Some Recent Apocalyptic and Survival Fiction

[MajHenryWest]

1. Dies the Fire by S.M. Stirling Late 1990s U.S. undergoes a mysterious event, whereafter most modern technology will not operate. Mostly chronicles groups in Western Oregon who build a middle ages type of society. Great writing and a lot of research done.

2. The Protector's War by S.M. Stirling Second book in series started with book
mentioned above. Author has a great way of "getting into the heads" of the characters. Interesting views on warring fiefdoms, primitive weapons, etc.

3. Way of the Wolf by E.E. Knight (Chronicles a young guy born into a world that has been defeated by a force from another world, that use vampire like creatures to control human population. Most successful rebel holdout to this invader is Southern Command, which encompasses much of Arkansas and the mid-south region. This again is excellent writing, it's not hokey horror stuff. From the scavenger teams sent out to forage for supplies, to the unique military structure of the society, you will be impressed. The series now includes later novels as well: Choice of the Cat (Book 2)
Tale of the Thunderbolt (Book 3)
Valentine's Rising (Book 4)

4. The Rift by Walter J. Williams A huge earthquake along the New Madrid faultline in Missouri and surrounding areas and how the survivors cope and stay alive. This book is a rarity in that it includes characters who made preparations and were survivalists before anything happened. A lot of good insights into the motivations of many political types, too. Exceptional for a mass market paperback.

5. The New Madrid Run by Michael Reisig A similar scenario as The Rift, but with more long term consequences. A good book, but kind of hard to find for some reason.

Enjoy and please add your selections and comments!

[sdiaz49]

I second the reccomendation on the two book series by S.M. Stirling.
Your local Library should have copies.

Never have read anything by E.E. Knight, will have to give it a try...

and FYI , the Science Fiction Book Club is re-releasing the John Carter of Mars series by Edgar Rice Burroughs ( he of Tarzan fame)

Ahh yes ...Tars Tarkas, Dejah Thoris and Woola

[mosbysmen]

memphis 7.9- book 1
1st book of 3 ,
first book takes you to the end of the major quake to hit memphis still dealing with after shocks .
easy to read .

[legion489]

Malevil- can't remember who wrote it.

Jetstream - Muhlenberg (available from Amazon.com) EXCELLENT!! First of a three part series.

Warlord series - set in California when it falls in the ocean in the 1980s. Commie scum steal all guns (ala NO), cloud of toxic chems enclose area so no one in, no one out. Only read second in series, but was a good read.

Ashes series. Recommend the first three, after that they just change the cities and are exactly te same.

Hear The Cradle Song - Mex take over of SW w/Chinese taking "the empty lands" for themselves. Freedom fighters. Excellent!!

Alas Babylon - classic.

Tomorrow Whn the War Began - Aussie young fiction book.

Brother In The Ground - English young fiction book

No Blade of Grass - Book EXCELLENT! Movie SUCKED!

[doubletap]

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4. The Rift by Walter J. Williams A huge earthquake along the New Madrid faultline in Missouri and surrounding areas and how the survivors cope and stay alive. This book is a rarity in that it includes characters who made preparations and were survivalists before anything happened. A lot of good insights into the motivations of many political types, too. Exceptional for a mass market paperback.

5. The New Madrid Run by Michael Reisig A similar scenario as The Rift, but with more long term consequences. A good book, but kind of hard to find for some reason.

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The Rift is indeed an excellent read. A bit slow on the get go but the author takes his time developing the characters. I first read it a couple years ago, and much of the sociological theorizing was certainly present during the Katrina debacle.


New Madrid Run is difficult to find in stores but just Google Michael Reisig and find his home page. I bought it directly from his publishing house for a grand total of under $8 with shipping. It's a fun read, but lacks the depth of "The Rift". Good characters in the novel, but development of them is light compared to Williams work. Still it's a worthwhile read. I think the writers of CSI Miami must have read it for their latest screenwriting judging from what I saw last week.

While not so recent check out "Wolf and Iron" by Gordon Dickson, "Lucifer's Hammer" by Pournelle and Niven, "Footfall" by Pournelle and Niven, "Earth Abides" by George Stewart, "Pulling Through" by Dean Ing (this is a VERY GOOD little novel), "Tunnel in the Sky" and Farnham's Freehold" by Heinlein, "The Postman" by David Brin - The movie is based o this but the novel is easily 10 times what the movie was, "The Year Zero" and "The Descent" both by Jeff Long. Long can really write a novel. Both of these are _great_ reads and easily found in bookstores too! Also check out "Vandenberg by Oliver Lange, a realistic look at long term resistance.

"Malevil" was written by Robert Merle. It's tough to find currently. Set in the French countryside during and after a nuclear attack, it's an interesting read on the return to feudalism.