20 best books on the world ending – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction? Do you find yourself drawn to the eerie allure of a world gone wrong? If so, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 books about the world ending that will take you on thrilling journeys through dystopian landscapes, catastrophic events, and the fight for survival. From classics like “The Road” to lesser-known gems like “Station Eleven,” these gripping tales will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you contemplating the fragility of our own world.


The Road

by Cormac McCarthy

The Road by Cormac McCarthy is a riveting, heart-wrenching book about the cataclysmic collapse of civilization. Set in a post-apocalyptic world on the brink of annihilation, this masterpiece delves deep into the human spirit, exploring themes of survival, love, and hope amidst utter devastation.

Station Eleven

by Emily St. John Mandel

Imagine a world where civilization as we know it has come to a screeching halt. A world where chaos and despair reign supreme. Now, picture a group of individuals who find solace and hope in the most unexpected places. This is the captivating premise of Station Eleven, a remarkable book about the world ending.

In this mesmerizing tale, Emily St. John Mandel takes us on a thrilling journey to a post-apocalyptic future. However, instead of dwelling on the destruction and devastation, she focuses on the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Through interconnected storylines and vivid characters, Mandel weaves a tapestry of hope, love, and the pursuit of art in a world on the edge of oblivion.

Station Eleven is not your typical book on the world ending. It transcends the boundaries of the genre, exploring themes of survival, memory, and the enduring power of storytelling. With stunning prose and a masterful narrative structure, Mandel effortlessly transports us between the pre-pandemic world and the desolate future, blurring the lines between past and present.

This world ending book is more than just a tale of survival. It delves into the profound connections we form with one another, even in the face of catastrophe. Mandel beautifully captures the fragility of our existence and reminds us of the importance of cherishing the moments that shape our lives.

So, if you’re in search of a captivating and thought-provoking read, look no further than Station Eleven. Prepare to be enthralled by its lyrical prose, moved by its poignant characters, and inspired by its exploration of what truly matters when the world is falling apart.

Severance

by Ling Ma

Are you ready for a mind-bending journey into a world on the brink of collapse? Look no further than Severance, the mesmerizing novel by Ling Ma. This gripping story will transport you to a post-apocalyptic landscape where the line between reality and nightmare is blurred. Brace yourself for a dystopian adventure like no other, as Ma weaves together themes of loss, identity, and the human will to survive in a world on the edge of oblivion. Get ready to question everything you thought you knew about the fragility of our existence in this spellbinding tale that will leave you pondering long after you’ve turned the final page.

The Stand

by Stephen King

Are you ready to dive into the chilling depths of a book about the world teetering on the edge of oblivion? Brace yourself for “The Stand” by Stephen King, a mesmerizing tale that takes you on a heart-pounding journey through a shattered society.

The Fifth Sacred Thing

by Starhawk

The Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk is an extraordinary book that plunges us into a world on the brink of annihilation, a world teetering on the edge of its own demise. This mesmerizing tale depicts a society grappling with the impending collapse of everything they hold dear, a society desperately fighting to preserve their way of life amidst the chaos and destruction.

The Water Knife

by Paolo Bacigalupi

Are you ready to dive into a thrilling journey through a world on the brink of collapse? Paolo Bacigalupi’s The Water Knife is a gripping tale set in a future where water scarcity has pushed society to the edge. This heart-pounding book immerses you in a dystopian landscape where survival is a fierce battle and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Get ready to be swept away by this captivating and relentless exploration of a world teetering on the precipice of extinction.

The Age of Miracles

by Karen Thompson Walker

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker is a mesmerizing book about the impending apocalypse. Set in a world where the “end of days” is not brought on by catastrophic events, but rather by a slowing of the Earth’s rotation, this novel explores the profound impact this phenomenon has on humanity. As days and nights become longer, the delicate balance of nature is disrupted, causing an array of disastrous consequences. Through the eyes of Julia, a young girl navigating the complexities of adolescence amidst this unfolding chaos, we witness the unraveling of society and the resilience of the human spirit. Walker’s beautifully written prose and thought-provoking narrative make this a truly captivating and unforgettable book about the world ending.

The Dog Stars

by Peter Heller

The Dog Stars by Peter Heller is a captivating book on the brink of the apocalypse, a tale that explores the tumultuous world as it teeters on the edge of destruction. Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, this enthralling novel delves into the aftermath of a cataclysmic event that has left the world in ruins. As society crumbles and hope dwindles, the story follows the journey of a lone survivor, navigating through the desolate wasteland with his loyal canine companion. Heller’s masterful storytelling paints a vivid picture of a world on the verge of extinction, where every breath is a reminder of the fragility of existence. The book about the world ending is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a powerful exploration of what it means to find hope and connection amidst the chaos. With its evocative prose and hauntingly beautiful imagery, The Dog Stars is an unforgettable read that will leave you pondering the boundaries of survival and the depths of our own humanity.

The Book of M

by Peng Shepherd

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through the captivating pages of The Book of M? Brace yourself for a spellbinding tale that plunges you into a world where memories are fading, identity is unraveling, and the very essence of existence is teetering on the precipice of oblivion. This mesmerizing novel, often described as a literary masterpiece, takes us on a heart-stopping adventure into a future where the apocalypse has cast its dark shadow, wiping away memories like an insidious thief in the night.

The Last Policeman

by Ben H. Winters

The Last Policeman is a gripping detective novel set in a world on the brink of apocalypse. This thought-provoking book on the world ending takes us on a thrilling journey through a society grappling with impending doom. As an asteroid hurtles towards Earth, causing widespread panic and despair, we follow the determined and relentless detective, Hank Palace, as he tries to solve a murder in the midst of chaos. In this captivating book about the world ending, Winters skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and existentialism, exploring how individuals react when faced with the inevitable. With a unique blend of vivid storytelling and profound philosophical questions, The Last Policeman is a must-read for anyone seeking a gripping tale in the face of impending catastrophe.

The Passage

by Justin Cronin

Step into a world consumed by darkness, where humanity teeters on the precipice of annihilation. Justin Cronin’s The Passage is not just another book on the world ending; it is a gripping saga that immerses readers in a post-apocalyptic nightmare.

The Day of the Triffids

by John Wyndham

The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham is a gripping tale of catastrophe, a book that delves into the unsettling concept of a world on the brink of destruction. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, this end-of-the-world novel takes us on a thrilling journey where the survival of humanity hangs in the balance.

The Children of Men

by P.D. James

The Children of Men by P.D. James is a gripping dystopian novel that delves into a hauntingly plausible future where humanity faces a cataclysmic fate. Set in a world plagued by infertility, this book on the world ending takes readers on a thrilling journey through a society on the brink of collapse.

The Year of the Flood

by Margaret Atwood

The Year of the Flood is a mesmerizing book about the impending apocalypse, a tale that delves into the depths of a world on the brink of collapse. In this extraordinary novel, Margaret Atwood explores the cataclysmic consequences of humanity’s relentless pursuit of power and control.

Set in a not-so-distant future, Atwood paints a vivid and haunting portrait of a world ravaged by environmental devastation and plagued by the excesses of corporate greed. As the world teeters on the edge of extinction, two women, Toby and Ren, find themselves caught in the crosshairs of a merciless society.

With her masterful storytelling, Atwood weaves together the lives of these two resilient women, revealing their pasts, their struggles, and their ultimate quest for survival. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of a world crumbling around them, they are forced to confront their own fears and desires, while grappling with the moral dilemmas that arise in the face of imminent disaster.

The Year of the Flood is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature and the consequences of our actions. Atwood’s richly imagined world is both unsettling and eerily familiar, a reflection of the potential consequences of our own actions in the present day.

With its powerful themes, compelling characters, and stunning prose, The Year of the Flood is an unputdownable book that will leave you pondering the fragility of our world and the choices we make.

The Drowned World

by J.G. Ballard

The Drowned World by J.G. Ballard is a captivating and thought-provoking book about the world’s demise. Set in a future where rising sea levels have transformed the Earth into a waterlogged wasteland, Ballard takes us on a mesmerizing journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape.

The Road to Nowhere

by Meg Elison

The Road to Nowhere by Meg Elison is a riveting journey through the apocalypse, a book that delves deep into the cataclysmic event that brings about the end of the world as we know it. This remarkable novel explores a future where the very fabric of society has crumbled, where chaos reigns supreme, and survival becomes the ultimate test of human resilience.

The Last One

by Alexandra Oliva

The Last One by Alexandra Oliva is an exhilarating and thought-provoking book about the apocalypse. Set in a world where the end is near, this gripping novel takes readers on a thrilling journey through survival and self-discovery.

The End of the World Running Club

by Adrian J. Walker

In The End of the World Running Club, Adrian J. Walker takes us on a thrilling journey through a post-apocalyptic world. Set in a world where the apocalypse has brought society to its knees, this gripping novel follows the story of Edgar Hill, an ordinary man who finds himself in an extraordinary situation.

When an asteroid hits Earth, chaos ensues, and Edgar Hill is separated from his family in the chaos. As he struggles to survive in a desolate and dangerous landscape, Edgar realizes that he must do whatever it takes to find his loved ones and protect them from the perils of this new world.

But there’s a catch: Edgar is not a runner. In fact, he’s far from it. Yet, in a desperate bid to reunite with his family, Edgar joins a running club with fellow survivors, embarking on a grueling journey across the ravaged country. As they face numerous obstacles, both physical and emotional, Edgar must dig deep within himself to find the strength and resilience needed to push forward.

The End of the World Running Club is not just a book about the world ending; it’s a story about the indomitable human spirit, the power of love and family, and the lengths we are willing to go to protect those we hold dear. With its heart-pounding action, unforgettable characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling and inspiring tale set in a world on the brink of destruction.

The Fireman

by Joe Hill

The Fireman by Joe Hill:

Prepare to be consumed by an inferno of fear and chaos in Joe Hill’s scorching masterpiece, The Fireman. This riveting novel ignites an apocalyptic tale where the world is ablaze, civilization is crumbling, and hope flickers like a dying ember. An inferno of suspense and gripping storytelling, Hill delivers a scintillating narrative that will leave you breathless in the face of impending doom. Brace yourself for an incendiary adventure as you dive into this scalding inferno of a book, where the flames of destruction threaten to consume everything in their path.

The Gone-Away World

by Nick Harkaway

In a world teetering on the brink of annihilation, Nick Harkaway’s extraordinary novel, The Gone-Away World, takes readers on an exhilarating journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape unlike anything they’ve ever encountered before. This mind-bending tale, more than just a book on the world ending, is a mesmerizing exploration of a world on the verge of collapse.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 best books about the world ending offer a thrilling and thought-provoking journey into the realm of apocalyptic fiction. Whether you’re a fan of dystopian futures, cosmic catastrophes, or post-apocalyptic survival stories, these books will keep you on the edge of your seat. From classics like “The Road” and “Station Eleven” to lesser-known gems like “The Last Policeman” and “The Age of Miracles,” each of these novels presents a unique and captivating vision of the end of the world. So, grab a copy, buckle up, and prepare to be transported to a world where everything hangs in the balance.