Books Like...

Consumed by David Cronenberg is a provocative and bizarre tale exploring themes of obsession, technology, and sexuality. The plot follows two journalists, Naomi and Nathan, as they delve into a global conspiracy surrounding the death of a French philosopher's wife. The narrative weaves together disturbing details of cannibalism, sexual deviance, and dark thoughts, all portrayed through a writing style that is described as both compelling and strangely beautiful.

'Book of the Dead' in the series 'Book of the Dead' by author John Skipp is an anthology that delves into the zombie universe established by George A. Romero. The stories within the book range from classic zombie canon to outright bizarre, exploring themes such as religious cults conditioning the undead, zombies falling in love, sentience in zombies, and graphic zombie orgies. The anthology is noted for its originality and social commentary, offering a unique take on the zombie apocalypse with a mix of graphic gore and sexual content.

The anthology is a collection of stories that handle zombies in a non-traditional way, focusing on various aspects of the undead beyond just survival against overpowering hordes. Authors in the anthology bring a fresh perspective by exploring different scenarios involving zombies, creating a diverse and engaging read for fans of the undead genre.

'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' by M.R. James is a collection of spooky stories with a Gothic feel, often involving travelers encountering supernatural manifestations during their antiquarian research. The stories are set in atmospheric locations, such as old houses and country estates, and typically revolve around the discovery of old books or artefacts that attract unearthly beings. The writing style is described as subtle, leaving much to the reader's imagination, and the stories are known for their eerie and chilling nature.

'Entropy in Bloom' by Jeremy Robert Johnson is a collection of dark and diverse short stories that cover a wide range of unsettling and thought-provoking themes. The stories delve into the depths of human condition, exploring paranoia, psychological disorders, and societal issues in a gritty and realistic way. The author's writing style is described as original, terrifying, and occasionally quite humorous in a dark manner, reminiscent of Clive Barker's works.

'Brainwyrms' by Alison Rumfitt is a disturbing and dark horror novel that delves into extreme and grotesque themes. The book follows the story of two damaged individuals, Frankie and Vanya, who have faced trauma and bigotry throughout their lives. The narrative explores their disturbing coping mechanisms, including parasitic worms, toxic relationships, and self-harming behaviors. The writing style is visceral and graphic, painting a vivid picture of the horrors faced by the characters, from body horror to transgressive elements. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on edge and delving into uncomfortable and unsettling territories.

'Cuckoo' by Gretchen Felker-Martin is a horror novel that explores the dark and twisted experiences of a group of queer teens sent to a conversion therapy camp. The narrative delves into themes of identity, trauma, and the struggle for acceptance, as the characters face both supernatural and psychological horrors. The writing style is noted for its graphic descriptions, particularly in the second half, which includes elements of body horror reminiscent of Stephen King's work, particularly 'It'. The book's setting adds an additional layer of tension, as it captures the sinister atmosphere of the camp and the harrowing experiences of the characters trapped within it.

The story is told through a blend of vivid imagery and a fast-paced narrative that grips the reader's attention. While some readers appreciate its strong start and engaging characters, others find it to be a slog at times, with pacing issues that may detract from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the author successfully portrays the emotional weight of the characters' experiences, prompting readers to reflect on deeper questions about healing and safety in a world that often feels hostile.

Gyo by Junji Ito is a horror manga that follows the story of Tadashi and his girlfriend Kaori as they encounter a strange fish with crab-like legs that attacks them during their vacation. The horror escalates as more sea creatures with mechanical legs invade Japan, causing chaos and destruction. The plot explores themes of phobias, commitments, and human cruelty, with a touch of grotesque imagery and surreal horror that keeps readers engaged till the end.

'Kin' by Kealan Patrick Burke is a dark and disturbing novel that follows the story of Claire Lambert, who survives a horrific experience at the hands of a backwoods clan led by Papa In Gray. The plot ripples out to encompass the lives of all those involved, exploring themes of violence, revenge, and the far-reaching consequences of one harrowing event. The book is described as a white-knuckled ride, blood-soaked, and violent yet lyrical, reminiscent of classic Southern Gothic literature with a modern edge.

The writing style of 'Kin' is praised for its vivid descriptions, outstanding characterization, and the ability to draw readers into the decaying world of the murderous family in Elkwood, Alabama. The author, Kealan Patrick Burke, is commended for his ability to create a truly unsettling atmosphere that lingers with the reader long after the book is finished.

Cold Hand in Mine by Robert Aickman is a collection of strange and eerie tales that verge on the supernatural, creating a melancholic and haunting atmosphere. The stories often lack clear conclusions, leaving readers with a sense of unease and mystery. Aickman's writing style is described as subtle, disquieting, and uniquely disturbing, focusing on the inner landscape of psychology and the uncanny in everyday settings.

'20th Century Ghosts' by Joe Hill is a collection of short stories that range from horror to mainstream to the surreal. The stories feature disturbing and scary elements, often more by suggestion than outright gore. The settings are everyday and normal, adding to the overall disturbing atmosphere. Some stand-out stories include one about an autistic child creating mysterious mazes and another about a young boy who is an inflatable doll. Hill's writing style is described as varied, character-centered, and haunting, with each story presenting its own universe.