The best post-apocalyptic dystopian novels
After the fall, the story is what comes next. These post-apocalyptic dystopias ask whether civilization is a structure or only a habit, and what fills the vacuum when it goes. Ordered from earliest to most recent, favoring the best-documented entries.
1. A Canticle for Leibowitz (1959)
By Walter M. Miller Jr
A Canticle for Leibowitz is a dystopian work by Walter M. Miller Jr, published in 1959. The Dystopia Index files it under post-apocalyptic collapse and young-adult dystopia, tracing documented themes of ecological collapse. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
2. Alas, Babylon (1959)
By Pat Frank
Alas, Babylon is a dystopian work by Pat Frank, published in 1959. The Dystopia Index files it under post-apocalyptic collapse, tracing documented themes of ecological collapse. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
3. Farnham's Freehold (1964)
By Robert A. Heinlein
Farnham's Freehold is a dystopian work by Robert A. Heinlein, published in 1964. The Dystopia Index files it under post-apocalyptic collapse and totalitarian control, tracing documented themes of ecological collapse. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
4. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968)
By Philip K. Dick
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is a dystopian work by Philip K. Dick, published in 1968. The Dystopia Index files it under post-apocalyptic collapse and techno-dystopia, tracing documented themes of AI and automation. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
5. Amnesia Moon (1995)
By Jonathan Lethem
Amnesia Moon is a dystopian work by Jonathan Lethem, published in 1995. The Dystopia Index files it under biopunk and genetic control and post-apocalyptic collapse, tracing documented themes of memory and identity. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
6. '48 (1996)
By James Herbert
'48 is a dystopian work by James Herbert, published in 1996. The Dystopia Index files it under post-apocalyptic collapse and totalitarian control, tracing documented themes of ecological collapse. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
7. Battle Royale (1999)
By Koushun Takami
Battle Royale is a dystopian work by Koushun Takami, published in 1999. The Dystopia Index files it under post-apocalyptic collapse, totalitarian control, and young-adult dystopia, tracing documented themes of ecological collapse. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
8. Forever Free (1999)
By Joe Haldeman
Forever Free is a dystopian work by Joe Haldeman, published in 1999. The Dystopia Index files it under post-apocalyptic collapse and biopunk and genetic control, tracing documented themes of ecological collapse and genetic engineering. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
9. Among the Brave (2004)
By Margaret Peterson Haddix
Among the Brave is a dystopian work by Margaret Peterson Haddix, published in 2004. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia and post-apocalyptic collapse, tracing documented themes of rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
10. Cloud Atlas (2004)
By David Mitchell
Cloud Atlas is a dystopian work by David Mitchell, published in 2004. The Dystopia Index files it under biopunk and genetic control and post-apocalyptic collapse, tracing documented themes of genetic engineering. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
11. Armageddon's Children (2006)
By Terry Brooks
Armageddon's Children is a dystopian work by Terry Brooks, published in 2006. The Dystopia Index files it under post-apocalyptic collapse and biopunk and genetic control, tracing documented themes of ecological collapse. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
12. Genesis (2006)
By Bernard Beckett
Genesis is a dystopian work by Bernard Beckett, published in 2006. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia, post-apocalyptic collapse, and techno-dystopia, tracing documented themes of AI and automation. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
13. Blind Faith (2007)
By Ben Elton
Blind Faith is a dystopian work by Ben Elton, published in 2007. The Dystopia Index files it under post-apocalyptic collapse and dystopian social satire, tracing documented themes of rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
14. Across The Universe (2011)
By Beth Revis
Across The Universe is a dystopian work by Beth Revis, published in 2011. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia, post-apocalyptic collapse, and totalitarian control, tracing documented themes of rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.
15. Champion (2013)
By Marie Lu
Champion is a dystopian work by Marie Lu, published in 2013. The Dystopia Index files it under young-adult dystopia, post-apocalyptic collapse, and totalitarian control, tracing documented themes of rebellion. This entry links the book to its subgenres, themes, related titles, and where to read or borrow it.