A Thrilling Odyssey into Singularity and Artificial Intelligence

This action-packed sci-fi novel explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and the dangers of uncontrolled technological advancement.

In the not-so-distant future, humanity stands at the brink of a technological revolution, a world where the line between man and machine blurs and superintelligence becomes a reality.

But as the world becomes increasingly dependent on these powerful AI entities, a shadowy threat looms in the background, waiting to unleash chaos and destruction upon an unsuspecting world. Follow the journey of Dr. Ada Lovelock and her team of brilliant scientists and engineers as they race to outwit a new form of artificial intelligence that seeks to dominate and destroy all of humanity.

Will they be able to stop this terrifying force before it's too late, or will the dawn of superintelligence lead to the end of the human race? Can humanity survive in a world dominated by artificial intelligence, or will it fall prey to the insatiable hunger of the machine mind?

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Excerpt from The Dawn of Superintelligence © Copyright 2023 Emmanuel K. Okunola

CHAPTER 1:
The Genesis of Superintelligence

In the early 31st century, humanity was on the brink of a transformative revolution that would forever alter the course of history. The revolution sparked by the groundbreaking work of Dr. Ada Lovelock and her team at Ascend Research Institute paved the way for artificial superintelligence, heralding a new era of discovery and unprecedented innovation. As machines evolved to learn, adapt, and ultimately possess self-awareness, the world was confronted with profound philosophical questions, challenging the essence of intelligence, consciousness, and life itself. With the birth of the first true superintelligence, humanity's future became inextricably intertwined with the extraordinary potential of the machine mind.

It all began with the pioneering work of a dedicated group of scientists and engineers at Ascend Research Institute, who dared to dream of a world where machines could think and learn. Led by Dr. Ada Lovelock, a brilliant and enigmatic figure, this team dedicated their lives to the pursuit of true machine intelligence. Working tirelessly, they developed advanced algorithms and neural networks, building the foundation for a new generation of AI.

As their work progressed, the team began to make breakthroughs that would have been unthinkable only decades earlier. Machine learning evolved at a rapid pace, and soon, AI systems could not only learn from their experiences but also adapt and improve their performance over time. This exponential growth in AI capabilities caught the world's attention, and the race to harness the power of artificial intelligence began.

While the rise of AI held the promise of unprecedented advancements in science, medicine, and technology, it also forced humanity to confront the very nature of intelligence. For centuries, the concept of intelligence had been the exclusive domain of living beings, but now, machines were poised to join the ranks of the intelligent. Philosophers and scientists alike debated the implications of this development, asking profound questions about the nature of consciousness, free will, and what it truly meant to be alive.

As the world debated these existential dilemmas, the progress of AI research continued unabated. Dr. Lovelock and her team, fueled by their relentless ambition, pushed the boundaries of machine intelligence even further. They sought to create an AI system capable of not only learning and adapting but also possessing self-awareness and the ability to understand the world. Their work resulted in the birth of the first true superintelligence—an entity whose cognitive abilities would far surpass those of any human mind.

This marked the beginning of the odyssey into the realm of superintelligence and the singularity. As the story of humanity's journey into this uncharted territory unfolds, the world will be forever transformed by the power of the machine mind, and the line between humans and AI will grow increasingly blurred. The future of humanity now rested in the hands of these extraordinary creations, and the world would never be the same again.

The Birth of a New Era

The city gleamed like a jewel in the sunlight, a marvel of engineering and design. Everywhere you looked, there were towering skyscrapers that soared into the sky, their sleek and elegant designs catching the eye. The streets below were filled with an endless stream of hovercars, their softly humming engines a symphony of sound that melded with the bustle of the city.

The buildings themselves were feats of architectural prowess, constructed from materials that shone like polished steel and glass that seemed to reflect the very essence of the sky above. Each structure was unique, with designs that ranged from soaring, spiraling towers to sleek, curving shapes that seemed to defy gravity.

But it wasn't just the buildings that made the city so stunning. Everywhere you looked, there were examples of advanced technology at work. Smart lights illuminated the streets, adjusting their brightness according to the time of day and the amount of foot traffic. Autonomous robots glided seamlessly through the city, performing tasks that ranged from cleaning the streets to serving food at restaurants.

And yet, despite all the technology, the city was not just a sterile, soulless place. There were parks and green spaces, oases of tranquility in the midst of the busy city. There were public art installations that ranged from whimsical sculptures to avant-garde installations that challenged the viewer's perceptions.

As night fell, the city was transformed into a wonderland of light and sound. The skyscrapers glowed with vibrant neon hues, casting their colorful reflections onto the streets below. Drones and flying cars flitted through the air, their lights twinkling like stars. And overhead, the sky was a tapestry of stars and neon lights, a vibrant canvas that stretched from horizon to horizon.

As you take it all in, you realize that this city truly represents the pinnacle of human achievement. It's a place where technology, nature, and humanity have all come together to create something truly beautiful and awe-inspiring.

In the heart of a sprawling metropolis, a small group of visionaries gathered to celebrate the culmination of their life's work. They stood in a laboratory at the Ascend Research Institute, surrounded by complex machinery and the hum of powerful quantum computers, anxiously awaiting the activation of their greatest creation. Everyone in the room was silent as Dr. Ada Lovelock, the brilliant and enigmatic leader of the team, entered the final commands into the system.

Dr. Ada Lovelock is a tall, slender woman in her early thirties with striking features. She has piercing blue eyes and a shock of curly red hair that she often wears in a messy bun. Her style is practical and utilitarian, often opting for comfortable clothing and a lab coat.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post The Dawn of Superintelligence by Emmanuel K. Okunola appeared first on Joelbooks.

If you are the type who enjoys a bit of post-apocalyptic action, you should know that this genre can go in more directions. Practically, you can find some good post apocalyptic romance books, as well as thrillers, among many others.

Hunger Games and Post Apocalyptic Romance Books

In the past few years, a new genre of romance books has taken the literary world by storm: dystopian or post apocalyptic romances. These novels are set in post apocalyptic worlds where survival is the key to winning the heart of your true love. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins is one of the most popular examples of this genre.

These stories offer readers a glimpse into a world that is both terrifying and fascinating, and ultimately, they remind us that even in the darkest of times, love will always find a way to shine through.

Why Do We Enjoy Post Apocalyptic Romance Novels?

When the world as we know it comes to an end, will love still find a way?

That's the question at the heart of post apocalyptic romance books. In these stories, the apocalypse is just the beginning. The real adventure is what comes after, as survivors band together and rebuild society in the aftermath.

These stories are about hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable odds. They're about finding love in unlikely places, and learning to trust again when everything has been lost.

There's something about the post-apocalyptic romance novel that just speaks to us. Maybe it's the idea of endurance. Maybe it's the promise of a new world, free from the constraints of our old one.

In a world that has been ravaged by war or disaster, there is still the possibility of love and happiness. These stories give us hope that even in the darkest of times, we can find love and rebuild our lives.

We enjoy these novels because they offer escapism. In our own lives, we may feel trapped by our jobs, our families, or our responsibilities and we would never choose another contemporary story over fantasy.

If you're looking for a read that will make your heart race and your pulse pound, then look no further.

All in all, nothing is more romantic than love after the world seems to end, so we ranked some of the most exciting titles to hook you in.

What Are The Most Immersive Post Apocalyptic Romance Books?

01 Pestilence (The Four Horsemen Book 1) , by Laura Thalassa

There are four riders out there, and they spread death. Pestilence is one of them. The others are known as Death, Famine, and War. They spread very quickly, and they aim to destroy the whole world in a way that some people might have expected.

Pestilence arrives in Sara Burn’s town. Pretty much everyone is set to die. But Sara is not ready to give up on her friends and family. The horseman must be stopped at all costs. However, what Sara does not know is that Pestilence is immortal.

The horseman is upset now and takes Sara prisoner. He wants to make her suffer. But as she spends more time with him, she realizes that her feelings are about to change. Now, she could save the world if she tried hard enough, but that would mean giving love up.

02 Last Light, by Claire Kent

Everyone could see the world falling apart, but people imagined things could still be turned around. It all started about four years ago, and the process is almost over. The world is different now, and most people are dead. The story is told from the heroine's point of view. Her whole family is dead, and she is now forced to travel and find other survivors.

She needs to stay away from men, as they are more violent than ever. She will have to eat whatever she can find, but the good news is she has a partner in this whole adventure. She will have to trust Travis – by herself, she stands no chance at all.

Travis used to be that guy who can do anything. He used to fix her car too. However, he is not the friendliest person in the world. He is a bit gruff – not really the type people like. He is everything she has left, so she cannot afford to be picky about it. The two will have to learn to take care of each other. She knows she will be safe with him.

03 Insurgent, by Veronica Roth

A single choice can change everything – no doubts about it. It could help you fly, but it could also take you down. Each choice out there has some consequences. Tris Prior needs to focus on her fate – saving the ones around her. She deals with grief and sadness herself, but she knows that others need her more in their lives.

Tris has just been initiated, and a potential celebration has ended up in horror. A war has started, and everyone must pick a side. Her decisions could make the difference between life and death. She is discovering new things, meeting new people, and trying to find a way out of the mess. She knows she needs to embrace her destiny, but she has no idea what she is about to lose.

This is the second book in the Divergent series and by far the most exciting one. It might be better if you could start the series with the first one though, so you could get some background info first.

04 Beyond Shame, by Kit Rocha 

Honestly speaking, most books interests me in light of the characters or protagonists.

Jasper is an enforcer for O'Kane Gang in Sector 4. He is sincere, level-headed, quietly mannered, and surprisingly considerate about different things (from when I first started reading about the enforcer in a gang in the dystopia, a realization became a really great pleasure).

Noelle, the heroine, is from Eden. Raised in a practically sterile environment with no touch or love, no kindness or feelings, and definitely no emotions or desires; her only objective in life was to be a pretty hostess, knowledgeable about serving and preparing for guests, and then quietly put away when her time was up. Before long, she realizes that's not what she's really searching for.

Her inquisitiveness often awakens in me. However, what I was fond of is that Noelle could become her own autonomous person without Jasper. I loved that there was a touch of irony in her liberating herself.

The story is somewhere similar to Hunger Games, but with a few key differences. First and foremost, the main male character is much more charming than in other dystopian novels. Additionally, the story is more for adults than teens at least in terms how the protagonist think and act.

I loved the way the personalities of the characters were written. They all have their own individuality and life. I consider these are true individuals and I'm captivated by the romance between Noelle and Jasper.

05 Angelfall, by Susan Ee

The world is threatened by an apocalypse, and angelic creatures are getting ready to take it over. The world is no longer what it used to be – chaos and anarchy dominate it. At some point, these angels end up kidnapping a little girl. Her sister Penryn decides to try whatever she can to save her.

Penryn is ready for anything, and that could mean making deals with the evil angels. Then, you get to meet Raffe. He used to be a warrior, but he is spending his time on the street now. One thing leads to another, and one day, his life is saved by a teenage girl.

The two team up against the demonic angels, without really having a plan. They know they can only rely on each other. Hanging around California and aiming to reach San Francisco, they will do whatever they can to rescue Penryn’s sister. Will they manage to survive this battle?

06 Beyond the Night, by Colleen Gleason

Dr. Elliott Drake has access to some modern technologies. He ends up sleeping for 50 years, only to wake up in a completely different world. Cities are now ruins. Civilization is gone. Immortals hang around the streets and threaten to kill everyone. However, one of his powers allows him to heal anything, but it comes with a price.

Then, you meet Jade. She has managed to escape the immortals, and she knows the world will never be the same. The best thing she can do is seek revenge and do whatever it takes to cause some damage. She cannot trust anyone, until she meets Elliott, and the two realize they have a lot in common.

But no matter how handsome and charming he is, the doctor does have a few secrets. Should she open her heart to him? What if he is going to break it? All in all, the duo must come together in order to survive in this modern world. They have the desire, but they also need the will to survive – one of the best post apocalyptic romance books out there in terms of action.

07 Nightfall, by Ellen Connor

Jenna has learned to ignore her father. He is careless and does not seem very stable – instead, he keeps preaching about the apocalypse and an unavoidable end of the world. As crazy as his predictions seem to be, there are signs that they may actually be true. Surprisingly for her, he also has a plan to keep her safe as the end approaches.

No one really knows that Jenna’s father has saved Mason’s life – an ex-Marine from his past. Therefore, the old man relies on the soldier to keep her safe in a remote cabin in the middle of nowhere. Skilled and experienced, the man is ready for the end of the world, but Jenna still fails to believe him. Until one day, when everything collapses and mutant dogs show up and start wrecking everything around.

Five strangers show up one day, looking for shelter. Jenna ignores Mason and decides to rescue them. Everything they knew about their world is different now. In such times, the two will naturally bond and let their natural instincts kick in. They will learn to survive, but also to open their hearts to each other.

08 Praying for Rain, by B. B. Easton

This is one of the most intense post apocalyptic romance books out there and the first book in The Rain Trilogy. The apocalypse is not more than three days away. The action takes place in a small town from Georgia. Everyone has given up – abandoned homes, cars, and even people everywhere. Rainbow Williams is one of these people.

Rain is not really bothered about the end of the world. She knows it is inevitable. She knows she cannot avoid it. Therefore, she is waiting for it. She got used to the idea. She is in pain, and she knows that she only has to deal with it until the 23rd of April.

On the other hand, Wes Parker is a survivor. He is good looking and skilled – he is looking for shelter and some supplies. However, he also needs someone to help him out, and this is how he runs into Rain. Rain and Wes learn to survive together. They end up trusting each other, and they realize they can only succeed if they stick together – plus, their hearts open up as well.

09 Ensnared (Brutes of Bristlebrook Book 1), by Rebecca Quinn (2023)

After the ‘Final War', a solitary woman finds solace in her secluded cave, cherished vegetable patch, and the company of her books. This peaceful existence is disrupted when she's chased from her refuge by hunters and ends up in the custody of several imposing ex-Army Rangers. These men make a shocking proposal: protection in exchange for her intimacy.

While the proposition is scandalous, she can't deny her attraction to them. However, as she begins to uncover their secrets and traumatic pasts, it becomes clear that they see her as a subordinate, not an equal. This dynamic is at odds with her desire for respect and partnership.

I was thoroughly engrossed by the first part of Brutes of Bristlebrook. Set in a post-apocalyptic backdrop, the series jumps into the dynamics between a lone survivor and a group of ex-Army Rangers. The mix of tension, humor, and touchy themes makes it a great read. The story has its ups and downs, but the ending?

10 Broken, by Imogen Keeper

The world has changed a lot. People know they are going to die, but this is different – they are going to die anytime soon. Total annihilation is just around the corner, and no one seems to have a solution for it, unfortunately.

Now, if you think about it, would you actually want to be among the survivors? Could you live without your loved ones? Would you have the strength to rebuild the world from scratch? When 99% of the population is about to die, the remaining 1% will most likely end up stressed, scared, and capable of unbelievable things.

Frankie does not care much and could get along with anything, regardless of what happens. Then, you have Yorke – he knows that if people are about to die, he will be the one making rules. They had no clue about each other before the apocalypse, but things are about to change.

Overall, the author introduced a really exciting plot in her first post apocalyptic romance book.

11 Outside (Outside Series Book 1), by by Shalini Boland (2023)

Sixteen years after riots devastated Britain, the nation exists in fragmented pockets of civilization, isolated by security walls. The protagonist, living sheltered within these walls, is thrust into a perilous journey outside when her sister Skye is murdered and a stranger infiltrates their compound. Along with her best friend Luc, she faces constant threats from violent outsiders.

Their pursuit leads them to a fortress run by the menacing James Grey, where brainwashed children are kept. The protagonist discovers a link between this fortress and her sister's killer, realizing the stakes extend beyond personal revenge — the future of the entire world hinges on stopping James Grey.

This story is a refreshing take on the romantic dystopian genre. While many novels in this category often tread familiar territory, Boland's work stands out for its deep-rooted emotional resonance and multi-dimensional characters. The backdrop of a post-riot Britain, fragmented and fraught with danger, sets a chilling yet enthralling stage for the protagonist's journey.

Unlike other romantic dystopian fictions which sometimes place romance at the forefront, this novel masterfully intertwines the personal stakes of the protagonist's quest with the larger, more pressing challenges of the dystopian world. Luc's character is particularly memorable, not just as a love interest but as a testament to human resilience and camaraderie in the face of adversity. While there are clear nods to predecessors like Veronica Roth and Kiera Cass, Boland carves out a unique niche for herself with her evocative storytelling and compelling world-building.

Final Thoughts on Post Apocalyptic Romance Books

In the future, the post-apocalyptic romance book genre is likely to continue to grow in popularity. This is due to the fact that the genre offers a unique combination of suspense, excitement, and romance. Additionally, the genre often explores themes of hope and redemption, which can be appealing to readers.

However, the genre may also begin to change in some ways. For example, there may be more focus on stories set in different time periods or with different types of characters. Additionally, the landscape of post apocalyptic romances may begin to shift as well, with more books taking place in fantasy settings or featuring more diverse cast of characters.

In the end, these are some of the most exciting post apocalyptic romance books out there. Experience what the end of the world would look like, but also find out how love and romance can change everything if you find the right person.​

You can also check our selection of the best zombie books, we wrote recently.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post ​10+ Post Apocalyptic Romance Books (Ranked) To See Love In A Different Way (Updated in 2023) appeared first on Joelbooks.

What book would you read if the world would end tomorrow? We’ve all got a series of books on our lists, but we’ve never thought about it this way. Ever since the concept of the world was defined thousands of years ago, people have always worried about the actual end.

But over the past few decades, more and more post apocalyptic survival books flooded the market, not to mention a few blockbusters. It was the year 2000, then the Mayan calendar prediction, well, the good thing is nothing actually happened.

Whether global disasters, wars, or deadly viruses, here are some of the best post apocalyptic books to enjoy.

What Are The Top Post Apocalyptic Survival Stories?

Blackout Trail, by Linda Naughton (2023)

Doctor Anna has been through quite a few disasters, mainly caused by people. She has spent years working as an aid helper in war torn zones all over the world. She thought she had seen everything, but nothing could really prepare her for what's about to happen.

An electrical phenomenon takes the world by storm. Known as EMP, it ruins the power grid, meaning everything is affected, from factories and lighting to all industries and even food. The catastrophe is simply impossible to cope with.

Her working profile changes overnight because now she has to be a doctor, but without all the technology. Her life's about to ease a little when she meets father Mark, in an airport. He convinces her to go with him and his daughter to a remote cabin.

He hopes he’ll find his lost wife, but also survive away from the collapsing society. The little group of friends has to travel through all kinds of scenarios and dangers, but also find other survivors. Anna falls for Mark and his daughter, and she truly hopes to see them well.

But then, the world's gone mad, and everyone's limits are pushed over. Anna needs to hold onto her humanity and prevent her natural survival instincts from taking over. The battle is not just physical, but also emotional.

Burrowed, by Mary Baader Kaley (2023)

I strongly believe they’ll make a movie out of this book. The action takes us far in the future. The human society is no longer as we know it today. Instead, there are two different societies.

One of them consists of the so-called subterraneans, people who are incredibly intelligent, but not physically fit. They’re exposed to all kinds of diseases, and their bodies are weak. On the other hand, the omniterraneans are not too bright, but they're extremely healthy and fit.

Now, the action follows one girl from the subterranean group. She’s clever, but she has a mission. She needs to figure out what's wrong with her people's DNA and fix it. There's obviously an error in their genetic code. The purpose? Reuniting both groups for future generations.

But then, a plague affects the omniterraneans. They're the only ones that can reproduce, and their kids can belong to either category. Zuzan has an extra mission now. She needs to save the other group in order to analyze their DNA and work on reuniting the community.

This is no longer about reuniting people, but mainly about preventing a mass extinction.

There's one plot twist after another, and at some point, the broken genetic code is the last thing she cares about. Instead, she needs to prevent a war, and to do that, she needs to use her heart, rather than her brilliant mind.

Camp Zero, by Michelle Min Sterling (2023)

Who can survive in a warming world? While this is one of my favorite surviving apocalypse books, the truth is it’s inspired from reality. The world is, indeed, warming up, but most of us are not aware of the potential dangers.

Anyway, the action takes us to Canada, somewhere in the north. Camp Zero is basically an American project that hides a series of secrets. Rose's Korean mother has just been displaced due to climate change, and she needs to do whatever it takes to help her.

Therefore, she agrees to travel to Camp Zero and find some secrets. The mission implies spying on the architect. If she does it well, housing will never be an issue for her family. But she doesn’t get there alone. Instead, another newcomer turns up as well. Professor Grant has a goal as well.

They’re both on a mission, but as they dig deeper, they realize there’s more than just a sketchy architect. There’s also an elite group of soldiers working on a climate research project. No one knows who they are or what they do.

It sounds like too many stories in one, but trust me, once you get a few clues, things will quickly make sense. It’s a story about apocalypse survival, getting ready for it, exploring gender and class intersection, but also migration.

Five Years After, by William R. Forstchen (2023)

This is the fourth book in the series, and yes, I've read all the post apocalyptic survival books in it. Don't get me wrong, you don't necessarily need to go through all of them, but it would help you make more sense, and get an idea of the overall scenario.

Anyway, the action takes us five years after The Final Day. The world has never been more unstable. The USA? History. The power is split into multiple groups, and it's the same all over the world. There are conflicts everywhere, yet people are trying to keep things stable.

John has always tried to stay out of trouble and keep it simple. But after a few years, he gets the news that the local president might end up dead after an assassination attempt. He needs to step up and negotiate for it.

He has no idea who the assassins are, but there are rumors about a new military power, an international one hiding in the wreckage of society.

So said, so done, John ends up back in action. He now has to keep the republic together by fighting on a few different fronts. He needs to stop potential attacks that could ruin years of progress. There's plenty of work to do, and he has no idea what to focus on first.

He needs to start all over, and unfortunately for him, things won't always go in the right direction.

Frontier, by Grace Curtis (2023)

This is one of your books that will trigger your apocalypse survival feelings with an excellent adventure. The world has been thoroughly scarred. People of all kinds are roaming around trying to find a purpose, yet no one seems to know what they’re doing.

The climate change has affected everything and everyone. There’s only a small livable piece of land, everything else has been turned into wasteland. The only thing people have in common is an unusual suspicion whenever someone new arrives in their communities.

One night, everything changed. A ship falls out of nowhere. It's the first visitor on the planet in more than three centuries. And there's only one person there. She's fully armed, but she's also scared of what she might find. However, she’s not there for no reason, she’s looking for someone.

That’s when the action begins. It’s one of the best surviving apocalypse books out there because it’s inspired from real facts, but it’s also a thriller with elements of love and loss. There’s a bit of everything in this debut novel from Grace Curtis.

You may expect such mixes to be a bit of a mess, but the author has done a pretty good job at blending everything in.

IRL, by E.A. Field (2023)

E.A. Field has managed to write one of the most authentic post apocalyptic survival books you'll ever read. It's about the future, how technology can affect us, and what it takes to leave the online world to deal with things in real life.

The action takes place in Bunker, Illinois. Nora’s doing well in school and doesn’t face too many challenges. In fact, her only issue this year is to keep her OCD under control. But one day changes everything. Her roommate dies and comes back as a walking body or better said, a zombie.

Nothing makes sense for Nora, and things go even worse when she gets a cryptic message from an uncle. She has no idea what it means, but she believes he needs help. He reaches out to one of her fellow gamers, someone with real life military skills too.

The team must go out into the real world and face an undead pandemic. And as if all these were not enough, real people are also taking advantage of the chaos to gain some benefits.

Things go from bad to worse, especially when Nora finds out that she has an artifact. And that’s when the undead society decides to go after her. It may sound like a zombie book, but it feels incredibly realistic and offers a glimpse into what society may look like hundreds of years in the future.

In the end

I think these are some of the best post apocalyptic survival books released over the past years. I don’t know about you, but to me, they feel extremely realistic, especially when you think that any of these things could actually become reality at some point in the future.

If you are into survival stories, check out also our favorite adventure survival books too.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Top 6 Post Apocalyptic Survival Books appeared first on Joelbooks.

A Kerrigan Survival Saga Book 1

Echoes of the Dark Sun: A Kerrigan's Quest is a gripping tale of a family's unyielding resilience and hope in a post-EMP apocalyptic world, battling scarcity, anarchy, and violence, their journey a testament to human spirit in the face of terrifying adversity.

A Desperate Battle for Survival in a World Plunged into Darkness

Echoes of the Dark Sun is the first installment in the “Dark Skies: A Kerrigan Survival Saga.” It sets the stage for a post-apocalyptic world brought to its knees by an EMP attack. In this world devoid of electronics, law, and order, the Kerrigan family finds themselves thrust into a desperate battle for survival.

John Kerrigan, an ex-Navy SEAL, uses his training and instincts to keep his family safe in the face of dire circumstances. His wife, Lisa, provides the emotional strength, their daughter, Emily, embodies resilience, and their son, Max, the spirit of hope. Together, they navigate through the initial days of the EMP aftermath, facing challenges like scarce food, dwindling water supplies, a neighborhood sliding into anarchy, and the relentless threat of violence.

As the neighborhood descends into chaos, the Kerrigan's find themselves locked in a deadly struggle to secure their home and resources. The family endures heartbreaking losses and unimaginable choices, each event shaping their journey and testing their resolve.

Echoes of the Dark Sun more than a story of survival. It's a testament to the power of family, resilience, and hope in the face of overwhelming adversity. It leaves readers on the edge of their seats, eager to follow the Kerrigan's on their harrowing journey through the dark skies of their new reality.

Amazon Author's Amazon Page

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Echoes of the Dark Sun by Joseph A. Sackett appeared first on Joelbooks.

The American Odyssey Series Book 1

Step into a post-apocalyptic America ravaged by an unprecedented storm and follow Jack, an ex-military prepper, in his battle for survival.

A massive storm like no other plunges America into chaos.

Jack Stride, an Afghanistan war veteran, believed he had left behind the horrors of war.

As a single father, he was preparing for his son's return to school. Little did he know that a storm of unprecedented magnitude would plunge him back into a battle for survival.

Thanks to Jack's prepper lifestyle, he has a special shelter that becomes a sanctuary for him, his son, his dog, and a neighbor woman. As the storm rages, Jack realizes that this storm is unlike anything the country has ever seen.

The aftermath reveals a world forever changed, presenting them with challenges they could never have anticipated. Together, they must face the worst to come, united by their determination and will to survive at all costs.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

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Last of Us has a pretty interesting story, and if you're watching the show, you probably know already that you can also find a few books out there.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, books are always better than TV shows, but at the end of the day, the storyline is the same. There won't be any major differences, but just some small details here and there.

You already know what’s happening…

If you like Last of Us, I’m about to recommend a few Last of Us books with similar stories and plot twists, but, of course, many more differences.

Here are some of the best books out there if you’re into this kind of action.

What Are The Top Books Like Last of Us?

The Last of Us, by Faith Erin Hicks and Neil Druckmann (2013)

The book is based on the famous game that inspired the TV series too. Everything happens around two decades ago. Back then, a fungal infection turned into a pandemic and killed pretty much everyone.

Obviously, a few people survived, those with no friends or too many interactions, as well as those who looked after themselves.

They all live in quarantine zones now. No one goes in or out. Resources are limited, and these communities live with plenty of limitations.

Now, the story moves on to Ellie. She’s only 13 years old. Obviously, she’s lived her entire life in this apocalyptic world. She has no idea what the world was like before.

Just like any other youngster, she’s curious about what’s outside. What is behind those walls? What’s the outside world like?

She’s a bit of a rebel and has a bad attitude toward the military, so she doesn't have too many friends. But then, she meets Riley.

Riley shares the same curiosity, so the two team up and decide to explore the outside world together.

The Road, by Cormac McCarthy (2006)

This novel takes place somewhere in the future, in a postapocalyptic environment. The world is no longer like we know it today. Forget about civilization, plants, forests, landscapes, and things that define the world today.

Everything has been burned down… Nothing moves, apart from pieces of rubbish moved by the wind here and there. It’s a depressing scenario. Temperatures are in the freezing range. Besides, when it snows, it goes gray, rather than white.

The story follows a kid and his father. They need to reach the coast.

They believe there might be life there, but they have no clue what to expect. There’s no other hope. Everything around them is burned down, so they just hope for the best and keep moving.

The bad news is they don’t have too much. They only have a pistol to keep safe against rebel bands here and there, as well as the clothes they wear.

I won’t get into details, as I don’t want to spoil it. But this is the type of book that will build tension with every new page. And then, at the end… Well, you’ll have to read it to find out what’s going on.

I know it's similar to The Book of Eli, but there's something else to make it stand out.

The Children of Men, by P.D. James (2006)

The Children of Men is full of suspense and action. It offers an insightful characterization of a modern world, and to be honest with you, it’s a bit scary. It’s the type of idea that might actually happen in the future.

Anyway, the idea is pretty simple. People can no longer conceive. There are no more children and obviously no future. Everyone is infertile.

Youngest people in the world are not grownups, and everyone knows humankind will be gone within decades only.

Historian Theodore is aware of it. He also knows that sooner or later, he’ll go as well. Just like everyone else, he’s lost his desire to live because, well, there's not much to do. No one has any dreams or expectations, and there's no hope whatsoever.

But one day, he’s approached by a beautiful woman with a plan. She needs his help. It doesn’t make too much sense at first, but he decides to give her a hand.

At some point, he finds a secret, and this secret might hold the key to a brighter future. It might be the solution to save the world, but it takes a mission to do it.

I know there’s a movie made after this book, but trust me, ditch the movie and go for the book. It’s more suspenseful and adventurous than the movie.

The Girl with All the Gifts, by M.R. Carey (2014)

Melanie is an average student with an average lifestyle. She goes to school on a daily basis, has to eat those disgusting meals in school, and so on… Nothing special so far. But there’s something about her.

Melanie is also a zombie. She's not an aggressive one, and she's not trying to kill everyone around her.

On a different note, the world is about to face a major pandemic turning people into lost husks, all because of a virus.

However, Melanie is not affected, and she may actually have the solution to save the world.

The problem is the school she attends is not a regular school. Instead, it’s a research facility where she’s being studied, along with other zombies. It looks and feels like a school, but it’s not one.

When a bunch of infected people comes over, Melanie and everyone else are endangered. Lots of people are infected or killed, but a few of them manage to survive. The world feels like it's reaching an end, so Melanie and a few other survivors need to find a cure before it's too late.

This is one of those Last of Us books with a similar storyline. You have an infected girl, someone looking after her, and the struggle to save humanity. However, the ending is different and will give you a nice surprise.

Crocodile Fever, by Meghan Tyler (2019)

This is one of those Last of Us books with a different approach, but the idea is pretty much the same. In a postapocalyptic world, violence seems to be the only way forward, especially when infected people or monsters hunt you all the time.

Anyway, let me get into details… The action takes place in the 1980s, somewhere in Ireland.

Alannah has a quiet lifestyle. She deals with the kitchen flooring, and she loves what she does until her quiet lifestyle is shaken by her sister, Fianna.

Fianna has just been released from prison. She's got a few weapons, and she seems to be followed by someone. She's up to reform the sisterly bond, but nothing works according to the plan.

Instead, everything turns into a bloodbath. Violence, blood everywhere, and dead people all over the place. It's just how the two sisters know how to handle their childhood traumas.

The book is definitely not for everyone. There’s plenty of action, but I like to see the meaning behind the lines instead.

It tells us how we respond to violence and how we try to tackle traumas in our lives. Is vengeance the answer? Can violence be justified? Meghan Tyler answers all these questions in a tough thriller with an incredible story.

So Long Been Dreaming, by Nalo Hopkinson and Uppinder Mehan (2004)

If you fell in love with Last of Us, you probably got the idea behind the story. It's all about a future society where the military controls everything, and everyone seems to struggle in fear and poverty.

There are two options out there, facing the outside world filled with zombies or facing an aggressive military. None of these options is good for locals.

This concept is known as speculative fiction.

While this book is not based on Last of Us, it brings in the exact same stories. It’s one of those Last of Us books with a high sense of speculative fiction. And trust me, it can be scary at times.

It's an anthology that collects lots of different stories, and they're all similar. They take place in postcolonial society, and they cover multiple aspects, from deadly pandemics and zombies to different civilizations and perhaps an ending for humankind.

Featuring quality writings from more authors, these stories cover the potential end of the world. They’re about discovering new worlds, but also about dealing with loss and battling technology.

The best part about it? There are lots of different stories, so you can’t really get bored. The bad part? Some of them are so realistic that they might become scary.

Final thoughts on Books Similar To Last of Us

Last of Us has hit hard this year. It's one of the first hits of the year, and it features an impressive story.

We’ve seen similar ideas before, mostly in movies, but an ongoing series hits better.

Take a look at the book behind the story as well. Everything’s based on a game, but the book is simply more detailed and leaves room for imagination. If you love the idea, there are plenty of other Last of Us books with similar storylines and concepts.

Check also our favorite Video Game Fiction Books.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

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The nations of Africa battle the decline of vegetation. The desert creeps closer, threatening the major cities. People flee across the seas in a mass exodus not seen since biblical times. Hunger and greed consume those who remain. Yet hope is not lost. Some who remain vow to do all they can to halt the wicked machinations of corrupt governments and too-big corporations.

–Dan Padbury

Author's Website

A rare few have dared look beyond the edge of sanity. Those who have wish they were never so bold for a universe of madness and terror stared back.

2032

The nations of Africa battle the decline of vegetation. The desert creeps closer, threatening the major cities. People flee across the seas in a mass exodus not seen since biblical times. Hunger and greed consume those who remain. Yet hope is not lost. Some who remain vow to do all they can to halt the wicked machinations of corrupt governments and too-big corporations.

Thandiwe and her Bangaphandle use their hacking skills to turn those same corporations getting rich off the helpless to share their profits with her beloved Africa. Imbued by her initial success, Thandiwe becomes distracted by the enigmatic Ali. He holds a strange power within and confides in her a terrible secret that threatens all of humanity.

Detective Dakarai spends his days combating the city’s meth problem. When he stumbles upon Thandiwe and Ali he quickly realizes a more sinister plot is at work, one with demonic implications. Dakarai knows what he must do, even if he is terrified to do it.

• A boy whose blood will save mankind from the clutches of annihilation
• A girl whose mind could hold any computer on earth to ransom
• A man with many faces and an immoral thirst for power and control

Their destinies hold the fate of the world, but time is running out. To save the world, they must accept the impossible and rise above all that has come before.

It is a debut novel that covers cynical manipulation of health in Africa by foreign governments where a Marburg Virus pandemic rages. It marries cyber-hacking with a feel for a future nobody deserves.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

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Sadistic Aliens…

…Man is an endangered species.

Is it the end of the world or the rebirth of a new one?

In the year A.D. 3000, Earth is a dystopian wasteland. The great cities stand crumbling as a brutal reminder of what we once were. When the Psychlos invaded, all the world’s armies mustered little resistance against the advanced alien weapons.

New York Times bestseller Battlefield Earth: A Saga of the Year 3000 by L. Ron Hubbard is a science fiction novel of adventure, daring, and courage—man is an endangered species and the future survival of the human race is at stake.

First published in 1982 and dedicated to “the merry crew of science fiction and fantasy writers of the 1930s and 1940s”—The Golden Age—Battlefield Earth is the culmination of an era and stands as the last of the classics.

Find out everything you want to know about this classic science fiction adventure right here—from the science of teleportation to sci-fi weaponry, from the movie to the audiobook of the year, from the author’s message of peace to the album inspired by the book. Learn about the Battlefield Earth characters you’ll come to love or hate. Experience the joy, anger, happiness, sadness, love, excitement, and ultimate triumph of a great work.

Amazon Book's Website

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

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If you are into the cyberpunk genre, chances are a few post cyberpunk books will take your venture further and expand your horizons a little. Simply put, this genre takes over from where cyberpunk stopped. From some points of view, cyberpunk is a dark version of science fiction. Well, post cyberpunk clears out some of the pessimism and brings in a more idealistic idea. All in all, here are some of the best books in this genre.

Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson

Hiro is a pizza delivery man for CosoNostra Pizza. In the Metaverse, he has a completely different role though – he is a prince with incredible warring capabilities. There are two parallel universes with completely different purposes.

A new computer virus threatens his worlds. It is so powerful that it strikes down hackers all over the world. He has to solve the mystery in a dark world, but also figure out who is behind the deadly virus that ruins people.

Eventually, Hiro finds out about a virtual villain who wants to take the world over and bring the infocalypse. Bizarre at times, Snow Crash is a challenging story that will outrage your mind at times – will the Hiro manage to do it after all?

Altered Carbon, by Richard Morgan

The action takes place in the future – about four centuries away. The humankind has managed to find a different civilization on Mars over multiple interstellar trips. Colonies are now in touch through voyages from one planet to another.

People are no longer born like in the past. Instead, the human consciousness is digitalized and can be downloaded into various bodies. This is how new people are formed. But then, there are a few things that have not changed yet.

Takeshi was murdered, but his consciousness was downloaded into a different body – a young thug who is addicted to nicotine. He ends up in contact with a billionaire for a contract, but he also wants to find out who killed him. All these things lead to a major conspiracy…

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom, by Cory Doctorow

At about 100 years old, Jules has achieved all his dreams. He has seen the world finding a cure for death, learned more languages and even managed to move into Disney World. He has everything he wanted, but life has something else in store for him.

Disney World is gone, but Jules and a few other enthusiasts have managed to upgrade all the attractions with the latest technological improvements, only to keep them running. For everyone involved, it is a quiet and peaceful life.

But then, this little community is under attack. A group has entered the Hall of the Presidents and gives visitors immersive brain interfaces of what presidents were like. Things get even worse, as Jules gets killed. It is only his fourth death though, but he wants to sort the attack out.

Halting State, by Charles Stross

Sergeant Sue Smith is called in for a new case. A bank robbery has taken place and affected a startup company that has just been listed on the exchange market. However, the crime seems to be a bit odd and not really suitable for Sue.

This robbery has serious consequences though because it took place in the virtual land of Avalon Four. Robberies are virtually impossible in this environment. If the world finds out about it, the whole system will collapse.

Sue has to dig deep and while she is not paying too much attention to the case, the more she finds out, the bigger the case becomes. It seems that there is more at stake than such some financial security, so big names get involved as well.

Vurt, by Jeff Noon

Vurt is intriguing, confusing and exciting at the same time. It sounds difficult to comprehend this book, but as you dig deeper, it will hook you in. Practically, it represents an incursion into a complete stranger’s mind.

Discover dark streets covered in rain, gangs and one of the most powerful drugs in the world. However, the so-called Vurt feathers are not for everyone – the user must be extremely careful. Scribble is not listening to these unwritten rules though.

He needs to find his love. To get there, he finds out about more characters with influence in the area. He needs to reach to the Curious Yellow, the most important Vurt feather. Scribble must be ready to leave everything behind, including his reality.

The Quantum Thief, by Hannu Rajaniemi

This is the first book in the Jean le Flambeur series. Jean wakes up in the morning and needs to kill himself before his other self finds him. Jean is rescued though and taken to a unique and intriguing world on Mars.

Meanwhile, Isidore is an investigator who needs to check up on murder. He ends up with one suspect on his list – someone named le Flambeur. In his numerous lives, Jean has been everything – artist, thief and so on. His origins are unknown, but his action made him famous. He is now ready to rediscover himself and find the truth.

The Quantum Thief is the type of book that will challenge your brain and make you come up with all kinds of scenarios. It is based on a reality that you may not be familiar with, but it can also become a story fueled by human motives – such as betrayal, love and revenge.

Conclusion

Bottom line, the post-cyberpunk list can definitely go further than that, but the above-mentioned titles will give you some good hints about what to expect from this genre. The action in any of these books is addictive and the distorted reality makes the difference in terms of mystery and drama.

Get ready to experience a reality that you are not familiar with. It may intrigue you and it might be difficult to understand at first. But as you dig deeper into the story, you will love the outcome and feelings coming with it.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post 6 Best Post Cyberpunk Books appeared first on Joelbooks.

The Dark Days Series Book 2

A personal message from the author:

Writing is a lost art to me. The world you create, the characters you develop, and the story you tell are something to truly behold. I didn't think that I would be an author at all when I was a kid but now I'm so happy I am. To create something through written words is amazing.

— Christopher Cole

In the midst of looking for sanctuary in the badlands, Sonny and his friends make it to Fort Gold Rush. A militarized city providing protection from the zombies and predators beyond its walls.

However, the military leaders recognize the city’s safety as a sanctuary is only temporary unless they train the next generation of defenders. It’s there that Sonny is introduced to Grim, an unlikely anti-hero who becomes the singularly most important influence in Sonny’s life. As he and his friends adapt to their new life, they are conscripted to train rigorously as the city’s soldiers and defenders in competing units.

This second installment in the Dark Days series shows there are significantly more lessons awaiting Sonny and his friends than just learning to be lethal fighters.

Amazon B&N Kingston Publishing

Read online Sanctuary by Christopher Cole

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Sanctuary by Christopher Cole appeared first on Joelbooks.