Postcard For Reader

Apocalyptic Fiction (& Giveaway)

This giveaway is over.

You’ve got to ask yourself, why does anyone like apocalyptic fiction? It’s not exactly the most uplifting of genres. The end of the world as we know it. Death. Destruction. Disease. War. Usually some form of creature chasing and/or eating us. Think of zombies, vampires, demons. Hardly makes for a restful sleep. But you know something? I love it.

I love it for one simple reason. I love the ‘what if’ factor. I love thinking about what I would do in that situation. Would I scream and run away in terror? Probably. Equally, one part of me thinks that I might be man enough to face the challenges head on and emerge not exactly unscathed, but better somehow.

I often lie awake at night thinking what I would do if I was in that situation. Where would I go? Who would be with me, what supplies would I need? Most importantly (especially in apocalyptic situations featuring the undead, demons or other monsters), what weapons would I have?

It’s not because I necessarily believe that the end of the world is coming (but it is eventually – the sun will burn out), I just like the thought of being prepared, mentally, physically and literally. The operative word here is ‘like’. I’m not prepared at all. I keep meaning to make a survival kit but have failed miserably. I went and bought a big sealable plastic container with the intention of filling it up with water bottles, gas cookers, medical kits and the like. You know what’s in it at the moment? Approximately nothing. Figures. My idea of getting prepared for the bird flu was buying a whole lot of aspirin.

My wife sometimes tells me that I’m all hat, no cattle. Basically, I talk a lot but don’t do much about it. She’s right. Maybe, I haven’t done anything because I am really hoping that nothing does happen. I hope it doesn’t because we’ve just had a beautiful baby boy. If nothing happens, why do I need to be prepared? Catch 22. But then again…

The world could end very easily. We could get hit by a meteor, a solar flare, the Rapture could happen, a deadly virus turns us into vampires or something could be unleashed. Who knows? I can’t predict what’s going to happen. If I could, I would’ve picked last week’s winning lottery numbers and now be living in Barbados.

Almost all of my favorite apocalyptic fiction features one person or a small band of survivors, trying to survive in a world gone to hell. I’m not going to single out one book in particular – there’s too many good ones out there. But, the beauty of this set-up is that you can picture yourself in this scene. I like the details in these scenes; what they wear, what they eat, how they survive day-to-day. Basically the nuts and bolts of survival. It makes it more real somehow. That’s why I find it more engaging than some other genres I guess. People sometimes laugh at me when I say that. How can it be more real if it’s pure fantasy, they argue? Simple – it becomes real in my head because of the skill of the writer, in their beautifully depicted landscapes, in their all too realistic depictions of life after the end.

Apocalyptic fiction. It thrills me, it scares me, it makes me lose sleep at night, but you know what? I’m going to keep reading about it and writing about it for as long as I can.

Phillip W. Simpson is an author of mostly children’s books – both fiction and non-fiction. His latest book, the young adult apocalyptic novel, Rapture, published by Pearl Jam Books, was released on October 1st.

And Phillip is kind enough to be giving away a copy of Rapture here on WORD!

The Rapture has occurred, just as the Bible predicted. The faithful have risen up to Heaven. Those left behind are in a living hell.

Earth burns, hell-like in its oppressive heat. Every volcano in the world has erupted, and tsunamis and earthquakes continue to devastate the planet. Clouds continually rain ash onto the scorched landscape, sparking fires all around. Plants and animals are dying. Food is scarce. The night sky is devoid of stars, and the moon - when it can be seen - is the colour of blood.

The remnants of humanity fight for survival. Most have fled the cities and now hide in caves deep in the mountains. By night, demons stalk the Earth, capturing the remaining humans and killing them - if they’re lucky. The less fortunate are converted to worship of the Devil, and ushered into endless hell.

Eighteen year old, Sam (short for Samael) was raised in the town of Jacob’s Ladder, Utah. It is – appropriately enough – near to a place of natural scenic beauty called Devil’s garden. He finds himself alone, unable to rise up with his family because he is half demon. His mother, a devout Christian, was seduced by Satan and conceived his child. She smuggled the boy to an old friend – Hikari – a Japanese sword master and demon expert. Since then, Hikari and his daughter, Aimi, have been all the family Sam has known.

Now they’re gone, and Sam must set out on the mission Hikari charged him with long ago: to help all the humans left behind.

Armed only with his beloved Japanese swords and his wits, Sam wanders the post-apocalyptic world alone, separated forever from everyone he loves. Cursed by his demonic heritage, he must now embark on a quest that will take him across the US to the City of Angels. There he will confront his destiny. There he must fight to save a friend ... and the souls of the living.

You have until August 17 to enter to win; there will be one winner in the U.S. or Canada only. Just fill out the form below.

Quick Recap:
[1] copy of Rapture by Phillip W. Samson up for grabs
[1] winner in U.S. or Canada
ends August 17

How To Win:
[mandatory] fill out the form below