Books matching: apocalyptic short stories
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- #1
The Road by Cormac McCarthy is a post-apocalyptic tale that follows a father and son as they navigate through a desolate and brutal world. The story delves into themes of survival, humanity, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child. McCarthy's writing style, described as sparse and bleak, perfectly captures the grim and hopeless atmosphere of the dystopian setting, drawing readers into the harrowing journey of the protagonists.
When he woke in the woods in the dark and the cold of the night he'd reach out to touch the child sleeping beside him. Nights dark beyond darkness and the days more gray each one than what had gone be... - #2
'Wool' by Hugh Howey is a post-apocalyptic drama set in an underground silo where survivors have lived for generations. The story revolves around the strict rules of the society, the mystery of the outside world, and the characters' struggles for survival. The writing style is immersive, with intricate plots, unexpected twists, and well-developed characters that keep the readers engaged throughout the book.
1 The children were playing while Holston climbed to his death; he could hear them squealing as only happy children do. While they thundered about frantically above, Holston took his time, each step m... - #3
'Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse' is a collection of post apocalyptic short stories written by various renowned authors like Stephen King, Octavia E. Butler, and Orson Scott Card. The anthology explores different scenarios after the end of the world, ranging from terrifying to despondent to hopeful. The writing style varies, providing a mix of action-packed lone survivor stories and more contemplative pieces that examine the human condition in the face of catastrophe.
- #4
Set in a dystopian future, "Oryx and Crake" tells the story of how the world was all but destroyed from the perspective of Snowman a.k.a. Jimmy, whose best friend Crake is the person responsible for that destruction. Through flashbacks, Snowman recalls what led up to Crake's decision to obliterate mankind and populate the new earth with genetically engineered creatures known as The children of Crake. The book bounces back and forth between a dystopia and a post-apocalyptic setting, using flashbacks and oblique references to narrate a story that challenges beliefs and ideas ingrained in society. Margaret Atwood crafts a well-written science fiction morality play that does not dumb down the story with exposition or hokey explanations, asking big questions without answering them directly.
Snowman wakes before dawn. He lies unmoving, listening to the tide coming in, wave after wave sloshing over the various barricades, wish-wash, wish-wash, the rhythm of heartbeat. He would so like to b... - #5
'Zombie Rules' by David Achord is a captivating zombie novel that follows the story of Zach, a young protagonist who learns to adapt and survive in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. The book is praised for its engaging plot, relatable characters, and entertaining writing style that keeps readers hooked. The story unfolds with Zach facing not only the threat of zombies but also feral people, creating a thrilling and immersive reading experience. Despite some flaws in the writing, the book is commended for its easy flow, deftly handled dialogue, and the absence of cliched characters typically found in similar genres.
Our house, in a manner of speaking, was a pig sty. I’m usually a clean person, but between Rick, the dogs, and me, the house was filthy. Cleanliness had not been much of a priority and was now proving... - #6
'By the Waters of Babylon' by Stephen Vincent Benet is a classic post-apocalyptic story that follows a young tribesman on a perilous journey in search of knowledge in forbidden lands. The narrative is told in the first person, presenting a dystopian society existing near New York after a great disaster, likely a nuclear war. The story is rich in symbolism and imagery, with a poetic and lyrical writing style that enhances the multilayered aspect of the plot. The quest undertaken by the protagonist is both metaphorical and physical, leading to a big revelation at the end, with subtle foreshadowing throughout the narrative.
explores themes of the importance and consequences of knowledge, the impact of past events on present civilizations, and the dangers of too much knowledge. It presents a world where society has reformed into the Hill People after the Great Burning, hinting at the parallels with nuclear bombing on Earth. The narrative weaves together elements of science fiction and mythology, drawing readers into a reflective tale that delves into the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of wisdom.
The north and the west and the south are good hunting ground, but it is forbidden to go east. It is forbidden to go to any of the Dead Places except to search for metal and then he who touches the met... - #7
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel is a post-apocalyptic novel set 20 years after a deadly flu pandemic wipes out most of the world's population. The story weaves together the lives of various characters before, during, and after the outbreak, exploring themes of survival, hope, community, and the importance of art in a devastated world. The narrative jumps between different timelines, offering glimpses into how individuals adapt to the new reality and find connections amidst chaos.
The novel is praised for its beautiful writing style, rich character development, and intricate plot structure that moves back and forth in time. It incorporates elements like theater, Shakespeare, a symphony, a comic book, and intertwining storylines to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of human relationships and resilience in the face of catastrophe.
THE KING STOOD in a pool of blue light, unmoored. This was act 4 of King Lear, a winter night at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto. Earlier in the evening, three little girls had played a clapping game ons... - #8
In the book 'Bird Box' by Josh Malerman, the story revolves around a post-apocalyptic world where mysterious creatures drive people to madness and violence upon sight. The main character, Malorie, is pregnant and seeks refuge with other survivors in a safe house, where all windows are covered, and going outside requires being blindfolded. The narrative unfolds in two timelines - the past, focusing on Malorie's time in the safe house and raising her children, and the present, as she navigates down a river in search of a safe haven. The writing style is described as weird, bizarre, but entertaining, interweaving past and present seamlessly to create a suspenseful and gripping tale.
Her hands are damp. She is trembling. She taps her toe nervously on the cracked tile floor. It is early; the sun is probably only peeking above the horizon. She watches its meagre light turn the heavy... - #9
'The Last' by Hanna Jameson is a dystopian thriller set in a remote hotel in Switzerland after a nuclear war has devastated major cities worldwide. The story follows the survivors, a group of guests and staff who must learn to live together and somehow survive in the aftermath of the apocalypse. The main character, Jon Keller, an American historian, discovers the chaos unfolding and becomes determined to uncover the truth behind a murder that occurs within the isolated group. The narrative style is described as journal entries, documenting each day after the end of the world, creating a suspenseful and contemplative feel to the story.
The plot of 'The Last' intertwines elements of a locked room mystery, dystopian fiction, and a murder investigation, creating a gripping and thought-provoking narrative. The author, Hanna Jameson, takes risks with characterizations, introducing a less than perfect narrator and a spiky cast of residents in a post-apocalyptic setting, adding a layer of tension and intrigue to the story.
Dylan is one of the only members of staff who hasn’t fled. A tall black man in his late forties, with an infectious smile and cropped hair, he’s become our default leader after the breakdown. He knows... - #10
Readers are transported into a post-apocalyptic world where civilization has crumbled due to climate change and a fungal infection. The story follows the main character, Reid, as she navigates this harsh reality with themes of human relationships, resilience, and social and environmental concerns. The author, Premee Mohamed, intricately weaves a tale that delves into the consequences of anthropogenic climate change, creating a world that feels all too real and serves as a warning to readers.