Books Like...

'The Child Thief' by Brom is a dark and twisted retelling of the classic Peter Pan story. The book takes Peter Pan into a modern setting, where he lures troubled children into a misty realm called Avalon to join his band of Devils. The story explores themes of darkness, violence, and the consequences of following a charismatic but dangerous leader like Peter. The writing style is described as atmospheric, captivating, and full of gory and intense moments that keep the reader engrossed in the narrative.

Exorcist Falls by Jonathan Janz is a tale of demonic horror that follows the story of two priests performing an exorcism in a city plagued by a serial killer known as the Sweet Sixteen Killer. The book is praised for its unexpected plot twists, well-developed characters, and moments of humor and heart amidst the horrifying events. Jonathan Janz's writing style is described as compelling, with a mastery of vocabulary that keeps the story flowing smoothly and seamlessly.

Krampus: The Yule Lord by Brom is a modern tale about a failed musician named Jesse who gets entangled in an ancient battle between Krampus, the Lord of Yule, and Santa Claus. Set in a small town plagued by joblessness and meth, the story combines traditional folklore with Norse mythology. Jesse finds himself in possession of Loki's magical bag, desired by both Krampus and Santa, leading to a series of events where he strikes a deal with Krampus to save his family from local criminals. The book's writing style is described as engaging, fast-paced, and intriguing, blending dark urban fantasy elements with elements of horror and dark comedy.

The House of Last Resort by Christopher Golden tells the story of an American couple, Tommy and Kate, who relocate to Sicily to renovate a historic house known for its dark past. As they settle into their new life, eerie and supernatural events unfold, linked to the home’s connection with the Catholic Church and the concept of demonic possession. With a slow build-up of tension, the novel explores themes of familial ties, societal complacency, and generational trauma while maintaining an atmosphere of creeping dread.

Golden's writing style is reminiscent of classic horror, leaning towards a slow-paced plot that allows for character development and relationship dynamics. However, opinions vary, with some readers finding the dialogue stale and the horror underwhelming, while others appreciated the effective buildup of suspense and emotional investment in the characters. The setting of Becchina adds to the overall ambiance, serving as a unique backdrop for this unsettling tale.

'The Sun Dog' by Stephen King is a novella that follows the story of a demonic Polaroid camera featuring a malevolent dog, given to a kid who begins dreaming of the world within the photos. The plot involves characters trapped in a deadly situation, as they try to rectify the nightmare brought about by the cursed birthday gift. The writing style is described as addictive and quality, with a climactic ending that leaves readers intrigued and on edge.

The book is a strange tale, completely improbable but it works. Stephen King weaves a story that keeps readers engaged and fascinated, with elements of terrifying suspense and supernatural entities. The author's ability to create a gripping plot with strong characterizations and a twist ending is highlighted, making it a perfect read for horror fans.

God's Demon by Wayne Barlowe is a tale set in Hell, where the fallen archangel Sargatanas seeks redemption and aims to return to Heaven. The story revolves around a grand quest involving the first true war in Hell, with twists and turns that keep it interesting. Barlowe's vivid descriptions of Hell and its denizens, inspired by Paradise Lost and the Divine Comedy, create a surreal and terrifying yet realistic setting. The narrative follows multiple perspectives, each contributing a different theme, such as Lilith's unique story.

'The Least of My Scars' by Stephen Graham Jones is a dark and nihilistic read that follows the story of William Colton Hughes, a serial killer and unreliable narrator. Hughes is offered a deal by a debonair man named Singer to become his personal murder and disposal man, leading to a series of murder and disposal vignettes of various unwitting victims. The plot is simple and taut, following a linear structure and delving into themes of loss of innocence and dark humor, all narrated through the lens of a psychopathic killer.

'Gothic' by Philip Fracassi follows the story of horror writer Tyson Parks who receives an antique desk from his girlfriend Sarah as a gift. Unbeknownst to them, the desk is possessed by a malevolent force that starts to influence Tyson's writing and behavior, putting his family in danger. As Tyson's career is reignited by the dark inspiration from the desk, he spirals into madness and cruelty, leading to a gripping tale of horror and supernatural terror. The plot twists and turns keep readers guessing, with a blend of dark atmosphere, devilry, and a haunting presence that makes the story both original and captivating.

The writing style in 'Gothic' is praised for its exquisite quality, with characters described as both likeable and loathsome, and the atmosphere depicted as dark and ghastly. is noted for its fast-paced narrative that hooks readers from the beginning, making it a must-read for fans of horror. The author's storytelling skill is compared to that of Stephen King, delivering a propulsive nightmare thriller reminiscent of classic horror books from the 80s, filled with over-the-top gore, shocking violence, and supernatural elements that create a rollercoaster of suspense and terror.

In "Lost Gods" by Brom, the story follows Chet Moran as he navigates purgatory to save his girlfriend Trish and unborn daughter. Placed in a world filled with gods and demons, Chet embarks on a quest to retrieve a key from his grandfather, Gavin, who has a dark past. The book is a dark fantasy adventure that explores themes of love, redemption, and the thin line between good and evil. Brom's writing style intricately weaves together multiple storylines and complex characters, creating a vivid and fantastical world within purgatory where gods and mortals interact in a society with its own rules and hierarchy.

'The Necromancer's House' by Christopher Buehlman follows the story of Andrew Blankenship, an eccentric recovering alcoholic who is a wizard specializing in communicating with the dead through film. The plot is described as meandering and stream of consciousness at first, with Andrew hiding in his titular house filled with old books and booby traps. As the story unfolds, it reveals a mix of magic and technology, including unique uses of spells and the ability to cast magic through the internet. The book delves into Andrew's struggles with addiction, his relationships with other witches, and encounters with villains and monsters, creating a complex and intriguing narrative.

The writing style of 'The Necromancer's House' is praised for its unique and masterful storytelling that combines elements of horror, suspense, and fantasy. The book is commended for its powerful and believable characters, frightening magic, and emotional depth, offering a surprising and engaging read that blends humor, wit, and terrifying scenes. The author, Christopher Buehlman, is lauded for his ability to craft a solid and coherent novel that is both creepy and original, making the book a compelling and highly recommended read.