Books matching: existential horror
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- #1
Save:The Fisherman by John Langan is a cosmic horror novel that offers a fresh take on the genre, focusing on the underlying horror of loss rather than existential dread. The story follows Abe and Dan, two men bonded by heartbreak and fishing, as they are drawn to Dutchman's Creek by a local legend. The narrative weaves together elements of cosmic horror, quiet horror, and psychological terror, creating a dark and brooding tale that explores themes of grief, obsession, and the consequences of seeking the unknown.
I had most of it [Howard said] from Reverend Mapple. He was minister at the Lutheran Church in Woodstock, and what you’d call a local history buff. After I heard the story I’m going to tell you, I did... - #2
Save:Teatro Grottesco by Thomas Ligotti is a collection of short stories that delve into themes of pure pessimistic nihilism, loneliness, isolation, and the annihilation of existence. Ligotti's writing style is described as dense, precise, and full of ambiguity, creating a sense of existence as a nightmare. The stories in this collection distort perceptions of everyday life, leaving behind a sense of creeping dread and surreal melancholy.
We were living in a rented house, neither the first nor the last of a long succession of such places that the family inhabited throughout my childhood years. It was shortly after we had moved into thi... - #3
Save:'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer is a mysterious and eerie novel set in a landscape undergoing a transformation due to an outside agent, reminiscent of the Strugatsky brothers' work. The story follows the protagonist, a biologist, as part of an expedition into Area X, a zone being altered by something completely alien, leading to rapid disintegration of their mission and inevitable eerie encounters. The narrative style is described as straddling the line between science fiction and horror, with an unreliable narrator providing a vague description of Area X, leaving more questions than answers.
The tower, which was not supposed to be there, plunges into the earth in a place just before the black pine forest begins to give way to swamp and then the reeds and wind-gnarled trees of the marsh fl... - #4
Save:'14' by Peter Clines is a mystery novel that follows Nate, a man who moves into a peculiar apartment building in L.A. As Nate starts to uncover strange occurrences within the building, he teams up with his neighbors to investigate further. The story unfolds as they delve into the mysteries behind the building, encountering oddities like glowing mutant cockroaches, mysterious lights, and locked apartment doors. The plot combines elements of mystery, horror, and science fiction, leading to a thrilling and entertaining adventure for the characters and readers alike.
The writing style of '14' is characterized by a slow build-up that gradually reveals the oddities and mysteries surrounding the apartment building. The author, Peter Clines, expertly weaves together elements of cosmic horror, science fiction, and fantasy, creating a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers intrigued. The book balances humor, mystery, and suspense, offering a blend of genres that appeals to fans of intricate puzzles and unconventional storytelling.
The building was a cube of red bricks lined with gray mortar, the type of building one pictured in New York or San Francisco. Two rectangles of concrete sat in the brick at the third story, each beari... - #5
Save:"Meddling Kids" by Edgar Cantero follows the story of former kid detectives who reunite as troubled adults to re-investigate their last case, which is the root of their dysfunction. The narrative is a self-aware mishmash of genres, blending elements of teen detectives like Scooby Doo with Lovecraftian horror. The characters, damaged by their early experiences, embark on a journey filled with nostalgia, supernatural forces, and unresolved mysteries from their past, leading to a fast-paced and action-packed adventure.
The writing style of Cantero in "Meddling Kids" is described as unique and engaging, featuring meta-textual references, witty dialogues, and a blend of humor and dark themes. The author's ability to create compelling characters, incorporate nods to classic childhood mysteries, and infuse the narrative with elements of horror and humor makes the book an entertaining and captivating read for fans of the genre.
She flung the door open to clamorous nonreaction, silhouetted down to a bulky jacket and a baseball cap, the blue wind blowing away the title card. Dramatically opening doors was one of Andy’s few nat... - #6
Save:"At the Mountains of Madness" is a novella written by H.P. Lovecraft in the early 1930s, set in Antarctica during that time period. The story follows a scientific expedition from Miskatonic University that uncovers an ancient, prehistoric city and the horrifying beings that once inhabited it. Lovecraft's writing style is described as florid and descriptive, pulling the reader towards each dreadful revelation with references to common myths and places in his other works.
I am forced into speech because men of science have refused to follow my advice without knowing why. It is altogether against my will that I tell my reasons for opposing this contemplated invasion of ... - #7
Save:'After Sundown' edited by Mark Morris is a horror anthology comprising twenty stories that offer a variety of chilling and eerie experiences. The collection features tales that range from traditional ghost stories to dark fantasies, exploring themes such as domestic life, humanity, and the perils of parenting. The writing style varies from fun and spooky old school horror yarns to thoughtfully speculative narratives that delve into existential horror and shamanic themes.
- #8
Save:Imajica by Clive Barker is a sprawling fantasy epic that takes readers on a journey through the Five Dominions, with Earth being the Unreconciled Fifth. The story revolves around the attempt to reconcile Earth with the other Dominions, filled with bizarre and compelling worlds, dark elements, and intricate mysteries. Clive Barker's writing style is praised for its vivid imagery, imaginative world-building, and complex characters, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that blends fantasy, mythology, and epic storytelling.
It was the pivotal teaching of Pluthero Quexos, the most celebrated dramatist of the Second Dominion, that in any fiction, no matter how ambitious its scope or profound its theme, there was only ever ... - #9
Save:The Seventh Mansion by Maryse Meijer is a unique coming-of-age story narrated by a 16-year-old boy named Xie. The book follows Xie's inner journey as he navigates through a world that challenges his beliefs and values, including his vegan lifestyle and environmental activism. The plot unfolds with bizarre occurrences, such as Xie forming a sensual relationship with the bones of a saint he liberates from a church, intertwining themes of faith, self-discovery, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination.
Meijer's writing style in The Seventh Mansion is described as unconventional, with no quotation marks for dialogue or traditional chapter breaks. Despite the initial disorientation this may cause, readers are drawn into Xie's world, experiencing the story through his thoughts and desires. The novel delves into existential horror, environmental activism, and the complexities of human relationships, challenging readers to question the boundaries of belief and reality.
- #10
Save:'John Dies at the End' by Jason Pargin (David Wong) is a bizarre and unpredictable story that follows two friends, David and John, who become 'infected' after consuming a mysterious drug called soy sauce. This leads them to encounter alternate creatures, shadow people, and horrifying experiences as they try to protect others and survive in a world filled with the unknown. The writing style combines humor, horror elements, and a touch of absurdity, keeping readers engaged through a rollercoaster of events that blur the lines between reality and fiction.
The book is described as a genre-bending experiment that mixes horror, comedy, and satire. Readers are taken on a wild ride filled with graphic scenes, grotesque monsters, and unexpected twists, all while exploring themes of friendship, survival, and the unknown. Despite its disjointed structure and shocking content, 'John Dies at the End' manages to maintain a sense of mystery and urgency that captivates readers till the end.
The place I was sitting was a small city in the Midwest which will remain undisclosed for reasons that will become obvious later. I was at a restaurant called “They China Food!” which was owned by a c...
