Subject
Apocalyptic fiction Books
Best books
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The Star
"The Star" by H. G. Wells is an apocalyptic short story published in 1897. When a mysterious luminous object enters the Solar System and collides with Neptune, it creates a massive fireball hurtling toward Earth. As the new star grows brighter each day, scientists initially dismiss the danger—until a mathematician discovers their fatal miscalculation. The approaching celestial body unleashes catastrophic heat and gravitational forces, melting ice caps, triggering earthquakes, and flooding coastlines. Can humanity survive this cosmic collision, or will civilization be extinguished forever?
Richard Jefferies
After London; Or, Wild England
"After London; Or, Wild England" by Richard Jefferies is a speculative novel written during the late 19th century. The book imagines a future England transformed into a primitive world after civilization has collapsed and nature has reclaimed the land. The narrative explores themes of technology, society, and the natural world, showcasing characters such as Felix Aquila, who navigates this wild and unfamiliar landscape. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of post-apocalyptic England, describing how nature has overrun the landscapes once dominated by human civilization. It depicts a time when cities are forgotten, transformed into marshes, and domesticated animals have reverted to wild forms. The narrative presents a detailed account of the flora and fauna that have reclaimed the land, emphasizing the environmental changes that have led to a society that regresses into tribalism and barbarism. This transition sets the stage for the adventures of Felix Aquila and the encounters he faces in this new wild England.
Lester Del Rey
Keepers of the house
No description available.
Fritz Leiber
The Night of the Long Knives
"The Night of the Long Knives" by Fritz Leiber is a novel written in the late 20th century. The story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic America known as the Deathlands, an unforgiving landscape filled with radiation and danger. The main character navigates this desolate world, encountering a mysterious girl with whom he shares a fraught tension marked by their primal urges — one toward violence and the other toward intimacy. The opening of the book introduces us to a tense encounter between the protagonist, a weary scavenger, and a girl he spots in the vast, hazardous terrain. Both are armed and aware of the danger surrounding them, their paths intertwining in a complex dance of survival, fear, and attraction. As they cautiously approach one another, the narrative delves into their emotions — the conflicting desires to kill and to connect — encapsulating life in the Deathlands where the urge to murder is portrayed as a survival instinct. This initial encounter hints at both the treachery and the potential for connection in a world ravaged by chaos, setting the tone for the unfolding tale.
Fritz Leiber
The Moon is Green
"The Moon is Green" by Fritz Leiber is a science fiction short story first published in 1952. In a post-nuclear world, Effie lives trapped in a lead-shielded house with her controlling husband Hank, isolated from the radioactive wasteland outside. When a mysterious stranger appears at her window claiming survival is possible beyond their sealed home, Effie must confront the truth about her pregnancy, her marriage, and whether the poisoned world outside offers freedom or death.
J. D. (John Davys) Beresford
Goslings
"Goslings" by J. D. Beresford is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the Gosling family, particularly George Gosling, an ostensibly respectable middle-class man navigating the societal norms and expectations of his time, while being blissfully unaware of the turbulent inner lives and desires that lie beneath the surface of his routine existence. The initial chapters set the stage for a profound exploration of human behavior, social dynamics, and the brewing threat of a new plague that is hinted to escalate, possibly disrupting their seemingly mundane world. The opening of "Goslings" introduces us to George and his wife, who are engaged in a familiar domestic banter while anticipating the return of their daughters from a shopping trip. We learn about George's rise from humble beginnings to a stable middle-class life but also catch glimpses of his hidden desires and the delicate balance between his respectability and suppressed urges. As the family prepares for another evening at home, news of a concerning "new plague" spreading in China and reported cases in Russia begins to emerge, foreshadowing the larger crisis that will invade their lives. Through lively dialogue and character development, the first chapters establish the underlying tensions of personal and societal conflict that will likely unravel as the plot progresses.
Louis Charbonneau
The sentinel stars : $b a novel of the future
"The Sentinel Stars: A Novel of the Future" by Louis Charbonneau is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around TRH-247, a citizen whose existence is defined by numbers rather than names in a dystopian society where individuality is suppressed. TRH-247 faces existential questions about freedom and identity, and his journey leads him to a rebellious act that alters the course of his life. At the start of the novel, TRH-247 grapples with his disillusionment in a society governed by the Organization, a powerful entity that dictates the lives of its citizens. The opening reveals his inner turmoil as he awakens with a hangover, pondering his life choices amidst the backdrop of a recent societal Merger. His desire for individuality propels him to reject his assigned life and seek meaning outside the confines of his prescribed existence. This struggle for personal freedom deepens when he meets Ann, a woman whose beauty captivates him and ignites a longing for a deeper connection. Their brief encounter in a world dictated by rules and designations raises questions about the nature of love and freedom, setting the stage for TRH-247's ensuing journey toward self-discovery and rebellion.
Fritz Leiber
Friends and Enemies
"Friends and Enemies" by Fritz Leiber is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, specifically around the 1950s. The story explores the conflict between artistic and scientific perspectives in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by war and dominated by oppressive figures. The narrative delves into themes of creativity, intellect, and the societal implications of technology. The plot follows two professors, Madson, a poet and self-proclaimed enemy of science, and Ellenby, a physicist, who are expelled from their safe haven in Ozona College for their intellectual pursuits and differing philosophies. They embark on a journey to the city of New Angeles, encountering various challenges along the way, including hostile forces and toxic environments. Their travels lead them to a fateful earthquake that recontextualizes their conflict, showcasing the destructive capabilities of nature versus the consequences of human technological advancements. Ultimately, the story raises questions about humanity, creativity, and the role of science, leaving readers to ponder the balance between art and intellect in a chaotic world.
Nelson S. Bond
The judging of the priestess
"The Judging of the Priestess" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction story written during the early 20th century. Set in the 35th century, the narrative follows Meg, a priestess of the matriarchal clan of Jinnia, as she returns home with Daiv, a man from a different tribe, after her pilgrimage to the "Place of the Gods." The book explores themes of gender roles and societal norms, focusing on Meg's dual judgment and the acceptance of her partner in a world where the roles of men and women are sharply defined. The plot unfolds as Meg and Daiv encounter various challenges, including the hostile reception from Meg's clan and the arrival of the Japcans, invaders with advanced weaponry. As tensions rise, Meg must reconcile her love for Daiv with her loyalty to her tribe and navigate the conflicts that arise from their differing beliefs. The story culminates in battles and personal revelations, leading to the eventual acceptance of a new order where men and women can coexist as equals, contrasting with the oppressively matriarchal society Meg initially inhabited. Ultimately, this tale is a testament to the evolution of societal norms and the potential for unity across gender divides.
James E. Gunn
The Stilled Patter
"The Stilled Patter" by James E. Gunn is a speculative fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores the implications of a catastrophic societal shift caused by the dissemination of controversial truths about parenthood and birth control, ultimately leading to the depopulation of Earth. The book delves into the dynamics of gender relationships and the age-old battle of the sexes, suggesting how entrenched societal norms can unravel in the face of new realities. The story is told through the voice of Andrew Jones, who grapples with guilt over his unintentional role in precipitating this downfall. After exposing misleading information in popular baby care literature, his findings prompt a drastic decline in birth rates due to the introduction of a contraceptive pill that severely limits male fertility. As society collapses, Andrew reflects on the consequences of his actions while awaiting the return of his companion, Lindsay. Through his internal struggle, the book examines themes of responsibility, gender roles, and the often hidden realities of family life, leading to a haunting picture of a world on the brink of extinction.
Harlan Ellison
Glow Worm
"Glow Worm" by Harlan Ellison is a science fiction short story written during the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around the themes of isolation and the consequences of humanity's actions, exploring the aftermath of a catastrophic war that has decimated life on Earth. The protagonist, Seligman, is a remarkable human specimen, transformed by experiments into a glowing, invulnerable being, symbolizing the last remnant of humanity in a world now devoid of life. In the story, Seligman grapples with his profound loneliness as the sole survivor after humanity has annihilated itself through war. With his peculiar green glow and newfound powers rendering him impervious to harm, he embarks on a journey to find any traces of life among the stars, ultimately learning that his transformation has left him further estranged from his humanity. As he readsies himself for departure, he reflects on the fate of his species and his own existence, realizing he is now more a symbol of humanity's destruction rather than a participant in its continuation. The tale culminates in Seligman renouncing his hope for connection, resigning to an eternal solitude that embodies the grim truth of mankind's legacy.
Stephen Marlowe
Slaves to the Metal Horde
"Slaves to the Metal Horde" by Milton Lesser is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story occurs in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by war and plague, where the remaining humans live in fear of both the disease and the robot armies originally created to serve humanity. The protagonist, Johnny Hope, struggles against the prejudices of his community as he seeks to understand the fate of the dead and the future of what is left of civilization. The opening portion of the novel introduces Johnny Hope, who faces hostility from his own village due to the death of his parents from the Plague. Despite his pleas to return his parents' bodies to their rightful resting place, he is rejected and ultimately left to fend for himself in a harsh world. As Johnny navigates his despair, he reflects on his past and the existence of robots that no longer serve man but might hold the key to understanding the Plague. Meanwhile, the narrative shifts to Diane, a member of a rebellious group known as the Shining Ones, who is resilient in her survival amidst the chaos. Their paths are set to intertwine, hinting at a journey that encompasses both danger and the search for truth as the world continues to crumble around them.
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