20 best books on post apocalyptic world – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you a fan of dystopian fiction? Do you love immersing yourself in post-apocalyptic worlds where survival is the ultimate challenge? If so, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best books about post-apocalyptic worlds that will transport you to dark and dangerous landscapes. From gripping tales of survival to thought-provoking explorations of human nature, these books are a must-read for any lover of the genre. So, grab a cup of tea, curl up with a blanket, and prepare to embark on thrilling adventures in these captivating post-apocalyptic worlds.


The Road

by Cormac McCarthy

The Road by Cormac McCarthy is a gripping and haunting book that takes place in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Set in a desolate world that has been ravaged by an unspecified catastrophe, the story follows a father and his young son as they journey through the bleak and dangerous landscape.

Station Eleven

by Emily St. John Mandel

Discover a mesmerizing tale set in the aftermath of a global catastrophe with Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. This spellbinding novel takes readers on a journey through a world devastated by a devastating pandemic, where the remnants of humanity struggle to find meaning and connection.

The Stand

by Stephen King

The Stand by Stephen King is an adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster ride through a desolate and ravaged world, a book on a post-apocalyptic wasteland that will leave you breathless. This book about a post-apocalyptic world will transport you to a terrifying reality where humanity is pushed to its limits.

The Passage

by Justin Cronin

The Passage by Justin Cronin:

Welcome to a world ravaged by catastrophe and teetering on the edge of darkness. In this spellbinding book on a post-apocalyptic world, Justin Cronin invites you on an extraordinary journey that will leave you breathless.

Set in a future where civilization has been decimated by a deadly virus, The Passage introduces us to a group of survivors who must navigate the treacherous remains of society. As they struggle to stay alive, they uncover a chilling secret that could change the fate of humanity forever.

This book about a post-apocalyptic world is a masterful blend of suspense, horror, and heart-pounding action. Cronin’s vivid storytelling transports you into a desolate landscape where danger lurks at every turn. His characters are beautifully drawn, their struggles and triumphs serving as a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s resilience.

The Passage is not just a tale of survival; it is a reflection on the nature of humanity and the power of hope. Cronin’s prose is hauntingly beautiful, capturing both the terror and beauty of a world on the brink of extinction. With its richly developed world and compelling narrative, this post-apocalyptic world book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

If you are searching for an immersive and unforgettable reading experience, look no further than The Passage. Prepare to be captivated by its dark allure, its poignant exploration of humanity, and its breathtaking portrayal of a world transformed by chaos.

World War Z

by Max Brooks

‘World War Z’ by Max Brooks is a captivating book on the post-apocalyptic world that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This thrilling novel takes readers on a harrowing journey through a world ravaged by a zombie pandemic, exploring the devastating consequences and the heroic efforts of survivors.

Oryx and Crake

by Margaret Atwood

Are you ready to plunge into a world ravaged by chaos and uncertainty? Look no further than Margaret Atwood’s spellbinding masterpiece, Oryx and Crake. This incredible book transports readers into a dystopian future, where the remnants of civilization struggle to survive amidst the ruins of a post-apocalyptic world.

The Dog Stars

by Peter Heller

The Dog Stars by Peter Heller is a captivating book about a post-apocalyptic world that will take you on an unforgettable journey. Set in a time when the world has been ravaged by a devastating pandemic, this novel explores the struggles and resilience of the human spirit.

In this book on a post-apocalyptic world, the protagonist, Hig, is a pilot who lives in a small airport hangar with his faithful dog, Jasper, and a survivalist named Bangley. Together, they navigate the dangers of a desolate landscape where resources are scarce and violence lurks around every corner.

The author’s vivid descriptions and lyrical prose bring this post-apocalyptic world book to life, painting a hauntingly beautiful picture of a world on the brink of extinction. As Hig embarks on a perilous quest for hope and connection, he is faced with difficult choices that test the limits of his humanity.

The Dog Stars is not just a book about a post-apocalyptic world, but a tale of love, loss, and the power of friendship. It explores the depths of human nature and poses thought-provoking questions about what it truly means to survive.

If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction or simply enjoy a gripping story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then The Dog Stars is a must-read. Prepare to be immersed in a post-apocalyptic world that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

The Book of M

by Peng Shepherd

The Book of M is a mesmerizing tale set in a world ravaged by the Great Loss, an event that has caused people to lose their shadows and with it, their memories. In this dystopian masterpiece, Peng Shepherd weaves a spellbinding narrative that explores the consequences of living in a world devoid of memories, where forgetting means losing one’s identity.

The Girl with All the Gifts

by M.R. Carey

The Girl with All the Gifts is a captivating book about a post-apocalyptic world written by M.R. Carey. Set in a future where humanity has been ravaged by a deadly fungal infection, this thrilling novel takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through a desolate landscape.

The story follows a young girl named Melanie, who is held captive in a military base along with other children who are infected with the fungus. However, unlike the mindless “hungries” that roam the outside world, Melanie and her fellow captives possess a unique combination of intelligence and hunger for human flesh.

As the plot unfolds, the characters find themselves questioning what it means to be human in a world that has been torn apart. The author skillfully explores themes of morality, survival, and the complexities of human nature in the face of adversity.

This book on a post-apocalyptic world is a true page-turner, filled with suspense, action, and thought-provoking moments. Carey’s writing style is gripping and vivid, immersing readers in the bleak and dangerous world he has created. The Girl with All the Gifts is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thrilling stories set in a post-apocalyptic world.

The Maze Runner

by James Dashner

Are you ready to dive into a thrilling adventure set in a dystopian future? Look no further than The Maze Runner, a gripping book set in a post-apocalyptic world.

James Dashner takes us on a heart-pounding journey through a mysterious maze, where danger lurks around every corner. In this book about a post-apocalyptic world, a group of teenagers find themselves trapped in a glade, surrounded by towering walls that enclose the only exit – the ever-changing and deadly maze.

As the protagonist, Thomas, wakes up with no memories of his past, he must navigate the intricate maze and unravel its secrets. Alongside a group of fellow “Gladers,” they form alliances, face terrifying creatures known as Grievers, and push the boundaries of their own courage and intelligence.

With every turn of the page, Dashner keeps readers on the edge of their seats, revealing shocking truths about the maze, the Gladers, and the world beyond. The suspense and mystery of this post-apocalyptic world book will leave you guessing until the very end.

If you love action-packed stories filled with twists, turns, and a dash of science fiction, The Maze Runner is the perfect choice for you. Prepare to be captivated by this thrilling book on a post-apocalyptic world as you join Thomas on his quest for survival, friendship, and the truth.

The Fifth Sacred Thing

by Starhawk

The Fifth Sacred Thing is a captivating book about a dystopian future where society has crumbled and a post-apocalyptic world is the new reality. Set in a time of environmental devastation and social chaos, this novel takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world on the brink of destruction.

The Postman

by David Brin

The Postman by David Brin:

Step into a world ravaged by destruction, where hope hangs by a thread. In this mesmerizing post-apocalyptic world book, David Brin paints a haunting portrait of a society on the brink of collapse. But amidst the chaos, a lone hero emerges to deliver a message that could change everything.

The Last Policeman

by Ben H. Winters

The Last Policeman is a captivating book set in a dystopian future, a world on the brink of catastrophe. In this riveting novel, Ben H. Winters takes us on a thrilling journey through a society facing its final days, where chaos and despair reign supreme.

The Giver

by Lois Lowry

Experience a captivating journey into a dystopian realm with Lois Lowry’s mesmerizing novel, The Giver. Set in a world that has been devastated by an unknown calamity, this enthralling tale takes you on a thought-provoking exploration of a society devoid of color, emotion, and individuality.

The Handmaid’s Tale

by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a captivating and chilling book set in a dystopian society. In this book about a post-apocalyptic world, Atwood introduces us to a society known as Gilead, where women’s rights have been stripped away and they are oppressed by a patriarchal regime.

The Road to Nowhere

by Meg Elison

The Road to Nowhere by Meg Elison is a captivating book about a post apocalyptic world that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Set in a desolate and barren landscape, Elison takes us on a thrilling journey through a world ravaged by disaster and chaos.

The Fireman

by Joe Hill

The Fireman by Joe Hill is a gripping and intense book set in a world ravaged by a devastating plague, where survival is a constant battle. This thrilling novel takes readers on a journey through a scorched landscape, where the flames of destruction have left humanity teetering on the brink of extinction.

The 5th Wave

by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave is an electrifying book about a post-apocalyptic world that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Set in a world devastated by an alien invasion, the story follows Cassie Sullivan, a teenage girl who must navigate through the chaos and destruction in order to survive.

In this book on a post-apocalyptic world, Yancey masterfully creates a dystopian landscape that is both terrifying and captivating. As the title suggests, the alien invaders unleash their destruction in waves, each one more deadly than the last. From electromagnetic pulses that plunge the world into darkness to a deadly virus that wipes out most of the population, Cassie must find the strength and resilience to fight for her own survival.

But the danger doesn’t stop there. The aliens, known as “The Others,” have also infiltrated human society by taking on human form. Trust becomes a scarce resource as Cassie navigates through a world where anyone could be an enemy, and the line between friend and foe becomes blurred.

The 5th Wave is a post-apocalyptic world book that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of trust, survival, and the lengths one would go to protect their loved ones. Yancey’s writing is gripping and thought-provoking, leaving readers questioning their own humanity in the face of such devastation.

If you’re a fan of thrilling dystopian novels that challenge the boundaries of human resilience, then The 5th Wave is a must-read. Prepare to be plunged into a world of danger, uncertainty, and the fight for survival in this gripping book about a post-apocalyptic world.

The Age of Miracles

by Karen Thompson Walker

The Age of Miracles: A Captivating Tale of a World in Turmoil

Welcome to a mesmerizing journey through a world on the brink of collapse. The Age of Miracles, a captivating novel by Karen Thompson Walker, takes us on an extraordinary adventure into a post-apocalyptic realm where time itself becomes a formidable enemy.

In this gripping and thought-provoking story, the Earth’s rotation begins to slow down, setting off a chain of catastrophic events. As days and nights stretch endlessly, the delicate balance of nature is disrupted, leading to devastating consequences for humanity.

Through the eyes of young Julia, the narrative unfolds, revealing a world in disarray. As society struggles to adapt to the new reality, fear and uncertainty permeate every aspect of life. Relationships fracture, governments crumble, and the very essence of human existence is called into question.

But amidst the chaos, miracles emerge. As the Earth’s rotation slows, peculiar phenomena start to unfold, defying the laws of nature. These inexplicable events captivate both Julia and the reader, offering glimmers of hope in a world teetering on the edge of despair.

Walker’s masterful storytelling weaves together the personal and the universal, exploring the profound impacts of global catastrophe on the individual level. Through Julia’s coming-of-age journey, we witness the resilience of the human spirit, the strength of familial bonds, and the enduring power of love.

A stunning and haunting debut novel, The Age of Miracles challenges our perceptions of time, the fragility of our planet, and the resilience of humanity. It is a book that will leave readers both pondering the fragile state of our world and marveling at the extraordinary capacity of the human heart.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

by Carrie Ryan

The Forest of Hands and Teeth: A Thrilling Journey in a Post-Apocalyptic World

Step into a world where the remnants of civilization are consumed by the eerie silence of the Forest of Hands and Teeth. In this gripping novel, Carrie Ryan takes us on a heart-pounding journey through a post-apocalyptic realm, where survival is a constant battle against the unknown.

Set in a time long after an unimaginable catastrophe, this book immerses readers in a world where the familiar is replaced by a hauntingly beautiful yet terrifying landscape. In this post-apocalyptic realm, humanity is reduced to a mere shadow of its former self, living in isolated villages surrounded by the encroaching forest.

As the story unfolds, we follow the determined and resilient Mary, a young woman whose curiosity and longing for freedom lead her on an extraordinary quest. Faced with the mysteries of the Forest and the secrets it holds, Mary must navigate through a web of danger, betrayal, and loss.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth is a mesmerizing blend of suspense, romance, and horror that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Ryan’s vivid descriptions transport us to a world where hope and despair coexist, and where the line between the living and the dead is blurred.

This compelling tale will captivate fans of post-apocalyptic fiction, with its thrilling plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human in the face of adversity. Prepare to be immersed in a world where survival is not just about physical strength, but also about the strength of the human spirit.

Embark on a journey into the Forest of Hands and Teeth, where danger lurks at every turn and the remnants of humanity cling to hope amidst the darkness. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling and unforgettable adventure in a post-apocalyptic world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of thrilling adventures and thought-provoking scenarios, these 20 best books about post apocalyptic world are a must-read. From dystopian societies to survival tales, these novels will take you on a journey through the aftermath of civilization’s collapse. Whether you’re seeking thrilling action or deep philosophical questions, these books will satisfy your craving for post-apocalyptic fiction. So, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and immerse yourself in these captivating tales of survival and hope.