Books matching: dark elegance
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- #1
Save:Louisa the Poisoner is a dark and entertaining novella set in Victorian times, following the story of Louisa, a girl raised by a mad witch in a swamp. Her ambition is to marry and inherit riches, which leads her to poisoning her way through to find a husband. The story is described as weird, captivating, and elegant, with a fairy tale prose that expertly weaves a dark and morbid narrative. The protagonist, Louisa, is portrayed as amoral yet strangely beautiful in her malevolence, captivating readers with her wickedness.
The writing style of Tanith Lee in Louisa the Poisoner is praised for its beautiful, formal, and elegant prose that effortlessly describes the characters, settings, and emotions within the story. The novella is commended for its enchanting descriptions of Louisa, her clothing, her mind, and the world she navigates, creating a mysterious and convincing atmosphere around the main character and the detailed background of the plot.
March Mire lay at the heart of the great moors, a swamp so dangerous that none but fools would venture into it, and seldom did they come out. There were however local legends of persons who lived with... - #2
Save:Under the Pendulum Sun is a gothic fantasy novel that follows Catherine Helstone as she ventures into Faerie to find her missionary brother, Laon, and help him save the souls of the Fae. The book delves into a nightmare Faerie world filled with gothic horror elements, religious themes, and a dark elegance that gradually unfolds as the protagonist navigates through a mysterious and cruel land. The story combines Victorian influences with a theological twist, creating a unique and atmospheric narrative that slowly draws readers in until the final act unveils the full picture with a captivating sense of ambition.
Great and ancient empires, Mahomedan and Heathen, have received a shock by the prowess of British arms, nerved and strengthened by GOD, which has broken down strong, and hitherto invulnerable barriers... 'Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fiction and Illusions' by Neil Gaiman is a collection of short stories and poems that span a wide variety of styles and themes. The stories range from charming, gentle fantasy to chilling, macabre horror, igniting the reader's imagination and making them think in unexpected ways. Gaiman's writing style is described as always interesting and thought-provoking, showcasing his talent for storytelling and his ability to blend mundaneness with the fantastic seamlessly.
The book features a mix of stories that are fun, bizarre, creepy, and intriguing, with unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged. Gaiman's imagination is praised as magnificent, with some stories being hailed as among the best and most thought-provoking short stories ever encountered. The collection is noted for its eclectic mix of short stories, poems, and other writings, always interesting and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for fans of Gaiman's work.
Every Thursday afternoon Mrs Whitaker walked down to the post office to collect her pension, even though her legs were no longer what they were, and on the way back home she would stop in at the Oxfam...- #4
Save:'The Dinner' by Herman Koch is a dark and disturbing novel that unfolds over the course of a dinner at a high-end restaurant in the Netherlands. The story revolves around two brothers, their wives, and a terrible secret involving their sons. As the dinner progresses, flashbacks and revelations shed light on the complex relationships, moral dilemmas, and disturbing decisions made by the characters. The unreliable narrator, Paul, guides the reader through a narrative that is both shocking and thought-provoking, exploring themes of family dynamics, parental instincts, and the consequences of protecting one's own.
The novel delves into the depths of human morality and societal taboos, presenting a chilling portrayal of how far parents are willing to go to protect their children. Through clever storytelling and intricate plot twists, Herman Koch weaves a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning their own beliefs and values. With elements of suspense, dark humor, and psychological tension, 'The Dinner' offers a gripping exploration of family secrets, guilt, and the lengths people will go to in order to maintain appearances.
We were going out to dinner. I won’t say which restaurant, because next time it might be full of people who’ve come to see whether we’re there. Serge made the reservation. He’s always the one who arra... - #5
Save:'Sleepless' by Charlie Huston is a gripping and dark apocalyptic thriller set in a near-future California where a disease called SLR has spread, causing sleeplessness, pain, and eventual death. The story follows two protagonists, an undercover cop named Park and a mercenary named Jasper, as they navigate a society on the brink of collapse. The book is praised for its fast-paced and modern tale about the end of the world, with a plot that is timely, extremely frightening, and cautionary about the dangers of scientists playing God.
The novel is described as powerful, sad, and fascinating, with a narrative that is beautifully described, authentic feeling, and dark. The writing style of Charlie Huston is noted to be sparse yet effective, with well-drawn characters that pull the readers into the dystopian world. The book explores themes of societal degradation, lawlessness, online escapism, and the struggle for survival in a world plagued by a deadly disease.
To get in you had to stand in front of a camera, be identified by someone inside, and run your finger over a biometric print reader before they buzzed you in. Then you were in the cage, and the inner ... - #6
Save:"Shadow of Angels" by Kathryn Ann Kingsley is a captivating fantasy novel that delves into the complex relationship between the heroine, Veil, and the archdemon, Asmodeus. The story intricately weaves together Veil's past with the archdemon as well as the main plot of the series, creating a compelling narrative filled with intrigue and mystery. The writing style is described as engaging, with flashbacks that slowly unravel the secrets of the past, while also incorporating elements of action, compelling dialogue, and steamy romance that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
At this point, she was on a first-name basis with the sensation of her body shutting down. All her organs were struggling valiantly to soldier on, even though things were entirely out of place and had... - #7
Save:'Walk Among Us' in the series 'Vampire: the Masquerade' by author Cassandra Khaw is a compilation of three novellas that delve into the world of vampires. The stories challenge traditional vampire mythos, exploring ethical quandaries, depression, bipolar disorder, loneliness, self-doubt, and deep character relationships. The writing style is described as elegant, provocative, and original, with each novella offering a unique twist on the vampire genre.
- #8
Save: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... - #9
Save:"The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman follows the life of a young boy named Nobody Owens, who escapes to a nearby graveyard after his family is killed. Raised by the ghosts of the graveyard, Bod grows up surrounded by supernatural beings, facing challenges and adventures as he matures. The book is inspired by "The Jungle Book" but with a twist, as it explores themes of friendship, identity, and growing up in a unique setting. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of suspenseful plot development and endearing relationships that keep readers captivated until the very end.
The toddler’s room was at the very top of the house. The man Jack walked up the stairs, his feet silent on the carpeting. Then he pushed open the attic door, and he walked in. His shoes were black lea... - #10
Save:The Castle of Otranto is considered one of the first gothic novels, setting the stage for the genre with its elements of romance, horror, and supernatural occurrences. The story revolves around Prince Manfred of Otranto, who faces tragic events such as the death of his son, a mysterious giant helmet falling from the sky, and a series of unexpected twists and turns within the castle's walls. The narrative is set in a chivalric Middle Ages backdrop filled with cruelty, tyranny, and the struggle for power, creating an atmosphere of foreboding and intrigue. The novel introduces classic gothic themes such as secret passages, supernatural occurrences, and a sense of impending doom.
The writing style of The Castle of Otranto is often described as melodramatic, entertaining, and humorous. Despite its flaws and dated elements, the book is praised for its historical significance in shaping the gothic fiction genre. The characters, including Prince Manfred and the brave heroine, navigate through a web of secrets, mistaken identities, and eerie events, leading to a dramatic and suspenseful conclusion. Overall, the novel offers a unique blend of gothic elements, moral dilemmas, and unexpected plot developments that continue to captivate readers interested in early gothic literature.
Manfred, Prince of Otranto, had one son and one daughter: the latter, a most beautiful virgin, aged eighteen, was called Matilda. Conrad, the son, was three years younger, a homely youth, sickly, and ...
