Books matching: science and folklore
39 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:A beautifully written, atmospheric modern folk horror that will haunt you long after the last page - just be prepared for a slow-burn journey that savors its mythology as much as its scares.
A billionaire sets in motion a project to restore an ancient forest on the western coast of Wales. The motivation behind the project is more about the restoration of dark forces from ancient times. Eccentric billionaire Saul Abercrombie hires young arboreal expert Tom Curtis to oversee this massively ambitious project, believing that restoring the land to its original state will rekindle ancient spirits. However, the re-planting of the forest awakens a darker and more dangerous entity, leading to an epic battle between good and evil. F.G. Cottam's slow-burning tale has a sense of brooding eeriness that grows into palpable malevolence, with well-drawn and believable characters and a location that has a presence of its own. The author takes risks with characters and plotlines, creating an off-kilter feeling of uneasiness that keeps readers on edge.
The letter was printed on a plain sheet of A4 paper and signed at its conclusion with an old-fashioned fountain pen. The signature was legible. The writer was a man named Samuel Freemantle, who descri...October 2013•256 pages - #2
Save:Wickedly witty, wildly inventive, and packed with heart - this is a delightful novella for anyone looking to escape the ordinary. Give it a shot if you want something different and fun!
In "The Gurkha and the Lord of Tuesday" by Saad Hossain, readers are taken on a journey to a post-environmental apocalypse Kathmandu where a Djinn and a Gurkha navigate a world filled with fantasy and science fiction elements. The novella explores themes of justice, expediency, and the nature of good while incorporating a humorous and wry tone. The plot unfolds with the awakening of an ancient Djinn, Melek Ahmar, who seeks to regain his former glory in what appears to be a utopian city, while encountering unexpected challenges and unlikely alliances along the way.
Drip. Drip. Twenty years of ice melt, wearing away long-buried boulders, reveals a sudden right angle of stone, a geometric peculiarity in the otherwise pristine geology of the Kanchenjunga, most sacr...August 2019•174 pages - #3
Save:Not your typical end-of-the-world tale! Lyrical, quirky, and layered with myth, 'Trinity Sight' is a memorable adventure - though its strangeness and ambiguity may leave some readers baffled.
Trinity Sight by Jennifer Givhan is a post-apocalyptic horror story that follows Calliope, a Ph.D. archaeologist who embarks on a journey with a diverse group of characters, including a Native American physicist named Chance Guardian, in search of her missing family after a cataclysmic event. The book delves into themes of parallel worlds, indigenous knowledge, and the blending of science and folklore, all wrapped in a gripping narrative that combines striking poetic descriptions with a roller coaster ride of emotions.
October 2019•300 pages - #4
Save:An unsettling, imaginative ride through nightmares and old witch legends - perfect for fans of cerebral, atmospheric horror, but not for those who want quick thrills or modern prose.
The Dreams in the Witch House is a short story by H.P. Lovecraft that follows Walter Gilman, a mathematics student who rents a room in a centuries-old house associated with witchcraft. As he studies, he becomes plagued by fever-induced dreams, and the line between reality and nightmare blurs. Gilman discovers sinister secrets related to the house's former owner, Keziah Mason, and begins to experience unsettling events, including mysterious sounds and unsettling visions that hint at terrifying dimensions beyond his understanding.
The writing style is quintessential Lovecraft, rich in antiquated prose and atmospheric detail that creates a sense of dread. Although some readers criticize the plot for being unclear and predictable, others admire the intertwining of cosmic horror, witchcraft, and mathematics. This story showcases Lovecraft's ability to evoke fear through suggestion and the unknown, making it a compelling read for fans of Gothic horror and those interested in the darker sides of human knowledge.
Whether the dreams brought on the fever or the fever brought on the dreams Walter Gilman did not know. Behind everything crouched the brooding, festering horror of the ancient town, and of the mouldy,... A unique, poetic, and deeply insightful look at moss and the hidden wonders of the natural world - perfect for fans of nature writing and anyone ready to be enchanted by the small and the overlooked.
In "Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses" by Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author beautifully intertwines science and personal reflection to explore the elegantly simple lives of mosses. Kimmerer leads readers through a series of linked personal essays, sharing her experiences as a scientist, mother, and Native American to shed light on the biology and cultural significance of mosses. Through her lyrical prose and unique storytelling, Kimmerer delves into the interconnectedness of mosses with the natural world, inviting readers to learn from these fascinating organisms and indigenous ways of knowing.
The Standing Stones Barefoot, I’ve walked this path by night for nearly twenty years, most of my life it seems, the earth pressing up against the arch of my foot. More often than not, I leave my flash...March 2003•168 pagesA cosmic romp that makes learning about our galaxy both fun and memorable - ideal for anyone new to astronomy or just looking for a lighter, more entertaining spin on space science.
The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy by Moiya McTier is a captivating and humorous exploration of our galaxy. McTier uses a witty, conversational style as she personifies the Milky Way, sharing its history and quirks with readers. The narrative includes snarky commentary on humanity's place in the cosmos, making complex astronomical concepts accessible to everyone, even those without a science background.
The book blends science with folklore, offering insights into astronomical discoveries and the mythologies surrounding the night sky. McTier's writing is engaging and filled with laughter, ensuring readers learn while they enjoy the story. With a perfect balance of humor and information, it's an excellent choice for both young adults and adults looking for a fun introduction to astronomy.
Actually, don’t answer that. Why would I bother listening to you when I know you’ll get it wrong? You’ll start naming objects and places, but that chair you’re sitting in isn’t just a chair. That book...August 2022•240 pages- #7
Save:A fun, fast-paced thriller that’s perfect for fans of science-meets-history adventures. Not the strongest Sigma Force entry for some, but still a wild, satisfying ride for those craving escapism and action.
The Seventh Plague by James Rollins follows the Sigma Force team as they investigate a mysterious plague with connections to biblical occurrences, historical figures, and modern science. When archaeologist Professor Harold McCabe returns from the desert partially mummified, it sets off a chain of events that lead the team on a global adventure spanning from Africa to the Arctic, uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the world. The book weaves together elements of action, historical mysteries, and scientific discoveries, creating a fast-paced thriller filled with twists, turns, and apocalyptic scenarios.
James Rollins combines historical facts, scientific theories, and imaginative storytelling to create a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The book explores themes of ancient mysteries, modern pandemics, and the impact of human hubris, all while incorporating real-life figures like Nikola Tesla and Mark Twain into the plot. With a blend of adventure, suspense, and educational nuggets, The Seventh Plague offers a thrilling and thought-provoking reading experience for fans of action-packed novels.
As the coroner led them away, Derek glanced to his two companions, uncertain how they would handle these last steps of this grim journey. The older of the two women, Safia al-Maaz, stood a head taller... - #8
Save:In "The 6th Extinction" by James Rollins, the story unfolds with the destruction of a remote military research station that wipes out every living thing within a fifty-mile radius. As the deadly infestation spreads, Sigma Force must race against time to stop it. The narrative spans across exotic locales like California, Washington DC, South America, and Antarctica, offering a blend of history, science, and adventure. The book weaves together a fast-paced plot with elements of science fiction and suspense, exploring themes of synthetic biology and bioengineering.
The book is split into two parts, following Commander Gray Pierce and his team as they venture into the icy world of Antarctica to uncover answers hidden beneath the ice, while Painter Crowe and his group track down the scientist behind the catastrophic event. With echoes of Michael Crichton's works, "The 6th Extinction" delves into the real-life issue of a potential sixth great extinction, offering a thrilling and imaginative storytelling experience that keeps readers engaged till the end.
Jenna Beck smiled to herself at hearing this most common description of Mono Lake from yet another tourist. As the day’s last group of visitors took their final snapshots, she waited beside her white...August 2014•630 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sigma Force ) - #9
Save:A stunning, poetic collision of myth and hard science fiction, Silently and Very Fast dazzles with imagination and heart – but it’s best suited to readers who enjoy their stories a little weird, a little wild, and a lot beautiful.
'Silently and Very Fast' by Catherynne M. Valente is a novella that explores the themes of artificial intelligence, virtual realities, mythology, and science fiction. The story follows an artificial intelligence named Elefsis, who shares a dreaming world with members of her original programmer's family across generations. Through a blend of traditional fairy tales and folktales with futuristic technology, Valente delves into the concepts of life, identity, evolution, and the fears humans have about their creations surpassing them. The writing style is described as poetic, evocative, and rich in imagery, creating a unique narrative that seamlessly weaves together myth, deep thought, and hard science fiction in a compact 127-page story.
Inanna was called Queen of Heaven and Earth, Queen of Having a Body, Queen of Sex and Eating, Queen of Being Human, and she went into the underworld in order to represent the inevitability of organic...October 2011•127 pages - #10
Save:A wild, dark, and imaginative folk-horror that’s as weird as it is gripping - but be prepared for some rough edges and a very bloody ride.
'Flesh And Blood' by Graham Masterton is a horror novel that delves into Czech mythology and genetics, weaving a complex and imaginative story. The plot revolves around Captain Black, a genetically altered pig, and the dark consequences of scientific experiments. The story is rich with disturbing themes of genetic manipulation, incest, fear, and murder, involving a research facility attempting to humanize an enormous hog and the return of a human plant hybrid. The narrative also incorporates elements of Czech Tcheq mythology, Christian mythology, folklore, and politics, creating a multi-layered and intense reading experience.
opens with a shocking and gory scene where a father takes his children into a field and commits a brutal act, setting the stage for a dark and enthralling story. As the plot progresses, two major storylines, reminiscent of 'Frankenstein' and 'Dracula', interweave and merge, offering a unique and gripping narrative. Despite some issues with proofreading and editing in the Kindle version, readers are drawn into a world where horror, science, folklore, and supernatural elements collide, showcasing Masterton's exceptional storytelling skills.
They had been driving for less than an hour when Terence said, ‘This is it, kids.’ He steered the battered black Mercury station wagon off the side of the road so that it was tilted up against the ban...1994•500 pages
