The Greatest Irish, American "Fiction, Dystopian" Books Since 1990

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Fiction

Dystopian

Dystopian literature is a genre of speculative fiction that explores social and political structures in a dark, nightmare world. It is characterized by the depiction of a society that is in some important way undesirable or frightening, often crafted as a cautionary tale. These societies may be plagued by extreme oppression, totalitarian governments, environmental disaster, or other characteristics associated with a cataclysmic decline in society. Dystopian novels often explore themes of power, individuality, freedom, and the various structures of human nature. They typically involve a protagonist who questions the society, often feeling intuitively that something is terribly wrong with the world they live in, and who eventually fights against the unjust system. Classic examples of dystopian novels include George Orwell's "1984," Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World," and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale."

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  1. 26. Selected Stories of Philip K. Dick by Philip K. Dick

    This collection of short stories showcases the author's unique blend of science fiction and philosophy. Ranging from dystopian futures to alternate realities, the stories explore themes such as the nature of reality, human identity, and the impact of technology on society. The author's work is known for its complex narratives, thought-provoking themes, and vividly imagined worlds, all of which are on full display in this anthology.

    The 8353rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart

    This novel is a satirical romance set in a dystopian near-future where America is on the brink of financial collapse, youth obsession rules, and love is the only salvation. The story revolves around a middle-aged, neurotic man who falls in love with a much younger woman in a society where digital communication is the norm, and privacy is a thing of the past. Their relationship unfolds amidst a backdrop of economic and social chaos, providing a poignant commentary on modern life.

    The 8414th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Seveneves by Neal Stephenson

    In this science fiction epic, humanity faces an existential crisis when the moon suddenly explodes, triggering a catastrophic chain of environmental disasters on Earth. With only two years before the planet becomes uninhabitable, nations unite to launch a daring plan to preserve human life by sending a select group of survivors into orbit. The narrative spans thousands of years, chronicling the efforts of these initial survivors to maintain the human race in space, the political and social challenges they face, and the eventual attempt by their far-future descendants to return to a drastically changed Earth. The story is a sweeping examination of human resilience, ingenuity, and the enduring quest for survival against insurmountable odds.

    The 8476th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Scythe by Neal Shusterman

    In a future where humanity has conquered death and the world is governed by an advanced AI, the population must be controlled by Scythes—individuals entrusted with the power to take life. Two teenagers are chosen as apprentice Scythes and must learn the art of killing, but as they delve into their grim responsibilities, they uncover the corruption within the Scythedom. As they grapple with the morality of their roles and the political machinations of their superiors, they must decide what kind of Scythes they will become and how they will shape the future of their utopian society.

    The 8688th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

    In this gripping sequel set in a dystopian future, the story continues with the protagonist and her fellow victor reluctantly embarking on a "Victory Tour" across the districts, following their unprecedented win in the brutal Hunger Games. Their attempt to maintain a facade of compliance with the Capitol quickly unravels, revealing their subtle defiance, which unwittingly sparks rebellion across the oppressed districts. As the government seeks to regain control and quash the growing dissent, the protagonists are thrust back into a more sinister version of the Games, designed to eliminate them and quell the burgeoning uprising. Amidst evolving alliances and unexpected betrayals, the fight for survival becomes a fight for the future of their society.

    The 9251st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

    In this thrilling young adult novel, a group of teenagers find themselves trapped in a mysterious and ever-changing maze with no memory of the outside world. The protagonist, a boy named Thomas, arrives in the maze with no recollection of his past life, only to discover that he and the other boys are part of a sinister experiment. Together, they must work to understand the purpose of the maze, uncover the secrets it holds, and devise a plan to escape. But as they delve deeper into the maze and its dangers, they realize that escaping might not be as straightforward as they hoped, and the truth behind their imprisonment is more alarming than they could have imagined.

    The 9254th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Forever Peace by Joe Haldeman

    The novel explores a future where humanity has developed advanced military technology, including remotely controlled robotic soldiers. The protagonist, a soldier controlling one of these machines, becomes involved in a movement that discovers a way to permanently end war by altering the human mind to eliminate aggression. As the group works to implement this controversial solution, they face ethical dilemmas and the threat of a global war that could annihilate the human race. The narrative delves into themes of violence, empathy, and the potential for a collective human consciousness to bring about lasting peace.

    The 9294th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi

    Set in a future Thailand amidst a world ravaged by climate change and depleted resources, the story unfolds in a bustling city where biotech corporations vie for supremacy. The narrative centers around a genetically engineered "New Person," known as the Windup Girl, who is trapped in a life of servitude and exploitation. As the city teeters on the brink of political and environmental collapse, the fates of various characters—including a foreign energy investor, a disgraced geneticist, and a street-smart refugee—intertwine with that of the Windup Girl. Together, they navigate a treacherous landscape of corporate greed, oppressive government, and social upheaval, in a desperate search for survival and redemption in a world where every action has unforeseen consequences.

    The 9493rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Red Clocks by Leni Zumas

    In a world where abortion has become illegal in America, in-vitro fertilization is banned and the Personhood Amendment grants rights of life, liberty, and property to every embryo, five women navigate these new barriers. A single high-school teacher desperate for a child, a frustrated mother of two, a pregnant teenager, a polar explorer from the 19th century, and a maverick herbalist facing charges of attempted murder for trying to help women with unwanted pregnancies, all grapple with the implications of these restrictive laws on their lives and identities.

    The 9524th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. A Children’s Bible by Xe Sands, Lydia Millet

    "A Children's Bible" follows a group of children and their parents who are spending the summer in a rented house in the countryside. As the parents indulge in drinking and infidelity, the children are left to their own devices and begin to explore the surrounding wilderness. When a severe storm hits and the world as they know it begins to crumble, the children turn to their own imaginations and a battered old Bible for guidance. The novel is a poignant commentary on climate change, societal decay, and the resilience of youth.

    The 9573rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Severance by Ling Ma

    This novel is a satirical take on the post-apocalyptic genre, blending elements of horror, humor, and social commentary. It tells the story of Candace Chen, a millennial office drone in New York City, who finds herself one of the few survivors of a global pandemic known as Shen Fever. The disease turns its victims into repetitive, predictable creatures stuck in loops of their former routines. As society crumbles around her, Candace joins a group of survivors led by the enigmatic Bob, embarking on a journey to find a new sanctuary. Through Candace's eyes, the narrative explores themes of nostalgia, capitalism, and the search for meaning in a pre- and post-apocalyptic world, all while questioning what it truly means to be alive in a world that's slowly fading away.

    The 9598th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Passage by Justin Cronin

    "The Passage" is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Amy, who holds the key to humanity's survival. Set in a world ravaged by a government experiment gone wrong, the story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the fight for redemption. As Amy grows older, she embarks on a perilous quest to find her purpose and confront the sinister beings known as Virals, while a group of survivors battles against the darkness that threatens to consume them all.

    The 9731st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Stars Are Legion by Kameron Hurley

    "The Stars Are Legion" is a science fiction novel set in a universe comprised of living, organic worlds known as the Legion. The story follows Zan, a warrior with no memory of her past, as she navigates a treacherous landscape of warring factions and decaying civilizations. With the fate of the Legion at stake, Zan embarks on a dangerous mission to unlock the secrets of her identity and save her people from extinction. Filled with complex characters, vivid world-building, and a gripping plot, this book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the power of choice in a unique and imaginative way.

    The 10308th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Autonomous by Annalee Newitz

    In a future where biotech has advanced to create patented drugs with the power to extend life, a pirate with a submarine traverses the seas, distributing cheap generic versions of these medications to those who can't afford them. Meanwhile, a military agent and his robot sidekick are on a relentless pursuit to stop her, enforcing the intellectual property laws of powerful pharmaceutical companies. As the chase intensifies, the boundaries between human and machine blur, raising profound questions about autonomy, individual rights, and the ethics of scientific discovery.

    The 10308th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Earth by David Brin

    In this thought-provoking novel, a diverse group of scientists and astronauts come together to face an impending disaster that threatens the future of Earth. As they navigate political intrigue, technological advancements, and personal relationships, they must find a way to save their planet from destruction. With its rich world-building and complex characters, this book explores the delicate balance between humanity's impact on the environment and the potential for scientific advancements to both harm and save us.

    The 10384th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Virtual Light by William Gibson

    In a near-future, post-apocalyptic California, a young bicycle messenger named Chevette finds herself in possession of a pair of high-tech glasses that hold a valuable secret. As she becomes entangled in a dangerous game of corporate espionage and political conspiracy, she crosses paths with a former police officer turned private investigator named Rydell. Together, they navigate a gritty and visually stunning world filled with corrupt corporations, underground subcultures, and virtual reality technology, all while trying to protect the truth and survive the chaos around them.

    The 10454th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Body Of Glass by Marge Piercy

    "Body of Glass" by Marge Piercy is a dystopian novel set in a future where technology has advanced to the point where humans can upload their consciousness into artificial bodies. The story follows the life of a woman named Kassia, who is a "shaper" - an individual with the ability to shape and mold her body at will. As Kassia navigates a society obsessed with physical perfection and conformity, she becomes involved in a rebellion against the oppressive government, ultimately questioning the true meaning of identity, freedom, and what it means to be human.

    The 10535th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Synners by Pat Cadigan

    "Synners" by Pat Cadigan is a cyberpunk novel set in a near-future where virtual reality technology has become a part of everyday life. The story follows a group of individuals who become entangled in a dangerous conspiracy involving a new form of brain implant that allows people to directly experience the thoughts and emotions of others. As they navigate the complex world of virtual reality and the dark underbelly of the technology industry, the characters must confront their own fears and desires, ultimately questioning the nature of identity and the boundaries between human and machine.

    The 10535th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Caliban's War by James S. A. Corey

    In the gripping sequel to a science fiction series set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, tensions escalate as Earth, Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance vie for control and resources. The discovery of a mysterious alien protomolecule has already wrought havoc on human civilization, and now, the fragile peace is threatened by new confrontations. When a high-ranking official's daughter goes missing on Ganymede, a soldier, a detective, a politician, and a rogue scientist must unite to unravel a conspiracy that could lead to war and the spread of the alien substance, risking all of human existence. Their journey takes them across the solar system, where they encounter monstrous creations, political intrigue, and questions about what it means to be human.

    The 10587th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Galveston by Sean Stewart

    In "Galveston," a once-thriving city is now split between two realities after a magical event known as the Flood. The city is divided between the Mardi Gras-like endless revelry of the supernatural "Fat Tuesday" and the grim existence of "Ash Wednesday," where life is harsh and magic is draining away. The protagonist, a former gambler named Josh Cane, navigates this dual existence, dealing with fantastical creatures, powerful magic, and human desires. As he becomes entangled in the complex politics and struggles of Galveston's inhabitants, he must confront his own demons and make difficult choices that will determine the fate of both realities.

    The 10597th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Distraction by Bruce Sterling

    "Distraction" by Bruce Sterling is a science fiction novel set in a near-future America where political corruption, media manipulation, and technological advancements dominate society. The story follows Oscar Valparaiso, a political operative and entrepreneur, as he navigates the chaotic world of politics, corporate espionage, and personal relationships. As Oscar becomes entangled in a web of power struggles and conflicting interests, he must confront his own ambitions and decide where his loyalties truly lie. Through its vivid portrayal of a society on the brink of collapse, "Distraction" explores themes of identity, morality, and the impact of technology on human relationships.

    The 10609th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Babylon's Ashes by James S. A. Corey

    In the science fiction saga, the aftermath of a catastrophic interplanetary war threatens the fragile balance of power among the various factions of humanity spread across the solar system. The book follows the crew of a rogue ship as they navigate the political turmoil and confront the radical faction responsible for using an alien technology to hurl asteroids at Earth, causing massive devastation. As the crew seeks to unify the divided human colonies and prevent further chaos, they must also deal with personal demons and shifting alliances. The narrative weaves together the perspectives of diverse characters, each grappling with the consequences of the conflict and the need for cooperation to ensure the survival of the human species amidst the ruins of the once-great civilizations of Earth and Mars.

    The 10655th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

    Set in an alternate 1880s Seattle, the novel unfolds in a world where a devastating mining invention has unleashed a toxic gas, turning many of the living into ravenous undead creatures. Amidst this chaos, a determined mother ventures into the walled-off, zombie-infested city to clear her husband's name from the creation of the catastrophic machine and to rescue her son, who has ventured into the dangerous quarantined zone. As she navigates the steampunk dystopia filled with airships, pirates, and a relentless will to survive, she uncovers dark secrets and faces the horrors that have taken over the once-thriving city.

    The 10728th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. The Obelisk Gate by N. K. Jemisin

    In the second installment of a groundbreaking fantasy trilogy, the world grapples with an apocalyptic season of catastrophic climate change known as the Fifth Season. The narrative follows a mother searching for her missing daughter while coming to terms with her own seismic powers that could either save humanity or hasten its end. As communes and factions struggle for survival and dominance, the story delves into themes of oppression, resistance, and the complex nature of human relationships, all set against a backdrop of geological and magical upheaval. The protagonist must navigate a landscape of political intrigue and ancient mysteries to unlock the potential of obelisks, powerful artifacts that could be the key to the world's salvation or destruction.

    The 10758th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders

    Set on a tidally locked planet where one side perpetually faces the sun while the other is shrouded in endless night, this novel follows the intertwined lives of two young women. One, a working-class student, is exiled into the night after a rebellious act, where she discovers a city thriving in the darkness. The other, a privileged but disillusioned socialite, seeks to change the corrupt society from within. Their paths cross as they become entangled in a struggle against an oppressive regime and encounter an alien species with a unique perspective on life. Together, they must navigate a world of extreme inequality and environmental peril, challenging their beliefs and fighting for a better future.

    The 10837th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download