Books matching: gothic immersive prose
12 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:The Silver Devil by Teresa Denys is a historical romance novel set in medieval times, revolving around the tumultuous relationship between Felicia, a helpless young woman, and Domenico, a cruel and unpredictable duke. The story explores themes of dominance, submission, and forbidden love, with a dark and intense writing style that keeps readers glued to the pages.
It had been as hot as this the summer it began. All Fidena stank. The fetid smell from the bay, where ships lay beached and their cargoes rotted for want of men to unload them, mingled with human swea... - #2
Save:In 'The Seance' by John Harwood, Constance Langton inherits the haunted Wraxford Hall and delves into the dark history of the house, uncovering mysteries of disappearances and deaths. The story is narrated from multiple perspectives, intertwining tales of fraudulent mediums, broken families, and eerie occurrences. As Constance seeks to uncover the truth behind the sinister events, she is drawn into a web of secrets and dangers, leading to a chilling climax that ties together the threads of the story.
The book combines elements of a gothic mystery with themes of family heritage, the supernatural, and curses set in Victorian England. Through intricate storytelling and atmospheric descriptions, the author creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged as they unravel the haunting secrets of Wraxford Hall and its inhabitants.
If my sister Alma had lived, I should never have begun the séances. She died of scarlatina, soon after her second birthday, when I was five years old. I remember only fragments from the time before sh... - #3
Save:'Verdigris Deep' by Frances Hardinge is a dark and fantastical tale that follows three friends, Ryan, Chelle, and Josh, who steal coins from a wishing well and find themselves compelled to grant the wishes of those who threw the coins. The story delves into the consequences of wishes, the complexities of friendships, and the eerie powers bestowed upon the children by the well witch. Hardinge's writing style is described as beautifully gothic, with original twists and a masterful way of creating immersive worlds that stay with the reader long after finishing the book.
The first faint signs of the Change became apparent about a week after the robbery of the Magwhite well. Ryan was the first to notice them, but that was not surprising. Ryan was always the first one t... - #4
Save:'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield follows the story of Margaret Lea, a young biographer hired by the reclusive writer Vida Winter to pen her autobiography. As Margaret delves into Vida's mysterious past, she uncovers a gothic tale involving the Angelfield family, secrets, and ghosts. The narrative weaves together themes of family, mystery, and self-discovery, drawing parallels between the lives of the characters and the haunting stories they hold.
Setterfield's writing style in 'The Thirteenth Tale' has been described as beautifully written, captivating, and reminiscent of classic authors like Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters. The book is praised for its poetic prose, intricate storytelling, and the way it keeps readers guessing until the very end. With elements of gothic mystery, psychological depth, and a touch of realism that blurs the line between possibility and fantasy, this novel offers a compelling journey through dark secrets and unexpected revelations.
It was November. Although it was not yet late, the sky was dark when I turned into Laundress Passage. Father had finished for the day, switched off the shop lights and closed the shutters; but so I wo... - #5
Save:'She Is a Haunting' by Trang Thanh Tran is a gothic horror novel set in Vietnam, exploring themes of racism, colonization, and diaspora. The story follows Jade, a young Vietnamese American girl, as she navigates a haunted house with both real and supernatural threats. The plot unfolds with a mix of eerie ghostly elements and coming-of-age themes, creating a unique and chilling narrative. The author seamlessly weaves Vietnamese language and culture into the story, adding richness and authenticity to the setting. Readers are drawn into a world where the house itself has a malevolent presence, challenging them to question Jade's reliability as a narrator.
Tran's writing style is described as lush and descriptive, capturing the essence of the haunted setting and the complex relationships between the characters. The narrative slowly builds tension, allowing the supernatural elements to gradually emerge while delving into the dark history of the house and its impact on Jade's family. Through dream sequences and mysterious occurrences, Jade unravels secrets that connect her to the house, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric reading experience.
- #6
Save:'Where the Dead Wait' by Ally Wilkes is a gothic novel set in the Arctic, where doomed exploration leads to depravity and isolation. The story follows disgraced ship captain William Day as he uncovers his past and the true nature of his relationship with his second in command, Jesse Stevens. Haunted by his actions during a previous Arctic expedition, Day embarks on a journey to find Stevens, delving into themes of survival, cannibalism, and inner struggles. The writing style is described as immersive, atmospheric, and eerie, creating a chilling and hopeless atmosphere that forces readers to confront the characters' motivations and actions.
- #7
Save:Boneset & Feathers by Gwendolyn Kiste is a haunting tale of Odette, the witch who survived a mass witch burning but is now shunned by her village. The story delves into themes of magic, isolation, and the relentless pursuit of witchfinders, all while portraying the inner turmoil and struggles of the protagonist. Kiste's writing style is described as dreamy and hazy, effectively capturing the emotions and experiences of Odette as she navigates a world filled with judgement, fear, and loneliness.
- #8
Save:Abigail Kelly's 'Empire' in the New Protectorate series is a masterclass in paranormal fantasy romance writing. The book follows the story of Harlan Bounds, an ex-vampire syndicate assassin, and Zia North, a young green witch rosarian, as they navigate their budding relationship amidst the backdrop of the criminal underworld that runs the New Zone. The writing style is immersive and descriptive, drawing readers into a world filled with unique species, magic systems, and intricate mate bonds. As Harlan and Zia's romance unfolds, readers are treated to a blend of cozy moments, found family dynamics, and elements of suspense that keep them on the edge of their seats.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series New Protectorate ) - #9
Save:What Big Teeth by Rose Szabo is a gothic fantasy novel that follows Eleanor Zarrin, a teenage girl who returns home to her strange and mysterious family after an incident at boarding school. As Eleanor delves deeper into her family's history, she uncovers dark secrets and must navigate a world filled with monsters, magic, and a dysfunctional family dynamic. The story is a mix of horror, suspense, and adventure, set in a hauntingly isolated gothic mansion in Maine, where Eleanor must confront her past and protect her family while unraveling the mysteries that surround them.
I was the only passenger left. How long had I been asleep? I looked down to make sure I still had my things: my straw hat, my suitcase stamped with the letter Z. I’d hung on to them this whole way, th... 'On the Night of the Seventh Moon' by Victoria Holt is a gothic romance novel set in the Black Forest, where the protagonist, Helena Trant, gets lost in the misty Lokenwald Loki's Forest during a school outing in Germany. Rescued by a mysterious stranger, she becomes infatuated with him. The story follows Helena's journey back and forth between England and Germany, filled with lies, gaslighting, danger, and revelations. As the plot unfolds on the Night of the Seventh Moon, Helena unravels a terrifying nightmare that challenges her reality and past memories.
The novel is praised for its suspenseful build-up, vividly portrayed scenes, and well-drawn characters, especially the children and the mysterious aunt. Despite some predictable outcomes, the book surprises readers with unexpected twists and turns that keep them on the edge of their seats. The author, Victoria Holt, is commended for her ability to create mystery, suspense, and an enchanting atmosphere through beautiful language and Gothic vibes.
Now that I have reached the mature age of twenty-seven I look back on that fantastic adventure of my youth and can almost convince myself that it did not happen as I believed it did then. Yet sometime...
