Books matching: unsettling narrative
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- #1
Save:A beautifully written, eerie novel best for those who love their fiction moody and mysterious - but the story’s ambiguity and slow burn won’t work for everyone.
'The Water Cure' by Sophie Mackintosh is a feminist dystopian novel that follows the lives of three sisters, Grace, Lia, and Sky, who have been raised in isolation on a remote island by their parents. The sisters are taught to fear men and believe that the outside world is toxic. Their world is turned upside down when their father disappears and two men and a boy wash up on their shore, challenging everything they have been taught. The writing style is described as beautiful and poetic, creating an atmosphere of constant tension and unease as the sisters navigate the mysteries of their isolated existence.
The novel delves into themes of abuse, isolation, manipulation, and the impact of trauma on individuals. It explores the psychological effects of conditioning and the struggle for survival in a world where reality is distorted by the beliefs instilled by their parents. The story unfolds in a dreamy and surreal manner, leaving readers questioning the truth behind the sisters' upbringing and the secrets of the world beyond their island sanctuary.
It’s wrong to say that we don’t notice. We are just absorbed in ourselves, that afternoon when he dies. Unseasonable heat. We squabble, as usual. Mother comes out on the terrace and puts a stop to it...2018•288 pages - #2
Save:In short: Angel Dust Apocalypse is a wild, gut-punch collection for fans of dark, mind-bending fiction. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely rewarding if you love stories that don’t just push boundaries - they gleefully smash through them.
'Angel Dust Apocalypse' by Jeremy Robert Johnson is a collection of bizarre and apocalyptic short stories that delve into themes like body modification, drug use, medical horrors, and the end of the world. The writing style is evocative, reminiscent of authors like Chuck Palahniuk and Lovecraft, with a focus on vivid imagery and exploring the darker aspects of human nature. The stories range from post-nuclear apocalypse scenarios to tales of mental illness and body exploration, creating a unique and unsettling reading experience.
February 2005•184 pages - #3
Save:A gripping, deeply unsettling read that's hard to put down and even harder to forget. Come for the gripping suspense - stay if you can handle some darkness and don't mind a few lingering questions at the end.
Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey is a dark and intense thriller based on a true crime story. The book follows Cassie McDowell, a young teenage girl living in a dysfunctional family in a small Minnesota town during the 1980s. As boys in the town start getting kidnapped and returning changed, Cassie navigates the dangers both outside and inside her home, dealing with her alcoholic father, swinging parties hosted by her parents, and the mystery of the abductions. The story is narrated from Cassie's perspective, offering a raw and emotional insight into her experiences and fears.
I laughed and dug into the popcorn. Mom had made a huge batch, super salty and doused in brewer’s yeast. That had been an hour earlier, when we’d started game night. The bowl was getting down to the o...December 2019•300 pages - #4
Save:If you can handle its intensity, Dark Horses is a hard-hitting, thought-provoking, and memorable novel about trauma and resilience. Not for the faint of heart, but it’s a story that lingers long after the final page.
'Dark Horses: A Novel' by Susan Mihalic is a gripping story that delves into the life of Roan Montgomery, a young equestrian destined for Olympic greatness under the strict control of her abusive father. The book portrays Roan's struggles with her father's manipulation and abuse, her desire for freedom, and her journey towards healing and self-discovery. The writing style is intense and graphic, shedding light on the dark themes of sexual abuse, control, and redemption.
2020•370 pages - #5
Save:Utterly gripping but absolutely brutal - read only if you have a strong stomach and love exploring the darkest corners of human emotion. Approach with caution; once you start, you may not be able to look away.
Enslaved in the series The Life of Anna by Marissa Honeycutt follows the tragic and dark journey of Anna, a young woman who faces unimaginable horrors including slavery, abuse, and torture. Despite the dark themes, the book promises a complex and twisted plot that keeps readers hooked, with elements of romance, horror, and supernatural powers woven into the storyline. The writing style is described as spellbinding, erotic, and masterful, with intricate details that evoke strong emotions in readers, making it a challenging yet compelling read.
I awoke the next morning to Master Jack’s shouts from upstairs. He often woke me that way, and I was expected to be out of bed and on my knees by the stairs when he came down. It could be within 30 se...2014•186 pages - #6
Save:A World Fantasy Award-winning collection that's equal parts gruesome, hilarious, and original - perfect for dark fantasy and horror aficionados with strong stomachs and a taste for the offbeat.
The Throne of Bones by Brian McNaughton is a collection of stories in the horror genre that are rich, engaging, and disturbing, exploring themes of dark fantasy, grotesque art, and being an abject person. The interconnected tales center around ghouls and zombies in a world that is horrific and filled with dark humor, reminiscent of Cohen Brothers movies. The writing style is described as well-crafted, with intense world-building, character development, and dramatic irony that adds depth and humor to the narrative.
This happened in one of those computer network-places where the horror writers congregate. The person who kept the gate posted a note that he was letting Brian in, and Rick Hautala wrote, “Son of a bi...1987•301 pages - #7
Save:A genre-blurring, mind-bending collection that’s not for the faint of heart. If you like your horror wild, weird, and unpredictable, Entropy in Bloom is essential reading. Just be ready to squirm – and maybe laugh nervously – along the way.
'Entropy in Bloom' by Jeremy Robert Johnson is a collection of dark and diverse short stories that cover a wide range of unsettling and thought-provoking themes. The stories delve into the depths of human condition, exploring paranoia, psychological disorders, and societal issues in a gritty and realistic way. The author's writing style is described as original, terrifying, and occasionally quite humorous in a dark manner, reminiscent of Clive Barker's works.
It’s obvious she’s having a hard time sipping her coffee. No matter how delicately she raises her hand or how straight and elegant her posture, she can’t help looking awkward when she drinks. Half the...April 2017•276 pages - #8
Save:A delightfully weird, fast-paced Halloween novella with great spooky vibes - perfect for anyone wanting a bite-sized horror treat!
"Halloween Fiend" by C.V. Hunt is a short novella set in the small, eerie town of Strang where a mysterious monster named Halloween roams the streets at night. The townspeople have an agreement to leave out nightly sacrifices to appease this deadly creature, but when the main character, Barry, catches the monster's attention, he finds himself in a fight for survival during the town's annual fall fest. The writing style is described as creepy, mysterious, and perfect for an October nighttime read, with a focus on the eerie atmosphere and the rules and regulations the townspeople must follow to appease the entity known as Halloween.
February 2019•112 pages - #9
Save:"God is a Bullet" by Boston Teran is a dark and haunting thriller set in California, exploring the depths of human darkness and depravity. The writing style is described as a whirlwind, with a machine gun-like pace that keeps readers on edge. The plot follows a story of bad people in bad places, with tense and nervy scenes that are highly recommended for readers interested in a gritty and compelling narrative.
1999•344 pages - #10
Save:'Unworthy' by Michael LaPointe is a gripping horror story that delves into the dark and twisted world of evil, sin, and redemption. The book follows the lives of deeply deranged and broken characters, such as Ezra and Sister Randa, who commit terrible acts in the name of God and religion. The plot is filled with brutal and graphic scenes, taking readers on a journey through death, cannibalism, rape, circus freaks, and religious fanatics. Despite the shocking content, the author's writing style draws readers in by making even the most disturbing characters relatable and sympathetic.
When you're poor, the world stops caring about you. When you have no money, no assets, no benefits, no home - when you have no purpose – people stop giving a damn. You're no longer a member of society...July 2014
