The best books about an apocalyptic event that causes a dystopian future

In this 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist book, a different scenario of an apocalyptic event—a meteor that slams into earth, causing a shift in the planet’s magnetic core—ushers in the end of the age of technology and the beginning of a dystopian future where knowledge is not only power, it is currency. I loved this book because it’s a clever and exciting take on a dystopian tale. Being set in Australia provides lots of interesting scenes and plot twists and the idea of using knowledge as currency brings new meaning to the phrase "knowledge is power." This is a thoroughly enjoyable story that is hard to put down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good adventure with just a touch of romance!

In this dystopian novel, the apocalyptic event is the financial collapse of the United States. In the neighborhood of Logan Pond, the neighbors must work together to survive while hiding from the tyrannical government which has usurped authority after the collapse. I loved this book because the characters were so genuine, I almost believed they were real. If it weren't for the horrifying situation these characters found themselves in, I think I would actually enjoy the challenge of living off-grid in a community like this. The ending of the story was satisfying, not exactly a happy ending, mind you, but a hopeful one all the same. This is a must-read for anyone who likes the post-apocalyptic/dystopian genre or is worried about the financial stability of our country. Highly recommended! 

In this New York Times bestseller, an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on the United States destroys the power grid and every electronic device. John Matherson, a widowed history professor in a small college town in North Carolina, his family, and his community must learn to survive as people did in the 19th century, but without having the necessary things in place to do so. I love this book because the scenarios that play out are so similar to my own series of books, as an EMP has virtually the same effect as the coronal mass ejection (CME) described in my books. Besides being a great read, there is plenty of real-life, useful information to help people who might someday find themselves in a similar situation for whatever reason.

This book describes life after an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on the United States and the collapse of our civilization and even our humanity, as the necessity of a ‘survival of the fittest’ mentality takes over. The story follows Sean and Maria as they use their wits, skills, faith, and personal values to navigate the post-apocalyptic world. There are quite a few brand-name references to specific survival gear, and I felt the book could be considered a manual for various components of preparedness, such as stockpiling, getting home, bugging out, tactical preparations, joining with others for safety, etc. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a good survival story as well as those who are interested in preparing for any future apocalypse or even a smaller, shorter-lived catastrophe. 

In this journalistic account of a cyber-attack on the United States’ three power grids, Koppel describes the devastating effects as well as the government’s lack of preparedness for such an apocalyptic event. I love this book because it not only outlines many of the very real scenarios that are described in my series and exposes the weakness of the government to effectively manage such a situation, but also introduces the reader to so-called “preppers” who take this and any other threat to civilization seriously. What might be considered kooky by some people can be seen as prudent and even a life-saving necessity to people who are aware of the many ways an apocalyptic event can destroy life as we know it. This is an important read for everyone.