Books matching: dystopian fiction
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Joy Williams' book 'Harrow' is a darkly humorous and unsettling novel that delves into an eco-catastrophe world where a cataclysm has already occurred. The story follows Khristen, a teenaged protagonist, as she navigates a post-apocalyptic setting populated by strange individuals and explores themes of decay, environmental destruction, and the absurdity of redemption. The writing style is described as brilliant yet disjointed, with a focus on creating an alternative universe that challenges readers to pay attention to the dying world.
My mother and father named me Lamb. My mother believed that I had died as an infant but had then come back to the life we shared. As I grew, her intention and need was to put me in touch with where I ... - #2
Save:"Odd Billy Todd" by N.C. Reed is a post-apocalyptic story set shortly after a deadly plague wipes out 95 of the human population. The plot follows Billy Todd, a unique character on the autistic spectrum but with high intelligence and practical skills, as he navigates the challenges of rebuilding a society with a small group of survivors in rural Tennessee. The writing style is engaging, with detailed character development, a focus on community-building, and a narrative that explores the idea of thriving in a raw and dangerous world.
Billy Todd looked at the world around him, feeling as if he were on the outside of a glass menagerie, looking in. Smoke still rose from several places around the small town, but he knew no one was go... - #3
Save:In "The Scarlet Plague" by Jack London, the story is set in a post-apocalyptic world in 2073, where an old man recounts the devastating effects of the eponymous plague that wiped out most of the world's population. The novella follows the protagonist as he navigates a depopulated California with his grandsons, reminiscing about the world before the plague and the struggles of survival in the aftermath. London's writing style paints a vivid picture of a society in collapse, showcasing the rapid spread of the disease and the breakdown of civilization, while also delving into themes of regression, class inequalities, and the cyclical nature of history.
The old man peered from under his green leaf at the danger, and stood as quietly as the boy. For a few seconds this mutual scrutinizing went on; then, the bear betraying a growing irritability, the bo... - #4
Save:'The Book of Etta' is the second installment in Meg Elison's 'The Road to Nowhere' series, set in a post-apocalyptic world where a plague has drastically reduced the female population. The story follows Etta, who chooses to be a raider traveling outside her community of Nowhere to scavenge and rescue women from slavers. The novel delves into themes of gender identity, survival, and the complexities of navigating a broken world, all while exploring different societal models and the struggles of finding equilibrium after a devastating pandemic.
Eddy didn’t like that. He hated how inevitable it felt. Touching the star on the faded map, he had asked his mother why Estiel was the bigger city, with the giant arch and the huge tall buildings, whe...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Road to Nowhere ) - #5
Save:'Sand' by Hugh Howey is a post-apocalyptic fiction set in a world covered by a desert where people scavenge beneath the sand for remnants of the old world. The story follows a family, particularly focusing on Palmer and his siblings, as they navigate the harsh desert landscape and face challenges related to their family's past. The narrative is described as immersive, with elements of claustrophobia, intricate world-building, and a mix of characters with varying depths and complexities. The writing style is noted for its detailed descriptions of sand diving, the concept of being 'Coffined,' and the vivid portrayal of a collapsed society.
Starlight guided them through the valley of dunes and into the northern wastes. A dozen men walked single file, kers tied around their necks and pulled up over their noses and mouths, leather creaking... - #6
Save:'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... - #7
Save:Orpen, the protagonist of "Last Ones Left Alive," is a young woman raised on a deserted island off the coast of a post-apocalyptic Ireland, trained to fight against the Skrake zombies that have overrun the mainland. The narrative alternates between Orpen's present-day journey through the Skrake-ridden countryside and her past growing up on the island with her two mothers, focusing on her training and survival skills. As Orpen navigates the dangers of the world outside her island sanctuary, she is driven by a desire to find help for her infected mother, Maeve, and to uncover the truth about the banshees, a group of women warriors rumored to protect Phoenix City.
Where are the trees and stone walls? Where the abandoned cottages and burned-out bridge, where the waterfall and the hidden skiff? Where the signposts to lead us back home? I mark them, scraping old m... - #8
Save:'The Only Ones' by Carola Dibbell is a unique and thought-provoking novel set in a post-pandemic world where a poverty-stricken woman, Inez, raises her own clone amidst societal challenges and struggles. The first-person narrative style of Inez provides an engaging and immersive experience for readers, offering a blend of dystopian elements, parenting struggles, and scientific speculation about a near-future world plagued by diseases and pandemics. The book stands out for its inventive storytelling, combining themes of motherhood, mental health, and resilience in a society on the brink of collapse.
The book delves into the complexities of parenting, societal judgments, and the human experience through the lens of a post-apocalyptic setting, painting a vivid picture of a world where survival and hope intertwine in unexpected ways. With a focus on character development, unique narrative voice, and a backdrop of speculative fiction, 'The Only Ones' explores themes of identity, family, and the enduring nature of love in the face of adversity.
They generally check your Pass real good when you go out of state, but this guy didn’t even look—just took my bus coupon and off we go. I guess whatever bad thing someone from where I’m from could hav... - #9
Save:"The Lightest Object in the Universe" by Kimi Eisele is a post-apocalyptic novel that explores the aftermath of an economic and environmental collapse. The story follows two main characters, Beatrix and Carson, who are separated by 3000 miles but are determined to reconnect after society crumbles. Beatrix focuses on rebuilding her community in a west coast city, while Carson embarks on a cross-country journey to find her, encountering both generosity and hostility along the way. The narrative alternates between their perspectives, offering detailed observations of nature, geography, and survival skills in a world without modern amenities.
The book presents a unique twist on the post-apocalyptic genre by portraying a world where humanity comes together to rebuild and support each other in the face of chaos and despair. Through the characters of Beatrix and Carson, the author delves into themes of connection, resilience, and hope amidst a bleak and challenging landscape, ultimately painting a picture of a society striving to find a new way of living after the collapse of civilization.
At the end of a long and narrow street not far from the sea, right around the time of the spring equinox, the sun rose as a sliver between two skyscrapers. Carson Waller could see it if he stepped out... - #10
Save:The Country of Ice Cream Star by Sandra Newman is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a future America where a deadly disease called Posies kills everyone by the age of twenty-one. The story follows the protagonist, Ice Cream Star, a fifteen-year-old girl who embarks on a quest to find a cure for her brother. The book explores themes of survival, leadership, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The unique writing style of the author, which includes an invented dialect, adds depth to the narrative and creates a vivid portrayal of a dystopian world.
MY NAME BE ICE CREAM FIFTEEN STAR. MY BROTHER BE DRIVER Eighteen Star, and my ghost brother Mo-Jacques Five Star, dead when I myself was only six years old. Still my heart is rain for him, my brother ...
