I LOVE autumn. Cooler weather, leaves changing color, pumpkin EVERYTHING, and Halloween - what more could you want? And there's something about fall (probably Halloween) that makes it the perfect time to read scary books!
Just one problem with that, though...I don't really like scary books! I absolutely despise scary movies, and while books can't quite achieve the same effects with jump scares and blood, I tend to veer sharply away from thrillers and the like. So a lot of people's scary Halloween book recommendations don't really work for me.
That said, however, there's something deliciously exciting about a good creepy book, especially during autumn. So what I always need are spooky books that aren't too spooky. In case any of you are like me in that regard, here are some of my favorites for your Halloween reading pleasure!
THE NAME OF THE STAR by Maureen Johnson (Shades of London #1): This is the least scary of all of the books here. Sure, it has ghosts, and a serial killer, but I promise it's not really that bad. All Maureen Johnson books are hilarious, and this one has a perfect balance between tension and comic relief that makes the spooky parts not very terrifying at all.
A MADNESS SO DISCREET by Mindy McGinnis: I've seen a lot of reviews where people say that this wasn't as creepy as they were hoping for or expecting - but it was perfect for me! And an added bonus: it's one of those rare books with no romance, because the characters are too busy getting things done! It's one of my favorite books.
THE CURE FOR DREAMING by Cat Winters: I think Cat Winters is the reigning monarch of historical creepiness - every single one of her books is in that tiny genre, and yet all of her books that I've read are so different! This was my first book of hers, and the book is just as good as the premise: suffragettes, hypnotism, and monsters.
THE SACRED LIES OF MINNOW BLY by Stephanie Oakes: This is one of the darker contemporaries I've read, and to me, it gives of a kind of eerie vibe that makes it perfect for a list like this.
LABYRINTH LOST by Zoraida Córdova (Brooklyn Brujas #1): This is the newest release on my list, and I'm so glad that it's out in time for Halloween! This is one of the most unique, diverse fantasies I've ever read, and I'm really excited to explore the rest of the series.
THE ACCIDENT SEASON by Moïra Fowley-Doyle: I wasn't the biggest fan of this book, but it's absolutely perfect for Halloween. A family that becomes inexplicably accident-prone every October, with some serious consequences...spooky and mysterious!
THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray (The Diviners #1): This is probably the scariest of all of the books on my list. A serial killer, creative supernatural aspects, and one of the best casts of characters that I've ever read about. It's definitely a massive book, but well worth it!
THE DARKEST PART OF THE FOREST by Holly Black: This book's mood is a lot like The Accident Season - eerie, but just a little bit off from normal. And this one has fairies! Dangerous fairies.
A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY by Libba Bray (Gemma Doyle #1): Yes, two Libba Bray books on the same list, because they're both perfect for it! I don't think it's as scary as some of the other books on the list, but it definitely has a bit of a creepy edge to it.
THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman: This one is another one that's a lot less creepy than it looks. It's not nearly as terrifying as Coraline, which was my introduction to Neil Gaiman. Sure, it's set in a graveyard, but it's really just the story of a boy who lives there. Scary setting, not-so-scary plot.
Which books get you in the mood for Halloween? Do you like scary ones? Not-so-scary ones? Any favorites that I need to put on my list? Tell me in the comments!
Just one problem with that, though...I don't really like scary books! I absolutely despise scary movies, and while books can't quite achieve the same effects with jump scares and blood, I tend to veer sharply away from thrillers and the like. So a lot of people's scary Halloween book recommendations don't really work for me.
That said, however, there's something deliciously exciting about a good creepy book, especially during autumn. So what I always need are spooky books that aren't too spooky. In case any of you are like me in that regard, here are some of my favorites for your Halloween reading pleasure!
A MADNESS SO DISCREET by Mindy McGinnis: I've seen a lot of reviews where people say that this wasn't as creepy as they were hoping for or expecting - but it was perfect for me! And an added bonus: it's one of those rare books with no romance, because the characters are too busy getting things done! It's one of my favorite books.
THE CURE FOR DREAMING by Cat Winters: I think Cat Winters is the reigning monarch of historical creepiness - every single one of her books is in that tiny genre, and yet all of her books that I've read are so different! This was my first book of hers, and the book is just as good as the premise: suffragettes, hypnotism, and monsters.
LABYRINTH LOST by Zoraida Córdova (Brooklyn Brujas #1): This is the newest release on my list, and I'm so glad that it's out in time for Halloween! This is one of the most unique, diverse fantasies I've ever read, and I'm really excited to explore the rest of the series.
THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray (The Diviners #1): This is probably the scariest of all of the books on my list. A serial killer, creative supernatural aspects, and one of the best casts of characters that I've ever read about. It's definitely a massive book, but well worth it!
THE DARKEST PART OF THE FOREST by Holly Black: This book's mood is a lot like The Accident Season - eerie, but just a little bit off from normal. And this one has fairies! Dangerous fairies.
THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman: This one is another one that's a lot less creepy than it looks. It's not nearly as terrifying as Coraline, which was my introduction to Neil Gaiman. Sure, it's set in a graveyard, but it's really just the story of a boy who lives there. Scary setting, not-so-scary plot.
Ooh I really want to read 'A Madness So Discreet'. Not only does the synopsis sound good, but the cover is positively gorgeous! I've read 'the Darkest Part in the Forest', and I'm currently reading the Diviners! So far, so good.
ReplyDeleteI actually love scary books, although I get scared really really easily. I don't know why, but I seem to love terrifying myself. Have you read 'The Merciless'? It's a bit (very) gory, which can turn a few people off, it does keep you on edge though!
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I LOVE A Madness So Discreet! And the cover's pretty amazing.
DeleteI haven't read The Merciless! I don't do too well with gory things, so I might have to pass on that one, but I'll look into it!
The Accident Season was on my list this week too.
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2016/10/25/top-ten-tuesday-80/
It's such a good Halloween book!
DeleteLove this twist on the topic! I am such a scaredy cat and also picked not so scary books lol. I've never heard of "A Madness So Discreet" - I'll have to check it out! It sounds great!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: http://girlaboutlibrary.blogspot.com/2016/10/five-haunting-books-you-should-read-top.html
I LOVE A Madness So Discreet! It's so underrated, and I really wish more people knew about it, so I talk about it on my blog a LOT.
DeleteI need to read SO many of these. I actually own A Madness So Discreet, so I need to get to that one soon.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
http://letsgetbeyondtolerance.blogspot.com/2016/10/top-five-favorite-tv-witches-by-zoraida.html
I highly recommend A Madness So Discreet! It's PERFECT for Halloween/fall, so picking it up soon is a great idea!
DeleteI haven't read any of these but I do have several on my TBR list. I hate scary movies there is just something about seeing it that makes it so much worse for me. Thanks so much for sharing. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteIt's the perfect time of year for these kinds of books! And I hate scary movies, too - I watched Coraline a couple of days ago, and that was terrifying.
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