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.

'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.

'Riot Baby' by Tochi Onyebuchi is a powerful novella that follows the lives of two Black siblings, Ella and Kev, as they navigate a world filled with oppression, violence, and systemic racism. Ella possesses special powers that allow her to see into the future, project her spirit, and bring destruction upon those who anger her. Kev, born during the 1992 LA riots, faces the harsh realities of being a Black man in a carceral state that dehumanizes and extracts value from Black bodies. The novel alternates between their perspectives, exploring themes of anger, injustice, and the struggle for a better future amidst dystopian elements and brutal realities.

The writing style of 'Riot Baby' is described as intense, gripping, and darkly beautiful. The author weaves a tale of brutality and injustice, drawing parallels to the real-world experiences of Black individuals while incorporating elements of science fiction and paranormal abilities. The narrative delves deep into the emotions and struggles of the characters, offering a poignant reflection on the current state of society and the potential for hope amidst despair.

'The Only Good Indians' by Stephen Graham Jones is a horror novel that delves into the consequences of a past mistake made by four young Blackfeet men during an illegal elk hunt. The plot revolves around a vengeful entity, the spirit of a slaughtered elk, seeking revenge on the men ten years later in a chilling and suspenseful manner. The writing style is described as intense, lyrical, and poetic, with a strong focus on Native American culture and folklore. The story explores themes of justice, revenge, cultural identity, tradition, and the respect for nature, all while providing a unique and eerie setting on an Indian reservation.

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.

"No Gods, No Monsters" by Cadwell Turnbull is a complex and intellectually stimulating read that delves into the themes of community, family, and human traits. The plot unfolds through various characters, timelines, and alternate worlds, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected storylines. Turnbull's writing style is described as smooth and engaging, with a focus on exploring the concept of monsters among us and the darker aspects of humanity. requires attention and rewards readers who stick it out, offering a deeply realized world with beautifully crafted characters.

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.

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.

Sorrowland is a genre-bending mix of adult fiction, sci-fi, and magical realism, following the story of Vern, a pregnant teenager who escapes a Black commune into modern society, only to face haunting challenges in the woods with her twins. The plot is described as twisty, dark, and violent, with elements of horror, fantasy, and LGBT themes woven throughout. The writing style is praised for being unique, imaginative, and powerful, delving into themes of racism, corruption, and dark history with a surrealist bent.

Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery by Brom is a dark and intense tale set in Colonial New England in 1666. The story follows Abitha, a strong and layered protagonist who faces puritanical oppression and the horrors of witch hunts. As she navigates a world of religious trauma and patriarchy, Abitha meets Slewfoot, an ancient spirit who becomes her only ally in a battle between pagan and Puritan forces. The book weaves together elements of magic, mystery, and horror, creating a gripping narrative that delves into themes of power, resilience, and the fight for survival in a time of darkness and ignorance.

The writing style of Slewfoot is described as superbly written, captivating, and gripping. Readers are drawn into the story from the beginning, with its imaginative spin on the historical backdrop of witchcraft accusations in the Puritan American Colonies. The book features stunning artwork that enhances the reading experience, adding an elegant touch to the dark and mystical atmosphere created by the author.