Some of the best stories revolve around one simple idea: two people pitted against each other. They pull you in, making you choose sides and wonder who comes out on top. That curiosity keeps you turning the page.
Best Books About Rivalries
Let’s take a look at a few books where rivalries take center stage.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Heathcliff and Edgar Linton wage war over Catherine Earnshaw’s love. One is destructively passionate; the other, gentle and refined. Their rivalry spans generations, destroying families in its wake.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Moby Dick, an albino whale, takes Ahab’s leg during an expedition. Burning with vengeance, Ahab assembles a crew to pursue the creature. Their conflict drives the entire ship to destruction as Ahab sacrifices everything for a final confrontation.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
What begins as scientific curiosity turns into a brutal power struggle. Dr. Jekyll’s experiments unleash his dark alter ego, Mr. Hyde. Both personalities fight for control over one body, one life.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
In an elite college, a popular professor assembles an exclusive class. The members soon learn how academic competition can turn deadly. Richard, the newcomer, narrates the group’s descent from intellectual pursuit to moral corruption.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The stage is a magical circus. The actors, two young magicians locked into a competition they didn’t choose. Neither knows who the other is. And as they fall for each other, they realize winning is not the only thing at stake.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
From Charles and Adam to Caleb and Aaron, jealousy, love, and betrayal run deep. Two families are torn apart as brothers continue the cycle of Cain and Abel.
The Prestige by Christopher Priest
Two stage magicians will stop at nothing to become the best. Their rivalry turns bitter with time as they try to outdo each other. Their tricks grow darker, more dangerous, and more personal.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Lucy and Joshua are assistants to co-CEOs of a newly merged publishing house. Just one problem: they hate each other. Their rivalry intensifies when a promotion arises, pitting them directly against each other.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
January and Augustus are both writers, but complete opposites. She writes romance full of hope and charm. He writes literary fiction with darker, heavier themes.
When they both hit creative blocks, they strike a deal. January will try writing something serious, and Gus will take a shot at a romance.
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
In a world where blood decides your power, Mare is caught between two royal brothers. One wants to help her, and the other wants to use her. The love triangle fuels a deadly rivalry between the princes.
A Separate Peace by John Knowles
Despite being complete opposites, Gene and Finny become close friends. But lurking beneath is a one-sided rivalry that leads to a life-changing accident.
Vicious by V.E. Schwab
Victor and Eli discover how to give themselves supernatural abilities. Years later, they’re bitter enemies, each convinced they’re the hero of the story.
Why Rivalries Make the Best Stories
Great rivalries aren’t just about conflict. When two characters clash, it reveals who they really are. You get to watch them change, grow, or fall apart.
The best rivals are often similar. That’s what makes them so compelling. They act as mirrors, reflecting each other’s flaws and fears. The rivalry stops being about the other person and starts becoming a battle with their own inner flaws.
And everyone understands competition. At some point, you’ve gone up against someone for something that mattered. That’s what makes literary rivalries feel personal. You pick a side, you feel the tension, and you stay for the fallout.
What’s your favorite book about rivals? Share your thoughts below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- 12 Books about Pirates Every Swashbuckler Will Enjoy
- 12 Books about the End of the World and What’s Next
- 10 of the Best Fiction Books about Cults and New Religious Movements
- 10 of the Best Books About Unrequited Love
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
