What makes a SHTF fiction book one of the best?

Well, 'Alas, Babylon' by Pat Frank is a classic in SHTF fiction. It tells about a small town's fight for survival after a nuclear war. 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel is also a great read. It focuses on a group of traveling actors in a world after a flu pandemic has wiped out most of the population. Then there's 'World War Z' by Max Brooks, which gives a global perspective on a zombie apocalypse and how different countries deal with it.

SHTF fiction stands for 'Shit Hits The Fan' fiction. It typically involves stories set in post - apocalyptic or survival situations. For example, it might be about a world after a nuclear war, a global pandemic that has decimated the population, or an environmental catastrophe. These stories often focus on how characters survive, find food, shelter, and deal with other threats in a world that has become very dangerous and unpredictable.

One factor is its ability to make readers think. A book like 'Light from Uncommon Stars' combines different elements in a way that makes you question how things fit together. Another aspect is the writing style. If it's engaging and easy to follow, like Becky Chambers' writing in 'A Psalm for the Wild - Built', it can be considered great. And of course, a great science fiction book in 2023 should also be relevant to current discussions, perhaps about environmentalism as in 'The Terraformers' or self - discovery as in 'A Psalm for the Wild - Built'.

A great Nazi fiction book often has well - developed characters. For example, in 'The Book Thief', Liesel Meminger is a very relatable character. Her experiences in Nazi Germany, from stealing books to dealing with the loss of loved ones, make the story come alive. Good character development helps readers understand the human side of living under the Nazis.

A great historical fiction book often has well - researched historical details. For example, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. Eco delved deep into medieval history, including the religious and cultural aspects, which makes the story feel very authentic.

A great wolf fiction book often has accurate portrayals of wolf behavior. For example, if it shows how wolves hunt in packs, communicate with each other, and their social hierarchy. Also, a strong plot that involves wolves in an interesting way. Like in 'Wolf Brother', the boy's adventure with the wolf makes the story exciting. And characters that have a deep connection with the wolves, like in 'Julie of the Wolves' where the girl becomes part of the wolf pack.

Well - developed characters are crucial. In the best ones, like in 'The Canterbury Tales', each character has their own distinct voice and story. The characters should also be relatable within the context of the medieval world, whether they are knights, peasants, or clergy.

A great forensic fiction book often has accurate and detailed forensic science. For example, books like Patricia Cornwell's series with Dr. Kay Scarpetta are known for their in - depth portrayal of forensic procedures. Another factor is a gripping plot. If the mystery is engaging and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, like in 'The Bone Collector' by Jeffery Deaver, it can be considered one of the best. Also, well - developed characters, especially the forensic experts, add to the quality of the book.

A great law book fiction often has a complex and engaging plot. For example, in 'The Firm', the plot twists and turns keep the reader on the edge of their seat as the young lawyer discovers the seedy underbelly of his new firm. It also has well - developed characters. A good lawyer character, like Atticus Finch in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', shows moral integrity and the struggle for justice. And accurate legal details. In 'A Time to Kill', the legal procedures and arguments feel real, which adds to the authenticity of the story.

A great plot that revolves around baseball in an engaging way. For example, if it has a story of an underdog team or player rising to the top. Also, well - developed characters that players, coaches, or fans can relate to.