Books Like...
Shadows by John Saul is a gripping tale that explores the concept of true artificial intelligence and its potential dangers. The story follows ten-year-old Josh MacCallum, a gifted but lonely child who finds solace at the Barrington Academy, a mysterious school overlooking the Pacific coast. As Josh delves deeper into the Academy's secrets, he uncovers dark experiments and sinister forces at play, leading to a chilling and suspenseful narrative. John Saul's writing style is described as fast-paced and dark, with intricate character development and compelling twists that keep readers engaged till the very end.
If you liked Shadows, here are the top 23 books to read next:
- Rain at a funeral is a cliché, Carolyn Sturgess reflected as she gazed abstractedly out the window of the limousine that moved slowly through the streets of Westover. Though it was June, the day was c...
The old mill has been silent for a hundred years, its dread secrets locked from view. Still, the people of Westover, Massachusetts, remember . . . and whisper of that terrible day when horrifying flames claimed eleven innocent young lives. The day th
... - #2
Save:'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' by Washington Irving is a classic Halloween time book that is perfect for fall reading. The story follows the spooky and eerie tale of Sleepy Hollow, with its creepy setting and haunting atmosphere. Readers find it to be a short yet captivating read, with cozy descriptions that evoke the essence of autumn. Irving's writing style is described as beautiful and enchanting, making the reader feel as if they are immersed in a fairy tale book.
The book has been retold through different perspectives, adding depth to the original story. Some adaptations focus on the love affair between characters, while others highlight the ghostly elements that make it a great classic ghost story. Despite being an old tale, 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' remains a popular choice for readers looking for a spooky and atmospheric read during the fall season.
In the bosom of one of those spacious coves which indent the eastern shore of the Hudson, at that broad expansion of the river denominated by the ancient Dutch navigators the Tappan Zee, and where the... - #3
Save:Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky is a horror novel that follows the story of a young boy named Christopher who disappears and returns changed after being saved by a mysterious "nice man" in the woods. The town of Mill Grove becomes engulfed in fear as more children go missing, while Christopher is tasked with building a treehouse in the woods by Christmas. The book delves into themes of good versus evil, with a heavy dose of supernatural elements and religious undertones. The plot is described as a slow burn with numerous twists and turns, ultimately culminating in a battle between literal evil and the human capacity for love.
That’s what the little boy thought when the old Ford station wagon hit a speed bump and knocked him awake. He had that feeling of being cozy in bed, but suddenly needing to go to the bathroom. His eye... - #4
Save:Small Spaces by Katherine Arden is a middle-grade horror fantasy novel that follows Ollie, a young girl dealing with the loss of her mother. Ollie's encounter with a mysterious book leads her on a chilling adventure involving a sinister creature known as the Smiling Man, a farm with a dark history, and scarecrows that come to life. As Ollie and her friends navigate through a series of eerie events during a school field trip, they must unravel the mystery behind the book and confront the malevolent forces threatening their lives. The narrative is fast-paced, engaging, and weaves themes of grief, friendship, and courage into a spooky and suspenseful tale that captivates both younger and older readers.
OCTOBER IN EAST EVANSBURG, and the last warm sun of the year slanted red through the sugar maples. Olivia Adler sat nearest the big window in Mr. Easton’s math class, trying, catlike, to fit her entir... - #5
Save:'The Halloween Tree' by Ray Bradbury is a whimsical and eerie tale that follows a group of boys led by the mysterious Mr. Moundshroud on a time-traveling adventure to uncover the origins and traditions of Halloween. As they journey through different historical periods and cultures, the boys learn about the significance of the holiday and face challenges in their quest to save their lost friend Pipkin. Bradbury's writing style is described as poetic, evocative, and perfectly capturing the essence of Halloween, with vivid imagery and a nostalgic feel that enchants both children and adults alike.
It was a small town by a small river and a small lake in a small northern part of a Midwest state. There wasn’t so much wilderness around you couldn’t see the town. But on the other hand there wasn’t ... - #6
Save:'Intercepts' by T.J. Payne is a horror novel that follows Joe, a supervisor at a top secret government facility where human test subjects are subjected to extreme sensory deprivation to induce out of body experiences. These experiments are utilized by the government to locate and stop criminals. The book is described as fast-paced, unnerving, and intense, with a blend of horror and sci-fi elements. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, keeping the readers hooked until the very end. The writing style is noted for enhancing suspense and keeping the readers engaged, with a focus on creating a disturbing and creepy atmosphere.
He maneuvered his cart, which was too wide, through the stainless steel door, which was too narrow. There was barely a half-inch of clearance on either side of the cart, and, of course, he had to lift... - #7
Save:Set during World War II, 'The Wolf's Hour' follows the story of Michael Gallatin, an operative with lycanthropic abilities working behind enemy lines to complete missions and rescue people. The novel seamlessly blends horror, espionage, and adventure, with flashbacks revealing Michael's origin story as a werewolf. The plot involves a race against time to thwart a Nazi plot and prevent the derailing of the Allied invasion during World War II, all while exploring themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the power of love.
By February 1941, it had leaped like a firestorm from Europe to the shores of northwest Africa, where Hitler’s commander of German troops, a competent officer named Erwin Rommel, arrived in Tripoli in... - #8
Save:'The October Country' by Ray Bradbury is a collection of 19 horror fantasy short stories that showcase a range of dark, eerie, haunting, and twisted tales. The stories delve into macabre themes, odd occurrences, and bizarre situations that both entrance and repel readers. Through his poetic prose, Bradbury explores the nature of the human condition, mortality, and the mysteries of life, creating a haunting reading experience that lingers long after the stories are finished. The book is a blend of suspenseful, creepy, and unsettling narratives that evoke a sense of unease and contemplation about the world we live in.
The stories in 'The October Country' are known for their beautifully written and highly imaginative nature, capturing the reader's attention with vivid descriptions, vivid imagery, and engaging storytelling. Bradbury's writing style is characterized by its poetic evocations, sparse yet meaningful prose, and the ability to convey deep themes in a few words. The collection offers a mix of horror, fantasy, and suspense, with some stories exploring the darker aspects of human nature while others provide a whimsical and life-affirming perspective on existence. Overall, 'The October Country' presents a diverse range of narratives that touch on themes of love, death, fear, and the supernatural in a captivating and thought-provoking manner.
Tonight was one of those motionless hot summer nights. The concrete pier empty, the strung red, white, yellow bulbs burning like insects in the air above the wooden emptiness. The managers of the vari... - #9
Save:'Revival' by Stephen King follows the story of Jamie Morton and Rev. Charlie Jacobs, whose lives intertwine over nearly five decades. The book delves into themes of religion, music, addiction, illness, and death, with a touch of horror and existential despair. King's writing style is described as riveting, fascinating, and utterly terrifying, with detailed character development and a unique take on the afterlife.
I came from a big family—four boys, one girl—and as the youngest I always got lots of presents. Claire always gave the best ones. I don’t know if it was because she was the eldest, because she was the... - #10
Save:'The Institute' by Stephen King is a gripping tale that follows the story of Luke Ellis, a 12-year-old boy with telekinetic powers who is kidnapped from his home and taken to a mysterious facility known as The Institute. Here, he is subjected to cruel experiments alongside other children with psychic abilities. The narrative weaves elements of horror, suspense, and psychological thriller as the children band together to resist their captors and fight for survival. Stephen King's writing style in this book is described as reminiscent of his earlier works, with a focus on character development and intricate plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The book is praised for its engaging storytelling and the exploration of themes such as friendship, resilience, and the darkness of human nature.
Half an hour after Tim Jamieson’s Delta flight was scheduled to leave Tampa for the bright lights and tall buildings of New York, it was still parked at the gate. When a Delta agent and a blond woman ...
