Step into the thrilling world of Bella Forrest’s Gender Game series, a young adult dystopian fantasy where a toxic river splits society by gender, and one fierce heroine dares to defy it all! This seven-book saga follows Violet Bates, a bold 19-year-old navigating the rigid, gender-divided lands of Matrus and Patrus to save her brother, uncovering secrets that challenge everything she knows. With its unique premise and heart-pounding action, Gender Game captivates fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent.
Forrest weaves a tale of rebellion, romance, and resilience, blending high-stakes adventure with thought-provoking themes. Ready to explore a world where gender defines destiny, but courage reshapes it? Let’s dive into the Gender Game series!
How Gender Game Began
Bella Forrest, already a sensation with her A Shade of Vampire series, launched Gender Game in 2016, inspired by her love for crafting immersive fantasy worlds with strong protagonists. Drawing from dystopian classics, she envisioned a society split by gender to explore themes of power, identity, and freedom. Published by Nightlight Press, the series quickly gained traction, with its fresh take on YA dystopia earning praise for its fast-paced storytelling and complex world-building.
The Heart of Gender Game
The series kicks off with The Gender Game (2016), where Violet, a prisoner in matriarchal Matrus, faces execution for ‘womanslaughter’ but gets a chance at redemption: infiltrate patriarchal Patrus to steal a mysterious egg. Her journey pits her against danger, deception, and forbidden love with Viggo, a brooding warden. The Gender Secret (2016) picks up with Violet on the run, unraveling the egg’s secrets while searching for her brother. The Gender Lie (2016) deepens the conspiracy, and The Gender End (2017) wraps up the saga with epic stakes.
The series shines through its vivid setting—a world where Matrus’s female-led, non-violent society clashes with Patrus’s male-dominated, tech-driven patriarchy. Themes of gender roles, personal sacrifice, and resistance resonate, amplified by Forrest’s action-packed style and sprinkles of romance. Violet’s growth from a reckless rebel to a determined leader anchors the narrative, while twists keep readers hooked.
Why Gender Game Resonates
Gender Game stands out in YA dystopia for its bold exploration of gender dynamics, offering a lens on societal norms that feels both fantastical and relevant. With over 15 million books sold across her works, Forrest has built a global fanbase, and this series’ cliffhangers and relatable characters have sparked lively discussions on platforms like Goodreads. Its blend of suspense, romance, and social commentary keeps readers returning, cementing its place as a modern dystopian gem.
- Publication Years: 2016–2017
- Number of Books: 7
- Genres: YA Dystopian, Fantasy, Science Fiction
- Publisher: Nightlight Press
Grab The Gender Game and dive into a dystopian world where Violet’s fight for freedom will leave you breathless!