Books matching: nuclear holocaust
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- #1
'Long Voyage Back' by Luke Rhinehart is a post-apocalyptic survival story set at sea on a trimaran. The narrative focuses on the desperate attempts of a group of survivors to navigate through a world devastated by nuclear war. The story delves into struggles for leadership, battles with the elements, encounters with ruthless pirates, and acts of loyalty and comradeship. The writing style is described as realistic, searing, and character-driven, with a haunting and thought-provoking tone that keeps readers engaged.
- #2
The Jewels of Aptor by Samuel R. Delany is a post-apocalyptic tale set in a world where mankind lives a primitive life centuries after a nuclear holocaust. The story follows a group of four men tasked with uniting three quasi-magical jewels on the continent of Aptor, which holds the remnants of scientific knowledge. The plot delves into themes of corruption, the dangers of power, and the influence of organized religion in a society struggling to rebuild itself. Delany's writing style in this debut novel is described as straightforward, containing unique ideas and characters, with a mix of adventure and archaeology set in a far future world.
Gangplanks, chained from wooden pullies, scraped into place on concrete blocks, and the crew, after the slow captain and the tall mate, descended raffishly along the wooden boards which sagged with t... - #3
'Dark Universe' by Daniel F. Galouye is a science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where people live underground in total darkness. The story follows the protagonist, Jared, as strange events start to unfold in their underground society. The author's writing style is described as classic 60s, with a focus on clever use of language to paint a vivid picture of a world devoid of light and the struggles faced by its inhabitants.
Ahead were no more needles of rock he could conveniently tap. The last echoes had told him that much. So he produced a pair of clickstones from his pouch and brought them together sharply in the hollo... - #4
Kiteworld by Keith Roberts is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a rebuilt civilisation following a catastrophe, where survivors use kites to defend against demons from the Badlands. The story is told through a series of interconnected short stories, focusing on the society's reliance on kites and the religious and military forces that control them. The writing style is rich in detail, describing a unique world where kites have mythic power and play a crucial role in the society's defense against external threats.
The ground crew had all but finished their litany. They stood in line, heads bowed, silhouetted against the last dull flaring from the west; below me the Launch Vehicle seethed gently to itself, water... - #5
'Alas, Babylon' by Pat Frank is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a small Florida town following a nuclear war. The story focuses on the survival of the community members as they face the challenges of living without modern amenities like electricity, running water, and readily available food. The book portrays a vivid picture of how the characters learn to adapt, barter for their existence, and work together to navigate a world that has regressed hundreds of years due to the devastating effects of the nuclear war. The writing style is described as engaging, down-to-earth, and surprisingly contemporary, reminiscent of Stephen King's style but without the adolescent humor and bad endings.
Randy was having a pleasant, recurrent, Before-The-Day dream. He was awaking in a hotel in Miami Beach and a waitress in a white cap was bringing his morning coffee on a rolling table. Sometimes the w... - #6
'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.
- #7
"On the Beach" by Nevil Shute is a post-apocalyptic novel set in Australia after a devastating nuclear war has wiped out the northern hemisphere. The story follows a group of characters as they come to terms with the impending doom of radioactive fallout slowly making its way southward. The book explores how individuals cope with the knowledge of their inevitable demise, showcasing their day-to-day interactions and emotional struggles in the face of extinction. Despite the bleak and hopeless setting, the author manages to create a poignant narrative that delves into human psychology and reactions to the end of the world.
The novel focuses on the psychological aspects of the survivors, detailing their conversations, actions, and emotions as they grapple with the impending catastrophe. The narrative revolves around themes of hope, despair, acceptance, and resilience, providing a thought-provoking exploration of human nature in the face of extinction. The book's writing style, although dated, effectively captures the atmosphere of the late 1950s, portraying a world devoid of modern technology and communication, where individuals must confront their mortality with stoicism and introspection.
Lieutenant Commander Peter Holmes of the Royal Australian Navy woke soon after dawn. Pie lay drowsily for a while, lulled by the warm comfort of Mary steeping beside him, watching the first light of t... - #8
'The Chrysalids' by John Wyndham is a post-apocalyptic novel set in Labrador, where a community lives in fear of mutations and enforces strict religious doctrines. The story follows a group of young people with telepathic abilities who must hide their differences to survive in a closed-minded society. The plot explores themes of discrimination, fanaticism, and the struggle for acceptance in a world ravaged by nuclear war, all narrated through a style that gradually reveals the dire situation while maintaining a sense of tension and understated dystopia.
When I was quite small I would sometimes dream of a city – which was strange because it began before I even knew what a city was. But this city, clustered on the curve of a big blue bay, would come in... - #9
'Swan Song' by Robert R. McCammon is a post-apocalyptic novel that delves into the themes of good versus evil in a world devastated by a nuclear war. The book follows a diverse set of characters as they navigate through a bleak and horrifying landscape filled with supernatural elements and gory details. The author's writing style effectively blends elements of horror and fantasy, keeping readers engrossed throughout the lengthy narrative that spans several years.
The plot of 'Swan Song' revolves around the battle between the forces of good, represented by characters like Swan, Josh, and Sister, and the antagonistic figures such as The Man with the Scarlet Eye and Colonel Macklin. The story is described as intense, suspenseful, and emotionally impactful, with a gripping climax that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Despite drawing comparisons to other post-apocalyptic works like 'The Stand,' 'Swan Song' is praised for its unique storytelling, well-developed characters, and its ability to evoke a range of emotions from readers.
He stared into it, mesmerized by its color—and as the fire grew he had the vision of a tower of flame a thousand feet tall, whirling across the country he loved, torching cities and towns, turning riv... - #10
"A Canticle for Leibowitz" by Walter M. Miller Jr. is a post-apocalyptic novel that follows the story of a Catholic monastery in a remote desert, set in a world recovering from a nuclear war. The book is divided into three parts, spanning centuries and exploring themes of religion, history, humanity's propensity for repeating mistakes, and the preservation of knowledge. The writing style is described as contemplative, somber, and reflective, with rich characters, superb writing, and a blend of wry humor and speculative weight.
Never before had Brother Francis actually seen a pilgrim with girded loins, but that this one was the bona fide article he was convinced as soon as he had recovered from the spine-chilling effect of t...