5 Apocalypse Books That Give A Glimpse Into The End Of The World

The end of the world is not something that necessarily sits well with us humans. But it has been a topic of intrigue in the world of literature and the media, especially with events like pandemics and war that always seem to be plaguing our news feeds. These titles on our list are some of the fictional takes on what a world during and after the apocalypse could look like.

The horror genre explores dread and apprehension over the unknown. Science fiction explores the impact of technology on society. Satire and social commentary highlight the absurdity of civilization. Apocalypse fiction often blends elements from these genres and more to create a scenario of societal collapse on a global scale. This catastrophic level of civil failure is typically triggered by a catalyst like emergent artificial intelligence, alien invasion, or a zombie uprising. Other great apocalypse novels utilize more realistic and somehow scarier reasons including disease, war, and political upheaval. In creating a world that differs only slightly from our own, authors craft compelling narratives that pose the question “What If?” Sometimes the focus of these books is the actual planetary disaster and, in others, it is simply a distant memory. Readers can experience recreational fear, then put the book down, walk away, and go about their day. So, we took it upon ourselves to scour 10 expert reviews to create this list of the best apocalypse books of all time. Let us know your favorites in the comments below!

The List: Best Apocalypse Books, According to Readers

1. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy (2006)

This character-driven story is fully focused on the struggle of a man and his son as they try to survive. The apocalypse is merely an afterthought as the heart of this narrative lies in the relationship between father and son.

Imagine a world stripped bare, ravaged by an unnamed catastrophe. This is the backdrop for Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Road,” where an unnamed father and son embark on a desperate trek to escape the encroaching Appalachian winter. Refinery29 calls it a chilling survival story, a fight for existence in the face of an unknown disaster.

Den of Geek dives deeper into the emotional core of the novel. A father, driven by a fierce paternal love, protects his young son from the horrors that lurk in the wasteland. This journey becomes a testament to human resilience, a flicker of hope amidst the brutality. They carry a fire within them – a fire of love, of determination, of the will to survive.

Nerd Much? acknowledges the unconventional narrative structure. The story unfolds without a clear beginning, climax, or conclusion – a reflection of the characters' uncertain future. The reader joins them on a seemingly endless journey, a desperate search for… what exactly? The purpose of their trek remains shrouded in mystery, fueled only by a sliver of hope for what awaits them on the coast. What we do know is that the cause of this devastation is hinted at – a nuclear war perhaps – but McCarthy leaves the specifics to our imagination, heightening the unsettling atmosphere. McCarthy's prose is both poetic and hauntingly beautiful – a literary masterpiece painted in shades of despair and resilience.

2. “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel (2014)

“Station Eleven” is a richly-detailed narrative that focuses on interpersonal relationships. It is an examination of human nature. Picture a world shaken by a deadly flu pandemic, a fictional illness that rips through society, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. This might hit a little too close to home. Anyone?

This is the chilling premise of Emily St. John Mandel's “Station Eleven,” a novel that weaves together the stories of five strangers whose lives become tragically intertwined. Happy magazine tells us that the story hinges on the on-stage death of a Hollywood actor, an event that sets the dominoes of societal collapse into motion.

But “Station Eleven” is more than just a post-apocalyptic thriller. The Mary Sue describes a narrative that transcends the typical genre tropes. Yes, there are flashbacks that paint a picture of the world succumbing to the pandemic, and the dangers of a world without familiar structures are ever-present. But what truly resonates is the novel's focus on humanity's enduring spirit. Even amidst the ruins, glimmers of hope and connection persist.

Read This Twice delves into the heart of the story: Kirsten Raymonde. A member of the Traveling Symphony, she and her fellow actors and musicians become guardians of a precious flame – the flame of art, of culture, of what makes us human. Their journey unfolds through a unique timeline, jumping between the pre- and post-pandemic eras, revealing a web of fate that connects them all in unexpected ways. Will the music survive the collapse? Will the embers of humanity rekindle? Dive into “Station Eleven” to discover the thrilling answers.

3. “Oryx and Crake” by Margaret Atwood (2003)

“Oryx and Crake” is a riveting narrative that follows its protagonist through the events of the apocalypse. It is an exploration of hubris and the destruction it can cause. The world is teetering on the edge with a society consumed by corporate greed and the relentless pursuit of instant happiness through “designer drugs.” This is the chilling reality Margaret Atwood paints in her 2003 novel, “Oryx and Crake.” According to, The Booker Prizes the narrative oscillates between a seemingly normal present and a post-apocalyptic future, slowly unraveling the catastrophic events that brought civilization to its knees. Atwood, a master of social commentary, uses this dystopian landscape to expose the dark underbelly of human nature, our vices laid bare for all to see.

But “Oryx and Crake” isn't just a cautionary tale; it's a chilling prophecy. Lit Hub argues that while “The Handmaid's Tale” often takes center stage in Atwood's dystopian repertoire, “Oryx and Crake” deserves equal recognition. Here, the apocalypse unfolds not with a bang, but with a whimper – the result of our unquenchable thirst for a quick fix and our blind trust in corporations. It's a frighteningly plausible scenario, one that leaves you wondering if we're hurtling down that very path.

CrimeReads dives deeper, highlighting Atwood's genius for weaving together brilliant wordplay and unsettling biotechnology. The fate of humanity hinges on a series of boneheaded decisions fueled by emotions and shortsightedness. Atwood doesn't shy away from the ugly truths, forcing us to confront the consequences of our actions. Prepare to be shocked, horrified, and perhaps a little terrified as you delve into this world where humanity's future hangs in the balance. Will we learn from our mistakes, or are we destined to repeat them? Pick up “Oryx and Crake” to find out.

4. “Riddley Walker” by Russell Hoban (1980)

“Riddley Walker” can be a difficult read. This is because author Russell Hoban wrote this book in a highly stylized dialect of English, and it is much easier to comprehend as an audiobook. But don't be intimidated if “Riddley Walker” looks challenging at first glance. The Best Sci Fi Books warns that it requires slow and deliberate reading, but the payoff is more than worth the effort. This isn't your typical post-apocalyptic tale – it's a masterpiece waiting to be unraveled.

Read This Twice paints a vivid picture of the setting: a ravaged England, two thousand years after a cataclysm that shattered civilization. We follow twelve-year-old Ridley Walker, a boy forced to grow up fast in this desolate wasteland. When his father dies, the weight of survival falls on his young shoulders. But fate has something even more unexpected in store for Ridley – a relic from the lost world that sets off a chain of events with world-altering consequences.

Lit Hub delves into the novel's unique charm: a future England where society clings to the remnants of the past through bizarre “Punch & Pooty” puppet shows. This award-winning novel is a layered exploration of storytelling, myth-making, and the enduring human spirit even in the face of oblivion. It's reminiscent of James Joyce's works, with its complex language and focus on the power of narrative. So, are you ready to embark on a challenging but unforgettable adventure through a broken world? Crack open “Riddley Walker” and see where the story takes you.

5. “Severance” by Ling Ma (2018)

“Severance” is a satirical dark comedy about a slow and encroaching apocalypse. The protagonist is a survivor who watches society collapse around her. Ling Ma's debut novel, “Severance,” isn't your typical end-of-the-world story. Here, the apocalypse is insidious, a slow creep that infects people with a strange plague called Shen Fever. The truly terrifying part? Infected folks don't turn into raging zombies – they just keep doing whatever they were doing when they got sick. Imagine setting the dinner table repeatedly, forever frozen in a single, monotonous task, until you… well, you get the picture. It's a chilling metaphor for the mind-numbing routines many of us fall into in our daily lives.

But “Severance” isn't all gloom and doom. Read This Twice describes it as a darkly funny and strangely relatable story. We meet Candace Chen, a millennial navigating the complexities of adulthood in a society obsessed with productivity. When this mysterious plague sweeps through New York City, Candace is forced to confront a world turned upside down. She joins a ragtag group of survivors, led by a tech bro with questionable leadership skills, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery amidst the ruins.

This isn't just a story about survival; it's a moving family drama and a quirky coming-of-age tale. Through Candace's wry humor and perseverance, Ma explores the power of human connection. Even in a world on the brink, the things that drive us – love, loyalty, and the will to find meaning – persist.

Sources:

• Refinery29
• Den of Geek
• Nerd Much?
• Happy
• The Mary Sue
• Read This Twice
• The Booker Prizes
• Lit Hub
• CrimeReads
• Best Sci Fi Books

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.