Books matching: supernatural elements in literature
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A classic, nerdy deep dive into the origins and masterpieces of supernatural horror - essential for genre fans, but maybe a snooze for casual readers or Lovecraft skeptics.
'Supernatural Horror in Literature' by H.P. Lovecraft is a comprehensive survey of the supernatural element in Western literature from Roman times to Lovecraft's contemporary moment. Lovecraft provides a historical overview of the horror genre, unearthing a trove of works and authors for readers to explore. Despite some criticisms, the book is praised for being a valuable resource for fans of literary horror and dark fiction, offering an insightful look into the origins of horror fiction.
THE OLDEST AND STRONGEST EMOTION of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown. These facts few psychologists will dispute, and their admitted truth must establi...1927•109 pages- #2
Save:A joyful, sprawling, and deeply immersive novel that captures the highs and lows of band life and the spirit of 1960s music, with a dash of signature Mitchell weirdness - perfect for music lovers, Mitchell fans, and anyone ready to get lost in a rock 'n' roll odyssey.
'Utopia Avenue' by David Mitchell is a novel set in London in the late 1960s that follows the journey of a fictional band named Utopia Avenue as they rise to fame in the music industry. The book captures the essence of the time period, incorporating real-life musicians like David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix. Mitchell delves into the lives of the band members, exploring their struggles, triumphs, and the creative process behind their music. The writing style includes elements of supernatural and fantastical elements, while also portraying the camaraderie and dynamics within the band.
Dean hurries past the Phoenix Theatre, dodges a blind man in dark glasses, steps onto Charing Cross Road to overtake a slow-moving woman and pram, leaps a grimy puddle and swerves into Denmark Street...July 2020•611 pages - #3
Save:A delightfully queer, atmospheric YA read with plenty of emotional depth and supernatural intrigue. Not perfect, but absolutely worth a try for fans of vampires, slow-burn sapphic romance, and angsty teen drama.
The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling follows sixteen-year-old Elise, who gains the ability to see how someone will die when she touches them. Feeling cursed, she meets seventeen-year-old Claire, a vampire sent to train Elise in her new ability. As they navigate their supernatural world, they uncover mysteries, face a dangerous villain, and develop a deep bond. The story is narrated in a dual POV, switching between Elise and Claire, offering a mix of teen angst, romance, and paranormal elements. The writing style is immersive, balancing romance and plot, while also delving into themes of identity and self-acceptance.
December 2021•384 pages - #4
Save:Vathek is a dazzling, bizarre Gothic-Oriental fantasy - equal parts intoxicating and perplexing. It’s a fun, quick cult classic for adventurous readers, but definitely not everyone’s cup of sherbet.
Vathek is a Gothic novel set in the opulent East, following the adventures of the dissolute Caliph Vathek and his evil mother Catharis, who seek ultimate knowledge and power. Tempted by a demon named the Giaour, Vathek embarks on a quest for dark treasures, leading to a series of atrocious actions and blind ambition. The plot is a moralistic tale with a fantastical and bizarre narrative, incorporating elements of Orientalism and Gothic fiction. The writing style is described as slyly humorous and ironic, with beautiful passages and great imagination, although some find it overly descriptive at times.
VATHEK, ninth Caliph1 of the race of the Abassides, was the son of Motassem, and the grandson of Haroun al Raschid. From an early accession to the throne, and the talents he possessed to adorn it, his...1786•176 pages - #5
Save:A standout in urban fantasy, bringing Navajo lore front and center with a gritty heroine and immersive world. Well worth reading for its originality, even if some genre conventions linger.
In 'Trail of Lightning' by Rebecca Roanhorse, readers are transported to a post-apocalyptic world where the Navajo reservation, now known as Dinétah, has been reborn after a climate apocalypse. The story follows Maggie Hoskie, a Dinétah monster hunter trained by an immortal being. As she navigates a world filled with gods, heroes, and monsters, Maggie faces personal struggles and battles against supernatural threats. The book is a unique blend of urban fantasy and Native American mythology, with a focus on strong character development and a plot filled with unexpected twists and betrayals.
The writing style in 'Trail of Lightning' is fast-paced and engaging, with deep emotions and complex characters that resonate with readers. The book delves into themes of survival, identity, and the impact of trauma, all set against a backdrop of a richly imagined world where magic, monsters, and ancient legends come to life. Rebecca Roanhorse's storytelling weaves together elements of fantasy, mythology, and post-apocalyptic landscapes to create a gripping tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
His stench is part the acrid sweat of exertion, part the meaty ripeness of a carnivore’s unwashed flesh, and part something else I can’t quite name. It fouls the evening air, stretching beyond smell t...June 2018•304 pages - #6
Save:A must-read for genre buffs and literary explorers, but best approached as a historical artifact or for a giggle. Don’t expect a masterpiece - just enjoy the Gothic spectacle that launched a thousand haunted castles.
The Castle of Otranto is considered one of the first gothic novels, setting the stage for the genre with its elements of romance, horror, and supernatural occurrences. The story revolves around Prince Manfred of Otranto, who faces tragic events such as the death of his son, a mysterious giant helmet falling from the sky, and a series of unexpected twists and turns within the castle's walls. The narrative is set in a chivalric Middle Ages backdrop filled with cruelty, tyranny, and the struggle for power, creating an atmosphere of foreboding and intrigue. The novel introduces classic gothic themes such as secret passages, supernatural occurrences, and a sense of impending doom.
The writing style of The Castle of Otranto is often described as melodramatic, entertaining, and humorous. Despite its flaws and dated elements, the book is praised for its historical significance in shaping the gothic fiction genre. The characters, including Prince Manfred and the brave heroine, navigate through a web of secrets, mistaken identities, and eerie events, leading to a dramatic and suspenseful conclusion. Overall, the novel offers a unique blend of gothic elements, moral dilemmas, and unexpected plot developments that continue to captivate readers interested in early gothic literature.
Manfred, Prince of Otranto, had one son and one daughter: the latter, a most beautiful virgin, aged eighteen, was called Matilda. Conrad, the son, was three years younger, a homely youth, sickly, and...1764•145 pages - #7
Save:"Available for the first time in one volume, Daniel Heath Justice's acclaimed Thorn and Thunder novels take Indigenous fantasy fiction beyond its stereotypes and tell a story set in a world similar to eighteenth-century eastern North America.
The ori
...May 2011•649 pages - #8
Save:Expertly written, deeply felt, and genuinely eerie - if you're game for a slow, atmospheric descent into grief-laced cosmic horror, "The Fisherman" delivers. Go in for the mood and character work, stay for the tendrils of terror beneath the surface.
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...June 2016•298 pages - #9
Save:'With A Vengeance' by Freydis Moon is a dark romance novel that delves into themes of demons, mental illnesses, queer representation, and intricate relationships. The story follows Kye, a nonbinary character struggling with grief and depression, who finds solace in the demon duke, Eli. As Kye navigates their inner demons and past traumas, a mysterious and shadowy presence emerges, leading to a journey of self-discovery and reawakening. The writing style in the book is described as phenomenal, with ethereal quality and a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.
July 2022•279 pages - #10
Save:A cerebral, haunting sequel that’s more philosophical than pulse-pounding - best savored by those who like their dark fiction with a heavy dose of theological and intellectual intrigue. Start with 'Black Easter' for the full experience!
'The Day After Judgement' by James Blish is a sequel to the novella 'Black Easter' and is part of the 'After Such Knowledge' series. It delves into a dystopian world where God is dead, and Satan has taken over the earth. The plot follows army officers in an underground bunker planning an ineffective attack while Black Easter's protagonists discuss matters and eventually travel to Satan's stronghold. explores themes of black magic, demons, and the struggle between good and evil in a thought-provoking and engrossing manner. Blish's writing style is described as scrupulously accurate with respect to summoning rituals and grimoires, making the story both enjoyably escapist and literately exquisite.
The Fall of God put Theron Ware in a peculiarly unenviable position, though he was hardly alone. After all, he had caused it – in so far as an event so gigantic could be said to have had any cause but...1971•172 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series After Such Knowledge )
