If you’re a fan of sweeping post-apocalyptic epics with a hefty dose of 'what if' science, Lucifer’s Hammer is a pulse-pounding ride through the end of the world as we know it. Expect impressively well-researched disaster scenarios, gritty survival challenges, and a focus on how society falls apart and, just maybe, comes together again. This one’s a go-to for readers who love big-cast, high-stakes sci-fi (think The Stand, Alas, Babylon, or Seveneves) or those fascinated by disaster prepping and moral dilemmas in do-or-die situations.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers find the book’s viewpoints jammed firmly in the 1970s, with dated and sometimes questionable attitudes towards race, gender, and social issues. The large cast can come off flat or hard to connect with, and the pacing - especially up front - can feel slow as it sets up all the characters. If you’re put off by regressive stereotypes, overt right-wing politics, or don’t have patience for hefty tomes with lengthy build-up (and a few icky moments), this might not hit the mark for you.

A classic, dense, and occasionally problematic comet-strike thriller that’s wildly compelling if you love old-school disaster fiction - just be ready for some outdated views along the way.

About:

In "Lucifer's Hammer," a comet strikes the Earth, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The novel follows a diverse cast of characters, ranging from astronauts to street gang members, as they navigate the aftermath of the disaster. The book explores themes of survival, societal collapse, and the resilience of humanity in the face of catastrophic events. Written in a vintage science fiction style, the story delves into the actions and reactions of people as they struggle to rebuild civilization in a post-apocalyptic world.

Characters:

The characters are numerous but generally underdeveloped, reflecting stereotypes prevalent during the book's 1970s publication; many portray traditional gender roles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is reflective of the 70s, often lacking depth in characterization, and reveals the authors' political biases, making it feel somewhat dated.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the catastrophic impact of a comet on Earth, showcasing the immediate chaos and long-term struggles of a diverse set of characters as they navigate survival and societal breakdown.

Setting:

The novel is set in 1970s rural California, presenting a backdrop of cultural anxieties and varied community responses to apocalyptic events.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly with extensive character backstories before rapidly accelerating into survival-focused action post-impact.

The bay trees in our country are all wither'd And meteors fright the fixed stars of heaven; The pale-faced moon looks bloody on the earth And lean-look'd prophets whisper fearful change. These signs f...

Notes:

The book was published in 1977 and revolves around a comet striking Earth.

Characters are primarily identified by their last names, reflecting a specific writing style from that era.

The story is split into three acts: character introductions, the impact event, and the aftermath.

There are significant themes of survival and societal breakdown.

The characters have been noted for being somewhat flat and conforming to gender stereotypes.

The narrative includes a large cast, which can make it hard to connect deeply with any one character.

Many themes reflect Cold War fears and societal issues of the 1970s, including attitudes towards race and gender.

Survivors face moral dilemmas, including cannibalism and the concept of slavery in the aftermath.

The authors’ political views are sometimes critiqued for biases, especially regarding race.

There are comparisons made to other works in post-apocalyptic fiction, like 'Alas, Babylon.'

A significant event in the book includes the breakdown of civilization and the struggle of survival for various character groups.

The writing has been criticized for being 'dated' and at times misogynistic.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence, societal collapse, sexism, and racism.

From The Publisher:

"The first satisfying end-of-the-world novel in years . . . an ultimate one . . . massively entertaining."-Cleveland Plain-Dealer

The gigantic comet had slammed into Earth, forging earthquakes a thousand times too powerful to measure on the Richter scale, tidal waves thousands of feet high. Cities were turned into oceans; oceans turned into steam. It was the beginning of a new Ice Age and the end of civilization.

But for the terrified men and women chance had saved, it was also the dawn of a new struggle for survival-a struggle more dangerous and challenging than any they had ever known. . . .

"Take your earthquakes, waterlogged condominiums, swarms of bugs, colliding airplanes and flaming what-nots, wrap them up and they wouldn't match one page of Lucifer's Hammer for sweaty-palmed suspense."-Chicago Daily News

1977

•

641 pages

Ratings (49)

Incredible (9)
Loved It (20)
Liked It (11)
It Was OK (7)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (189):

Read It (52)
Want To Read (74)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (62)

What can you read after
Lucifer's Hammer?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

Larry Niven was born in 1938 in Los Angeles, California. In 1956, he entered the California Institute of Technology, only…

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Lucifer's Hammer

Jerry Pournelle, Larry Niven

Who Would Like This Book: