Books matching: occult plot
79 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
"Rosemary's Baby" by Ira Levin revolves around a young wife, Rosemary Woodhouse, who finds herself entangled in an occult plot to steal her baby for Satanistic rituals after it is born. The story is told solely through Rosemary's eyes, creating a sense of being trapped with her as she navigates through eerie occurrences and reaches a horrifying conclusion. The plot unfolds in contemporary New York City, skillfully crafted by Levin to build mounting suspense and a sense of dread throughout the narrative.
The writing style in "Rosemary's Baby" is described as simple, engrossing, and suspenseful by readers. Levin's storytelling is praised for its subtle yet creepy elements, with a slow buildup of tension leading to a chilling finale. is noted for its ability to delve into themes of satanism, witchcraft, and the fear surrounding motherhood, all set against a backdrop of everyday details that add to the overall sinister atmosphere.
ROSEMARY AND GUY WOODHOUSE had signed a lease on a five-room apartment in a geometric white house on First Avenue when they received word, from a woman named Mrs. Cortez, that a four-room apartment in... - #2
Medusa's Web by Tim Powers is a contemporary fantasy novel set in modern-day Hollywood, featuring elements of time travel, mystery, and the occult. The story revolves around siblings Scott and Madeline Madden, who return to their aunt's eerie Hollywood estate after her death. As they navigate through family secrets, dysfunctional relationships, and supernatural spiders that enable time travel, they find themselves entangled in a complex web of mysteries spanning from the past to the present.
The woman stood at one of the tall French windows, peering through the rain-streaked glass down the slope outside. The day had not ever been very bright, and the light in the overcast sky was now fadi... - #3
'The Burrowers Beneath' in the 'Titus Crow' series by Brian Lumley follows the adventures of the occult detective Titus Crow and his friend Marigny as they delve into the world of the Cthulhu deities and their underlings. Crow and Marigny find themselves under siege, trying to escape using an ancient travel device while facing unimaginable creatures wanting to take over the planet. Lumley's writing style adds to Lovecraft's mythos, offering a modern Gothic horror twist to the concepts, keeping readers on the edge and delivering a Lovecraftian essence.
Please alter my order as it stands to cover only the most outstanding cases, on which your continued cooperation would be appreciated as ever. This action not to be misconstrued as being all but a can... - #4
'The Cthulhu Mythos' by August Derleth is a collection of stories that add to Lovecraft's Cthulhu universe. Derleth's interpretation of Lovecraft's cosmos, while not identical, builds upon the foundation laid by Lovecraft and introduces new elements to the mythos. The stories in the book often revolve around encounters with Lovecraftian entities, cosmic horror, and the intertwining of biblical themes with the mythos.
- #5
"Dead Lies Dreaming" by Charles Stross is a departure from the usual Laundry Files series, introducing a new set of characters in a heist plot to acquire a lost spell book, with themes of magic, crime, and Lovecraftian elements. The story is set in the same universe as the Laundry Files but moves away from the original characters, focusing on a group of criminals led by Imp and Eve as they navigate a world under the New Management, hinting at consequences of ubiquitous magic.
Game Boy shook his head and blew a scummy pink bubble. When the alfär executioner held his heavy-duty electric screwdriver against Santa’s wrist, the screams were audible over the rumble of passing bu... - #6
"The Club Dumas" by Arturo Perez-Reverte is an intellectual mystery that delves into the world of rare book collectors, thieves, and forgers. The plot follows Lucas Corso, a book collector hired to authenticate a rare chapter of The Three Musketeers and to locate two other copies of an occult book, The Nine Doors. As Corso delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding these books, he finds himself entangled in a complex web of secrets, codes, and ancient manuscripts. The writing style of the book is described as rich, dense, and historical, with intricate details and a mix of historical facts and literary interpretations that add depth to the narrative.
My name is Boris Balkan and I once translated The Charterhouse of Parma. Apart from that, I’ve edited a few books on the nineteenth-century popular novel, my reviews and articles appear in supplements... - #7
The Dumas Club by Arturo Perez-Reverte is a novel that intertwines elements of occult, 19th-century literature, antiquarian bookbinding, and the Inquisition. The story follows the protagonist, Lucas Corso, on a quest for copies of a rare 17th-century volume called The Nine Doors, which supposedly contains a hidden code for summoning the Devil. As Corso delves deeper into the mystery, he encounters intriguing characters, references to literary works like The Three Musketeers, and embarks on a chase through Europe filled with suspense and intrigue. The book's writing style is described as detailed, scholarly, and filled with literary references that add depth to the storyline.
The novel is praised for its originality, combining various themes such as love, the need for human connection, and the thrill of solving a complex mystery. Readers appreciate the intricate plot, the engaging characters, and the unexpected twists that keep them hooked until the end. The illustrations scattered throughout the book are also highlighted as enhancing the overall reading experience, adding an air of scholarly authority to the narrative.
- #8
Dark Mountain by Richard Kelly (Richard Laymon) is a horror novel that follows two families on a camping trip in the woods who encounter an old woman and her homicidal son. The story takes a dark turn when a curse is placed on the campers, leading to a series of supernatural events that threaten their lives. The writing style is fast-paced, filled with suspenseful sequences, and features strong female characters typical of Laymon's novels.
Karen dropped to the sofa and started to put on her hiking boots. They were Pivettas, scratched and scuffed. They had stood in the back of her closet, unworn since the summer she finished her MA four ... - #9
'A Gathering of Crows' by Brian Keene is a horror novel that follows the story of Levi Stoltzfus, an ex-Amish magician, who finds himself in a small town called Brinkley Springs. The town is under attack by five demonic beings who take the form of crows and wreak havoc, consuming the souls of the townspeople. Levi, with his occult abilities, becomes the town's last hope in facing this supernatural threat. The book is described as fast-paced, entertaining, and filled with suspense, horror, and elements of the author's Labyrinth mythos.
The story in 'A Gathering of Crows' is a mix of gruesome horror and supernatural elements, with a focus on character development, particularly that of Levi Stoltzfus. The narrative weaves together past references from the author's previous works, creating a sense of familiarity and continuity for long-time readers, while also providing enough background for new readers to follow along and be intrigued by Levi's mysterious past and magical abilities.
When the sun went down, and dusk gave way to night, the mountain came alive. A chorus of insects buzzed and hummed in the darkness. Birds chirped from their treetop nests. Tiny frogs—called spring pee...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Levi Stoltzfus ) - #10
The Oracle Glass by Judith Merkle Riley is a historical fiction novel set in 17th century Paris, blending elements of magic, fortune-telling, royal intrigue, and the occult. The story follows Genevieve Pasquier, a young girl who becomes a renowned fortune-teller known as Madame de Morville, navigating the complexities of French high society, politics, and the underground world of witches. As she gains fame and power, Genevieve must use her intelligence and wit to survive in a world filled with secrets and danger.
Riley's writing style in The Oracle Glass is described as richly detailed, transporting readers to the vivid setting of 17th century Paris with its glittering sights, dark undercurrents, and carefully kept secrets. The novel weaves together historical events and characters with elements of magic and fantasy, creating a compelling narrative that delves into themes of power, deception, and the resilience of the human spirit.
“What, in heaven’s name, is that?” The Milanese ambassador to the court of His Majesty, Louis XIV, King of France, raised his lorgnon to his eye, the better to inspect the curious figure that had just...