Books matching: existential horror
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- #1
In the near future, the majority of people have retreated into an immersive, next-generation Internet, while the environment is in full-on collapse. Investigative journalist Den Secord journeys into the wilds of British Columbia to track down off-radar tech mogul Gregor Makarios, uncovering more than he had intended. The book delves into cryptid lore, rogue AIs, and extra-dimensional exploration, offering a mix of intrigue, humor, and terror. The plot remains a mystery, encouraging readers to go in blind and be surprised by the unfolding events.
The writing style of 'Stonefish' is described as baroque quality transcendental weird fiction, written with the intensity of an initiation. It explores existential and cosmic horror, fitting perfectly into both genres. The author, Scott R. Jones, weaves fascinating ideas into the narrative, creating a world on the brink of a realistic apocalypse due to various crises, including environmental collapse, economic instability, and the emergence of advanced AI systems.
He would invoke that ancient physicist and his mythical cat, say that he knew and didn’t know, simultaneously, all as a result of his involvement with the people in charge of all this. If you could ca... 'The Conspiracy Against the Human Race' by Thomas Ligotti delves into the horror that consciousness brings about, presenting a pessimistic view on life, mankind, and the universe. Ligotti explores the idea that human existence is a curse, with consciousness being a detriment rather than a benefit. Through references to various philosophers, mystics, and neuroscientists, Ligotti argues that life is inherently meaningless and existence is a painful cul de sac. serves as a philosophical exploration of the horror that comes from being aware of our mortality and the futility of seeking meaning in an indifferent universe.
To avoid all possibility of false appearances, I should disclose up front to being a writer of supernatural horror stories. Strictly speaking, then, The Conspiracy against the Human Race represents mo...- #3
'Ship of Fools' by Richard Paul Russo follows the starship Argonos as it navigates through a universe where Earth has become a toxic wasteland. The crew discovers a planet where all inhabitants have been brutally murdered, leading them to a haunted starship with unanswered mysteries. The narrative is driven by the protagonist Bartolomeo's intimate perspective, providing clear insights into his thoughts and emotions. The story explores themes of religion, corruption, and the struggle for power aboard the ship, culminating in a revolution and the discovery of a devastated new land.
The writing style of 'Ship of Fools' is described as brisk and engaging, with well-developed characters like Bartolomeo. The novel balances science fiction elements with horror and explores deep philosophical questions about faith, humanity, and the unknown, keeping readers invested in the unfolding events on the starship Argonos.
WE had not made landfall in more than fourteen years. One disastrous choice of a star after another. The captain viewed this string of failures as absurdly bad luck; the bishop, as divine intervention... - #4
'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... - #5
In "Secret Rendezvous," a man's wife is mysteriously taken away by an ambulance in the middle of the night, leading him on a Kafkaesque search through a nightmarish hospital filled with bizarre and ominous programs. The narrative unfolds through the man's three journals, chronicling his confusing and disturbing journey to find his missing wife amidst a world of surveillance, identity confusion, and surreal sexual experimentation. Kobo Abe's writing style creates a visceral and intense experience, blending moody erotic dread with vivid viscerality and meticulous detail, ultimately exploring themes of existential bewilderment, ethical ambiguity, and the human mind's capacity for self-deception.
Thin at first glance, but muscular. Wears contact lenses for mild near-sightedness in both eyes. Slightly frizzy hair. Inconspicuous scar at left corner of mouth (from a quarrel during student days, a... - #6
In "The Spectral Link" by Thomas Ligotti, readers are taken on a journey through two haunting and unsettling stories. "Metaphysica Morum" delves into the meaning of inescapable demoralization through the non-story of a metaphysical mutant and a mysterious Dealer encountered in dreams. The narrative weaves through dream realities, blurring the lines between the dream world and the real world, creating a disorienting and fascinating effect on the reader. On the other hand, "The Small People" explores themes of racial harmony in a world that may not be as real as it seems, delving into concepts of prejudice and bigotry in a unique and discomforting way.
My instructions were to follow a sequence of absurdly simple acts and to keep the operation secret. First, I was to make my way into the assigned environment; second, I would depart in the most natura... - #7
Fairyland by Paul J. McAuley is a science fiction novel that delves into a weirdly recognizable future, focusing on themes such as Gaia, environment, AI, biology, Genentech, and evolution. The book follows a man's tale across three separate periods of time, presenting a blend of cyberpunk, gothpunk, and suspense elements. McAuley's writing style is described as deep and descriptive, allowing readers to immerse themselves in a world filled with fairies, dolls, and feys.
Transparent as jellyfish, dressed in full Edwardian rig, they drift singly or in pairs around and around the newly restored Ladies’ Smoking Room of the Grand Midland Hotel at St Pancras, adroitly avoi... 'The Shadow at the Bottom of the World' by Thomas Ligotti is a collection of short stories that delve into philosophical terror and existential horror. Ligotti's writing style weaves a narrative of bleakness, evil, and the futility of life, with recurring themes of doppelgangers, puppets, and malevolent forces lurking within the world. The stories explore the depths of darkness and the unsettling nature of existence, creating a world that is familiar yet discomfortingly foreign, with dense and complex characters that challenge the reader's perception of reality.
The book showcases Ligotti's growth as a writer over the years, ranging from traditional gothic modes to surreal and darkly comedic works. The stories are arranged chronologically, offering a condensed overview of Ligotti's unique writing style that is characterized by obsessively composed bleakness and a sense of nihilism that is both captivating and unsettling.
My interest in the town of Mirocaw was first aroused when I heard that an annual festival was held there which promised to include, to some extent, the participation of clowns among its other elements...- #9
'Salt Water Tears' by Brian A. Hopkins is a collection of short stories that delve into the realms of horror, fantasy, and mystery, all interconnected by the theme of the ocean. Each story presents unique characters and settings, ranging from eerie ghost stories to tales of survival and love. Hopkins' writing style is described as evocative, with vivid descriptions that transport readers into the depths of each narrative, making them feel claustrophobic or immersed in the ocean alongside the characters. The book is praised for its unpredictability in endings, realistic characters, and layers of meaning and insight that add depth to the stories.
In 1973 my fellow Ohioan Joe Walsh fronted a rock group you might have heard of—the James Gang. ’73 saw the release of what remains their most popular album, Rides Again. “Funk #49” came from that alb... - #10
"Ascension" by Nicholas Binge follows the story of scientist Harold Tunmore who is invited to join an expedition to explore a mysterious mountain that has appeared in the middle of the ocean. As the team climbs higher, strange and eerie events start occurring, leading to a gripping and suspenseful journey filled with horror and science fiction elements. The narrative unfolds through letters written by the protagonist, adding depth and complexity to the storyline, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the secrets of the mountain and the dangers it holds.
Binge's writing style in "Ascension" is captivating and thought-provoking, weaving together themes of mystery, intrigue, grief, and isolation. is praised for its unique storytelling approach, utilizing letters to convey the unfolding events and the evolving dynamics between the characters. The author skillfully builds tension and suspense, creating a sense of unease and paranoia as the expedition faces not only the unknown terrors of the mountain but also the challenges of extreme cold, altitude, and isolation, making it a compelling and immersive read.