Books matching: human extinction
77 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Genocides' by Thomas M. Disch is a unique and grim apocalyptic tale where Earth is invaded by alien plants that grow rapidly, overtaking the planet and destroying the ecosystem. The story follows humanity's struggle to survive against these alien plants and their robotic enforcers, as society collapses and individuals fight for their lives. The writing style of Disch is described as skillful, fluid, and able to shift between horror and humor seamlessly, creating a bleak but captivating narrative that delves into themes of human extinction, survival, and the destructive nature of power politics.
As the lesser and then the greater stars disappeared in the advancing light, the towering mass of the forest that walled in the cornfield retained for a while the utter blackness of the night. A light... - #2
Save:As the book starts, we learn that humans, after many years of peace and prosperity, and after having colonized dozens of planets throughout our part of the galaxy, have reverted to their old ways and killed themselves off. A lone survivor of the deadly plague, Ruslan, is discovered on his home planet by a race called the Myssari, one of a number of alien races core ward from the spiral arm humans had colonized who are finally starting to explore our area. As Ruslan assimilates into Myssari society, he helps them interpret the many things they find on now empty human colonies. Eventually, other races decide that having a human on staff would be a good thing, and the conflicts begin. The book is a change from your post-apocalyptic novel, providing a pleasantly read with good main characters and plot development. The story flows evenly with occasional peaks of excitement to a very satisfying end, leaving the reader with some bitter thoughts about human nature.
- #3
Save:'Millennium' by John Varley is a science fiction novel that intertwines the present and future timelines, involving time travel and the manipulation of events to ensure the survival of the human race. The story follows Louise, a woman from the future, and Smith, a present-day NTSB investigator, as they navigate through a complex plot involving rescuing passengers from doomed accidents to populate the future Earth. The narrative is filled with twists, logical progression, and believable characters, keeping readers engaged and turning the pages to uncover the mysteries of time travel and paradoxes.
I once spent seven hundred dollars for an alarm clock. It wasn't an alarm clock when I bought it and it was a lot more than that when I got through with it. The heart of the thing was a World War Two ... - #4
Save:A Scientific Romance by Ronald Wright is a literary science fiction novel that combines elements of time travel and post-apocalyptic fiction. The story follows David Lambert, an archaeologist who travels to the future in search of a cure for the disease that killed his girlfriend and is now killing him. Using H.G. Wells' time machine, Lambert finds himself 500 years into the future, alone and isolated, exploring a world where humanity has vanished. The narrative is rich with descriptions, literary allusions, and explores themes of isolation, community, and the consequences of human actions on the planet.
Dear Bird: A message in a bottle. Well, a disk in a jar. Hope you find it all right. Should be easy enough to spot, bobbing in my wake. For your eyes first but not necessarily your eyes only. Do what ... - #5
Save:'This Is the Way the World Ends' by James K. Morrow is an avant-garde and surrealistic novel that explores the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust. The book delves into the insanity of the cold war era and post-apocalyptic world through biting satire and philosophical contemplation. The plot revolves around a trial where the survivors are judged by the souls of those who perished due to nuclear annihilation, presenting a unique perspective on the consequences of nuclear war.
The writing style of James Morrow in this book is described as superb, with a combination of humor and heartbreak that keeps the reader engaged. The narrative takes unexpected turns, blending elements of farce, satire, and philosophical musings, ultimately leading to a poignant and thought-provoking ending that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
- #6
Save:'Time' in the 'Manifold' series by Stephen Baxter follows the story of Reid Malenfant, a maverick entrepreneur determined to revolutionize space exploration despite the world facing imminent devastation. The narrative delves into the exploration and colonization of space, featuring a mix of hard science fiction concepts, futuristic technologies, and thought-provoking philosophical ideas. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists, including encounters with genetically enhanced squid, time travel, and the exploration of alternate realities, all set against a backdrop of ecological crisis and human ambition.
Space. Yes, she understood what that meant, that she was no longer in the wide oceans of Earth but in a small, self-contained ocean of her own that drifted through emptiness, a folded-over ocean she s... - #7
Save:"Salvation" by Peter F. Hamilton is a science fiction novel that follows a complex story structure involving multiple timelines and characters. Readers found the book challenging due to its format, which includes flashbacks and flash-forwards that can be difficult to track, especially when listening to it as an audiobook. Despite the intricate plotlines, the book explores interesting concepts such as alien encounters, advanced technology, and societal developments in a near-future setting.
Drifting through interstellar space, three light-years out from the star 31 Aquilae, the Neána abode cluster picked up a series of short, faint electromagnetic pulses that lasted intermittently for ei... - #8
Save:'Total Eclipse' by John Brunner is a science fiction novel that follows the story of an investigation into an extinct alien civilization on the planet Sigma Draconis III. A group of archaeologists and scientists work together to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of the highly advanced crab-like alien race that once inhabited the planet. The novel delves into themes of alien communication, technological advancements, and the unraveling of the alien civilization's rise and fall, all while exploring the interactions and dynamics between the diverse group of characters involved in the expedition.
The plot of 'Total Eclipse' is filled with twists and turns as the characters navigate through the complexities of deciphering the alien language, understanding the artifacts left behind by the Draconians, and ultimately coming to terms with the dark realities surrounding the fate of the alien civilization. John Brunner's writing style captivates readers with its detailed descriptions of the alien world, engaging character interactions, and thought-provoking exploration of humanity's quest for knowledge amidst the backdrop of a troubled Earth and a mysterious alien past.
- #9
Save:'Mind Painter' by Tom B. Night is a science fiction novel that follows a storyline alternating between 2045 Earth and Moon and 2201 Mars. The book explores a post-pandemic world where a bioluminescent virus causes people to glow before they go crazy and commit suicide. The narrative involves a Gaia group seeking to save the planet by destroying humanity, while an Elon Musk group attempts to colonize Mars. The book's plot is a mix of several tales that, if developed further, could stand alone, but the rushed and unexplained nature of the story leaves readers feeling like it begged for an editor. The author's writing style includes jumping back and forth in time within the story, creating confusion for readers, but manages to bring the story together from different timelines into one cohesive narrative.
On the other end of the Asian continent, motivation spectrum, and chain of causality from the Svalbard Incident, a large corporate jet landed on the roof of the world at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, outside... - #10
Save:"The World Without Us" by Alan Weisman explores the hypothetical scenario of what would happen to the Earth if humans suddenly disappeared. Through a thought experiment, Weisman delves into various aspects of the planet's response to the absence of humanity, from the rapid decay of cities to the long-lasting impact of human artifacts. The writing style is engaging, blending scientific research and real-world examples to paint a vivid picture of a world reclaiming its balance without human interference.
Weisman's book not only discusses the potential aftermath of humanity's disappearance but also serves as a critical reflection on the environmental impact of human activities. By examining topics such as pollution, plastic waste, and ecological endangerment, the book prompts readers to consider the consequences of our actions on the planet. While offering insights into the resilience of nature, "The World Without Us" also highlights the urgent need for environmental conservation and awareness.
To keep his own memory connected, for years he daily laced his leather boots and hiked through his beloved Puszcza. Yet although he ferociously defends those parts of this forest still undisturbed by ...
