Books Like...
'John the Balladeer' in the 'Silver John' series by Manly Wade Wellman is a collection of short stories and novels that revolve around a fictional Appalachian folk hero named Silver John. Set in the Appalachian mountains, the stories are steeped in Appalachian folklore and music, with the protagonist using his silver-stringed guitar and hymns to battle evil creatures and supernatural forces. The tales are described as atmospheric, simple, and wonderful, evoking a sense of setting, culture, and Americana. is praised for its quick reads, light-hearted folk horror, and the way it establishes a strong sense of place and time.
If you liked John the Balladeer, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Revelator by Daryl Gregory is a Southern Gothic horror novel set in the backwoods of Tennessee during the 1930s and 40s. The story follows Stella, a female bootlegger, who returns to her family's secluded mountain home after a tragic incident. There, she encounters a mysterious god named Ghostdaddy who communicates through chosen daughters known as Revelators. As Stella navigates family secrets, religious fanaticism, and the looming threat of losing their land to a national park, she must protect a young girl named Sunny from the same fate she endured. The dual timelines and intricate family relationships gradually reveal the dark and unsettling truths hidden in the cave where the god resides.
Stella wallace met her family’s god when she was nine years old. Later, she couldn’t figure out why she didn’t run when she saw it. It wasn’t fear that pinned her to the spot, staring up at it, or eve... - #2
Save:'Who Fears The Devil?' by Manly Wade Wellman is a collection of short stories featuring the enigmatic character Silver John, also known as John the Balladeer. Set in the Appalachian mountains, the tales follow Silver John as he wanders through rural America, using his silver string guitar and mystical knowledge to combat supernatural evil lurking in the mountain communities. The stories are steeped in folklore, showcasing a blend of magical elements and Christian themes, creating a uniquely American fantasy world filled with giants, witches, hoodoos, and other mysterious beings.
The book's episodic nature presents standalone stories that are rich in Appalachian folklore, with Silver John portrayed as a guitar-playing hero who fights against both natural and supernatural forces. Wellman's writing style captures the essence of the region, featuring quaint dialogues, rough descriptions, and folksy insights. The tales are a mix of horror and fantasy, with each story offering a glimpse into Silver John's mystical encounters and adventures in the early 20th century American South.
- #3
Save:The Hollow Kind by Andy Davidson is a Southern Gothic horror novel that weaves a tale across multiple timelines and generations, focusing on a family cursed with a monstrous entity to take care of. The narrative skillfully blends supernatural horror with an incisive naturalism, delving into the themes of trauma, suffering, and the impact of evil on generations. The writing style is described as remarkable, with vivid descriptions of the Georgia woods that are both wondrous and ominous, immersing the reader in a world filled with horror and suspense.
- #4
Save:Southern Gods by John Hornor Jacobs is a horror novel set in the Deep South of Arkansas in the early 1950s, blending elements of Southern gothic and Lovecraftian horror. The story follows Bull Ingram, a former marine, as he is hired to track down a mysterious blues musician named Ramblin' John Hastur whose music is rumored to have supernatural powers. Meanwhile, Sarah Williams returns to her ancestral estate, uncovering dark family secrets that intertwine with the looming threat of ancient gods and forbidden music.
Jacobs weaves together a tale of suspense, mystery, and horror, introducing readers to a world where music can animate the dead, ancient gods lurk in the shadows, and sacrifices are made to prevent the return of an Elder God. The narrative unfolds through multiple viewpoints, blending elements of country blues, southern gothic, and Lovecraftian mythology to create a chilling and atmospheric story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Ingram sat in the office, on a cul-de-sac off Poplar, facing Corso over an expanse of mahogany desk. Ceiling fans stirred the smoke in the air. At the far end of the office, beyond a plate-glass windo... A Lush and Seething Hell by John Hornor Jacobs is a collection of two powerful horror novellas that delve into cosmic horror and dark fantasy themes. The first novella, 'The Sea Dreams It Is the Sky,' takes readers on a journey through South America and Spain, exploring the nature of artistry and radical politics. The second novella, 'My Heart Struck Sorrow,' immerses readers in the American South, unraveling a tale of music, horror, and historical elements. Both narratives are filled with creeping dread, detailed settings, and masterful prose that captivate readers and pull them into worlds of eerie and unsettling experiences.
On the streets, they called him “The Eye,” for obvious reasons—the eyepatch, of course, but also his wary, sleepless demeanor. He would sit in the afternoons in the Parque de Huelin in the shade, a wi...- #6
Save:Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt is a collection of weird, atmospheric, and disturbing short stories with a Southern Gothic and New Weird vibe. The stories delve into themes of loss, grief, longing, and loneliness while incorporating bizarre elements like a man transforming into a swan, a bleeding mountain, and women falling from the sky. Wehunt's writing style is described as subtle, eerie, and beautiful, introducing horror in a dreamlike manner that creeps under the reader's skin.
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that nothing is really cyclical. We like to talk about what’s old being new again, and consider our culture to simply be a series of rehashes of what came before. But it... - #7
Save:Dagon by Fred Chappell is a short novel set in the world of the mythos, focusing on a protagonist named Peter Leland who gradually loses his will and life to a fishoid entity named Mina. The story unfolds in an ancient temple where Peter is held captive in chains, depicting his descent into madness and the mysterious happenings surrounding him. The writing style is described as slow, atmospheric, and moody, building tension as Peter investigates the dark secrets of his home.
About 9:30 the next morning he entered the downstairs room which faced the almost painfully blue west and the tall ridge across the little valley, the room which his grandparents had used to call the... - #8
Save:SINEATER is a novel that delves into the dark and disturbing tale of a perverse form of Christianity practiced in the mountains of Virginia. The story follows Joel, the son of the town's sineater, as he navigates through a series of deaths and struggles to find his place in a world where his family is shunned. The book explores themes of blind faith, human interactions, and the changing traditions of a small town, all set against a backdrop of rural superstitions and eerie depictions of the Appalachian mountains.
Burke looks over the woman’s shoulders at the Sister and Brother. Then he tries to focus again on his Aunt Missy. He does not understand her. He knows little of God except for what he has been told si... - #9
Save:'Countless Haints' in the series 'Harrow County' by Cullen Bunn is a dark horror graphic novel with beautiful artwork and a captivating southern gothic horror story. The plot follows Emmy, a young woman who discovers her peculiarities when she turns 18 and embarks on a journey to define her identity. The narrative is described as idyllic, subdued, yet mystical and childlike, creating a setting filled with dark wonders and menacing whispers. The story unfolds at a good pace, allowing readers to delve into the subtleties of character interactions and the spooky ambiance of the environment.
The book offers a unique approach to art, blending watercolor and ink traditional panels, standing out in an age dominated by digital inkers and colorists. With a focus on character development and a gradual increase in horror elements, readers find themselves connecting with Emmy and her journey of self-discovery amidst a backdrop of eerie events and supernatural occurrences.
- #10
Save:'The Hum and the Shiver' by Alex Bledsoe revolves around Private Bronwyn Hyatt, a war hero returning to her hometown in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, inhabited by the secretive and enigmatic Tufa people. Bronwyn must navigate her obligations to her people, her family, and her own identity while facing mysterious omens, family tragedies, and the pull of her heritage's music. Set in a contemporary Appalachian setting, the novel delves into themes of war, power, family obligations, and the struggle to find one's place in a unique and magical community, all with a touch of magical realism.
A screech owl stood on the porch rail, its tiny talons scratching against the wood. The dawn light made the tufts of its wind-ruffled feathers look jagged and bloody. The bird had a voice far out of p...
