5 Must-Read Sci-Fi Book Series!

If you’re anything like me, you love reading! Reading takes to so many different places, introduces you to so many different characters, and takes you on tons of interesting adventures. My favorite part about reading is that no two books are the same. They may have similar themes, but each writer has a unique voice and spin on a story.

One of my favorite genres to read is science-fiction/fantasy and dystopian novels. It’s so interesting to see what people think a “perfect world” would look like and to see the way an author can build an entire universe.

During these difficult times, books can prove to be the perfect escape. Here are 5 of my favorite science-fiction/fantasy and dystopian novels.

1. Gone series by Michael Grant

This is one of my all time favorite book series! I first read it in middle school and have reread it many times since.

Gone takes place in Perdido Beach, California, and follows protagonist Sam Temple and his friends. One day, Sam discovers he has supernatural powers that give him the ability to shoot burning light from his hands. Not long after, everyone 15 years old and older vanishes into thin air and an impenetrable bubble appears around the town. The kids, some of which have powers similar to Sam’s, must learn to fend for themselves while also fighting the unknown enemy that caused this and trying not to fight each other.

If you’re a fan of the Netflix series "Stranger Things", this is definitely a book series that would interest you. While the two series definitely have their differences, both feature young kids with supernatural powers trying to protect themselves and the ones they love from a dark force.

2. Matched trilogy by Ally Condie

This is one of my favorite trilogies. Matched takes place in a society where members are matched with a life partner at age 17. Every household is monitored and watched over by the government, who controls every aspect of their lives -- what and when they eat, what they can wear, who they marry, family size, etc. The government control keeps everyone equal, which, to the members of society, seems like a utopian world. However, protagonist Cassia Reyes begins to question the society, leading to consequences.

I love how well-crafted the world-building presented in this trilogy is. If you’re a fan of Hunger Games and other similar trilogies, this is the perfect book series you. There is the perfect balance of a love story (which you probably guessed from the title) and a well-written female protagonist.

3. The Giver by Lois Lowry

This is a novel almost everyone has heard of and one I first read as a requirement in middle school. It was definitely one of my favorite assigned books to read.

Similar to Matched, The Giver follows a society that is built upon everyone being equal. This has led to the general public being unable to feel a wide range of emotions, experience different weather, and see color. There is one member of society given the task of holding onto all of the forgotten history, including all of these experiences — the Receiver of Memories. Once a new receiver has come of age, he begins to receive these memories from the previous receiver — the Giver. 12-year-old Jonas has been selected as the new receiver and struggles with the knowledge he is receiving and keeping it from the rest of society.

This book is a classic, in my opinion. It is one that every science-fiction and dystopian lover should read, and if you’re not interested in reading the book, a movie adaptation was released in 2014.

4. The Barcode Tattoo trilogy by Suzanne Weyn

The Barcode Tattoo is one of the forgotten gems from middle school for me! Another required book, my friends and I were so obsessed after reading the first book, we decided to form a mini book club to finish the trilogy together.

This book is about our society years into the future. Cash has been completely replaced by credit cards, which have been almost completely replaced by Barcode Tattoos placed on the individual’s wrist when they turn 17. The tattoos contain an abundance of information about the individual, most of which is not known to them. While getting the tattoo is not mandatory, those who don’t are outcast, as is what happens to protagonist Kayla Reed. As Kayla fights against pressure to get the tattoo, she begins to see more and more reasons not to get it.

5. Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth

Divergent is another super popular book series, but for those of you who haven’t read the books or seen the movies, Divergent is about a society that is split into 5 factions: Amity, Abnegation, Candor, Erudite, and Dauntless. These factions separate individuals into a community that best fits their personality. At age 16, everyone takes a test to help determine which faction they fit best in, and they then get to choose where they would like to be placed.

However, there are a group who fit into multiple factions — divergents. The government sees divergents as a flaw in their perfect society, putting them in danger. When protagonist Tris Prior (who was born into Abnegation and chose to be placed in Dauntless) discovers that she is divergent, she finds herself fighting the government.

I love this perspective of a utopian society because, while there are a lot of restrictions, individuals still have a choice in how they want to live their lives. It’s also interesting to see the ways the different groups interact with and view one another.