speculative fiction horror

Top 10 Must-Read Speculative Fiction Horror Novels

Speculative fiction horror is a genre that combines elements of speculative fiction, which includes science fiction and fantasy, with frightening and chilling themes. If you are a fan of spine-tingling stories that transport you to otherworldly realms or explore the depths of human imagination, then speculative fiction horror novels are a perfect fit for you.

Here is a list of the top 10 must-read speculative fiction horror novels that will keep you up at night, filled with gripping narratives, terrifying creatures, and thought-provoking concepts:

1. "Annihilation" by Jeff VanderMeer: Dive into the Southern Reach Trilogy as a group of scientists embarks on a haunting expedition to uncover the secrets of Area X, an ever-expanding and hostile environmental anomaly.

2. "Bird Box" by Josh Malerman: In a post-apocalyptic world, blindfolded survivors must navigate a treacherous landscape where something mysterious and malevolent drives people to madness upon sight.

3. "House of Leaves" by Mark Z. Danielewski: This unique and complex novel weaves multiple narratives, exploring a labyrinthine house that defies the laws of physics, leading its inhabitants to madness and terror.

4. "The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires" by Grady Hendrix: Step into a 90s-era suburban neighborhood where a book club of fearless women fights against a charismatic and dangerous vampire.

5. "The Library at Mount Char" by Scott Hawkins: Delve into the shadows of a library that houses knowledge beyond human understanding, as a group of orphaned librarians seeks to uncover the truth behind their enigmatic mentor.

6. "The Fisherman" by John Langan: Set in the Catskill Mountains, this atmospheric novel follows two grieving men who become entangled in a sinister supernatural tale with roots in ancient folklore.

7. "A Head Full of Ghosts" by Paul Tremblay: Witness the disintegration of a family through the eyes of a young girl who may or may not be possessed by an evil entity, blurring the line between psychological horror and the supernatural.

8. "The Passage" by Justin Cronin: Embark on an epic journey spanning generations as a viral outbreak turns humans into bloodthirsty creatures, and a young girl holds the key to humanity's salvation.

9. "The Cipher" by Kathe Koja: Experience a descent into madness as a couple discovers a black hole in their apartment, unleashing a strange and alluring presence that consumes everything it touches.

10. "Perdido Street Station" by China Miéville: Explore the sprawling city of New Crobuzon, filled with bizarre creatures and dark magic, as a scientist and a criminal undertake a dangerous experiment to save a stranger's life.

If you're craving more chilling adventures into the realm of speculative fiction horror, these novels will provide you with hours of immersive and spine-tingling reading. Remember to keep the lights on as you journey into these dark and thrilling tales.

For further recommendations and a wide selection of speculative fiction horror novels, you can explore popular book review websites like Goodreads, or visit online retailers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Happy reading!
The Western Xia Death Book Fiction
The Western Xia Death Book

In the summer of the 1950s, a Sino-Soviet joint scientific expedition team encountered a crisis in the remote Badain Jaran Desert in northwest China, with only two survivors. Strangely, when the two survivors, 'Wolfbane' and 'Cynomorium', were rescued, they were found hundreds of kilometers away from the expedition area. Intelligence agencies from mainland China, the Soviet Union, Taiwan, and the United States all kept secret files on this matter... Afterwards, 'Wolfbane' (a Soviet) joined the Soviet intelligence agency, the KGB; 'Cynomorium' (a mainland Chinese) disappeared, reportedly spotted in San Francisco, USA... Half a century later, at an art auction held in Beijing, the highlight of the event was a Western Xia jade screen with a pattern of intertwined lotus flowers. However, most buyers looked down on this flagship item, except for two people – a Hong Kong billionaire and a blonde woman – who competed fiercely to raise the bidding price. With the help of the auctioneer's cheating, the jade screen was eventually won by the Hong Kong billionaire. Afterward, the auctioneer inexplicably committed suicide, and the Hong Kong billionaire died mysteriously. The protagonist, Tang Feng, gets entangled in a series of mysterious events... During the investigation, Tang Feng successfully deciphers the Western Xia Death Book and decides to go to the Badain Jaran Desert to search for the buried alive tombs left by the Western Xia king Yuanhao.

293.73 Million words | 2023-06-06 21:22Update

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The Legend of Bao Si Fiction
The Legend of Bao Si

Throughout history, beautiful women often bring calamities. Bao Si of the Western Zhou Dynasty was one such woman, captivating the hearts of all who saw her smile. Everyone knows that King You of Zhou went to great lengths to win her favor, disregarding the affairs of the state. Everyone knows that King You was willing to kill his wife and son to make Bao Si his queen. Everyone knows that in his pursuit of Bao Si's laughter, King You toyed with the lives of his vassals, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Great Zhou Dynasty. While everyone scorns her as a disaster, they secretly envy her for possessing the unwavering love of King You. What no one ever knew was that while she resided on the jade platform, she escaped from a world littered with bones and wounds. What no one ever knew was that as the princess of a nation, she had forsaken her family's vows and sacrificed her own arm to survive. What no one ever knew was the price she paid for her glory and favor, concealed beneath her smiling facade. Who would know, and who would care? Everyone knows she never smiles, but no one knows it's because there's nothing to smile about...

468.67 Million words | 2023-06-06 20:13Update

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Chang'an Twelve Hours Fiction
Chang'an Twelve Hours

In the third year of Tang Tianbao, on the fourteenth day of the first month, in Chang'an, the capital of the Great Tang Empire, the residents were unaware that as the magnificent lights were lit during the Lantern Festival, what awaited them was a calamity that would devour everything. The gears that would destroy Chang'an - the Turks, the Wolf Guards, kidnappings, assassinations, flames, and the burning of the city - had already begun to turn. And the only hope to save Chang'an rested in the hands of a one-eyed condemned prisoner who would soon face execution and a mere twelve hours...

256.35 Million words | 2023-06-06 06:44Update

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Emperor Qianlong - The Difficult Journey Fiction
Emperor Qianlong - The Difficult Journey

This book is the volume of the series of long historical novels "Emperor Qianlong". Emperor Qianlong toured the southern region, and Fu Heng waged wars in Da Jinchuan. This volume revolves around these two main storylines, depicting Emperor Qianlong's achievements in both civil and military affairs, and portraying the characters of Liu Tongxun, Ji Yun, Fu Heng, Dou Guangnai, and many other officials. It also depicts the various women, such as Tang Er and Duo Yun, who possess either strength or weakness.

200.93 Million words | 2023-06-06 01:15Update

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The Art of Beauty and Power Fiction
The Art of Beauty and Power

She was once the princess of the Yongle Emperor, adorned with jade leaves and golden branches. Due to a palace crisis, her mother was tragically killed, and she was forced to hide in the residence of the Minister of the Imperial Household. The gem that ties them together is lost in the distance. He, orphaned by the bloodshed of the Ten Clans by the honorable scholar Fang Xiaoru, spent his life on a mission to assassinate Zhu Di. His courage soars in the sky, while the wind blows with melancholy. In the mysterious twists of fate, their paths will eventually cross... Tides surge, storm rages, thorns encroach upon the approaching dawn.

227.96 Million words | 2023-06-05 21:03Update

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Did you defeat the top grade today? Fiction
Did you defeat the top grade today?

[New book "Do you accept notes, senior sister?"] Jiang Chiheng: "Little girl, when will you agree to be my girlfriend?" Lin Xi: "Impossible, unless you can defeat me." - Lin Xi, the top beauty genius of the new transfer grade, and Jiang Chiheng, the notorious bottom-scoring king, have a crush on her at first sight. He makes every effort to pursue her, but she says that she will only agree to be his girlfriend if he can defeat her. From then on, the once bottom-scoring king, Jiang Chiheng, strives to defeat the top grade... One day, holding a few test papers in his hands, the boy presses her against the wall and kisses her without saying a word. The next day, this incident becomes a hot topic on the school forum. [Bottom-scoring king × top beauty genius of the grade].

127.35 Million words | 2023-06-04 21:01Update

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League of Legends: Who Will Rise Above Fiction
League of Legends: Who Will Rise Above

When Chinese athletes mockingly laugh at playing video games and still manage to become champions, as someone who makes a living from esports, all you need to do is measure the length of their arrogant faces with your self-coded shoes! When parents, relatives, friends, and even society look at esports with disdain, thinking that you, who are engaged in this profession, are not focused on real work, all you need to do, as someone who truly loves esports, is give them a resolute turn of your back! Have you ever considered that in future years, there will be an event in the Olympic Games that combines lightning-fast reflexes in milliseconds, seamless teamwork among five individuals, and breathtaking maneuvers that push the limits of reaction speed – it is esports! Let the fervent devotees of the world shout "Demacia" with passion! Editor's friendly reminder: This book is also suitable for non-gamers to read! (The original title of this book is League of Legends)

275.16 Million words | 2023-06-04 20:30Update

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The Spring Order of the Jade Tower Fiction
The Spring Order of the Jade Tower

Xue Dingshan is a handsome and promising prince of the Ping Liao Wangfu, while Fan Li Hua is a stunning beauty and a renowned marshal of the Tang Dynasty. They meet, bound by past-life connections for which there is no resolution in this lifetime. To the world, they appear to be a perfect match, but their love is tangled in a web of turmoil. Is it a destined tragedy or a cruel twist of fate? After enduring countless hardships, they step into a beautiful wedding night on a romantic Qixi Festival, bearing witness to their extraordinary love story. Who knows whether the flower of love, weathered by tribulations, will blossom or wither? What kind of bridal chamber awaits them? This tale encompasses joy and sorrow, love and hate, as a wedding blends seamlessly with a funeral. How can the tender-hearted husband bear his recurring sorrows? His devoted wife can only endure the sight of her husband shedding tears. All of this is best captured in the poignant melody of "Yu Lou Chun Ling."

212.53 Million words | 2023-06-04 19:28Update

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The Legend Afterwards Fiction
The Legend Afterwards

If you are a descendant of a time traveler, and this time traveler happens to be a legendary hero, how would you live your life in the face of his impressive achievements? Be cautious when diving into this story, as it is filled with clichés, wish fulfillment, and deus ex machina in a foreign world.

248.79 Million words | 2023-06-04 06:47Update

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The Empress Captivates the City, My Lord Don't Run Away Fiction
The Empress Captivates the City, My Lord Don't Run Away

A light boat passes, wings wounded. Wondering about the past, flowers blossoming and withering, clouds rolling and dispersing. Watching the warm skies and pleasant people, when will it end. In the flourishing era of Da Yun, it is a season of turmoil. Emperor Muren Yi admired by the Emperor, the Empress and the four concubines are all complete, and there are more than ten other concubines, but they all fail to bear children. Helpless, they called for imperial physicians, only to discover a shocking hidden ailment. The Emperor of Da Yun is unable to have children anymore. After the sorrow, they considered adopting a son, but a year later, Empress Qin suddenly became pregnant, causing a celebration throughout the land. However, after ten months of pregnancy, instead of a male baby, a beautiful princess was born with bright eyes and red lips. He sighed deeply, wondering if it

297.73 Million words | 2023-06-04 03:01Update

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The Shao Di Explosive Equipment System of Bright Sword Fiction
The Shao Di Explosive Equipment System of Bright Sword

Military enthusiast Yang Rui travels to the world of Bright Sword and becomes a warrior under Li Yunlong's command, equipped with a system. 'The Shao Di Explosive Equipment System, kill the little devils, and even explode equipment, how dazzling is that?' 'Sun Desheng, Wang Chengzhu, Wei Monk, Yang Xiuqin, none of you need to die!' 'System prompt: Congratulations to the host for obtaining a mysterious gift pack.' 'System prompt: Congratulations to the host for killing a Japanese colonel and obtaining a Barrett sniper rifle.' If you think 'The Shao Di Explosive Equipment System of Bright Sword' is good, don't forget to recommend it to your friends in QQ groups and on Weibo!

255.05 Million words | 2023-06-03 14:25Update

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The Ex-husband Wants to Rekindle Fiction
The Ex-husband Wants to Rekindle

The ex-husband once treated me with great kindness, but I detested him to the core. He once pulled me out of a bottomless pit, only to push me down from the highest skies. I want to forget the past and start anew, but he relentlessly pursues me. I swear to trample him under my feet, but all he wants is to hold me in his palms. How will this life and death battle end? Those interested in the story can read 'Scumbag Must Die' by Bottle at http://mm.motie.com/book/.

532.63 Million words | 2023-06-03 05:04Update

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Immerse in American comics with my daughter. Fiction
Immerse in American comics with my daughter.

One day, out of the blue, Wang Aihua's best friend entrusted him with the sole custody of his daughter. Little did Wang Aihua know, the place he would be raising her was none other than the Marvel universe. As an otaku, Wang Aihua had intended to lead a low-key life, raising his goddaughter in peace. However, with a troublesome daughter by his side, Wang Aihua found himself gradually surrounded by a diverse group of superheroes, pushing him onto a path to become the strongest hero.

561.07 Million words | 2023-06-02 13:27Update

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Godly Soldier of Excellence Fiction
Godly Soldier of Excellence

He is a genius military doctor with a cynical attitude towards life; a ruthless and bloodthirsty intelligence officer; an invincible pilot of mechs! Witness the legendary life of Su Mu! As a modern military ace, he awakens in the body of a timid young boy in the future, embarking on an unprecedented path of soul cultivation in the era of advanced technology. The sixth sense can perceive danger and foresee fortune; the seventh sense can intervene in the world and control life and death!

223.88 Million words | 2023-06-02 10:46Update

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The Ultimate Gorgeous Concubine Fiction
The Ultimate Gorgeous Concubine

The most ridiculous thing in the world is that I know the truth, but you keep lying, and your lies sound so real and convincing. She is a white-collar worker from the modern city, while he is seen by the world as a carefree prince. A competition, a journey through time and space, she and her sister arrived in this unfamiliar world. His decisions are always inexplicable, and she never follows the rules. He taught her the cruelty of power and also taught her how to love. When the truth is closing in, she realizes that she is nothing more than a pawn in his quest for power. Standing on the edge of an abyss, a dagger piercing through her chest, bringing out a mesmerizing elegance. She says, 'You taught me martial arts, you gave me love, and today I will return everything to you.' Reborn, she thought she could leave unscathed, only to realize that the truth is far from being simple. A moment of conspiracy, a lifetime of love, creating ripples in destiny. When she meets another version of herself, when his deep affection once again stirs her heart, how will she make her choice?

539.78 Million words | 2023-06-02 00:07Update

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No Marriage, No Trouble. Fiction
No Marriage, No Trouble.

At a friend's engagement banquet, she was set up and had an affair with her friend's fiancé. She was forced to break ties with her friend, causing her friend to be heartbroken and leave the country. She became known as the "scheming woman" and a "home wrecker". Three years later, when she thought the nightmare was over and she could live a peaceful life, she encountered that man again and was forced to sign a contract to be kept by him. She carefully guarded her happiness and was willing to give everything. But just when she thought her dreams were about to come true, her good friend returned from overseas. This time, will she be willing to back down once

575.88 Million words | 2023-06-01 18:44Update

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Set off fireworks Fiction
Set off fireworks

My father was the only Duke in the twenty-third year of the Tianyuan dynasty. I am his youngest daughter and the only legitimate daughter. One day, I unexpectedly received the grace of the emperor and was granted the title of the only county princess without royal blood. Little did I know that my entire life had already been arranged without my knowledge...

450.05 Million words | 2023-06-01 13:53Update

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The Arrogant Imperial Concubine is Going to Ascend to the Heavens. Fiction
The Arrogant Imperial Concubine is Going to Ascend to the Heavens.

The new novel "Divine Doctor Mad Concubine: Evil King, Sweet Sweet Love" has been released. Please come and support it! With the divine doctor's secret techniques in hand and a spatial laboratory within her, Yvonne has been an extraordinary existence from the beginning. Whether it's palace conflicts, struggles in the martial world, or disputes among noble families, a single silver needle from her can resolve any situation. She is a reaper of lives, those who follow in her path survive, while those who oppose her meet their demise. With the world's military power in her hands, with a casual conversation, the wind and clouds change color. He is the God of War in the empire, revered and worshipped by the people. Love, hate, emotions, and desire do not affect him, as his heart only belongs to her.

539.37 Million words | 2023-06-01 07:53Update

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The Goddess Physician of the Farm Gate Fiction
The Goddess Physician of the Farm Gate

Xie Yunyao, a renowned physician skilled in both traditional Chinese and Western medicine, specializes in plastic surgery. She accidentally travels back in time to ancient times and becomes a notorious and vicious village girl who was rejected by the crown prince. Determined to clear her name, Xie Yunyao disguises herself as a male doctor and helps people in need while earning a living. Despite attracting numerous suitors, she rejects all of them, except the former crown prince who pretends to be cold-hearted but is actually a deceptive womanizer. No matter how hard she tries, she can't get rid of him...

200.59 Million words | 2023-05-31 21:38Update

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Charming Commoner Fiction
Charming Commoner

She is a charming commoner who has learned to rely on herself, work hard, and earn a living since childhood. She appears innocent on the outside but is clever at heart. He is a noble and aloof jade prince who seems pure and righteous but is actually wicked and coldhearted. She marries him as a concubine, and rumors spread of her cunning and scheming nature. Little do they know that she is beloved by her father, doted on by her brother, and protected by the prince. She couldn't care less about having a legitimate son. On their wedding night, he trades his freedom for her years of hard work and sacrifice. She navigates carefully, but gradually discovers that everything is a trap. Yet, she doesn't know who will ultimately be the one trapped...

213.08 Million words | 2023-05-31 16:19Update

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Nine Heavens and You Plan Fiction
Nine Heavens and You Plan

In an era of prosperity and chaos, talented individuals emerge one after another, descendants of ancient noble families return to court, each setting their own strategies, causing a tremendous wave in the land. At a grand banquet in the Hongmen Palace, a purple jade hairpin draws the noblewoman Qin Song, daughter of the powerful Qin family, into the intrigue. Step by step, she becomes entangled and intertwined with him, unable to break free. The destiny favors the true hearts, and the barren land cultivates great virtues. In the right time and place, actions can be taken...

191.95 Million words | 2023-05-31 14:40Update

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