Books matching: dark, mysterious world
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- #1
Save:The readers express their admiration for 'The Call of Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft, highlighting its effectiveness in setting the tone for Lovecraft's other works and immersing readers in a dark, mysterious world filled with cosmic horror. The book is introduces readers to the Cthulhu mythos and Lovecraft's unique writing style, which is described further described as dark, eventful, and engaging. The plot is said to revolve around detectives, adventurers, antiquarians, psychologists, and unspeakable horror, providing a perfect introduction to Lovecraft's themes.
The Festival The Colour Out of Space The Call of Cthulhu The Whisperer in Darkness: _I_ | _II_ | _III_ | _IV_ | _V_ | _VI_ | _VII_ | _VIII_ The Haunter of the Dark The Shadow Over Innsmouth: _I_ | _II... - #2Hard to Be a GodBook 6 in the series:The Noon Universe
Save:Hard to Be a God is a science fiction novel set in a medieval-like world where a visitor historian, known as Our Hero, navigates through a society on the brink of degradation. The book delves into themes of moral dilemmas, the role of fear in human life, and the complexities of governing a society amidst revolutionary changes. The protagonist, Don Rumata, is an alien from an advanced culture trying to uplift the primitive society he is observing, all while facing challenges that humanize him and make readers both look up to and pity him.
The writing style of the book blends science fiction and fantasy elements seamlessly, creating a compelling plot within a unique world that challenges genre constraints. The characters are vividly imagined, with even the villains having surprising moments that add depth to the narrative. Through the lens of a visitor from a distant planet, the authors explore societal decay, political corruption, and the search for a way to govern the world, offering a fresh perspective on earthly politics and government reform.
As Rumata passed by the tomb of the Holy Mickey--the seventh and the last on this stretch of the road--darkness had already fallen. The highly praised Chamalharian stallion which he had won from Don T... - #3
Save:'Roadside Picnic' by Boris Strugatsky and Arkady & Boris Strugatsky is a science fiction novel set in a world where aliens have visited Earth, leaving behind mysterious artifacts in designated Zones. The story follows Redrick Schuhart, a stalker who ventures into these Zones to retrieve and sell these alien artifacts illegally. The narrative explores themes of human exploitation, environmental degradation, and the consequences of interacting with advanced alien technology. The writing style is described as subtle, mesmerizing, and thought-provoking, with a focus on philosophical discussions and character studies.
The night before, he and I were in the repository—it was already evening, all I had to do was throw off my lab suit and I could head for the Borscht to put a drop or two of the stiff stuff into my sys... - #4
Save:In "Nova Swing" by M. John Harrison, readers are transported to the world of Saudade, where pieces of the Kefahuchi Tract have fallen, causing a strange and dangerous zone within the city. The story follows characters like Vic Serotonin, a tour guide who takes people into the zone, and Lens Aschemann, a detective in Site Crime, as they navigate the mysterious events unfolding in this surreal and noir-inspired setting. The book delves into themes of decay, transformation, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination, all set against the backdrop of a city shaped by alien enigmas and cosmic anomalies.
Harrison's writing style in "Nova Swing" is described as surreal, poetic, and noir, fusing elements of science fiction with a dark and atmospheric narrative. The book offers a unique blend of unconventional storytelling, innovative science fiction concepts, and complex characterization, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience for those intrigued by strange worlds and enigmatic mysteries.
Vic Serotonin sat in a bar on Straint Street, just outside the aureole of the Saudade event, in conversation with a fat man from another planet who called himself Antoyne. They had been playing dice a...
(Also, see 61 recommendations for the series Kefahuchi Tract ) - #5
Save:Metro 2033, written by Dmitry Glukhovsky, is a post-apocalyptic novel set in the Moscow subway metro system after a nuclear war devastates the world. The story follows the journey of a young protagonist named Artyom who possesses a special ability to communicate with dark spirits in the tunnels. As Artyom embarks on a mission to deliver a secret message to the station at Polis, he encounters mutant creatures, dangerous situations, and various factions within the metro system. The book explores themes of survival, society, and the consequences of a post-nuclear world. The writing style is described as dark, captivating, and immersive, with vivid imagery that creates a bleak yet intriguing setting for the story.
Artyom rose reluctantly from his seat by the fire and, shifting the machine gun from his back to his chest, headed towards the darkness. He stood right at the edge of the lighted area and then, as lou... - #6
Save:'The Snail on the Slope' by Arkady & Boris Strugatsky is a complex and allegorical novel that delves into the realms of a vast environmental preserve and a phantasmagoric realm. The plot follows two narratives spliced together, one focusing on the adventures of the protagonist Peretz at the Forest Administration, and the other on the bizarre journey of Candide through a surreal and nonsensical world. The writing style is described as playful, allegorical, and experimental, with a loose but undeniable plot that serves as a critique of bureaucracy and human endeavors.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Noon Universe ) - #7
Save:In a post-apocalyptic world plagued by a deadly pandemic caused by mutated bees, 'The Electric Kingdom' follows the journey of young survivors as they navigate a landscape devastated by carnivorous flies. The story intertwines the lives of characters like Nico, Kit, and The Deliverer, each on their own quest for safety, love, and answers in a dark and haunting world. The writing style is described as poetic, lyrical, and thought-provoking, with a unique and refreshing concept that delves into themes of survival, hope, and human relationships.
Years ago, long before the narration of her father turned unreliable, dissolving like one of those Sweet’N Lows in his favorite stale black tea, Nico would climb into his armchair and sit in his lap a... - #8
Save:Catherine House is a prestigious and exclusive college hidden in the woods where students are offered full scholarships and a chance at a prestigious career. The story follows Ines, a student running from her past, who finds herself drawn into the mysterious and unsettling world of Catherine House. The setting is described as gothic and eerie, with elements of mystery, mind control, and secret experiments, creating a dreamlike and unsettling atmosphere. The plot revolves around the students' isolation from the outside world, the unconventional curriculum, and the hidden agenda within the school's walls.
I ran a hand over my stomach. I was going be sick. The back of my throat tasted like sour wine and my ears rang with the echoes of a party: a smutty, fucked-up bass line reverberating through the floo... - #9
Save:Ivy Leavold, a 19-year-old girl left destitute after her brother's death, finds herself welcomed into the dark and mysterious world of Julian Markham, her estranged cousin's widower. As Ivy navigates her new life at Markham Hall, she is drawn to the darkness that haunts the mansion and its enigmatic master. The story unfolds with a mix of historical romance and gothic elements, exploring themes of forbidden desires, power dynamics, and hidden secrets. The writing style is described as engaging, fast-paced, and filled with sexual tension, making it a captivating read that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
The clatter of hooves and wheels on the road prevented me from answering. Instead, I continued to watch the landscape roll by outside, thick woods and shallow vales punctuated by narrow streams and lo... - #10
Save:'Shadow Touched' follows Kenna, a young woman on the cusp of turning eighteen, who has led a nomadic life under the care of her mysterious Aunt Tess. Settling in Rosewood, Kenna experiences strange symptoms and encounters, hinting at a hidden world of vampires, werewolves, and witches. As she navigates high school life and relationships, Kenna uncovers her own paranormal identity, entangled in a web of secrets and mysteries that keep readers intrigued. The writing style combines elements of romance, mystery, and paranormal fantasy, drawing readers into a world filled with action, heartbreak, and unexpected twists.
