11 of the Best Post-Apocalyptic Books like The Road

If you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction and have been captivated by the haunting narrative of a father and son’s quest for survival, you’re in for an exhilarating literary ride. In this carefully curated selection, we introduce you to 11 of the best post-apocalyptic books like The Road that capture the same gripping intensity, moral dilemmas, and stark, desolate landscapes that have made “The Road” an iconic work.

From dystopian nightmares to tales of resilience and human spirit, these novels promise to keep you on the edge of your seat, pondering the complexities of a world on the brink. Join us as we traverse the apocalyptic wastelands and explore narratives that will both chill your spine and warm your heart, just as “The Road” did.

Books Like The Road

The Dog Stars (2012)

by Peter Heller

The first one to make this list, ‘The Dog Stars’ is also a post-apocalyptic novel. In ‘The Road,’ an unspecified catastrophe has left the world in ruins, while in ‘The Dog Stars,’ a flu pandemic has wiped out a significant portion of the population. The landscapes are characterized by devastation, scarcity, and the struggle for survival.

‘The Dog Stars’ follows Hig, a pilot, and his loyal dog, Jasper, who survive the pandemic and live in an abandoned airport hangar in Colorado. Hig’s only human companion is Bangley, a survivalist who is well-prepared and ruthless in protecting their territory.

Despite the desolate world, Hig is still haunted by the loss of his wife and their unborn child. He seeks solace in flying his small plane and finding remnants of beauty in the untouched wilderness. One day, while flying, Hig hears a faint radio transmission from a distant location and becomes desperate to connect with other survivors.

Driven by the hope of finding someone else alive, Hig embarks on a perilous journey, leaving the relative safety of his home behind. Along the way, he encounters danger, discovers new threats, and faces the moral dilemmas of survival in a world forever changed. Through the challenges and encounters, Hig must confront his own vulnerabilities and the question of what truly makes life worth living in this post-apocalyptic landscape.

All the Pretty Horses (1992)

by Cormac McCarthy

The book is an amazing tale of adventure and journey that is sure to remind you of ‘The Road.’ What’s more- it’s written by the same author! If whether it was the writing style of ‘The Road’ or the gruelling journey that the father-son duo embarked on to make it out alive, ‘All the Pretty Horses’ is set in the late 1940s and follows the journey of sixteen-year-old John Grady Cole. After his grandfather’s death, John Grady decides to leave his home behind and embark on an adventurous quest for freedom and a sense of purpose.

With his best friend by his side, the young cowboys set out on horseback to cross the border into Mexico. In the rugged and unforgiving landscapes, they encounter the allure of a romanticized cowboy lifestyle and experience the vastness of the untamed frontier.

As they navigate through dangerous circumstances and cultural clashes, the boys’ naivety is tested, and their dreams of finding a utopian life in the wilderness begin to fade.

Blood Meridian (1985)

by Cormac McCarthy

A brutal and harrowing novel set in the American Southwest during the mid-1800s, ‘Blood Meridian’ follows a teenage runaway known only as “the kid” as he joins a gang of scalp-hunters led by the ruthless and enigmatic Judge Holden. The gang embarks on a violent and bloodthirsty journey across the desolate landscape, indiscriminately massacring Native Americans and Mexican civilians in their pursuit of wealth and power.

As they travel through the unforgiving and lawless frontier, the kid witnesses the darkest aspects of human nature, confronting the savagery and cruelty inherent in mankind. The novel is a haunting meditation on the nature of evil, violence, and the absence of morality in a world marked by chaos and brutality.

Similar to ‘The Road,’ this novel also deals with the themes of death and loss, and is set in bleak, unforgiving, and harsh environments. If that is what you loved about ‘The Road’ the most, then this is the novel for you.

The Passage (2010)

by Justin Cronin

The book is the first one in a trilogy by Justin Cronin. Like ‘The Road,’ this book is also set in a post-apocalyptic world and focuses on the father-child relationship.

The story of ‘The Passage’ begins with a government experiment gone awry when a top-secret virus intended to create super-soldiers unleashes a devastating plague, turning millions into bloodthirsty, vampiric creatures known as “Virals.” These Virals rapidly overrun civilization, plunging the world into chaos and darkness.

Amid the chaos, a young girl named Amy becomes the focal point of hope for humanity. She possesses unique qualities that may hold the key to saving what remains of civilization. A small group of survivors, including FBI agent Brad Wolgast, takes on the daunting task of protecting Amy from both the Virals and other dangerous factions.

Spanning decades, ‘The Passage’ delves into themes of survival, love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. It presents a compelling narrative that alternates between the early days of the outbreak and a distant, uncertain future.

Station Eleven (2014)

by Emily St John Mandel

‘Station Eleven’ weaves together multiple narratives before and after the outbreak of the fictional Georgia Flu.

The novel opens with the death of Arthur Leander, a famous actor, on stage in Toronto, just as the pandemic begins. The narrative then jumps ahead 20 years, following the Traveling Symphony, a group of performers and musicians traveling through the desolate landscape of the Great Lakes region. The Symphony brings music and Shakespearean plays to the scattered settlements of survivors.

The plot also revolves around Kirsten Raymonde, a former child actress who witnessed Arthur’s death and is now a member of the Symphony. As the story unfolds, it reveals connections between the characters and their lives before and after the pandemic.

Bird Box (2014)

by Josh Malerman

‘Bird Box’ is a gripping post-apocalyptic horror novel set in a world where an unseen malevolent force drives people to madness and violence upon sight. The story centres around Malorie, a young woman who survives in this dangerous world with two young children, known only as Boy and Girl. The key to survival lies in never opening one’s eyes outside, always blindfolded when venturing outdoors.

The narrative alternates between the present, where Malorie and the children set out on a perilous river journey, and the past, when the catastrophic events first unfold. Malorie finds refuge in a house with a group of strangers, but as tensions rise and resources dwindle, they must confront the terrifying reality outside.

Desperate to find sanctuary, Malorie must rely on her wits and maternal instincts to keep her children safe. The novel delves into themes of motherhood, resilience, and the dark nature of human survival when facing an incomprehensible threat.

Severance (2018)

by Ling Ma

Set in a near-future New York City, the story follows Candace Chen, a young Chinese-American woman working for a publishing company. As a pandemic known as Shen Fever sweeps the world, turning people into mindless automatons performing repetitive tasks from their former lives, Candace finds herself one of the few survivors in the city.

Amidst the desolate landscape, she continues to perform her job, packaging Bibles for an online retail giant. Throughout the narrative, the novel switches between Candace’s present struggle for survival and flashbacks to her life before the pandemic, revealing her struggles as an immigrant and her complicated relationship with her family.

As Candace travels westward in search of safety and connection, the novel explores themes of identity, consumerism, and the human desire for routine. ‘Severance’ raises questions about the impact of modern life, the monotony of work, and the pursuit of meaning in a world that seems to have lost its way.

The Fifth Season (2015)

by N. K. Jemisin

‘The Fifth Season’ is the first book in the ‘Broken Earth’ trilogy, set in a world plagued by catastrophic geological events known as “Fifth Seasons.” In a land called the Stillness, seismic activities frequently trigger apocalyptic events that devastate communities and threaten the survival of humankind.

The story follows three main narrative threads. Essun, a woman with the power to manipulate and control the earth, seeks her missing daughter after her husband murders their son and abducts her. At the same time, Damaya, a young girl with newfound orogene (earth-controlling) abilities, is taken to the capital to be trained in the Fulcrum, an organization that harnesses and controls orogenes for the state’s benefit. Lastly, Syenite, an ambitious and skilled orogene, is assigned to a mission that will bring her face-to-face with the hidden truths of the Fulcrum and the oppressive world she lives in.

As the narratives intertwine, the characters’ struggles against oppression, prejudice, and the harsh environment create a gripping tale of survival, power, and the pursuit of freedom.

Swan Song (1987)

by Robert McCammon

‘Swan Song’ by Robert McCammon is an epic post-apocalyptic novel set in a world devastated by a nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union. The story follows several interconnected characters as they struggle to survive and find hope amidst the desolate landscape.

The narrative revolves around two main characters: Sister Creep, a young girl with a mysterious gift, and Josh “Swan” Swanwick, a physically and mentally scarred former professional wrestler. They become unlikely companions on a journey to confront a malevolent force known as the Man with the Scarlet Eye, who seeks to control what remains of humanity.

As they travel through the ravaged landscape, they encounter a host of other survivors, including a resilient schoolteacher, a struggling writer, a senator’s wife, and a malicious serial killer. Each character’s story weaves together, illustrating the depths of human depravity and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horrors.

Amidst the chaos and destruction, ‘Swan Song’ explores themes of hope, redemption, and the power of love and sacrifice. It presents a gripping tale of survival and the indomitable will to rebuild a shattered world, making it a compelling and unforgettable journey through the darkest corners of humanity and the potential for redemption.

Cell (2006)

by Stephen king

‘Cell’ is a post-apocalyptic horror novel that begins with a mysterious pulse sent through cell phones worldwide, turning users into mindless, violent beings known as “phoners.” The story follows Clay Riddell, an artist from Boston who is spared from the deadly signal due to certain circumstances. Along with a small group of survivors, Clay sets out on a treacherous journey to escape the city and find his estranged family.

As they traverse the now-chaotic landscape, the group encounters both dangerous phoners and other desperate survivors. The phoners display a telepathic hive mind, making them a formidable and unpredictable threat. Clay and his companions must face terrifying challenges and make tough moral decisions to survive in this new world.

Throughout the book, King explores themes of humanity’s reliance on technology, the collapse of civilization, and the resilience of the human spirit. As they struggle to understand the nature of the pulse and search for a way to reverse its effects, the survivors must confront their own fears and come to terms with the changed reality around them.

Parable of the Sower (1993)

by Octavia E. Butler

‘Parable of the Sower’ is a dystopian novel that’s set in a near-future America devastated by social and environmental collapse. The story follows Lauren Olamina, a young woman with a unique condition called “hyperempathy,” which causes her to feel the pain and emotions of others intensely.

When her community is attacked, Lauren embarks on a dangerous journey north in search of a safe haven and to spread the teachings of Earthseed. Along the way, she forms a makeshift family of fellow travelers, each with their own struggles and dreams.

As they face the brutal realities of a lawless and chaotic society, Lauren’s vision of a new faith and hope for the future becomes increasingly significant. Through her journal entries, she narrates a compelling tale of resilience, survival, and the enduring power of belief in an uncertain world.

Conclusion to Books like The Road

And that concludes the list for books like The Road!

If you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic books like The Road, you’re in for a treat! This genre offers a wide array of gripping stories that transport you to hauntingly immersive worlds. From tales of survival and human resilience to journeys of hope and camaraderie, the books in the above list will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, grab a book, delve into the captivating ruins of these post-apocalyptic settings, and let your imagination run wild!

However, if you want more books like The Road beyond the list above, you should consider-

1. On The Night Plain by J Robert Lennon 
2. The Good Earth’s by Pearl S. Buck
3. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
4. The Devil all the Time by Donald Ray Pollock
5. The End of the World Running Club by Adrian J Walker
6. Gold Fame Citrus by Claire Vaye Watkins
7. The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker
8. The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
9. Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
10. Blindness by Saramago
11. The Hunger by Alma Katsu
12. In The Country of Last Things by Paul Auster
13. The Fire From the Sky series by NC Reed
14. Homecoming by Cynthia Voight
15. The New World series by G.Micheal Hopf
16. One Second After by William R Forstchen
17. The Troop by Craig Davidson
18. The Running Man by Stephen King
19. The Tomorrow War by J L Bourne
20. Unwound by Neal Shusterman
21. I am Legend by Matheson
22. Company of Liars by Karen Maitland
23. Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky
24. The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway
25. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
26. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
27. Life of Pi  by Yann Martel