First published 1987
Nuclear war has turned America into a wasteland crawling with monsters and desperate survivors. A girl named Swan possesses abilities that could restore hope to the shattered world. The Man with the Scarlet Eye, an evil entity that existed long before the bombs fell, hunts Swan across the devastated landscape. He commands legions of followers who feed his hunger for darkness and destruction. Swan's protectors know she represents humanity's final chance. They must keep her alive as armies clash in the radioactive ruins. Monstrous creatures stalk the survivors while the ancient evil closes in. The last remnants of civilization face a choice between surrendering to darkness or fighting for their humanity. Swan holds the key to which path the world will take.
Genres: science-fiction, horror, dark-fantasy, post-apocalyptic, apocalyptic
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, dark-hero, found-family, good-vs-evil
Setting: America
Period: Nuclear War
956 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Pocket Books
Content warnings: death, graphic-violence, violence