Books Like...
The Conqueror Worms by Brian Keene is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a world where rain has been falling continuously for over forty days, leading to a global flood and the appearance of ancient mythical creatures. The story follows multiple groups of survivors, including an eighty-something WWII veteran named Teddy, who must navigate the new dangers brought on by the deadly Behemoth and Leviathan. The novel combines elements of horror, survival, and fantasy, keeping readers engaged with well-drawn characters and a suspenseful plot that culminates in a climactic battle for survival against monstrous creatures and sinister forces.
The book is praised for its engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The pacing is well-maintained, and the ending leaves room for interpretation, offering a blend of hope and horror depending on the reader's perspective. Brian Keene's writing style is commended for its ability to create a vivid and immersive world filled with memorable characters, intense action sequences, and a sense of impending doom that drives the story forward, making it a must-read for fans of apocalyptic fiction.
If you liked The Conqueror Worms, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Dead Sea' by Brian Keene is a zombie survival novel that follows a group of survivors living on the sea to escape the land infested with the dead. The story is action-packed, easily visualized, and features believable characters. The main character, Lamar, is praised for being realistic, flawed, and relatable. The plot involves the survivors dealing with isolation, dwindling supplies, and the constant threat of zombies.
I didn’t shoot the bitch until she started eating Alan’s face. Before this whole thing began, I’d never shot anyone in my life. Not once. I never held a gun until a few weeks before Hamelin’s Revenge ... - #2
Save:Dark Hollow by Brian Keene is a horror novel set in a small town in Pennsylvania, where a man named Adam Senft discovers an ancient being in the nearby forest that can control the women in the town. As the women start to go missing, Adam and his male neighbors band together to protect their loved ones from the mystical power of the creature. The story unfolds with a mix of mythology and contemporary magic, delivering action, chills, and emotional horror that keeps the readers engaged till the very end.
The book is praised for its character development, unique plot involving a satyr as the villain, and the author's ability to blend elements of horror with emotional depth. The writing style is described as engaging, with a focus on creating characters that readers care about and a narrative that keeps them on the edge of their seats.
Winter had been a hard one. Two books to write in five months’ time. It’s not something I recommend doing, if you can help it. There was a lot of pressure involved. The sales of my first novel, Heart ... - #3
Save:The Rising by Brian Keene is a gripping zombie novel that delves into the emotional journey of a father, Jim Thurmond, as he traverses a zombie-infested America to save his son. The book is praised for its unique take on the zombie genre, featuring intelligent and organized zombies that can think, speak, and operate weaponry. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed, with well-developed main characters and a narrative style that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
“Nothing, honey,” her father fibbed again, quickly glancing away. “Your Mom worked a double shift at the hospital, and she says she has to stay a little longer. But I think she should come home now, s... - #4
Save:Darkness on the Edge of Town by Brian Keene is a novel that follows the story of a small town, Walden, Virginia, enveloped by a mysterious, evil darkness that traps its residents within. The plot focuses on the struggle for survival as the inhabitants face anarchy, deprivation of essentials, and the worst of human nature emerging in a fight for existence. The writing style is engaging, with a first-person perspective that keeps readers intrigued, even though the story is not particularly scary but rather mildly creepy at times.
In the beginning was the word. I know this because the Bible tells me so. The Bible tells me a lot of things. It says that Jesus loves me, and that you shouldn’t suffer a witch to live, and in the beg... - #5
Save:"The Dead Sea" by Tim Curran is a horror novel that follows a group of men stranded in a mysterious fog after their ship encounters strange creatures and crashes. The survivors must navigate the darkness, bizarre creatures, and each other's conflicts while trying to make sense of their situation and survive. The story is described as eerie, Lovecraftian in tone, and full of tension and atmospheric dread, making it a chilling and thrilling read for fans of horror.
Just Styles in the little dinghy, alone. Not a man anymore, not really, just something silent and waxen and waiting. Something small and existential, something crushed and discarded, flaking and decay... - #6
Save:In 'Urban Gothic' by Brian Keene, a group of suburban teenagers find themselves stranded in a dangerous part of town after their car breaks down. Seeking refuge in an old abandoned house, they soon realize they have stumbled into a nightmare inhabited by mutant cannibals. The fast-paced and relentless plot keeps readers on edge as the teenagers fight for survival against gruesome horrors lurking within the house. Keene's vivid descriptions and realistic decision-making of the characters immerse readers into the terrifying world he has created, making it a gripping and disturbing read.
A car rolled slowly past, its underside so low to the ground that it almost scraped against the road. The windows were tinted, and they couldn’t see the driver, but the vehicle’s stereo was turned up ... - #7
Save:In the book 'Clickers' by J.F. Gonzalez and Mark Williams, readers are introduced to a small coastal town invaded by monstrous creatures known as Clickers, a combination of crab, lobster, and scorpion. The story follows horror writer Rick Sychek who relocates to the town of Philipsport in search of inspiration but finds himself entangled in a fight for survival as the town faces a series of horrifying attacks. As the Clickers wreak havoc, a new threat emerges in the form of the Dark Ones, escalating the chaos and danger faced by the townspeople. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with gruesome violence, unexpected twists, and chilling moments that keep readers on edge.
The book 'Clickers' draws inspiration from classic thalassophobic tropes and eighties style monster movies, creating a nostalgic yet intense atmosphere reminiscent of B movie cinema. Through vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, the authors delve into themes of survival, carnage, and the unknown, keeping readers engaged with a blend of horror, suspense, and action. With elements of gore, unexpected deaths, and a relentless pace, 'Clickers' offers a thrilling and entertaining read that appeals to fans of splatterpunk and creature feature genres.
The patchy drizzle that had been dogging his path off and on during the twelve-hour drive suddenly became a steady rain. Rick turned his windshield wipers on again for the forty-seventh time, this tim... - #8
Save:In "The Montauk Monster" by Hunter Shea, a small town in Long Island is terrorized by large, vicious animal attacks that leave a trail of destruction and death. As the local police and government agencies try to contain the outbreak, a dark secret emerges from a nearby research facility on Plum Island, adding layers of terror and suspicion to the already gruesome events. The writing style of the book is fast-paced, gripping, and filled with tension, reminiscent of a B-movie horror from the 80s, accompanied by a quality 80s horror soundtrack.
Hal lowered his glasses so he could see through the yellowed face of the Islanders Stanley Cup Champs clock. It rested at an angle against the behemoth of a cash register that had been there since the... - #9
Save:'City of the Dead' in the series 'The Rising' by Brian Keene is a thrilling and intense sequel that continues the story of survivors on the run from zombies. The plot is filled with non-stop action, brutal battles, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as graphic, violent, and not suitable for children, with a focus on creating a dark and immersive atmosphere. The characters are well-developed, with some readers forming strong attachments to them, while others find the gore and lack of emotional connection a downside.
Standing next to their battered Humvee, Jim, Martin, and Frankie stared into the distance. A cemetery stretched off to the horizon along both sides of New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway, and the highwa...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Rising ) - #10
Save:'Night Of The Crabs' by Guy N. Smith is a creature feature novel that follows Professor Cliff Davenport as he investigates the mysterious disappearances of bathers on the Welsh coast, only to discover an army of giant crabs led by a monstrous King Crab. The plot is fast-paced, filled with gory showdowns between the crabs and humanity, interspersed with passionate yet over-the-top sex scenes. The writing style is described as basic and functional, reminiscent of a 1950s B movie, with exaggerated characters and action set pieces.
THE sunlight sparkled and shimmered on the deep blue of the incoming tide, the waves lapping gently at the harbour wall. Fishing smacks bobbed lazily on the slight swell, and flocks of seagulls screec...
