The 11 Best Post Apocalyptic Fantasy Books
Best Post Apocalyptic Books → The 11 Best Post Apocalyptic Fantasy Books
Ever felt that some fantasy novels were a little too sickly sweet, full of shining armor and valiant deeds, but no real grit? Or maybe you think that some post-apocalyptic novels are just too damn realistic, hitting a little too close to home with their bleak, depressing themes.
So how about we bring those two themes together? Take fantasy and post-apocalyptic fiction, smush them together and see what emerges.
Well... this list is the answer, combining the best elements of fantasy and post-apocalyptic fiction into one glorious hodgepodge. Let's get into the recommendations.
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
In the world of Mistborn, the sun never sets and ash falls from the sky like rain. It is a world that has been devastated by the Lord Ruler, a tyrant who has ruled for a thousand years with an iron fist. But his grip on power is beginning to unravel. The Lord Ruler's oppression has created a society of skaa - slaves who are forced to work in his mines and serve his every whim. But there are those who are not content to live in fear and servitude. They are the mistborn - individuals who have the ability to manipulate metals with their minds. And they are planning a rebellion that could change everything...
The world of Mistborn is a fascinating blend of post-apocalyptic and fantasy elements. The sunlit Ashlands are reminiscent of our own world after a nuclear war, while the use of metals as a form of magic is something that would be more at home in a traditional fantasy setting. This unique blend of genres makes Mistborn an essential read for any fan of either genre.
The Dark Tower by Stephen King
The Dark Tower is a post-apocalyptic fantasy novel by Stephen King that tells the story of Roland Deschain, the last Gunslinger. The novel is set in a world that has "moved on," where time and space have become warped and chaos reigns. Roland is on a quest to find the Dark Tower, a mythical structure that is said to be the center of all universes.
Along the way, he is joined by a ragtag group of companions, including an unreliable sorcerer, a boy with psychic abilities, and a talking dog. Together, they face challenges that test their courage and resolve. The Dark Tower is an epic tale of good versus evil, hope versus despair, and the power of friendship (and epic gunslinging abilities).
The Green Priest by Ryan Law
The Green Priest follows the survivors of Shelter, a hollowed-out mountain-side refuge, as they eke out a simple existence amidst the flooded, overgrown ruins of a forgotten civilisation. But despite a simple existence, at the edge of every tale can be found rumours, whispers and nightmares of the Green Priests, a mythical religious order with powers beyond reckoning and secrets beyond count.
When a young hunter called Halvar discovers a curious artefact of the ancients, the Priests are spurred to action. For the people of Shelter have stumbled dangerously close to a truth that will reshape the world. And now, the rainmakers have arrived. The Green Priest combines elements of gritty low-fantasy with classic post-apocalyptic themes, making for a new and fresh take on the end of the world.
Dying Earth by Jack Vance
Dying Earth is a post-apocalyptic fantasy novel by Jack Vance, first published in 1950. The novel is set in a remote future where the sun is slowly dying and the last remnants of humanity are living in a state of decline. The story follows the journey of a small group of adventurers as they search for a new home amid the ruins of the old world.
Along the way, they must contend with savage beasts, ruthless pirates, and deadly diseases. Despite its dark subject matter, Dying Earth is full of humor and imagination, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Prince of Thorns begins in the aftermath of a bloody battle. Jorg Ancrath, the young Prince of Renar, is gravely injured and left for dead. But Jorg is not a man who gives up easily. Using his wits and his sword, he fights his way back to health and sets out to take revenge on those who have betrayed him. Along the way, Jorg encounters strange creatures, deadly enemies, and beautiful women. But can he survive long enough to take his revenge?
The Prince of Nothing by R. Scott Bakker
In R. Scott Bakker's The Prince of Nothing, the ancient city of Anarae is teetering on the edge of destruction. The novel is set in a world that has been devastated by a nuclear war. The once-great empire is now embroiled in a vicious civil war, and its people are struggling to survive. Amidst the chaos, a young prince named Kellhus emerges as the only hope for Anarae's future. But Kellhus is not what he seems, and his true identity will have far-reaching implications for the entire world. The Prince of Nothing is an epic tale of love, betrayal, and redemption that will keep readers hooked until the very end.
Swan Song by Robert McCammon
In Robert McCammon's Swan Song, the world has been ravaged by nuclear war, leaving only a handful of survivors. Among them is a young girl named Melanie, who has been blessed with extraordinary powers. She can communicate with animals, heal the sick, and even bring the dead back to life.
When Melanie sets out on a journey to find other survivors, she quickly discovers that the world is full of danger: radiation sickness is prevalent, and many of the survivors have turned to violence in order to survive. Despite the odds, Melanie persists in her quest to find others like her. Along the way, she must use her powers to protect those she loves and ultimately save the world from total destruction. Swan Song is a thrilling tale of hope and courage in a time of darkness.
The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett
In The Warded Man, Peter V. Brett introduces readers to a world that has been devastated by demons. For centuries, humans have been fighting a losing battle against these creatures of the night. But now, there is hope. A young man named Arlen has discovered the secret to warding off the demons: magical symbols that can be used to create barriers. With this knowledge, humans can finally take the fight to the demons. The Warded Man is an epic tale of hope and courage in the face of impossible odds that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
The Magic Goes Away by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle
In the post-apocalyptic fantasy book The Magic Goes Away, magic is a finite resource that is slowly being depleted, with the world gradually declining into a state of lawlessness and chaos as a result. The story follows the journey of two young men, Wat and Dirdir, as they travel across the magically-ravaged landscape in search of a new home. Along the way, they encounter all sorts of strange and dangerous creatures, including dragons and sorcerers.
Although the world is clearly in decline, The Magic Goes Away is not without hope. The characters are still able to find moments of beauty and joy, even in the midst of darkness. In spite of the bleak setting, the story is ultimately an uplifting tale about the power of friendship and determination.
The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolf
The Book of the New Sun is a post-apocalyptic fantasy series by Gene Wolf. The first book, The Shadow of the Torturer, is set in the distant future, long after a nuclear war has destroyed civilization as we know it. The few remaining humans have retreated to a city that is surrounded by a magical barrier. Inside the city, society has regressed to a feudal state, and the ruling class wields both political and magical power.
The main character, Severian, is a young man who has been condemned to death for a crime he did not commit. However, before he can be executed, he is rescued by members of a secret society. Severian then embarks on a quest to find the lost city of Urth and save humanity from extinction. Along the way, he will face challenges both physical and metaphysical, and his very identity will be called into question. The Shadow of the Torturer is an unforgettable journey into a nightmarish world that is both familiar and alien.
The Amtrak Wars by Patrick Tilley
In Patrick Tilley's post-apocalyptic fantasy novel The Amtrak Wars, the world as we know it has been destroyed by a nuclear war. The largest band of survivors are those who were safely ensconced in an underground bunker when the bombs dropped. Over centuries, these survivors - dubbed The Amtrak Federation - have developed their own society, complete with its own government, religion, customs... and, you guessed it, underground train network.
The novel follows the adventures of Steve Brickman, a newly-qualified Amtrak driver, as he travels to the outside world in search of a new home for his people. Along the way, he discovers that the world is not quite as dead as he thought it was, and that there are other survivors out there. The Amtrak Wars is an epic tale of love, loss, and redemption set in a post-apocalyptic world that is both familiar and strange.
Thanks for checking out this list of the best post-apocalyptic fantasy books. Whether you love fantasy or post-apocalyptic fiction, you should find something to suit your discerning palette here. I hope you find something new to read! Happy reading!
