Books Like...

Cold Eternity by S.A. Barnes is a gripping space horror novel that takes readers aboard the Elysian Fields, a spaceship filled with the cryogenically frozen bodies of the wealthy elite. Halley, the main character, accepts a job as a caretaker on this eerie vessel, where she must push a button every three hours while dealing with sleep deprivation and mysterious noises that hint at something sinister lurking aboard. The story builds tension slowly, immersing readers into Halley’s journey and her unsettling encounters that blur the line between reality and paranoia.

The writing style of Barnes is atmospheric and chilling, creating a sense of dread that captivates from the start. The plot is filled with suspense and unexpected twists, even though some elements may feel familiar. While Halley’s backstory and political past might not resonate with all readers, her character development is compelling. Cold Eternity delivers an engaging mix of sci-fi and horror, making it a perfect read for fans of thrilling space adventures and cozy horror.

Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes is a slow-burn horror novel set in space. The story follows a crew of astronauts investigating an abandoned research station near an extraterrestrial city. While the plot has interesting mysteries and twists, it takes time to build momentum. Readers might find the main character unlikable due to her overbearing nature. The writing style is vivid, creating tension and an immersive atmosphere, but some may feel that the character development and resolution could have been stronger. Despite its pacing, fans of sci-fi horror may enjoy the suspenseful elements and the dark, eerie setting.

'Dead Space Martyr' by B.K. Evenson is a prequel novel that delves into the events leading up to the original Dead Space game. The story follows scientist Michael Altman as he uncovers a mysterious anomaly, the Black Marker, which triggers a series of horrifying events including hallucinations, madness, and violent outbreaks. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, blending gory imagery and psychological elements seamlessly to create a sense of dread and impending horror. The plot is filled with twists and turns, leading to a finale that leaves readers eagerly anticipating what will happen next.

'Parasite' by Darcy Coates is a science fiction horror novel that explores the terrifying concept of parasitic alien life forms spreading through distant outposts and colonies in space. The book follows a series of connected stories set in a shared universe where humanity faces a menacing alien menace, reminiscent of classic horror sci-fi films like 'Aliens' and 'The Thing'. The plot unfolds through different viewpoints in various space stations, each introducing new characters and revealing the escalating horror as the parasites take over.

The writing style in 'Parasite' is described as engaging and easy to read, with a focus on building tension and delivering creepy and chilling moments that evoke goosebumps. The book seamlessly transitions between different segments, each offering a unique perspective on the unfolding horror in space. Despite some criticisms about pacing and character development, readers appreciate the fast-paced plot and the suspenseful narrative that keeps them hooked until the end.

'The Dark' by Forrest Carr is a gripping science fiction thriller that explores theological questions about God's existence, the effects of 21st-century issues of sexual identity in a 22nd-century setting, and the exploration of evil and sin in human character. The plot follows a starship completing a mission with references to technology and theoretical physics, while incorporating elements of horror and suspense through weird, poltergeist-like apparitions. The author's writing style educates readers about the futuristic technology in a way that immerses them in the story, making them feel like part of the crew on a dark and mysterious journey through space.

'Your Mind Is A Terrible Thing' by Hailey Piper is a novella that follows the main character Alto as they wake up to a ghost ship situation aboard the Yellowjacket, filled with corpses and a skeleton crew. Dealing with themes of isolation, anxiety, and self-doubt, the story explores what it means to be human and one's authentic self despite flaws and hurt. The book is described as a space horror with a unique and awe-inspiring monster design, world-building, and a compelling exploration of mental health subtext.

The book is praised for its fast-paced start that keeps readers gripped throughout, packed with suspense, action, and surprises as Alto tries to uncover the mysteries of the Yellowjacket. The author, Hailey Piper, is commended for masterfully building a fleshed-out universe without compromising the tight pacing of the story, creating a compelling psychosexual sci-fi horror that leaves readers with a bittersweet mix of hope and despair by the end.

'Into Charybdis' by Alex White is a unique addition to the Alien franchise that presents a twist on the standard Alien plotline. The story follows a group of blue-collar workers in space who find themselves in a complex political and dangerous situation on a distant planet. The narrative explores themes of human nature and survival, using the aliens as a framework to examine the characters' actions and decisions. The writing style is praised for its fresh concept, well-developed characters, and engaging storytelling through multiple perspectives.

When a private space agency embarks on a mission to colonise Mars with life sentence inmates, things begin to go wrong and a thrilling spacey locked room mystery unfolds. The book follows Frank Kittridge, a murderer offered a chance to build a station on Mars instead of spending life in prison, but the catch is it's a one-way trip with a killer among the group. The story combines near future science with human behavior, creating a unique setting for a decent thriller with a fast-paced, tense narrative.

"The Hematophages" by Stephen Kozeniewski is a thrilling sci-fi horror novel that follows the journey of Paige, a brave and ambitious woman who joins an expedition to salvage a mysterious lost seedship. As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to a world where an all-female society rules the galaxy, and where corporate greed and bureaucratic dystopia create a tension-filled backdrop. The plot builds up gradually, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Paige navigates through a series of horrifying events and encounters with alien life forms. The writing style is engaging and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of a future where blood-drinking creatures and corporate espionage intertwine to create a chilling narrative.

Salvation Day by Kali Wallace is a space horror science fiction novel set in a future where Earth has undergone a Collapse, leading to a divided society between the privileged living under the United Councils of Earth and the outcasts in the wastelands. The story follows the hijacking of a space shuttle by a cult led by an insane zealot, aiming to reach and take over a quarantined exploration vessel known as the House of Wisdom. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Zahra, one of the hijackers, and Jas, the sole survivor with a dark past connected to the abandoned ship, revealing mysteries, political complexities, and psychological fallout in a well-rounded and compelling manner.