“I struggled for a long time with surviving. And no matter what, you keep finding something to fight for.”
In 2013, Sony’s PlayStation introduced us to The Last of Us, an exclusive video game that took players on Joel and Ellie’s perilous journey through the post-apocalyptic United States. This masterpiece of entertainment quickly became one of the most highly praised gaming experiences of all time, setting the bar for the industry in everything from graphics to gameplay. What truly set it apart, however, was its gripping blockbuster-like storytelling and themes.
In 2020, a sequel to the game was released, and just this January 2023, HBO adapted the first entry into a television series. The show, featuring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the lead roles, garnered over forty million viewers in just two months, thanks to its faithful adaptation and standout performances. With Ellie and Joel redefining the post-apocalyptic genre, be sure to check out our list of the best books like The Last of Us at What We Reading!
The Road – Cormac McCarthy
If you loved The Last of Us and its post-apocalyptic themes, then you won’t want to miss out on Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. This haunting novel is a must-read for anyone who loves a good dystopian story. The Road follows the journey of a father and son as they travel through a desolate and dangerous world. Despite the harsh conditions they face, the bond between the two characters shines through and serves as a beacon of hope throughout the novel.
McCarthy’s writing is both powerful and poetic, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. If you’re looking for a gripping story of survival and the strength of the human spirit, The Road is the book for you.
Check Out The Best Books Like The Road
The Ruins – Scott Smith
Stephen King has hailed The Ruins as the “best horror novel of the new century,” and for good reason. This chilling tale follows two young couples on a dream vacation that quickly turns into a nightmare. Stranded on top of an ancient Mayan temple deep in the Mexican jungle, they soon discover that their captors are not human, but a sinister assortment of bloodthirsty plants and flora.
The Ruins stands out from other horror reads thanks to its inventive and truly terrifying concept. The descriptions are delivered in deliciously vivid detail, making it a perfect read for fans of The Last of Us who crave an unsettling and gruesome experience. Don’t miss out on this modern horror classic.
Wanderers (Wanderers #1) – Chuck Wendig
If you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic and sci-fi thrillers, Chuck Wendig’s Wanderers is a book you won’t want to miss. This gripping novel was nominated for Best Sci-Fi in the 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards and for good reason. The story follows Shana as she wakes up one morning to find her sister suffering from a strange malady, walking aimlessly along the side of the road.
But soon Shana discovers that her sister is just one of the hundreds of sleepwalkers on a mysterious pilgrimage with an unknown destination. As society crumbles and a militia threatens their very existence, Wanderers is a cleverly-written thriller that tackles relevant themes of our contemporary world. It’s a must-read, with nods and references to our current society that makes the story even more engaging.
The Passage (The Passage #1) – Justin Cronin
In Justin Cronin’s The Passage, a US Government facility experiences a security breach, unleashing a chilling experiment upon the world. Like a scene from the opening of The Last of Us, chaos ensues, and the survivors awaken to a new, terrifying world.
FBI agent Brad Wolgast, haunted by his past, finds himself protecting six-year-old orphan Amy Harper Bellafonte from her Government captors as society collapses around them. This thrilling sci-fi novel weaves together themes of endurance, redemption, survival, and incredible empathy, even in the face of the fiercest of odds. Justin Cronin’s The Passage is a must-read for fans of post-apocalyptic stories and will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Wool (Silo #1) – Hugh Howey
One of the most successful Sci-Fi stories on Amazon, Hugh Howey’s Wool series is a collection of short stories set against his Silo series. In it, he introduces readers to a dystopian world where thousands of humans have been living underground for years. They have been underground for so long, that living anywhere else is an alien concept. Living like this requires rules. And the most important of these rules for these communities is to never mention going outside.
Wool mirrors The Last of Us in its dystopian premise and its exploration of humanity on its absolute brink. It also touches on the power and effects of optimism and hope even in times of unimaginable hardship.
Feed (Newsflesh #1) – Mira Grant
Mira Grant’s Feed is a dystopian story that centres on an apocalyptic event that turns humans into flesh-eating zombies. You can see the similarities to The Last of Us already. Twenty years on from this horrific event, two bloggers who survived embark on a quest to unearth the truth behind the FEED outbreak. Just like how Ellie and Joel act as our compelling protagonists in the game, Georgia and Shaun Mason guide readers through the gruesome discoveries hiding in Grant’s novel.
Not only is Feed a Zombie book, but it also shares similarities with The Last of Us in how the gore factor is fairly secondary throughout. Feed is much more of an exploration of journalism, free speech and the ramifications a major outbreak would have on the world.
The Troop – Nick Cutter
Nick Cutter’s The Troop is a gripping and well-paced horror novel that explores paranoia and the range of responses to a crisis situation. The story follows scoutmaster Tim Riggs and his group of boys on a trip to the remote Falstaff Island off the coast of Canada.
However, when a malnourished man stumbles upon their camp, a chain of events with gruesome and deadly consequences is set in motion. With scenes of parasitic infections, plagues, and violent acts, The Troop is a disturbing and gory read that will satisfy fans of horror novels.
Check out these Dystopian Novels for Young Adults!
City Of Thieves – David Benioff
Set during the brutal Nazi siege of Leningrad in World War II, David Benioff’s City of Thieves tells the story of Lev Beniov, a young man arrested for looting and thrown into a cell with the charming deserter Kolya. Instead of facing execution, they are given an unusual task: to find twelve eggs for a Soviet colonel’s daughter’s wedding cake.
The novel is a thrilling and poignant coming-of-age tale that explores the transformation of boys into men in the face of extreme adversity. With a perfect balance of humour and terror, City of Thieves is a powerful and unforgettable read.
The Girl With All The Gifts (The Girl With All the Gifts #1) – M.R. Carey
Are you a fan of Neil Gaiman and Stephen King? If so, M.R. Carey’s The Girl with All the Gifts is the perfect book for you! Follow the thrilling story of Melanie, a young girl who is bright, inquisitive, and passionate about learning. There’s just one catch: Melanie is a zombie.
Set in a dystopian world similar to The Last of Us, Carey’s novel is a poignant exploration of identity, acceptance, and society’s treatment of outsiders. Through Melanie’s eyes, readers will experience a thrilling and thought-provoking journey that is sure to leave a lasting impact. Don’t miss out on this exciting read!
Annihilation (Southern Reach #1) – Jeff VanderMeer
If you were drawn in by the natural world run amok in The Last of Us, then Jeff VanderMeer’s Annihilation is the perfect book for you. The first in the Southern Reach trilogy transports readers to the mysterious and isolated Area X, where previous explorations have led to violence and self-destruction.
The twelfth expedition is an all-female team, charged with mapping the location, uncovering its secrets, and surviving the unknown hazards that lie ahead. VanderMeer weaves an immersive and chilling story, blending themes of nature, science fiction, and horror into a unique and unforgettable experience.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
