These are the best dystopian / post-apocalyptic books published since 2005. You may notice that most feature teen protagonists and target teen audiences. This coincides with an explosion of interest in the genre, probably a result of the 9/11 attacks, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, a bad economy, and the threat of climate change. The heroic struggle of young people during dark and gloomy times resonates with teens now more than ever.
Across the Universe by Beth Revis - 2011. When 17-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo on a spaceship, she expects to be thawed 300 years later upon arrival at a new planet. However, her world turns upside down when she is awakened fifty years too early and finds herself embroiled in the mystery surrounding the attempted murders of frozen passengers. Her life endangered by Eldest, the tyrannical leader of the ship's maintenance population, she turns to her only ally: Elder, the young man destined to take Eldest's place as leader. As they solve the mystery together, romance blossoms between Amy and Elder, complicating an already complex situation.
Alexandria by John Kaden - 2014. (Mini-review) The premise of this novel is good, and of the post-apocalyptic genre that I love. It relays the tale of the rise of civilization after two centuries of darkness as seen through the eyes of a young man (Jack) and young woman (Lia) - who happen to be childhood sweethearts. The story hits many high points: how men can become deluded into believing in their own power, how children can be integrated into a society that destroyed the society of their parents, and how Humanity's thirst for safety often allows room for the doing of despicable deeds. The culminating plot device - Jack and Lia's journey to find the fabled city of Alexandria - drives the second half of the book, and culminates in a satisfying conclusion. A good (apparently) stand-alone read for lovers of the post-apocalyptic genre!
All These Broken Stars by Aime Kaufman - 2013. (Mini-Review) This novel was very nearly the perfect combination of turbulent romance, mystery, sci-fi, and survival. The relationship between the higher-than-royalty Lilac and the down-home boy Tarver progresses at a perfectly metered pace. Initial attraction between the two is obliterated by class distinction after the space ship carrying them crashes and leaves the pair as sole survivors. The friction between the pair fades as they journey across a strange wilderness for help, as each are broken down to a basic version of themselves - a version that might find a way to love the other. The mystery of the voices, the abandonment of the planet, and their fate all culminate in an utterly shocking twist - that leads to a yet more shocking twist.
Blood Red Road (Dustlands Series) by Moira Young – 2012. In a post-apocalyptic future, 18-year-old Saba’s twin brother is stolen by black-clad riders. When tough-as-nails Saba launches a relentless search to recover him, she must fight for her life in gladiator cages, overcome enemies both creature and human, and learn to trust others for the first time. And try as she might, she can’t help but fall for the charming scoundrel Jack, who just may understand her more than she knows. The author tells Saba’s story in a raw first person format that blows you away. Must read for dystopian lovers!
The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier – 2006. When people die, they continue to exist in a surreal afterlife "city" as long as any living person remembers them. The city rapidly depopulates when a plague wipes out every living person with the exception of Laura Byrd at an Antarctic station. The story follows Laura and those she remembers as they all try to cope with their new and disappearing reality. A haunting reminder of how connected people are. No Hollywood ending here.
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau – 2008. Teenage members of a future society live in a mysterious dark city with a murky past. Life is confining and predictable until the light-generating machinery begins to break down. As the city decays they must solve the puzzle of where they are and the way out before the food and light disappear. Much better than the sequels.
Delirium by Lauren Oliver – 2011. In the tightly controlled society of a future America, love is forbidden, classified as ‘deliria’ by authorities. Three months before her 18th birthday and a mandatory procedure to ‘cure’ her deliria, Lena meets Alex, who sends her heart aflutter. As love blossoms between the two, Lena questions what she has always been told about love, and begins to consider the unthinkable: not submitting to the cure, and choosing deliria instead. Beautifully written, but a little slow.
Divergent by Veronica Roth – 2011. In a future dystopian Chicago, each 16-year old must choose to belong one of five factions, each of which represents a dominant personality trait. For most the choice is easy – simply follow the results an aptitude test. For Beatrice, however, the choice is not simple. Her test indicates three aptitudes. In addition to complicating her life, this fact makes her dangerous to the community for reasons she does not know. What she decides promises to put her in danger, and possibly tilt the entire balance of society.
Enclave by Ann Aguirre – 2011. In a shattered, post-apocalyptic world, 15-year old Deuce’s dream has come true. She has been named a Huntress, trusted by her community to brave the world outside of the sheltering tunnels and the threat of monstrous Freaks to bring meet to the tribe. The assignment is complicated by her pairing with the rebellious and handsome Fade, and a realization that the Freaks are growing more organized and cunning. Deuce and Fade must convince the tribal Elders of the imminent danger before it is too late.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan – 2010. Seven generations have passed since the Return, a plague that reanimates dead humans into creatures that feed on the living. Teenager Mary lives inside one of the last enclaves of uninfected, protected by a chain link fence that surrounds her village. When the fence is breached, Mary flees the village with a small band of survivors. Their flight toward an uncertain salvation is both harrowing and revealing, as they try to determine if they are humanity’s last hope.
Gone by Michael Grant – 2008. Everyone over the age of 13 suddenly disappears within a 20-mile radius of Perdido Beach. Left alone and trapped by an impenetrable barrier, the survivors must quickly form a workable society or risk starving to death. Matters complicate when children begin exhibiting strange powers, and wildlife starts mutating at an alarming rate. A power struggle develops between malicious youths and those seeking a kinder society, setting the stage for a compelling good versus evil tale shrouded in mystery.
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff – 2006. Fascinating novel about the outbreak of a 21st century world war as seen through the eyes of Daisy, a 15 year old American staying with her cousins on a remote England farm. At first utopian, the kid's existence degenerates into horror as the war encroaches on the farm. Through the several month period covered by the story, Daisy grows from a self-centered girl into a determined survivor. This book will leave a mark on the reader for years to come.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – 2009. In a future America where twelve impoverished colonies are ruled by a rich, totalitarian Capitol, teenager Katniss struggles to feed her mother and sister. Everything changes when Kat becomes a contestant in the Hunger Games, a death match between 24 teens representing the 12 colonies. Winning means glory and extra food for the colony. Losing means death. As Katniss survives against the odds, her selfless approach to the game make her a symbol of revolution - and a target of the Capitol. If she survives the games, she may not survive those who control it.
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher – 2007. Incarceron is a prison so vast that it is self-sustaining. Generations of prisoners are born inside, doomed to a life in prison. The novel weaves two story lines: that of 17-year old Finn, who hopes to become only the second person to break out of the prison, and Claudia, the warden's daughter who hopes to escape an arranged marriage. When each discovers a crystal key, they find that they can communicate through the devices, and pledge to help one another. The story lines merge in a fantastic twist you won’t see coming.
Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer – 2008. The moon has moved closer to Earth and the resulting calamities have resulted in the death of most people. The story, told through the eyes of a teen girl, chronicle the aftermath.
Matched by Allie Condy – 2010. In Cassia’s society, officials determine everything for you: what you will eat, what job you will have, and who you will marry. When Cassia is matched to her best friend, Xander, at a matching ceremony, she believes Society has made a good choice. However, a ‘glitch’ causes another face to be briefly revealed to her: that of a boy named Ky. Haunted by the face, Cassia begins to consider the unthinkable: of rebelling against the predetermined path of her life and choosing for herself.
Maze Runner by James Dashner - 2009. When Thomas arrives in the Glade, he remembers nothing but his name, just like the dozens of other teen boys who arrived before him. The Glade, which is surrounded by an impenetrable maze, is closed at night to guard against the creatures that roam the darkness, but open for exploration during the day. Getting caught outside at night is certain death. As the boys try to unravel the mystery of their existence, a complication occurs: the first girl arrives in the Glade. More importantly, she has a connection with Thomas and a message that may determine the fate of all the Glade's inhabitants.
The Mount by Carol Emshwiller - 2002. (Mini-Review) Where to start? Mount is an unusual novel. Unusual premise, unusual story, unusual telling. Normally I can fall back to, "this story reminded me of such-and-such novel." But not in this case. First, the story is a telling of alien invasion. However, the face-melting aliens typically behind Earth invasions are missing, replaced by small, adorable invaders called Hoots whose technology and ability to overcome humans with the sound of their voices soon render Earth defeated. But not to worry! The aliens dearly love us ... like pets. Pets for riding, in fact, which turns out to be a handy coincidence because the Hoots have weak legs. The lion's share of the story is told 130 years post-invasion from the standpoint of an adolescent boy named Charley who is the ride for the future ruler of the Hoots. Because captivity and service is all he has ever known, Charley is mortified when he is unwittingly caught up in a revolt of rogue humanity. He doesn't understand why people would give up the easy life as a mount for do-it-yourself living in the wilderness. The story stands out in its quirky telling, well-written off-kilter logic and behavior of the Hoots, and the bond that forms between Charley and his would-be master. It falters a bit in the sometimes unrecognizable behavior of the humans. I couldn't tell if this was done intentionally by the author, or whether it was a series of plot holes. That said, this novel is unique enough and thought-provoking enough to merit a read. You won't soon forget it!
The Passage by Justin Cronin - 2010. (Mini-Review) At times I nearly abandoned this book, especially early on. I'll tell you why first, and then move on to why I didn't. In short, I think the author overdeveloped certain minor characters and story lines to the extent that the storyline bogged down to a snail's pace. These were the times where I would set the book aside for days at a time. What kept me going was the incredible opening chapter, presented in a stream of consciousness form that I found very appealing. Then, about one-third of the way through the novel, the anticipated apocalypse occurs. The latter two-thirds takes place long into the post-apocalyptic world. That part was mostly riveting, with only the aforementioned rabbit trails of minor story lines and characters as a distraction. If you can swallow that annoyance, then this novel is well worth the read.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy – 2006. Harrowing novel that follows a man and his young son through a burned and dying post-war America. With all plants and animals dead, the remaining people struggle for survival through often violent means. The power of the story is in the relationship between the father and son, as they cling to one another in their journey of hope toward the sea. Never again will you take for granted a warm bed or a can of fruit. Soul-shattering book that the reader will remember always.
Shipbreaker by Paolo Bacigalupi – 2010. In a near future of rising seas, no oil, and extreme poverty, a teenager works as a shipbreaker - one who salvages rusting ships for parts. When he finds a wrecked super-yacht after a storm, he thinks his days of poverty are over. However, he gets swept into an adventure when bad people come for the one survivor of the wreck - a rich, beautiful girl who owns the vessel.
The Shore of Monsters by David J. Nix – 2011. Five generations earlier, a horde of monsters nearly obliterated humanity. All males are dead or ruined by a monster plague; words like 'father' and 'romance' have lost meaning. When teenager Sky joins an expedition to the shore that falls apart, she must survive amongst the monsters that roam the ruins. She gets unexpected help from a very surprising source. Mystery, action, and romance follow!
Station 11 by Emily St. John Mandel - 2014. (Mini-review) One of the subtler post-apocalyptic novels I have read, Station Eleven is more of bard's tale than a traditional adventure novel. It tells a twenty year sweep of the fall of civilization to a 99% fatal plague and the slow emergence of post-violent humanity, connecting everything to a famous actor named Arthur Leander. Told in snapshots of the various people connect to Arthur, the story delves into pre-plague events, the initial weeks of the fall, and the rekindling of humanity 15 to 20 years later. Unlike most apocalyptic novels which rely on fast-paced action to describe the story, Station Eleven focuses on a large cast of characters as they struggle to regain what has been lost of their humanity. The action is minimal, but appropriately violent and abrupt when it happens. In many ways, Station Eleven is likely a truer telling of what a post-apocalypse would look like - not roving bands of leather clad bikers, but rather roving bands of actors and musicians visiting one fledgling enclave after another.
The Uglies Trilogy by Scott Westerfield – 2005. In a future society, a mandatory operation at age 16 wipes out physical differences, turning "Uglies" into "Pretties". The Pretties are allowed freedom to play, while the Uglies jealously await their turn. Ugly Tally has gotten into trouble that may forfeit her operation. The menacing government offers her a way out: find a group of rebel Uglies, infiltrate, and betray them. Tally agrees, but upon finding the rebels comes to understand the terrible price of becoming pretty.
Unwind by Neal Shusterman - 2009. In post-war future, the abortion debate has been solved through compromise. Parents may elect to have their teenage children "unwound", a process where the teens organs and body parts are harvested for others. The story follows three runaway Unwinds, each discarded for behavior, religious, or economic reasons. As the trio embarks on a harrowing journey of escape, the reader will ponder very heavy moral questions, and wrestle with how much a bad decision can affect future generations. This is a masterpiece on every level!
The Well by David J. Nix - 2015. (My novel) Fifteen generations
before, the horror of Surface chased Singer’s desperate ancestors into
the vast underground bunker of the Well. In a moment of darkest despair,
Singer unsuccessfully attempts to breach the long-obstructed hatch that
leads outside – to certain death, as everyone knows! In punishment, he
is cast down from the most privileged level of Seven into the hell of
the Well’s lowest layer – the damp, crowded, and stinking Pit. Despite
the bleak turn of events, Singer’s harsh new surroundings begin opening
his eyes to the truth of the Well and of humanity, his revelations
helped along by the wise old Tech and his too-forward,
too-unconventional, too-maddening daughter. Resigned to his
prison far from Seven, Singer’s hope rekindles with the discovery of a
means to climb the central shaft that leads back to Seven – and to the
outer hatch. He joins uneasily with the Tech’s daughter in a lunatic
plan to ascend the shaft and escape the Well. But can they dare hope to
succeed? And if so, will they find a livable world outside on Surface?
Or will the terror that propelled their ancestors underground have the
final laugh? These questions seem unanswerable, for no resident of the
Well is equipped to imagine what lies above … especially not Singer!
Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi - 2009. (Mini-Review) I usually reserve five stars for stories that I greatly enjoy, or those that evoke strong emotion. By those criteria, The Windup Girl is somewhere between a three and a four on my scale. So why a five? Good question. Here goes. This novel is absolutely jam-packed with incredible concepts - enough to make my head spin. In that respect it reminded me of William Gibson's Neuromancer, opening a new world of thought about a very plausible and well-constructed future. Calorie plagues, calorie corporations, kink spring power supplies, imperfect androids, biological manufacturing agents - the list goes on and on of novel ideas fleshed out with amazing realism by the author. All of that is set against a future Malaysian metropolis that seems so bizarre yet achingly familiar that I feel as if it is a real place, here and now. The author expertly executes the telling through multiple points of view but in a present tense that gives immediacy to the action. So, yes, I did not absolutely love this story, nor did I shed tears over the darkness of it. But this novel stretched my brain, and for that I will never forget it.
