Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish. They’d love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!
So last night I did something really stupid. I spent almost two hours writing my Top Ten Tuesday post, and I was so proud of it! I even stayed up late, so I could go ahead and link up my post with all you other lovely bloggers out there. Midnight rolls around and I quickly find the main post….only the topic isn’t what I just wrote.
Turns out the topic I wrote, which I also posted about in this week’s recap on Sunday, is next week’s topic.
At least next week’s is done!
This week’s topic is “Ten Books For Readers Who Like Character Driven Novels,” which made me excited, but I’ll admit it’s a bit of a let down I couldn’t share next week’s with you 😉 So for this topic, I decided to stick with what I know, YA dystopians. If I’ve reviewed it, the link will take you there, if not it will go to the book’s Goodreads page. As always these are in no particular order.
Ten Dystopian Novels for Readers Who Like Character Driven Novels
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi – By far this is one of my favorite young adult dystopians (I still can’t believe it’s over!!). But what made this book so special for me were the characters. Aria and Perry, and Roar (who can forget Roar 😉 ) are so memorable. Aria’s drive to find her mother and Perry’s need to protect his tribe from the Aether makes for an intense read. The alternating POVs also gives the reader insight into what the two main characters are thinking and feeling.
Matched by Ally Condie – This series was the first dystopian I ever read, and I loved every moment of it. Cassia, Ky, and Xander tell the story and drive the novel. Without their thoughts about this dystopian world, I’m not sure I would have liked it as well as I did. The plot really revolved around their own beliefs about the system and what they intended to do about it. Cassia is a strong female lead and knows what she wants.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – Katniss Everdeen, the Girl on Fire! The book is told entirely from her perspective. It is her thoughts, her feelings, her trials throughout this book that drive the plot. Without her, it would just be a book about kids being forced to kill each other and seemingly enjoying it as they hunt each other down. Instead the reader gets an inside look on what it takes to survive the arena and it’s because of Katniss.
The Scourge by A.G. Henley – Fennel is 17 and a groundling. She also happens to be blind. It’s the first time I’ve read a novel from the perspective a blind person. It was fantastic! The suspense and action that takes place is heightened as the character really isn’t sure what is going on. All she can rely on are her instincts. It makes for a thrilling read and the character is very memorable. Without her, it wouldn’t work!
Fire Country by David Estes – The above quote from Siena is one of my favorites. The plot of this book couldn’t happen without her as she digs into the corrupt Elder council and challenges the rituals of her tribe. Also there is a tiny love interest as well that drives her.
Until the End by Tracey Ward – Technically this book is new adult, but I had to include it! Set during the beginning of a zombie apocalypse (see, it’s October. I couldn’t leave it out!), it is the two main characters that drive the plot. Alissa’s and Jordan’s escape and fight for survival is so well written. Told from Alissa’s perspective we see her thoughts, her feelings, and how the world coming to an end affects her mentally and physically. Their struggle for survival in a harsh new world drives the plot.
Poison Princess by Kresley Cole – A friend of mine who has never steered me wrong recommended this book and I wasn’t disappointed. Told from the main character’s, Evie, POV the story is unfolds through her thoughts and feelings about the end of the world and this sudden game she’s been placed in to play. Her powers and fears drive the plot and make for an excellent read! (Now if January would hurry up and get here so I can dive into book 3 😉 )
Though Glass by Rebecca Ethington – This serial series is driven by the main character Lex. After a devastating day when the sky turns black, she is trapped alone in her house for years. Her only companion, her best friend 10 feet away in his house also trapped alone. The story is told entirely from her perspective and like I said she is alone. Without this strong character, her emotions and thoughts, their would be no story to tell.
Dualed by Elsie Chapman – Another dystopian driven by the thoughts and action of its main character West. She is a force to be reckoned with. Rebelling against the system and grieving the only way she knows how. It’s haunting and memorable and if you click for my review you’ll see how much I liked and disliked her all at the same time!
Awaken: New Bloods Trilogy by Michelle Bryan – This debut book captivated me. Told entirely from the main character’s POV and in her dialect (which I admit took some getting use too), Tara is strong and determined. I found her very relatable in her reactions to the world around her. It’s her need to find the truth that drives this plot.
Your Turn!
What books have you read that the characters have driven the plot? Any recommendations for me? Comments welcome and very much appreciated 😀
Of all the books you listed I’ve only read the first three series! I absolutely LOVED the Under The Never Sky series! I’ll have to check out the rest of your books on your list too! Thanks for sharing.
The first three hold a special place in my heart 😉 if I have to recommend only one of the others, it would be David Estes. The whole series is fantastic! Thanks for stopping by!
I still haven’t gotten on the Kresley Cole YA bandwagon… What would she be without all the hot and steamy paranormal sex? hehe. I’m sure I’ll happen eventually.. Boy, I don’t think I’ve read any of these books.. o.O What have I been doing with my life???
You know I haven’t read her other books! But I absolutely love and recommend wholeheartedly The Arcana Chronicles…think Hunger Games but with kids that supernatural powers. Thanks for stopping by!