A prequel to Asimov's Foundation trilogy, Forward the Foundation is the continuing story of Hari Seldon, a mathematics professor who invented a formula to tell the future. His discovery causes him to become embroiled in the troubled world of intergalactic politics, but his personal life is in shambles after the death of his wife and son. His invention allows him to foresee the Second Foundation and lay out a plan for humanity's salvation.
Toward the End of Time is a 1997 apocalyptic novel by John Updike taking place after a nuclear war between China and the United States. The novel tells the story of Ben Turnbull, who is unhappy living with his wife, Gloria, and has an affair with a prostitute, Deirdre. His wife disappears, but eventually Ben loses control over his life because of the thugs Spin and Phil. After Deidre leaves and Gloria returns, Ben is diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer, eventually left powerless and disillusioned.