Best Science Fiction & Dystopian Romance Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 9, 2023

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Science fiction and dystopian romance books are a popular genre for teenagers and young adults. These books often explore themes of survival, rebellion, and sacrifice in a futuristic or post-apocalyptic setting. They offer readers a glimpse into imagined worlds where technology has advanced beyond our current understanding and where society has been drastically altered. These books are thrilling and thought-provoking, and often feature strong female protagonists who challenge the status quo. Whether escaping a totalitarian government or fighting for survival in a harsh new world, these books offer a captivating reading experience for anyone who loves a good adventure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

#TOP 1
Shatter Me Series 6-Book Box Set: Shatter Me, Unravel Me, Ignite Me, Restore Me, Defy Me, Imagine Me
ftb score rating icon 9.8
#TOP 2
Shatter Me (Shatter Me, 1)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
#TOP 3
The Selection 5-Book Box Set: The Complete Series
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Science Fiction & Dystopian Romance Books for Teens & Young Adults

Shatter Me Series 6-Book Box Set: Shatter Me, Unravel Me, Ignite Me, Restore Me, Defy Me, Imagine Me

Mafi, Tahereh
Oct 19, 2021
Shatter Me Series 6-Book Box Set: Shatter Me, Unravel Me, Ignite Me, Restore Me, Defy Me, Imagine Me
ftb score rating icon 9.8
FTB Score

The Shatter Me Series 6-Book Box Set is a must-read for fans of dystopian young adult literature. This paperback box set includes all six novels of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Shatter Me series. The story follows Juliette, a girl with the power to kill with just one touch, as she navigates her way through a world where the government sees her as a deadly weapon. Tahereh Mafi's bold, inventive prose crackles with raw emotion, making this a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love. Overall, this series is a gripping read that is impossible to put down.

Mafi, Tahereh
HarperCollins
Jan 9, 2018
Shatter Me (Shatter Me, 1)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
FTB Score

Shatter Me, the first book in Tahereh Mafi's series, is a thrilling dystopian novel that follows the story of Juliette Ferrars, a girl with a lethal touch. The Reestablishment sees her power as a gift and an opportunity to use her as a deadly weapon. However, when Juliette is reunited with someone who once cared for her, she discovers a strength she never knew she had. Mafi's writing style is unique and creative, with strikeouts revealing Juliette's inner thoughts. The book is both a cautionary tale and a juicy love story, making it an addictive and intense read for young adults.

Cass, Kiera
HarperTeen
Aug 1, 2017
The Selection 5-Book Box Set: The Complete Series
ftb score rating icon 9.5
FTB Score

The Selection 5-Book Box Set: The Complete Series by Kiera Cass is a gorgeous collection of all five novels in the #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series. The series follows America Singer as she competes for the heart of Prince Maxon, but soon realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. The collection also includes The Heir and The Crown, where Princess Eadlyn becomes the first ever princess to hold a Selection of her own. This box set is perfect for fans of courtly intrigue and glittering royal romance.

Divergent Series Four-Book Paperback Box Set: Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant, Four

Roth, Veronica
Katherine Tegen Books
Jan 19, 2016
Divergent Series Four-Book Paperback Box Set: Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant, Four
ftb score rating icon 9.3
FTB Score

The Divergent Series Four-Book Paperback Box Set: Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant, Four is a must-have for fans of the dystopian genre. This collection includes the three books in the Divergent trilogy, along with the companion volume, Four, which is told from the perspective of the beloved character Tobias. The set is perfect for both new readers and established fans who want to own the complete Divergent library. Veronica Roth's writing is gripping, and the themes of choice, identity, and loyalty are explored in a thought-provoking way. The bonus materials provided by Veronica Roth add an extra layer of depth to the already compelling story. Overall, this box set is a great addition to any book collection, and the keepsake box makes it a beautiful gift.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Richard Howard
Clarion Books
May 15, 2000
The Little Prince
ftb score rating icon 9.3
FTB Score

The Little Prince, written by Antoine de Saint-Exupry, is a profound story about loneliness, love, and friendship. The narrator, a pilot who has crashed in the Sahara Desert, meets a strange young boy called the Little Prince. The Little Prince has traveled from his home on a distant asteroid and his story is a beautiful meditation on human nature. This special edition includes restored artwork that matches Saint-Exupéry's original illustrations. The Little Prince is a beloved classic that has captured the hearts of both children and adults for over half a century.

Mafi, Tahereh
HarperCollins
Dec 31, 2013
Unravel Me (Shatter Me Book 2)
ftb score rating icon 9.1
FTB Score

The second book in the Shatter Me series, Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi, continues the thrilling story of Juliette, who must navigate her deadly power and the dangerous world of The Reestablishment. With the help of a group of rebels, including Adam and Warner, Juliette fights to fix her broken world and uncover the secrets behind their immunity to her killer skin. Mafi's inventive prose crackles with raw emotion, making for a dangerous, sexy, and intense read. Unravel Me is a must-read for fans of dystopian young-adult literature, and its unique world and characters are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Lowry, Lois
Clarion Books
Oct 7, 2014
The Giver Quartet Box Set
ftb score rating icon 9.1
FTB Score

The Giver Quartet Box Set is a must-have for fans of dystopian fiction. It features Lois Lowry's Newbery Medal-winning novel, The Giver, and its three companion books: Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son. The hardcover box set also includes an exclusive map of the Giver world, providing readers with a complete and immersive experience. This set makes for a great gift and a valuable addition to any library. The Giver has become one of the most influential novels of our time, and the companion novels in the Giver Quartet are equally powerful. Overall, this box set is a fantastic read and a unique addition to any bookshelf.

Silvera, Adam
Quill Tree Books
Dec 18, 2018
They Both Die at the End
ftb score rating icon 9.0
FTB Score

They Both Die at the End is a heart-wrenching yet uplifting story about two strangers, Mateo and Rufus, who are informed by Death-Cast that they will die that day. The two decide to spend their last day together, making new memories and experiencing life to the fullest. This LGBTQ+ fiction book for teens and young adults by Adam Silvera is a tour de force that explores themes of love, loss, and friendship. The book is a must-read for those who enjoy emotionally charged stories that leave a lasting impact.

Mafi, Tahereh
HarperCollins
Dec 30, 2014
Ignite Me (Shatter Me Book 3)
ftb score rating icon 8.8
FTB Score

The heart-stopping finale of the Shatter Me series, Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi, is a thrilling dystopian young adult novel that combines action, romance, and self-discovery. With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45, to help her take down The Reestablishment and save their dying world. Mafi's bold and inventive prose, along with the captivating and original story, makes this series a must-read for fans of dystopian young adult literature or any literature! Ignite Me is a satisfying conclusion to a gripping and intense series.

The Mortal Instruments, the Complete Collection(City of Bones/ City of Ashes/ City of Glass/ City of Fallen Angels/ City of Lost Souls/ City of Heavenly Fire)

Clare, Cassandra
Margaret K. McElderry Books
Sep 1, 2015
The Mortal Instruments, the Complete Collection(City of Bones/ City of Ashes/ City of Glass/ City of Fallen Angels/ City of Lost Souls/ City of Heavenly Fire)
ftb score rating icon 8.7
FTB Score

The Mortal Instruments, the Complete Collection is a must-have box set for all fantasy action and adventure book enthusiasts. The collection includes all six books in the bestselling series, City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls, and City of Heavenly Fire. Written by Cassandra Clare, the books take readers into the secret world of the Shadowhunters. With over 24 million copies in print, this boxed set is perfect for both newcomers and loyal fans of the series. The books are well-written, engaging, and filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, this is a fantastic collection that should not be missed.

Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our science fiction & dystopian romance book for teens & young adults research, we found 1,200+ science fiction & dystopian romance book for teens & young adults products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 176,107 customer reviews through our big data system to write the science fiction & dystopian romance books for teens & young adults list. We found that most customers choose science fiction & dystopian romance books for teens & young adults with an average price of $13.65.

Written by

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.