Books Like...

'Where the Dead Wait' by Ally Wilkes is a gothic novel set in the Arctic, where doomed exploration leads to depravity and isolation. The story follows disgraced ship captain William Day as he uncovers his past and the true nature of his relationship with his second in command, Jesse Stevens. Haunted by his actions during a previous Arctic expedition, Day embarks on a journey to find Stevens, delving into themes of survival, cannibalism, and inner struggles. The writing style is described as immersive, atmospheric, and eerie, creating a chilling and hopeless atmosphere that forces readers to confront the characters' motivations and actions.

Thin Air by Michelle Paver is a ghost story set in the Himalayas in 1935, focusing on an expedition attempting to climb Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. The story follows Dr. Stephen Pearce and his brother Kit, along with other expedition members, as they face challenges both from the elements and a haunting presence believed to be shadowing them. The narrative combines historical details, psychological terror, and sibling rivalry to create a chilling atmosphere that builds tension as the climbers ascend the mountain.

Echo by Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a chilling novel that follows the story of lovers Sam and Nick in the aftermath of a climbing accident on a remote mountain in the Swiss Alps. As Nick returns from the expedition with mysterious and terrifying changes, Sam is left to unravel the dark forces that have taken hold of his boyfriend, leading to a series of gruesome events that challenge their relationship and sanity. The narrative unfolds through journal entries, emails, and alternating perspectives, creating a haunting atmosphere that delves into human fears and the supernatural.

The author, Thomas Olde Heuvelt, masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and horror that delves into deep-rooted human fears and the complexities of relationships. Through a blend of supernatural elements and psychological tension, Echo explores themes of possession, terror, and the unknown, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Sam and Nick's harrowing journey through the treacherous aftermath of the climbing accident.

'The North Water' by Ian McGuire is a brutal and violent novel set in the 19th century aboard a whaling ship, the Volunteer, on a voyage to the Arctic Circle. The story follows a disgraced Irish surgeon, Patrick Sumner, and a ruthless harpooner named Henry Drax, as they navigate through a journey filled with murder, rape, robbery, and other brutalities. The writing style is described as vivid, gritty, and darkly brilliant, capturing the harsh realities of life at sea during that period.

Ararat by Christopher Golden follows a team of archaeologists who uncover a buried ship on Mount Ararat that could potentially be Noah's Ark. As they investigate further, they encounter supernatural elements and must navigate treacherous situations to survive. The book combines elements of horror, adventure, and suspense, keeping readers on edge as the team delves deeper into the mysteries hidden within the ark. Golden's writing style is described as crisp and engaging, painting vivid pictures without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.

'Road of Bones' by Christopher Golden is set along Siberia's Kolyma Highway, a place with a tragic history where prisoners built and died along the road, their bones becoming the base of the road itself. The story follows Felix Teigland and his cameraman on a journey to find a hook for a TV deal, leading them to the coldest place on earth and possibly to the gates of hell. weaves a tale of extreme cold, hardship, and spirits, creating a perfect setting for a horror story in a cold, bleak, and isolated environment. However, some readers found the characters lacking depth and the ending unsatisfactory, while others appreciated the well-crafted characters and the slow burn that builds up to a heart-pounding adventure.

'From Below' by Darcy Coates is a gripping deep sea horror thriller that alternates between the present-day dive to investigate the wreck of the SS Arcadia and the events that led to its sinking in 1928. The novel expertly weaves together two timelines, creating a sense of creeping dread and claustrophobia as the characters face mysterious dangers lurking beneath the ocean's surface. The writing style is immersive, building tension effectively and transporting readers to the eerie underwater setting where the horror unfolds.

Dark Matter is a haunting ghost story set in the Arctic, following Jack's journal entries as he joins an expedition to a remote uninhabited area named Gruhuken. As Jack faces isolation and darkness during the Arctic winter, he begins to witness disturbing occurrences, building tension and fear among the characters. The book explores themes of loneliness, paranoia, and the unexplained, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers engaged.

The writing style of Dark Matter is atmospheric and suspenseful, drawing readers into the desolate Arctic setting and the psychological turmoil of the characters. Michelle Paver skillfully weaves a slow-burning narrative that delves into the depths of despair and the human need for companionship, while also incorporating elements of folklore and ghostly encounters to create a gripping tale of survival and fear.

The novel moves between two storylines, one on the Titanic and one a few years later on the Britannic during World War I. The details about the Britannic, how it was reinforced after the Titanic's sinking, and how it was refitted to be a hospital ship were fascinating. The story blends historical fact and fiction seamlessly, with references to the supernatural and superficial characters.

'The Hunger' by Alma Katsu is a historical novel that retells the journey of the Reed Donner Party in 1846, adding a supernatural element to the story. The book delves into the horrors faced by the pioneers, including disease, starvation, and cannibalism, while also incorporating a supernatural twist that heightens the tension and fear within the narrative. Through well-done characterization and vivid descriptions, the author brings to life the interactions and struggles of the moving community, making the story a captivating blend of historical fiction and horror.

The plot of 'The Hunger' follows the ill-fated Donner Party as they face a series of mishaps, poor decisions, and supernatural threats while attempting to cross 1800's America from east to west. The author skillfully weaves together elements of historical events with supernatural horror, creating a gripping and eerie tale that keeps readers on edge. The book explores themes of despair, survival, and the malevolent nature of the surrounding environment, making it a haunting and immersive read that lingers in the mind long after the final page.