Post-Apocalyptic Fiction has a unique charm that blends the desolation of a ruined world with the resilience of humanity. If you’re a fan of Fallout: New Vegas, you’re likely drawn to the gritty storytelling, complex characters, and richly detailed settings. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 19 books that will transport you to worlds filled with survival, adventure, and the remnants of civilization.
Books Similar to Fallout New Vegas
1. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The Road is a haunting tale of a father and son journeying through a post-apocalyptic landscape. The stark and poetic prose captures the essence of survival and the bond between parent and child. It’s a must-read for anyone who appreciates the bleak beauty of a world in ruins.
2. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Station Eleven explores the aftermath of a flu pandemic that wipes out most of the world’s population. The novel shifts between the pre- and post-apocalyptic world, weaving together the stories of a traveling symphony and the people they encounter. It’s a beautifully written book that highlights the enduring power of art and human connection.
3. The Stand by Stephen King
In The Stand, a superflu decimates the human population, leaving the survivors to rebuild society. The novel pits the forces of good and evil against each other in an epic battle. King’s masterful storytelling and richly developed characters make this a cornerstone of the genre.
4. Swan Song by Robert McCammon
Swan Song follows the journey of several characters in a post-nuclear war America. The novel combines elements of horror and fantasy, creating a gripping narrative about the struggle for survival and redemption. It’s a compelling read for fans of dark, complex stories.
5. The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
The Dog Stars is the story of Hig, a pilot living in the aftermath of a flu pandemic that killed most of the population. With only his dog and a survivalist neighbor for company, Hig dreams of a better life. Heller’s lyrical prose and the novel’s emotional depth make it a standout in the genre.
6. A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.
A Canticle for Leibowitz is a classic that spans centuries, chronicling the efforts of a monastic order to preserve knowledge after a nuclear apocalypse. The novel’s exploration of faith, knowledge, and humanity’s cyclical nature is thought-provoking and profound. It’s a timeless piece that continues to resonate with readers.
7. The Passage by Justin Cronin
The Passage is the first book in a trilogy that begins with a government experiment gone wrong, unleashing a virus that turns people into vampire-like creatures. Cronin’s epic narrative spans generations, blending horror, science fiction, and post-apocalyptic themes. It’s a gripping and expansive story that will keep you hooked.
8. World War Z by Max Brooks
World War Z offers a unique take on the zombie apocalypse through a series of interviews with survivors. Brooks’ detailed world-building and realistic portrayal of global responses to the crisis create a compelling and immersive read. It’s a fresh and engaging approach to the genre.
9. The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
The Girl With All the Gifts centers on Melanie, a young girl who is part of a group of children studied by scientists in a post-apocalyptic world. The novel blends horror and science fiction, exploring themes of humanity and survival. Carey’s storytelling is both thought-provoking and thrilling.
10. Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky
Metro 2033 takes readers into the underground metro systems of Moscow, where survivors of a nuclear apocalypse have created a new society. The novel’s atmospheric setting and intense narrative make it a standout in post-apocalyptic fiction. It’s a must-read for fans of immersive and detailed worlds.
11. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Oryx and Crake is a dystopian novel that explores the consequences of genetic engineering and corporate greed. Atwood’s sharp prose and intricate world-building create a chilling vision of the future. The novel’s exploration of ethics and humanity’s impact on the environment is both timely and compelling.
12. The Book of M by Peng Shepherd
The Book of M follows the journey of a couple in a world where people are losing their shadows and, subsequently, their memories. Shepherd’s debut novel is a unique and imaginative take on the post-apocalyptic genre. It’s a beautifully written story about love, loss, and the power of memory.
13. The Last Man by Mary Shelley
The Last Man is a classic novel by the author of Frankenstein, set in a future where a plague has wiped out most of humanity. Shelley’s exploration of isolation and the human spirit is both haunting and profound. It’s a timeless piece that continues to resonate with readers today.
14. The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi
The Water Knife is set in a near-future America ravaged by climate change and water scarcity. The novel follows several characters navigating this harsh new world, exploring themes of survival and moral ambiguity. Bacigalupi’s gritty and realistic portrayal of the future is both chilling and thought-provoking.
15. The Fireman by Joe Hill
The Fireman tells the story of a world where a spore causes people to spontaneously combust. The novel follows a nurse and a group of survivors as they seek safety and a cure. Hill’s engaging characters and intense narrative make this a standout in the genre.
16. The Postman by David Brin
The Postman is set in a post-apocalyptic America where a drifter finds a postman’s uniform and begins delivering mail, sparking hope in the scattered communities. Brin’s novel explores themes of leadership, hope, and the power of symbols. It’s an inspiring and thought-provoking read.
17. Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Bird Box is a psychological thriller set in a world where an unseen force drives people to madness and suicide if they look at it. The novel follows a mother and her children as they navigate this terrifying new reality. Malerman’s suspenseful storytelling and unique premise make it a gripping read.
18. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
Parable of the Sower is set in a dystopian future where society has collapsed due to climate change and economic hardship. The novel follows a young woman with the ability to feel others’ pain as she seeks to build a new community. Butler’s powerful prose and visionary storytelling make this a must-read.
19. Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank
Alas, Babylon is one of the first post-apocalyptic novels, set in a small Florida town after a nuclear war. The novel explores the community’s efforts to survive and rebuild in the aftermath. Frank’s realistic portrayal of life after disaster and his focus on human resilience make it a classic in the genre.