Books Like...
'The Fervor' by Alma Katsu is a historical supernatural horror novel that weaves together three plot strands around the central theme of the jorogumo, a Japanese spider demon that can shape-shift into a beautiful woman. Set against the backdrop of the US Japanese internment camps of WWII, the story delves into the overwhelming hatred towards the unseen enemy, mirroring real-world issues like racism and nationalism. As a contagion breaks out in the camp, the narrative takes a chilling turn with government medical teams, sinister chain of events, and a blend of demons, historical accuracy, and imaginative plot.
The book captures the atmosphere of WWII in America, exploring themes of fear, racism, and hatred through a mix of characters dealing with conspiracies, impossible creatures, and the dark history of internment camps. Alma Katsu integrates various plot threads seamlessly, creating a genuinely scary and relevant story that holds a mirror to the past and present societal issues, while also providing insights into historical events like the Fu Go incendiary balloons deployed during WWII.
If you liked The Fervor, here are the top 70 books to read next:
The novel moves between two storylines, one on the Titanic and one a few years later on the Britannic during World War I. The details about the Britannic, how it was reinforced after the Titanic's sinking, and how it was refitted to be a hospital ship were fascinating. The story blends historical fact and fiction seamlessly, with references to the supernatural and superficial characters.
Annie Hebbley pokes her needle into the coarse gray linen, a soft color, like the feathers of the doves that entrap themselves in the chimneys here, fluttering and crying out, sometimes battering them...- #2
Save:'One Last Gasp' by Andrew C Piazza is a gripping blend of World War II historical fiction and horror, where soldiers are thrown from the battlegrounds of war into a realm of supernatural cosmic horror. The book follows a group of soldiers as they navigate through gritty combat thrills, psychological twists, and multidimensional realities, all while facing both human-created and paranormal horrors. Piazza's writing style is described as vivid, realistic, and deeply immersive, making readers feel connected to the characters' experiences and emotions.
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Save:'Killer' by David Drake and Karl Edward Wagner is a blend of science fiction and sword sorcery, featuring non-stop action and well-developed characters. The plot revolves around a Roman bestiary tasked with capturing a deadly creature from space, bred for killing, to perform in the arena. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with violence, excellent research, and tidbits of adventures set during the Roman empire. The writing style is described as grim, gory, and leanness, with a plot that is relatively simple yet effective.
Rain was again trickling from the greyness overhead, and the damp reek of the animals hung on the misty droplets. A hyena wailed miserably, longing for the dry plains it would never see again. Lycon l... - #4
Save:'The Hunger' by Alma Katsu is a historical novel that retells the journey of the Reed Donner Party in 1846, adding a supernatural element to the story. The book delves into the horrors faced by the pioneers, including disease, starvation, and cannibalism, while also incorporating a supernatural twist that heightens the tension and fear within the narrative. Through well-done characterization and vivid descriptions, the author brings to life the interactions and struggles of the moving community, making the story a captivating blend of historical fiction and horror.
The plot of 'The Hunger' follows the ill-fated Donner Party as they face a series of mishaps, poor decisions, and supernatural threats while attempting to cross 1800's America from east to west. The author skillfully weaves together elements of historical events with supernatural horror, creating a gripping and eerie tale that keeps readers on edge. The book explores themes of despair, survival, and the malevolent nature of the surrounding environment, making it a haunting and immersive read that lingers in the mind long after the final page.
He stood that morning in front of the big mirror strapped to the side of James Reed’s wagon. In every direction, the prairie unfurled like a blanket, occasionally rippled by wind: mile after uninterru... - #5
Save:In an eerie mountain fortress in Transylvania, two Nazi officers seek help from outside when an unknown killer sucks out the light and warmth from a room, leaving only bloodless mutilated corpses behind. The Nazis must bring in a Jewish local folklore expert to help them. The battle has begun. On one side, the ultimate evil created by man, and on the other...the unthinkable, unstoppable, unknowing terror that man has inevitably awakened. The Keep is a high kind of mini castle set in the mountains of Romania, where a detachment of German army soldiers is sent to serve as a watchtower, but soon they are being picked off one by one by an ancient evil. The book delves into the conflicts and choices faced by the characters, including a Jewish scholar, German soldiers, and an ailing Jewish scholar, as they confront the horrors within the Keep.
IN SUMMATION: The refining complex at Ploiesti has relatively good natural protection to the north. The Dinu Pass through the Transylvanian Alps offers the only overland threat, and that a minor one. ... - #6
Save:'Sealed' by Naomi Booth is a psychological thriller set in a time not far from the present, where the world is facing the consequences of environmental catastrophe and a mysterious disease called Cutis. The story follows Alice and Pete, a couple expecting a baby, as they move to a remote mountain town to escape the urban chaos and the skin-sealing epidemic. As they struggle with isolation, fear, and the horrors of the disease, the narrative delves into themes of social commentary, environmental disaster, and personal struggles, culminating in a shocking and gripping climax.
WE make our first trip into Lakoomba the next day. We spend most of the morning unpacking, surprising ourselves with our own belongings. My mother’s old crockery, Pete’s dad’s old toolkit, stained tow... - #7
Save:Black Wind by F. Paul Wilson is a historical fiction novel set from the 1920s through the end of World War II, focusing on the intertwined lives of three main characters - one American and two Japanese. The book explores themes of friendship, love, and honor against the backdrop of political turmoil and supernatural elements. It ties in with the Repairman Jack novels by incorporating additional information on ancient Japanese orders and artifacts, providing a unique perspective on the events leading up to and during the war.
The novel offers a different outlook on WWII by delving into the lives of characters from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Through unexpected plot twists and intertwining storylines, Black Wind presents a rich tapestry of life in the early 20th century, blending elements of historical fiction with supernatural intrigue. Wilson's writing style combines elements of mainstream fiction with touches of horror and fantasy, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
And then he saw them, limned by the faint light from the hallway, wizened, near-naked forms with bare, glistening scalps, their faces dark blanks except for an occasional shining pair of eyes. All car... - #8
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Save:'Herbert West: Reanimator' by H.P. Lovecraft is a collection of six linked stories that follow the mad scientist, Dr. Herbert West, and his assistant as they experiment with bringing the dead back to life. The plot revolves around their gruesome and disturbing experiments, starting with lab animals and escalating to human cadavers. Lovecraft's writing style in this book is described as pulp fiction, with shocking entertainment value and a non-literary feel. Each story tries to outdo the previous one with gory and unsettling details, creating a sense of parody or homage to Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'.
Of Herbert West, who was my friend in college and in after life, I can speak only with extreme terror. This terror is not due altogether to the sinister manner of his recent disappearance, but was eng... - #10
Save:'Dracula's Demeter' by Doug Lamoreux is a gripping tale that delves into the untold story of Dracula's journey from Transylvania to England aboard the ship Demeter. The author masterfully weaves a narrative that captures the essence of Bram Stoker's original work while adding depth and intrigue to the iconic vampire's backstory. The book is a blend of horror, mystery, and historical fiction, set against the backdrop of a doomed voyage filled with terror and suspense.
The writing style of Doug Lamoreux in 'Dracula's Demeter' is praised for its attention to detail, vivid descriptions, and well-developed characters. Readers appreciate the author's ability to bring the setting to life, from the eerie atmosphere of the ship to the haunting presence of Dracula himself. The book maintains a high level of tension throughout, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow the fates of the crew and passengers aboard the Demeter.
Below in the country dark, the trees, the black ribbons of river, the rolling fields… turned into sparse, barren foothills, then rose to rugged peaks frowning down upon the beaten road heading northea...
