For about half a decade, teenagers and teen book readers have been drowning in the vampire phenomenon, which has now extended to other paranormal creatures such as werewolves, ghosts, demons, angels, etc. But finally—finally—vampires and paranormal entities are on the decline. Taking their place is teen science fiction, primarily those centered around post-apocalyptic and dystopian societies.
Sci-fi Emerges with The Hunger Games
As Twilight was to the vampire craze, The Hunger Games (Scholastic, 2008) is to this new era of science fiction. While the plot of Suzanne Collins' bestselling series seems to be full of brutality and savageness, it is actually quite the opposite. Like most post-apocalyptic sci-fi novels, the series ties together the technology of tomorrow with the primitive instincts and lifestyles of yesterday.
The story follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenager who must enter an arena with 23 other teens and fight for survival. The Hunger Games are a sport to those watching on television, but a brutal, fatal test for those involved. But through kindness and willpower, Katniss shows how a fight to the death is a challenge she’s ready to win. Since it’s 2008 release, Suzanne Collins has completed the trilogy with Catching Fire and Mockingjay.
If You Like The Hunger Games, Try...
While Suzanne Collins became the cornerstone of this new trend, other authors followed suit. Some even began their series before 2008, like Scott Westerfeld’s The Uglies which was published in 2005, Catherine Fisher’s Incarceron in 2007, and Michael Grant’s Gone which was released a few months before The Hunger Games.
In the years since, many new and returning authors are emerging with post-apocalyptic and dystopian science fiction for teens. Here are just some in a list that will undoubtedly become ongoing:
Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness (Candlewick Press, 2008)
- The Knife of Never Letting Go
- The Ask and The Answer
- Monsters of Men
The Other Side of the Island by Allegra Goodman (Penguin Young Reader Group, 2009)
The Maze Runner series by James Dashner (Random House Children’s Books, 2009)
- The Maze Runner
- The Scorch Trials
- The Death Cure (coming October 11, 2011)
Num8ers by Rachel Ward (Scholastic, 2010)
- Num8ers
- Num8ers: The Chaos
Birthmarked Trilogy by Caragh O’Brien (Roaring Book Press, 2010)
- Birthmarked
- Prized (coming November 8, 2011)
The Lorien Legacies by Pittacus Lore (HarperCollins, 2010)
- I Am Number Four
- The Power of Six (coming August 23, 2011)
Matched series by Ally Condie (Penguin Young Reader Group, 2010)
- Matched
- Crossed (coming November 1, 2011)
Wither by Lauren DeStefano (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2011)
Adult Vampire Books Prevail
Even though teen paranormal books are beginning to peter out, fans of this genre shouldn’t fear. Vampires have stood the test of time. Anne Rice is a good example of that. Interview With a Vampire was published in 1976, before most teen fiction readers were even born, and it’s still popular today.
Adult vampire and paranormal books have always thrived, and they don’t seem to be going anywhere. But for those who are ready for a change, teen sci-fi is an invigorating way to go.
Nicole Skutelnik - Nicole is an avid reader and lover of books, particular teen and young-adult fiction. At an early age, she decided to turn her passion ...
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