Books matching: supernatural vs. reality
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- #1
Save:Apocalypse Now Now by Charlie Human is a wild urban fantasy novel set in Cape Town, South Africa, featuring the unforgettable character, Baxter Zevcenko. The story follows Baxter's journey as he navigates a world filled with supernatural creatures, government conspiracies, and special powers, all intertwined with South African history and mythology. The writing style is described as creative, blending reality with a cohesive fantasy realm, and incorporating elements of South African culture and lore to create a unique and engaging narrative.
‘CHARLIE, DELTA, NINER, that’s a big ten-four,’ Rafe growls into his CB radio. I have ten minutes before I need to make the walk to school. My parents force me to walk to school even when it rains. It... The 'Oxford Book of Victorian Ghost Stories' is a collection of ghost stories from the Victorian era, chosen to illustrate how people of that time viewed these tales. The stories are presented in chronological order, showcasing the evolution of the genre over time. The book provides a window into the Victorian era, with detailed descriptions of settings that transport the reader back in time. The stories range from haunted house tales to eerie Arctic adventures, offering a variety of perspectives on the supernatural.
- #3
Save:'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James is a psychological horror story that revolves around a governess who starts working in an old house with two children and encounters ghosts of the previous caretakers. The narrative delves into the governess's increasing paranoia and ambiguity surrounding the ghosts and the children's behavior, blurring the lines between reality and supernatural elements. The writing style is described as dense and antiquated, with long sentences and an overuse of commas, which some readers found challenging but others found rewarding in unraveling the psychological and sexual themes of the story.
My counselor couldn't read! I winced at my mistake, which I attenuated as I could, and opened my letter again to repeat it to her; then, faltering in the act and folding it up once more, I put it back... - #4
Save:'The King Must Die' by Mary Renault is a retelling of the Theseus myth, focusing on his journey from Trozizen to Eleusis, his training as a bull-leader, and his role as king of the captives. The book weaves together myth, legend, history, and imagination to bring Theseus to life as a young hero destined to fulfill his fate with honor. Renault's writing style immerses the reader in the ancient world of Greece, presenting a plausible version of the reality behind the legend of Theseus.
The narrative follows Theseus as he faces challenges, saves the girl, and navigates the deadly bull ring and decadent courts of Crete. Renault's portrayal of Theseus as a real person, with a supernatural connection to Poseidon, adds depth to the character. The story unfolds with elements of adventure, passion, wit, and daring, painting a vivid picture of a young man coming into his heroic birthright amidst ancient rites and traditions.
THE CITADEL OF TROIZEN, where the Palace stands, was built by giants before anyone remembers. But the Palace was built by my great-grandfather. At sunrise, if you look at it from Kalauria across the s... - #5
Save:Philip K. Dick's 'Radio Free Albemuth' delves into a world of parallel universes, paranoia, and a mix of underground politics, theology, and superior aliens. The story revolves around the premise of an alien satellite God broadcasting information to certain individuals on Earth in an attempt to overthrow a US President, drawing parallels to real-life political figures. The narrative explores themes of conspiracy theories, religion, science, and history, all based on Dick's personal experiences and hallucinations, creating a dystopian yet hopeful setting with a touch of autobiographical elements.
My friend Nicholas Brady, who in his own mind helped save the world, was born in Chicago in 1928 but then moved right to California. Most of his life was spent in the Bay Area, especially in Berkeley.... - #6
Save:'A Stir of Echoes' by Richard Matheson is a supernatural thriller that follows the story of Tom Wallace, an ordinary man who gets hypnotized at a party and unexpectedly develops psychic abilities. Tom starts experiencing visions that predict future events, can sense the thoughts and emotions of those around him, and encounters a mysterious ghostly woman in his house. As Tom grapples with his newfound powers, the novel delves into the impact on his relationships, particularly with his wife and young son. The plot weaves elements of horror, psychological thriller, and paranormal themes, creating a tense and gripping narrative that keeps readers on edge.
Matheson's writing style in 'A Stir of Echoes' is praised for its ability to blend the ordinary with the supernatural seamlessly. Readers appreciate the way the author explores the complexities of human relationships amidst the backdrop of eerie occurrences. The novel is noted for its fast-paced plot, engaging storytelling, and unexpected twists that keep readers captivated until the surprising ending. The book's ability to evoke a sense of tension and suspense, coupled with its exploration of psychic phenomena and the blurred lines between reality and the paranormal, make it a compelling read that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
A Hot, August Saturday-I'd gotten off work a little after twelve. My name is Tom Wallace; I work in Publications at the North American Aircraft plant in Inglewood, California. We were living in Hawtho... - #7
Save:The Sandman by E.T.A. Hoffmann, published in 1816, is a classic horror story that delves into psychological and dark themes. The plot revolves around the protagonist Nathanael, who grapples with childhood trauma, hallucinations, and a descent into madness. The narrative blurs the lines between reality and illusion, leaving readers questioning the protagonist's sanity and the existence of supernatural forces like the Sandman and Coppelius. The story is known for its unsettling and creepy atmosphere, with elements of gothic horror and psychological tension that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
- #8
Save:In the book "A Dark Matter" by Peter Straub, a group of high school friends get influenced by a shaman to perform a ceremony that opens a window to another world. Tragedy strikes that evening, leading to death and insanity among the group. Years later, the husband of one of the victims, who is also a writer, investigates the events of that fateful day, with each person having their own version of what occurred. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, exploring the impact of the occult ritual on the characters involved, all set against a backdrop of mystery and secrets.
The story is centered around an occult experiment undertaken by a group of students in the 1960s, with the aftermath of the ritual being revisited years later. As the characters recount their versions of the events, the plot delves into themes of friendship, trauma, and the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural. Peter Straub weaves a complex and layered narrative that challenges readers to contemplate the fundamental philosophies of good and evil, offering a more subtle and intellectual take on horror storytelling.
I was standing in line at the Corner Bakery on State and Cedar, half a block down the street from my pretty brick townhouse, waiting to order a Swiss Oatmeal (muesli) or a Berry Parfait (granola), any... - #9
Save:'The Apartment' by S.L. Grey follows the story of a couple, Mark and Steph, who decide to do a house swap with another couple from Paris after surviving a home invasion. However, their romantic getaway turns into a nightmare as they encounter unsettling incidents in the Paris apartment and face financial troubles. The alternating perspectives of the narrators create a sense of distrust and uncertainty, leading the readers through a haunting and creepy tale that blurs the lines between reality and supernatural elements.
The wine’s gone to my head, I realize, as I sway into the kitchen to get another bottle. I’m at that perfect stage of tipsy when I feel padded and warm, forgetful. Carla’s belting out her trademark la... - #10
Save:"The Three Coffins" by John Dickson Carr, also known as "The Hollow Man," is a classic locked room mystery novel that follows Dr. Gideon Fell as he investigates two seemingly impossible murders. The story features intricate puzzles, a detailed exploration of locked room mysteries, and a complex narrative that delves into the psychology of the characters involved. Carr's writing style combines elements of humor, clever plotting, and a focus on the puzzle aspect of the mystery genre, making it a challenging yet engaging read for fans of classic detective fiction.
(Also, see 84 recommendations for the series Dr. Gideon Fell )
