Books Like...
'Fires of Eden' by Dan Simmons is a thrilling tale set in Hawaii, where a multi-millionaire tries to sell his resort to Japanese businessmen, only to face the wrath of ancient Hawaiian deities. The story intertwines two narratives - one involving the current events at the resort with missing guests and strange occurrences, and the other through journal entries from the past detailing the encounters of a young Samuel Clemens with similar horrors. The writing style combines elements of thriller, humor, and historical references, creating a fast-paced and engaging storyline with a touch of campiness.
If you liked Fires of Eden, here are the top 48 books to read next:
- #1
'A Winter Haunting' by Dan Simmons is a sequel to 'Summer of Night' that follows the protagonist, Dale Stewart, as he returns to his hometown in Illinois after a series of personal failures. Renting the farm where his childhood friend died, Dale aims to write a novel about the mysterious events of his past. As he grapples with his own sanity, he encounters strange phenomena, including black dogs and haunting messages, all while being harassed by Neo-Nazi punks. The book weaves a tale of psychological complexity, ghostly encounters, and a suspenseful plot that keeps readers on edge.
I know what you’re thinking. There’s the old journalism anecdote of William Randolph Hearst needing someone to cover the Johnstown flood and sending a young cub reporter. It was the kid’s big break. T...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Seasons of Horror ) - #2
'Children of the Night' by Dan Simmons is a modern vampire story set in post Ceausescu Romania and America, featuring a hematologist named Kate Neuman who discovers a unique immune system in an abandoned baby boy. The story delves into the potential of the child's immune system for medical breakthroughs, intertwining with the arrival of vampires, including Vlad Dracula himself. The narrative alternates between the quest to save the child and the memories of Vlad Dracula, creating a fast-paced and engaging plot that blends elements of horror and science fiction.
We flew to Bucharest almost as soon as the shooting had stopped, landing at Otopeni Airport just after midnight on December 29, 1989. As the semiofficial “International Assessment Contingent,” the six...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Seasons of Horror ) - #3
Thirteen Days by Sunset Beach by Ramsey Campbell is a horror novel that follows the story of Ray and Sandra, their children, and grandchildren on a vacation to the Greek island of Vasilema and the mysterious Sunset Beach. The plot deals with typical family squabbles during the trip, but there is an underlying sense of horror that gradually unfolds. The narrative is described as subtle in its approach, with secrets slowly revealed to the readers, creating an unsettling atmosphere. The book combines superb descriptions with turgid speech, leading to a Lovecraftian climax that keeps the readers engaged.
The story is narrated from Ray's point of view, the patriarch of the family, as they face challenges such as missing passports, cultural differences, and the subtle warnings from the locals about hidden dangers on the island. As the family explores the island, encountering gaunt strangers, physical changes, and eerie locations like a deserted monastery, they become convinced that they are being stalked by an ancient evil residing on the island. The book expertly conveys a sense of quiet terror lurking beneath the surface of normal life, making it a captivating read for fans of horror fiction.
- #4
'Paradise Club' by Tim Meyer is a fast-paced horror novel that takes readers on a thrilling and gory adventure. Set on a private island called Paradise, the story follows Elliott, his wife Vanessa, and their children as they win a vacation along with other guests. However, things take a dark turn when they realize they are trapped on the island with psycho killers and no means of communication. The plot is filled with twists and surprises, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through the blood-soaked chaos. The writing style is described as violent, brutal, and beautifully dark, appealing to fans of over-the-top horror and slasher movies.
- #5
Elizabeth Hand's 'Hokuloa Road' is a thrilling tale set in Hawai'i, where a troubled former EMT named Grady Kendall takes up a caretaker job for a billionaire naturalist, Wesley Minton. As Grady navigates the mysterious Hokuloa Point Wilderness Preserve, he finds himself entangled in a web of disappearances, ominous spirits from Hawai'ian mythology, and a plot that blends supernatural elements with a darkly fabulist narrative. Hand's evocative prose weaves together the suspenseful plot with a deep dive into the native Hawai'ian animal life, flora, and fauna, creating a story that is both informative and nerve-wracking.
Grady's journey is filled with encounters with intriguing characters, including Raina Mayhew, a fiercely protective friend of a missing woman, Jessica Kiyoko. As Grady delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the disappearances on Hokuloa Road, he faces challenges that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural, culminating in a gripping and eerie narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- #6
'Castaways' by Brian Keene is a horror novel that revolves around a reality television show called Castaways, where contestants are stranded on an island and face deadly creatures inspired by Richard Laymon's Beast House series. The story is fast-paced, filled with gore, and features a group of characters fighting for survival against ancient denizens. Keene's writing style is described as drawing readers in with interesting characters, twists, and a generous amount of horror elements.
Becka knew she was going to drown. Gasping, she filled her lungs as another massive wave forced her below the churning turquoise waters. As she plunged downward, all sound ceased, except her heartbeat... - #7
A group of tourists from all over come together to party in Thailand, then end up on a not so deserted island with no way to escape. Ancient creepy things come for them, resulting in a full-on fight to survive. The story follows Ana and her sister, who, along with other party-goers, find themselves stranded on the island infested with humanoid creatures seeking human sacrifices for their god. The plot is fast-paced, delving quickly into action and maintaining a high level of intensity throughout, with a mix of horror, gore, and cosmic elements.
The writing style of David Sodergren is described as top-notch, with vivid imagery that is easy to understand even for non-native English readers. The book features strong female leads, engaging plot development, and a mix of horror, humor, and suspense that keeps readers hooked. The narrative includes elements of body horror, gore, and cosmic horror, creating a terrifying and thrilling reading experience.
Ana Logan stood outside the hostel bedroom she shared with her sister Rachel and Paul Cook, Rachel’s boyfriend. She put an ear to the door, listening to Rachel’s laboured panting and Paul grunting lik... - #8
'Black Hills' by Dan Simmons follows the life of Paha Sapa, a Lakota Sioux, who embarks on a journey that spans significant historical events such as General Custer's Last Stand, the Chicago World Fair of 1893, the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, and the creation of Mount Rushmore. The narrative shifts in time, providing a detailed exploration of Paha Sapa's experiences and interactions with historical figures like General Custer. delves into themes of Native American culture, spirituality, and the impact of white man's incursion into the Black Hills of South Dakota.
PAHA SAPA PULLS HIS HAND BACK SHARPLY BUT NOT BEFORE HE feels the rattlesnake-strike shock of the dying Wasicun’s ghost leaping into his fingers and flowing up his arm and into his chest. The boy lurc... - #9
The Grand Hotel by Scott Kenemore is a ghost story anthology with a wraparound tale set in a creepy old hotel where the chillingly genial manager takes a group of guests on a tour, visiting the long-term residents who share eerie stories of supernatural occurrences in their lives. The novel presents a series of short stories linked together by a tour around the hotel, with a sense of unease generated through multiple threads and a diverse cast of characters telling haunting tales.
The writing style of The Grand Hotel is well-paced, with characters coming alive within their own individual stories. The book features a fantastic premise where guests are taken on a tour of the hotel, encountering inexplicable and supernatural events along the way. Kenemore's light touch with supernatural elements allows for a gothic atmosphere to prevail, making the scenes work without relying solely on horrific narrative elements.
- #10
'The Resort' by Bentley Little is a chilling horror novel that takes readers on a twisted journey to an exclusive spa located in the isolated Arizona desert called The Reata. As a family vacations at this seemingly luxurious resort, they encounter strange employees, unspeakable occurrences in the pool, and mysterious disappearances of guests. The plot escalates as the family is drawn into a web of malevolent forces, ancient evils, and a fight for survival against the dark secrets of the resort. Bentley Little's writing style is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and filled with macabre characterizations that keep readers on edge.
The narrative of 'The Resort' is a blend of 'The Shining' meets 'Desperation', offering a mix of psychological terror and disturbing events that unfold within the confines of the eerie desert resort. The author, Bentley Little, expertly weaves a tale of escalating horror, unexpected twists, and a sense of unease that grips readers from the beginning, making it a page-turner that leaves a lasting impression.
"Where is this place?" Lowell wondered aloud, but Rachel, tiredly fanning herself with the AAA map as she sat next to him, did not respond, and the kids in the back were too busy fighting to even lis...