Books Like...

'Wilder Girls' by Rory Power is set in the Raxter School for Girls, placed under quarantine due to a mysterious disease called the Tox. The Tox affects the girls in various ways, from physical mutations to death, leaving them largely isolated. The protagonist, Hetty, embarks on a journey across the island to uncover a dark secret while navigating friendships, survival, and the horrors of the Tox. The writing style is described as engaging, with a forward-focused plot that keeps readers on edge, while the author successfully balances scene-setting with a dramatic finish that leaves readers hoping for a sequel.

A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee follows the story of 17-year-old Felicity Morrow, who returns to her elite boarding school after taking a year off for her mental health. Haunted by the death of her best friend Alex, Felicity is drawn into a plot with mysterious teen writer Ellis Haley to investigate the deaths of the infamous Dalloway Five. As Felicity delves deeper into the past, she must confront her own guilt and unravel the truth behind the tragedies that occurred at the school. The book is a beautifully written dark academia novel filled with suspense, vivid descriptions, and intricate character relationships that keep the reader hooked until the very end.

The Red Tree by Caitlin R. Kiernan is a psychological horror novel that follows writer Sarah Crowe as she moves to a small town in Rhode Island and gets entangled in eerie events surrounding an ancient red oak. The story unfolds through Sarah's journal, blending personal traumas with mysterious occurrences, creating a sense of psychological horror. Kiernan's writing style incorporates elements of Lovecraftian horror, with an unreliable narrator and a focus on the psychological aspects of fear and dread.

Catherine House is a prestigious and exclusive college hidden in the woods where students are offered full scholarships and a chance at a prestigious career. The story follows Ines, a student running from her past, who finds herself drawn into the mysterious and unsettling world of Catherine House. The setting is described as gothic and eerie, with elements of mystery, mind control, and secret experiments, creating a dreamlike and unsettling atmosphere. The plot revolves around the students' isolation from the outside world, the unconventional curriculum, and the hidden agenda within the school's walls.

'Our Wives Under the Sea' by Julia Armfield is a haunting and mysterious tale that delves into the deep and intensive love between Miri and her wife Leah. The story unfolds through alternating chapters, with Leah recounting a claustrophobic horror of an underwater mission gone awry, while Miri shares the emotional aftermath of Leah's return as a changed person. Armfield's prose is described as breathtaking, capturing a range of emotions beautifully and creating a weighty, claustrophobic atmosphere akin to being trapped under the ocean depths.

The novel combines elements of literary fiction, horror, and speculative fiction, offering a character-driven narrative that explores themes of grief, the dissolution of relationships, and the transformative power of love. The writing style is poetic and haunting, with a dreamlike quality that switches between past and present, different points of view, and layers of mystery, culminating in an ending that is open to interpretation and leaves a lasting impact on readers.

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters is a Victorian gothic novel filled with plot twists and turns, following the story of two orphan girls who unknowingly have intertwined lives. The book delves into themes of betrayal, ruined innocence, treachery, and madness, all set against the backdrop of Victorian London. Through multiple narrators and a complex plot structure, the story unfolds in a gripping manner, keeping readers guessing and engaged till the very end.

Waters' writing style in Fingersmith is described as evocative, rich in historical detail, and atmospheric, successfully transporting readers to the Victorian era. The novel intricately weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and intrigue, creating a dark and fiery tale laced with love, betrayal, and secrecy that is both compelling and immersive.

A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson is a unique take on the vampire genre, focusing on the story of Constanta, Dracula's first bride. The book is written in an epistolary format, with Constanta writing letters to her deceased former creator, exploring their life together and the reasons behind his demise. The narrative delves into themes of abusive relationships, with a focus on the dynamics between the characters and their journey to forge a new life after the death of their creator. The book combines elements of fantasy, horror, and romance, with beautifully written interludes that add depth to the story.

'Summer Sons' by Lee Mandelo is a Southern gothic tale interwoven with elements of mystery, horror, academia, and queer relationships. The story follows Andrew as he delves into the supernatural world to uncover the truth behind his best friend Eddie's alleged suicide, leading him to confront ghosts, curses, and dark academia themes. The writing style is described as raw, lush, and haunting, with a slow burn pace that gradually reveals layers of grief, repression, identity, and relationships set against the atmospheric backdrop of the deep South.

'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters is a historical fiction novel set in the 1890s in London, following the story of Nancy Astley, a young oyster girl who falls in love with a male impersonator named Kitty Butler. The book explores Nancy's journey as she follows Kitty into the world of theaters, working as a dresser before becoming a performer herself. The novel delves into themes of lesbian love, gender roles, and self-discovery in Victorian England. The writing style is described as sensual, detailed, and engaging, providing a vivid picture of the lesbian society in the 18th century.

The plot of 'Tipping the Velvet' is divided into three acts, each peopled with vibrant characters and told in lushly written prose. The book captures the sexual growing pains and challenges faced by Nancy as she navigates the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations. While some readers found the protagonist to be flat or the plot soap-operatic, others praised the realistic characters, compelling storytelling, and historical accuracy in depicting London's lesbian society during that era.

The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling is a psychological and intense sci-fi novel set on a distant planet in the future. The story follows Gyre, a young caver who embarks on a dangerous and highly paid exploration of a vast underground cave system with only her handler, Em, as her lifeline above ground. As Gyre delves deeper into the caves, she uncovers sinister truths and faces mortal dangers, all while navigating a complex and evolving relationship with Em. The book explores themes of survival, isolation, trust, and the blurred lines between reality and paranoia in a claustrophobic and perilous setting.