Dystopian novels have a way of capturing the complexities of human nature, society, and, of course, love. When you throw a crumbling world into the mix—complete with corrupt governments, oppressive regimes, and deadly survival situations—the stakes for romance skyrocket. There's something thrilling about forbidden love in these bleak settings, where relationships are more than just complicated—they're often a matter of life and death.
From slow burn romances to enemies-to-lovers, dystopian novels know how to make us root for star-crossed lovers even when all odds are stacked against them. So let’s dive into the irresistible world of forbidden love in dystopian romance, featuring popular series like The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Shatter Me, alongside Revile and Dissent from The Dissenter Saga.
The Allure of Forbidden Love in a Dystopian World
Why is forbidden love such a strong trope in dystopian romance novels? Simple: it adds tension, drama, and that sweet, sweet angst. When society is crumbling and lovers are divided by loyalties, social classes, or even literal wars, every stolen glance and secret kiss feels like a rebellious act. These romances often explore themes of freedom, sacrifice, and betrayal, where love is a form of resistance against an unjust world.
Now, let's look at some of the best examples of forbidden love in dystopian novels, starting with your very own Revile and Dissent.
Revile – Enemies to Lovers with a High-Stakes Twist
In Revile, Liddy Le is a rebel assassin sent on a mission to kill Javier de la Puente, the nephew of Telvia’s ruthless dictator, Raúl. Sounds like the ultimate enemies-to-lovers set-up, right? Well, it gets even juicier.
After her mission goes sideways, Liddy finds herself imprisoned, with none other than Javier as her jailor. But instead of hatred fueling their interactions, a fiery and fast-burn romance ignites. Their relationship is forbidden not only because they come from opposing sides of a brutal rebellion, but because both have very different goals. While Liddy seeks to escape from Apex Rehabilitation Institute, Javier is tasked with keeping her captive. Javier quickly becomes more than a jailor, however, and Liddy’s feelings blur the lines between loyalty to the Dissenters and the growing connection she can’t ignore.
If you're a fan of dystopian romance, the enemies-to-lovers trope, the intensity of star-crossed lovers trapped in a deadly game of rebellion, as well as touch her and die alpha males, then Revile is a definite must-read.
Dissent – A Love Triangle in the Heart of a Rebellion
In Dissent, Mara de la Puente, daughter of the infamous dictator Raúl, finds her world turned upside down when she's captured by rebels. As she uncovers the lies her father has told her, Mara also discovers her own heart is torn between two very different Dissenters.
Matias, her personal bodyguard, offers safety and a gentle, protective love. On the other hand, Wes, the brooding prince of a rival faction, provides a dangerous and irresistible allure. Here we see the classic love triangle unfold, as Mara wrestles with her growing feelings for both men. Her journey is one of self-discovery, loyalty, and rebellion, as she must choose between the life she's always known and the forbidden love she finds in her captors.
The tension in Dissent lies not only in Mara’s divided heart but in the danger she faces from both her family and the rebels. Forbidden love here takes on many layers—love between enemies, love between rebels and royalty, and ultimately, a battle for Mara's own soul.
The Hunger Games – Katniss and Peeta’s Star-Crossed Struggle
It’s impossible to talk about forbidden love in dystopian novels without mentioning Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games. Forced into a televised death match where only one person can survive, their romance was manipulated for the cameras—yet somehow, it became something real.
Their love was forbidden by circumstance. In the arena, there was no future for them, only survival. Outside of it, they were pawns in a much larger political game. Katniss and Peeta’s relationship, steeped in sacrifice and emotional complexity, is the epitome of star-crossed lovers. Despite everything standing in their way—like President Snow's looming threats—they find strength in each other and ultimately rebel against the system that tried to destroy them.
Divergent – Tris and Four’s Forbidden Love Against a Corrupt System
In Veronica Roth’s Divergent series, Tris Prior and Tobias "Four" Eaton’s romance is one of defiance against a dystopian society that forces individuals into rigid factions. While their love isn’t quite as outwardly forbidden as others, it exists in a world where they must constantly choose between love, loyalty, and survival.
Tris and Four navigate a corrupt system that pits them against their own people and each other, particularly as their relationship deepens throughout the series. Their love becomes a symbol of resistance—a stand against conformity and control, making it another quintessential example of forbidden love in a dystopian setting.
Shatter Me – Juliette and Warner’s Delicious Enemies-to-Lovers Arc
Fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope rejoice, because Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi has one of the best examples of this dynamic. Juliette, a girl with a lethal touch, and Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45, are initially at odds. Warner is the classic touch her and die alpha male, obsessed with Juliette’s power and determined to control her.
But as the series progresses, we see the layers of Warner’s character unfold, and Juliette’s hatred slowly turns to love. Their relationship is fraught with tension, danger, and passion—perfect for those who enjoy a slow burn romance with high stakes and heart-pounding moments.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes – Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray’s Doomed Love
In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the prequel to The Hunger Games, we explore the young Coriolanus Snow’s relationship with Lucy Gray Baird. As the future dictator of Panem, Snow’s entanglement with Lucy is a perfect example of forbidden love set in a dystopian world.
Their romance is a tragic one, fraught with manipulation and betrayal, making it a quintessential example of star-crossed lovers. With Snow’s ambitions clashing against his growing feelings for Lucy, the novel explores the darker side of forbidden love in a crumbling world.
Why We Enjoy Forbidden Love in Dystopian Romance
Forbidden love in dystopian novels creates a perfect storm of tension, heartbreak, and high stakes. Whether it's the slow burn of enemies becoming lovers, the complexity of a love triangle, or the irresistible allure of star-crossed relationships, these romances keep us turning pages, desperate for a happily ever after in a world where hope seems impossible.
From Revile’s fiery enemies-to-lovers romance to The Hunger Games’ star-crossed pairing, dystopian settings provide fertile ground for some of the most captivating love stories in fiction. So, if you're looking for tales of forbidden love, high-stakes romance, and unforgettable characters, dive into one of these dystopian novels—you won't regret it.
Recommended Reading List for Dystopian Romance Lovers
To help you on your journey of devouring some fantastic dystopian romance books, here is my recommended reading list!
The Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi
The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
The Configured Trilogy by Jenetta Penner
The Dissenter Saga by Josephine Lamont
The Selection series by Kiera Cass
The Elite Trials series by Becky Moynihan
The Legend series by Marie Lu
If you've have any recommendations, be sure to leave a comment! Let's discover new books and authors together. 💗
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