If you're into thrilling stories that give you chills and can't get enough of them, you're in for a treat today. We're going all in on the scary books that will keep you tossing and turning at night. Whether you're a hardcore horror fan or just starting to explore the spooky side of literature, we've pulled together a list of essential reads that are bound to give you the scare you need.
So, snuggle up with a warm blanket and a nightlight, because these reads are going to take you on a deep dive into the scariest parts of the book world. Ready to get spooked? Let's dive right in!
1. Ring by Koji Suzuki
Don't miss out on the thrill of horror without the touch of Japanese legends! This story unfolds in contemporary Japan, focusing on Asakawa, a journalist struggling to craft engaging stories. However, his luck changes in an unexpected manner: after the enigmatic and foreboding deaths of four young people, Asakawa finds his curiosity ignited. Upon deeper investigation, he discovers that these deaths occurred on the same day, at the same time, and all were diagnosed with "sudden heart failure".
Asakawa is a cool main character whose quest to figure things out is both interesting and easy to connect with. His deep feelings about cracking the case make the story more interesting. The other characters, like his ex-wife and coworkers, help build up the story's tension and add more complexity to what's happening. Every time a character deals with the curse, it gets the reader more involved in the story.
The Ring digs into topics like the scary side of tech, what fear is all about, and how we can't avoid dying. The cursed videotape really shows how the cool stuff we have today can also hide some nasty stuff. The book's effect is big; it's changed how horror stories are made today and has made a strong mark for thrillers that mix the scary with the weird and the mind-bending.
What truly captivated me was the author's ability to immerse me in the story until the wee hours. I highly suggest this book for readers aged 14 and up, and I challenge you to give it a try!
Rating: 9.5/10
Photo by Cygomezm from Wikimedia Commons
2. The Shining by Stephen King
Scary tales wouldn't be the same without the tales of the king of horror. We're introduced to the Torrance family: Jack, Wendy, and their five-year-old son, Danny. Jack, who's trying to get back on his feet after battling alcoholism and dreaming of becoming a writer, lands a job as the caretaker during the off-season at the Overlook Hotel, a secluded and luxurious hotel nestled in the Colorado Rockies. The family settles into the hotel, oblivious to its sinister past and the paranormal entities that call it home.
King's writing in The Shining is awesome at making you feel trapped and scared. The Overlook Hotel is like a character too, with its twisty hallways and creepy rooms making you feel like you're stuck in a nightmare. King's way with words pulls you right into the spooky world, and his focus on the characters' minds makes you feel even more on edge. The story moves at a steady pace, building up the tension as the characters deal with their own problems and the problems around them.
The characters are really well-written, especially Jack Torrance's journey into insanity, which is both sad and scary. King digs into Jack's battles with drinking and his past mistakes, making him more complex and making his final collapse hit harder. Wendy is shown as someone who's tough but also has her weak spots, making her both relatable and strong. Danny, who can see into the future, is shown as someone who's both naive and deep, making his struggles and fears stand out.
I particularly enjoyed how King conveyed emotions. He masterfully depicted feelings of darkness, loneliness, and sorrow. It's a book worth a 10 out of 10.
Photo by Dave from Wikimedia Commons
3. Devolution by Max Brooks
Max Brooks, the guy behind the hit World War Z, is stepping into new waters with Devolution, a cool mix of horror and sci-fi. This book, out in 2020, brings together elements of a survival story and a deep dive into what makes us human and how fragile society can be.
Devolution is all about a found manuscript that tells the scary story of a group of city folks moving to a high-tech, green community called Greenloop, hoping for a simpler, more peaceful life. But their dreamy getaway quickly turns into a nightmare when a huge volcanic eruption sets off a chain of events that bring out a pack of mysterious, smart Bigfoot-like creatures. As the community's buildings fall apart, the people have to face off against these beasts and their own deep-seated fears.
The characters in Devolution are really well-developed, even though the story is a bit boxed in by its structure. The mix of people living in the community and how they all react to the crisis makes the story richer. Characters like Kate, the determined one, are the heart of the story, while the variety of personalities shows us different sides of what people do when things get really tough. The book also digs into how people and groups deal with extreme situations, giving us some food for thought on what makes us human.
Devolution is a cool and thought-provoking take on horror, showing off Max Brooks's knack for mixing sci-fi with a good survival story. The way the story is put together, the world it creates, and the deep look into what makes us tick make it a standout read for fans of horror and sci-fi alike. Brooks's storytelling skills and the book's deep themes mean that Devolution is a memorable and impactful read.
For anyone looking for a thrilling, smart thriller with a bit of the scary, Devolution is the book to check out.
Rating: 8/10
Photo by Henry from Unsplash
4. My Darling Dreadful Things
My Darling Dreadful Thing is an incredibly gripping book that really gets into the scary stuff. Written by Johanna Vaan Ven, this book is a total doozy when it comes to setting the mood and keeping you on the edge of your seat.
The story is about Rooe Breakman, whose life goes from normal to super spooky when they run into this mysterious and creepy character. Rooe Breakman seems to be this powerful psychic who can easily trick skeptics and hold over believers under her spell during fake séances at her mom's place. Rooe has her Ruth, a spirit buddy she lets take over her body a lot to make the show more intense.
Rooe's mom uses her kid's "crazy" to make money by holding these séances to take advantage of people who are really sad, charging them a lot for the chance to see the dead and feel their pain. The story slowly builds up, mixing in mystery and fear in a really smart way. The way it moves keeps you on your toes with surprises and shocking twists.
What really makes this book stand out is how it makes you feel. The author is amazing at painting a picture with words that make the scary stuff real. Every page is filled with a feeling of dread, and the characters are deep and complex, making the story more than just about scares. It's about looking into the darker parts of what it means to be human and the fear that comes with it.
The characters are well-rounded and you really get to know them, especially the main one, who's both easy to root for and mysterious. Their journey through fear and not knowing what's going to happen is portrayed so well that you can't help but care about what happens to them. The other characters add to the story's creepy vibe too.
The way the story is told is on point, though some parts might drag a bit as it gets into the deeper stuff. But for those who like slow-building horror, this is a plus.
In terms of how it's written, the style is classy and really brings out the spooky vibe of the book. The author's knack for creating a chilling, full-on experience is top-notch, making My Darling Dreadful Thing a standout in the horror and thriller world.
All in all, if you're into scary stories and want to be both scared and hooked, you've got to read this. It's a chilling, intense book that digs deep into what it means to be human and the fear that comes with it.
To everyone who's reading, the titles listed here are incredible! Trust me, when you dive into them, you'll find your feelings being tossed around like a seesaw. I hope you have a thrilling ride through the horror world.
Rating: 7.89/10
And that's it—our spooky journey through some of the scariest horror books you've got to check out. These stories aren't just about giving you a scare; they dive deep into the darkest parts of what makes us human, stirring feelings that stick around even after you've finished reading. Whether you're into old-school gothic stories or new-school scary ones, every book has its own mix of fear and creativity that's sure to keep you tossing and turning.
So, turn down the lights, get comfy, and let these books take you on a ride through the scary and the intriguing. Enjoy your read, if you're brave enough to do so!
_dust_jacket,_first_edition.jpg){kind=link}