Books matching: faustian deal
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- #1
Save:A gothic classic that’s more brainy and biting than bloody - come for the scandal and sparkling wit, stay for the chilling lesson that beauty can be only skin deep.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a classic tale exploring the consequences of vanity and moral degradation. The story follows Dorian Gray, a young man who makes a Faustian deal to retain his youth and beauty while his portrait ages and reflects the consequences of his debauched lifestyle. The novel delves into themes of the value of youth, the meaning of life, and the impact of one's actions on oneself and others, leaving readers pondering questions of free will and self-improvement. Wilde's writing style is described as brilliant, witty, and horrifying, with a focus on decadence, morality, and the consequences of one's choices.
The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more del...1890•257 pages - #2
Save:A quintessential King novel - twisted, suspenseful, and darkly funny. Not his tightest or fastest, but well worth it for fans of small-town horror and character-driven chaos. Recommended if you’re ready for a wild, slow-burning ride.
Needful Things is a novel set in the small town of Castle Rock, Maine, where a mysterious shop called Needful Things opens up, offering people their deepest desires in exchange for playing pranks on their fellow residents. The story explores the consequences of greed, manipulation, and the dark side of human nature as the town descends into chaos due to the sinister influence of the shop owner, Leland Gaunt. Stephen King's writing style effectively portrays the gradual unraveling of the town and its residents, blending supernatural elements with realistic character development.
It wasn’t as big a deal to Brian Rusk as it was to some; his mother, for instance. He had heard her discussing it (he wasn’t supposed to call it gossiping, she had told him, because gossiping was a di...1991•803 pages - #3
Save:A wild, bloody, and metal-fueled ride - perfect for fans of rock, horror, and stories where music just might save your soul (or doom it). Not everyone will love the over-the-top style or pacing, but it’s a unique and rocking horror novel that’s hard to forget.
'We Sold Our Souls' by Grady Hendrix is a horror novel set in the world of rock and roll, following the story of Kris Pulaski, a former lead guitarist of the band Dürt Würk. The plot revolves around Kris seeking revenge on her former bandmate Terry Hunt after discovering he sold all their souls, leading to a thrilling and chilling ride across the country. The book combines elements of music, horror, and occult, creating a unique and imaginative storyline that delves into themes of redemption, friendship, and the price of fame. The writing style captures the energy of rock 'n' roll, with references to bands and musicians adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
CALLER: …you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. KEITH: You sound like a hippie, Chester. CALLER: I tell it like I see it. You guys are asleep. Your Texas owners tell you what to...September 2018•336 pages - #4
Save:A devilishly smart, quick read that's both fun and thought-provoking - perfect for fans of trickster tales and philosophical banter.
In 'The Devil You Know' by K.J. Parker, readers are taken on a Faustian journey where the greatest philosopher, Saloninus, makes a deal with the devil to exchange his soul for twenty more years of life and power. The novella explores the dynamics between Saloninus, a master trickster, and the devil, who is puzzled by the philosopher's seemingly straightforward deal. The story is told from both the devil's and Saloninus' perspectives, offering a glimpse into a world of wit, ambition, and moral complexity.
The writing style of 'The Devil You Know' is described as clever and entertaining, with a focus on deception, manipulation, and the intricate dance between the philosopher and the demon. Through a narrative that switches between the two main characters, readers are drawn into a world where power dynamics, moral dilemmas, and unexpected twists keep the story engaging and thought-provoking.
I DON’T DO EVIL when I’m not on duty, just as prostitutes tend not to have sex on their days off. My ideal off-shift day starts with a hot bath and the scent of black tea, followed by an hour on my ba... - #5
Save:A brutally imaginative horror classic, not for the faint of heart. Perfect if atmospheric, literary, and grotesque horror is your jam - but expect a slow build and some rough edges typical of a first novel.
The Damnation Game by Clive Barker is a dark and horrifying novel that delves into Faustian themes, exploring the decadence of the rich and the avarice of man. The story follows Martin Strauss, a prisoner turned bodyguard for the wealthy Joseph Whitehead, as he navigates a world filled with supernatural horrors and moral ambiguity. Barker's writing style is vivid and macabre, painting metaphysical journeys with rich and enticing language, creating a tale that is both intense and unrelenting in its construction of supernatural horror.
The air was electric the day the thief crossed the city, certain that tonight, after so many weeks of frustration, he would finally locate the card-player. It was not an easy journey. Eighty-five perc...1984•457 pages A surreal, genre-blending campus fever dream that will either delight you or drive you up the wall. Bunny is bold, bizarre, and unforgettable - perfect for adventurous readers craving something different.
Bunny by Mona Awad is a bizarre and unsettling novel that follows Samantha, a graduate writing student, as she navigates the strange world of her creative writing program. The book delves into themes of loneliness, struggle, female friendship, and the power of the mind, all wrapped in a surreal and twisted narrative. As Samantha becomes entangled with a group of girls called The Bunnies, the story takes a dark turn, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The writing style is described as unique, audacious, and at times, darkly humorous, keeping the reader engaged with its unpredictable plot twists and eccentric characters.
And then they hug each other so hard I think their chests are going to implode. I would even secretly hope for it from where I sat, stood, leaned, in the opposite corner of the lecture hall, departmen...June 2019•312 pages- #7
Save:A deliciously dark blend of noir detective and horror, "Falling Angel" is a must for genre fans - creepy, clever, and thoroughly engrossing, even if the final twist is a bit telegraphed.
'Falling Angel' by William Hjortsberg is a noir mystery novel set in 1950s New York City, following private detective Harry Angel as he is hired to search for a missing pop singer. The story unfolds with elements of horror, voodoo, and black magic, leading to a chilling and suspenseful plot that keeps readers engaged until the unexpected twist at the end.
The book combines the genres of hard-boiled detective fiction and horror, creating a unique blend of supernatural elements within a gritty noir setting. The narrative is filled with intricate details of mid-20th century New York City, vividly bringing the bustling streets, seedy haunts, and mysterious characters to life as Harry Angel delves deeper into the dark and sinister world surrounding the missing singer.
It was Friday the thirteenth and yesterday’s snowstorm lingered in the streets like a leftover curse. The slush outside was ankle-deep. Across Seventh Avenue a treadmill parade of lightbulb headlines...1978•294 pages - #8
Save:An atmospheric, influential Gothic marathon - brilliant in places, bogged down in others. Approach if you’re ready for labyrinthine tales, philosophical gloom, and a strong dose of 19th-century melodrama!
'Melmoth the Wanderer' by Charles Robert Maturin is a gothic novel that delves into the realms of Romantic horror. The story follows John Melmoth, a student who inherits his uncle's money and acquires a manuscript detailing the tale of an ancestor seeking release from a Faustian bargain with the devil. The book is structured with nested stories within stories, exploring themes of temptation, torment, and satanic immortality, all set against a backdrop of anti-Catholicism and atmospheric gloom.
The writing style in 'Melmoth the Wanderer' is described as contrived yet captivating, with stories nested like a set of matryoshka dolls. The prose is noted for being verbose at times, with some sections becoming tedious and distracting to the overall narrative. Despite the heavy-handed anti-Catholic rhetoric and the book's complex structure, readers find the highlights of the novel to be worth the effort, offering a dark and unsettling journey through Romantic horror.
In the autumn of 1816, John Melmoth, a student in Trinity College, Dublin, quitted it to attend a dying uncle on whom his hopes for independence chiefly rested. John was the orphan son of a younger br...1820•775 pages - #9
Save:Brutal, brilliant, and deeply unsettling - Full Dark, No Stars is King’s exploration of the nastiest corners of human nature. Not for everyone, but unforgettable for those who can handle it.
'Full Dark, No Stars' by Stephen King is a collection of four novellas that delve into the dark and terrifying aspects of human nature. The stories explore themes of revenge, domestic nightmares, forbidden thoughts, and the evil capabilities of ordinary people. King's writing style in this book is described as mesmorizing, entrancing, and full of suspense, with a focus on realistic suspense and terror rather than the supernatural.
Tess accepted twelve compensated speaking engagements a year, if she could get them. At twelve hundred dollars each, that came to over fourteen thousand dollars. It was her retirement fund. She was st...November 2010•470 pages - #10
Save:A wild, influential, and downright bonkers classic - "The Monk" is a must-read for gothic horror buffs and lovers of shock-value literary history, though it may feel excessively dramatic for some modern tastes.
'The Monk' by Matthew Gregory Lewis is an 18th-century gothic horror novel that delves into the dark and twisted world of a highly respected monk, Ambrosio, whose vanity and pride lead him down a path of debauchery and heinous crimes. Set in Spain, the story unfolds around a monastery and convent in Madrid, where supernatural elements, ghosts, and demons play a significant role. The plot weaves together various storylines involving Ambrosio's fall from grace, the attempts of noble characters to rescue their loved ones, and the shocking events that culminate in rape and murder.
The writing style of 'The Monk' is described as a mix of beautifully crafted language typical of the 18th-century gothic genre, with elements of confusion due to the dated style of writing. The novel is praised for its ability to keep readers engaged with its suspenseful build-up, unexpected twists, and a sinister tone that is occasionally lightened by moments of humor and unexpected surprises.
SCARCELY had the Abbey-Bell tolled for five minutes, and already was the Church of the Capuchins thronged with Auditors. Do not encourage the idea that the Crowd was assembled either from motives of p...1794•410 pages
