If you’re a fan of dark fantasy and horror, then you’ve likely come across Kelly Link’s Pretty Monsters. This genre blends the eerie and the fantastical, creating stories that are both haunting and mesmerizing. If you’re looking for more books that capture this unique blend, here are 16 recommendations that will keep you up at night, turning pages.
Books Similar to Pretty Monster
1. The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a masterful blend of fantasy and horror. The story follows a middle-aged man who returns to his hometown and recalls a series of otherworldly events from his childhood. Gaiman’s poetic prose and ability to weave a tale that is both nostalgic and terrifying make this book a must-read.
2. The Haunting of Hill House
Shirley Jackson’s classic, The Haunting of Hill House, is a cornerstone of horror literature. The novel tells the story of four people who stay in a notoriously haunted mansion and experience a series of unsettling events. Jackson’s ability to create a chilling atmosphere and complex characters makes this a timeless read.
3. Her Body and Other Parties
Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties is a collection of short stories that blend horror, fantasy, and feminist themes. Each story delves into the lives of women and the eerie, often surreal experiences they encounter. Machado’s unique voice and imaginative storytelling make this collection unforgettable.
4. The Girl with All the Gifts
M.R. Carey’s The Girl with All the Gifts is a post-apocalyptic tale that combines elements of horror and science fiction. The story centers on a young girl named Melanie, who is unlike any other child in her world. Carey’s gripping narrative and well-developed characters make this book a standout in the genre.
5. Through the Woods
Emily Carroll’s Through the Woods is a graphic novel that presents a series of eerie, beautifully illustrated short stories. Each tale is steeped in gothic horror and folklore, making it a visually and narratively compelling read. Carroll’s art and storytelling skills create a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the last page.
6. The Bone Clocks
David Mitchell’s The Bone Clocks spans decades and weaves together multiple narratives, blending elements of fantasy, horror, and literary fiction. The story follows Holly Sykes, a girl with psychic abilities, and her encounters with a secret war between two immortal factions. Mitchell’s intricate plotting and rich character development make this a fascinating read.
7. Slade House
Another gem by David Mitchell, Slade House is a chilling tale of a mysterious house that appears once every nine years. Each chapter follows a different character who encounters the house and its sinister inhabitants. Mitchell’s ability to create an unsettling atmosphere and his skillful storytelling make this a gripping read.
8. The Silent Companions
Laura Purcell’s The Silent Companions is a gothic horror novel set in a crumbling mansion. The story follows Elsie, a young widow who discovers eerie wooden figures that seem to come to life. Purcell’s atmospheric writing and the novel’s unsettling premise make this a perfect read for fans of gothic horror.
9. Bird Box
Josh Malerman’s Bird Box is a psychological horror novel that has captivated readers worldwide. The story follows Malorie and her two children as they navigate a world where unseen entities drive people to madness and suicide. Malerman’s suspenseful writing and the novel’s unique premise make this a thrilling read.
10. The Changeling
Victor LaValle’s The Changeling is a dark fairy tale set in modern-day New York. The story follows Apollo Kagwa, a rare book dealer, as he searches for his missing wife and child. LaValle’s blend of horror, folklore, and social commentary makes this a compelling and thought-provoking read.
11. Hex
Thomas Olde Heuvelt’s Hex is a modern horror novel set in a small town cursed by the ghost of a witch. The townspeople are forced to live under strict rules to keep the witch’s spirit at bay. Heuvelt’s inventive plot and the novel’s exploration of societal dynamics make this a fascinating read.
12. The Library at Mount Char
Scott Hawkins’ The Library at Mount Char is a dark fantasy novel that follows Carolyn and her adopted siblings as they unravel the mysteries of their supernatural upbringing. The novel’s blend of horror, fantasy, and dark humor, along with its unique characters, make this a captivating read.
13. The Cabin at the End of the World
Paul Tremblay’s The Cabin at the End of the World is a tense psychological horror novel. The story follows a family vacationing at a remote cabin when they are taken hostage by strangers who claim to be preventing the apocalypse. Tremblay’s skillful build-up of suspense and his exploration of fear and sacrifice make this a gripping read.
14. The Fisherman
John Langan’s The Fisherman is a horror novel that delves into themes of grief and obsession. The story follows two widowers who discover a mysterious river with dark, supernatural powers. Langan’s atmospheric writing and the novel’s deeply emotional core make this a haunting and memorable read.
15. The Drowning Girl
Caitlín R. Kiernan’s The Drowning Girl is a psychological horror novel that blurs the lines between reality and madness. The story follows India Morgan Phelps, a schizophrenic artist, as she tries to unravel the truth behind her haunting visions. Kiernan’s lyrical prose and the novel’s exploration of mental illness make this a deeply affecting read.
16. The Ballad of Black Tom
Victor LaValle’s The Ballad of Black Tom is a retelling of H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Horror at Red Hook” from the perspective of an African American protagonist. The story follows Tommy Tester, a street musician who becomes entangled in a world of eldritch horrors. LaValle’s reimagining of Lovecraft’s work and his exploration of race and power make this a powerful and thought-provoking read.
These 16 books offer a range of dark fantasy and horror that will captivate and terrify you. Whether you’re looking for chilling atmospheres, complex characters, or thought-provoking themes, these recommendations will not disappoint. Happy reading!