There is something grimly fascinating about apocalyptical stories and end-of-the-world scenarios.

Perhaps it is born out of curiosity regarding how our civilization could break down. Or, maybe it’s a desire to explore how the remnants of humanity would live should the worst happen—or if they even get to retain the traits that we consider “human.”

Regardless, the best apocalypse books always acknowledge that our way of living is delicate and relies on a balance that can easily shatter in multiple ways.