9 Books to Read If You Loved 'Squid Game'

A brutal narrative unfolds as a class of junior high school students is sent to a deserted island, forced to fight to the death in a twisted contest enforced by a draconian regime. With weapons in hand and survival on the line, they must navigate alliances and betrayals in a disturbing tale that inspired a film of the same name. 'Battle Royale' is a contemporary Japanese pulp classic that leaves readers questioning the moral implications of survival.

This contemporary tale by Neal Shusterman introduces a world devoid of death, where Scythes are the only beings able to end lives to maintain population control. Apprentices Citra and Rowan are unwittingly thrust into the machinations of a morally complex role, where they must learn the 'art of killing.' A harrowing first book in a thrilling series that forces readers to reconsider the value of life and the heavy price of a perfect world.

'Arena' is the heart-pounding debut from author Holly Jennings that plunges readers into the world of competitive gaming. Centered on Kali Ling, the first female captain in the elite RAGE tournaments, the narrative explores the crumbling facade of fame and the ensuing chaos when tragedy strikes her team. This near-future story blends gaming and high stakes with exhilarating twists, showcasing the price of success.

This psychological thriller plunges into the life of Evie, grappling with a gambling addiction and a desperate need for redemption. Entering a mysterious program offering a hefty prize for overcoming addiction, Evie soon discovers sinister undertones lurking in the shadows. With heart-pounding stakes and a race against time, 'The Six' keeps readers on the edge of their seats, exploring the implications of risks taken for a fresh start.

A fierce competition unfolds every 12 years as the signs of the Chinese zodiac transform into fierce warriors, embroiled in a deadly battle royale. Each warrior embodies powers tied to their respective signs, and this saturated world of combat begs the question: what lengths will they go for the grand wish granted to the last survivor? 'Juni Taisen' expertly meshes action and intrigue with ethical dilemmas.

In a dystopian future where a tyrannical Capitol holds power over impoverished districts, the annual Hunger Games is a televised fight to the death. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen becomes an unwilling contestant, forced to confront her survival instincts, and navigate the delicate balance between humanity and the will to live. This gripping series by Suzanne Collins examines societal issues with impactful storytelling.

'The Games' by Ted Kosmatka emerges as a thrilling blend of science fiction and horror, illustrating a world where a groundbreaking yet dangerous combatant is designed to compete in a gladiatorial spectacle. As contestants race to understand the implications of a creation born from cold logic, themes of ethical responsibility and panic set the stage for a gripping narrative that questions the extent of human control over nature.

Stephen King's chilling story is set in a dystopian reality where a televised walking competition pits boys against an incessant pace, with no mercy for failure. As Ray Garraty faces his competitors and the specter of despair, the narrative unveils the human spirit's resilience amid dehumanizing circumstances. Through 'The Long Walk,' King masterfully blends psychological suspense with social critique.

In a world where deception reigns, 'Liar Game' challenges participants with a high-stakes psychological battle. Competitors must outsmart each other, risking their humanity for monetary gains, portraying the dark side of greed. Protagonists Nao and Akiyama strive not just to win but to maintain their moral integrity in a twisted game that tests the limits of trust and betrayal, highlighting the consequences of a system driven by competition.