Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Outnumbered and with inferior technology, the human race has won two wars against the aliens they call the buggers. They fear the Third Invasion, however, and will not trust to luck to save them again. Instead, they scour the Earth for the child who can lead them to victory. Ender Wiggin possesses the qualities necessary to make him a formidable general. To that end, the government places him in Battle School to train him for the upcoming war. The race, however, is running out of time and Ender may not be ready to fight when the war comes.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
In a futuristic Chicago, all citizens choose one of five Factions at the age of sixteen: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, or Erudite. Their faction becomes their family. Beatrice “Tris” Prior has grown up in Abnegation, learning to forget herself and serve others. But on the day of her choosing, she picks Dauntless. Now, she must survive her initiation, convincing herself and others that this is where she belongs.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Humanity now lives in a utopia where hunger, disease, and death can no longer touch them. To keep the population under control, they created the Scythes, individuals who “glean” a certain number of individuals each year. The Scythes must adhere to the highest code of morality, gleaning only when necessary and avoiding bias. But when Citra and Rowan are taken on as apprentice Scythes, they begin to see that corruption is eating the Scythes from within.
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
After the Second Civil War, the U.S. chose to protect life until a person reaches the age of 13. Between the ages of 13-18, however, a teenager can legally be Unwound–killed for their body parts so that they can go on “living” by helping others. Connor’s parents consider him a troublemaker, so when he learns that they plan to Unwind him, he goes on the run. He just needs to stay hidden for a few more years. Along with two other teens, Rita and Lev, he just might have a chance.
Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
Ten years ago Calamity appeared in the sky and gave men superpowers. Called Epics, they quickly used their powers to claim dominion over the Earth. Dave watched an Epic named Steelheart kill his father. And now he will do anything to end Steelheart’s rule. His plan: to join the Reckoners, a group of ordinary men and women who dare to fight back. Because he thinks he can give them the one thing they need. A clue to Steelheart’s weakness
Such a great list!
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Thanks!
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I am so embarrassed to say that I feel equally indifferent about most of the books on this list. But I think they are great similar recommendations! Ender’s Game was a life changer for me as a kid, however. I will love that book until I die. I’ve read The Maze Runner, Divergent, and Steelheart— all three are solid 3 Star reads for me. Well done.
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That’s too funny! Maybe it’s a sign that they really are great matches. ;b
I really have to reread Ender’s Game sometime!
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Ender’s Game is one of those books which is brilliant the first time you read it, but (in my opinion) doesn’t hold up as well when re-read. It’s great, don’t get me wrong, but once you know the ending you can see obviously what Card was doing the whole time. You should totally read it. 😜
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Now I’m intrigued! I forget a good deal of the story, so maybe a reread will still surprise me! XD
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Oooh. I’d love to hear what you think upon a re-read. Particularly if you have forgotten quite a bit. I wonder if it will hold up better for you?
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Perhaps! Now I just have to start reading the mountain of library books I have out. I’m not sure library books are meant to feel this stressful….
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Right?! I checked out a bunch of books for Bout of Books and they are stressing me out a bit just because I see a pile of unread books with a deadline. XD Oops. But I know I’ll love it next week.
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I loved Steelheart. It was such an original plot and super fun to read! I really need to read Scythe, it sounds amazing.
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I loved Steelheart, too! The concept of superheroes being villains was so original. And I loved read a YA book from a male perspective, as that’s somewhat uncommon.
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That’s a really interesting point about the male perspective. If you haven’t read Sanderson’s other work it’s definitely worth checking out!
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I’ve been slowing working through some of his others books like Mistborn, The Rithmatist, Warbreaker, and The Emperor’s Soul. He just needs to slow down his writing a bit so I can catch up!
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I know oh my gosh, it’s incredible how quickly he pumps them out. And they’re all so long and so high quality too. It’s astounding.
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It’s not natural! XD
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Adored Steelheart and Ender’s Game – great list.
But I would also add Nyxia by Scott Reintgen
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Ooh. I haven’t heard of Nyxia! I’ll have to look it up!
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I have read half of these books. *slaps stamp of approval on this list* Oddly enough, though, I haven’t read The Maze Runner, and I really didn’t like the movie. Is the book better than the movie? They often are, but ugh. I watched the movie because I liked the actors, and then I wasn’t impressed, which is a really odd feeling to end up with. xD
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