YA science fiction has exploded in the last few years, with the population of books like Divergent, Maze Runner and The Hunger Games. Before the boom, young adult science fiction books were often seen as a forgotten part of YA literature, however, there are a lot of novels that have popped up in recent years that have contributed to the growth of YA sci-fi. So, if you’re searching for YA science fiction books for your next read, here are a few for you to check out:
Red Rising (Red Rising) by Pierce Brown
Red Rising by Pierce Brown is a dystopian novel set in a colour-coded society of the future. Darrow, a member of the lowest caste known as Reds, believes that he and his fellow Reds are working to make Mars habitable for future generations.
However, he soon discovers that humanity has already achieved this goal, and that they are living in decadent cities while Reds are treated as slaves. Fueled by a desire for justice and revenge, Darrow infiltrates the Institute, a training ground for the ruling Gold caste, where he must compete for survival and fight to bring down his enemies.
Invictus by Ryan Graudin
Farway Gaius McCarthy is a unique individual, born outside of time due to his parentage. With a desire to explore history, Farway becomes part of a black market operation, commanding a ship and crew of friends to steal valuable artefacts from the past.
During a heist on the sinking Titanic, he encounters a mysterious girl who challenges his existence. Together, they embark on a thrilling journey through time, uncovering a shocking truth that shakes the foundations of history itself.
Legend (Legend) by Marie Lu
Marie Lu takes you to a future where the western United States is now divided into the Republic, a nation constantly at war with its neighbouring countries. June, a prodigiously talented fifteen-year-old from a wealthy district, is being prepared for a successful career in the Republic’s military.
In contrast, Day, a fifteen-year-old from the slums, is the country’s most wanted criminal. Their paths intersect when June’s brother is murdered and Day becomes the primary suspect. As they navigate a dangerous game of pursuit and revenge, they uncover shocking truths about their country and the lengths it will go to protect its secrets.
Scythe (Arc of a Scythe) by Neal Shusterman
Neal Shusterman’s Scythe presents a fascinating and unsettling vision of the future where humanity has eradicated all the struggles that have plagued them in the past, including death. The only individuals with the power to end life are the scythes, tasked with maintaining the population’s size.
Citra and Rowan are reluctant apprentices chosen to train under a scythe, a job they both loathe. Struggling to come to terms with their new responsibilities, they must learn the intricate art of ending lives, knowing that any misstep can have severe, irreversible consequences.
Wild Seed (Patternmaster) by Octavia E Butler
Octavia E. Butler brings together her timeless Patternist series, taking you on a captivating journey, from a mythical past in ancient Africa to a mesmerizing future. Wild Seed, Doro is a being who possesses others’ bodies effortlessly, eliminating his hosts intentionally or instinctively.
His confidence remains unwavering until he encounters Anyanwu, a shape-shifter with extraordinary abilities like bullet absorption and healing through touch. Anyanwu holds no fear until she crosses paths with Doro. In a mesmerizing dance of fate, stretching from Africa to the New World, they intertwine their destinies in a pattern that surpasses mortal comprehension.
The 100 by Kass Morgan
In The 100, humanity has sought refuge on spaceships after a devastating nuclear war rendered Earth uninhabitable. Now, with the hope of recolonizing the planet, one hundred juvenile delinquents, deemed expendable, embark on a perilous mission.
Among them are Clarke, haunted by the truth behind her treason charge, Wells, driven by his love for a girl who may never forgive him, Bellamy, who fights fiercely to protect his sister, and Glass, who escapes back to the ship only to discover that dangers abound there too.
The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is set in the dystopian nation of Panem, where the oppressive Capitol governs twelve districts with an iron fist. Each year, the Capitol compels the districts to send one boy and one girl to participate in the brutal Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death.
When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister’s place, she enters the arena knowing it could mean her demise. With her survival instincts honed from a life of hardship, Katniss unexpectedly becomes a competitor. To triumph, she must navigate a treacherous path, balancing her own survival with human decency, and choosing between life, love, and the moral implications of her choices.
The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave) by Rick Yancey
In The 5th Wave, Earth has fallen victim to a series of devastating attacks. With each wave, the world descends further into chaos. As the 5th wave dawns, Cassie finds herself on the run from the Others, beings who masquerade as humans and ruthlessly exterminate survivors.
Believing that solitude is the key to survival, Cassie perseveres until she encounters Evan Walker, a captivating and enigmatic figure who might hold the key to saving her brother and herself.
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
In Brandon Sanderson’s Skyward, humanity is on the brink of destruction, confined to a planet under relentless assault by enigmatic alien starfighters. Spensa, a determined teenage girl, aspires to become a pilot and defend her people. When she uncovers the remains of an ancient ship, she sees a glimmer of hope.
To fulfil her dream, she must salvage and repair the vessel, ace flight school, and earn the trust of the peculiar machine, as this ship possesses a mysterious and sentient essence. As Spensa fights against formidable odds, the fate of her kind and the enigma of the ship’s soul intertwine in an extraordinary tale.
Aurora Rising (The Aurora Cycle) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Aurora Rising is set in the year 2380, and the cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their initial missions. Tyler Jones, a highly skilled student, is eager to assemble his dream squad. However, due to an act of reckless heroism, he ends up with a group of misfits nobody else wants.
The squad consists of a sarcastic diplomat who excels in martial arts, a sociopathic scientist with a penchant for shooting her roommates, a tech genius harbouring a major chip on his shoulder, an alien warrior struggling with anger management, and a tomboy pilot who wants nothing to do with Tyler.
There we have it! Some of the best YA science fiction books for you to try out if you want to venture into the world of young adult sci-fi. Have you tried YA sci-fi? Do you have any recommendations of your favourites? Comment below and let us know!