When Suzanne Collins’ hit novel “The Hunger Games” became a worldwide phenomenon, many publishers followed the trend, churning out dystopian novels as fast as they possibly could to try to capitalize on the hype. While the dystopian genre has been around for decades, it can be hard to sort through the stacks of near identical novels to reach one with a unique storyline and narrative merit. These four novels, though, succeed in being both brilliantly written and completely terrifying (as every great dystopian should be).

**“The Host” by Stephenie Meyer**

I know, I know. Stephenie Meyer doesn’t exactly have the best reputation when it comes to consistent or, well, good novel writing. No worries, though, because “The Host” is a big departure from the “Twilight” series, with a refreshing premise and exceptional characterization (and no sparkly vampires). The novel is based upon the idea of a new world where an alien race of souls has invaded Earth and taken the bodies of most humans captive. One of the last remaining humans, Melanie Stryder, has somehow held on throughout the siege and must fight to remain herself in a world that seeks to erase her forever. While there is a romantic storyline, it does not overpower the introspective depiction of humanity as a whole. A story about the everlasting connections between us all, “The Host” exemplifies how determination can be the key to strength and survival.

**“A Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood**

In her harrowing feminist novel “A Handmaid’s Tale,” Margaret Atwood illustrates a world where women have no power to vote, no power over their body, and no power to change their future. The story begins with a terrorist attack that kills most government employees, allowing a cult called the Sons of Jacob to suspend the constitution and take power. The story is narrated by a woman named Offred, which literally means “Of Fred,” the name of the male head of the household where she lives. Most women in the world of Gilead are concubines because the nuclear wasteland of America has stunted childbirth, so Offred’s only job in life is to attempt to bear children for her household.

The novel exists as a politically driven warning about the horrors of a society in which women have no influence and the male-dominated government holds all the power. The book is rightfully horrifying but is peppered with expert allusions, a stunning narrative and wonderfully written characters. Although the novel is definitely a societal cautionary tale, it is also a very interesting read with a premise that is all its own.

**“Delirium” by Lauren Oliver**

In the first book of Lauren Oliver’s popular trilogy, love has been declared a dangerous disease and must be eradicated by the government at every citizen’s 18th birthday. Synonymous with the name of the book, the disease is called Delirium. The main character, Lena Haloway, is patiently waiting for her 18th birthday, when she can get the cure and get on with her perfectly normal life in what she believes is a perfectly normal and safe society. Ninety-five days before she is cured, though, she manages to fall in love with Alex, an Invalid (someone over the age of 18 who has not taken the cure).

Following her heart and her rebellious mother’s footsteps, Lena must try to escape the cure, letting her determination for life and love lead her on her way. The novel can definitely be taken on the surface as a semi-lame teen romance, but underneath, it is a tale of an intimidating government invasion and the incredible influence of falling in love.

**“1984” by George Orwell**

Although this novel was on 90 percent of high school book lists, it’s actually a brilliantly written, but still terrifying, novel about the nature of the world as we know it. The setting of the novel is Airstrip One, which is the future Great Britain. The citizens of Airstrip One live in constant fear of the ever-present government’s suppression of independent thinking. Big Brother, the Party leader (not the television show), watches over to make sure the citizens are staying in line and not doing anything individualistic. The main character, Winston Smith, wishes he could rebel against the Party, but he cannot because he works for the government. Often referenced in relation to the NSA’s surveillance programs, “1984” encapsulates the terror of being stripped of your rights but still has all the bravado of a brilliant science fiction novel that stands the test of time.