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Cover of Mockingbird

Mockingbird

Sean Stewart (1998)

SubgenreDark Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age18+
Goodreads3.84

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentModerate
LanguageModerate

Hero archetypes

Outcast / Loner

Synopsis

In a world where the human population has suffered devastating losses, a handful of survivors cling to what passes for life in a post-apocalyptic, dying landscape. People wander, drugged and lulled by electronic bliss, through a barren landscape with no children, no art, where reading is forbidden. From this bleak existence, a tragic love triangle springs forth. Spofforth, the most perfect machine ever created, runs the world, but his only wish is to die. Paul and Mary Lou are a man and a woman whose passion for each other sparks a jealousy in Spofforth—and provides the only hope for the future of human beings on earth.

Mockingbird: content & age rating

Intended for adult readers (18+).

Adult dystopian tale with mature themes including suicidal ideation, drug-induced compliance, and humanity's extinction. Features emotional complexity and darker philosophical content around death and despair.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, moderate sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include substance abuse, death, and depression (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Adult readers interested in philosophical post-apocalyptic stories will find this exploration of love and humanity's last days compelling.

Tags

Post-ApocalypticDystopianScience FictionLiterary