Books matching: superstition and fear
17 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Curse of Crow Hollow by Billy Coffey is a dark and intricate tale set in a small town filled with superstition and fear. The story follows a group of teenagers whose actions lead to a series of sinister events, uncovering the deep-rooted secrets and mysteries of the community. Through a blend of folklore, suspense, and unexpected twists, Coffey delves into the themes of good versus evil, forgiveness versus consequences, and the exploration of humanity's darker aspects.
Come on out that sun and tell me hello. Devilish out, ain’t it? Hard to believe only a few months back, me an everybody else’s pining for summer. Now here I sit, wishing the leaves’d hurry up and turn... - #2
Save:'The Dress Lodger' by Sheri Holman is a historical fiction novel set in 1830s England during a cholera epidemic, exploring themes of poverty, social injustice, prostitution, grave robbing, and medical practices. The story follows characters like Gustine, a young prostitute and mother, and Dr. Henry Chiver, a surgeon and anatomy professor, as their lives intertwine in unexpected ways amidst the grim backdrop of the epidemic and societal struggles. The writing style of the book is described as dark, gritty, and haunting, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the harsh realities of the time period.
The narrative of 'The Dress Lodger' is characterized by a mix of historical accuracy and fictional elements, creating a compelling and macabre tale that delves into the complexities of class divides, moral dilemmas, and the desperation of the underprivileged. The author, Sheri Holman, weaves a story that is both intense and shocking, shedding light on the harsh conditions faced by the lower classes in 1830s England, while also incorporating elements of gothic storytelling and intriguing character dynamics that keep the reader engaged throughout the book.
They’ll mingle four dead eels with every one alive knowing full well the average man can’t tell which is which tangled inside a cloudy tub. They’ll polish up a stinking mackerel with a bit of turpenti... - #3
Save:In "A Path Begins," Kara Westfall, a young girl living in a superstitious village, discovers her magical abilities after finding her mother's grimoire in the forbidden Thickety forest. The book delves into themes of persecution, witchcraft, and the struggle between good and evil as Kara navigates her newfound powers while facing adversaries like the menacing Grace. The writing style is described as dark, engaging, and beautifully descriptive, with elements of suspense and unpredictability keeping readers enthralled in Kara's journey through a world filled with magic and danger.
The girl, twelve and as thin as a willow branch, wore a simple black school dress with a white collar, patched in several places but immaculately clean. Her dark hair was coiled in a tight bun. Someti... - #4
Save:In "Speaks the Nightbird" by Robert R. McCammon, readers are taken back to the late 17th century in the Colonial Carolinas where a young man named Matthew Corbett, a clerk of a magistrate, is sent to a small town to judge the case of a young woman accused of witchcraft. The book delves into the themes of witchcraft hysteria, mystery, and the fight for justice in a time filled with fear and superstition. The plot is filled with red herrings, surprises, and twists, keeping the readers captivated as they follow Corbett's journey to prove the innocence of the accused woman.
Came the time when the two travelers knew night would catch them, and shelter must be found. It had been a joyful day for frogs and mudhens. For the human breed, however, the low gray clouds and chill... - #5
Save:'The Devil in Massachusetts: A Modern Enquiry into the Salem Witch Trials' by Marion L. Starkey is a detailed exploration of the Salem Witch Trials that took place in the late 1600s. The book delves into the events that led to the trials, the workings of the trials themselves, and the aftermath they had on the community of Massachusetts. Starkey provides a fresh and thorough look at the tragedy, examining the underlying causes that led to the horrific trials and executions. The writing style is engaging, drawing the reader into the hysteria and fear of the New World during a time when witchcraft was a legitimate fear.
The book offers a balanced and unbiased account of the Salem Witch Trials, shedding light on the historical facts and providing interesting insights into the times and events. Starkey's approach allows readers to understand how superstition and fear can turn ordinary people into a mob capable of unspeakable acts, highlighting the fatal flaws of human nature. The narrative is informative, detailing the relationships within the community and how the accusations of the young girls shattered bonds, leading to a crisis that neither the Church nor Civil authorities could control.
- #6
Save:'Becoming Leidah' by Michelle Grierson is a magical realism tale set in 19th century Norway, blending Norse folklore with a unique story of a mermaid named Leidah trying to live among humans. The narrative weaves seamlessly between past, present, and future, exploring the clash between Norse Paganism and Christianity, while delving into the lives of characters like Maeve, Pieter, and their magically gifted daughter, Leidah. Grierson's writing style is described as beautiful, vivid, and lyrical, creating a mesmerizing and haunting story that lingers in the reader's imagination.
The book unfolds as a family drama, focusing on themes of acceptance, love, and the struggle for belonging in a small Norwegian town where superstition and fear reign. Through the perspectives of various characters, including the Norns of Norse Mythology, the story explores the complexities of fate and time, as well as the magical elements intertwined with the characters' lives. Grierson's non-linear narrative style, filled with sensory descriptions and poetic imagery, invites readers on a journey of transformation, magic, and self-reflection.
- #7
Save:The Spellcoats is a tale set in prehistoric Dalemark, before the kingdom was divided, depicting a young girl named Tanaqui and her siblings who must flee their village due to suspicion of collusion with invaders. Their journey downriver unveils a world of danger, magic, and the revelation of their unique lineage intertwined with the fate of the land. Tanaqui's narrative, woven into magical garments, serves as a metaphor for storytelling and the blending of myth and reality, creating a fable-like atmosphere that echoes the work of Ursula Le Guin. Diana Wynne Jones crafts a narrative that explores themes of survival, prejudice, and the power of storytelling in a world filled with ancient gods and mystical sorcery.
I WANT TO TELL of our journey down the River. We are five. The eldest is my sister Robin. Next is my brother Gull, and then my brother Hern. I come fourth, and I am called Tanaqui, which is a name fro...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Dalemark Quartet ) - #8
Save:In the remote village of Chust, strange occurrences begin to unsettle the residents as livestock goes missing, dead loved ones visit at night, and unusual deaths plague the community. The arrival of a band of gypsies only adds to the tension, and young Peter, along with a young gypsy girl, finds himself facing a supernatural threat lurking in the surrounding forests. Set in Eastern Europe during the early 17th century, the book weaves together folklore, superstition, and mystery as Peter unravels the secrets of the village to save his people from dark forces that threaten to destroy them all. The writing style is described as simple yet evocative, gradually building suspense page after page towards a nail-biting conclusion.
Peter trudged behind his father toward Chust, shivering as he went. Their hut lay a little way behind them, outside the village itself. St. Andrew’s Eve was still a few days off, and the snow was stro... - #9
Save:'Daughters of the Witching Hill' by Mary Sharratt is a historical fiction novel set in Pendle Forest, England, during the time of the Pendle witch trials. The story follows the lives of cunning women and supposed witches living in poverty, using herbal remedies and folk magic to help their neighbors. The narrative is rich in historical detail, exploring the social circumstances of the time, religious persecution, and the fear and suspicion that led to the witch trials. The book is narrated through the eyes of Bess Southerns, known as Mother Demdike, and her granddaughter Alizon Device, providing a multi-generational perspective on the events unfolding in the community.
SEE US GATHERED HERE, three women stood at Richard Baldwin's gate. I bide with my daughter, Liza of the squint-eye, and with my granddaughter, Alizon, just fifteen and dazzling as the noontide sun, so... - #10
Save:The Red Room by H.G. Wells is a horror story about a scientific-minded man who plans to debunk the myth of a haunted room. He enters in the darkness of night and proceeds to apply the scientific method to what he sees. However, it does not go as planned. The story is a short, spooky thriller that creates a creepy atmosphere and deals with the fear of ghosts, masterfully written by H.G. Wells. The vivid descriptions and foreshadowing add to the suspense as the protagonist faces his fears in the Red Room of Lorraine Castle.
