Books Like...

'Legionnaire' in the series 'Galaxy's Edge' by Nick Cole and Jason Anspach follows the elite Republic Legions, specifically Victory Company, on a mission to the planet of Kublar. The Legionnaires, equipped with advanced technology and led by characters like Sergeant Chhun, find themselves in a brutal and chaotic situation as they face overwhelming odds and fierce enemies. The story is fast-paced, filled with intense battles, intricate strategies, and deep character development, providing a complex and layered narrative that goes beyond a typical military science fiction novel.

The authors, Nick Cole and Jason Anspach, have crafted a gripping story that combines elements of Clone Troopers from Star Wars, military action reminiscent of 'Black Hawk Down', and a deep exploration of themes like loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexities of war. The writing style is immersive, offering a realistic portrayal of combat situations, emotional depth in character interactions, and a balance between action-packed scenes and poignant moments that resonate with readers.

'Steel World' by B.V. Larson follows the story of James McGill, a college student who becomes a mercenary in a universe where humans must fight as mercenaries for alien rulers. The book is praised for its entertaining writing style, blending humor, fast-paced dialogues, and a realistic portrayal of the protagonist. Readers get immersed in a world filled with alien conflicts, powered armor battles, and a unique setting on the planet Cancri 9, known as the steel world.

In "Extinction Horizon," readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with suspense, intense action, and dark, intelligent storytelling. The book introduces a group of soldiers facing a deadly new threat unleashed by an experimental drug during the Vietnam War, leading to the creation of monstrous beings that threaten humanity. As the plot unfolds, the characters, including the well-developed Team Ghost and scientist Dr. Kate Lovato, navigate through a post-apocalyptic world where they must fight to survive against the infected and mutated creatures. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and incorporates elements of science fiction and plausible scientific explanations, making the story both terrifying and believable.

'Mountain Man' by Keith C. Blackmore is a zombie apocalypse series set in Canada, following the story of Augustus Berry, a survivor who is resourceful, anti-social, and often drunk. The series is described as post-apocalyptic with a mix of humor, dark humor, and horror elements. The main character, Gus, is portrayed as a tough individual who fights zombies, makes friends, and faces various challenges in a world overtaken by the undead.

The writing style of 'Mountain Man' is praised for its engaging and immersive storytelling, with readers highlighting the character development of Gus and the unique perspective of the story being told from a lone survivor's point of view. The series is commended for its humor, suspense, and the way it explores themes of survival, friendship, and resilience in the face of a zombie outbreak.

'Earth Abides' by George R. Stewart is a post-apocalyptic novel that follows the protagonist Isherwood Williams as he navigates a world devastated by a deadly disease. The story explores Ish's journey as he encounters the rapid loss of knowledge, attempts to rebuild society, and reflects on the changes in human civilization over generations. The writing style is introspective and insightful, delving into themes of survival, loss, and the resilience of humanity in the face of catastrophe.

Metro 2033, written by Dmitry Glukhovsky, is a post-apocalyptic novel set in the Moscow subway metro system after a nuclear war devastates the world. The story follows the journey of a young protagonist named Artyom who possesses a special ability to communicate with dark spirits in the tunnels. As Artyom embarks on a mission to deliver a secret message to the station at Polis, he encounters mutant creatures, dangerous situations, and various factions within the metro system. The book explores themes of survival, society, and the consequences of a post-nuclear world. The writing style is described as dark, captivating, and immersive, with vivid imagery that creates a bleak yet intriguing setting for the story.

'Columbus Day' in the 'Expeditionary Force' series by Craig Alanson follows a young soldier in near future America whose leave is interrupted when Earth is invaded by two interstellar species at war with each other. The story features a snarky AI named Skippy and a unique sense of humor injected into the plot, making it a fun and engaging military sci-fi read with elements of space opera and action galore. introduces a diverse cast of characters, some of whom are shallow and forgettable, while others like the two main protagonists, Joe, and Skippy, stand out for their banter and humor.

'One Second After' by William R. Forstchen is a post-apocalyptic novel that explores the aftermath of an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attack on the United States. The book follows the story of a small town in North Carolina as they struggle to survive in a world where all electronics have been fried, leading to a breakdown in society. The writing style is described as realistic, chilling, and gripping, with a focus on the realistic plot and the devastating impact of the EMP attack on the country's infrastructure.

The book presents a grim projection of life post-EMP attack, highlighting the vulnerabilities of modern society and the importance of being prepared for such a catastrophic event. It serves as a warning about the potential consequences of an EMP attack and the lack of readiness in the country. The narrative offers a thought-provoking exploration of how individuals and communities might cope with the sudden loss of technology and modern amenities.

In "Lucifer's Hammer," a comet strikes the Earth, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The novel follows a diverse cast of characters, ranging from astronauts to street gang members, as they navigate the aftermath of the disaster. The book explores themes of survival, societal collapse, and the resilience of humanity in the face of catastrophic events. Written in a vintage science fiction style, the story delves into the actions and reactions of people as they struggle to rebuild civilization in a post-apocalyptic world.

'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.