Books Like...

The Deep Man by Michael Mersault is a military science fiction novel that follows the journey of Saef Sinclair Maru, a young warrior from a famous family, as he navigates through political machinations and battles against external enemies in the imperial navy. The book combines future technology with old values, featuring compelling characters like Saef, Inga, and Claude, and surprises the readers with twists, an AI companion, and an unexpected enemy to the Empire. The writing style is a mix of strategy, leadership, and cerebral ideas of citizenship, creating a unique blend of space opera with elements of suspense and action.

In the final book of 'The Last Policeman' trilogy, titled 'World of Trouble', former detective Hank Palace is on a mission to solve one last case before an asteroid hits Earth. With only 14 days left until impact, Hank searches for his missing sister, encountering dangerous situations and desperate individuals along the way. The book delves into themes of survival, human nature, and the choices people make in the face of imminent doom. The writing style is described as engaging, suspenseful, and disturbing, with a focus on the characters' reactions to the impending apocalypse.

'The Wolf Road' by Beth Lewis is a post-apocalyptic novel following the journey of Elka, a young woman raised by a man she later discovers is a serial killer. As Elka flees into the wilderness armed only with her survival skills, she encounters both kind-hearted individuals and dangerous predators, all while trying to find her long-lost parents. The book is praised for its gripping plot, vivid descriptions of the wilderness, and the development of Elka's character from a wild survivor to a more humane individual.

In Todd Strasser's 'Fallout', the story revolves around the Porter family and their neighbors seeking refuge in a bomb shelter during an alternate reality where the U.S. is attacked by the Russians. The narrative alternates between the events leading up to the bomb dropping and the tense situation inside the shelter, showcasing the dynamics and struggles of survival in such extreme circumstances. Through the eyes of 12-year-old Scott, the book offers a chilling portrayal of human nature, fear, and uncertainty during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

The author, Todd Strasser, skillfully crafts a gripping tale that explores the impact of a nuclear attack on a community, delving into themes of survival, sacrifice, and the loss of innocence. With a spare and simple writing style, Strasser manages to capture the emotional depth of the characters and the intensity of their experiences, making 'Fallout' a thought-provoking and engaging read for both young and adult audiences.

In 'Gun Monkeys' by Victor Gischler, readers are introduced to Charlie Swift, a skilled gun monkey working for Stan's crew. When things take a turn for the worse with dead cops, missing monkeys, and looming threats, Charlie finds himself in a dangerous predicament. The novel is praised for its fast-paced plot, engaging writing style, and a mix of ultraviolence and dark humor that keeps readers hooked till the end.

'The Apocalypse Seven' by Gene Doucette is a unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre, focusing on what happens after the end of the world rather than the events leading up to it. The story follows seven different characters, each waking up alone after missing the apocalypse, as they navigate a world where everything has already been destroyed. The plot unfolds through multiple viewpoints, delving into the characters' pasts and their struggles to survive and uncover the mysteries of their new reality.

In 2053, the book 'City of Bohane' by Kevin Barry presents a futuristic and dystopian town in Western Ireland, devoid of technology, where warring factions reminiscent of an old western clash. The language and prose used by Barry are incredibly creative, developing a vivid vision of the city, although the plot and character development are deemed thin by some readers. The narrative follows crime boss Logan Hartnett as he faces competition from younger rivals Jenny Ching and Gant Broderick, all set in a world filled with unique patois, fashion, and a dark, hedonistic atmosphere.

Double Dead by Chuck Wendig is a unique take on the vampire and zombie genres, following the story of Coburn, a foul-mouthed and self-centered vampire waking up in a post-apocalyptic world full of zombies. The book delves into the journey of Coburn as he navigates this dangerous landscape, forming alliances with human survivors in a bid to ensure his survival by securing a steady supply of blood. The plot is filled with relentless action, dark humor, and unexpected twists, making it a thrilling and engaging read for fans of horror and monster stories.

'Damnation Alley' by Roger Zelazny is a post-apocalyptic adventure novel following Hell Tanner, the last of the Hells' Angels, who is given a mission to deliver plague vaccine from Los Angeles to Boston through the treacherous Damnation Alley. The story is filled with mutated creatures, violent storms, and biker gangs, as Tanner navigates the wasteland of a ravaged America to complete his heroic mission. Zelazny's writing style in this novel is described as action-packed, fast-moving, and at times, surprisingly literary, with moments of revelation for the anti-hero Hell Tanner and poetic musings on the dichotomy of light and dark.

'A Boy and His Dog' by Harlan Ellison is a post-apocalyptic novella that follows the story of a young scavenger, his telepathic dog, and a girl. delves into the concept of morality in an immoral world, posing questions without necessarily providing answers. The writing style is described as evoking a range of emotions, from shock and repulsion to humor, creating a dark and gritty atmosphere that explores the darker aspects of human nature.