BEST 100 HORROR NOVELS OF ALL TIME!
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#1 - 'The shining'- by stephen king - horror novel review
The Shining is no doubt one of the best ghost stories ever written. I think the sequel (Dr. Sleep) presents the perfect opportunity to pick the original up once more and relive the horror by reading it again. (And honestly, can you ever get too much of a good thing?!)
It is a very long time since I read this book but when I did, I enjoyed it because of its ability to tell an exceptionally spooky story whereby King took the often mundane (a fire hose anyone?) and made it terrifying. Reading it today of course is different from the first time. This is mainly because my opinion is blurred by my experience in life. The worldview of the man I am now, makes me look at things differently than I did when I was in my late teens / early 20s. So when I went back to re-read The Shining I was a tad nervous about whether I would still find it sufficiently spooky to hold my interest.
Of course I shouldn't have worried, King is King, and though his prose has got a lot tighter in the three decades since he wrote The Shining, his ability to create atmospheric terror has never been in doubt.
While reading the book this time I discovered that King was using the haunted house as a symbol of the personal demons that we battle. This is not something that I could figure out then but now stands out more than anything else. King had a drinking problem when he was writing this book and has admitted that Jack’s battle with alcoholism might have been a reflection of his personal life at the time. Jack also has issues with anger. He loses his temper and ends up losing his job as a teacher because of hurting a boy. He is fortunate enough to get a job as an overseer at Overlook Hotel in Colorado during winter. He knows that this is an opportunity to make things right in his life and struggles to do so. This job not only offers him a chance to work on his unfinished play but also try to make his marriage work.
However, the Overlook is not what it seems. Strange things happen. Thoughts from somewhere else can easily crawl into your mind. Jack is the target of these thoughts and his vulnerability is revealed. The key to the whole story is five year old Danny. His unusual talent of being able to read minds and see what is not visible to everybody else is the basis of the title of the book. Danny also has an invisible friend called Tony. It is important to state that the book is about the breakdown of a family as a result of alcoholism and anger. The question is how does a child survive in such a troubled family? Danny’s talent is a double edged sword. It can be used to save the family but whether or not it does is also a battle. Although Jack is not yet the monster his father was, he is well on his way because his father was an abusive alcoholic. Wendy also carries issues from her past that affect her ability to be the mother that she wants to be. All in all this is a horror book that has an underlying emotional content that makes it exceptional.
It is a very long time since I read this book but when I did, I enjoyed it because of its ability to tell an exceptionally spooky story whereby King took the often mundane (a fire hose anyone?) and made it terrifying. Reading it today of course is different from the first time. This is mainly because my opinion is blurred by my experience in life. The worldview of the man I am now, makes me look at things differently than I did when I was in my late teens / early 20s. So when I went back to re-read The Shining I was a tad nervous about whether I would still find it sufficiently spooky to hold my interest.
Of course I shouldn't have worried, King is King, and though his prose has got a lot tighter in the three decades since he wrote The Shining, his ability to create atmospheric terror has never been in doubt.
While reading the book this time I discovered that King was using the haunted house as a symbol of the personal demons that we battle. This is not something that I could figure out then but now stands out more than anything else. King had a drinking problem when he was writing this book and has admitted that Jack’s battle with alcoholism might have been a reflection of his personal life at the time. Jack also has issues with anger. He loses his temper and ends up losing his job as a teacher because of hurting a boy. He is fortunate enough to get a job as an overseer at Overlook Hotel in Colorado during winter. He knows that this is an opportunity to make things right in his life and struggles to do so. This job not only offers him a chance to work on his unfinished play but also try to make his marriage work.
However, the Overlook is not what it seems. Strange things happen. Thoughts from somewhere else can easily crawl into your mind. Jack is the target of these thoughts and his vulnerability is revealed. The key to the whole story is five year old Danny. His unusual talent of being able to read minds and see what is not visible to everybody else is the basis of the title of the book. Danny also has an invisible friend called Tony. It is important to state that the book is about the breakdown of a family as a result of alcoholism and anger. The question is how does a child survive in such a troubled family? Danny’s talent is a double edged sword. It can be used to save the family but whether or not it does is also a battle. Although Jack is not yet the monster his father was, he is well on his way because his father was an abusive alcoholic. Wendy also carries issues from her past that affect her ability to be the mother that she wants to be. All in all this is a horror book that has an underlying emotional content that makes it exceptional.
#2 - 'IT'- BY STEPHEN KING - HORROR NOVEL REVIEW
It is without doubt one of Stephen King’s masterpieces. Many people complain about the length of this story and what you need to do is have patience. If you have an issue with the characters then what you need to do is look at the people around you and search within yourself. If you do, you will understand them. Some complain about it being vulgar, vile or even horrific. This is something that as a reader, you need to embrace as part of the story to be able to enjoy it.
During one summer, seven friends encounter something that terrifies them. This thing that they encounter feeds on children. It preys on them and devours them. The shape of the thing changes each time but its trademark is the face of a clown. The one thing that these seven friends have in common is the fact that they have all escaped this thing at some point. They thought that they had killed it during one summer but it appears they did not.
It is 28 years later and Adrian Mellon is thrown off a bridge by two boys as a result of his sexuality. The boys claim that they saw something below the waters. The thing that they saw was a clown and a cloud of balloons. The seven friends are called back to Derry because It is back. They made a promise to each other and sealed it in blood to come back in case this thing had not died. This promise makes them come back to face the horror. They older and successful and the last thing that they want is It to come and destroy the life that they have created for themselves.
The story covers two stories. Their childhood story of the first time that they encountered the Pennywise The Clown. The story covers their childhood struggles like bullying. It also covers their encounter with It and the effect that it had on their lives. It also shows their battle and eventual defeat of It. The second story covers their return to Derry. It also reveals the research that has been done on what It was, the memories that are forcing them to come back and the events that follow. Notably, these two timelines have been perfectly merged so that the alternate viewpoints fit perfectly within the story.
The characters are used though clichés are very engaging. Bill is the leader with a stuttering problem, Richie Tozier is known for his smart mouth and ego, Eddie comes out as weak but within him is a courage that helps his friends. Uris brings understanding to the group while, Ben is resourceful and loving but known for being overweight.
Beverly is tough but sweet girl whose problems give her the strength that she needs to be able to stand with the group. Mike who is a target for the bullies because of the color of his skin brings to the group emotional strength and leads them through the most emotional parts of the story. Their unity, circumstances and who they are as a person is what allows them to face It. Every part of this story is crucial in developing the big picture which is a well written story worth reading.
During one summer, seven friends encounter something that terrifies them. This thing that they encounter feeds on children. It preys on them and devours them. The shape of the thing changes each time but its trademark is the face of a clown. The one thing that these seven friends have in common is the fact that they have all escaped this thing at some point. They thought that they had killed it during one summer but it appears they did not.
It is 28 years later and Adrian Mellon is thrown off a bridge by two boys as a result of his sexuality. The boys claim that they saw something below the waters. The thing that they saw was a clown and a cloud of balloons. The seven friends are called back to Derry because It is back. They made a promise to each other and sealed it in blood to come back in case this thing had not died. This promise makes them come back to face the horror. They older and successful and the last thing that they want is It to come and destroy the life that they have created for themselves.
The story covers two stories. Their childhood story of the first time that they encountered the Pennywise The Clown. The story covers their childhood struggles like bullying. It also covers their encounter with It and the effect that it had on their lives. It also shows their battle and eventual defeat of It. The second story covers their return to Derry. It also reveals the research that has been done on what It was, the memories that are forcing them to come back and the events that follow. Notably, these two timelines have been perfectly merged so that the alternate viewpoints fit perfectly within the story.
The characters are used though clichés are very engaging. Bill is the leader with a stuttering problem, Richie Tozier is known for his smart mouth and ego, Eddie comes out as weak but within him is a courage that helps his friends. Uris brings understanding to the group while, Ben is resourceful and loving but known for being overweight.
Beverly is tough but sweet girl whose problems give her the strength that she needs to be able to stand with the group. Mike who is a target for the bullies because of the color of his skin brings to the group emotional strength and leads them through the most emotional parts of the story. Their unity, circumstances and who they are as a person is what allows them to face It. Every part of this story is crucial in developing the big picture which is a well written story worth reading.
#2 - 'salem's lot'- BY STEPHEN KING - HORROR NOVEL REVIEW
When you talk about vampires today, what people think of are brooding creatures that are essentially harmless. This was not so in the past. They were scary and those were the good times. The reason why vampire stories have been here for long is because they give people a good scare. A creature of the night feeding on your blood is pretty scary.
However, there is another layer to this story and that is the genius of Stephen King. Apart from giving a vivid description of the monsters that prey at night, he also reveals the darkness that inhabits in our soul. Salem’s Lot refers to a small town in Maine. It is a town that is familiar with secrets. All you have to do is look beyond the surface to reveal what lies underneath. The discoveries reveal the darkness of the human soul that will scare you.
Salem Lot has the obvious problems that other towns have too. Prejudice, bullying, corruption and lies also thrive in this city. However, what makes Stephen King’s work unique in its setting is his portrayal of everyday secrets. The secrets have a life of their own and they create the essence of the whole book or novel. These secrets have made Salem’s Lot a ghost town with few survivors whose lives this book is centered on.
The book reveals the events that made this town what it is. You go back in time to see what welcomed the monsters that lurk in the night and float past you. The story builds up very quickly to the climax and end. The characters are well developed for you to understand the good people and their battle to be able to survive the horror that the town presents to them and the people they love.
Ben, Matt, Susan and Mark have to live with this horror and they are the good guys. Their characters are well built so that we are always gunning for them to win against the evil in this small town. Of course, there is Father Callahan whose character is also very important. The unmistakable irony of his character being evil cannot be missed.
The plot is built extremely well so that the story never lags. The suspense keeps and anticipation that something bad is going to happen keeps readers on their toes. The situations are well planned so that you are not distracted from the vampire story that is unfolding in the background. The story presents the issues and characters in a small town and how they deal with the horror that lives around them.
However, there are no moral lessons to be drawn from this book. Of course you will be a little careful when inviting strangers in your home. It is a well written book that tells a good story. The scary ride is something that most horror book fans will love. You will not easily put it down. This book easily scores five stars for its ability to tell a good horror story.
However, there is another layer to this story and that is the genius of Stephen King. Apart from giving a vivid description of the monsters that prey at night, he also reveals the darkness that inhabits in our soul. Salem’s Lot refers to a small town in Maine. It is a town that is familiar with secrets. All you have to do is look beyond the surface to reveal what lies underneath. The discoveries reveal the darkness of the human soul that will scare you.
Salem Lot has the obvious problems that other towns have too. Prejudice, bullying, corruption and lies also thrive in this city. However, what makes Stephen King’s work unique in its setting is his portrayal of everyday secrets. The secrets have a life of their own and they create the essence of the whole book or novel. These secrets have made Salem’s Lot a ghost town with few survivors whose lives this book is centered on.
The book reveals the events that made this town what it is. You go back in time to see what welcomed the monsters that lurk in the night and float past you. The story builds up very quickly to the climax and end. The characters are well developed for you to understand the good people and their battle to be able to survive the horror that the town presents to them and the people they love.
Ben, Matt, Susan and Mark have to live with this horror and they are the good guys. Their characters are well built so that we are always gunning for them to win against the evil in this small town. Of course, there is Father Callahan whose character is also very important. The unmistakable irony of his character being evil cannot be missed.
The plot is built extremely well so that the story never lags. The suspense keeps and anticipation that something bad is going to happen keeps readers on their toes. The situations are well planned so that you are not distracted from the vampire story that is unfolding in the background. The story presents the issues and characters in a small town and how they deal with the horror that lives around them.
However, there are no moral lessons to be drawn from this book. Of course you will be a little careful when inviting strangers in your home. It is a well written book that tells a good story. The scary ride is something that most horror book fans will love. You will not easily put it down. This book easily scores five stars for its ability to tell a good horror story.
#4 - 'the stand'- BY STEPHEN KING - HORROR NOVEL REVIEW
There is need for me to provide a short perspective before I get to my review. Stephen King has many fans but am not one of them. Before this book I had never read a King book. This is not a review written by a loyal admirer trying to defend his favorite author. However, I am a big fan of horror but I do not think that I can classify this book as such. The apocalyptic fiction genre of books is one of my favorite genres and I believe that this book falls under that category. I can say without bias that “The Stand” is one of the best books I have read so far.
The story is based on the events that follow when a super flu is accidentally released. It wipes out almost all of humanity on the earth. The survivors (1%) have to fight for their survival and the battle is between good and evil. The future of the whole planet depends on the outcome of this battle that they face. This novel is lengthy as you might expect because of its ambitious plot that produces numerous themes.
Like any other apocalyptic fiction the characters remain in one place and the story begins after the disaster. King gives a comprehensive description of the super flu from the beginning to the end. He also goes into detail on the effects of the outbreak on civilization and the survivors immediately and after the outbreak. Finally he gives a prediction of the future specifically how nature will affect the US without man. The US in the absence of humanity is the battle ground for good and evil.
The good side is headed by Mother Abigail who survivors see in their dreams. Her function is to marshal troops to battle against Randall Flagg who is the face of evil. The choice of which side to serve is left to the characters who are travelling across the emptied country to decide. The relationship of the characters in the plot and theme are well interwoven and this is what makes King’s work in this book exceptional. The presence of the metaphysics are just icing on the cake.
The characters in this book are well developed surprisingly. A book dealing with a complex theme in most cases does not build characters well. However, the characters here are well developed and a reader can relate with their struggles and flaws because they are human.
The main themes of the book are also a point to note. The dualistic nature of good and evil, redemption and hope form the main themes of this book. King shows that the presence of evil allows people to appreciate the good that is found within a society. He also shows that no one is completely lost. This is where hope lies and that most of our good intentions are lost when fear and ignorance creep in. at the end of the book one thing is clear, that although evil is not destroyed completely, it can never reign.
The story is based on the events that follow when a super flu is accidentally released. It wipes out almost all of humanity on the earth. The survivors (1%) have to fight for their survival and the battle is between good and evil. The future of the whole planet depends on the outcome of this battle that they face. This novel is lengthy as you might expect because of its ambitious plot that produces numerous themes.
Like any other apocalyptic fiction the characters remain in one place and the story begins after the disaster. King gives a comprehensive description of the super flu from the beginning to the end. He also goes into detail on the effects of the outbreak on civilization and the survivors immediately and after the outbreak. Finally he gives a prediction of the future specifically how nature will affect the US without man. The US in the absence of humanity is the battle ground for good and evil.
The good side is headed by Mother Abigail who survivors see in their dreams. Her function is to marshal troops to battle against Randall Flagg who is the face of evil. The choice of which side to serve is left to the characters who are travelling across the emptied country to decide. The relationship of the characters in the plot and theme are well interwoven and this is what makes King’s work in this book exceptional. The presence of the metaphysics are just icing on the cake.
The characters in this book are well developed surprisingly. A book dealing with a complex theme in most cases does not build characters well. However, the characters here are well developed and a reader can relate with their struggles and flaws because they are human.
The main themes of the book are also a point to note. The dualistic nature of good and evil, redemption and hope form the main themes of this book. King shows that the presence of evil allows people to appreciate the good that is found within a society. He also shows that no one is completely lost. This is where hope lies and that most of our good intentions are lost when fear and ignorance creep in. at the end of the book one thing is clear, that although evil is not destroyed completely, it can never reign.
#5 - 'dracula'- BY bram stoker - HORROR NOVEL REVIEW
The name of the books instantly brings specific pictures that we relate to this type of story. There are specific things that we associate with vampire stories. Reading the book made me realize that the modern vampire fiction is completely twisted. The modern vampire is surprisingly a hero. In the past people believed in the existence of a vampire as an immortal who was cursed with the undying thirst of the blood of a living being.
The idea of someone taking your blood should be disturbing and the image of a villain should come to mind. The character in the book is exactly that. The book is a novel written in epistolary form. The collection of letters and journals gives different viewpoints that create the suspense in the book. The design that Bram Stoker uses is not only unique but serves the purpose of creating a specific tone for the book.
The novel takes the reader through a journey that ultimately makes you think about good and evil. The vampire is a symbol of the cursed nature of man that requires him to prey on the life of the people that surround him. Only the righteous that represent good in the society have the power to cast out the darkness that drains life.
The book has the unforgettable character of the villain. His bestial deeds remain etched in your mind and lead you to feel sorrow for the victims that are trying to fight him. One of the reasons I love this book is because of the characterization of a vampire as a villain rather than a hero. I think that vampires are meant to represent evil and this book does a perfect job in doing that. It is not the first vampire story but the best in my book because of its viewpoint.
Vampires were not meant to be heartthrobs and this book clearly shows that. The selfish nature of the Dracula and his deeds make him frightening. It also reveals that evil may seem appealing in the beginning but the repercussions can take a lifetime to be dealt with.
The annotated notes on the book are important. They reveal the contradictions that exist between the characters viewpoints. They also show that the narration may not be as reliable as you think. The book ends with the narration indicating that the story might not be true. The book is a classic and understanding that the flaws in it are part of its appeal makes it easier to read the book.
There are Christians that refuse to read the book because of their beliefs. In my opinion, the book does not in any way go against what Christians believe. It does not paint good as evil and vice versa. Therefore, it can be read and enjoyed by anyone. Lord of the rings changed the whole face of fantasy fiction; this is a book that also transformed the view of the genre in which it lies. It is undoubtedly one of the best horror books written.
The idea of someone taking your blood should be disturbing and the image of a villain should come to mind. The character in the book is exactly that. The book is a novel written in epistolary form. The collection of letters and journals gives different viewpoints that create the suspense in the book. The design that Bram Stoker uses is not only unique but serves the purpose of creating a specific tone for the book.
The novel takes the reader through a journey that ultimately makes you think about good and evil. The vampire is a symbol of the cursed nature of man that requires him to prey on the life of the people that surround him. Only the righteous that represent good in the society have the power to cast out the darkness that drains life.
The book has the unforgettable character of the villain. His bestial deeds remain etched in your mind and lead you to feel sorrow for the victims that are trying to fight him. One of the reasons I love this book is because of the characterization of a vampire as a villain rather than a hero. I think that vampires are meant to represent evil and this book does a perfect job in doing that. It is not the first vampire story but the best in my book because of its viewpoint.
Vampires were not meant to be heartthrobs and this book clearly shows that. The selfish nature of the Dracula and his deeds make him frightening. It also reveals that evil may seem appealing in the beginning but the repercussions can take a lifetime to be dealt with.
The annotated notes on the book are important. They reveal the contradictions that exist between the characters viewpoints. They also show that the narration may not be as reliable as you think. The book ends with the narration indicating that the story might not be true. The book is a classic and understanding that the flaws in it are part of its appeal makes it easier to read the book.
There are Christians that refuse to read the book because of their beliefs. In my opinion, the book does not in any way go against what Christians believe. It does not paint good as evil and vice versa. Therefore, it can be read and enjoyed by anyone. Lord of the rings changed the whole face of fantasy fiction; this is a book that also transformed the view of the genre in which it lies. It is undoubtedly one of the best horror books written.
#6 - 'the exorcist'- BY william peter blatty - HORROR NOVEL REVIEW
This book is a classic and a masterpiece. It cannot be compared with any other book in or outside its genre. It’s simply a frightening story that is well written. The book has been around for four decades. It is in the list of the classic horror novels of the 20th century and to celebrate this, they produced an audio format of the book. The audio format has been narrated by the author himself!
There are several versions of the book. All of them are great and the movie was well done. The book is based on the personal struggles of sweet teenager whose life is completely transformed when she is possessed by a demon. Regan is a sweet teenager who becomes the complete opposite of who she is when she is under the influence of the demon.
From the beginning the author employs a beautiful and dense prose that makes the novel impressive. This is what made creating the movie easier in my opinion. The author has stylish sentencing that creates perfect images in the mind of the reader. There is no room for confusion of the scene that he presents before us. This is because of the way he goes into detail in laying out the images that create a scene in the book.
The emotions are also elaborated to come up with a psychological melodramatic flavor that works on your mind. This is one of the reasons that Blatty is a prolific writer. The artistic merit of this book makes it stand out from the rest and this is essentially because of the writing ability of the author.
The other main characters include the exorcist who tries to expel the demon from the girl. We also have the Jesuit priest and detective that actively participate in the whole process. The book does a perfect job in describing the characters in relation to the plot of the story. This includes the character of the demon that possesses Regan whose character the victims take when they are under his influence.
The book also tackles the issue of spirituality. It goes into detail about satanic worship and sacrileges performed. This helps one ask many questions on the existence of evil and the whole role of religion in our lives because it is part of the core of the story. The suspense in the book and the ending that leaves a lot of doors wide open also makes the story an interesting read.
The other issue that the book tackles very well is the description of evil in the book. Evil has a face, voice, emotions and even a smell that is totally disgusting. Regan and later the priest hurl insults when possessed and she also excretes secretions that have a foul smell. The latter are released from almost all the openings on her body.
The horror that is depicted in this book will keep you on edge. The battle and issues tackled will make you question a lot of things. This is a classic horror that you do not want to miss reading.
There are several versions of the book. All of them are great and the movie was well done. The book is based on the personal struggles of sweet teenager whose life is completely transformed when she is possessed by a demon. Regan is a sweet teenager who becomes the complete opposite of who she is when she is under the influence of the demon.
From the beginning the author employs a beautiful and dense prose that makes the novel impressive. This is what made creating the movie easier in my opinion. The author has stylish sentencing that creates perfect images in the mind of the reader. There is no room for confusion of the scene that he presents before us. This is because of the way he goes into detail in laying out the images that create a scene in the book.
The emotions are also elaborated to come up with a psychological melodramatic flavor that works on your mind. This is one of the reasons that Blatty is a prolific writer. The artistic merit of this book makes it stand out from the rest and this is essentially because of the writing ability of the author.
The other main characters include the exorcist who tries to expel the demon from the girl. We also have the Jesuit priest and detective that actively participate in the whole process. The book does a perfect job in describing the characters in relation to the plot of the story. This includes the character of the demon that possesses Regan whose character the victims take when they are under his influence.
The book also tackles the issue of spirituality. It goes into detail about satanic worship and sacrileges performed. This helps one ask many questions on the existence of evil and the whole role of religion in our lives because it is part of the core of the story. The suspense in the book and the ending that leaves a lot of doors wide open also makes the story an interesting read.
The other issue that the book tackles very well is the description of evil in the book. Evil has a face, voice, emotions and even a smell that is totally disgusting. Regan and later the priest hurl insults when possessed and she also excretes secretions that have a foul smell. The latter are released from almost all the openings on her body.
The horror that is depicted in this book will keep you on edge. The battle and issues tackled will make you question a lot of things. This is a classic horror that you do not want to miss reading.
#7 - 'misery'- BY stephen king - HORROR NOVEL REVIEW
This is a book that I have read more than once yet each time I read it my nerves are left tingling with anticipation because of the action on each page. The story will keep you turning the pages to find out what comes next. I believe that the story is better than the movie. When you read, you have the ability to create unique images that are personal and memorable. In a movie the images are somebody’s personal visual interpretation of the book that might not apply to you. My advice is that you read the book rather than watch the movie.
The book was as a result of an incident that he was involved with a fan. The fan took his wife hostage because he believed that the author had stolen his manuscript. The book is about Paul Sheldon who is an author and is a victim of a car crash and his wife Annie Wilkes who plays nurse to him. Paul feels like he owes her the world because she saved him.
However, Annie is a deranged lunatic. She is completely dangerous and Paul is in trouble. Annie is obsessed with a character in Paul’s book called Misery Chastain. She thinks that the character should exist in real life. When she realizes that Paul wants to kill the character in the book she insists that he resurrects the character for her. Her demands include the fact that Paul should write another book that has more profanity and the word ’S’.
Annie is not only the nurse but appoints herself as Paul’s editor. Her red editorial pen makes a lot of changes to Paul’s manuscript that go way and beyond your average editor. The book is genius mainly because the plot is centered between two characters yet this is all that King needs to create suspense that does not allow you to put down the book. The story despite the few characters is dense, deep and does not at anytime become boring because of the few characters in the book.
Misery has everything that a reader wants in a good book. It has thrills and spins that leave you in anticipation of what will happen next. Surprisingly, it has a bit of romance and laughter. Amidst all the crazy things that are going on in the book, you will find a reason or two to laugh. This is what makes the story a beautiful read.
The story is inspired by a true story and deals with the perils of fame. One cannot help but compare the story to the real life incident. It raises a lot of questions in your mind on what could have happened. King includes the story that Paul writes for Annie. I do not think it was necessary to include it within the book because it draws unnecessary parallels that a reader needs to analyze and compare within the story. However, everything else falls in place in this book. The book is evidence that King stands out among his peers as a master storyteller.
The book was as a result of an incident that he was involved with a fan. The fan took his wife hostage because he believed that the author had stolen his manuscript. The book is about Paul Sheldon who is an author and is a victim of a car crash and his wife Annie Wilkes who plays nurse to him. Paul feels like he owes her the world because she saved him.
However, Annie is a deranged lunatic. She is completely dangerous and Paul is in trouble. Annie is obsessed with a character in Paul’s book called Misery Chastain. She thinks that the character should exist in real life. When she realizes that Paul wants to kill the character in the book she insists that he resurrects the character for her. Her demands include the fact that Paul should write another book that has more profanity and the word ’S’.
Annie is not only the nurse but appoints herself as Paul’s editor. Her red editorial pen makes a lot of changes to Paul’s manuscript that go way and beyond your average editor. The book is genius mainly because the plot is centered between two characters yet this is all that King needs to create suspense that does not allow you to put down the book. The story despite the few characters is dense, deep and does not at anytime become boring because of the few characters in the book.
Misery has everything that a reader wants in a good book. It has thrills and spins that leave you in anticipation of what will happen next. Surprisingly, it has a bit of romance and laughter. Amidst all the crazy things that are going on in the book, you will find a reason or two to laugh. This is what makes the story a beautiful read.
The story is inspired by a true story and deals with the perils of fame. One cannot help but compare the story to the real life incident. It raises a lot of questions in your mind on what could have happened. King includes the story that Paul writes for Annie. I do not think it was necessary to include it within the book because it draws unnecessary parallels that a reader needs to analyze and compare within the story. However, everything else falls in place in this book. The book is evidence that King stands out among his peers as a master storyteller.
#8 - 'pet sematary'- BY stephen king - HORROR NOVEL REVIEW
The target audience for this book is definitely mature. This is because the book contains vulgar language, violence and explicit sex scenes that might not be suitable for the young audience. However, it is virtually impossible to resist the pull of everything that is evil that forms the book that is Pet Semetary.
The most important aspect of this story is the location. The core of the story relies on the fact that the story is based on a place that is next to a burial ground that is haunted. It is about a family that relocates to Maine because Louis, the father gets a job in a university as a doctor. The family consists of him, his wife and kids. The wife is afraid of death as a result of her past and shields her children from it. Living around a cemetery means being surrounded by death and it makes her uneasy.
Ellie the daughter and has a cat named church. Louis is attached to Gage their son who is just old enough to start developing his speech and is quite playful. The drama unfolds when church, Ellie’s cat dies and their neighbor Jud takes Louis to bury it in a burial ground that has the ability to resurrect the dead. Church comes back to life but as an empty shell. As a result of this Louis gets the power that the burial ground has and when Gage dies he buries him in absence of his wife to bring him back to life.
The book is very descriptive when it comes to the characters and the alternating patterns of their behavior because of the weird things that are happening. This is what makes the book a good read. When Gage comes back to life he is evil and goes on a rampage to kill the people around him including the mother. Louis by now is going insane as result of these events. Although, he kills Gage eventually, he still buries his wife who comes back as evil as Gage was.
Luis obsession with the power that he gets from the burial ground is a major influence of the events that unfold. This is why it is impossible to talk about the book without referring to the location. Another genius aspect that King used in this book is one line statements that summarize or are expounded within the story. This emphasizes the theme in the book and helps in creating them and making them clearer.
This is a book that I would recommend to anybody that loves a terrifying book that will make you sit at the edge of your seat. It is on record that King did not want this book released because of all the darkness that was in the book. He released the book grudgingly as a result of a contract he had to honor but it is to date one of his best works. Parts of it are inspired by incidents that occurred in his life.
The most important aspect of this story is the location. The core of the story relies on the fact that the story is based on a place that is next to a burial ground that is haunted. It is about a family that relocates to Maine because Louis, the father gets a job in a university as a doctor. The family consists of him, his wife and kids. The wife is afraid of death as a result of her past and shields her children from it. Living around a cemetery means being surrounded by death and it makes her uneasy.
Ellie the daughter and has a cat named church. Louis is attached to Gage their son who is just old enough to start developing his speech and is quite playful. The drama unfolds when church, Ellie’s cat dies and their neighbor Jud takes Louis to bury it in a burial ground that has the ability to resurrect the dead. Church comes back to life but as an empty shell. As a result of this Louis gets the power that the burial ground has and when Gage dies he buries him in absence of his wife to bring him back to life.
The book is very descriptive when it comes to the characters and the alternating patterns of their behavior because of the weird things that are happening. This is what makes the book a good read. When Gage comes back to life he is evil and goes on a rampage to kill the people around him including the mother. Louis by now is going insane as result of these events. Although, he kills Gage eventually, he still buries his wife who comes back as evil as Gage was.
Luis obsession with the power that he gets from the burial ground is a major influence of the events that unfold. This is why it is impossible to talk about the book without referring to the location. Another genius aspect that King used in this book is one line statements that summarize or are expounded within the story. This emphasizes the theme in the book and helps in creating them and making them clearer.
This is a book that I would recommend to anybody that loves a terrifying book that will make you sit at the edge of your seat. It is on record that King did not want this book released because of all the darkness that was in the book. He released the book grudgingly as a result of a contract he had to honor but it is to date one of his best works. Parts of it are inspired by incidents that occurred in his life.
#9 - 'heart shaped box'- BY joe hill - HORROR NOVEL REVIEW
This book was the author’s first novel. As a novice in a field that is packed with masters, making a big impression is difficult almost impossible. However, Joe Hill does make an impression and it is a good impression that puts this book in the list of one of the best horror stories ever told. This is not a small accolade for an author who was neophyte as he wrote the book.
The summary of the book is simple; an old rock star buys a suit over the Internet that he believes is perfect for his artifact collection. However, the suit is haunted by a ghost that has a mind of its own. This is not all because the suit also has a mind. The suit agrees to be part of the museum collection albeit for the wrong reasons. The ghost on the other hand has no intention of remaining hanged in the collection. He prefers to foray through the life of the rock star. The ghost is a skeletal old man.
It is these simple facts that Hill uses to create a witty and mesmerizing storyline that leaves readers in anticipation. If you are a fan of horror then Hill will take you on a wild journey of horror that does not display the work of a novice but rather of an expert. His way of building his characters and planting surprise at each corner makes this book an incredible work of writing.
The book takes its title from a Nirvana song. The main character is a fraud that collects royalties from old albums. Judas Coyne is 54 and weird. Everything from his weird art collection, his love for the occult to his tastes in girlfriends reveals his macabre nature. Hill captures the character of Judas in his description. The description gives you a clear picture of the haunted soul that this old rock star is. This is one of the things that stand out in the book.
The strange events begin to happen after the suit arrives. One strange occurrence after the other keeps us on the edge. The irony is that Judas has been exploiting people by using such things. This puts him in a position where he finds it difficult to differentiate fantasy and reality. The plot is built around revenge as a theme. The author links the revenge to the ill treatment that Judas gives his girlfriends. This blends perfectly with the events that occur in the book and helps in building the characters.
The book is built around the battle between a person and their personal ghosts. Every character in the book has an alias or evil ghost that is on a quest for revenge or redemption. This helps in the creation of a balance between fantasy and reality in the book. This was a dangerous move because fantasy bulls the story away from the suspense that most readers of this genre love. However, he manages to keep the story on track by creating vivid images and the result is an intensive energy in the story that never wanes. Hill uses the main character to address real life concerns. This is part of the appeal of the book.
The summary of the book is simple; an old rock star buys a suit over the Internet that he believes is perfect for his artifact collection. However, the suit is haunted by a ghost that has a mind of its own. This is not all because the suit also has a mind. The suit agrees to be part of the museum collection albeit for the wrong reasons. The ghost on the other hand has no intention of remaining hanged in the collection. He prefers to foray through the life of the rock star. The ghost is a skeletal old man.
It is these simple facts that Hill uses to create a witty and mesmerizing storyline that leaves readers in anticipation. If you are a fan of horror then Hill will take you on a wild journey of horror that does not display the work of a novice but rather of an expert. His way of building his characters and planting surprise at each corner makes this book an incredible work of writing.
The book takes its title from a Nirvana song. The main character is a fraud that collects royalties from old albums. Judas Coyne is 54 and weird. Everything from his weird art collection, his love for the occult to his tastes in girlfriends reveals his macabre nature. Hill captures the character of Judas in his description. The description gives you a clear picture of the haunted soul that this old rock star is. This is one of the things that stand out in the book.
The strange events begin to happen after the suit arrives. One strange occurrence after the other keeps us on the edge. The irony is that Judas has been exploiting people by using such things. This puts him in a position where he finds it difficult to differentiate fantasy and reality. The plot is built around revenge as a theme. The author links the revenge to the ill treatment that Judas gives his girlfriends. This blends perfectly with the events that occur in the book and helps in building the characters.
The book is built around the battle between a person and their personal ghosts. Every character in the book has an alias or evil ghost that is on a quest for revenge or redemption. This helps in the creation of a balance between fantasy and reality in the book. This was a dangerous move because fantasy bulls the story away from the suspense that most readers of this genre love. However, he manages to keep the story on track by creating vivid images and the result is an intensive energy in the story that never wanes. Hill uses the main character to address real life concerns. This is part of the appeal of the book.
#10 - 'frankenstein'- BY mary shelley - HORROR NOVEL REVIEW
This is a classic book. Frankenstein is popular in our culture but very few people are aware of the story behind the Frankenstein character. People wear Frankenstein costumes during Halloween without understanding the source. The costume is a default scary costume for many people. The first thing that you need to know is that Frankenstein was not the monster but the scientist that created the monster.
The book is a series of letters of Robert who writes to his sister Margaret while on a vessel that is sailing around the North Pole. He writes about rescuing Victor Frankenstein. It is through Robert that we learn the story of the eccentric scientist whose obsession with scientific arts produced a monster that brought a lot of havoc. It is the many film versions that have led many to believe that Frankenstein was the monster rather than the scientist.
The book is full of very vivid horrifying images that give the book a very wide dimension. This is quite surprising considering the age of the book. While reading classics I tend to expect a one dimensional approach but this book surpassed my expectations. It is also very easy to read unlike most classics. I did not have to go back to read sentences to understand what the author was trying to say or describe. The flowery language that classics are known for is there but readable.
The book is atmospheric and raises a lot of moral and ethical debates that we still face today. The issue of a man playing God by creating another being is an issue. The emotional vunerability of human beings is also brought under the microscope. The monster is rejected at first not because of his beastly acts but rather because he looked like one. It is part of human nature to judge people based on their looks even today.
The full title of the book is normally forgotten. The second part of the title, ‘or The Modern Prometheus’ is rarely mentioned but forms a crucial part or theme in the book. A prometheus in Greek theology was used to refer to the constant desire of humanity to develop specifically scientific knowledge for the purpose of improving humanity as a whole. The thirst for knowledge is and achievement is commendable but when done in excess without boundaries, it can lead to tragedy.
Frankenstein like in the mythology is punished for going against the laws of nature and not controlling his own creation. This is an important lesson that forms the core of this story. The narrative is written in first person therefore giving us a clear perspective of the recession of his mind. Understanding his though processes and how he justifies his actions allows us to see his condition.
The monster on the other hand elicits mixed feelings in the reader. You want to hate and like him at the same time because of the way that the story is designed. Although not scary, the story gives detailed description of events and things that creates the horror and raises important issues that affect our society.
The book is a series of letters of Robert who writes to his sister Margaret while on a vessel that is sailing around the North Pole. He writes about rescuing Victor Frankenstein. It is through Robert that we learn the story of the eccentric scientist whose obsession with scientific arts produced a monster that brought a lot of havoc. It is the many film versions that have led many to believe that Frankenstein was the monster rather than the scientist.
The book is full of very vivid horrifying images that give the book a very wide dimension. This is quite surprising considering the age of the book. While reading classics I tend to expect a one dimensional approach but this book surpassed my expectations. It is also very easy to read unlike most classics. I did not have to go back to read sentences to understand what the author was trying to say or describe. The flowery language that classics are known for is there but readable.
The book is atmospheric and raises a lot of moral and ethical debates that we still face today. The issue of a man playing God by creating another being is an issue. The emotional vunerability of human beings is also brought under the microscope. The monster is rejected at first not because of his beastly acts but rather because he looked like one. It is part of human nature to judge people based on their looks even today.
The full title of the book is normally forgotten. The second part of the title, ‘or The Modern Prometheus’ is rarely mentioned but forms a crucial part or theme in the book. A prometheus in Greek theology was used to refer to the constant desire of humanity to develop specifically scientific knowledge for the purpose of improving humanity as a whole. The thirst for knowledge is and achievement is commendable but when done in excess without boundaries, it can lead to tragedy.
Frankenstein like in the mythology is punished for going against the laws of nature and not controlling his own creation. This is an important lesson that forms the core of this story. The narrative is written in first person therefore giving us a clear perspective of the recession of his mind. Understanding his though processes and how he justifies his actions allows us to see his condition.
The monster on the other hand elicits mixed feelings in the reader. You want to hate and like him at the same time because of the way that the story is designed. Although not scary, the story gives detailed description of events and things that creates the horror and raises important issues that affect our society.
Best Horror Novels of All Time 11-20
