Without Warning (Birmingham novel)

Without Warning is an alternate history novel written by the Australian author John Birmingham. It was released in Australia in September 2008 and in the United States and the United Kingdom in February 2009. It is the first book in a new stand-alone universe. The novels After America and Angels of Vengeance continue the story.

Plot

On the eve of the Iraq War, March 14, 2003, the majority of the population of the contiguous United States disappears as the result of a large energy field that later comes to be known as "The Wave". Without Warning deals with the international consequences of the disappearance of the world's last superpower on the eve of war.

Development

Birmingham said he was inspired to write the novel after hearing someone during a student demonstration at the University of Queensland say the world would be a better place if the United States disappeared.

Reception

Literary significance

Jim Hopper of the San Diego Union-Tribune said Without Warning is an example of "'mainstream' genres incorporate some SFnal elements pretty often as greater or lesser plot element."