Memories, even your most precious ones, fade surprisingly quick. But I don’t go along with that. The memories I value most, I don’t ever see them fading.
Kazuo Ishiguro
Don’t worry – Hunger Games and Divergent aren’t mentioned on this list of Dystopian Romance Novels. I know how popular they are and how overly recommended they are. Please enjoy this list of novels that covers a fair bit of science fiction, fantasy, and of course, they’re all decorated with some romance. These beauties are listed in no particular order.
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Must-Read Dystopian Romance Novels
Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro
Hailsham seems like a normal boarding school, but the mysterious reason behind the school begins to unravel as the story follows three people, Ruth, Tommy, and Kathy.
There is a great review about this book in the Washington Post when it first debuted in 2005, and I’m going to replicate the respect of detail revealing balance, in case this title is new to you. But there is a heartbreaking love story intertwined with such an astonishing reason as to why Hailsham exists and how the entire student body already has their fates written out for them.
Note: this is one of my favorite dystopian romance novels, and I recommend it whenever I can.
Above The Sky, J.W. lynne
There’s an ongoing war happening above the sky. Androids and Drones tend to the needs of humans. And ever year on Assignment Day, eighteen year-olds have the rest of the lives decided for them by the Decision Makers. Some are given jobs that relate to their skills and are paired for mating, others are sent to the war and never return. The story follows Seven, and her best friend Ten, and the realities and lies they face on Assignment Day and making their way through a horrible system.
The Program, Susan Young
Trigger warning: Mental Health
Suicide is contagious, and Sloane does everything she can to hold her feelings inside to avoid being sent to The Program. It’s treatment that cures depression, but also erases your memories. Her parents already lost one child to suicide, and they constantly monitor Sloane. James is the only person Sloane can be herself around, and although their love is strong, depression is weakening them and The Program is coming for them.
The Diabolic, S.J. Kincaid
Diabolics are ruthless killers and are meant to protect the person they were created for. When Sidonia, the galactic senator’s daughter is used as a hostage, her Diabolic Nemesis masquerades as Sidonia in order to help protect her. Nemesis is now exposed to what humanity means as she needs to keep her abilities a secret.
Warcross, Marie Lu
Anything from Marie Lu will get you that dystopian feel you’re after. I chose Warcross because I’m a bit more familiar with the romantic aspect it offers.
“Warcross isn’t just a game, it’s a way of life.” Emika is a hacker who hunts down players that are illegally betting on the game. She accidentally glitches herself in to the Warcross Championship and becomes an overnight sensation. Fearing arrest, she’s surprised with a phone call from game’s creator looking for a spy on the inside. From making ends meet, to fame and fortune, Emika is thrust into two new worlds, and a sinister plot.
Cinder, Marissa Meyer
This book has sat on my TBR list for the longest time! I keep forgetting it’s there, but it’s been recommended to me so many times, I really should just sit down and read it.
Loosely based on Cinderella, but with cyborgs, a deadly virus, and moon people waiting to make their move. Welcome to life in New Beijing, and Cinder’s struggle with love and saving the world.
Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi
Juliette can kill simply by touching someone. The reestablishment see her as a weapon to be used. She’s never had the strength to fight for herself before, until she’s reunited with someone she loves.
The V Girl: A Coming of age story, Mya Robarts
Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault
In North America, sex slavery is legal. Lila wants to lose her virginity on her own terms before the troops come to down and take it by force. Her plans to lose her virginity to a friend she doesn’t love are tempted in another direction by someone she doesn’t trust, but offers an alternative plan.
There are notes from the author about this book:
* This is a book full of romance and anti-rape messages. I didn’t write this book to romanticize violence against women but to tell the story of a girl who has to come of age under the most terrible circumstances.
* This full-length novel is a stand alone. No cliffhanger
* Alpha male hero. No cheating. No slut-shaming.
* Includes a discussion guide for bookclubs
* Possible triggers for abuse survivors.
Angelfall, Susan Ee
It’s six weeks after the angels of the apocalypse descended. When angel warriors fly away with a little girl, her sister Penryn will do anything to get her back. Including, making a deal with an enemy angel. This is Susan Ee’s debut novel.
Disruption, Jessica Shirvington
What if a microchip could identify your perfect match? what if they can be used against you?
Welcome to the new world. M-Bands became mandatory, and were promised to make lives easier than the smartphone. Maggie’s life changed two years ago when someone she loved was taken from her, and now the new heir to the M-Band company is the key to executing her plan.
Have you read any of these dystopian romance novels?
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