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2. Daybreak 2250 AD
Published:1952
Author: Andre Norton
Awards: N/A
Also known as Star Man’s Son, this novel is regarded as being seminal for its development of the ‘quest through the post-apocalyptic landscape’ theme, which has been endlessly reiterated in the sub-genre. Defying all reason, it remains largely unknown.
1. The Day Of The Triffids
Published: 1951
Author: John Wyndham
Awards: N/A
The Day Of The Triffids remains John Wyndham’s best known novel, and also his breakthrough release. It has been consistently referenced and parodied since its release, and had an indelible impact on the sub-genre, and propagates the ‘cosy catastrophe’ scenario.
Honourable mentions: Mary Shelley, The Last Man – Stephen King, The Stand – David Palmer, Emergence – Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, Lucifer’s Hammer – Terry Brooks, The Genesis Of Shannara series.
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Ravage by René Barjavel. When electricity suddenly disappears, it sends the world into a state of chaos. The book was written in 1943, it was set 2050-ish.
I’ve found “The Road” extremely overrated (enjoyable, but nothing more, and a bit too predictable too)… Not that it’s good enough to be in a top ten of best post-apocalyptic novels, but I’ve more enjoyed “Night fall” by Asimov and Silverberg (I think about this one because I’ve read it recently) than “The Road”.
everyone should read these books. what a great top 10. though so many came out 50+ yrs ago their themes are even more relevant today.
Loved: I Am Legend, Day of the Triffids and Alas, Babylon
Hated: The Road, On the Beach wasn’t that great but I do admit it has stuck with me.
Waiting to be read: Earth Abides, Canticle for Leibowitz
Can’t believe The Stand was only given a mention! I already was thinking of my list a few days before I found this one. Some other I love:
Far North – Marcel Theroux
The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? – Philip K. Dick
Galapagos – Kurt Vonnegut
Amnesia Moon – Jonathan Lethem
Oryx and Crake – Margaret Atwood
Dies the Fire and the rest of the series by S.M Stirling should definitely be on the list
I still think Day of the Triffids is one of the best books..sci-fi ..or not, that ive ever read..that 2nd chapter is spine-tingling.
Swan Song by Robert McCammon is just a great book in the post-apocalyptic theme. Check it out!
couldn’t agree more with soylent green. Swan Song is a mammoth book by a much underrated author. Give it a try and you will not be disappointed.
I have to agree with Hunter. The whole Change series is well worth the read. Or if you listen to books then definitely listen to these, God Mclaron is wonderful at narrating these books.
Rings of Ice by Piers Anthony.
Can’t believe One Second After didn’t make the list. And that The Stand was only mentioned in passing. Both great books in this genre.
The Day of the Triffids, definitely! A absolutely perfect novel, from the terrifying, opening scenario to the hopeful and guardedly optimistic ending. What always struck me about the novel was the way that the triffids were, in many respects, a frightening sideshow to a catastrophe that would have been horrible and unimaginable even without them shambling around. The ponderings about what kind of future society would need to emerge from the grave of the old world and the mundane, everyday ways that the protagonists went about survival were even more interesting. I have read this novel so many times that when I visited London several years ago I got the willies walking through a slightly unkempt corner park in a quiet, residential neighborhood. The street was deserted and I suddenly felt the urge to avoid walking by the tallest bushes lest a stinger lash out at me.
…the slogan “the future is now” is from popular science…