Experience the Thrills and Chills of Squid Game with These Book Recommendations
The global TV series phenomenon Squid Game captivated millions with its high-stakes survival games, complex characters, and biting social commentary. With the much-anticipated release of Squid Game Season 2 recently, fans of the show are eagerly revisiting its themes of human endurance, morality, and survival. If you love dystopian fiction, survival thrillers, or stories exploring human nature under pressure, this list of books like Squid Game will keep you hooked.
As you get to the end of the article you will have an idea of why Squid Game became a cultural juggernaut, what makes it so compelling, and learn about books that share similar themes or plots. Whether you’re a fan of twisted competitions, societal critiques, or intense character studies, these books promise to deliver the same thrills and chills!
What Is Squid Game, and Why Is It So Popular?
Squid Game, a South Korean Netflix series, follows a group of financially desperate individuals who are lured into a mysterious competition featuring childhood games with deadly consequences. Each game tests their physical and mental endurance, forcing players to confront their darkest fears and moral boundaries. At its core, the show critiques economic inequality, human greed, and societal constructs, creating a riveting exploration of survival and the human condition.
The show’s popularity stems from its unique blend of suspense, deeply relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes. It combines psychological tension with visually stunning, childlike game settings—a contrast that amplifies the horror of the stakes. Fans love its unpredictability, emotional depth, and the moral dilemmas faced by the contestants.
Books Like Squid Game: A Thrilling Reading List
If you’re craving more nail-biting competition, dystopian worlds, or explorations of human behaviour, here are 10 must-read books like Squid Game:
Mind-bending puzzles and inheritance drama.
Avery Grambs’s life changes overnight when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne leaves her his entire fortune. To claim her inheritance, she must move into the puzzle-filled Hawthorne House, navigate riddles, codes, and high-stakes challenges, plus outsmart the scheming residents who believe she’s a con artist.
Survival without rules and morality.
A plane crash leaves a group of schoolboys stranded on an uncharted island. With no adults to guide them, their initial celebration of freedom quickly turns to chaos. As their fragile society crumbles, fear and primal instincts take over, revealing the darkness within. This haunting tale captures the end of innocence and the darkness of human nature.
A deadly hunt and quest for survival.
Sanger Rainsford, a big-game hunter from New York, falls from a yacht and ends up on a remote Caribbean island. There, he becomes the prey of General Zaroff, a Russian aristocrat who hunts humans for sport. Armed with just a knife, Rainsford must evade Zaroff for three days to survive. This chilling tale of predator versus prey mirrors Squid Game’s intense survival dynamics.
By Sabaa Tahir
Gripping tale of survival, rebellion, and sacrifice.
In a brutal empire inspired by ancient Rome, Laia, a slave, and Elias, an unwilling soldier, find their lives intertwined in a fight for freedom. When Laia’s brother is arrested, she risks everything to spy for the resistance within the Empire’s military academy. Meanwhile, Elias dreams of escaping the tyranny he’s forced to uphold.
By TJ Payne
Psychological horror and hidden motives.
A wedding invite. An all-expenses-paid trip. A luxurious resort high up in the Alps. What can go wrong? Lilith and Caleb’s wedding reception at The Venue turns into a deadly game of survival, where every guest must fight for their lives in a high-stakes, battle royale-like event. It’s sure to keep you on the edge!
Gaming, psychological & physical tests, and survival.
Nothing could prepare Kali Ling for the stakes of a brutal, winner-takes-all international VR gaming tournament. Using cutting-edge VR pods that adapt to every move, players are pushed to their physical and psychological limits. Kali must balance the demands of fame, sponsors, and her team while fighting to survive in this cyberpunk thriller that is perfect for fans of Squid Game.
Dystopian surveillance and control.
Orwell’s masterpiece portrays a totalitarian regime where individuality is crushed, truth is manipulated, and society is under constant surveillance. Its dark themes resonate with Squid Game’s societal critique. The novel’s chilling relevance to modern times makes it a must-read.
By Ernest Cline
Competition in virtual worlds.
Wade Watts enters a VR treasure hunt with life-changing stakes in a futuristic setting where virtual reality dominates. Packed with pop culture references, this thrilling adventure is perfect for fans of intense competition, and there’s even a blockbuster movie adaptation to dive into after finishing the book.
Survival, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom.
After the Third World War, the “Kingdom” initiates a deadly series of challenges to find one perfect female whose DNA will create their ultimate super soldier, known as the Kingdom’s Daughter. Aletheia Mirabel must navigate the brutal trials to survive and reclaim her destiny.
Survival games with deadly consequences.
Trapped in a house with eleven strangers, Damien Banks becomes a pawn in a deadly game controlled by a mysterious entity known only as ‘The Landlord.’ Forced to compete for both a cash prize and his life, this psychological horror mirrors Squid Game’s high-stakes survival and moral dilemmas.
FAQs About Squid Game and Related Reads
What is Squid Game?
A South Korean survival thriller series about financially desperate individuals competing in deadly games for a cash prize.
Where to Watch Squid Game?
Available on Netflix.
When Is Squid Game Season 2 Coming Out?
It was released on Netflix on December 26, 2024
Who Are the Main Cast of Squid Game?
The ensemble includes Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, and HoYeon Jung.
