In the realm of horror fiction, few books manage to blend ancient mysteries with modern-day terror as effectively as Ararat by Christopher Golden. If you’re a fan of spine-chilling tales that delve into archaeological discoveries and supernatural elements, you’re in for a treat. Here are 18 books that capture the same eerie essence and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Books Similar to Ararat
1. The Terror by Dan Simmons
The Terror is a historical horror novel that reimagines the ill-fated Franklin Expedition to the Arctic. Stranded in the ice, the crew faces not only the brutal elements but also a malevolent entity stalking them. This gripping tale is a must-read for those who love a blend of history and supernatural horror.
2. The Hunger by Alma Katsu
Inspired by the Donner Party tragedy, The Hunger introduces a supernatural twist to the infamous story of survival and cannibalism. Alma Katsu masterfully combines historical facts with eerie fiction, making this book a compelling read for fans of dark, historical horror.
3. The Ruins by Scott Smith
In The Ruins, a group of friends on vacation in Mexico stumbles upon an ancient, evil force lurking in the jungle. Scott Smith’s novel is a terrifying exploration of human nature and survival, perfect for those who enjoy suspenseful and gruesome horror.
4. Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Bird Box is a post-apocalyptic thriller where unseen entities drive people to madness and suicide. The protagonist, Malorie, must navigate this dangerous world blindfolded to protect herself and her children. This novel’s intense atmosphere and psychological horror make it a standout choice.
5. The Descent by Jeff Long
The Descent reveals a hidden world beneath our feet, inhabited by demonic creatures. Jeff Long’s novel is a thrilling and terrifying journey into the unknown, blending adventure and horror in a way that will captivate fans of subterranean terror.
6. The Ritual by Adam Nevill
In The Ritual, a group of friends on a hiking trip in Sweden encounters an ancient evil in the forest. Adam Nevill’s novel is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, combining psychological tension with supernatural elements to create a truly unsettling experience.
7. Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
Annihilation follows a team of scientists exploring a mysterious, uncharted area known as Area X. Jeff VanderMeer’s novel is a blend of science fiction and horror, filled with eerie discoveries and a creeping sense of dread that will keep readers hooked.
8. The Troop by Nick Cutter
The Troop tells the story of a Boy Scout troop’s camping trip gone horribly wrong when they encounter a man infected with a deadly parasite. Nick Cutter’s novel is a gruesome and intense horror story that explores themes of survival and human nature.
9. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
House of Leaves is a complex and multi-layered horror novel about a family that discovers their house is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. Mark Z. Danielewski’s innovative narrative structure and unsettling themes make this a unique and haunting read.
10. The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
In The Cabin at the End of the World, a family’s vacation is disrupted by a group of strangers who claim the world is ending. Paul Tremblay’s novel is a tense and claustrophobic thriller that explores themes of fear, sacrifice, and the apocalypse.
11. The Silence by Tim Lebbon
The Silence follows a family trying to survive in a world overrun by deadly creatures that hunt by sound. Tim Lebbon’s novel is a chilling and suspenseful tale of survival and adaptation, perfect for fans of apocalyptic horror.
12. The Fisherman by John Langan
The Fisherman is a story about two widowers who bond over fishing, only to discover a sinister secret hidden in the waters they frequent. John Langan’s novel is a haunting and atmospheric exploration of grief, loss, and the supernatural.
13. The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
The Girl with All the Gifts is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a fungal infection turns humans into mindless zombies. M.R. Carey’s novel is a unique and thought-provoking take on the zombie genre, focusing on a young girl who may hold the key to humanity’s survival.
14. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Mexican Gothic follows a young woman who travels to a remote mansion to rescue her cousin, only to uncover dark and sinister secrets. Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s novel is a beautifully written and atmospheric gothic horror story that will captivate readers from start to finish.
15. The Deep by Nick Cutter
The Deep takes readers to the depths of the ocean, where a research station is studying a cure for a global plague. Nick Cutter’s novel is a claustrophobic and terrifying exploration of the unknown, blending science fiction and horror in a way that will keep readers on edge.
16. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
The Only Good Indians follows four Native American men who are haunted by a supernatural entity after a hunting trip goes wrong. Stephen Graham Jones’ novel is a powerful and chilling exploration of cultural identity, guilt, and revenge.
17. The Anomaly by Michael Rutger
The Anomaly is about a documentary crew that discovers a hidden cave in the Grand Canyon, only to find themselves trapped and hunted by an ancient force. Michael Rutger’s novel is a thrilling and suspenseful adventure that will appeal to fans of archaeological horror.
18. The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon
The Winter People is a chilling tale set in a small town with a dark history of mysterious deaths and disappearances. Jennifer McMahon’s novel weaves together past and present to create a haunting story of love, loss, and the supernatural.