Atomic Sunrise by R.M. Christianson
(Fiction / Alternative History)
Alternative history novels have always been some of my favorite books to read. Looking back, I think about the captivating (and terrifying) world portrayed by Philip K. Dick in Man in the High Castle – a story about the world if the Allied Powers lost World War II. On a similar note, Atomic Sunrise packs a thrilling punch and had me on the edge of my seat. This alt-history thriller takes place in a world in which the United States normalized using atomic bombs in 1950. It’s a dramatic and intriguing read that I recommend to all fiction fans.
In the wake of World War II, the remaining global powers race headfirst into the devastation of nuclear war. This heart-pounding novel introduces you to a strange new reality in the final moments before atomic fire blotted out the sky and eliminated so much about the world as we know it. In this introductory book of the Hydrogen Wars series, author R.M. Christianson does an excellent job luring readers into a frightening, yet intriguing world filled with a diverse cast of characters.
Alt-history novels, although fictional, are relevant and timely reads for our generation. No matter how powerful and stable a nation appears to be, no one is immune to collapse. Democracy, liberty, and peace are dicey and oftentimes fleeting. Books like this remind us how precious they are, and why they should never be taken for granted.
R.M. Christianson’s post-apocalyptic world is haunting and pertinent. The author does a phenomenal job constructing a setting that is completely foreign, but still imaginable. Their story will have you thinking about the delicate balance of civilization – and how one decision could change everything. The series is a dramatic blend between Game of Thrones and the nuclear wasteland of Fallout. Rest assured; you’ll have a hard time putting this book down.
If you’re interested in learning more about the book and author, you can visit their website. Their work as a queer storyteller has allowed them to bring fascinating and untold perspectives to their projects. After reading the first book, I can’t wait to see where the series goes from here. If you ever wondered what history would look like if the events that shaped the modern world failed, you’ll be fascinated and invested in this series.
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