District 12 in the tenth annual Hunger Games. The story is filled with ambition, competition, and the price of power. Despite being assigned to mentor the lowest tribute, Coriolanus forms a connection with his doomed tribute and must decide whether to follow the rules or survive at all costs. This book is a must-read for fans of The Hunger Games series and offers a unique perspective on the infamous President Snow.

This hardcover box set includes all four books in the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. The story takes place in the nation of Panem, where the Capitol forces one boy and girl from each of the twelve districts to participate in an annual fight to the death called the Hunger Games. The thrilling and thought-provoking story follows the main character, Katniss, as she fights for survival and becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed districts. The books have received high praise from notable authors, including Stephen King and John Green. Overall, this box set is a must-have for fans of science fiction action and adventure and YA literature.

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins is a worldwide-bestselling science fiction action and adventure book series for teens and young adults. The series is set in the ruins of North America, where the nation of Panem is surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol maintains its control over the districts by forcing them to send one boy and one girl aged twelve to eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. The series follows sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen as she becomes a contender in the Hunger Games. The series is a perfect gift for fans of the books or movies, with its raw power and electrifying world-building that channels the political passion of 1984, the detailed inventiveness of Harry Potter, and the memorable violence of A Clockwork Orange.

The Maze Runner Series Complete Collection Boxed Set is a must-have for any fan of science fiction action and adventure books for teens and young adults. The set includes all five books in the #1 New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series, which follows Thomas and the Gladers as they navigate a mysterious maze and uncover the secrets of the shadowy organization who put them there. The series has been described as a fusion of Lord of the Flies, The Hunger Games, and Lost, and features heart-pounding action and well-observed characters. Overall, this boxed set is a thrilling and captivating read that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Shatter Me, the first book in Tahereh Mafi's series, is a thrilling dystopian novel that follows the story of Juliette Ferrars, a girl with a lethal touch. The Reestablishment sees her power as a gift and an opportunity to use her as a deadly weapon. However, when Juliette is reunited with someone who once cared for her, she discovers a strength she never knew she had. Mafi's writing style is unique and creative, with strikeouts revealing Juliette's inner thoughts. The book is both a cautionary tale and a juicy love story, making it an addictive and intense read for young adults.

The Divergent Series Four-Book Paperback Box Set: Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant, Four is a must-have for fans of the dystopian genre. This collection includes the three books in the Divergent trilogy, along with the companion volume, Four, which is told from the perspective of the beloved character Tobias. The set is perfect for both new readers and established fans who want to own the complete Divergent library. Veronica Roth's writing is gripping, and the themes of choice, identity, and loyalty are explored in a thought-provoking way. The bonus materials provided by Veronica Roth add an extra layer of depth to the already compelling story. Overall, this box set is a great addition to any book collection, and the keepsake box makes it a beautiful gift.

The Hunger Games is a thrilling science fiction action and adventure book for teens and young adults. Set in the ruins of North America, the story follows a teenage girl named Katniss Everdeen who is forced to participate in a televised fight-to-the-death competition called "The Hunger Games." The novel generates constant suspense, making it hard to put down. With brilliant pacing and a well-plotted story, Suzanne Collins has created a masterpiece that has received wide praise and was the basis for four popular films. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves action, adventure, and dystopian fiction.

The Hunger Games trilogy continues with Catching Fire, where Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark find themselves as the faces of a rebellion against the Capitol after winning the annual Hunger Games. Suzanne Collins's writing is powerful and raw, creating a gripping story that improves upon the first book. Catching Fire is a #1 USA Today Bestseller, #1 New York Times Bestseller, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller, and #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller. This science fiction action and adventure book for teens and young adults is a must-read for those who enjoyed The Hunger Games and want to continue the journey with Katniss and Peeta.

The second book in the Shatter Me series, Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi, continues the thrilling story of Juliette, who must navigate her deadly power and the dangerous world of The Reestablishment. With the help of a group of rebels, including Adam and Warner, Juliette fights to fix her broken world and uncover the secrets behind their immunity to her killer skin. Mafi's inventive prose crackles with raw emotion, making for a dangerous, sexy, and intense read. Unravel Me is a must-read for fans of dystopian young-adult literature, and its unique world and characters are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Scythe by Neal Shusterman is the first book in the Arc of a Scythe series, which tells the story of Citra and Rowan, two teenagers who must learn the art of killing as they are chosen to apprentice to a scythe. In a world without hunger, disease, war, or misery, Scythes are the only ones who can end life, and they are commanded to do so to control the population. Shusterman's dark tale raises deep philosophical questions about life, death, and meaning, and the consequences of failure are high. The book is elegantly written, brooding, and imbued with gallows humor, making it a thoughtful and thrilling read for young adults.