Finished The Selection and craving more royal intrigue, forbidden romance, and a touch of rebellion? You’re in exactly the right place. This list is overflowing with captivating young adult novels that capture the same magic, but with their own unique twists and turns. Prepare to be swept away! For even more recommendations, check out this other great list of books here.
Beyond the Crown: Dive into a World of Dystopian Delights
The Selection captivated readers with its perfect blend of romance, competition, and a dash of dystopian intrigue. But the YA world is a vast and wondrous place, teeming with stories that explore similar themes in fresh and exciting ways. Let’s explore some hand-picked recommendations, curated for readers who adored America Singer and Prince Maxon’s unforgettable journey.
1. American Royals by Katharine McGee
What it’s about: Imagine a modern-day America ruled by a monarchy. American Royals throws you headfirst into a world of glittering galas, royal rivalries, and scandalous secrets, all set against a backdrop of contemporary American culture.
Why you’ll love it if you liked The Selection: This series echoes the social dynamics, romantic tension, and competitive spirit of The Selection, but with a modern twist. It dials back the dystopian elements, focusing more on the drama and allure of present-day royalty, making it perfect for those who crave a more grounded setting. Think The Selection meets Gossip Girl with a royal twist.
Who it’s perfect for: Readers who loved the romance and drama of The Selection but crave a more contemporary setting with relatable characters and modern-day conflicts will devour this series.
2. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
What it’s about: In a world sharply divided by blood, where the Silver-blooded elite rule with their superhuman abilities and the Red-blooded masses struggle beneath their iron fist, Mare Barrow discovers a power of her own, one that threatens to shatter the existing social order and ignite a revolution.
Why you’ll love it if you liked The Selection:Red Queen dials up the action, political intrigue, and dystopian elements compared to The Selection. While romance still plays a crucial role, it shares the spotlight with thrilling action sequences, complex political maneuvering, and a fight for survival against a powerful and oppressive regime.
Who it’s perfect for: Readers who crave action-packed stories, complex characters, and intricate world-building with a dystopian edge will be enthralled by Red Queen.
3. The Jewel by Amy Ewing
What it’s about: In a starkly divided society, Violet is a Surrogate, forced to bear children for the privileged elite. Amidst this oppressive system, she finds solace and a spark of rebellion in an unexpected romance that challenges everything she thought she knew.
Why you’ll love it if you liked The Selection:The Jewel delves into darker themes of social injustice, oppression, and the fight for autonomy, offering a more gritty and emotional experience. While romance is present, it acts as a catalyst for Violet’s journey of self-discovery and resistance, making this a powerful story of courage and resilience.
Who it’s perfect for: This book resonates with readers who appreciate thought-provoking social commentary, emotionally intense stories, and characters who challenge the status quo.
4. The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
What it’s about: Inspired by A Thousand and One Nights, this story transports you to a breathtakingly beautiful yet dangerous land. Every dawn brings horror as the Caliph of Khorasan, Khalid, takes a new bride each night only to execute her at sunrise. When Shahrzad bravely volunteers to marry Khalid, she embarks on a perilous journey to uncover his secrets and avenge her friend, only to find herself falling for the very man she swore to destroy.
Why you’ll love it if you liked The Selection:The Wrath & the Dawn immerses you in a richly detailed fantasy world with a captivating romance that is both passionate and dangerous. The stakes are higher, the political intrigue is more complex, and the world-building is incredibly immersive, offering a truly unforgettable reading experience.
Who it’s perfect for: This book is perfect for readers who are drawn to immersive fantasy worlds, intense romance, atmospheric storytelling, and captivating characters who defy expectations.
5. House of Marionettes by J. Elle
What it’s about: In a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, Asha, a young woman with extraordinary abilities, seeks to break free from the constraints of her family’s legacy and forge her own path. Along the way, she discovers love, confronts prejudice, and ignites a rebellion that could change everything.
Why you’ll love it if you liked The Selection:House of Marionettes weaves together magic, rebellion, and romance in a unique and compelling way. It offers a different kind of dystopian setting, focusing on self-discovery, challenging societal norms, and finding strength in unexpected places.
Who it’s perfect for: This book will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven narratives with magical elements, unique societal structures, and stories that explore themes of identity, belonging, and fighting for what you believe in.
Ready to Find Your Next Read?
So there you have it – five incredible YA dystopian romances to satisfy your craving for captivating stories, strong female leads, and heart-stopping romance. Happy reading!
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