Books matching: horror novella
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- #1
Save:A chilling, brilliantly written novella that flips Lovecraft’s mythos on its head - short, powerful, and well worth your time, whether you’re a Lovecraft fan or not.
'The Ballad of Black Tom' by Victor LaValle is a Lovecraftian novella set in the 1920s, a period marked by racism and social unrest. LaValle reimagines Lovecraft's story 'The Horror at Red Hook' from the perspective of a working-class African American musician, offering a fresh take on themes of immigrants, poverty, and marginalization in early 20th-century New York. The book expertly combines elements of horror, racism, and cosmic terror, creating a story that gradually transitions from a realistic setting to supernatural occurrences, making the supernatural aspects feel all the more unnerving.
The narrative follows Charles Thomas Tester, a black man navigating through a white-dominated city while facing racism and police brutality. LaValle's writing style is praised for its masterful handling of setting and circumstances, as well as the complexity of the protagonist's character. The book delves into the horrors of racism and the Great Old Ones, intertwining Lovecraftian mythology with social commentary, creating a compelling and powerful story that resonates with readers.
People who move to New York always make the same mistake. They can’t see the place. This is true of Manhattan, but even the outer boroughs, too, be it Flushing Meadows in Queens or Red Hook in Brookly...February 2016•157 pages - #2
Save:A gory, imaginative horror novella - short, sharp, and unsettling. Perfect for Hellraiser fans and those craving a quick, creepy read, but skip it if you’re squeamish or crave rich character depth.
The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker is a macabre and disturbing novella that follows Frank Cotton as he unlocks a puzzle box seeking unimaginable pleasures, only to find himself bound by spirits in an upper room of his brother's house. The story delves into a world where evil is unhinged, portraying a battle between good and evil in a surreal setting. The book is filled with grotesque and dark imagery, featuring unforgettable characters like the Cenobites promising sensations beyond belief.
The plot of The Hellbound Heart is fast-paced, featuring action-packed scenes and gory elements that keep readers engaged. While some readers found the book short and wished for more character development, others appreciated its imaginative storytelling and the balance between visceral horror and redemptive themes. Overall, the novella is praised for its originality, dark atmosphere, and the way it explores human depravity in a compelling manner.
So intent was Frank upon solving the puzzle of Lemarchand's box that he didn't hear the great bell begin to ring. The device had been constructed by a master craftsman, and the riddle was this-that th...1986•171 pages - #3
Save:A hair-raising, fast-paced horror novella packed with eerie imagery and psychological twists - "Sour Candy" is a deliciously creepy choice for anyone looking for a quick, memorable scare.
Sour Candy by Kealan Patrick Burke is a novella that delves into the unsettling and eerie tale of Phil Pendleton, a man whose life takes a drastic turn when a strange boy enters his life claiming to be his son. The story unfolds in a Twilight Zone-like alternate reality where the boy's presence leads Phil on a journey of madness and horror, questioning his own reality and sanity. Burke's writing style is praised for its ability to pack a punch from the very first page, creating a sense of unease and suspense that keeps readers hooked until the twisted end. The novella explores themes of fatherhood, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and nightmare, leaving readers with a lingering sense of dread long after finishing the story.
WHEN THE CHILD STARTED screaming, Phil Pendleton had his arms loaded with chocolate bars and his girlfriend cooing in his ear. Later he would think of the moment prior to that klaxon-like intrusion as...November 2015•71 pages - #4
Save:A chilling, classic ghost story - equal parts psychological puzzle and gothic suspense - that rewards patient readers but may frustrate those who want straightforward scares or definitive answers.
'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James is a psychological horror story that revolves around a governess who starts working in an old house with two children and encounters ghosts of the previous caretakers. The narrative delves into the governess's increasing paranoia and ambiguity surrounding the ghosts and the children's behavior, blurring the lines between reality and supernatural elements. The writing style is described as dense and antiquated, with long sentences and an overuse of commas, which some readers found challenging but others found rewarding in unraveling the psychological and sexual themes of the story.
My counselor couldn't read! I winced at my mistake, which I attenuated as I could, and opened my letter again to repeat it to her; then, faltering in the act and folding it up once more, I put it back...1891•129 pages - #5
Save:A fierce, imaginative, and deeply relevant read - mixing chilling horror, Black history, and action-packed resistance. It’s quick, unforgettable, and will leave you thinking long after the final page.
Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clark is a horror fantasy novella set in the 1920s American South, where the Ku Klux Klan is portrayed as both literal and metaphorical monsters. The story follows Maryse, a young black woman with a magic sword, as she battles these demonic entities disguised as Klansmen. The book seamlessly integrates elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and horror to address themes of racism, hate, and fear during the time of Jim Crow. The narrative is fast-paced, blending cosmic horror with social commentary, creating a unique and compelling story that explores the darkness of human nature.
Clark's writing style in Ring Shout has been praised for its vivid imagery, strong characterization, and powerful narrative voice. The novella delves into the depths of racism and prejudice, offering a fresh perspective on the historical events of the 1920s through a fantastical lens. The book's blend of action-packed sequences, cultural significance, and social commentary makes it a thought-provoking and engaging read that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and humanity.
There’s a bunch parading down Third Street, wearing white robes and pointed hoods. Not a one got their face covered. I hear them first Klans after the Civil War hid behind pillowcases and flour sacks...October 2020•179 pages - #6
Save:A classic of science fiction horror that’s more about atmosphere and awe than fast-paced thrills - fascinating for world-building and creepy vibes, but not for everyone’s taste.
At the Mountains of Madness by H.P. Lovecraft is a chilling novella that follows a scientific expedition to Antarctica. The story unveils the discovery of ancient extraterrestrial ruins, revealing the existence of a prehistoric civilization. The eerie atmosphere and cosmic horror elements intertwine throughout, showcasing the narrator's gradual descent into fear and madness as they uncover the unsettling truths hidden in the ice. Lovecraft's detailed descriptions create a vivid setting, but many readers find the pacing slow, as the narrative often dwells on scientific and geological details, which some feel detract from the overall storytelling experience.
This short tale, written on June 15, 1920, is perhaps Lovecraft's most delightful tribute to his beloved felidae. Lovecraft outlined the basic plot of the story in a letter of May 21, 1920. It feature...1936•192 pages - #7
Save:A quick, razor-sharp psychological horror novel that’s both creepy and thought-provoking - definitely worth reading if you want a haunting story you’ll finish in one sitting.
'Come Closer' by Sara Gran is a short novella that tells the chilling story of a woman named Amanda who is slowly being possessed by a demon. The book delves into the psychological aspects of possession, drawing parallels to mental illness like schizophrenia. The writing style is described as creepy, unsettling, and suspenseful, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged until the thrilling conclusion.
NOT THAT Ed wasn’t attentive, not that he didn’t notice what was going on in my life. He just wasn’t able to put the pieces together as quickly as the dog. Ed was my hero, my savior. Ed was the man wh...2003•191 pages - #8
Save:A chilling, bite-sized King novella that’s as much about human nature as monsters in the mist. Perfect for fans of suspenseful, thought-provoking horror - with a healthy dose of dread and uncertainty.
'The Mist' by Stephen King is a gripping novella that follows the story of David Drayton and his son Billy, who find themselves trapped in a supermarket with other residents of a small town after a mysterious mist engulfs the area. As they struggle to survive, they uncover the horrifying truth behind the mist, which is linked to a military experiment called The Arrowhead Project. Stephen King expertly weaves themes of terror, social prejudices, and the fight for survival in a tight and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The book delves into the darkest fears of humanity as the characters face monstrous creatures and navigate the complex dynamics within the supermarket, including the rise of a religious fanatic among them. King's writing style creates a palpable atmosphere of dread and suspense, making 'The Mist' a riveting and unforgettable tale that explores the horrors of the unknown and the depths of human nature in the face of unimaginable threats.
This is what happened. On the night that the worst heat wave in northern New England history finally broke—the night of July 19—the entire western Maine region was lashed with the most vicious thunder...1980•248 pages - #9
Save:A mesmerizing, literary dose of Lovecraftian weirdness - short, striking, and brimming with unforgettable imagery. "The Sea of Ash" is a must-read for fans of poetic cosmic horror, even if it leaves you wishing for more.
The Sea of Ash by Scott Thomas is a weird tale that follows an unnamed protagonist retracing the steps of Dr. Albert Pond in New England, leading to encounters with supernatural and eldritch horrors. The story is filled with eerie and surreal elements, hinting at connections between bizarre occurrences and strange devices that blur the lines between reality and the unknown. The novella is a dense, layered puzzle box of cosmic horror, capturing the gothic genre and evoking a sense of foreboding and suspense through poetic prose.
The same can be said of mine. It was comfortingly unspectacular; you might even say insular. I was raised by my grandmother, just four and three-quarter miles from the house where the good Doctor grew...September 2014•102 pages - #10
Save:A beautifully haunting, emotionally charged novella that lingers long after the last page. Not for the faint of heart, but essential reading for those who love horror with heart, depth, and cultural richness.
A young Native American boy, Junior, starts seeing his dead father's spirit in their house, sparking questions about his father's past and motives. The novella delves into themes of generational trauma, ghostly encounters, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination. Written in a haunting and poetic style, the story combines elements of horror, psychological depth, and Native American culture to create a compelling narrative that leaves readers questioning what is real and what is perceived.
My best guess is that, moments before, I’d been looking out the front window, into all the scrub and nothing spread out in front of our house. The reason for thinking that was I had the taste of dust...June 2017•112 pages
