Books Like...

The Mostly True Story of Jack is a captivating tale about a boy named Jack who is overlooked by his family and sent to live with his strange aunt and uncle in a small town. As he navigates his new surroundings, he forms a friendship, uncovers the evil hidden within the town, and discovers his true place in the world. The plot is filled with magic, friendship, courage, and character development, all intertwined with a sense of mystery and suspense. Kelly Barnhill's writing style beautifully captures Jack's pain and the complexities of the townspeople, creating a unique and heart-wrenching story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

'Once...' by James Herbert is a dark and twisted fairy tale set in the English countryside. The story follows Thom Kindred, a man in his twenties who returns to his childhood home, Little Bracken, to recuperate after a stroke. However, Thom soon discovers that he is caught in a battle between supernatural forces of good and evil, with a seductive witch named Nell Quick at the center of it all. As Thom navigates through creepy castles, mysterious woods, and encounters with fairies, he must uncover hidden agendas and face increasingly fantastic situations. The book blends elements of horror, erotic passion, and belief, creating a compelling and adult-themed escapism reading experience.

The writing style of 'Once...' is described as wordy and descriptive, requiring a close read to fully appreciate the craftsmanship of the author, James Herbert. The book is praised for its brilliant prose, vivid imagery, and the way it weaves together horror, fantasy, and reality into a captivating narrative that keeps readers hooked until the very end.

'Nocturnes' by John Connolly is a collection of short fiction that takes readers on a wild and terrifying ride through stories set in the United States and British Isles. The book features vampires, ghosts, demons, and other supernatural beings, providing a mix of horror and mystery that keeps readers engaged and intrigued. The writing style is described as smooth flowing, creepy, and reminiscent of classic authors like Poe and Lovecraft, with personalized echoes that make the stories unique and enjoyable.

In "Faerie Tale" by Raymond E. Feist, the Higgings family moves to a farm with rumored Faerie Woods, where they encounter scary and ruthless supernatural beings seeking to harm them. The story is filled with mystery, magic, drama, and a touch of love as characters navigate the Faerie world while dealing with the dark and otherworldly creatures.

The book is set in modern-day upper state New York and intermixes Celtic mythical creatures with twentieth-century individuals, focusing on the twins Patrick and Sean as they learn to cope in the Faerie world. As the family unravels the mysteries surrounding their new home, they are drawn into a tale of Faerie intersecting with the real world, leading to a compelling and engaging narrative.

After giving birth to twin boys, Lauren is confronted by a creepy woman in the maternity ward asking to swap babies. The babies seem to go missing in the park one day and when they are found, they've been replaced by creatures called changelings who resemble her twins but are not the same. Policewoman Harper believes Lauren's claims and investigates whether it is a sinister fairy tale or postpartum psychosis. The book weaves elements of folklore, horror, and psychological suspense, keeping the reader uncertain about the magical element or Lauren's imagination.

Pan's Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun is a dark fantasy novel that follows the story of Ofelia, a young girl living in Spain during World War II. Through a mix of fairy tales and reality, the book weaves a tale of Ofelia's journey into the Underground Kingdom, where she must complete tasks to prove her worth as a princess. The writing style of the book combines the descriptive language of Cornelia Funke with the magical storytelling of Guillermo del Toro, creating a beautifully dark and enchanting world that explores themes of life, death, good, evil, and the power of imagination.

'Knock Knock, Open Wide' by Neil Sharpson is a horror novel inspired by Irish mythology and folklore. It follows the story of a lesbian couple, Betty and Ashling, as they navigate a creepy and mysterious world intertwined with Irish children's programming. features elements of Celtic mythology, intergenerational trauma, and a cursed media element, creating a unique and eerie atmosphere. Sharpson's writing style is described as blending horror, romance, and Irish folklore seamlessly, with multiple interesting female character perspectives and a good sense of humor throughout the book.

Winterset Hollow by Jonathan Edward Durham is a unique and captivating blend of fantasy, horror, and dark fiction. The story follows John Eamon Buckley and his friends as they visit the estate of Edward Addington, the author of their beloved childhood book, 'Winterset Hollow.' What starts as a seemingly innocent trip takes a dark turn as the characters find themselves in a world where reality blurs, and whimsical characters from the book come to life, intertwining horror and fantasy in a chilling tale. The author's writing style is described as detailed, refreshing, and almost musical, creating a world that is both charming and horrifying, leaving readers captivated with every turn of the page.

Lonely Castle in the Mirror follows the story of Kokoro, a 7th grader who has stopped attending school due to a mysterious incident. She spends her days at home, isolated from the outside world, until one day a light appears from her mirror, transporting her to a magical castle where she meets six other teenagers. Together, they are tasked with finding a key hidden in the castle that can grant one of their wishes. As they navigate the challenges of the castle, they also navigate their own struggles and form deep connections with each other. The book delves into themes of mental health, school bullying, and friendship, blending elements of urban fairytale and fantasy quest in a poignant and imaginative way.

The novel intricately weaves together elements of fantasy, realism, and magical realism, creating a captivating and emotional narrative that addresses difficult topics with sensitivity. Through the lens of the seven teenagers and their journey in the castle, the author explores the complexities of their inner lives, relationships, and personal growth. The story unfolds gradually, revealing layers of depth and meaning as the characters grapple with their past traumas and present challenges, ultimately finding hope and connection in the midst of their struggles.

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert follows the journey of Alice Proserpine as she navigates a dark and eerie world filled with fairy tales and magic. Raised on the road by her mother to avoid her famous grandmother's fairy tales, Alice's life takes a drastic turn when her mother is kidnapped, forcing her to confront the truth of her past and her connection to the mysterious Hazel Wood. The book combines elements of dark fantasy, magical realism, and suspense, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems and danger lurks at every corner. Albert's writing style is described as poetic and atmospheric, immersing readers in a tale that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.