Best Survival Books December 2024

The 5th Wave

Cassie Sullivan’s world shatters when the Others arrive. Waves of destruction decimate humanity, leaving her alone and desperate to find her little brother. Trust becomes a luxury she can’t afford. As she navigates a treacherous landscape, Cassie clings to a promise made to Sammy. Along the way, she encounters Evan Walker, mysterious and alluring. Is he friend or foe? In a world where nothing is as it seems, Cassie must unravel the truth to survive. Yancey’s gripping tale of alien invasion will keep you on edge, questioning everything you thought you knew about humanity and survival.

The Girl Who Lived

Sarah Townsend’s life shattered when her family was brutally murdered on her 12th birthday. Now, a decade later, she’s the sole survivor, haunted by memories and plagued by survivor’s guilt. Determined to uncover the truth, Sarah returns to her hometown, where whispers and suspicious glances follow her every move. As she digs deeper, long-buried secrets resurface, threatening to unravel everything she thought she knew. With danger lurking in the shadows, Sarah must confront her past to reclaim her future in this gripping tale of resilience and redemption.

Half Broke Horses

Lily Casey Smith was a force of nature, a woman born before her time. In “Half Broke Horses,” Jeannette Walls brings her grandmother’s indomitable spirit to life, chronicling her journey from a hardscrabble Texas ranch to becoming a schoolteacher, rancher, and pilot. Through droughts, floods, and personal tragedies, Lily’s grit and determination shine through. Walls’ vivid storytelling captures the essence of the American West, making you feel the dust on your boots and the wind in your hair. A testament to resilience and the power of the human spirit.

Day After Night

Diamant’s poignant novel transports readers to 1945 Palestine, where four young women forge an unlikely bond in a British internment camp. Through their intertwined stories of loss, hope, and resilience, we witness the birth of Israel and the human cost of war. With lyrical prose and vivid characters, Diamant explores themes of identity, friendship, and the power of new beginnings. A haunting yet ultimately uplifting tale that lingers long after the final page.

Lucky

Alice Sebold’s “Lucky” is a raw, unflinching memoir that grips you from the first page. With brutal honesty, Sebold recounts her harrowing experience of sexual assault as a college freshman. Her vivid prose brings you into her world, making you feel every emotion – fear, anger, and ultimately, resilience. It’s not an easy read, but it’s an important one. Sebold’s journey from victim to survivor is both heartbreaking and inspiring, leaving a lasting impact long after you’ve finished the last page.

Champion

In a world where the elite compete for glory, June and Day find themselves on opposite sides of a deadly game. As a prodigy born into the wealthy Republic, June’s path seems set. But when her brother is murdered, she’s thrust into a dangerous hunt for the prime suspect: Day, a brilliant outlaw from the slums. As their paths collide, they uncover shocking truths that challenge everything they believe. Lu’s gripping dystopian tale explores loyalty, justice, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in a society divided by power and privilege.

Legend

In a world where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, Marie Lu’s “Legend” captivates with its gritty dystopian vision. Two teens from opposite sides of a fractured society collide in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. As they unravel dark secrets, their loyalties are tested and an unlikely bond forms. Lu’s vivid prose and breakneck pacing keep readers on edge, while exploring themes of justice, power, and the cost of rebellion. A thrilling ride that lingers long after the last page.

Gathering Blue

In a world ravaged by disaster, young Kira faces an uncertain future. Orphaned and crippled, she discovers a hidden talent for intricate embroidery that becomes her lifeline. As she unravels the secrets of her dystopian society, Kira grapples with questions of free will and the power of creativity. Lowry’s haunting prose paints a vivid picture of a world both familiar and alien, leaving readers pondering the true meaning of humanity long after the final page.

The Fever Code

Delving into the origins of the Maze, Dashner’s prequel to The Maze Runner series unravels the mysteries that have haunted readers. Through Thomas’s eyes, we witness the birth of WICKED and the sinister experiments that shaped the Gladers’ world. As friendships form and loyalties are tested, the line between truth and deception blurs. With each page, I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about the series. A gripping, emotional rollercoaster that left me breathless and craving more.

The Kill Order

Delving into the chaotic world before “The Maze Runner,” Dashner’s prequel grips you from the start. Sun flares have ravaged Earth, and a deadly virus threatens what’s left of humanity. Mark and Trina, survivors of the apocalypse, face unimaginable horrors as they search for answers. The author’s vivid descriptions and relentless pacing kept me up way too late, heart racing. It’s a haunting exploration of survival, friendship, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we love. A must-read for fans of the series.