Books matching: dark truths
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- #1
Save:Beautifully written, unsettling, and thought-provoking - a compelling YA novel about a girl coming of age in the shadow of a cult. Not for the faint of heart, but highly recommended if you love tense, character-driven stories.
'Seed' by Lisa Heathfield is a captivating story set in a cult where a young girl named Pearl has been raised to believe in the teachings of their leader, Papa S. The book explores Pearl's naivety and unwavering trust in the cult, until the arrival of a new family leads her to question everything she has ever known. Through Pearl's eyes, the reader is taken on a journey of self-discovery, manipulation, and the dark realities of cult life. The writing style is described as beautifully detailed, creating a vivid picture of the cult, its inhabitants, and the emotional turmoil faced by Pearl as she begins to unravel the truth about Seed.
Here, crouched beside the toilet, I’m terrified I’m dying. My stomach must be bleeding, or my liver, or my kidneys. Something inside me has somehow got cut. Spots of blood smear my underwear. I wipe m...March 2015•339 pages - #2
Save:An original, slow-burning blend of rock nostalgia and spine-tingling horror, perfect for music and paranormal lovers - just be ready for some gritty tour bus realities!
The Devil's Metal by Karina Halle is a unique and thrilling story set in 1974, following the aspiring music journalist Dawn Emerson as she embarks on a tour with the metal band Hybrid. The plot revolves around Dawn's experiences with the band members, the demons that come for their pound of flesh, and the unexpected twists and turns that unfold during the tour. The writing style of the book is described as slowly building up the tension, captivating the reader with a mix of spooky elements, romance, and a deep dive into the world of rock music in the 70s.
Melanie’s voice boomed through the barn causing a group of pigeons to take flight from the dusty rafters. Moonglow raised her head back in annoyance and gave me the eye. As a flighty Arabian horse, sh...2012•337 pages - #3
Save:A haunting, bite-sized sci-fi mystery that sticks with you - especially recommended if you like your space travel stories laced with myth and moral questions.
The Ballad of Beta 2 tells the story of mankind's first, and unsuccessful, attempt to colonize another planet. A dozen slow, multi-generation ships were sent to a distant star system called the Leffer System. By the time the ships reached their destination, mankind had been traveling around the galaxy for a hundred years. The book follows a young researcher, Joneny, who is sent to investigate the scene of a curiously neglected space disaster on one of the ships, Beta 2. As Joneny delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers evidence of huge internal explosions, encounters a green humanoid with telepathic abilities, and learns about the strict norms enforced on the ships.
The writing style of The Ballad of Beta 2 is described as beautifully explained, featuring powerful ideas, effective imagery, and a quick, interesting mystery. The book combines elements of science fiction with a focus on the relationship between history and language. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of how things can go wrong on a multi-generation ship and prompts readers to consider the tyranny of mediocrity.
“But, no,” the professor cut him off. They were alone in the office. “It isn’t that simple, is it? The reason is that many of them were once there, and they did something that had never been done befo...1965•155 pages - #4
Save:A modern fairy tale that’s haunting, clever, and unexpectedly dark - perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman and original Grimm stories, but the slow build and dreamy style may not win everyone over.
Set in the small town of Never Better, 'Far Far Away' follows the tale of Jeremy Johnson Johnson, a boy who can hear the voice of Jacob Grimm, one half of the famous Brothers Grimm. Narrated by Jacob himself, the story unfolds with Jeremy's struggles after his mother's departure and his father's reclusive nature. When a series of dark events are set into motion by a local girl named Ginger, the plot takes a grim turn, leading to a suspenseful and gripping narrative with elements of macabre fairy tales and ghostly protection.
The book combines a dark fairy tale with humor, creating a unique and engaging story that appeals to both young adult and adult readers. With a mix of fantasy, supernatural elements, mystery, family relationships, and coming-of-age themes, 'Far Far Away' offers a modern twist on traditional fairy tales while exploring the complex dynamics between characters and the eerie atmosphere of the town.
Let us begin on a May afternoon when the light was pure, the air scented with blossoms, and the sky a pale blue. Lovely, in other words, and brimming with promise. The village trees were in full leaf,...June 2013•389 pages - #5
Save:A timeless and accessible dystopian classic that raises big questions about conformity, memory, and what makes us fully human. Short, powerful, and worth a spot on everyone's reading list.
The Giver by Lois Lowry is a young adult dystopian novel set in a seemingly perfect society that hides dark truths. The story follows a twelve-year-old boy named Jonas who is selected to be the Receiver of Memory, a role that entails learning about the past through painful memories and emotions that his community has chosen to suppress. As Jonas begins to uncover the beauty and suffering in these memories, he struggles with the implications of living in a society devoid of choice and emotion. Lowry's writing style is straightforward and accessible, making profound themes about individuality, conformity, and the importance of human experience resonate with readers of all ages.
April 1993•206 pages - #6
Save:A bold, atmospheric, and thought-provoking sci-fi classic - brilliant in concept, haunting in execution, but not for everyone. If you love alien worlds with psychological depth and don’t mind some rough edges, Grass is a journey worth taking.
Sheri Tepper's 'Grass' is a science fiction novel set on the mysterious planet of Grass, where the aristocracy participates in dangerous Hunts while the working classes live in the planet's only town. The story follows the Yarier family, who are sent on a secret mission from Earth to find a cure for a plague threatening humanity. As they navigate the political intrigue and unravel the mysteries of Grass, they encounter malevolent creatures and dark secrets that challenge their beliefs and understanding of the world.
The writing style of 'Grass' by Sheri S. Tepper is described as deeply layered, fascinating, and a little bit frightening. The author creates a unique world filled with different races of sentient creatures, exploring themes of religion, morality, and social ideas. The novel combines elements of science fiction and fantasy, weaving intricate plotlines and complex character dynamics that keep readers engaged and immersed in the richly developed world of Grass.
Millions of square miles of it; numberless wind-whipped tsunamis of grass, a thousand sun-lulled caribbeans of grass, a hundred rippling oceans, every ripple a gleam of scarlet or amber, emerald or tu...1989•512 pages - #7
Save:A striking and atmospheric collection of modern weird horror - rich, unsettling, and best for fans of cosmic dread and literary chills. Not a quick fix, but a must-read for anyone seeking sophisticated scares.
'The Imago Sequence and Other Stories' by Laird Barron is a collection of horror stories that blend cosmic horror elements with a modern twist. Barron's writing style is described as fluid and captivating, drawing readers in with his masterful storytelling and ability to create eerie and unsettling imagery. The book explores themes of darkness, the uncanny, and the horrors of the ancients, while also delving into the internal struggles of the characters as they battle their own demons.
The stories in this collection range from cosmic horror to psychological terror, with Barron's unique style drawing comparisons to Lovecraft, Peter Straub, and other literary and horror writers. The book is praised for its thought-provoking narratives, realistic characters, and the way Barron creates his own unique cosmos that is both insightful and entertaining. Overall, 'The Imago Sequence and Other Stories' is seen as a captivating and intriguing read that pushes the boundaries of the horror genre.
I had gone outside the cabin to catch the sunrise and piss on some bushes. It was cold; the air tasted like metal. Deep, dark forest at our backs with a few notches for stars. A rutted track wound acr...July 2007•274 pages - #8
Save:"The Officer Factory" by Hans Hellmut Kirst is set in a German army training school for officers during the latter part of WWII. The story revolves around a murder mystery where a cadet is killed, and Lieutenant Krafft is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the incident. As the plot unfolds, the book delves into the complexities of the military institution, hierarchical structures, and the resistance against totalitarian fascism. The characters, both officers and cadets, are vividly portrayed, showcasing their individual struggles, motives, and conflicts within the school environment.
1962•570 pages - #9
Save:Creepy, atmospheric, and sapphic - 'The Restless Dark' is a moody, slow-burn YA thriller perfect for fans of character-driven horror with a supernatural edge. If you dig spooky vibes and don’t mind a gentler pace, this one's a hidden gem.
The Restless Dark by Erica Waters is a queer YA horror-thriller that takes readers on a thrilling journey into the eerie depths of Cloudkiss Canyon. The plot follows three girls—Lucy, a survivor of the Cloudkiss Killer's reign of terror; Carolina, who fears the monster within herself; and Maggie, a psychology student—who are drawn together in a sinister true crime competition to find the killer's long-lost bones. As the fog descends, it becomes a character of its own, obscuring their intentions and revealing their darkest fears, while the girls grapple with trust issues and their growing tensions toward each other in a desperate and haunted setting.
October 2022•397 pages - #10
Save:Hold Back the Tide by Melinda Salisbury is a haunting and eerie tale set in the historical Highlands of Scotland in a small remote village called Ormscaula. The story follows Alva, a brave and relatable protagonist living with her father, who she believes killed her mother. As dark forces begin preying on the town, Alva must uncover family secrets, fight for survival, and question the true nature of monsters lurking in the shadows of Ormscaula.
The writing style of the book is described as eerie, creepy, tense, chilling, and subtle, perfectly capturing the atmospheric setting of the Scottish Highlands. The plot unfolds gradually, revealing mysteries and dark truths while keeping readers on edge with strong tension and a touch of romance that adds depth to the narrative.
