In this 2-part series, we've been exploring the power of dystopian tales and the importance of this genre now more than ever! In the last post, we dove into the world of dystopian fiction—why it matters, and what makes it such a compelling genre. If you missed it, you can read that post here: Exploring the World of Dystopian Fiction: Why These Books Matter.
Today, we’re zooming in on one of the most electrifying subgenres within dystopian literature: dystopian romance. If you're already a fan of the genre or someone who’s still debating whether to dive into it, this post will answer some of your burning questions and introduce you to the best books to kickstart your dystopian romance journey.
What Is a Dystopian Romance?
At its core, dystopian romance is the marriage of two powerful genres: dystopian fiction and romance. These books take place in dark, often oppressive worlds, where characters are forced to navigate their feelings in the face of destruction, rebellion, and societal collapse. A dystopian romance isn’t just about love—it’s about surviving against the odds, often in a world that feels like it’s falling apart. The relationship at the heart of these stories is what drives the characters to fight for a better future. Think The Selection or Dissent, where love is the thread that connects the characters to hope, even when the world around them is crumbling.
Is Dystopian Romance a Genre?
Yes! While dystopian romance might not be its own category in every bookstore, it’s a growing subgenre within the larger dystopian fiction and romance genres. If you’re craving high-stakes action, a damaged world, and a slow-burn romance, dystopian romance might just be what you're looking for. With its mix of political intrigue, rebellion, and passionate relationships, it offers something for fans of both post-apocalyptic fiction and swoon-worthy love stories.
Dystopian Romance Books to Read: A Must-Read List
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s get to the fun part—books! Whether you’re new to dystopian romance or you’ve read all the classics, here are some books to dive into:
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi – A powerful blend of dystopian fiction, slow burn romance, and fantasy elements. With a unique writing style and a dangerous world, this is a must-read for fans of dystopian books with a romance subplot.
The Selection by Kiera Cass – A dystopian romance for young adults with a forbidden love plot that keeps you hooked until the very end.
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard – A dystopian with romance where magic meets rebellion. A perfect pick for readers looking for both fantasy and dystopia.
Divergent by Veronica Roth – A dystopian romance featuring a strong, brave female protagonist set in a post-apocalyptic Chicago.
Dissent by Josephine Lamont – And, of course, don’t forget Dissent, the book that explores rebellion, forbidden love, and the complexities of living in a fractured society.
Dive Into Dystopian Romance This Year!
Now that you’ve got the rundown on dystopian romance—why not take the plunge and start reading? There’s no better time than now to discover this gripping genre! Come visit the Dystopia Ever After Virtual Book Fair happening right now until the end of February 2025! You'll find several new books you can download for free while discovering a new author you just might fall in love with. Click here to visit the fair.
Or, if you would prefer, you can start your journey with Dissent, where you’ll get to experience a world on the brink of collapse, and a romance that could change everything. As a special treat, you can download the first 12 chapters of Dissent for free!
Dive into the chaos, the passion, and the rebellion. Your next great dystopian romance awaits!
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