"The War of the Worlds" by H. G. Wells tells the story of a Martian invasion that catches Earth unprepared. The story begins with the Martians attacking London, and despite the initial disbelief, people soon realize the severity of the situation as the Martians' superior technology overwhelms Earth's weapons. However, a sudden turn of events changes everything when the Martians are killed by bacteria to which they had no immunity. The story follows a narrator who witnesses the invasion and sees the aftermath of the Martians' defeat. Key details include the ruined handling-machine, the red weed that had covered the land, and the Martians' dead bodies in their war-machines. The setting is primarily in London and the surrounding areas.