Books Like...
'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.
If you liked Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse, here are the top 41 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Brave New Worlds' is an anthology of dystopian short stories that includes a mix of new and old writers, featuring famous authors like Philip K. Dick and Ursula K. LeGuin. The stories range from classics like 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson to newer works like 'Amaryllis' by Carrie Vaughn. The book explores dark and chilling themes, offering a variety of speculative fiction that is both thought-provoking and impactful.
The collection is carefully curated and organized thematically by the editor, John Joseph Adams, who provides thoughtful commentary that ties the stories together. The stories delve into different dystopias focusing on various issues such as totalitarianism, societal structures, and human psyche, offering a comprehensive look at the genre of dystopian fiction.
Shirley Jackson, best known for penning this classic story, was the author of several novels, such as We Have Always Lived in the Castle and The Haunting of Hill House, The latter of which has been ad... - #2
Save:'Robot Uprisings' is a collection of short stories exploring various forms of robot AI uprisings. The anthology delves into different perspectives and approaches taken by the authors, examining different elements of a techno uprising that may leave readers questioning their surroundings. The stories range from apocalyptic near-future AI fiction to haunting post-apocalyptic tales, each providing a unique and sometimes chilling take on the potential consequences of a robot uprising.
Dr. Petra Prawatt pulled her jacket tighter and shivered against the cold of a Michigan winter. There wasn’t much left to block the icy, stiff breeze that whipped in off the river, not since the nuke ... - #3
Save:'The End is Nigh' is the first book in 'The Apocalypse Triptych' series, featuring a collection of short stories centered around different apocalyptic events. The book focuses on events leading up to the apocalypse, with each story presenting a unique take on the end of the world. Authors in the series contribute stories that tie together over the three book series, offering a diverse range of perspectives on impending doom and human resilience.
The anthology showcases a variety of apocalyptic scenarios, from alien invasions to pandemics, each story exploring the theme of impending catastrophe in a distinct and engaging way. Readers can expect a mix of gripping narratives, thought-provoking themes, and standout stories that delve into sacrifice, love, and the complexities of human nature in the face of disaster.
Here’s how it works in my business: First, you pick a date—your show-offs will go for something flashy, October 31 or New Year’s Eve, but you ask me, pin the tail on the calendar works just as well an... Mirrorshades: The Cyberpunk Anthology is a collection of cyberpunk stories that delve into themes of body invasion, mind invasion, and the human condition. The anthology includes a variety of stories that showcase prosthetic limbs, brain-computer interfaces, artificial intelligence, and genetic alteration, all redefining the nature of humanity. The writing style of the book is described as capturing a wide range of stories, each different from the other but tonally similar, featuring augmented soldiers, techno rockers, time-traveling historians, and surprising elements like gargoyles and merfolk. The book is praised for its nostalgic and moving qualities, with stories that grip readers and leave a lasting impression.
Scarcely any writer is happy about labels—especially one with the peculiar ring of "cyberpunk." Literary tags carry an odd kind of double obnoxiousness: those with a label feel pigeonholed; those with...- #5
Save:'The Big Book of Science Fiction' edited by Ann and Jeff VanderMeer is a massive anthology with almost 1200 pages containing over 50 stories from authors around the world. The stories range over more than a century and cover a wide array of emotional concepts and themes that may seem alien to readers. The book showcases international authors expressing unique perspectives on popular sci-fi themes, providing a glimpse into sci-fi from different cultures and challenging readers to think in new ways.
The anthology includes stories that inspire a range of emotions, from shudders of revulsion to moments of inspiration. While some readers found the stories challenging and emotionally weird, others appreciated the breadth of conceptualization and the opportunity to explore how far the science fiction genre has evolved over the years. Despite the mixed reactions to the stories, readers praised the VanderMeers' meticulous research and insightful introductions for each author and story.
The first moment I laid eyes on Martell I took a great dislike to the man. There sprang up between us an antagonism that as far as he was concerned might have remained passive, but which circumstances... - #6
Save:"Three Moments of an Explosion" by China Mieville is a collection of twenty-eight short stories that showcase the author's uniquely textured style in smaller doses. The stories cover a wide range of genres, from science fiction to ghost stories, with some politically colored fantasies that may not hit the mark for all readers. The book is praised for its innovative storytelling, weirdness, and the ability to entertain and haunt readers with its unresolved endings.
When cold masses first started to congeal above London, they did not show up on radar. By the time they started to, perhaps two hours later, hundreds of thousands of people were already out in the str... - #7
Save:'New Suns' by Nisi Shawl is an anthology of speculative fiction stories by people of color with widely different backgrounds. The stories in this collection offer fresh and intriguing speculative fiction, taking readers on a journey through alternate histories, future dystopias, and unique fantasies. The writing style is described as mind-bending, thought-provoking, and engaging, with a variety of stories that explore new worlds, cultures, and past and future histories.
Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders by Neil Gaiman is a collection of short stories, poems, and a novella featuring the character Shadow from American Gods. The stories cover genres like horror, dark fantasy, and mythology, with memorable diversions such as a meeting between Sherlock Holmes and Lovecraft, a tarot deck of a vampire, and an exploration of Susan post-Narnia. Gaiman's writing style is described as weird, creepy, fun, and imaginative, with each piece offering a distinct and vivid experience for the reader.
I. The New Friend FRESH FROM THEIR STUPENDOUS EUROPEAN TOUR, WHERE THEY PERFORMED BEFORE SEVERAL OF THE CROWNED HEADS OF EUROPE, GARNERING THEIR PLAUDITS AND PRAISE WITH MAGNIFICENT DRAMATIC PERFORMAN...- #9
Save:Generations after a zombie outbreak, the survivors of the human race live in a small village surrounded by fences to keep out the undead. The protagonist, Mary, dreams of leaving the village and finding the mythical ocean. However, when the fences are breached by the zombies, Mary and a few others escape into the forest of hands and teeth, facing adventures and challenges along the way. The book explores themes of survival, love, and the desire for freedom, set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth delves into the life of Mary, a young girl living within the confines of a fenced village, protected from the Unconsecrated zombies that roam the forest beyond. The story follows Mary's journey as she navigates the secrets of the village, her own desires for a life outside the fences, and the challenges of survival in a world overrun by the undead. The book combines elements of dystopia, romance, and adventure, offering readers a unique take on the zombie genre with a focus on characters and their decisions.
My mother used to tell me about the ocean. She said there was a place where there was nothing but water as far as you could see and that it was always moving, rushing toward you and then away. She onc... - #10
Save:'Magic for Beginners' by Kelly Link is a collection of surreal and bizarre short stories that blend reality with fantasy, mystery, and magic. The writing style is described as inventive, quirky, and unsettling, with stories that leave readers feeling unsatisfied due to their unresolved endings. The book showcases a mix of dreamlike and nightmarish qualities, playing with fairy tale elements and genre humor, while also exploring themes of absurdity and surrealism.
Eric was night, and batu was day. The girl, Charley, was the moon. Every night, she drove past the All-Night in her long, noisy, green Chevy, a dog hanging out the passenger window. It wasn’t ever the...
