Books matching: dying civilization
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- #1
Save:In "Lucifer's Hammer," a comet strikes the Earth, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The novel follows a diverse cast of characters, ranging from astronauts to street gang members, as they navigate the aftermath of the disaster. The book explores themes of survival, societal collapse, and the resilience of humanity in the face of catastrophic events. Written in a vintage science fiction style, the story delves into the actions and reactions of people as they struggle to rebuild civilization in a post-apocalyptic world.
The bay trees in our country are all wither'd And meteors fright the fixed stars of heaven; The pale-faced moon looks bloody on the earth And lean-look'd prophets whisper fearful change. These signs f... - #2
Save:"On the Beach" by Nevil Shute is a post-apocalyptic novel set in Australia after a devastating nuclear war has wiped out the northern hemisphere. The story follows a group of characters as they come to terms with the impending doom of radioactive fallout slowly making its way southward. The book explores how individuals cope with the knowledge of their inevitable demise, showcasing their day-to-day interactions and emotional struggles in the face of extinction. Despite the bleak and hopeless setting, the author manages to create a poignant narrative that delves into human psychology and reactions to the end of the world.
The novel focuses on the psychological aspects of the survivors, detailing their conversations, actions, and emotions as they grapple with the impending catastrophe. The narrative revolves around themes of hope, despair, acceptance, and resilience, providing a thought-provoking exploration of human nature in the face of extinction. The book's writing style, although dated, effectively captures the atmosphere of the late 1950s, portraying a world devoid of modern technology and communication, where individuals must confront their mortality with stoicism and introspection.
Lieutenant Commander Peter Holmes of the Royal Australian Navy woke soon after dawn. Pie lay drowsily for a while, lulled by the warm comfort of Mary steeping beside him, watching the first light of t... - #3
Save:"Seveneves" by Neal Stephenson is a science fiction novel that starts with the sudden destruction of the moon, leading to catastrophic events on Earth. The book follows humanity's struggle for survival as they plan to escape to space by building a Cloud Ark centered around the ISS. The story delves into intricate technical details, orbital mechanics, and the challenges faced in preserving a sliver of humanity. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first focusing on the immediate aftermath of the disaster and the second part jumping 5000 years into the future, exploring new characters and genetic determinism.
An amateur astronomer in Utah was the first person on Earth to realize that something unusual was happening. Moments earlier, he had noticed a blur flourishing in the vicinity of the Reiner Gamma form... - #4
Save:Set in the far distant future, 'The City and the Stars' by Arthur C. Clarke follows the story of Alvin, the first child born in ten million years in Diaspar, the last city on Earth. Alvin, unique in his desire to explore beyond the boundaries of the stagnant and enclosed city, embarks on a journey that leads to seismic changes for his home city and a confrontation with its lost past. The narrative weaves through mysteries surrounding Diaspar, the fate of humankind, and the stars, presenting a tale of human superation and exploration in a decadent and futuristic setting. The book gradually transitions from a novel of mystery and investigation to a story about transcending religions and myths, with a vision of a future Earth that is thought-provoking and rich in worldbuilding.
IT HAD TAKEN them many hours to fight their way out of the Cave of the White Worms. Even now, they could not be sure that some of the pallid monsters were not pursuing them—and the power of their weap... - #5
Save:'Level 7' by Mordecai Roshwald is a dystopian novel set in a bunker 4,400 feet below the earth's surface, where the main character, known only as X-127, awaits the command to push a series of buttons that will launch nuclear warheads and bring about the end of the world. The story unfolds through X-127's diary entries, revealing the psychological impact of living in isolation and the looming horror of the impending nuclear destruction. The book explores themes of nuclear war, survival, and the dehumanizing effects of war on individuals.
The writing style of 'Level 7' is described as simplistic yet chilling, with a diary format that intensifies the sense of dread and claustrophobia experienced by the characters in the bunker. The narrative captures the bleakness and despair of a world on the brink of nuclear apocalypse, offering a stark portrayal of human psychology in the face of war and the futility of seeking refuge underground.
Some time has passed—thirty-seven days, to be precise—since I decided to write this diary and started to do so. It seems longer: these thirty-seven days have stretched out like eternity. My previous l... - #6
Save:Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel is a post-apocalyptic novel set 20 years after a deadly flu pandemic wipes out most of the world's population. The story weaves together the lives of various characters before, during, and after the outbreak, exploring themes of survival, hope, community, and the importance of art in a devastated world. The narrative jumps between different timelines, offering glimpses into how individuals adapt to the new reality and find connections amidst chaos.
The novel is praised for its beautiful writing style, rich character development, and intricate plot structure that moves back and forth in time. It incorporates elements like theater, Shakespeare, a symphony, a comic book, and intertwining storylines to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of human relationships and resilience in the face of catastrophe.
THE KING STOOD in a pool of blue light, unmoored. This was act 4 of King Lear, a winter night at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto. Earlier in the evening, three little girls had played a clapping game ons... - #7
Save:'Berserker' by Fred Saberhagen is a collection of interconnected short stories that depict humanity's ongoing battle against the ancient and deadly war machines known as Berserkers. Each story showcases different individuals from various walks of life interacting with these Berserkers, highlighting themes of redemption and perseverance. The writing style is described as vignette-style storytelling, allowing readers to quickly grasp the Berserkers' weaknesses and humanity's resilience in the face of destruction.
The machine was a vast fortress, containing no life, set by its long-dead masters to destroy anything that lived. It and many others like it were the inheritance of Earth from some war fought between ... - #8
Save:In the distant future at the End of Time, the remaining humans have god-like powers, including the ability to alter their environments at will and collect space and time travelers for amusement. The protagonist, Jherek Carnelian, decides to fall in love with Mrs. Amelia Underwood, a Victorian time traveler, and embarks on a journey to rescue her, leading to humorous and fantastical adventures. The book is a mix of science fiction, fantasy, social commentary, and satire, creating a rich and decadent culture where death is unknown, birth is rare, and innocence and humor play central roles in the narrative.
Between the Iron Orchid and her son, Jherek Carnelian, lay the remains of a lunch. Spread on a cloth of plain damask were ivory plates containing pale fish, potatoes, meringue, vanilla ice-cream and, ... - #9
Save:'Mindstar Rising' by Peter F. Hamilton is the first book in the Greg Mandel series. Set in a near future England after the impact of global warming, the story follows Greg Mandel, a former soldier with enhanced psychic abilities, working as a private detective. Hired by Event Horizon to investigate industrial espionage, Greg gets entangled in a web of politics and conspiracies. The narrative blends elements of science fiction, mystery, and political intrigue, creating a vivid and realistic portrayal of a society grappling with climate change and economic collapse. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of known and new themes that immerse the reader in a unique and fascinating storyline.
Meteorites fell through the night sky like a gentle sleet of icefire, their sharp scintillations slashing ebony overload streaks across the image Greg Mandel's photon amp was feeding into his optic ne... - #10
Save:'Echoes of the Great Song' by David Gemmell is a fast-paced heroic fantasy tale set in a dystopian world where an elder civilization is on the brink of collapse. The story revolves around the Avatars, immortal beings who rely on crystals for their power and immortality. As their empire crumbles, they must seek help from other races to fend off aggressors, including the menacing Crystal Queen. Filled with fantasy action, magic, splendour, and themes of loyalty, betrayal, courage, and frailty, this book offers a unique blend of SF, supernatural elements, and historical events, all intertwined in a fascinating fashion.
The writing style in 'Echoes of the Great Song' is characterized by superb storytelling, vividly bringing characters to life and exploring themes of overbearing pride, humility, and wonder. Despite some reviewers noting a fast-paced plot that may lack depth in character development, the book offers a gripping adventure with plenty of fantasy action, intriguing concepts, and a thought-provoking look at an elder civilization facing its demise.
