Books Like...
'The Ballad of Black Tom' by Victor LaValle is a Lovecraftian novella set in the 1920s, a period marked by racism and social unrest. LaValle reimagines Lovecraft's story 'The Horror at Red Hook' from the perspective of a working-class African American musician, offering a fresh take on themes of immigrants, poverty, and marginalization in early 20th-century New York. The book expertly combines elements of horror, racism, and cosmic terror, creating a story that gradually transitions from a realistic setting to supernatural occurrences, making the supernatural aspects feel all the more unnerving.
The narrative follows Charles Thomas Tester, a black man navigating through a white-dominated city while facing racism and police brutality. LaValle's writing style is praised for its masterful handling of setting and circumstances, as well as the complexity of the protagonist's character. The book delves into the horrors of racism and the Great Old Ones, intertwining Lovecraftian mythology with social commentary, creating a compelling and powerful story that resonates with readers.
If you liked The Ballad of Black Tom, here are the top 100 books to read next:
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'Lovecraft Country' by Matt Ruff is a collection of tightly interconnected stories set in 1950s Jim Crow America, following a black family dealing with both the horrors of racism and Lovecraftian supernatural forces. The plot revolves around the family members navigating through secret societies, magic, and eldritch horrors while facing the challenges of racism and discrimination. The writing style is described as a blend of historical fiction and old-style horror, seamlessly weaving together elements of Lovecraftian tropes with the harsh realities of Jim Crow laws.
JIM CROW MILE—A unit of measurement, peculiar to colored motorists, comprising both physical distance and random helpings of fear, paranoia, frustration, and outrage. Its amorphous nature makes exact ... - #2
The Fisherman by John Langan is a cosmic horror novel that offers a fresh take on the genre, focusing on the underlying horror of loss rather than existential dread. The story follows Abe and Dan, two men bonded by heartbreak and fishing, as they are drawn to Dutchman's Creek by a local legend. The narrative weaves together elements of cosmic horror, quiet horror, and psychological terror, creating a dark and brooding tale that explores themes of grief, obsession, and the consequences of seeking the unknown.
I had most of it [Howard said] from Reverend Mapple. He was minister at the Lutheran Church in Woodstock, and what you’d call a local history buff. After I heard the story I’m going to tell you, I did... - #3
Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clark is a horror fantasy novella set in the 1920s American South, where the Ku Klux Klan is portrayed as both literal and metaphorical monsters. The story follows Maryse, a young black woman with a magic sword, as she battles these demonic entities disguised as Klansmen. The book seamlessly integrates elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and horror to address themes of racism, hate, and fear during the time of Jim Crow. The narrative is fast-paced, blending cosmic horror with social commentary, creating a unique and compelling story that explores the darkness of human nature.
Clark's writing style in Ring Shout has been praised for its vivid imagery, strong characterization, and powerful narrative voice. The novella delves into the depths of racism and prejudice, offering a fresh perspective on the historical events of the 1920s through a fantastical lens. The book's blend of action-packed sequences, cultural significance, and social commentary makes it a thought-provoking and engaging read that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and humanity.
There’s a bunch parading down Third Street, wearing white robes and pointed hoods. Not a one got their face covered. I hear them first Klans after the Civil War hid behind pillowcases and flour sacks ... - #4
The Horror at Red Hook by H.P. Lovecraft is a short horror novella that revolves around a New York police detective named Thomas Malone investigating mysterious occurrences in Red Hook. The story involves a rich and eccentric old man named Robert Suydam, who buys property in Red Hook where people start disappearing. The plot is described as having elements of human sacrifice and Lilith, with a confusing narrative structure that includes a sudden reverse aging of Suydam and his marriage to a young relative. Lovecraft's writing style in this book is criticized for being over embellished and hard to follow, with racist descriptions and a lack of a satisfactory conclusion.
“There are sacraments of evil as well as of good about us, and we live and move to my belief in an unknown world, a place where there are caves and shadows and dwellers in twilight. It is possible tha... - #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
'14' by Peter Clines is a mystery novel that follows Nate, a man who moves into a peculiar apartment building in L.A. As Nate starts to uncover strange occurrences within the building, he teams up with his neighbors to investigate further. The story unfolds as they delve into the mysteries behind the building, encountering oddities like glowing mutant cockroaches, mysterious lights, and locked apartment doors. The plot combines elements of mystery, horror, and science fiction, leading to a thrilling and entertaining adventure for the characters and readers alike.
The writing style of '14' is characterized by a slow build-up that gradually reveals the oddities and mysteries surrounding the apartment building. The author, Peter Clines, expertly weaves together elements of cosmic horror, science fiction, and fantasy, creating a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers intrigued. The book balances humor, mystery, and suspense, offering a blend of genres that appeals to fans of intricate puzzles and unconventional storytelling.
The building was a cube of red bricks lined with gray mortar, the type of building one pictured in New York or San Francisco. Two rectangles of concrete sat in the brick at the third story, each beari... - #7
In Winter Tide, Ruthanna Emrys introduces readers to Aphra Marsh, a new urban fantasy heroine who is on a quest to preserve knowledge and navigate a changing world alongside beings with different worldviews. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the novel explores themes of espionage, supernatural investigations, and the protagonist's journey to reclaim her family's stolen legacy. Emrys skillfully weaves Lovecraftian elements into the story, creating a narrative that challenges established myths and delves into complex interpersonal relationships.
The plot unfolds as Aphra, one of the last survivors of a government raid on Innsmouth, teams up with FBI agents and other magical characters to uncover dangerous secrets and protect her heritage. Through vivid world-building and a unique take on Lovecraft's universe, Emrys crafts a tale that blends mystery, historical prejudice, and philosophical dilemmas, offering readers a fresh perspective on cosmic horror and the nature of monstrous beings.
I shut the door of the old Victorian behind me, and the stuffy atmosphere closed in: overheated, dry, and redolent of mothballs. Remnants of cool mist clung to my skin, already transmuting to sweat. A... - #8
'Revival' by Stephen King follows the story of Jamie Morton and Rev. Charlie Jacobs, whose lives intertwine over nearly five decades. The book delves into themes of religion, music, addiction, illness, and death, with a touch of horror and existential despair. King's writing style is described as riveting, fascinating, and utterly terrifying, with detailed character development and a unique take on the afterlife.
I came from a big family—four boys, one girl—and as the youngest I always got lots of presents. Claire always gave the best ones. I don’t know if it was because she was the eldest, because she was the... - #9
In The City We Became, N.K. Jemisin creates a fantastical tale where New York City's soul manifests into human avatars representing its five boroughs, each embodying the unique characteristics of their area. These avatars must come together to battle an ancient evil threatening the city, with themes of racism, diversity, and unity woven throughout the fast-paced narrative. The book is praised for its thrilling plot, diverse characters, and the homage it pays to the complexities of New York City, capturing both its flaws and its beauty.
Fucking city. I stand on the rooftop of a building I don’t live in and spread my arms and tighten my middle and yell nonsense ululations at the construction site that blocks my view. I’m really singin... - #10
"At the Mountains of Madness" is a novella written by H.P. Lovecraft in the early 1930s, set in Antarctica during that time period. The story follows a scientific expedition from Miskatonic University that uncovers an ancient, prehistoric city and the horrifying beings that once inhabited it. Lovecraft's writing style is described as florid and descriptive, pulling the reader towards each dreadful revelation with references to common myths and places in his other works.
I am forced into speech because men of science have refused to follow my advice without knowing why. It is altogether against my will that I tell my reasons for opposing this contemplated invasion of ...