Books matching: horror fantasy
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- #1
'The Library at Mount Char' by Scott Hawkins is a dark fantasy novel that follows Carolyn and her eleven siblings who are raised by Father in the Library. The children are each assigned a specialty to learn, and they are forbidden from questioning Father's commands. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey filled with violence, mystery, and unexpected twists, keeping them engaged until the unpredictable ending. The book introduces a unique world where the characters interact with both the familiar modern America and a parallel fantastical realm, creating a gripping narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.
The writing style in 'The Library at Mount Char' has been described as original, bizarre, and compelling. Readers have praised the author's ability to create a dark and mysterious atmosphere, with intricate world-building and well-developed characters. Despite the violent and uncomfortable themes present in the book, many have found themselves captivated by the story, staying up late into the night to uncover the secrets of the Library and its inhabitants.
Carolyn, blood-drenched and barefoot, walked alone down the two-lane stretch of blacktop that the Americans called Highway 78. Most of the librarians, Carolyn included, had come to think of this road ... - #2
Weaveworld by Clive Barker is a dark fantasy novel that takes readers on an imaginative journey into a magical world woven into a rug. The story revolves around the Fugue, a hidden realm within the carpet, protected from the outside world and the monstrous Scourge by a human guardian. As the carpet starts to unravel, a series of events unfold involving the Seerkind, the caretaker's granddaughter, and a destined human named Cal. The narrative blends elements of fantasy and horror, showcasing Barker's talent in crafting intricate plots and vivid worlds filled with magical characters and gory imagery.
The book explores themes of magic, personal stories of love and loss, epic battles between good and evil, and the complex nature of characters inhabiting both the modern world and the world of magic. Barker's writing style is described as masterly, bone-chilling, and fluid, effortlessly blending horror and fiction to create a captivating and unique reading experience that keeps readers engrossed through imaginative prose and detailed descriptions.
The threads can always be traced back to some earlier tale, and to the tales that preceded that; though as the narrator’s voice recedes the connections will seem to grow more tenuous, for each age wil... - #3
The Gunslinger, the first book in 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King, follows a mysterious man known as The Gunslinger as he tracks a man named The Man in Black through a desolate world. The book is described as a mix of fantasy and western genres, with a post-apocalyptic setting. The narrative is meandering and sparse, offering glimpses into The Gunslinger's past as he progresses on his journey.
The writing style in The Gunslinger is noted for being descriptive and rich, with a compelling and atmospheric world-building that is both familiar and strange. The book is praised for its unique blend of elements, such as fantasy with horror undertones, and its ability to captivate readers with its intriguing storyline and enigmatic characters.
The desert was the apotheosis of all deserts, huge, standing to the sky for what might have been parsecs in all directions. White; blinding; waterless; without feature save for the faint, cloudy haze ... - #4
"Between Two Fires" by Christopher Buehlman is a dark fantasy set in 14th century France during the devastating Black Death. The story follows an orphaned young girl, a fallen knight, and an alcoholic priest as they navigate a world filled with pestilence, monsters, and supernatural forces. The plot weaves together elements of horror, historical fiction, and religious themes, creating a tale of redemption, hope, and the battle between good and evil.
The book is praised for its vivid and atmospheric storytelling, blending gritty realism with high fantasy elements. Readers commend Buehlman's ability to create engaging characters, compelling relationships, and haunting scenes that delve deep into the darkness of the human heart and the horrors of the plague-ridden landscape.
It looked at them hopefully from beneath a willow tree, swishing its tail against the flies. The fat one, and nobody knew how he stayed fat, took his war hammer up, meaning to brain it, but Thomas sto... - #5
Gideon the Ninth is a fantasy sci-fi novel about lesbian necromancers entangled in a Battle Royale cum murder mystery in a haunted mansion in space. The book follows the irrepressibly snarky goth jock lead, Gideon, through action sequences that could rival the best of shounen anime. Despite a hand-wavy world-building at times, the extremely metal plot turns and great ending keep readers hooked. The storytelling style is described as a new level of reading, encouraging readers to give it a try, especially through the audio version for better comprehension.
IN THE MYRIADIC YEAR OF OURLORD—the ten thousandth year of the King Undying, the kindly Prince of Death!—Gideon Nav packed her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and she escaped from the House... - #6
Imajica by Clive Barker is a sprawling fantasy epic that takes readers on a journey through the Five Dominions, with Earth being the Unreconciled Fifth. The story revolves around the attempt to reconcile Earth with the other Dominions, filled with bizarre and compelling worlds, dark elements, and intricate mysteries. Clive Barker's writing style is praised for its vivid imagery, imaginative world-building, and complex characters, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that blends fantasy, mythology, and epic storytelling.
It was the pivotal teaching of Pluthero Quexos, the most celebrated dramatist of the Second Dominion, that in any fiction, no matter how ambitious its scope or profound its theme, there was only ever ... - #7
'The Blacktongue Thief' by Christopher Buehlman is a fantasy novel that follows the adventures of Kinch Na Shannack, a thief in training who embarks on a secret mission to save himself and potentially the world. The story is epic in scale, featuring different peoples, languages, societies, giants, goblins, witches, and kings and queens. The writing style is witty and concise, filled with humor that is dark and black, keeping readers engaged and entertained throughout the book.
The plot of 'The Blacktongue Thief' is fast-paced, filled with great characters, adventures, magic, snark, and a touch of romance. The story revolves around Kinch's journey, his encounters with various creatures like battle corvids and blind cats, and his quest to pay off his debts while navigating a world full of political intrigue, magic, and danger.
Not that I was afraid to die, but maybe who you die with is important. It’s important who’s with you when you’re born, after all. If everybody’s wearing clean linen and silk and looking down at you sq... - #8
Perdido Street Station by China Mieville is a bizarre and captivating tale set in the steampunky city of New Crobuzon. The story follows a brilliant scientist, a half man half bird seeking help, a half bug half woman artist, a renegade journalist, a self-aware robot, and a pack of monstrous moths on a quest for knowledge, justice, and survival. Filled with intricate world-building, weird creatures, and unexpected twists, the book immerses readers in a richly textured, atmospheric read that blurs the lines between fantasy, horror, and steampunk genres.
The narrative delves into the dense and corrupt city of New Crobuzon, where characters must navigate complex social relations and face hard decisions with consequences. Mieville's writing style, described as dense and heavy, paints a vivid picture of the city and its inhabitants, creating a neo-gothic, neo-victorian, and steampunk world. The book is praised for its originality, richly detailed monsters, and the author's ability to handle multiple ideas and themes with brash intelligence and confidence.
A window burst open high above the market. A basket flew from it and arced towards the oblivious crowd. It spasmed in mid-air, then spun and continued earthwards at a slower, uneven pace. Dancing prec... - #9
'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer is a mysterious and eerie novel set in a landscape undergoing a transformation due to an outside agent, reminiscent of the Strugatsky brothers' work. The story follows the protagonist, a biologist, as part of an expedition into Area X, a zone being altered by something completely alien, leading to rapid disintegration of their mission and inevitable eerie encounters. The narrative style is described as straddling the line between science fiction and horror, with an unreliable narrator providing a vague description of Area X, leaving more questions than answers.
The tower, which was not supposed to be there, plunges into the earth in a place just before the black pine forest begins to give way to swamp and then the reeds and wind-gnarled trees of the marsh fl... - #10
'Into the Drowning Deep' by Mira Grant follows a crew on the ship Melusine as they venture to the Mariana Trench to investigate the disappearance of a previous crew who encountered killer mermaids. The story is described as a mix of horror, science fiction, and adventure, with a focus on the tension between humans and the predatory mermaids. The narrative is filled with gore, tension, and twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the crew faces the terrifying creatures of the deep.
TheMonterey Dream pulled away from the dock at a slow, easy pace, drawing gasps of astonished delight from the tourists crowding her decks. The crowd was good for a morning whale-watching expedition: ...