Books matching: obsession with folklore
8 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Set in the early 1900s, "Wakenhyrst" by Michelle Paver is a gothic tale centered around Edmund Stearne and his daughter Maud. The story unfolds in an ivy shrouded English manor at the edge of a wild, marshy fen, where family secrets, folklore, and medieval history intertwine. As Maud navigates the repressive environment created by her father's obsessions and deteriorating mental state, she uncovers hidden truths and unravels her father's madness. The narrative seamlessly weaves between Maud's perspective and Edmund's diaries, building towards a climax that reveals the dark forces at play in the house and the fen.
Maud had only been there three times before. It lay behind not one but two pairs of double doors, so that Father could work undisturbed. When you opened the first pair, you were trapped in a nasty sha... - #2
The Red Tree by Caitlin R. Kiernan is a psychological horror novel that follows writer Sarah Crowe as she moves to a small town in Rhode Island and gets entangled in eerie events surrounding an ancient red oak. The story unfolds through Sarah's journal, blending personal traumas with mysterious occurrences, creating a sense of psychological horror. Kiernan's writing style incorporates elements of Lovecraftian horror, with an unreliable narrator and a focus on the psychological aspects of fear and dread.
I’m almost awake now, starting in on my second cup of coffee, sitting here at the kitchen table, and writing this in the spiral-bound notebook I purchased down in Coventry, a little over a week ago. I... - #3
The Glass Demon by Helen Grant is a gripping young adult mystery that follows seventeen-year-old Lin Fox as her family moves to Germany, where her father is on a quest to uncover a set of haunted medieval stained glass windows. The story unfolds with a series of mysterious deaths linked to the glass, adding tension and suspense to the narrative. Grant expertly weaves together elements of folklore, psychological horror, and family dynamics as Lin navigates through a plot filled with sharp characterizations and clever twists. The author's writing style, narrated through Lin's voice, maintains a consistent tone of teenage snarkiness and smart observations, making the story engaging and immersive from the very first page.
If anyone were to ask me, ‘What is the root of all evil?’ I would say not ‘Money’ but ‘Food’. It was food – specifically the lack of it – that killed my sister, or at least assisted at the death. And ... "The Dangers of Smoking in Bed: Stories" by Mariana Enriquez is a collection of twelve short stories that explore supernatural themes with a social conscience. Set mostly in the impoverished barrios of Buenos Aires, the stories are told from the perspective of sad, lonely, or disturbed female protagonists. The writing style is described as beautiful, unsettling, and profound, with a mix of horror, magical realism, and feminist themes.
The plots of the stories range from a woman haunted by a decomposing baby to young women trying to contact the spirits of disappeared friends and relatives. The book delves into themes of ghosts, curses, mutilation, and psychological horror, presenting old horror tropes in a fresh and new way. The stories are rich in detail, vivid, and often disturbing, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
My grandma didn’t like the rain, and before the first drops fell, when the sky grew dark, she would go out to the backyard with bottles and bury them halfway, with the whole neck underground; she beli...- #5
The Forest Grim, by Kathryn Purdue, is the first installment in the author's The Forest Grimm series, a dark fantasy tale that weaves together familiar fairy tales with a unique twist. The story follows Clara, a young woman trapped in a cursed village, as she ventures into the deadly Forest Grimm with her friends Axel and Henni to find a magical book that can save her mother and reverse the curse on her village. As they navigate the dark and twisted forest, encountering characters like Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and Rapunzel, Clara defies fate and embarks on a dangerous journey filled with dark twists and deadly challenges.
Clara's journey is not only a quest for survival but also a tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the courage to challenge destiny. The plot unfolds at a good pace, blending elements of suspense, romance, and dark fantasy to create an engaging narrative that keeps readers invested. With well-developed characters, intricate world-building, and a mix of classic fairy tales reimagined in a haunting setting, The Forest Grim offers a captivating and unique take on the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.
- #6
'Lovesickness' in the 'Collections' series by Junji Ito is a compilation of horror stories that delve into bizarre and unsettling themes. The main feature of the book is the 'Lovesickness' collection, which tells the tale of a boy named Ryusuke who returns to his childhood town where a mysterious person is spreading bad fortunes, leading people to act irrationally. This story unfolds in a town with a unique tradition of crossroads fortune-telling that takes a dark turn as Ryusuke becomes entangled in the chaos. also includes other stories such as 'Phantom Mansion' and 'The Rib Woman', each adding to the eerie and macabre atmosphere of the collection. Junji Ito's writing style weaves together gore, psychological terror, and elements of folklore to create a haunting reading experience.
- #7
All the Murmuring Bones by A.G. Slatter is a dark fantasy novel that weaves together elements of gothic mystery, fantasy, horror, and fairytales. The story follows Miren O'Malley, a strong and determined protagonist, as she embarks on a journey to uncover family secrets, dark folklore, and the truth behind the O'Malley curse. The book is filled with mythical creatures like mer, kelpies, and sea witches, creating a rich and atmospheric setting that immerses readers in a world of magic and mystery.
The narrative is a blend of tragedy and hope, with a protagonist who is smart, loyal to herself, and capable of outwitting dark spirits and evil forces. Set in a Gaelic world where monsters and magic coexist, All the Murmuring Bones explores themes of kinship, loss, dark deeds, and the power of forging one's own path in the face of tradition and adversity.
See this house perched not so far from the granite cliffs of Hob’s Head? Not so far from the promontory where once a church was built? It’s very fine, the house. It’s been here a long time (far longer... - #8
Endless Love by Scott Spencer is a dark and intense novel that explores the destructive power of obsessive love. The story follows a teenage boy named David who becomes deeply infatuated with a girl named Jade, leading to a series of tragic events that spiral out of control. Written in a first-person narrative, the book delves into themes of passion, obsession, and the blurred lines between love and madness. The plot unfolds in a gripping and emotional manner, drawing readers into the complex and dysfunctional relationships portrayed in the story.
The writing style of Endless Love is described as both literary and easy to read, with a mix of dark humor and emotional depth. The author, Scott Spencer, masterfully captures the intricate dynamics of adolescent love and the consequences of unchecked desire. Through vivid descriptions and compelling character development, the novel immerses readers in a tumultuous tale of love, loss, and obsession that challenges traditional notions of romance and highlights the darker aspects of human relationships.
When I was seventeen and in full obedience to my heart’s most urgent commands, I stepped far from the pathway of normal life and in a moment’s time ruined everything I loved—I loved so deeply, and whe...