Books Like...

The Shaft by David J. Schow is a horror novel that follows the exploits of three characters - Cruz, Jonathan, and Jamaica - who find themselves embroiled in a hideous situation involving drug runners, a haunted apartment building, and a miserable Chicago winter. The story unfolds with a mix of sex, drugs, violence, and monstrous elements, creating a dark and vicious atmosphere that is both comedic and thoughtful. Schow's writing style is described as beautifully blunt, with a combination of genres that offers a new and unique experience to readers.

'Night Of The Crabs' by Guy N. Smith is a creature feature novel that follows Professor Cliff Davenport as he investigates the mysterious disappearances of bathers on the Welsh coast, only to discover an army of giant crabs led by a monstrous King Crab. The plot is fast-paced, filled with gory showdowns between the crabs and humanity, interspersed with passionate yet over-the-top sex scenes. The writing style is described as basic and functional, reminiscent of a 1950s B movie, with exaggerated characters and action set pieces.

In "The Montauk Monster" by Hunter Shea, a small town in Long Island is terrorized by large, vicious animal attacks that leave a trail of destruction and death. As the local police and government agencies try to contain the outbreak, a dark secret emerges from a nearby research facility on Plum Island, adding layers of terror and suspicion to the already gruesome events. The writing style of the book is fast-paced, gripping, and filled with tension, reminiscent of a B-movie horror from the 80s, accompanied by a quality 80s horror soundtrack.

'The Nest' by Gregory A. Douglas is a horror novel that revolves around terrifying mutant roach attacks. The book offers vivid descriptions of these attacks, keeping readers engaged with new ways to describe the gore. The story follows a group of characters facing gruesome insect horror as they deal with the infestation of giant cockroaches in a small town. The writing style is a mix of vivid violence and a comfortable sense of place, providing a page-turning experience for readers.

The plot of 'The Nest' is centered around a nature revolt horror theme, reminiscent of early 80s horror novels. The narrative unfolds as the characters navigate through brutal and graphic attack scenes caused by the giant roaches, providing an intriguing mix of horror and suspense. Despite some slow pacing and weak dialogues, the book presents an entertaining horror novel that keeps readers engaged with its unique concept and vivid descriptions.

In 'Clowns Vs. Spiders' by Jeff Strand, the story follows a group of friendly clowns who, after losing their jobs at a circus, reluctantly take on roles at a haunted house attraction. However, their aim is to spread joy and laughter, not fear. When a horde of mutant spiders threatens their town, the clowns find themselves in a position to change public opinion of clowns from fear to admiration. The book combines humor, horror, and action, with quirky dialogue and absurd situations that keep readers engaged and entertained.

The narrative style of 'Clowns Vs. Spiders' initially introduces tongue-in-cheek humor that may seem forced to some readers, but as the story progresses, it evolves into a fun and engaging read. The book offers a unique premise of clowns as protagonists, challenging common perceptions of clowns as sinister characters. With elements of humor, gore, and wit, the story unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, creating a blend of horror and comedy that sets it apart from traditional narratives.

Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith is a mature young adult novel that delves into the lives of three teens in a small town in Iowa as they navigate the end of the world. The story follows Austin, a 16-year-old boy who questions his sexuality amidst a plot involving giant insect creatures and apocalyptic events. The narrative is told in the first person by Austin, who provides a unique voice that captures the confusion and self-absorption typical of many teenagers. The book combines elements of fantasy, coming of age, sci-fi, and dark comedy, creating a story that is both unforgettable and trippy.

The novel explores themes of sexual orientation, self-discovery, teenage relationships, and the struggle to find love and acceptance. It features a mix of black humor, unexpected poignancy, and a sense of novelty in its storytelling approach. Grasshopper Jungle presents a raw and unfiltered look at teenage life without sugar-coating, offering a refreshing perspective on adolescence through a lens that is both humorous and introspective.

The Conqueror Worms by Brian Keene is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a world where rain has been falling continuously for over forty days, leading to a global flood and the appearance of ancient mythical creatures. The story follows multiple groups of survivors, including an eighty-something WWII veteran named Teddy, who must navigate the new dangers brought on by the deadly Behemoth and Leviathan. The novel combines elements of horror, survival, and fantasy, keeping readers engaged with well-drawn characters and a suspenseful plot that culminates in a climactic battle for survival against monstrous creatures and sinister forces.

The book is praised for its engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The pacing is well-maintained, and the ending leaves room for interpretation, offering a blend of hope and horror depending on the reader's perspective. Brian Keene's writing style is commended for its ability to create a vivid and immersive world filled with memorable characters, intense action sequences, and a sense of impending doom that drives the story forward, making it a must-read for fans of apocalyptic fiction.

"Crota" by Owl Goingback is a horror novel that revolves around an ancient evil creature called the Crota, which is unleashed from underground by an earthquake. The story follows a trail of dead men and animals left by the Crota as it goes on a murderous rampage, seemingly untouched by conventional weapons. The plot incorporates Native American mysticism and legends, introducing Indian characters who play a crucial role in combating the malevolent being. Despite some readers finding the characters lacking depth, the book is described as suspenseful, fast-paced, and engaging, with a focus on atmospheric settings and a well-developed monster concept.