Books matching: appalachian folklore
28 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1John the BalladeerBook 1 in the series:Silver John
'John the Balladeer' in the 'Silver John' series by Manly Wade Wellman is a collection of short stories and novels that revolve around a fictional Appalachian folk hero named Silver John. Set in the Appalachian mountains, the stories are steeped in Appalachian folklore and music, with the protagonist using his silver-stringed guitar and hymns to battle evil creatures and supernatural forces. The tales are described as atmospheric, simple, and wonderful, evoking a sense of setting, culture, and Americana. is praised for its quick reads, light-hearted folk horror, and the way it establishes a strong sense of place and time.
I swear I'm licked before I start, trying to tell you all what Mr. Onselm looked like. Words give out—for instance, you're frozen to death for fit words to tell the favor of the girl you love. And Mr.... - #2
SINEATER is a novel that delves into the dark and disturbing tale of a perverse form of Christianity practiced in the mountains of Virginia. The story follows Joel, the son of the town's sineater, as he navigates through a series of deaths and struggles to find his place in a world where his family is shunned. The book explores themes of blind faith, human interactions, and the changing traditions of a small town, all set against a backdrop of rural superstitions and eerie depictions of the Appalachian mountains.
Burke looks over the woman’s shoulders at the Sister and Brother. Then he tries to focus again on his Aunt Missy. He does not understand her. He knows little of God except for what he has been told si... - #3
'A Gathering of Crows' by Brian Keene is a horror novel that follows the story of Levi Stoltzfus, an ex-Amish magician, who finds himself in a small town called Brinkley Springs. The town is under attack by five demonic beings who take the form of crows and wreak havoc, consuming the souls of the townspeople. Levi, with his occult abilities, becomes the town's last hope in facing this supernatural threat. The book is described as fast-paced, entertaining, and filled with suspense, horror, and elements of the author's Labyrinth mythos.
The story in 'A Gathering of Crows' is a mix of gruesome horror and supernatural elements, with a focus on character development, particularly that of Levi Stoltzfus. The narrative weaves together past references from the author's previous works, creating a sense of familiarity and continuity for long-time readers, while also providing enough background for new readers to follow along and be intrigued by Levi's mysterious past and magical abilities.
When the sun went down, and dusk gave way to night, the mountain came alive. A chorus of insects buzzed and hummed in the darkness. Birds chirped from their treetop nests. Tiny frogs—called spring pee...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Levi Stoltzfus ) - #4
The Fisherman by John Langan is a cosmic horror novel that offers a fresh take on the genre, focusing on the underlying horror of loss rather than existential dread. The story follows Abe and Dan, two men bonded by heartbreak and fishing, as they are drawn to Dutchman's Creek by a local legend. The narrative weaves together elements of cosmic horror, quiet horror, and psychological terror, creating a dark and brooding tale that explores themes of grief, obsession, and the consequences of seeking the unknown.
I had most of it [Howard said] from Reverend Mapple. He was minister at the Lutheran Church in Woodstock, and what you’d call a local history buff. After I heard the story I’m going to tell you, I did... - #5
"The Twisted Ones" by T. Kingfisher is a chilling horror novel that follows Mouse as she cleans out her hoarder grandmother's home in rural North Carolina. Uncovering a terrifying secret in the woods surrounding the house, Mouse discovers that monsters are real and have a sinister agenda. The book is praised for its spine-chilling moments, well-written characters, creepy setting, and solid background in folklore and legend. The plot twists are lauded for being on target and making sense, with a tight writing style and believable dialogue that keeps readers engaged.
It’s okay. I wouldn’t believe me either. Everything I have to say sounds completely barking mad. I’ve run it through my mind over and over, trying to find a way to turn it around so that it all sounds... - #6
The Road by Cormac McCarthy is a post-apocalyptic tale that follows a father and son as they navigate through a desolate and brutal world. The story delves into themes of survival, humanity, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child. McCarthy's writing style, described as sparse and bleak, perfectly captures the grim and hopeless atmosphere of the dystopian setting, drawing readers into the harrowing journey of the protagonists.
When he woke in the woods in the dark and the cold of the night he'd reach out to touch the child sleeping beside him. Nights dark beyond darkness and the days more gray each one than what had gone be... - #7
Dark Hollow by Brian Keene is a horror novel set in a small town in Pennsylvania, where a man named Adam Senft discovers an ancient being in the nearby forest that can control the women in the town. As the women start to go missing, Adam and his male neighbors band together to protect their loved ones from the mystical power of the creature. The story unfolds with a mix of mythology and contemporary magic, delivering action, chills, and emotional horror that keeps the readers engaged till the very end.
The book is praised for its character development, unique plot involving a satyr as the villain, and the author's ability to blend elements of horror with emotional depth. The writing style is described as engaging, with a focus on creating characters that readers care about and a narrative that keeps them on the edge of their seats.
Winter had been a hard one. Two books to write in five months’ time. It’s not something I recommend doing, if you can help it. There was a lot of pressure involved. The sales of my first novel, Heart ... - #8
Ghost Walk by Brian Keene is a horror novel set in York County, Pennsylvania, centered around a haunted trail called Ghost Walk. The story follows a diverse group of characters as they come together to fight an ancient force accidentally released from its prison. The protagonist, an ex-Amish man named Levi Stoltzfus, plays a crucial role in battling the darkness that threatens to destroy the world. The book is praised for its engaging plot, local setting, and unique characters, with nods to Keene's previous works like Dark Hollow.
Mother Nature held her breath. The woods were quiet. There was no breeze to rustle the few leaves still clinging to the trees, or to toss around the fallen ones littering the forest floor. There were ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Levi Stoltzfus ) - #9
The Mothman Prophecies by John A. Keel is a book that delves into mysterious events occurring in the eastern United States during the late 1960s, focusing on sightings of the eponymous winged, red-eyed black figure known as the Mothman. Keel, as a first-hand investigator and experiencer of the paranormal happenings, weaves together accounts of UFO sightings, encounters with strange beings, and other paranormal activities in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The writing style of the book is described as starting off semiskeptical, progressing into paranoia, and culminating in a breakdown of confusing, unrelated theories and sightings, creating a mix of eerie coincidences and chaotic drivel.
Fingers of lightning tore holes in the black skies as an angry cloudburst drenched the surrealistic landscape. It was 3 A.M. on a cold, wet morning in late November 1967. and the little houses scatter... - #10
'Brother' by Ania Ahlborn is a dark and disturbing horror novel that delves into the twisted dynamics of the Morrow family living in the secluded West Virginia sticks. The story follows Michael Morrow, who was taken in by the Morrows as a child and raised amidst their bloodthirsty and brutal ways. As Michael starts to question his family's violent secrets and meets a girl who shows him a different path, the narrative unfolds into a chilling tale of abuse, murder, and vengeance. The writing style is described as gripping, with simple yet impactful sentences that vividly bring to life the gruesome and eerie atmosphere of the story.
People used that saying all the time, bloody murder, despite never having heard anyone being murdered before. Reb called it an analogy. When Michael asked what that was, Reb said they were things peop...