The Greatest Russian, British "Fiction, Post Apocalyptic" Books Since 1900
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.
Genres
Post Apocalyptic is a genre of literature that explores the aftermath of a catastrophic event that has destroyed civilization as we know it. These stories typically take place in a world where resources are scarce, society has collapsed, and survivors must navigate a dangerous and unpredictable landscape. Themes of survival, morality, and human nature are often explored in Post Apocalyptic books, as characters struggle to rebuild their lives and make sense of a world that has been forever changed.
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Reading Statistics
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1. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
This novel is a unique blend of six different stories, each set in a different time and place, spanning from the 19th century South Pacific to a post-apocalyptic future. Each tale is written in a different style, reflecting the time and setting it represents, and they are all connected through shared themes and recurring motifs. The stories are nested within each other, with each interrupted by the next, only to be concluded in the second half of the book. The novel explores themes of predacity, civilization, reincarnation and the eternal recurrence of the same behaviors throughout history.
The 449th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham
In this post-apocalyptic novel, the majority of the world's population is blinded by a comet shower, leaving society vulnerable to the Triffids - venomous, mobile plants that were previously farmed for their oil. The protagonist, who retains his sight after being hospitalized during the comet shower, must navigate this new world, dealing with the Triffids and the desperate remnants of humanity. The novel explores themes of survival, adaptation, and the inherent fragility of civilization.
The 624th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The Children of Men by P. D. James
Set in a dystopian future where mankind has become infertile, the novel centers on a history professor who becomes involved with a group of revolutionaries seeking to overthrow the oppressive government. As the world descends into chaos due to the impending extinction of the human race, a miraculous pregnancy offers a glimmer of hope. The professor must protect the pregnant woman and navigate the dangerous political landscape, while grappling with the implications of a world without children.
The 862nd Greatest Book of All Time -
4. The Drowned World by J. G. Ballard
"The Drowned World" is a dystopian science fiction novel set in a future where rising global temperatures have caused the polar ice caps to melt, submerging major cities under water. As the Earth becomes a tropical wasteland, the protagonist, a biologist named Robert Kerans, explores the surreal and decaying landscape of flooded London. Amidst the dangerous and primal environment, Kerans confronts his own psychological disintegration while encountering a group of eccentric characters who have adapted to the new world in bizarre and unsettling ways.
The 1055th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban
Set in a post-apocalyptic England, the novel follows the journey of a young boy named Riddley Walker, who becomes the leader of his small community after his father's death. The world is a primitive, violent place where remnants of technology and culture are barely understood. Riddley's quest for knowledge and understanding leads him to discover the terrifying truth about humanity's downfall, involving nuclear warfare and the destructive power of knowledge. The story is told in a unique, fractured English, reflecting the decayed state of civilization.
The 1078th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Last And First Men by Olaf Stapledon
"Last And First Men" is a speculative science fiction novel that spans billions of years, exploring the future evolution of humanity through the eyes of multiple civilizations. The book delves into the rise and fall of different human species, their struggles, achievements, and ultimate demise. It offers a sweeping vision of the future, highlighting the potential for both greatness and destruction in the path of human evolution.
The 1649th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. Non Stop by Brian W. Aldiss
In this gripping science fiction novel, a group of humans living on a generational spaceship called the "Non-Stop" embark on a dangerous journey through a mysterious and ever-changing environment. As they navigate the treacherous landscape, they encounter strange creatures and uncover shocking secrets about their own existence. Filled with suspense and thought-provoking themes, the book explores the human instinct for survival and the limits of knowledge in an unfamiliar world.
The 2715th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. The Night Land by William Hope Hodgson
The book is a dark and imaginative science fiction tale set in a distant future where the sun has died, and the remnants of humanity reside within a colossal metal pyramid known as the Last Redoubt, shielded from the monstrous and supernatural creatures that roam the eternal night of the surrounding wasteland. The story follows the journey of a lone protagonist, who, driven by a telepathic connection with his beloved, embarks on a perilous quest across the desolate and horror-filled landscape to rescue her from a similar refuge far across the land, confronting not only the physical dangers of the Night Land but also the limits of human endurance and the power of love and hope in the face of overwhelming darkness.
The 4616th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
A 15-year-old New Yorker is sent to live with her eccentric British cousins on a remote farm in England, where she falls in love with her cousin. Their idyllic summer is shattered when war breaks out and the country falls under martial law. The protagonist must learn to survive in this brutal new world, while also grappling with love, loss, and the complexities of adolescence.
The 6485th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. The Slynx by Tatyana Tolstaya
Set in a post-apocalyptic Russia, the story follows Benedikt, a scribe in a primitive society that has regressed to a feudal state after a catastrophic event known as "the Blast." The population suffers from various mutations and lives in fear of the mythical Slynx, a creature said to embody the dangers of the new world. As Benedikt navigates his harsh and superstitious environment, he begins to question the oppressive regime and the nature of knowledge and power, ultimately embarking on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion.
The 6691st Greatest Book of All Time -
11. Children Of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
"Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a science fiction novel that explores the evolution of two species, humans and spiders, on different planets. When Earth faces destruction, a group of humans embarks on a mission to terraform a new planet and create a new civilization. However, an experiment involving a virus meant to accelerate the evolution of monkeys goes wrong, leading to the unintended uplift of spiders. The story follows the parallel development of both species, highlighting their struggles, conflicts, and eventual convergence as they vie for dominance in a rapidly changing world.
The 6937th Greatest Book of All Time -
12. Roadside Picnic by Arkady Strugatsky, Boris Strugatsky
"Roadside Picnic" is a science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where mysterious extraterrestrial visitors have left behind dangerous and enigmatic zones known as "Visitation Zones." These zones are filled with hazardous artifacts that grant strange and unpredictable powers to those who come into contact with them. The story follows Redrick Schuhart, a "stalker" who ventures into the zones to retrieve valuable artifacts while navigating the treacherous landscapes and facing the moral dilemmas that arise from the desperate and corrupt society in which he lives.
The 6957th Greatest Book of All Time -
13. The Girl With All The Gifts by M. R. Carey
In a dystopian future where humanity is ravaged by a fungal infection that turns its hosts into mindless, flesh-eating "hungries," a unique group of children who retain their intellect despite being infected are studied at a military base. Among them is a special girl with extraordinary abilities, who forms a bond with her teacher. When the base is overrun, the girl, her teacher, a scientist, and a soldier must journey to find safety, confronting the horrors of the outside world. As they travel, the girl's true nature and the potential for a new world come to light, challenging what it means to be human and what the future may hold for mankind.
The 9706th Greatest Book of All Time -
14. The Chrysalids by John Wyndham
"The Chrysalids" is a captivating science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where the inhabitants of a small community strictly adhere to a religious doctrine that condemns any form of mutation or deviation. The story follows a young boy named David, who possesses telepathic abilities that he must conceal to avoid persecution. As David grows older, he becomes increasingly aware of the intolerance and hypocrisy of his society, leading him to question the rigid beliefs he has been raised with and ultimately embark on a dangerous journey to find acceptance and understanding.
The 9843rd Greatest Book of All Time -
15. The White Mountains by John Christopher
In a future world, the Tripods have conquered Earth and enslaved humanity. When thirteen-year-old Will and his friends reach the age of thirteen, they are faced with a choice: to be "capped" and controlled by the Tripods or to escape to the rumored free city in the White Mountains. Determined to live a life of freedom, Will embarks on a perilous journey, facing treacherous landscapes and encountering unexpected allies along the way. Will they succeed in overthrowing the Tripods and reclaiming their freedom?
The 9866th Greatest Book of All Time -
16. Greybeard by Brian W. Aldiss
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where global infertility has led to an aging population, the novel follows the journey of an elderly man and his wife as they navigate a crumbling society. With no children to inherit the Earth, the remnants of humanity are left to confront their impending extinction. The protagonist, known by his nickname, and his spouse decide to leave their quiet river settlement in search of a rumored community of young people. Along the way, they encounter various groups and individuals, each coping with the decline of human civilization in their own way, ultimately leading to a profound exploration of mortality, loss, and the human condition in the face of an inevitable end.
The 9882nd Greatest Book of All Time -
17. The Death Of Grass by John Christopher
In this post-apocalyptic novel, a catastrophic virus has decimated global agriculture by destroying grass crops, leading to widespread famine and societal collapse. The narrative follows a group of survivors as they navigate the perilous new world, grappling with the moral dilemmas of survival and the breakdown of civilization. As they journey across a desolate England in search of a safe haven, the characters are forced to confront the dark and violent aspects of human nature that emerge when the veneer of society is stripped away. The story is a chilling exploration of the fragility of human societies and the ethical boundaries that are tested in the face of desperation and chaos.
The 9882nd Greatest Book of All Time -
18. Metro 2033 by Dmitri Glukhovsky
This novel is set in a post-apocalyptic Moscow, where the remnants of humanity have taken refuge in the underground metro system after a devastating nuclear war. The story follows Artyom, a young man who embarks on a perilous journey through the dark, mutant-infested tunnels of the metro to seek help against a new, mysterious threat that endangers the fragile existence of the metro's survivors. Along the way, he encounters various factions vying for power and control, confronts his deepest fears, and questions his beliefs and the nature of reality itself. The narrative weaves together themes of survival, hope, and the enduring human spirit in the face of overwhelming darkness.
The 10482nd Greatest Book of All Time -
19. Dark Eden by Chris Beckett
"Dark Eden" by Chris Beckett is a dystopian science fiction novel set on a planet called Eden, where a small group of humans have been stranded for generations. The descendants of the original survivors have developed their own unique culture and language, but their limited resources and lack of knowledge about the outside world create a constant struggle for survival. As the protagonist, John Redlantern, challenges the beliefs and traditions of his community, he embarks on a dangerous journey to find a way off the planet and discover the truth about their existence.
The 10729th Greatest Book of All Time -
20. The Carhullan Army by Sarah Hall
In a dystopian future, England has been devastated by economic collapse and climate change, and is now under the control of an authoritarian regime. The protagonist, known only as Sister, escapes from her life of forced labor and her loveless marriage to join a self-sustaining, all-female community in the remote hills of Cumbria. This community, known as the Carhullan Army, trains rigorously in both survival skills and combat, preparing for a rebellion against the oppressive government. Sister's life in the community and her eventual rise to leadership form the core of the story, which explores themes of freedom, gender, and the human spirit's resistance to tyranny.
The 10877th Greatest Book of All Time -
21. The Night Of The Triffids by Simon Clark
This novel is a sequel to a classic science fiction story, set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to the rise of Triffids, aggressive plants capable of movement and lethal behavior. The protagonist, the son of the original story's hero, embarks on a journey of survival and discovery, navigating the dangers of a drastically changed world. Along the way, he encounters new societies trying to rebuild amidst the constant threat of Triffid attacks, uncovering secrets about the origins of the Triffids and the fate of humanity. This sequel expands on the original's themes of survival, human nature, and the delicate balance of the ecosystem, providing a fresh perspective while staying true to the spirit of the original narrative.
The 10944th Greatest Book of All Time
Reading Statistics
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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.
Download