Books Like...
'Song of Kali' by Dan Simmons is a dark and chilling tale set in Calcutta, India, where journalist Robert Luzcak is sent to investigate new poetry by an Indian poet who was presumed dead. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a secret religious society devoted to the goddess Kali, the destroyer of life. The story is filled with suspense, horror, and a sense of impending doom from the very beginning, painting a vivid picture of the city as a monstrous entity in itself. The narrative explores themes of culture shock, supernatural elements, and the thin line between reality and manipulation, leaving readers on edge throughout the book.
If you liked Song of Kali, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Carrion Comfort by Dan Simmons is a lengthy horror novel that delves into the chilling tale of a small group of individuals with the ability to control the minds of others. The story follows multiple plot lines that weave in and out of each other, keeping the reader engrossed with clever concepts and plenty of creepy moments. Simmons' writing style is described as detailed, epic, disturbing, and intense, with the ability to create a deep and intense read that takes more than one sitting to fully appreciate.
Nina was going to take credit for the death of that Beatle, John. I thought that was in very bad taste. She had her scrapbook laid out on my mahogany coffee table, newspaper clippings neatly arranged ... - #2
'Summer of Night' by Dan Simmons is a horror story set in the fictional town of Elm Haven, IL in 1960. It follows a group of young boys as they embark on summer adventures, unaware of an ancient force trying to resurrect itself in their town. As mysterious deaths occur, the boys must band together to fight off this malevolent entity and prevent it from wreaking havoc on their community. intricately weaves elements of horror, coming of age, and supernatural genres, providing a nostalgic yet chilling tale of friendship, courage, and the battle against evil.
Girls played with dolls in the shadows of her classrooms and corridors and later died in childbirth. Boys ran shouting through her hallways, sat in punishment through the growing darkness of winter af... - #3
'Last Days' by Brian B.K. Evenson is a dark and twisted tale following Kline, a detective who is forced to investigate a murder within an underground religious cult that glorifies amputation. The story delves into themes of extreme violence, body horror, and the exploration of religion taken to its most gruesome extremes. Evenson's writing style is described as intense, lean, and haunting, with a plot that unfolds in a chillingly realistic manner that keeps readers on edge.
The second time was worse than the first, both because he already knew how it would feel and because of how much thicker an elbow is than a wrist. Still, he managed it, left-handed, despite Borchert's... - #4
"Last Days" by Adam Nevill is a horror novel that follows struggling filmmaker Kyle as he embarks on a documentary project about a cult that ended in tragedy. The storyline delves into the paranormal and occult, with a mix of psychological horror and found footage elements. The author's writing style is described as atmospheric and creepy, building tension and anticipation throughout the narrative. Some readers found the premise intriguing, while others felt that the writing was uneven, with moments of clunky prose that detracted from the overall experience.
And the woman could hear those old friends moving in the distant, and not so distant rooms of her home. Old friends she tried to forget for longer than she had the strength to remember. Until she unde... - #5
The Croning by Laird Barron is a chilling horror novel that follows Donald Miller, an elderly man experiencing signs of dementia and uncovering sinister secrets about his wife and her family. As Donald delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding his wife Michelle and her ancestral roots, he discovers disturbing truths that challenge his sanity. The story is a blend of modern storytelling and Lovecraftian cosmic horror, expertly crafted by Barron to create an atmospheric and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on edge.
Barron's writing style in The Croning is described as beautifully descriptive and captivating, with a focus on intricate details and character relationships. The novel weaves together elements of family life, occultism, and psychological horror, creating a complex and engaging tale that explores themes of memory, evil, and the unknown. Through skillful storytelling and evocative descriptions, Barron immerses readers in a world where dark secrets and ancient cults lurk just beneath the surface of everyday life.
The Spy who was the son of the Miller embarked upon a perilous mission into the Western Mountains. The cart tracks and game trails he followed were tortuous, wending through darksome forests full of r... - #6
The novel "Little Heaven" by Nick Cutter is a sprawling horror epic that follows the adventures of three mercenaries hired to investigate a religious settlement in the New Mexico wilderness. The story toggles between two timelines, 1965 and 1980, and features elements of religion, supernatural entities, and intense action scenes. The book delves into the characters' pasts, their encounters with evil, and their ultimate confrontation with malevolent forces at Little Heaven.
The little aphid did, though at a register too high for any human ear to perceive. It toiled in the root system of a cactus plant growing on the edge of the New Mexico desert. An insect so small that ... - #7
The Children of Red Peak by Craig DiLouie is a chilling tale of five survivors of a religious cult who reunite after one of them takes her own life. As the group pieces together their traumatic past at Red Peak, they are drawn back to confront the horrific truth they had long buried. The novel delves into themes of trauma, cult fanaticism, and the blurred lines between good and evil, with a narrative that jumps between past and present, revealing the characters' struggles to cope with their haunting memories.
- #8
'Olympos' by Dan Simmons is a complex and epic science fiction novel that serves as the sequel to 'Ilium'. The book continues the story of a Trojan War being replayed against a science fictional background, weaving together Greek mythology, Shakespearean elements, time travel, robots, and genetically modified beings in a distant future setting. The plot involves various storylines converging on Earth and Mars, with characters like Odysseus, Harman, Ada, Hockenberry, and Helen navigating through alliances, conflicts with gods, and existential threats to humanity.
Helen of Troy awakes just before dawn to the sound of air raid sirens. She feels along the cushions of her bed but her current lover, Hockenberry, is gone—slipped out into the night again before the s... - #9
Devil's Creek by Todd Keisling is a horror novel that delves into the dark themes of religion, cults, and the consequences of small-town beliefs. The story follows the town of Stauford, Kentucky, where a secluded religious cult once worshipped an evil God underground. As the past of the cult resurfaces, the characters, including the Stauford Six who suffered under the cult leader Jacob Masters, must confront the trauma and evil that threatens to engulf the town once again. The writing style of the book is described as detailed and immersive, drawing readers into the eerie atmosphere of the story with vivid descriptions and impactful scenes.
The sun hung low along the western horizon, painting the forest with fractured orange flames, and Imogene Tremly knew in her heart the minister would be dead before it rose again. She’d prayed for thi... - #10
Set in the 1800s, 'The Terror' by Dan Simmons follows the ill-fated expedition of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror as they search for the Northwest Passage through the Arctic. The story is a blend of historical fiction and supernatural elements, incorporating themes of survival, exploration, and the mysterious creature that stalks the crew, creating a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere. Simmons intricately weaves in elements of Inuit mythology, adding depth and a fresh perspective to the well-known historical event.
Simmons' writing style in 'The Terror' is described as detailed, immersive, and atmospheric, capturing the harsh conditions of the Arctic and the psychological struggles of the characters with precision. The novel keeps readers engaged with its mix of historical accuracy, nautical elements, and fantastical elements, making it a unique and captivating read that blurs the lines between reality and myth.
Captain Crozier comes up on deck to find his ship under attack by celestial ghosts. Above him — above Terror — shimmering folds of light lunge but then quickly withdraw like the colourful arms of aggr...