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Books matching: dark children's tale

8 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 8 of 8 
  1. #1

    Coraline by Neil Gaiman
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    'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman is a dark and twisted children's tale about a young girl named Coraline who discovers a parallel world that mirrors her own but is filled with eerie and unsettling differences. As Coraline navigates this strange world, she encounters an Other Mother and Other Father who seem loving and caring, but she soon realizes their true intentions are malevolent. With the help of a talking cat, Coraline must summon her courage and wit to save herself, her real parents, and other lost souls trapped in this nightmarish alternate reality. Neil Gaiman's writing style effectively combines elements of horror, fantasy, and adventure to create a gripping and suspenseful story that keeps readers on edge.

    Miss Spink and Miss Forcible lived in the flat below Coraline's, on the ground floor. They were both old and round, and they lived in their flat with a number of ageing Highland terriers who had names...

  2. 'Hug Chickenpenny: The Panegyric of an Anomalous Child' by S. Craig Zahler is a dark and twisted tale that follows the life of a deformed orphan named Hug Chickenpenny. The story is a farce and a lark, testing the reader's limits to care for this very strange protagonist in a sincere and heartfelt manner. The narrative progresses through short vignettes, reminiscent of a Roald Dahl story with a Grimm's Fairy Tale twist, showcasing a unique blend of humor, darkness, and emotional depth.

    The book explores themes of discrimination, hardship, and the struggles of a tragic yet uplifting spirit in a dark child's fable for adults. The writing style is described as folksy and fun, with a charming protagonist in Hug Chickenpenny, but some readers feel the lack of a traditional plot progression and conflicts, leading to a somewhat episodic and meandering storytelling approach.

    The sun crested a distant mountain range and shone upon suburban rooftops that had chimneys, television antennas, and lost model airplanes. Away from these pastel homes and atop a weedy hill stood an ...

  3. #3

    Beautiful Darkness by Fabien Vehlmann
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    Beautiful Darkness by Fabien Vehlmann is a dark and disturbing graphic novel that presents a twisted and eerie fairy tale world. The story follows a group of tiny creatures living inside the corpse of a dead girl, as they struggle to survive in a forest setting. The narrative explores themes of savagery, darkness, and the breakdown of civilization, all portrayed through the lens of innocent-looking characters and beautiful watercolor artwork.

    The writing style of Beautiful Darkness is described as intense, creepy, and unsettling, combining sweet and adorable illustrations with horrific and upsetting events. The book delves into the darker aspects of human nature, offering a unique and thought-provoking examination of society and survival through the interactions of the tiny characters in their new and dangerous environment.


  4. #4

    Sweet Story by Carlton Mellick III
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    'Sweet Story' by Carlton Mellick III is a dark and twisted tale that starts off as a sweet and innocent children's story but quickly descends into a nightmarish and disturbing narrative. The story follows Sally, a young girl who makes a wish at the end of a rainbow to have candy rain from the sky. However, her seemingly innocent wish leads to catastrophic consequences, with hard candy meteorites raining down and causing destruction and chaos in the world.

    The book is written in a faux children's style, blending dark humor with horrifying scenarios, exploring themes of loss of innocence, family bonds, and the consequences of wishes coming true. Despite its dark and disturbing nature, the book maintains a playful tone throughout, keeping readers engaged with its unexpected twists and shocking revelations.

    The boy was named Timmy Taco. Timmy followed Sally home from school every day. He said it was because they lived next door to each other, but it was really because he had a secret crush on her. He tho...

  5. #5

    The Cruel Prince - The Folk of the Air by Holly Black
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    In 'The Cruel Prince' by Holly Black, the story follows Jude and her sisters who are taken to Faerie after witnessing their parents' murder. Set in a world of magic and intrigue, Jude navigates the dangerous court as she strives for power and a place among the faerie lords and ladies. With twists and turns, the book keeps readers engaged with its lush descriptions and complex characters.

    The book is a dark fantasy tale filled with revenge, drama, courtly intrigue, and magic. Readers are introduced to a world where danger and betrayal lurk around every corner, as Jude faces challenges and choices that will impact not only her family but the entire kingdom of Faerie.

    “The tournament is still four nights away,” the creature says. Her name is Tatterfell, and she’s a servant in Madoc’s household, stuck here until she works off her debt to him. She’s cared for me sinc...

  6. #6

    The Handmaid's Tale - The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
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    'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is a chilling dystopian novel that paints a vivid picture of a society where women are oppressed and used for reproduction. The story follows Offred, a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, as she navigates her confined life under an oppressive regime. Through flashbacks, readers witness the downfall of society into a theocratic military dictatorship and the struggles of women who are reduced to mere objects for men's use. Atwood's writing style is starkly elegant, conveying the stultifying life of the central character and offering glimpses of her past existence before the world was turned upside down.

    The narrative explores themes of totalitarianism, religious fundamentalism, and the exploitation of women, all set in a world where traditional values have been taken to terrifying extremes. Atwood's brilliant storytelling weaves together a thought-provoking commentary on morality, societal laws, and the consequences of a society built on repression and control. The non-linear storytelling, coupled with the first-person perspective, provides a compelling and disturbing insight into a dystopian future that feels eerily plausible.

    We slept in what had once been the gymnasium. The floor was of varnished wood, with stripes and circles painted on it, for the games that were formerly played there; the hoops for the basketball nets ...

  7. #7

    Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen
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    'Fairy Tales' by Hans Christian Andersen is a collection of original fairy tales that are both enchanting and sometimes dark. The stories are beautifully translated, making them enjoyable to read aloud to children. Andersen's writing style shines through in his unique retellings of old stories as well as his own creations like 'The Little Mermaid' and 'The Ugly Duckling'. includes over sixty tales, each grouped into different sections based on their themes, such as 'Original Fairy Tales' and 'Evangelical and Religious Tales', showcasing Andersen's versatility as a writer.

    1819 Young Hans leaves Odense and travels to Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, where he pursues a career as a singer, dancer, and actor. He solicits leading figures in the city’s arts establishment befor...

  8. #8
    Martin the Warrior
    Book 6 in the series:Redwall

    Martin the Warrior - Redwall by Brian Jacques
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    Martin the Warrior is a prequel to the Redwall series, delving into the backstory of the legendary warrior, Martin, before the establishment of Redwall Abbey. The story follows Martin's journey from being a young slave to becoming a valiant defender, showcasing themes of conflict, adventure, friendship, and the fight for freedom. Brian Jacques' writing style is known for its detailed world-building, anthropomorphized animal characters, and engaging storytelling that captivates readers of all ages.

    HE WAS ONLY a young mouse, but of strong build, with a glint in his eye that proclaimed him a born fighter. A creature of few words who never chattered needlessly. The early summer sun of the Eastern ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Redwall )

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