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List of 15 authors like James Dashner

If you enjoy reading books by James Dashner then you might also like the following authors:

  1. 1
    Marie Lu

    Marie Lu is an author known for her dynamic young adult novels, especially in dystopian and science fiction genres. If you enjoyed the intense pace of James Dashner’s “The Maze Runner,” Marie Lu’s “Legend” may be a great fit.

    Set in a future America divided by war and inequality, “Legend” tells the story of two teenagers on opposite sides of society: June, a prodigy aiming to become the military’s perfect weapon, and Day, a notorious criminal who fights for survival.

    When their paths unexpectedly cross, secrets emerge, and they begin questioning everything they once believed. The novel combines action, suspense, and thought-provoking themes.

  2. 2
    Veronica Roth

    Readers who enjoy James Dashner’s blend of adventure and dystopian suspense may also appreciate Veronica Roth’s novels.

    Roth is best known for “Divergent,” the first novel in a trilogy set in a futuristic Chicago where society is divided into five factions based on virtues: bravery, honesty, intelligence, selflessness, and peacefulness.

    At sixteen, teens must choose the faction they will devote themselves to for life. Beatrice Prior faces this decision and unexpectedly discovers a dangerous secret about herself, which could threaten the fragile order of her society.

    The story offers fast-paced action, tests of bravery, and hidden conspiracies that fans of Dashner’s “Maze Runner” series will find exciting.

  3. 3
    Suzanne Collins

    Readers who enjoyed James Dashner’s thrilling maze adventures may find Suzanne Collins an exciting author to explore. Collins is best known for “The Hunger Games,” the first book in an action-packed trilogy set in a dystopian future.

    The story centers on Katniss Everdeen, a resourceful teenager from District 12, who volunteers for a brutal televised event called the Hunger Games. Each district must send two teenagers to battle until only one survives, serving as punishment for a past rebellion.

    Katniss struggles to remain true to herself while navigating strategic alliances, harsh environments, and the pressures of a ruthless government watching her every move. The story moves fast and keeps readers emotionally invested throughout.

  4. 4
    Cassandra Clare

    Cassandra Clare is an author known for creating immersive fantasy worlds full of action, mystery, and unforgettable characters. If you enjoyed the tense adventures and twists found in James Dashner’s stories, you might appreciate Clare’s novel “City of Bones.”

    This book introduces readers to Clary Fray, an ordinary teenager who witnesses a supernatural encounter between shadowhunters and demons.

    Soon, Clary finds out about a hidden world of demons, warlocks, vampires, and people whose purpose is protecting the human world from darkness.

    Filled with clever dialogue, strong friendships, and intense discoveries, Clare’s writing pulls readers deep into a rich supernatural universe that keeps you invested in every page.

  5. 5
    Rick Yancey

    Readers who enjoy James Dashner’s high-stakes adventures and dystopian tension could find Rick Yancey’s books exciting to read. Yancey writes vivid narratives, full of suspense and action that move his stories forward at a quick pace.

    His novel “The 5th Wave” describes an Earth devastated by four waves of alien attacks. Cassie, a teenager who survived these attacks, must find her kidnapped younger brother while navigating a world where trust is scarce, and the enemy could look human.

    The novel combines survival elements, courage, and unexpected relationships in a way that keeps readers turning pages.

  6. 6
    Scott Westerfeld

    Readers who enjoy James Dashner’s exciting, action-packed stories might also appreciate author Scott Westerfeld. Westerfeld creates imaginative worlds filled with suspense, vivid detail, and captivating characters.

    In his novel “Uglies,” we meet Tally, a teenager eagerly awaiting the operation everyone receives at sixteen to become beautiful and popular. But when her friend Shay runs away to avoid the surgery, Tally faces a tough choice.

    She must either follow Shay into the unknown or remain loyal to a world that hides dark secrets beneath its attractive surface.

    Westerfeld’s storytelling keeps readers turning pages, exploring themes such as identity, conformity, and societal pressure in a way that feels both fresh and relatable.

  7. 7
    Anthony Horowitz

    Readers who enjoy James Dashner’s fast-paced adventures might also appreciate Anthony Horowitz. Horowitz is known for writing exciting mysteries full of twists, action, and suspense.

    His novel “Stormbreaker” introduces readers to Alex Rider, an average teenager who becomes a spy after his uncle’s sudden death. Alex is thrown into a dangerous mission to uncover secrets behind a groundbreaking computer, Stormbreaker.

    He must rely on quick thinking and courage as he faces threats and tough choices, turning from ordinary teen to extraordinary hero. Fans of Dashner’s dynamic storytelling and clever puzzles will find plenty to enjoy in Alex Rider’s adventures.

  8. 8
    Michael Grant

    Books by Michael Grant often appeal to fans of dystopian adventures similar to those by James Dashner. His novel “Gone” presents readers with a thrilling mystery set in the seaside town of Perdido Beach, where suddenly all adults vanish.

    Left to fend for themselves, teenagers find their world quickly descending into chaos. They must confront dangerous rivalries, unexplained powers, and sinister forces lurking behind everyday reality.

    If Dashner’s vivid imagination and suspenseful storytelling appeal to you, Michael Grant’s “Gone” series could be a great next read.

  9. 9
    Neal Shusterman

    Books by Neal Shusterman might appeal to fans of James Dashner because of their exciting pace, imaginative worlds, and thought-provoking themes.

    In his book “Unwind,” Shusterman imagines a chilling future, where society allows teenagers between thirteen and eighteen to be “unwound”—their bodies dismantled and donated to others.

    Three teens, Connor, Risa, and Lev, reject their fates and desperately flee to evade this grim reality. Each character’s perspective pulls the reader into their struggle, raising tense moral questions about humanity, choice, and society’s power over individual lives.

    The suspense stays high throughout the book and promises readers an intense journey filled with compelling action and emotional depth.

  10. 10
    Kiera Cass

    Kiera Cass writes engaging young adult novels filled with drama, romance and fascinating imagined worlds. Fans of adventure-filled stories by James Dashner might enjoy “The Selection.”

    This novel is set in a future where society is strictly divided into castes and royals hold the real power. The story follows America Singer, a girl who gets chosen for a televised competition that selects the next queen.

    She finds herself in the glittering palace, torn between duty, rebellion, and true love.

    The blend of royal intrigue, tension between social classes and compelling characters makes “The Selection” an exciting read for anyone looking to lose themselves in an entirely different world.

  11. 11
    Patrick Ness

    If you enjoy James Dashner’s stories, Patrick Ness might also catch your attention. His book “The Knife of Never Letting Go” is the first in the “Chaos Walking” trilogy.

    It tells the story of Todd Hewitt, a boy who lives in a town where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts, called Noise. When Todd unexpectedly stumbles upon a silent spot—a gap with no Noise—his world instantly shifts.

    He soon discovers that his town’s leaders have hidden dark secrets, and now he must escape to uncover the truth. Patrick Ness writes with intensity and vibrant characters, creating a story readers sometimes find difficult to put down.

  12. 12
    Tahereh Mafi

    Tahereh Mafi is an author who creates vivid dystopian worlds and unforgettable characters, perfect for fans of James Dashner. Her book “Shatter Me” follows Juliette, a girl whose touch can kill.

    Imprisoned and isolated by a ruthless regime, Juliette struggles with loneliness and guilt. When offered a chance at freedom by a mysterious organization, Juliette faces a choice between using her frightening power as a weapon or risking everything for love and connection.

    With fast-paced action and emotional depth, Mafi explores themes of power, fear, and redemption through a heroine readers can’t help but root for.

  13. 13
    Pierce Brown

    Pierce Brown is an author known for science-fiction stories full of action and memorable characters. Readers who enjoyed James Dashner’s fast-paced adventures might appreciate Brown’s intense storytelling in “Red Rising.”

    The novel follows Darrow, a young miner on Mars who lives beneath the surface. He believes he’s part of a mission to make the planet habitable. However, Darrow soon learns this is a lie.

    Mars was colonized centuries ago, and he and his people are being exploited to keep the elite rulers comfortable and in power. Determined to fight back, Darrow disguises himself and infiltrates the ruling class.

    His journey through a brutal competition to prove himself tests his loyalty, courage, and values, creating a story filled with suspense, secrets, and surprises.

  14. 14
    Ernest Cline

    Books by Ernest Cline are ideal for anyone who likes James Dashner’s action-packed and suspenseful storytelling. Cline creates fast-paced adventures set in vivid futuristic worlds full of challenges and virtual realities.

    In “Ready Player One,” protagonist Wade Watts spends his days in a virtual universe called the OASIS. Wade becomes involved in a high-stakes treasure hunt that could change his entire life.

    The story combines nostalgic 1980s video game and pop-culture references with thrilling twists and tense action.

    Readers who loved solving puzzles and finding clues alongside Dashner’s characters in “The Maze Runner” will find a similar sense of excitement in Ernest Cline’s imaginative novels.

  15. 15
    Ally Condie

    Readers who enjoy James Dashner’s adventurous dystopian stories might appreciate Ally Condie’s novels as well. Condie creates vivid dystopian settings filled with suspense and meaningful relationships.

    In her book “Matched,” the story revolves around Cassia, a teenage girl living in a carefully controlled society where life decisions—including who you marry—are made by authorities.

    Cassia is paired with her close friend Xander, but when she sees another boy’s face flash briefly on her match screen, her entire worldview begins to shift.

    This unexpected event raises deeper questions about freedom, love, and choice, leading Cassia on a path toward rebellion and self-discovery.

    Ally Condie’s clear style, combined with relatable characters and thought-provoking ideas, can captivate fans of Dashner’s “Maze Runner” series.