The 7 Best Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Novels
Best Post Apocalyptic Books → The 7 Best Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Novels
The classic trope of post-apocalyptic fiction sees a world ravaged by disaster, with barely a handful of lucky (or unlucky, depending on your perspective) survivors eeking out a meagre existence amidst the ruins of civilisation. But not every end-of-the-world story follows the same path.
There's a popular sub-genre known as post-apocalyptic dystopian fiction, and instead of exploring a world scoured of all traces of humanity, these stories happen in worlds controlled by powerful, often tyrannical governments. In many ways, these stories offer a more realistic look at the end of the world, with the stories' protagonists forced to contend with both cataclysmic disasters and sister organizations that want to suppress and rule the world.
What is Post-Apocalyptic Fiction?
Post-apocalyptic fiction is a subgenre of speculative fiction that deals with the world after a major catastrophe. It can be anything from nuclear war to an environmental disaster to a pandemic. This type of fiction often explores the themes of survival, human nature, and hope in the face of adversity.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Post-Apocalyptic Fiction
What is Dystopian Fiction?
Dystopian fiction, on the other hand, is a subgenre of speculative fiction that deals with a society that is often oppressive or controlled by a single entity. This type of fiction often explores the themes of totalitarianism, government control, and rebellion. Crucially, and unlike post-apocalyptic fiction, dystopian stories still have some kind of ruling government in place (just not a good one).
Post-apocalyptic dystopian fiction is what happens when you combine these two genres into a single satisfying narrative. If you're looking for a good post-apocalyptic dystopian novel to read, then check out one of these options:
Brave New World—Aldous Huxley
Brave New World tells the story of a dystopian society governed by a powerful central government. The inhabitants of this society are divided into rigid social classes, with members of the highest class enjoying comforts and privileges that far exceed those of the lower classes.
The novel follows two main characters, Bernard and Lenina, as they navigate this rigid world and come to terms with its many restrictions. Throughout their journey, we see the lengths to which the government will go in order to keep its people obedient and submissive—from conditioning newborn infants using mind-altering drugs, to manipulating public opinion through media and propaganda.
Despite these oppressive measures, Bernard and Lenina strive to maintain their independence, refusing to be held captive by a system that forces them into artificial conformity. Overall, Brave New World is a thought-provoking exploration of the dangers of authoritarian rule and unchecked individualism in modern society.
2. The Handmaid's Tale—Margaret Atwood
The Handmaid's Tale is a post-apocalyptic dystopian novel set in a world where a totalitarian government has taken control. In this society, women are reduced to second-class citizens, and those who are able to bear children are forced into servitude as handmaids.
The novel follows the story of Offred, a handmaid who must find a way to escape the clutches of the government. The Handmaid's Tale is a powerful and harrowing exploration of what happens when women are oppressed by a totalitarian regime.
3. The Hunger Games—Suzanne Collins
In The Hunger Games, a young girl named Katniss is living in a dystopian future where people are forced to compete in a brutal gladiatorial tournament for the entertainment of a tyrannical ruling class. As Katniss enters the deadly competition, she must use her cunning and survival skills to defeat her enemies and hopefully emerge victorious. But as the stakes grow higher and tension between her competitors mounts, can Katniss withstand the pressure and emerge as the ultimate champion? Or will the cruel machinations of those in power lead to her downfall?
Whether read as an adventure tale or a social commentary on government power and oppression, The Hunger Games is an unforgettable story that will keep readers engaged until the very end. The novel explores themes of government control, survival, and rebellion.
4. The Passage—Justin Cronin
The Passage is a thrilling fantasy adventure novel set in a post-apocalyptic world. With the story spanning three books and thousands of years, it tells the story of a mysterious virus that has wiped out most of humanity, leaving behind a few scattered survivors, hordes of terrifying creatures known as virals—and a handful of chosen saviours who seem to fall somewhere between the two.
Against this backdrop, we follow the journey of young Amy, her adopted father Wolgast, and a host of characters whose lives become intertwined as they try to find their way in this dangerous new world. Throughout their struggles, we see their strengths and fears laid bare, culminating in an epic battle between good and evil that will determine the fate of humanity. With gripping action and complex characters, The Passage is an unforgettable read that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
5. Oryx and Crake—Margaret Atwood
Oryx and Crake is a post-apocalyptic dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood. In this novel, the world has been destroyed by a plague, and the few remaining humans live in a society that is controlled by a sinister corporation. Oryx and Crake is the gripping story of a man grappling with society's collapse in the not-so-distant future.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by ecological disaster, the novel follows Jimmy, a young man struggling to survive and make sense of his new reality. As he struggles to navigate this devastating new landscape, Jimmy encounters a number of strange and mysterious figures, including an enigmatic figure known only as Crake. Throughout the course of the novel, we witness Jimmy's deepening obsession with Crake, as well as his struggles with guilt and loss, trauma and love. Ultimately, Oryx and Crake takes us deep into the heart of human nature, exploring questions of morality and redemption in a world that has been forever changed.
6. Parable of the Sower—Octavia E. Butler
Set in a dystopian future where climate change has wreaked havoc on the planet, Parable of the Sower tells the story of Lauren Olamina, a young woman living in an impoverished, overcrowded community known as the walled-off neighborhood.
When disaster strikes and her community is destroyed, Lauren must navigate her way through this harsh new reality, seeking refuge and help wherever she can find it. Along the way, she encounters danger and heartbreak as well as moments of hope and strength. Ultimately, Lauren must rely on her own wits and resilience to survive in a world that seems to have turned against her. With its richly drawn characters and engrossing plot, Parable of the Sower is an unforgettable exploration of what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world.
7. Station Eleven—Emily St. John Mandel
In the aftermath of a global pandemic, a group of survivors band together to form a travelling troupe of artists, musicians and actors, in an attempt to persevere some of the faltering world's most important culture—like plays and classical music.
After years of touring the fractured societies of North America, the troupe return to a small town that was once the home of several of their members. But they find the town changed: the survivors are ruled by a man called The Prophet, with a penchant for wedding child brides and executing those who resist his apparently divinely appointed right to rule.
In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by disease and disaster, these novels explore the human condition in a variety of fascinating ways. From the thrilling adventure of The Passage to the heart-wrenching story of Parable of the Sower, these books offer an engrossing glimpse into life after society has collapsed.
If you're looking for a good read that will keep you captivated from start to finish, then be sure to check out one of these ten amazing post-apocalyptic dystopian novels.
