In this blog post, we embark on a journey through the realms of apocalyptic literature, curating a list of gripping reads that will transport you to dystopian landscapes, challenge your perception of reality, and make you ponder the “what ifs” that linger in the corners of our collective imagination.

1 DRY

For my first recommendation I start with a young adult book. It is a gripping dystopian story written by Neal Shusterman and his son, Jarrod Shusterman. The story unfolds in north California in the near future, where a diverse group of teenagers finds themselves into the reality of a society grappling with a catastrophic water crisis. As their world unravels, these teens are pushed to extraordinary lengths, facing challenges that will test their survival. Get ready to be captivated by the Shustermans’ masterpiece as they unravel a tale of desperation, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that form during this apocalyptic adventure.

2 The day of the triffids

As you may already know, I am a huge fan of John Wyndham. So this list would be incomplete if I didn’t mention his most famous novel: The day of the triffids. A meteor strike results in most of the world’s population being blind, leaving them vulnerable to an unexpected and perilous threat: the Triffids, bioengineered plants capable of aggressive and deadly behavior. Against this backdrop of societal breakdown, Wyndham explores themes of survival, human adaptability, and the consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation. If you haven’t read this book, please do!

3.Termush

This is rather a short book, written by Sven Holm in 1967. This time, a apocalyptic novel is written from the perspective from privileged and wealthy individuals. In this novel, Holm transports readers to a world where the wealthy elite have secured a coveted sanctuary: a luxurious coastal resort mainly designed to cocoon its affluent inhabitants in comfort amidst the chaos of an impending apocalypse. It is a really short story, so if you are looking for a one-day-read, this is the one!

4. Last

For readers intrigued by the fusion of apocalyptic settings and thrilling murder mysteries, “Last” by Hanna Jameson is a must-read. Set in a secluded Swiss hotel in the aftermath of a devastating nuclear apocalypse, the narrative follows the journey of Jon, a former historian grappling with the unraveling of civilization. Jameson masterfully crafts the story through Jon’s diary entries, offering readers an intimate and immersive perspective on his experiences. As Jon delves into a captivating murder investigation within the confines of the hotel, the tension escalates, drawing readers deeper into the mystery. With its unique blend of post-apocalyptic survival and gripping suspense, “Last” stands out as a compelling and unforgettable addition to the genre.

5. Parable of the Sower

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler is an intense and thought-provoking novel that follows a young girl, Lauren Olamina, on her harrowing journey to safety in a near-future America that has been devastated by climate disaster, economic collapse, and societal breakdown. As Lauren travels, she develops a unique belief system called Earthseed. This philosophy not only provides her with hope and purpose but also invites the reader to explore profound philosophical questions about human nature, resilience, and destiny. Butler’s narrative is both a survival story and a meditation on faith, community, and transformation. It’s a powerful, visionary work that resonates deeply with modern challenges, making it an essential read for those interested in speculative fiction that questions and critiques society while offering glimpses of hope.

That was it for today, but I will update this post with new reads of mine when I finished more apocalyptic books 🙂