Books Like...

'By the Waters of Babylon' by Stephen Vincent Benet is a classic post-apocalyptic story that follows a young tribesman on a perilous journey in search of knowledge in forbidden lands. The narrative is told in the first person, presenting a dystopian society existing near New York after a great disaster, likely a nuclear war. The story is rich in symbolism and imagery, with a poetic and lyrical writing style that enhances the multilayered aspect of the plot. The quest undertaken by the protagonist is both metaphorical and physical, leading to a big revelation at the end, with subtle foreshadowing throughout the narrative.

explores themes of the importance and consequences of knowledge, the impact of past events on present civilizations, and the dangers of too much knowledge. It presents a world where society has reformed into the Hill People after the Great Burning, hinting at the parallels with nuclear bombing on Earth. The narrative weaves together elements of science fiction and mythology, drawing readers into a reflective tale that delves into the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of wisdom.

Hiero's Journey by Sterling E. Lanier is a post-apocalyptic adventure novel following Hiero Desteen, a priest warrior on a quest to find technological relics in a drastically changed North America. The story is set in a future world where psychic powers and conflicts play a significant role alongside physical fighting. Hiero travels with companions, including a talking bear and a black princess, encountering mutated animals and battling against villains with advanced psychic abilities.

The narrative style of Hiero's Journey combines elements of post-apocalyptic fiction, adventure, and fantasy, with a focus on psychic powers, telepathy, and mind control. The writing is described as enthusiastic and engaging, capturing the essence of episodic adventure storytelling reminiscent of pen-and-paper fantasy roleplaying games. Despite the lack of scientific accuracy in the soft science fiction setting, the book offers a diverse and imaginative portrayal of a far-future world filled with unique creatures and psychic phenomena.

'Eternity Road' by Jack McDevitt is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a future where humanity has been decimated by a plague, leading to the collapse of modern civilization. The story follows various groups and individuals who embark on expeditions to find the mythical city of Haven, rumored to contain valuable knowledge and artifacts left behind by the Roadmakers, the ancient civilization that preceded the current society. The narrative is a blend of adventure, mystery, and exploration, with characters facing various challenges and encounters as they journey through a world filled with remnants of the past.

The book is praised for its world-building and storytelling, offering a speculative future history that is well thought out and engaging. Readers appreciate the post-apocalyptic setting, the exploration of Roadmaker ruins and technology, and the sense of mystery surrounding the quest for Haven. McDevitt's writing style keeps the readers interested throughout the story, with memorable characters, intriguing descriptions of the world, and a narrative that delves into the human experience in a society shaped by the remnants of a lost civilization.

'Motel of the Mysteries' by David Macaulay is a humorous and satirical take on archaeology, where a future archaeologist excavates the site of a 20th-century motel and makes deductions based on the artifacts found. is described as a wry commentary on archaeology and science in general, showcasing how easily historical findings can be misinterpreted and how assumptions can be made based on limited evidence. Through clever illustrations and a unique storyline, the book challenges readers to reconsider how we perceive ancient artifacts and the world around us.

The Breaking of Northwall is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a future North America where different tribes and cultures are beginning to interact and clash. The story follows Jestak, a member of the Pelbar tribe living in a matriarchal society, who embarks on a journey to establish trade with a distant city. Jestak's travels lead him through various cultures, forging alliances and facing challenges along the way. The book explores themes of cultural exchange, alliances, and the impact of technology on society, all while presenting a well-developed plot with engaging characters.

The writing style in The Breaking of Northwall is straightforward and engaging, with well-developed characters and intriguing cultural choices. The novel blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, creating a hybrid world that mixes post-apocalyptic scenarios with medieval and indigenous cultures. The author, Paul O. Williams, demonstrates a good understanding of diplomacy, survival skills, and various crafts, making the world-building rich and immersive for readers.

'Riddley Walker' by Russell Hoban is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a future England where civilization has regressed to a primitive state after a nuclear war. The story follows the eponymous narrator, Riddley, as he navigates this harsh world and tries to uncover the mysteries of the past through a mix of oral history, myths, and a language that reflects the decay of society. The book is known for its unique writing style, incorporating a degraded English language that challenges readers but ultimately immerses them in the world of Riddley.

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.

'Mara and Dann' by Doris Lessing is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a distant future where Africa is the only inhabitable continent due to global warming. The story follows the journey of siblings Mara and Dann as they travel from drought-ridden South Africa to a better life in the North. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, make friends and enemies, and explore remnants of past civilizations. explores themes of survival, adaptation to climate change, societal issues, and the endurance of the earth through inevitable change, all portrayed through the complex and authentic characters created by Lessing.

'Orion Shall Rise' by Poul Anderson is a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel that explores a world struggling to rebuild after a global nuclear war. The story delves into the complexities of different societies that have emerged following the catastrophe, showcasing contrasting governments and the effects of power dynamics on individuals. The plot involves a mix of futuristic technology, political intrigue, and societal reflections, with a particular focus on the Maurai Empire and its efforts to prevent a return to the destructive technologies that led to the war.

The narrative of 'Orion Shall Rise' unfolds through a vast array of well-developed characters, each with their own motivations and backgrounds. Poul Anderson's writing style is praised for its detailed world-building and civilization-building, especially in creating post-apocalyptic settings that feel authentic and immersive. The novel combines elements of steampunk, feudalism, Victorian Empire, and pioneering spirit, weaving together a complex web of storylines that culminate in a tense and science-fictional climax.