I’m looking for books that feature utopias with a secret

[Vidya]

I don’t mean dystopian novels like The Hunger Games or even the classics like Brave New World. I loved BNW but there was no real secret there; we know most of what the society was about from the start.

I’m looking for novels that feature some utopia and then it’s revealed much later what is behind the utopia, what is the secret that makes it a utopia. Does anyone know of any novels like that? they don’t have to be paranormal romance though I’m of course interested in any that are. thanks.

[Ty]

Funny, cuz a utopia with a secret generally ends up being a dystopia in actuality. Not sure if these fit the bill, but here are some that you might enjoy:



all YA. Of the 3, Across the Universe (which I highly recommend regardless of my feelings towards the GORGEOUS dustcover) might be closest to what you're looking for, but it's sci-fi.

[Vidya]

Thanks; I’m looking these up now.

[Ezi]

Try this one. I don't think the blurb does this series justice, but I LOVE this series.
Fallen & Cold Light (Books 1& 2 of the After Trilogy) by Traci L. Slatton.

This book starts after some kind of nuclear event and it starts off with some survivors looking for other people. Then as they met up with others they start trying to figure out what happened to the world etc. The story was well written and there is a romance angle as the survivors start meeting other survivors.
It was a 5-star for me.



I also enjoyed Lauren Oliver's Delirium and Pandemoniun. I will admit that book 2 was waaay better than book 1. I can't wait for the final book Requiem

[Nairabell]

I second the recs for Matched and Across the Universe. Extra yay for the latter as I adored it and I rarely enjoy sci-fi books.

[Sarah]

The Giver by Lois Lowry is great for this. I also second Across the Universe as well as Delirium.

[Vidya]

Thanks, everyone. Right now I am reading MATCHED. Will check out all the others when I finish.

[Ty]

Vidya wrote: "Thanks, everyone. Right now I am reading MATCHED. Will check out all the others when I finish."

yay! A big caution tho - the sequel is pure drudgery.

[Joseph]

Sarah wrote: "The Giver by Lois Lowry is great for this."

I second this recommendation and add to it Amped by Daniel H. Wilson, When She Woke by Hillary Jordan, and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.

[Vidya]

Thanks, guys!