Vril: The Power of the Coming Race is a classic 19th-century science fiction and occult novel by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. The story follows an explorer who discovers an advanced subterranean civilization known as the Vril-ya, a powerful humanoid race that harnesses a mysterious energy force called “Vril.” The novel blends speculative science, utopian society, telepathy, advanced technology, and esoteric philosophy, and later became influential in occult and conspiracy literature
Modern audiobook editions generally describe it as a pioneering sci-fi adventure in which:
Two explorers descend into underground caverns and encounter a technologically superior race powered by “Vril” energy, capable of healing, destruction, and telepathic communication. The narrator gradually learns that this hidden civilization may one day emerge and dominate the surface world.
The novel is considered an early precursor to modern science fiction and later influenced occult traditions, hollow-earth myths, and speculative fiction.
