Top Ten Tuesday: Genre Freebie

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

It’s time for a genre freebie, so this week I’m diving into books about the apocalypse! I went through a period years ago where I read SO MANY of these, so I’m going to skip over the ones that I can’t remember that well. Some of these are about the apocalypse itself, others are more post-apocalyptic, but either way, the end times are nigh and these are some of my favourite books about them. I’m also keeping it to 8 to avoid too much repetition with the types of apocalypse (aka most the others I really liked are all zombies and there’s enough on here already!)

Top Eight Apocalyptic Fiction Books

Wool by Hugh Howey

For Fans Of: Fallout
Apocalypse Type: Post-Apocalyptic Dystopia

This is a fantastic series and I loved every moment of it. It’s not initially clear why humanity is in this giant silo, but the atmosphere is so subtly creepy, and every page has questions you just want to know the answer to. I need to reread this one…or check out the new TV series at some point.

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World War Z by Max Brooks

For Fans Of: Walking Dead, 28 Days Later…stuff that does zombies well
Apocalypse Type: Zombies

No, I have never seen the film. I just want someone to do this as a docudrama type series – have talking heads giving their input in the same way we get these interviews! This book is iconic at this point, but honestly if you haven’t read it, it’s well worth diving into it. It was done in such a clever way, I remember when I read it feeling like I was honestly reading an actual history book about things that had actually happened. This is also one I’m considering putting on my “need to revisit” list.

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Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

For Fans Of: Last of Us
Apocalypse Type: More Zombies!

This is a really great YA zombie series, in a post-apocalyptic world where you’re only really safe if you stay close to home. The series as a whole really packs a punch, but this book remains the strongest, as we get introduced to this world and the characters inhabiting it. There’s a great contrast too between the slightly older teenage/young adult characters who have plenty of memories of the world before, and the younger ones who have never really known anything different.

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The Armageddon Rag by George R.R. Martin

For Fans Of: The Doors, weirder elements of Dark Tower and Stephen King
Apocalypse Type: Prevention! But also Music Brings the Apocalypse

Another one I might need to reread because I’m struggling to remember the ending, but I remember being totally hooked when I read this. It’s horror, heavily influenced by music, and has a solid mystery at its core. I have to admit, I tend to like GRRM’s non-ASOIF stuff, and if you do too, this might be worth reading. If you don’t however and think his fantasy is the only thing of his worth reading, just skip it. But personally I think he’s kind of underrated as a horror writer.

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The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

For Fans Of: Dark Tower, unique fantasy, Women Who Will Burn It All Down
Apocalypse Type: Environmental Fantasy Dystopia

This series is amazing, the books are brilliant, and The Fifth Season had me totally hooked on Essun’s story from the first word. The world portrayed here is brutal and harsh, as Essun follows her husband to try and reclaim her daughter. This book drags you with it and if you haven’t read it yet I really do recommend it.

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The Fourth Whore by E.V. Knight

For Fans Of: Violence, Women Who Will Burn it All Down
Apocalypse Type: Religious

This is hell of a book, and it’s kind of unforgettable – brutal and violent, The Fourth Whore – as I noted in my review – explores the sins regularly committed against women, focusing on Lilith enacting her revenge against the men who raped her, imprisoned her, and twisted her story into that of a demon rather than the first human woman. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s an excellent read.

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Sister, Maiden, Monster by Lucy A. Snyder

For Fans Of: Body Horror Transformations
Apocalypse Type: A Cosmic Alien Pandemic

This book was gory, beautifully written, and completely engrossing. It’s messed up in the best way possible, and it’s hard to shake off the imagery you’re left with at the end. Not for those with weak stomachs.

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Good Omens by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman

For Fans Of: Anything by Pratchett & Gaiman, Subversions
Apocalypse Type: Prevention – Religious

The antichrist is coming but one particular demon and one particular angel would rather not see the Rapture happen, thank you very much. The TV series adapts this brilliantly and Gaiman has done an excellent job with season 2, but the book is solid and contains the trademark humour of both Pratchett and Gaiman. A thoroughly enjoyable read, truly.

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So there we have it – eight books about the apocalypse! If you have any recommendations for me, please do let me know, or if you’ve read any of these I’d love to hear your thoughts.