Step into the electrifying world of The Girl Who Dared to Think, where every thought could be a crime and one brave heroine dares to defy the odds! Written by Bella Forrest, this young adult dystopian series whisks readers to a towering city where free thinking is outlawed, and a single rebellious idea can change everything. With seven gripping books, the saga follows Liana Castell, a young woman whose courage and curiosity spark a revolution against an oppressive system.
Perfect for fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games, The Girl Who Dared to Think blends suspense, romance, and high-stakes adventure in a futuristic world that feels chillingly plausible. Ready to explore a story where the power of the mind reigns supreme? Let’s dive in!
How The Girl Who Dared to Think Began
Bella Forrest, a prolific author known for her imaginative fantasy and dystopian tales, launched The Girl Who Dared to Think in 2017. Inspired by her love for intricate world-building and strong protagonists, Forrest crafted this series as a standalone successor to her popular Gender Game books. The idea of a society controlled by an AI that monitors thoughts captivated her, leading to a narrative that explores the cost of conformity and the value of individuality. Published through Nightlight Press, the series quickly gained traction among YA readers for its fast-paced storytelling and relatable heroine.
The Heart of The Girl Who Dared to Think
The series kicks off with The Girl Who Dared to Think, where Liana Castell, a 20-year-old knight in the Tower, grapples with a low rating of four on her wristband—a score that marks her as disloyal. Her encounter with a mysterious young man named Grey sets her on a path to uncover the Tower’s secrets. In The Girl Who Dared to Stand, Liana and her allies navigate political intrigue and a deadly tournament to protect their cause. The Girl Who Dared to Descend deepens the stakes as Liana discovers hidden truths about the Tower’s past, while The Girl Who Dared to Fight, the finale, delivers a heart-pounding conclusion to her quest for justice.
Set in a glass-walled Tower—the last bastion of humanity after a toxic apocalypse—the series blends sci-fi and dystopian elements. Themes of resistance, the power of critical thinking, and the strength of friendship shine through, wrapped in Forrest’s vivid prose. Liana’s journey challenges readers to question authority and embrace their inner rebel, making the Tower’s oppressive atmosphere both thrilling and thought-provoking.
The series’ style leans on fast-paced action and emotional depth, though some fans note its reliance on familiar YA tropes like love triangles. Still, Forrest’s knack for suspense and detailed world-building keeps readers hooked, with the Tower’s AI, Scipio, adding a chilling layer of control that feels eerily relevant to today’s tech-driven world.
Why The Girl Who Dared to Think Resonates
The Girl Who Dared to Think has carved a niche among dystopian fans for its bold exploration of thought control and individuality. Its relatable characters and high-stakes plot have earned over 580 five-star reviews for the series, with readers praising its ability to spark reflection on freedom and conformity. While not as globally renowned as Divergent, its passionate fanbase and connection to The Gender Game series highlight its staying power in the YA genre.
The series’ themes resonate in an era where technology and social pressures often shape our choices, making Liana’s fight for mental freedom universally inspiring. Its blend of heart, rebellion, and hope ensures it lingers with readers long after the final page.
- Publication Years: 2017–2018
- Number of Books: 7
- Genre: Young Adult Dystopian/Sci-Fi
- Publisher: Nightlight Press
Grab The Girl Who Dared to Think and dive into a dystopian adventure where one spark of rebellion can ignite a revolution!