“I was a battleground of fear and curiosity.”
First published all the way back in 1897, H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds is one of the most influential works of science fiction ever written. The story of a Martian invasion of Earth, everything from their three-legged machinery to their heat rays has become iconic. Launching the military and alien invasion subgenres in sci-fi, The War of the Worlds has inspired countless comic, film, television and radio sequels and adaptations. But we deal with literary works here at What We Reading, so join us for the best books like War of the Worlds!
Who Wrote The War Of The Worlds?
H.G. Wells was an influential author, producing over 100 novels in both the fiction and non-fiction genres. A prominent socialist and outspoken anti-war advocate, he has become renowned as one of the fathers of science fiction along with Jules Verne. The War of the Worlds was published in 1898 and remains one of the most iconic sci-fi books ever written.
The Three-Body Problem (Remembrance of Earth’s Past #1) – Liu Cixin
Kicking off our list of the best alien invasion books like War of the Worlds is Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem. Against the backdrop of China’s Cultural Revolution, the authorities send a secret military project into space to establish contact with aliens. On the brink of collapse, one civilisation latches hold of this signal and makes preparations for an invasion.
When news of this programme and invasion reaches Earth, two camps begin to form. Some people on one side are ready to welcome these superior beings and their promise to clean up a world they perceive as corrupt. On the other side, some people are prepared to fight back.
Footfall – Larry Niven And Jerry Pournelle
The New York Times bestseller by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, Footfall begins with a series of strange dots on astronomical plates heading to Earth directly from Saturn. Scientists quickly deduce that these dots must be life arriving from another star. But, as the dots continue to creep closer, humanity’s attempts to reach out and communicate with these visitors remain unanswered. When the aliens make the first contact, they engage in violence.
An explosion knocks a Soviet satellite out of the sky, and captors seize the survivors while a flurry of asteroids destroys every dam on planet Earth. Lauded as one of the greatest sci-fi books of all time, Footfall perfectly captures the feel of War of the Worlds.
Ender’s Game (Ender’s Saga #1) – Orson Scott Card
Another classic sci-fi work from the 1980s like War of the Worlds comes from Orson Scott Card and his Ender’s Saga. Beginning with 1985’s Ender’s Game, he introduces readers to Andrew “Ender” Wiggin, a genetic experiment who believes he is playing computer-simulated war games. In reality, he is being tested by the military for the role of the perfect general for humanity’s war against the Buggers.
A conflict that has been raging for over a century, the military has already disregarded Ender’s two older siblings, Peter and Valentine for being too violent not violent enough. But, whilst they both might harbour plenty of resentment toward their brother, they begin working together to shape the future of the Earth, a future that has no hope of happening if Ender fails.
The Puppet Masters – Robert A. Heinlein
Robert Heinlein’s The Puppet Masters is one of the all-time classic alien invasion books, infused with so much delicious Cold War-era intrigue and paranoia. The book opens with the news that a flying saucer has landed in Iowa. Authorities then dismiss it as a hoax, and they close the case.
But when members of the government’s most secret agency continue to disappear, it’s clear an invasion is underway. These slug-like aliens have the ability to control the minds of the humans they touch, and that is the fate that has befallen Sam Cavanaugh. From the safeguarders of the President to the majority of Iowa’s population, control over the nation has almost been secured.
The Forever War (The Forever War #1) – Joe Haldeman
Faced with an alien enemy that appears to be inscrutable, unconquerable, and very far away, humanity has drawn an interstellar line in the sand in Joe Halderman’s The Forever War. For Private William Mandella, a reluctant conscript in an elite military unit, he is willing to do whatever it takes to survive the ordeals of a thousand-year-long conflict and return home.
But, thanks to the time dilation caused by space travel, Joe finds himself ageing months whilst the Earth he left behind moves forward at a rate of centuries. With survival and a happy ending more than uncertain, few books like War of the Worlds capture the feeling of the odds being against humanity than The Forever War.
Childhood’s End – Arthur C. Clarke
Arthur C. Clarke’s Childhood’s End immediately stands out from other alien invasions by presenting a peaceful occupation of Earth and humanity rather than one forged from violence. He introduces readers to The Overlords, a race of technologically, militarily and intellectually superior beings.
Seemingly benevolent, they are welcomed in by humans and usher in a golden age where poverty and inequality are removed. But, for the few humans that resist, it soon becomes clear that The Overlords have a secret agenda they are keeping hidden. With civilisation fast approaching a crossroads, will these Overlords bring about the next evolution in human development, or eradicate them?
Orphanage (Jason Wander #1) – Robert Buettner
Robert Beuttner chronicles humanity’s first devastating contact with alien life in Orphanage. Launching projectiles from Jupiter’s moon Ganymede that vaporise entire cities at a time, humanity desperately gambles on one desperate counterstrike.
In a spacecraft salvaged from scrap and armed with Vietnam War-era weaponry a band of orphans like Jason Wander are tasked with invading Ganymede. With one ship to use and one opportunity to attack, their failure in this suicidal-looking mission will mean humanity’s extinction.
Check Out These Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Books
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).
