Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven

Paperback 640 pages

1977

Science Fiction

Synopsis:

A gigantic comet slams into Earth causing earthquakes a thousand times too powerful to measure on the Richter scale and tidal waves thousands of feet high. Cities are turned into oceans; oceans turned into steam. It is the beginning of a new Ice Age and the end of civilization. But for the terrified men and women chance has saved, it is also the dawn of a new struggle for survival--a struggle more dangerous and challenging than any they had ever known.

My Take:

This novel was co-authored by Jerry Pournelle. It is a slow read until the comet strikes the earth about a third of the way into the novel. But hold on for a fast heart pounding ride to the end after the strike. I have read this novel several times and would love to see this made into a movie. The events after the strike are what I imagine would actually happen in such an event, or a global crisis like a nuclear attack or other man made/terrorist related incident. You will see both the best humanity has to offer, and the worse. If you like this book, and I guarantee you will, you should read Stephen King's The Stand next which is in the same vein. If you already have read The Stand but haven't read Lucifer's Hammer, then by all means read this book. You won't be sorry. I rate this book a 7.5. I would give it a higher rating if it wasn't for the novel's slow start. But stick with it. You will be glad you did.