Don;t know if my favorite but most impressionable one I've ever read was Ruins. I still remember the exact night I sat in the kitchen at night biting my nails and gagging mentally at the visceral descriptions.
These all sound so good. My tbr is never ending. I'm most excited to read The Winter People and I'm Thinking of Ending Things. Can't wait. Great video!!
From your list, my two favorites were I'm Thinking of Ending Things, and WInter People. I agree that the only way to read I'm Thinking of Ending Things is to immediately begin to re-read it as soon as you turn the last page. I don't think Jennifer McMahon gets enough recognition, she is a great writer. You have a good list, definitely going to read the others on there I have not read yet.
I just recently finished I'm Thinking of Ending Things, and my GOD. It was so anxiety-inducing, and I enjoyed my experience going into it knowing only the bare minimum. I'll also be reading Pet Sematary for spooky season! Your horror recs are always an automatic addition to my list!
Ooooh it makes me SO happy when someone else has the same experience reading I'm Thinking of Ending Things. I'm glad you weren't spoiled with all the movie hype going around
@@TheShadesofOrange I watched the movie the next day out of curiosity. I was so excited to see how they would execute the chilling scenes and the ending from the book, but they just... did not. lol. I was really sad.
I swear you're one of like two people on RUclips who don't just recommend the same horror books over and over. I really appreciate that you reach out to not only underappreciated mainstream horror, but even indie horror to make recommendations, and then relate them to more common things so people know what they might be getting into.
I was just watching your newest video and when it ended I wanted more of course, so I always jump into your older ones that I haven't seen yet and this one was so good! I loved your choices for #10, 5 and 2 and also really loved those books. I just realized I already bought your #1 pick a while back so it's going on my tbr right now :)
Thank you for making this list! I'll definitely check out some. Some books that I liked much more than I expected and are now favorites: "A Head Full of Ghosts" by Paul Tremblay "Ghost Story" by Peter Straub "My Best Friend's Exorcism" by Grady Hendrix "IT" by Stephen King is still my favorite novel. I got so immersed in the story that it actually cured my insomnia for a few months. I loved "Imaginary Friend" too :-)
"IT" is also my favorite King novel. I've read the book eight times in the last two decades, including once every year of high school. I love the way King structures the story as a series of flashbacks making it, in my mind, a story about confronting childhood fears, which resonates with me greatly. "Ghost Story was recommended to me once upon a time from somewhere and has been sitting on my shelf for years, but I have yet to take the time to read it. I heard it was one of Straub's best.
my fisrt ever book pick was imaginary friend after watching video from this channel 5years ago and here to find the book again, gosh this channel super underrated
I LOVED The Cabin At The End Of The World by Paul Tremblay. It was a Bookclub read with a group and everyone disliked it EXCEPT me!! Glad you liked it too
I loved it too, I read a big chunk of it on a train to see my family on Thanksgiving during an incredibly cold day a few years ago and this story is seared into my brain, truly incredible.
I just found your channel, what a delight 😍!!! I love reading and it's very hard for me to pick a book to read. I struggle making that decision! So I love listening to other person talk about books that they really enjoyed, it extremely helpful to me!! Thank you!
I’m glad I found your channel! Love I’m Thinking of Ending Things and The Cabin at the End of the World so I think our horror tastes mesh - I’ll definitely follow for more recs!
Shriveled at the end. Great phrasing. Third acts are the bane of so many stories that are otherwise solid. Learned that reading slush pile submissions for a magazine I was editing at the time. Lots of great first acts, plenty of at least okay second acts, but oh those third acts. Even Michael Crichton and Dean Koontz have a tendency to slump in the late innings, the fourth quarter, the third act. Writes should plan a bang-up ending, then write towards it. Ask Agatha Christie about that.
Pet Sematary is definitely in my top 5 King novels; my overall favorite being IT (The Shining, 'Salem's Lot and #5 probably Cujo or Needful Things). I have not read any of these others, though I Am Legend has been sitting on my shelf for years. Fun fact: Although you have two Joe Hill books on this list, there are three books from the same family since Joe "Hill" is Stephen Kings's son (if you didn't know). He doesn't want to ride off his father's name but he looks like a clone of his father. Also: In the broadest sense, a horror story is any story intended to frighten/spook/unnerve its audience, so I'm Thinking of Ending Things would qualify.
I am Legend is top ten material for me. Especially how the ending changes the entire book Pet Sematary is just soul chilling. Horns started good, but I almost tapped out at the flashback I have not read any of the other books
I am legend and let the right one in are my favorite vampire books, im currently reading heart shaped box by joe hill, (my first) ive seen horns the movie but youre making me want to read the book, ive read quite a few Stephen king books but somehow pet cemetery has slipped through the cracks, thinking i need to grab that one now. Great list.
Great list, Rachel. I was recently at the bookstore and saw I’m Thinking Of Ending Things on sale for 10% off. I immediately got it because of your recommendations of it. I’m really happy to see Horns on here. I don’t cry very often in books, but the ending made me weep. I also love the absurdity of it. I’m also happy to see Cabin on here. I loved it. It kept me on edge the entire ride through.
Thanks for this thoughtful list with your impressions. I'm reading NOS4A2 now based on your (frequent) recommendation, agree that Pet Semetary is one of King's best and will look into several of these.
Pet Semetary by Stephen King is my favorite horror book of all time. I'm so happy u loved it. My other favorites by him are Tommyknockers, Landoliers, It and Nightshift. They are more of his earlier works. Have you read any of these? You may like them more then the others you didn't as much. I'm currently reading and enjoying Sleeping Beauties so far. Happy horror book reading📚🖤🕸👻🔮
I bought a copy of Winter People after Edward Lorn raved about it on his channel. Haven´t read it yet but I read The Devil crept in by Ania Ahlborn not long ago and the stories sound very alike. Heard this one has a lot of Pet Sematary vibes to it?
I totally get the whole 'repetitive' thing because I always feel like I'm talking about the same books. I even banned myself from talking about certain books because they were just too often talked about in my videos (ahem Borne and Dune) but I think it's a good exercise for us to remember our favorite books because they change so often. I have a shelf where I keep my top ten books of the year and every time a new book comes in I have to swap one out and that's always fun. Also, now I want to read like all the books on this list. I have The Winter People on my TBR and knowing it deals with infertility also resonates with me because it's something I'm kind of going through it right now
What you love Borne & Dune... I had no idea! 😋 And Monica... I'm so sorry. We did IVF after 7 years of trying every treatment. Feel free to message me on Voxer if you ever need to talk to someone
@@TheShadesofOrange Yes, it reminded me of the bloated nineties novels (which I read mostly professionally) where a supernatural baddie was supposed to explain throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the reader. Just my two cents !
Agree with Cabin at the End of the World! I'd add Library at Mount Char, Fullwood (though that is this year), Behind Her Eyes, Night Film, The Silent Companions, My Best Friend's Exorcism, & The Elementals.
One of the first horror books i read was 'The door to december' by Dean Koontz, I think that was scary in some ways. But 'IT' by Stephen King is definitely more scary. I really like that book and 'Salems lot' too.
NOS4A2 is one of my favourite horror books! Other recent ones are Let The Right One In, The Girl With All the Gifts, The Winter People, Bird Box, Disappearance At Devil's Rock, Kill Creek, The Ruins, The Troop, Head Full of Ghosts. I love Stephen King and favourites that stand out in my mind are Salem's Lot, Misery and The Stand. I haven't read these last two for a while now so I need to revisit them.
I think it should be mandatory to read NOS4A2 at least twice, haha. There are so many things a reader likely won't pick up initially. It may be even more delicious as a reread.
I am legend! Yes! Loved that story! The winter people I remember you mentioning before and I put it on my list back then...still haven’t read it but I want to! Imaginary friend I still have not got too ans what too! I enjoyed that series by Chris Sorensen. I can’t wait for the next book Pet Sematary is my fav by him so far as well so good! The cover of Beneath is wow!!!! Incredible. This is such an amazing list!
I read NOS4A2 on Audible and loved it! I am going to read Cabin at the end of the World soon as well. So many books to read I have no excuse to be board at all! Thanks for all you do!
@TheShadesofOrange Booktube Channel Pet Sematary is my favourite Stephen King novel with Misery and Dolores Claiborne to follow. I absolutely agree, I'm Thinking of Ending Things is one of my all time favourite books. I wouldn't really classify it as Horror either. To me, it is a mind f**k book. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane is another one I adore in that sub category. Anything Richard Laymon...I like as my horror guilty pleasure! 😂 Currently rereading The Exorcist! I hope it makes your list in the future. Thank you for this video. So many recommendations going on my Xmas list. Especially the Joe Hill and Paul Tremblay books!
Yes, Misery is a close second after Pet Sematery and The Exorcist will definitely be up there when I remake this list in a future year. You definitely got me hooked on Laymon. I really need to read more of his books
I think it will be so interesting to see what books from this list make it to the top 10 in a few years time! I need to make a list like this for thrillers. Ohhh it's going to be so hard! How did you choose haha the pressure!!!
Somehow I found this video and that I was already subscribed to your channel although not seeing any of your videos before. But it was a nice surprise as I was looking for my next read and I really enjoyed the way you described each book and why you loved reading it. Now looking forward to check out your orher videos and suggestions :)
"The Ceremonies" by TED Klein is seriously underrated. "Summer of Night" by Dan Simmons, "It" by Stephen King, and "Boy's Life" by Robert R McCammon make a nice combo (kids growing up in creepy small towns). "Ghost Story" by Peter Straub is a classic and a great twist on its titular premise. "Mexican Gothic" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a very new take on the haunted house trope. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison -- yes, it's definitely a haunted house story. Just read the first line! "Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury. Because it's Ray Bradbury. "Nothing But Blackened Teeth" by Cassandra Khaw -- a totally standard haunted house story but with an unusual setting and some fantastic prose. "Bloodbrothers" by Morgen Leigh. Okay, the author is a friend, but seriously, this book is amazing. Not plugging any other friends' books here (or my own) but this one is really worth the read!
The Winter People sounds so good for this winter ❤🙌 I also really want to get to Imaginary Friend ❤ Basically all this books sound amazing to me. I have been putting off reading Horns and I really have to 🙈
I like your recommendation and will find my ways to get them 🤩 Btw, my fav book so far is Verity by Colleen Hoover. Not technically horror but the ending kinda twist my mind and I took time to move on from this book!
This is really cool; some books that aren't on other peoples' top horror lists on youtube (many of the same entries often seem to come up)...Could you put the titles of books in sucha list in the description, though?
@TheShadesofOrange Yeah, I'm around halfway through weaveworld myself...I'll re-read it for sure! There is so much symbolism. Then, a few of his other books as well!
Interesting video! Is there somewhere that fully explains the ending in Ian Reed's book?I remember being left with a few questions but maybe that is what he intended?
Fascinating list. I've never heard of "I'm Thinking of Ending Things " but it sounds amazing . Why is she thinking that way? And how is it all going to play out? The set-up alone is making me tense. Thank you for sharing your list.
I really enjoyed watching this! My first video of yours I’ve watched. Found the top book on my Scribd account and began reading immediately. It’s really good! I haven’t read most of these; it’s very exciting. My favourite horror novel is an old and rare one called “Lost Boys” by Orson Scott Card. Thanks 😊
Brilliant list!! I knew I was in for a treat when Winter People was the first book mentioned. As I was watching I was also adding books to my cart! Subscribing now!
@@TheShadesofOrange I ordered The Nightmare Room right away and finished it in one day. Loved it! I'm always on the hunt for good haunted house fare. I ordered the other two as wel!
Spoke too soon, lol! Just got to the end and saw NOS4A2 as your #1. I still loved it, and I saw the adapted show which I thought was really good too. Season 2 coming!
It seems that everyone puts NOS4A2 before Horns, and hardly ever heard it discussed. I loved Horns way back when I read it, and it was nice to see you give it the shout-out it deserves!!
Ahhh I'm reading Pet Sematary right now! In the intro stephen king says he personally thinks it's the scariest too. I really enjoyed the cabin at the end of the world and omg NOS4A2 is one of my favs too!
Usually I don't like to watch adaptations of my favourite books, but I've actually been intrigued by that one. I kinda love my copy of Horns even though I usually hate movie tie in covers. I think I just like the idea of a demonic Harry Potter
Loved hearing you talk about your favorites 😁 I love haunted house stories so The Nightmare Room sounds great! I've been having trouble getting into Pet Semetary. It wasn't grabbing me for some reason, but I plan to finish it this month so hopefully I enjoy the ending as much as you did! ~Laura
Most of these stories, especially The Winter People and Nos4a2 I've been wanting to read but haven't. The weird part is that I actually own The Winter People and Nos4a2, but still haven't committed to reading them due to the fact that I push to the side for something else. I guess I should get a move on. Because there are other, especially Beneath, seem really interesting. But I did read I am Legend and Pet Semetary, but those are legendary novels, of course. Great video.
Thank you so much for this video, I added several to my reading list. "I'm Thinking Of Ending Things" was made into a movie, pretty good watch. I also don't consider horror rather more of Twilight Zone/Psyc fiction. I'm also sure you know that Joe Hill is really Joseph King, Stephen King's son... fyi for other folks reading comments. and also made into a movie and Nos4A2 is a TV Series, season 3 is just wrapping up filming.
I also loved NOS4A2, Pet Sematary, I'm Thinking of Ending Things, Imaginary Friend and The Winter People :D I will definitely reread them at some point because there are so many layers to them. I was a bit disappointed by The Nightmare Room, but it was still a good read. And unfortunately I didn't like The Cabin at the End of the World (nor A Head Full of Ghosts :(). But I really want to read Horns, I am Legend and Beneath!
Interesting that you preferred Horns and NOS4A2 to Heart Shaped Box, which I found genuinely scary. I do enjoy Joe Hill, so I suppose it is a win all around. I sometimes think he is better than his dad.
I totally agree with you about the whole societies take on motherhood. I'm starting to think I'm the only one who didn't like I Am Legend lol maybe I need to try and get through it. It'll be my own little personal challenge. Was wondering if you have read Misery yet by King. I loved it as much as I loved Pet Sematary, and if I liked it I have a feeling you would too. I love that you added Horns I don't think a lot of booktubers talk about it enough. It's also one I still need to read, I've only seen the movie. And I agree with your number one!! Of course lol
Aww I know my booktube friend Jade @ Bedtime Bookworm also hated I am Legend. I feel like you have to be in a certain headspace to read it. While I loved it, I have zero interest in rereading that bleak story during this pandemic. And I'm hoping to reread Horns next year if you're interested in trying it out
The Cabin at the End of the World fell flat for me. I loved Head Full of Ghosts though. I still think about it all the time. I was wondering if you might consider varying up the background in your videos. I really enjoy your content but at first glance it's hard to tell if I've watched it before because it is so visually similar. Just a thought...
Yeah it's a fair suggestion because it's something I've thought about. Lately I've been trying to create more variety in my thumbnail, but with the setup of my home my filming locations are pretty limited
Nice list! I've read four of these and am now going to check out "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" soon. I'm almost done with "The Whisper Man". Great read too 🙀
Spoilers for the video: How'd I know from the get go that you were gonna pick Nos4a2 as your favorite? Maybe its the frequency with which you talk about it on the channel!
So interesting you don't consider I'm Thinking of Ending Things as a horror - it's one of the few books that has legitimately SCARED me (especially the last 20% or so). I'm always looking for books that are similar to this!
I think it has more to do psychological horror, especially when we know the truth by the end. But the last few pages ( before the twist) scared the crap out of me
I read Pet Sematary when it was first published under the tag line: 'the only book that scared Stephen King to write'. And stating the fact he didn't want to publish it because he thought it was too scary, but his wife, Tabitha pushed him to. With such a build up it was such a let down on so many levels. I didn't find it as scary as I felt it was an exercise in grief. The only thing I liked about it was the ending. It is one of King's best. My personal favorite King is The Stand. Epic. A commentary on society and human beings, good vs. evil and the fine line between them.
Aww yeah I feel like the marketing hype around the book is misleading as to what type of scariness it is. I found it scary in a way, but not in he traditional horror sense
Stephen King is hit or miss for me as well. Pet Sematary is actually my favorite of his. Maybe we have similar taste! In very interested in all of these.
I've had NOS4R2 in my audio library for ages. I listened to the Fireman and although I wouldn't say I didn't like it, it really felt like a chore to finish by the end so it put me off Joe Hill a bit. That said I think I need to try NOS4R2, I can't judge an author by one book.
Hello Rachel, i really like you page and a lot of books that you have mentioned. I've been looking for a good viking/Norse horror novel, if you know of any can give me some titles. Keep up the awesome work
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I like the way you describe each book. 🥰 got me interested in most of them!
Oh thanks! I hope you enjoy them!
Yay for Imaginary Friend!!!!! It’s sooooo fantastic! 😭❤️
I have a sneaking suspicion it would make your list of favourite horror books if you compiled your own list
@@TheShadesofOrange Have you considered a career as a psychic ? ;)
I loved this book! But will agree the ending was a little lack luster, but overall fantastic.
Its one of my favourite book ♥️♥️
Oh! loving this list because all the recommendations are new and unique from other videos I've watched! Thanks, I cant wait to read these.
Oh wonderful! I really try to read a variety of horror authors and books... and not just the bestsellers like Stephen King
“I resented having to take care of my son because all I wanted to do was read more” 🤣🤣
Haha.. hopefully he never watches my videos when he grows up! 😅
No.
Don;t know if my favorite but most impressionable one I've ever read was Ruins. I still remember the exact night I sat in the kitchen at night biting my nails and gagging mentally at the visceral descriptions.
Ah yes the Ruins was certainly memorable!
Who is the author, please?
@@peterpuleo2904 Scott Smith.
Thank you !
These all sound so good. My tbr is never ending. I'm most excited to read The Winter People and I'm Thinking of Ending Things. Can't wait. Great video!!
Those are both excellent additions to your tbr
love that you update you're list every year it makes soooo much sense. Thanks!
Yeah I don't update my lists every but usually every 2 or 3 depending on how much it has changed
From your list, my two favorites were I'm Thinking of Ending Things, and WInter People. I agree that the only way to read I'm Thinking of Ending Things is to immediately begin to re-read it as soon as you turn the last page. I don't think Jennifer McMahon gets enough recognition, she is a great writer. You have a good list, definitely going to read the others on there I have not read yet.
Thanks! And I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who wanted to immediately reread I'm Thinking of Ending Things
I just picked up Imaginary Friend and I can't wait to get to it!
It's so good!
I just recently finished I'm Thinking of Ending Things, and my GOD. It was so anxiety-inducing, and I enjoyed my experience going into it knowing only the bare minimum. I'll also be reading Pet Sematary for spooky season! Your horror recs are always an automatic addition to my list!
Ooooh it makes me SO happy when someone else has the same experience reading I'm Thinking of Ending Things. I'm glad you weren't spoiled with all the movie hype going around
@@TheShadesofOrange I watched the movie the next day out of curiosity. I was so excited to see how they would execute the chilling scenes and the ending from the book, but they just... did not. lol. I was really sad.
@@cherryactually I hated the movie. I wish it never existed.
I swear you're one of like two people on RUclips who don't just recommend the same horror books over and over. I really appreciate that you reach out to not only underappreciated mainstream horror, but even indie horror to make recommendations, and then relate them to more common things so people know what they might be getting into.
Oh thank you! I agree that I find it boring when everyone talks about the exact same books
OMG I have never heard any booktuber talk about the Winter People & it is my FAVORITE book! Great choice. Love your channel! 💕
Thank you! And yes The Winter People is definitely underappreciated
Jennifer has become one of my favorite authors. All her books have that "creepy" vibe. She's brilliant.
I love getting to know what your favorites are! You talk about so many books, it's nice to know your faves!
Glad we share so many favourites Madi! (And glad I know your channel now)
Thank you so much for this awesome list! Almost all of those books are now on my tbr he he he!
Oh wonderful!
I was just watching your newest video and when it ended I wanted more of course, so I always jump into your older ones that I haven't seen yet and this one was so good! I loved your choices for #10, 5 and 2 and also really loved those books. I just realized I already bought your #1 pick a while back so it's going on my tbr right now :)
Thank you for making this list! I'll definitely check out some. Some books that I liked much more than I expected and are now favorites:
"A Head Full of Ghosts" by Paul Tremblay
"Ghost Story" by Peter Straub
"My Best Friend's Exorcism" by Grady Hendrix
"IT" by Stephen King is still my favorite novel. I got so immersed in the story that it actually cured my insomnia for a few months.
I loved "Imaginary Friend" too :-)
Thanks! I loved hearing about your own favourites. And glad to hear that you shared my enjoyment of Imaginary Friend
"IT" is also my favorite King novel. I've read the book eight times in the last two decades, including once every year of high school. I love the way King structures the story as a series of flashbacks making it, in my mind, a story about confronting childhood fears, which resonates with me greatly.
"Ghost Story was recommended to me once upon a time from somewhere and has been sitting on my shelf for years, but I have yet to take the time to read it. I heard it was one of Straub's best.
I AM LEGEND is extraordinary. It's a classic for a reason.
100%. I look forward to rereading it.
The final page of Pet Sematary is, in my opinion, one of the finest things that he's ever written.
100% agree!
my fisrt ever book pick was imaginary friend after watching video from this channel 5years ago and here to find the book again, gosh this channel super underrated
Aw thanks
I LOVED The Cabin At The End Of The World by Paul Tremblay. It was a Bookclub read with a group and everyone disliked it EXCEPT me!! Glad you liked it too
Oh really? Yeah I'm always surprised the book is so hit or miss with readers. I loved it but it has very low reviews on Goodreads
I loved it too, I read a big chunk of it on a train to see my family on Thanksgiving during an incredibly cold day a few years ago and this story is seared into my brain, truly incredible.
I just found your channel, what a delight 😍!!! I love reading and it's very hard for me to pick a book to read. I struggle making that decision! So I love listening to other person talk about books that they really enjoyed, it extremely helpful to me!! Thank you!
Oh thank you so much!
I’m glad I found your channel! Love I’m Thinking of Ending Things and The Cabin at the End of the World so I think our horror tastes mesh - I’ll definitely follow for more recs!
Always happy to find another reader with similar tastes
Excellent ranking, thank you!!
Shriveled at the end. Great phrasing. Third acts are the bane of so many stories that are otherwise solid. Learned that reading slush pile submissions for a magazine I was editing at the time. Lots of great first acts, plenty of at least okay second acts, but oh those third acts. Even Michael Crichton and Dean Koontz have a tendency to slump in the late innings, the fourth quarter, the third act.
Writes should plan a bang-up ending, then write towards it. Ask Agatha Christie about that.
Yes so many books fail in the ending
Pet Sematary is definitely in my top 5 King novels; my overall favorite being IT (The Shining, 'Salem's Lot and #5 probably Cujo or Needful Things). I have not read any of these others, though I Am Legend has been sitting on my shelf for years.
Fun fact: Although you have two Joe Hill books on this list, there are three books from the same family since Joe "Hill" is Stephen Kings's son (if you didn't know). He doesn't want to ride off his father's name but he looks like a clone of his father.
Also: In the broadest sense, a horror story is any story intended to frighten/spook/unnerve its audience, so I'm Thinking of Ending Things would qualify.
LOVED your reviews!! Thanks so much for sharing!! 💕💕💕😍😍
Thank you!
I am Legend is top ten material for me. Especially how the ending changes the entire book
Pet Sematary is just soul chilling.
Horns started good, but I almost tapped out at the flashback
I have not read any of the other books
Ahh Yes the ending to I Am Legend was brilliant. I seriously need to reread Horns, but I remember being entertained the whole way through
This has inspired me to read more horror books - I read more science fiction, so I have much more horror to discover. Thanks.
Oh wonderful! I am always happy to inspire people to read more horror 🥰
I am legend and let the right one in are my favorite vampire books, im currently reading heart shaped box by joe hill, (my first) ive seen horns the movie but youre making me want to read the book, ive read quite a few Stephen king books but somehow pet cemetery has slipped through the cracks, thinking i need to grab that one now. Great list.
Great list, Rachel. I was recently at the bookstore and saw I’m Thinking Of Ending Things on sale for 10% off. I immediately got it because of your recommendations of it. I’m really happy to see Horns on here. I don’t cry very often in books, but the ending made me weep. I also love the absurdity of it. I’m also happy to see Cabin on here. I loved it. It kept me on edge the entire ride through.
Thanks Jason. I really hope you love I'm Thinking of Ending Things. And yes, I feel lile Horns is so underrated
Thanks for this thoughtful list with your impressions. I'm reading NOS4A2 now based on your (frequent) recommendation, agree that Pet Semetary is one of King's best and will look into several of these.
Haha yeah I can't stop talking about NOS4A2 😅... so glad you're enjoying it
Very convincing reviews !!!
Thanks so much !
Thanks!
I think I’ll pick up Beneath. I always love the snake handling church concept. It’s always so whack to me.
Excellent choice! I really want to reread that one
Pet Semetary by Stephen King is my favorite horror book of all time. I'm so happy u loved it. My other
favorites by him are Tommyknockers, Landoliers, It and Nightshift. They are more of his earlier works. Have you read any of these? You may like them more then the others you didn't as much. I'm currently reading and enjoying Sleeping Beauties so far. Happy horror book reading📚🖤🕸👻🔮
Oh those, I have only read IT and honestly I do need to reread it
I bought a copy of Winter People after Edward Lorn raved about it on his channel. Haven´t read it yet but I read The Devil crept in by Ania Ahlborn not long ago and the stories sound very alike. Heard this one has a lot of Pet Sematary vibes to it?
I'd say it's pretty different than Pet Sematery but it does have that parent grief angle
I totally get the whole 'repetitive' thing because I always feel like I'm talking about the same books. I even banned myself from talking about certain books because they were just too often talked about in my videos (ahem Borne and Dune) but I think it's a good exercise for us to remember our favorite books because they change so often. I have a shelf where I keep my top ten books of the year and every time a new book comes in I have to swap one out and that's always fun. Also, now I want to read like all the books on this list. I have The Winter People on my TBR and knowing it deals with infertility also resonates with me because it's something I'm kind of going through it right now
What you love Borne & Dune... I had no idea! 😋
And Monica... I'm so sorry. We did IVF after 7 years of trying every treatment. Feel free to message me on Voxer if you ever need to talk to someone
Thanks so much for this video! I'll definitely put more Joe Hill on my TBR.
Thanks. I think everyone needs more Joe Hill on their TBRs haha
I must be the only one who disliked Nos4a2…
@@pateris it's pretty popular one but I'm sure you're not alone!
@@TheShadesofOrange Yes, it reminded me of the bloated nineties novels (which I read mostly professionally) where a supernatural baddie was supposed to explain throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the reader. Just my two cents !
Horns is one of my all time favorites! It deserves more love ❤️
Completely agree!
Yeah, the book was awesome but the movie.... :/
Yeah, it was really good
Subscribed- bell hit- love your descriptions of these books! Putting -most- on my TBR list🤗
Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy them
Same!
Agree with Cabin at the End of the World!
I'd add Library at Mount Char, Fullwood (though that is this year), Behind Her Eyes, Night Film, The Silent Companions, My Best Friend's Exorcism, & The Elementals.
I'll have to check out some of those! I've never read Mount Char or the Elementals
Nice list. I would personally switch Joe Hill Heart Shaped Box over Horns but Horns is a solid entry.
Oh yes that one is so beloved but I definitely connected more with Horns
Horror, for Christmas?!
I like your style. I love to watch Die Hard and Gremlins at Christmas, lol
Yessss
One of the first horror books i read was 'The door to december' by Dean Koontz, I think that was scary in some ways. But 'IT' by Stephen King is definitely more scary. I really like that book and 'Salems lot' too.
I'm excited to do a reread of IT this fall
sat down with a cup of tea to watch this thinking ill just watch and wont end up buying new books. Just bought 9 new books
Haha is it bad, but I'm most interested in the book you didn't get haha
@@TheShadesofOrange Pet Sematary as I already own it lol
Wow I am so intrigued by so many of these! Thanks for this amazing video!!
Thanks!
Please do a best nonfiction horror video! I would be very interested in that!
Ok, that could be fun. I'd have to think what books to include
Searched horror books & found a great new channel! New sub!
Oh thank you!
NOS4A2 is one of my favourite horror books! Other recent ones are Let The Right One In, The Girl With All the Gifts, The Winter People, Bird Box, Disappearance At Devil's Rock, Kill Creek, The Ruins, The Troop, Head Full of Ghosts. I love Stephen King and favourites that stand out in my mind are Salem's Lot, Misery and The Stand. I haven't read these last two for a while now so I need to revisit them.
The Stand definitely makes a lot of people's list. I'll get to that beast one day. Love hearing about some of your recent favs
I suggested Nos4a2 to the Sword & Laser podcast/goodreads group because of you. They stream on Riverside too and it ends up on youtube.
Oh wow that's awesome! I enjoy that podcast. I'll have to listen to that month's episode!
I think it should be mandatory to read NOS4A2 at least twice, haha. There are so many things a reader likely won't pick up initially. It may be even more delicious as a reread.
100% agree! I pick up more things every reread
I am legend! Yes! Loved that story!
The winter people I remember you mentioning before and I put it on my list back then...still haven’t read it but I want to!
Imaginary friend I still have not got too ans what too!
I enjoyed that series by Chris Sorensen. I can’t wait for the next book
Pet Sematary is my fav by him so far as well so good!
The cover of Beneath is wow!!!! Incredible.
This is such an amazing list!
Apparently the third Messy Man book is now out! And definitely hope you read Imaginary Friend & The Winter People
@@TheShadesofOrange yea I heard that! So exciting.
Try Dan Simmons - Song of Kali, and Summer of Night. Both great horror tales, mostly overlooked, I think.
Thanks for the recs
I read NOS4A2 on Audible and loved it! I am going to read Cabin at the end of the World soon as well. So many books to read I have no excuse to be board at all! Thanks for all you do!
Yes the audiobook for NOS4A2 is so brilliant
I've listened to it on Audible and though it had some bright spots I thought it was quite poor overall.
@TheShadesofOrange Booktube Channel Pet Sematary is my favourite Stephen King novel with Misery and Dolores Claiborne to follow. I absolutely agree, I'm Thinking of Ending Things is one of my all time favourite books. I wouldn't really classify it as Horror either. To me, it is a mind f**k book. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane is another one I adore in that sub category. Anything Richard Laymon...I like as my horror guilty pleasure! 😂 Currently rereading The Exorcist! I hope it makes your list in the future. Thank you for this video. So many recommendations going on my Xmas list. Especially the Joe Hill and Paul Tremblay books!
Yes, Misery is a close second after Pet Sematery and The Exorcist will definitely be up there when I remake this list in a future year. You definitely got me hooked on Laymon. I really need to read more of his books
I think it will be so interesting to see what books from this list make it to the top 10 in a few years time! I need to make a list like this for thrillers. Ohhh it's going to be so hard! How did you choose haha the pressure!!!
Oh yes I hope you do a top 10 thrillers
Somehow I found this video and that I was already subscribed to your channel although not seeing any of your videos before. But it was a nice surprise as I was looking for my next read and I really enjoyed the way you described each book and why you loved reading it. Now looking forward to check out your orher videos and suggestions :)
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the books
The goodreads link for number 6 is not working (page not found).
"The Ceremonies" by TED Klein is seriously underrated.
"Summer of Night" by Dan Simmons, "It" by Stephen King, and "Boy's Life" by Robert R McCammon make a nice combo (kids growing up in creepy small towns).
"Ghost Story" by Peter Straub is a classic and a great twist on its titular premise.
"Mexican Gothic" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a very new take on the haunted house trope.
"Beloved" by Toni Morrison -- yes, it's definitely a haunted house story. Just read the first line!
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury. Because it's Ray Bradbury.
"Nothing But Blackened Teeth" by Cassandra Khaw -- a totally standard haunted house story but with an unusual setting and some fantastic prose.
"Bloodbrothers" by Morgen Leigh. Okay, the author is a friend, but seriously, this book is amazing. Not plugging any other friends' books here (or my own) but this one is really worth the read!
Oooh great pics. I really enjoyed something wicked, Blacked Teeth & Mexican Gothic... definitely have to check out some of the others
Some of the classic ghost story horror writers remain highly readable: M.R. James, Algernon Blackwood, E.F. Benson are the best of their era.
Thanks for the recs
I haven't read much horror so I appreciate the recommendations. I do have the Joe hill book horns so I should definitely read that soon.
Joe Hill is an excellent place to start if you are still newer to horror
The Winter People sounds so good for this winter ❤🙌 I also really want to get to Imaginary Friend ❤ Basically all this books sound amazing to me. I have been putting off reading Horns and I really have to 🙈
Oh yes... please read all three!
How did I miss this video?!! I’m so excited!!!!
The nightmare room sounds so good! And I bought imaginary friend because of you!!
Aww I'd love to hear what you think of Imaginary Friend 🖤
Did you see the Horns movie with Daniel Radcliffe? I can only buy it on demand right now.
I have not seen the movie so I don't know if it's any good
ok. i'm putting nos4a2 on my pile, which already includes several books you've recommended. love your reviews.
I hope you enjoy it
I like your recommendation and will find my ways to get them 🤩
Btw, my fav book so far is Verity by Colleen Hoover. Not technically horror but the ending kinda twist my mind and I took time to move on from this book!
Thanks!
This is really cool; some books that aren't on other peoples' top horror lists on youtube (many of the same entries often seem to come up)...Could you put the titles of books in sucha list in the description, though?
I have the links to goodreads in the subscription
Going through some of your backlog. Great list of books!👍👍👍🤖🚀🤡 Several of these are going on my tbr📚Rachel, have you read any clive barker books?
I read Weaveworld this year but I definitely need to read more
@TheShadesofOrange Yeah, I'm around halfway through weaveworld myself...I'll re-read it for sure! There is so much symbolism. Then, a few of his other books as well!
Interesting video! Is there somewhere that fully explains the ending in Ian Reed's book?I remember being left with a few questions but maybe that is what he intended?
You could probably find a detailed explanation on reddit. Maybe try googling it?
Oh yes!Thank you.
Fascinating list. I've never heard of "I'm Thinking of Ending Things " but it sounds amazing . Why is she thinking that way? And how is it all going to play out? The set-up alone is making me tense. Thank you for sharing your list.
You should read it is sooo good!
It's on Netflix. She's right it's not really horror.
Just finished Salems Lot. It was so creepy. Is Joe Hill Stephen King's son? Your recommendations sound really good. Thanks, Rachel.
Yes he is... I'm glad you found some good recommendations
I really enjoyed watching this! My first video of yours I’ve watched. Found the top book on my Scribd account and began reading immediately. It’s really good! I haven’t read most of these; it’s very exciting. My favourite horror novel is an old and rare one called “Lost Boys” by Orson Scott Card. Thanks 😊
So glad you're enjoying I'm Thinking of Ending Things!!
This is so great. Thank you!
Jennifer McMahon is definitely one of my TOP 3 favorite authors!!!
I'll have to look up Jess Kidd then
Brilliant list!! I knew I was in for a treat when Winter People was the first book mentioned. As I was watching I was also adding books to my cart! Subscribing now!
Oh thank you! Always happy to find another fan of The Winter People... definitely underrated
@@TheShadesofOrange I ordered The Nightmare Room right away and finished it in one day. Loved it! I'm always on the hunt for good haunted house fare. I ordered the other two as wel!
@@Mahoney1 glad to hear it!
Spoke too soon, lol! Just got to the end and saw NOS4A2 as your #1. I still loved it, and I saw the adapted show which I thought was really good too. Season 2 coming!
I actually haven't seen the tv show but I definitely want to!
It seems that everyone puts NOS4A2 before Horns, and hardly ever heard it discussed. I loved Horns way back when I read it, and it was nice to see you give it the shout-out it deserves!!
Ah yes Horns is so underrated! It honestly might be above NOS4A2 but I'm due to for a reread
@@TheShadesofOrange I thought the movie Horns was okay. It was interesting to see a grown up Harry Potter speaking American and getting wasted, lol
Ahhh I'm reading Pet Sematary right now! In the intro stephen king says he personally thinks it's the scariest too. I really enjoyed the cabin at the end of the world and omg NOS4A2 is one of my favs too!
Ahhh Pet Sematery is so good
Loved your reviews!!
I didn't read Horns but I caught the movie, which I thought was just okay (though Daniel Radcliffe was extremely impressive in it).
Usually I don't like to watch adaptations of my favourite books, but I've actually been intrigued by that one. I kinda love my copy of Horns even though I usually hate movie tie in covers. I think I just like the idea of a demonic Harry Potter
Loved hearing you talk about your favorites 😁 I love haunted house stories so The Nightmare Room sounds great! I've been having trouble getting into Pet Semetary. It wasn't grabbing me for some reason, but I plan to finish it this month so hopefully I enjoy the ending as much as you did! ~Laura
I hope Pet Sematery ends up grabbing you. I'm currently rereading The Nightmare Room and it's such a powerful story. I hope you enjoy it
Most of these stories, especially The Winter People and Nos4a2 I've been wanting to read but haven't. The weird part is that I actually own The Winter People and Nos4a2, but still haven't committed to reading them due to the fact that I push to the side for something else. I guess I should get a move on. Because there are other, especially Beneath, seem really interesting.
But I did read I am Legend and Pet Semetary, but those are legendary novels, of course.
Great video.
I hope I gave you the needed push to pick those one's up. So good!
Thank you so much for this video, I added several to my reading list. "I'm Thinking Of Ending Things" was made into a movie, pretty good watch. I also don't consider horror rather more of Twilight Zone/Psyc fiction. I'm also sure you know that Joe Hill is really Joseph King, Stephen King's son... fyi for other folks reading comments. and also made into a movie and Nos4A2 is a TV Series, season 3 is just wrapping up filming.
Glad you enjoyed the video. And yes I do know that Joe Hill is King's son. It's funny that I enjoy his storytelling so much more than his father.
I also loved NOS4A2, Pet Sematary, I'm Thinking of Ending Things, Imaginary Friend and The Winter People :D I will definitely reread them at some point because there are so many layers to them. I was a bit disappointed by The Nightmare Room, but it was still a good read. And unfortunately I didn't like The Cabin at the End of the World (nor A Head Full of Ghosts :(). But I really want to read Horns, I am Legend and Beneath!
Happy we have some overlap on our favourites. I hope you get to those ones still on your tbr!
Did you ever re-read Horns to see if it stays in your number 3 spot?
Funny you ask.. I just filmed my Fall TBR and it may be making a reappearance in my reading plans
I really need to finally read I Am Legend.
Yes you do!
Interesting that you preferred Horns and NOS4A2 to Heart Shaped Box, which I found genuinely scary. I do enjoy Joe Hill, so I suppose it is a win all around. I sometimes think he is better than his dad.
Yeah I usually like Hill's books more than King's, but I honestly struggled with Heart Shaped Box. I've started it twice but never finished it
I totally agree with you about the whole societies take on motherhood. I'm starting to think I'm the only one who didn't like I Am Legend lol maybe I need to try and get through it. It'll be my own little personal challenge. Was wondering if you have read Misery yet by King. I loved it as much as I loved Pet Sematary, and if I liked it I have a feeling you would too. I love that you added Horns I don't think a lot of booktubers talk about it enough. It's also one I still need to read, I've only seen the movie. And I agree with your number one!! Of course lol
Aww I know my booktube friend Jade @ Bedtime Bookworm also hated I am Legend. I feel like you have to be in a certain headspace to read it. While I loved it, I have zero interest in rereading that bleak story during this pandemic. And I'm hoping to reread Horns next year if you're interested in trying it out
The Cabin at the End of the World fell flat for me. I loved Head Full of Ghosts though. I still think about it all the time. I was wondering if you might consider varying up the background in your videos. I really enjoy your content but at first glance it's hard to tell if I've watched it before because it is so visually similar. Just a thought...
Yeah it's a fair suggestion because it's something I've thought about. Lately I've been trying to create more variety in my thumbnail, but with the setup of my home my filming locations are pretty limited
Nice list! I've read four of these and am now going to check out "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" soon. I'm almost done with "The Whisper Man". Great read too 🙀
Glad you got some recommendations. And yes the Whisper Man is such a good thriller
Very nice presentation! The books look very interesting!
Thanks!
Spoilers for the video:
How'd I know from the get go that you were gonna pick Nos4a2 as your favorite? Maybe its the frequency with which you talk about it on the channel!
Haha... I'm a little (a lot) obsessed with it!
So interesting you don't consider I'm Thinking of Ending Things as a horror - it's one of the few books that has legitimately SCARED me (especially the last 20% or so). I'm always looking for books that are similar to this!
Fair and I did find the book very creepy. It's more that it didn't fit the archetype of a classic horror story (in my mind)
I think it has more to do psychological horror, especially when we know the truth by the end. But the last few pages ( before the twist) scared the crap out of me
There's more than one way to frighten your audience.
@@TheShadesofOrange I am curious to hear your thoughts on what makes an archetypal horror story. Perhaps that could be a topic for one of your videos.
I read Pet Sematary when it was first published under the tag line: 'the only book that scared Stephen King to write'. And stating the fact he didn't want to publish it because he thought it was too scary, but his wife, Tabitha pushed him to. With such a build up it was such a let down on so many levels. I didn't find it as scary as I felt it was an exercise in grief. The only thing I liked about it was the ending. It is one of King's best. My personal favorite King is The Stand. Epic. A commentary on society and human beings, good vs. evil and the fine line between them.
Aww yeah I feel like the marketing hype around the book is misleading as to what type of scariness it is. I found it scary in a way, but not in he traditional horror sense
@@TheShadesofOrange yes. It's very scary if you are a parent.
Have you ever read Rose Madder by Stephen King? One of my favorite horror books. I've reread it numerous times!!
No I have not!
Horns is one of my favourites. Another by Joe Hill is Heart Shaped Box.
I still need to read Heart Shaped Box!
Brilliant video thank you. You mentioned that you excluded nonfiction. I'd love to match a video based on your favourite nonfiction horror.
Hmmm that'd be interesting... I'd have to think what I would include
Stephen King is hit or miss for me as well. Pet Sematary is actually my favorite of his. Maybe we have similar taste! In very interested in all of these.
Yes it sounds like we have similar tastes
So glad to see NOS4A2 getting the praise it deserves. I honestly thought of how jealous King must have been. This book is wondeful
You are so right
I think that since his son joe is the author he would be incredibly proud ❤️
I've had NOS4R2 in my audio library for ages. I listened to the Fireman and although I wouldn't say I didn't like it, it really felt like a chore to finish by the end so it put me off Joe Hill a bit. That said I think I need to try NOS4R2, I can't judge an author by one book.
While I usually love Joe Hill's story, I found the Fireman to be such a chore to read. I hope you try NOS4A2. It's 10000% times better
@@TheShadesofOrange That's reassuring to here, I think I'll make it next on my list :)
Hello Rachel, i really like you page and a lot of books that you have mentioned. I've been looking for a good viking/Norse horror novel, if you know of any can give me some titles. Keep up the awesome work
Thanks so much. I don't think I've read a straight up horror novel on the topic but Krampus by Brom deals with some Norse mythology