Books Like...

Many readers found "Bodily Harm" to be a slow-paced novel following Rennie, a journalist recovering from breast cancer, as she seeks escape in the Caribbean islands of St. Agathe and St. Antione. The book delves into Rennie's struggles with self-destructive behavior, involvement in local politics, and making questionable choices that put her in danger. The writing style is described as fluid with flashbacks to Rennie's past, creating a snapshot of her life at a particular time rather than following a traditional story structure.

'Killstreme' by Rayne Havok is a dark and twisted tale that explores the depths of extreme horror. The story follows a cast of depraved characters through brutal and graphic scenes, pushing the boundaries of traditional horror storytelling. The author's writing style is described as vivid and descriptive, immersing readers in a world of revenge, gore, and disturbing scenarios that challenge societal norms.

The plot of 'Killstreme' takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of shocking twists and turns, with unexpected outcomes that leave a lasting impact. The book delves into themes of power dynamics, revenge, and the dark desires that lurk within individuals, offering a unique perspective on the horror genre from a feminist viewpoint. Overall, 'Killstreme' is a gripping and intense read that pushes the boundaries of traditional horror storytelling.

"His Pain" by Wrath James White is a fast-paced and gripping novella that delves into the horrors of chronic pain and psychological torment. The story follows Jason, a boy born with a rare central nervous disorder that makes every sensation he feels excruciating pain. Locked in a padded cell of a room, Jason's life is a constant struggle against his own body, with his family on the brink of collapse. The narrative expertly weaves themes of love, pain, and the thin line between pleasure and suffering, showcasing the author's ability to delve deep into human emotions and the darker aspects of existence.

Wrath James White's writing style is described as brutal, brilliant, and dark, with a knack for captivating readers and evoking a multitude of emotions. The novella's concise length of 79 pages adds to its intensity, creating a sense of urgency that keeps the story moving at a breakneck pace. Through vivid and succinct storytelling, White explores the depths of human suffering and the complexities of relationships, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

Deliverance by James Dickey is a gripping tale of four suburban professionals seeking a wilderness experience to reconnect with nature and themselves. As they embark on a canoe trip down a remote Georgia river, they encounter unexpected dangers and challenges that test their limits and push them to confront their innermost fears. Through vivid descriptions of the wilderness and intense moments of survival, the author weaves a narrative that explores themes of masculinity, savagery, and self-discovery in the face of adversity. The writing style is poetic and intense, capturing the essence of the characters' journey and the raw beauty of the Georgia wilderness.

'No One Rides For Free' by Judith Sonnet seems to be a brutal and unforgiving story that delves into extreme horror, gore, and taboo topics. The writing style is described as direct, with a focus on shock value and graphic details. The plot revolves around themes of rape, revenge, trauma, and the exploration of the psychology of characters in disturbing situations. is short, but the content is intense and uncomfortable to read, making it a challenging yet intriguing experience for readers who enjoy this genre.

'Sick. SickER. SickEST' in the 'Bastard Collection' series by Matt Shaw is a morbid Coming of Age Novel that delves into extreme horror, violence, and disturbing scenes. The plot revolves around a family living barricaded in a house, where their past is a mystery, and they are faced with mutants and creatures from outside. The writing style of the book is described as intense, with a focus on self-discovery, survival, and the descent into decay. Shaw's storytelling escalates the conflict, leading the characters into an abyss of hell and exploring themes of identity, delusion, and the will to survive in a grotesque and primal setting.

'Dark Reflections' by Samuel R. Delany is a novel that delves into the life of Arnold Hawley, a gay, black poet living in the East Village. The story is presented in reverse order, showcasing Arnold as an older man, a young author, and finally, a college student. The narrative explores Arnold's struggles with loneliness, worries about his literary legacy, and the challenges of surviving as a poet in a hand-to-mouth existence. Delany weaves in themes of poetry, publishing, photography, academia, and the gay world, creating a complex and introspective portrayal of a writer's life.

The book is non-linear in structure, with flashbacks to childhood and flash forwards to the narrator as an older man. Delany's writing style is described as rich and tough to swallow, with layered storytelling that offers many points of discussion. The novel discusses race, passing, self-reflection, and the changing attitudes toward sex and public cruising, set against the backdrop of 1980s New York City and the now-vanished world around Tompkins Square Park.

'Playground' by Aron Beauregard follows the story of a rich woman named Geraldine who invites three families to her mansion under false pretenses. The parents are trapped as the children are forced to navigate through a series of deadly traps in an underground playground. The novel delves into themes of violence, gore, and disturbing situations, while also exploring the complex relationships between the characters involved, including the victims, the perpetrators, and the henchman who ultimately plays a pivotal role in the events that unfold.

A mix of horror and suspense, 'Playground' offers a visceral reading experience with graphic descriptions that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. The narrative weaves together elements of shock value, emotional depth, and character development, creating a gripping tale that keeps readers on edge as they witness the horrors inflicted upon the children and the intense reactions of the trapped parents.

LOOK FOR ME BY MOONLIGHT is a dark and sensual young adult novel that follows the story of Cynda, a 16-year-old girl sent to stay at a secluded inn in Maine with her father and his new family. As Cynda tries to connect with her father, she finds solace in a mysterious and charming guest named Vincent Morthanos. However, as she falls in love with Vincent, she soon discovers that he is not who he appears to be, and the history of the remote inn is in danger of repeating itself. The book explores themes of love, deception, and the supernatural, creating a chilling atmosphere through vivid descriptions of the snowy landscape and the eerie ocean near the inn.

Mary Downing Hahn's writing in LOOK FOR ME BY MOONLIGHT is praised for its beautiful prose and ability to evoke a sense of dread and suspense. The story keeps readers riveted with its eerie tone and the intertwining of supernatural elements with a dark romance plot, making it a compelling read for young adult audiences.

"Extreme Horror" by Matt Shaw is a dark and twisted tale of a man named Donald who has been a victim of bullying throughout his life. The story delves into Donald's psychological journey of descent into chaos and depravity, seeking revenge through an unusual kink. The writing style is described as very descriptive and real, almost like a true story, with a mix of psychological elements and extreme horror.