The End is Now

The End is Now is the second volume in the Apocalypse Triptych series, focusing on stories that take place during various apocalyptic events. This anthology contains 15 short stories from different authors, each presenting their vision of civilization's collapse through different scenarios and perspectives. The collection features both established and emerging voices in science fiction, including Hugh Howey, Seanan McGuire, and Scott Sigler. Each tale occurs in the midst of its catastrophe - whether pandemic, technological failure, environmental disaster, or supernatural event. The anthology explores how humans face immediate crisis and catastrophe, examining both individual choices and broader societal responses. These interconnected yet distinct narratives analyze survival, sacrifice, and human nature when confronted with civilization's potential end.

Readers found this anthology delivered unique perspectives on apocalyptic scenarios, with strong entries from authors Hugh Howey and Nancy Kress noted as standouts. Liked: - Diverse range of apocalyptic scenarios beyond typical zombies/pandemics - Stories connect and build on each other - Writing quality maintains consistency across different authors - Balance of action and character development Disliked: - Some stories feel rushed or unfinished - Middle section drags with slower-paced entries - A few stories rehash common end-of-world tropes - Uneven tone between stories Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (421 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (52 ratings) "A solid collection with more hits than misses," noted one Amazon reviewer. Multiple Goodreads reviews mentioned the anthology works best when read in order, as themes and references carry between stories. Several readers commented that it surpassed the first book in the series but didn't reach the quality of the final volume.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel A pandemic wipes out civilization, following interconnected characters as they navigate survival and preserve art in a collapsed world.

World War Z by Max Brooks Multiple narratives weave together humanity's response to a zombie apocalypse through interviews, reports, and personal accounts.

The Stand by Stephen King A weaponized flu destroys society, leading to a battle between survivors who align with opposing supernatural forces.

Severance by Ling Ma A disease turns people into mindless drones performing routine tasks while a group of survivors seeks refuge in an abandoned shopping complex.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy A father and son traverse a burned American landscape years after an unspecified catastrophe has destroyed civilization.

🌟 The End is Now is the second book in the Apocalypse Triptych series, sandwiched between The End is Nigh and The End Has Come. 🌟 John Joseph Adams is one of science fiction's most prolific and celebrated anthology editors, earning the nickname "The Reigning King of the Anthology" from Barnes & Noble. 🌟 The book features 22 different apocalyptic scenarios, each written by a different author, showcasing various ways civilization might face its darkest moments. 🌟 Hugh Howey, author of the bestselling WOOL series, contributed to this anthology and also served as co-editor alongside Adams. 🌟 The anthology format allows readers to experience multiple apocalyptic events "during" their occurrence, rather than just before or after, creating a unique perspective in disaster fiction.