Books matching: haunted characters
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Adventures of Mr. Maximillian Bacchus and His Travelling Circus' is a dark fantasy children's novella that follows the journey of Mr. Bacchus and his troupe as they travel to Xanadu to perform for the Kublai Khan. The book consists of four short stories, each showcasing fantastical elements and entertaining scenarios, reminiscent of Abarat and other works by Clive Barker. The stories introduce a colorful cast of characters such as Malachi the crocodile, Ophelia the trapeze girl, and Angelo the drifter with magic eyes, all traveling in a painted wagon pulled by Thoth, an Ibis bird.
The storytelling style of Clive Barker in this book is described as surreal, filled with haunted characters, fantastical imagery, and moments of real wonder. The plot unfolds through the adventures of the circus troupe, encountering trolls, a kidnapped princess, and other mysterious beings along the way. The language used in the book is praised for its beauty and florid nature, showcasing Clive Barker's skill even at a young age, with flashes of his characteristic genius evident throughout the tales.
Memories can be treacherous. We all have a hunger to rearrange our histories so as to remember ourselves in the most flattering light. This is not only true of individuals, but of entire areas of huma... - #2Inlandby:
Save:Inland by Tea Obreht is a novel that intertwines the stories of two characters, Nora and Lurie, set in the late 19th century American West. Nora, a farm wife, grapples with a drought and the disappearance of her husband and sons, while Lurie, an outlaw turned cameleer, navigates the Arizona wilderness with a camel named Burke. The narrative weaves together themes of survival, loss, and the mystical elements of the desert landscape, creating a rich tapestry of historical fiction. Obreht's writing style is described as fluid, poetic, and captivating, drawing readers into the lives of these characters as they face the challenges of their harsh environment.
WHEN THOSE MEN RODE DOWN to the fording place last night, I thought us done for. Even you must realize how close they came: their smell, the song of their bridles, the whites of their horses’ eyes. Tr... - #3
Save:'Unfortunate Elements of My Anatomy' by Hailey Piper is a collection of LGBTQ horror stories that explore themes of identity, queerness, and sexuality. The book features a variety of horror elements, from cosmic horror to body horror, all told with Piper's unique storytelling style. Each story in the collection delves into dark and unsettling corners of the imagination, blending lovely and disturbingly grotesque elements to create truthful and captivating narratives.
The stories within 'Unfortunate Elements of My Anatomy' introduce readers to incredibly strong female characters and other LGBTQ individuals who navigate through haunting and intense situations. Piper's writing style seamlessly weaves together horror, humor, courage, and love, captivating readers with her powerful voice and the diverse range of themes explored throughout the collection.
- #4Ladyby:
Save:'Lady' by Thomas Tryon is a beautifully written and moving story set in a small New England town in the first half of the 20th Century. The plot revolves around Lady, a wealthy and mysterious middle-aged woman who is haunted by the loss of her husband and is seen occasionally grieving behind closed doors. The story follows the special bond Lady forms with a young boy named Woody, who becomes fascinated by her melancholic moments and the mysteries surrounding her past. As the narrative unfolds, secrets, mysteries, and a possible murder are intertwined with themes of love, friendship, and the dynamics of a small-town community.
- #5
Save:"Petals on the Wind" is a continuation of the Dollanganger series by Virginia Andrews. The story follows Catherine, who survived terrible abuse in her childhood and is now struggling to break free from the cycle of abuse. The plot delves into Catherine's journey from a child to a grown woman finding her way in the world, facing challenges and seeking revenge against those who wronged her. The writing style is described as challenging and emotive, portraying the characters' struggles and haunted past.
exuberantly alive we should have felt to be freed, at last, from such a grim, lonely and stifling place. How pitifully delighted we should have been to be riding on a bus that rumbled slowly southward...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dollanganger ) - #6
Save:"Hunting Game" in the series "Embla Nystrom" by author Helene Tursten is a mystery novel that follows the protagonist, Embla Nyström, as she uncovers clues to a crime spree in rural Sweden. The plot involves the disappearance of high-profile national figures and Embla's investigation into a decades-old story to uncover the offender. The writing style is described as deliberate and steady, with restrained descriptions of violence and a focus on setting that provides a folksy atmosphere. Embla Nyström's character is portrayed as tough and haunted by nightmares linked to the disappearance of her best friend and her own connection to gangsters.
- #7
Save:'The Cult Called Freedom House' by Stephanie Evelyn is a dark and unsettling debut novel that delves into the human psyche, exploring the atrocities inflicted by humans on others. The story follows police officer Sophia Rey, who is haunted by a past tragedy and is drawn into the nightmarish world of Freedom House, a cult led by the charismatic Cyrus. As Sophia investigates a string of child abductions, she uncovers the horrors of brainwashing, abuse, and manipulation within the cult, while also trying to save a young girl named Samantha from its clutches.
The narrative is fast-paced with short chapters that create a suspenseful atmosphere, keeping readers on edge as they witness the chilling events unfold within the pages of the book. Through multiple perspectives, including Sophia, Samantha, and Samantha's mentor, the story explores themes of trauma, abuse, and the power dynamics within a cult, leaving readers gripped by the eerie and disturbing tale of Freedom House.
“You know I’ll do anything for Freedom House and for our Journey to Freedom,” Finn said, his eyes glazed over with an admiration that no one could snap out of him. It was an anxious, wide-eyed stare f... - #8
Save:'The Maid's Version' by Daniel Woodrell is a haunting and tragic tale set in a small, poor town in Missouri, revolving around the aftermath of a devastating explosion at a dance hall in 1929. The story is narrated by Alma Dunahew, a maid who holds the key to the truth behind the tragedy that claimed the lives of many townsfolk, including her sister Ruby. Through Alma's accounts, readers are introduced to a cast of colorful characters and are taken on a journey that weaves together past and present, exploring themes of grief, family, and the impact of the Great Depression.
Woodrell's writing style in 'The Maid's Version' is described as evocative, dreamy, and poetic, capturing the language and essence of the Ozarks. The narrative is non-linear and meandering, shifting between different perspectives and time periods, creating a complex yet compelling storytelling experience. The book delves into the lives of the townspeople most affected by the tragedy, offering poignant character studies and exploring the themes of redemption, perseverance, and the complexities of human nature.
- #9
Save:"Comes The Blind Fury" by John Saul tells a chilling tale of a young girl named Michelle who moves to Paradise Point with her family, only to get caught up in a century-old curse that affects her dramatically. The story unfolds as Michelle starts experiencing eerie occurrences and encounters a ghostly presence that seems to be seeking revenge. As the plot progresses, the narrative weaves elements of supernatural mystery, family dynamics, and dark secrets, keeping the reader engaged in the eerie atmosphere created by the author.
The writing style in "Comes The Blind Fury" is described as suspenseful, thrilling, and psychologically engaging. John Saul intricately delves into the psyche of the characters, particularly Michelle, and creates a realistic setting that immerses the reader in the haunting world of Paradise Point. The story is filled with twists and turns, building up the suspense and tension as Michelle navigates through the dark mysteries surrounding her new home and the enigmatic figure of Amanda, the blind girl from the past.
- #10
Save:'Burn the Negative' by Josh Winning is a horror novel that follows the story of Laura Warren, a journalist tasked with covering the making of a streaming series based on a cursed '90s horror film called The Guesthouse, in which she starred as a child actress. As Laura delves into the production, she is forced to confront her traumatic past and the dark events surrounding the film. The book combines elements of suspense, horror, and mystery, keeping readers engaged with a chilling experience as Laura, along with her sister and a psychic, battles against the curse that has haunted her for years.
The narrative of 'Burn the Negative' unfolds in Los Angeles, where Laura's journey to the set of the new horror series is marked by eerie occurrences and supernatural events. Drawing inspiration from classic horror films, the book weaves a tale of suspense and terror, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. With well-developed characters and a homage to campy horror, the story takes readers on a mind-bending adventure filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations.
