Halloween is fast approaching – and what a great time to read a horror tale! Except, instead of spine tingling ghost stories or chilling (and often gory) crime tales, let’s check out a different genre. Here we’re listing 5 climate horror books that will keep you engrossed until the very end. What is climate horror? Think of it this way: the earth is depleted of all its resources. What would we do if there were no water, no fuel, and limited oxygen? It sounds horrible in every sense of the word.
Our Picks for the Top 5 Climate Horror Books
Cli-fi, or climate fiction, is an emerging type of horror. Whether it’s the complete destruction of earth, pollution which is out of control, or the introduction of lethal viruses, these reads will leave you totally enthralled.
“The Sheep Look Up” by John Brunner
Written over 50 years ago, this climate horror book deals with issues on many fronts. Corporatocracy, civil unrest, class warfare, a poisoned food supply, and simple greed all come into play. An evil corporation called Bamberley Trust sells tainted food packets to impoverished countries in an effort to further destabilize them. Then their resources are mined by larger, more powerful nations. A tale that is far ahead of its time, this story covers multiple fronts: it’s a cautionary tale and a twisted method of control. Engaging and gripping, this is a true page-turner.
“The City Where We Once Lived” by Eric Barnes
Barnes’ novel starts as a story about a climate-ravaged country. The North End, once a bustling and prosperous city, is now crumbling into apocalyptic decay. The residents are barely surviving in what’s now the South End. Unsurprisingly, residents from the South End start coming to the North End to scavenge, which leads to a whole new slew of problems. The book deals with immigration, tribalism, and the lengths people will go to when they’re desperate. Haunting and thoughtfully written, this story deserves to be on our list of top 5 climate horror books.
“Godshot” by Chelsea Bieker
Bieker hits it out of the park with her first novel. Lacey May and her mom (who is an alcoholic), live in Peaches, California. Unfortunately, a drought has ravaged the area, so the two are desperate to find help. They meet Pastor Vern, who promises to guide them into a “new world,” where they will be provided water and find another way to live. This harrowing story is about environmental disaster, religion, lies, and faith, spun into a thought-provoking story. Blending danger presented by the cult versus Lacey’s determination makes this a powerfully moving book.
“Sewer, Gas & Electric” by Matt Ruff
Just those three words can evoke a sense of dread – especially if your utility bills are high. That doesn’t even begin to touch upon what Ruff‘s cli-fi novel is. Set in Manhattan, the story focuses on a massive “Tower of Babel” construction project. This is an attempt to deter and distract citizens from what’s really going on. The streets are strewn with garbage, diseases are on the rise, while the powers that be are hatching an evil plot. A bit of spy intrigue and creative storytelling easily keep readers engaged. It’s the most darkly humorous tale in our top 5 climate horror books.
“The Migration” by Helen Marshall
In this heartfelt story we find Sophie, a teen, whose younger sister, Kira, is diagnosed with a mysterious autoimmune disorder. Set against the backdrop of flooding, climate change, and disease, the novel focuses on the bond between sisters, the race to find a cure – and adds in a zombie twist. Ideal for Halloween reading, this climate fiction tale touches upon both family loyalty and love, plus the urgency of finding solutions. A true spine-tingler that gets under your skin, this brilliant novel by Marshall hits hard, rounding out our 5 climate horror books.
Making Sense of Cli-fi
Climate horror is a genre that should strike fear into its readers. Not only does it touch upon environmental disaster, it deals with greed, class struggle, and corruption. These tales often turn an already frightening situation into something that is even more terrifying. It makes for a satisfying read filled with chilling twists and turns.
