It’s that time of the year again where horror films reign, kids go trick or treating, and candy is everywhere! Since Halloween is coming up later this month, I’ve compiled yet another list of creepy novels to satisfy your horror cravings. Each book has its own horror rating, from one to three ghosts:
Enjoy these spooky tales to fill your night with fright!
*See last years recs here!
Tokyo Ghoul is one of my favorite new-to-me manga! It follows the story of younger guy named Kaneki whose date with a pretty girl turns fatal. As a result he ends up as a half-human half-Ghoul hybrid, and has to adjust to his new lifestyle. Though this manga can be pretty graphic at times and some of the ghouls are definitely (super eerie) it only adds to the environment. It’s a great horror manga if you’re looking for something scary to read.
Outcast
is the story of Kyle Barnes has been plagued by demonic possession all his life and now he needs answers. After meeting a priest he learns he may have the powers to help others who are controlled by demons. It’s a slow-moving graphic novel series, build the slow build up suspense is what pulls the reader in. This comic is quite graphic at times, and the imminent danger the characters and others are in constantly has you on edge.
Something Strange and Deadly)
is nice mashup of steampunk, zombies, and petticoats. The main character Eleanor is worried about her missing brother and after receiving a mysterious letter from him she seeks out the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces for help. While this book is chock-full of zombie, it’s pretty tame as far as horror goes. It’s still spooky though, and the action scenes are pretty intense!
If you like short story anthologies, Defy the Dark
will be a good fit for you! There is a wide variety of tales for every reader ranging from multiple genres such as Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy. Some of the stories are a bit creepy and others are full-blown horror tales that will make you uneasy. Some of my favorite stories in this collection include: Ghost Town, Naughty or Nice, and Shadowed.
When I think of zombie/YA horror stories The Forest of Hands and Teeth
always comes to the forefront of my mind. The story follows Mary who lives in a small village in the woods that is protected by the fence that separates them from Forest of Hands and Teeth. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future. I loved this book so much! It’s very suspenseful, it’s full of tension and the characters are interesting. Though the undead are never called outright “zombies” it’s interesting to see Ryan’s take on these creature.
Do you have any “Spooktastic Reads” you’ll be reading for Halloween? Do you have any recommendations to share? Comment below!
*FTC Disclosure: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links!
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I have not read any of these. Often I pick up an old classic for Spooky October.
What older books do you recommend for October? Classics?
I remember reading Frankenstein last year and loving it. I have heard readers highly recommend We lived in the castle by Shirley Jackson. I have not personally read the book. But I read a short story, Lottery, by Jackson and I think she is fabulous.
I also loved Frankenstein, it’s got the right amount of spook for Halloween. I haven’t heard of “We lived in the castle” by Shirley Jackson. So I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the suggestions! 🙂
Tokyo Ghoul is great. Have you watched the anime yet?
I know it’s a YA story but the characters in The Forest of Hands and Teeth irritated me because they put their own needs before those of others. It’s a zombie apocalypse, people! Less angst more killing!
I have not watched Tokyo Ghoul yet (just read the manga) and I’m looking forward to watching it. And I totally understand about The Forest of Hands and Teeth, now that I think back upon the book. It was quite angsty, but still good.
I see Outcast everytime I visit the comic bookshop and have been curious about it. I just might try it.
Yay! It’s pretty good, I’ve read the first two volumes and its continued to hold my interest.