Koncocoo

Best Occult Fiction

The Stand
Two emerge—Mother Abagail, the benevolent 108-year-old woman who urges them to build a peaceful community in Boulder, Colorado; and Randall Flagg, the nefarious “Dark Man,” who delights in chaos and violence. Among his most recent are 11/22/63 ; Full Dark, No Stars ; Under the Dome ; Just After Sunset; Duma Key ; Lisey’s Story ; Cell ; and the concluding novels in. the Dark Tower saga: Wolves of the Calla , Song of Susannah , and The Dark Tower.
Reviews
"If you are a fan, since this is one of his earlier works, you'll see familiar types of characters, ie..Randy Flagg and Tom Collin. Though some may say King is extremely verbose, I think his detailed telling of the story connects the reader to the characters like very few authors are able to do. I won't give away anything, I'll only say take your time and enjoy the ride with King's epic."
"Stephen King does write about people, the fact that those people are living in a pos-apocalyptic scenario don't make then less people than your neighbors or and old childhood friend."
"I've read many of Stephen King's books over the years, but The Stand is his best, by far."
"If I had to buy it again, I'd opt for a larger/wider book to make it easier to read with the amount of pages."
"I have read this novel several times over the years; it is one of my favorite King stories."
"I re-read this several times a year."
"This one really captured the essence of the good versus evil battle in a thought provoking manner."
"Stuck between choosing 4 or 5 stars."
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The Rules of Magic: A Novel (The Practical Magic Series)
Difficult Franny, with skin as pale as milk and blood red hair, shy and beautiful Jet, who can read other people’s thoughts, and charismatic Vincent, who began looking for trouble on the day he could walk. From the start Susanna sets down rules for her children: No walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no cats, no crows, no candles, no books about magic. “The story unfolds in romantic and magical ways against the backdrop of 1960s, with the Stonewall riot, LSD in Central Park, Bob Dylan and Vietnam all making appearances. "Reading [ The Rules of Magic ] was like being caught in a current, floating along with a river's twists and turns, glimpsing familiarity and difference in varied measure before tumbling into something like the sea. I wanted to hold these characters' hands... Hoffman's prose is as tender, dreamy and sweet as ever, laced with the sting of vinegar and broken glass. “Just in time for Halloween, Alice Hoffman brings us back to the world of the Owens family, whom we first met in Practical Magic . "Reading an Alice Hoffman book is like falling into a deep dream where senses are heightened and love reigns supreme. Real events like the Vietnam draft and Stonewall uprising enter the characters' family history as well as a stunning plot twist—delivering everything fans of a much-loved book could hope for in a prequel."
Reviews
"In Practical Magic, we had Maria Owens, Aunt Jet, Aunt Frances, Sally and Gillian. There is the dreaded curse that threatens doom to any man who loves an Owens woman, but these are woman who deserve to be loved and would want to be loved, if only it weren’t for that darned curse. It’s a compelling story, with strong writing and fascinating characters."
"I've loved Alice Hoffman's stories since Practical Magic, which still stands out as one of my favorites of all time. When reading a typical thriller, I sometimes skip around to dialogue when I get kinda bored. I like that there's a cool Aunt in Massachusetts at the same house, just like the two in Practical Magic."
"My first Alice Hoffman book but it won't be my last."
"I loved this heartfelt story so full of joys and sorrows for these siblings."
"Alice Hoffman has long been one of my favorite authors, I have every book that she's ever written and was very excited about this newest one of hers, especially since I've just re-read Practical Magic."
"I was apprehensive about this book because it's not the usual type I pick up."
"For the lovers of practical magic, this back story is a must ... for the book itself, it is a lively tale of how three siblings live and love despite hardships."
"Love the story, love the characters and love the magic of it."
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The Man of Legends
Jillian Guthrie, a troubled young journalist, stumbles onto a tantalizing mystery: the same man, unaged, stands alongside Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, and Gandhi in three different photographs spanning eighty-five years of history. Creator of the landmark original miniseries V , he also produced The Six Million Dollar Man and created iconic Emmy-winning shows such as The Bionic Woman , The Incredible Hulk , and Alien Nation . He has presented his unique graduate-level seminar, The Filmmaking Experience , at UCLA, USC, NYU, Loyola, New York Film Academy, the National Film and Television School (UK), Moscow State University (Russia), and many others.
Reviews
"It was intriguing, the writing grabbed me and pulled me through the first 150 pages."
"The author did a masterful job of weaving together the stories of the major characters with those of the minor ones. The main character was condemned to an eternity of wandering the earth, but the author did not reveal the reason until maybe halfway through the book. The true reason this man was being pursued through the centuries and across continents was also revealed in the latter chapters. I enjoyed the tales told by the main character of interactions with famous people throughout history. One last thought -- Although many people are telling their stories throughout this book, I had no trouble keeping them straight."
"Also, I'd like to say up front here that, "the start of this book was boring/confusing/you-have-to-read-past-100-pages", is a common theme, even among five star reviews. After he woke up, he almost immediately gave a description of himself by looking in a mirror--something I absolutely hate since I simply CANNOT connect with a character that way--and after that, the book launched into a literary ocean of frustration, confusion, and boredom. Seriously, I really do hate critical reviews, but at some point around page 60 all I wanted to do was start bashing my head against the wall. Honestly, how many times do you have to observe someone handing out charity money to understand that yes, obviously, he’s a good guy? I had no idea who was actually relevant to the story later on, and who was just a convenient prop for demonstrating bits of information or more of Will’s “character”. Off the top of my head I’d say like Angels and Demons, but that book had me hooked from the first chapter. This one only fed me vague hints about some mysterious darkness, in a manner that was prominent enough it was obvious I should care about said hints, but so vague and with so little information there is no way I could possibly know enough to feel genuinely disturbed as, yes, I so obviously should have. It was the fact that I was 83 pages in, and I still hadn’t been given a single legitimate reason why I should WANT to keep reading. I’m absolutely positive a lot of people will love this book, and that it will get its fair share of glowing reviews."
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Best Ghost Fiction

The Stand
Two emerge—Mother Abagail, the benevolent 108-year-old woman who urges them to build a peaceful community in Boulder, Colorado; and Randall Flagg, the nefarious “Dark Man,” who delights in chaos and violence. Among his most recent are 11/22/63 ; Full Dark, No Stars ; Under the Dome ; Just After Sunset; Duma Key ; Lisey’s Story ; Cell ; and the concluding novels in. the Dark Tower saga: Wolves of the Calla , Song of Susannah , and The Dark Tower.
Reviews
"If you are a fan, since this is one of his earlier works, you'll see familiar types of characters, ie..Randy Flagg and Tom Collin. Though some may say King is extremely verbose, I think his detailed telling of the story connects the reader to the characters like very few authors are able to do. I won't give away anything, I'll only say take your time and enjoy the ride with King's epic."
"Stephen King does write about people, the fact that those people are living in a pos-apocalyptic scenario don't make then less people than your neighbors or and old childhood friend."
"I've read many of Stephen King's books over the years, but The Stand is his best, by far."
"If I had to buy it again, I'd opt for a larger/wider book to make it easier to read with the amount of pages."
"I have read this novel several times over the years; it is one of my favorite King stories."
"I re-read this several times a year."
"This one really captured the essence of the good versus evil battle in a thought provoking manner."
"Stuck between choosing 4 or 5 stars."
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Best British & Irish Horror

The New Annotated Frankenstein
The daughter of a pioneering feminist and an Enlightenment philosopher, Shelley lived and wrote at the center of British Romanticism, the “exuberant, young movement” that rebelled against tradition and reason and "with a rebellious scream gave birth to a world of gods and monsters" (del Toro). Nearly 1,000 notes that provide information and historical context on every aspect of Frankenstein and of Mary Shelley’s life Over 200 illustrations, including original artwork from the 1831 edition and dozens of photographs of real-world locations that appear in the novel Extensive listings of films and theatrical adaptations An introduction by Guillermo del Toro and an afterword by Anne K. Mellor. Klinger does not presume to add to the comprehensive body of scholarship on Shelley’s novel; he wants to illuminate the original text itself and showcase how complex and engaging it was―and still is. “In annotating Mary Shelley's Frankenstein , Les Klinger has pulled off the nearly impossible trick of making the original novel as interesting as the phenomena (from the many incarnations of the monster to the field of science fiction) which it spawned. “With the mind of a mad scientist and the heart of a voluptuary, Leslie S. Klinger has been striding through Sherlock Holmes and masterpieces of Fantastica for years now, illuminating, enlightening, clarifying, and amusing as he went. Klinger's deep research and knowledge of his subject shines through this entertaining and fascinating insight into Mary Shelley, her life and times, and the themes and vast impact of her earth-shaking novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. “A stunning one-stop emporium of all things Frankenstein, a standout volume even in the limitless sea of editions of this book.”. - Steve Donoghue, Open Letters Monthly.
Reviews
"If you're reading this review, you only have one question. You already know this is the most original, and one of the best, and best-written horror stories in literature. So, your only question is, "Is this really the uncensored 1818 version?"
"That all changed once Walton rescued Victor Frankenstein from the icy sea near the North Pole. The overlying themes of love, friendship, loneliness and loss enrich this story and the question of whether Frankenstein has the right to create life makes you think about the larger responsibilities of man to his fellow man. The monster's shocking reaction and Frankenstein's horror, his mental collapses and the race against time make this story a true thriller. This style and the letter-writing format are the only things that make Frankenstein seem less modern, but they are minor points."
"Frankly, this is one heck of an enjoyable story, and, if you need some relief after finishing this mesmerizing tale, than watch 'Young Frankenstein', perhaps the funniest movie I have ever seen, but that is for another time... got the nerve...?"
"Contrary to popular belief, the story does not climax with Frankenstein's creation of his iconic monster."
"Read this book in high school years ago."
"I cannot possibly express how much I am for this book being one of the best renowned classics of all time."
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Best Dark Fantasy

The Name of the Wind: 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Kingkiller Chronicle)
—Lin-Manuel Miranda This deluxe, illustrated edition celebrates the New York Times -bestselling series, The Kingkiller Chronicle—a masterful epic fantasy saga that has inspired readers worldwide. • Beautiful, iconic cover by artist Sam Weber and designer Paul Buckley. • Gorgeous, never-before-seen illustrations by artist Dan Dos Santos. • Detailed and updated world map by artist Nate Taylor. • Brand-new author’s note. • Appendix detailing calendar system and currencies. • Pronunciation guide of names and places. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep. Praise for The Kingkiller Chronicle: “The best epic fantasy I read last year.... He’s bloody good, this Rothfuss guy.”. — George R. R. Martin , New York Times -bestselling author of A Song of Ice and Fire. “Rothfuss has real talent, and his tale of Kvothe is deep and intricate and wondrous.”. — Terry Brooks , New York Times -bestselling author of Shannara. "It is a rare and great pleasure to find a fantasist writing...with true music in the words."
Reviews
"This book, and especially the next, are long novels that meander through various rich landscapes and characters, never hurrying to reach any notable crux. Apparently Rothfuss is methodical, and doesn't churn out novels at as rapid a pace as other authors, so it may yet be a while before the series is resolved with a third (and possibly a fourth) book."
"I can't wait to read the next book to see him grow again into the man he is."
"That is true to a certain extent in that the world, characters, and the examination of "magic" are all based in fantasy, but the method of storytelling that Rothfuss uses is different than what most people may expect from a traditional fantasy novel. There is very little action that happens in this first book in the Kingkiller series, and the narrative focuses more on the painstaking re-creation of the protagonists early life as he pursues the knowledge of true magic. I have only read about 15% of the second novel, so I can't say how much of an impact this first book really has on the series, but I have a feeling that things begin to unravel rather quickly toward the end."
"At first, the fact that every time someone speaks, the author elaborates telling the reader where they're standing, what they're doing, their hand gestures, etc."
"After struggling a bit to get into "The Name of the Wind," I was hooked, fascinated by the complex web Mr. Rothfuss weaves. Part of the struggle, which also becomes part of the enticing quality of the novel, is that Rothfuss begins in the middle, backs up to the beginning, and leaves breadcrumbs along the way suggesting essential paths that may or may not be followed at a later time. Strong, well-defined characters inhabit this world, even the bit players are well developed with their own idiosyncracies."
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Best American Horror

Watchers
A “superior thriller”( Oakland Press ) about a man, a dog, and a terrifying threat that could only have come from the imagination of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz. Cross Lassie with E.T., add a touch of The Wolfen and a dash of The Godfather, and you get a sense of some of the ingredients in this supernatural thriller, which should move Koontz ( Strangers a notch closer to Stephen King's high-rent district. Hunted down by both the government and a professional killer who has learned the secret of the animals, Travis, Einstein and Nora Devon, a lonely woman befriended by man and canine, attempt to escape their pursuers all the while knowing that a confrontation with The Outsider is inevitable. The two creatures and a supporting cast of charactersa government agent, a hired killer, a decent recluse, and a lonely womanare inevitably brought together in a climactic and satisfying showdown.
Reviews
"I read many of Koontz's books, but when he started the Odd Thomas series, things just started going bad."
"There were a few surprise moments that took me off guard and after realizing it, I felt a bit naive, but it reinforced the idea and feeling of suspense that his often found in his writings."
"I was surprised by the oddly dysfunctional, but likable, main characters I could root for, and the author gets extra points for giving me a smart dog to love."
"This book wasn't it, but it was almost as good the second time around."
"Several stories going on simultaneously that seem unrelated until they begin to converge, pulled together by a common thread, & the bigger story is revealed."
"Sometime in the late 1980s I started reading WATCHERS and for some unknown reason I didn’t get past the first chapter."
"I have read all of koontz books."
"As always, Dean Koontz can be counted on for well thought out and unique stories."
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Best Vampire Horror

The City of Mirrors: A Novel (Book Three of The Passage Trilogy)
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A thrilling finale to a trilogy that will stand as one of the great achievements in American fantasy fiction.”—Stephen King. You followed The Passage . As the bestselling epic races to its breathtaking finale, Justin Cronin’s band of hardened survivors await the second coming of unspeakable darkness. The survivors are stepping outside their walls, determined to build society anew—and daring to dream of a hopeful future. with The City of Mirrors, the third volume in The Passage trilogy, Justin Cronin puts paid to what may well be the finest post-apocalyptic epic in our dystopian-glutted times. A stunning achievement by virtually every measure.”— The National Post “Justin Cronin’s Passage trilogy is remarkable for the unremitting drive of its narrative, for the breathtaking sweep of its imagined future, and for the clear lucidity of its language.” —Stephen King. This conclusion to bestseller Cronin’s apocalyptic thriller trilogy ends with all of the heartbreak, joy, and unexpected twists of fate that events in The Passage and The Twelve foreordained.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review). “Readers who have been patiently awaiting the conclusion to Cronin’s sweeping postapocalyptic trilogy are richly rewarded with this epic, heart-wrenching novel. Not only does this title bring the series to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion, but it also exhibits Cronin’s moving exploration of love as both a destructive force and an elemental need, elevating this work among its dystopian peers.” — Library Journal (starred review). “Justin Cronin’s Passage trilogy is remarkable for the unremitting drive of its narrative, for the breathtaking sweep of its imagined future, and for the clear lucidity of its language. This conclusion to bestseller Cronin’s apocalyptic thriller trilogy ends with all of the heartbreak, joy, and unexpected twists of fate that events in The Passage and The Twelve foreordained.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Readers who have been patiently awaiting the conclusion to Cronin’s sweeping postapocalyptic trilogy are richly rewarded with this epic, heart-wrenching novel. Not only does this title bring the series to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion, but it also exhibits Cronin’s moving exploration of love as both a destructive force and an elemental need, elevating this work among its dystopian peers.” — Library Journal (starred review). Praise for Justin Cronin “One of those rare authors who work on two different levels, blending elegantly crafted literary fiction with cliff-hanging thrills.” —Fort Worth Star-TelegramThe Passage “Magnificent . The Passage can stand proudly next to Stephen King’s apocalyptic masterpiece The Stand, but a closer match would be Cormac McCarthy’s The Road .” — Time “Read this book and the ordinary world disappears.” —Stephen King “[A] big, engrossing read that will have you leaving the lights on late into the night.” — The Dallas Morning NewsThe Twelve “[A] literary superthriller, driven at once by character and plot.” —The New York Times Book Review “Gripping . a complex narrative of flight and forgiveness, of great suffering and staggering loss, of terrible betrayals and incredible hope.” —Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Justin Cronin is the "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Passage, " "The Twelve, Mary and O Neil" (which won the PEN/Hemingway Award and the Stephen Crane Prize), and "The Summer Guest." A Distinguished Faculty Fellow at Rice University, he divides his time between Houston, Texas, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts."
Reviews
"Justin Cronin’s THE CITY OF MIRRORS sets out to do the seemingly impossible – wrap up scores of characters and an immense landscape of action in a way that will satisfy readers who have waited four years for the publication of this book. CITY begins just after the end of the second installment (THE TWELVE), but it quickly jumps ahead three years, and then another nineteen. The characters Cronin focuses on are ones we know very well – Peter, Alicia, Sara, Hollis, Michael, Lucius, Caleb, Kate. At the conclusion of THE TWELVE, only two questions remained – 1) what happened to Amy, and 2) where is Zero, aka Timothy Fanning, the first to be infected with the virus back in the early 21st century. But the role Cronin has imagined for her is perfect in its ability to pull this immense story together in a brilliant and satisfying way. Even the virals themselves are human beings, transformed into creatures driven by blood lust – but they also have names and memories and pieces of a past they cling to, even in their rage. It’s set a thousand years in the future, when a symposium has been convened to investigate the discovery of a mysterious journal that may hold the secrets to humanity’s history. But Cronin manages to not only bring us back to that central story, but to make a much bigger connection between the people we’ve come to love and the future of the human race. It’s hard to imagine what it would be like to look back at the world we’re living in today from a thousand years in the future."
"It is a longer story arc and a building crescendo to the ultimate showdown and finale. Often times authors like to leave subtle cliff hangers (Stephen King, etc) to leave it up to you to finish the story in your head."
"The best news was that the wait was over - what seemed to be one of the most wonderful trilogies written would finally have a third book and an answer to all the questions raised in the first two. Amy, Peter Jaxon, Michael, Alicia - all still around for the last book that I could not put down, no matter how tired I was or what needed to be done."
"It deals with good and evil as I have mentioned before but much more importantly with the heartache of loss and death especially when it is taken callously without any remorse for the victims who are left behind."
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Best Horror Reference

On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft (10th Anniversary Edition) (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)
Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer's craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. "The best book on writing.
Reviews
"I could "hear" Mr. King's "voice" in my head as I read this on my iPad Kindle app. I breathed a sigh of relief when I got the feeling that writing classes and clubs are kind of a waste of time. I am glad this wasn't a "point by point HOW TO WRITE a story or a book" book, because really, writing isn't something you can do easily from a bulleted list. And then when that person you trust reads your stuff and offers some criticism, you can take it for what it's worth and use it or not."
"One of my favorites of King's work."
"I'm not a fan of Stephen King's novels but I am a writer of sorts so I wanted to know more of what made this man the legend that he is today...and I was fascinated with his book and felt that I connected with him so much during the course of my read that I wanted to write to him at the email address he provided in the book (but I didn't). When I first finished reading it I thought I would have loved to be his editor to polish up the book to make it read a little more top of the line, but on reflection, it felt kind of amazing to read -- like reading someone's diary...totally undamaged by editing -- a writer's candid view of himself and his world."
"it was great reading about Laverdiers Drug store since as a kid I used to shop lift their candy."
"The other half is mainly personal stories and recollections from Stephen's life, particularly his childhood. Other writing books that are out there are not written by people who have had the kind of success he has had, at least for the most part. He really did an amazing job of communicating a lot of stuff that I would imagine is hard to put down in words. I feel like I can take his advice and let it be my guide for the rest of my career without having to constantly worry about whether I am doing things improperly."
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Best Horror Anthologies

Night Shift
Night Shift —Stephen King’s first collection of stories—is an early showcase of the depths that King’s wicked imagination could plumb. [King] will catch you in his web and reach you at an elemental level where there is no defense.” — The Cincinnati Enquirer. “Stephen King has built a literary genre of putting ordinary people in the most terrifying situations. he’s the author who can always make the improbable so scary you'll feel compelled to check the locks on the front door.” — The Boston Globe “Peerless imagination.” — The Observer (London).
Reviews
"A fan of Stephen King for many many years but it always his short stories that capture my interest and imagination...for me, it started here, with Night Shift."
"All the stories served to keep me well entertained."
"The best collection of stories!"
"I read this when first published and I wanted a copy for my Kindle."
"Avid fan."
"Read this back in the early eighties and I'm still creep ed out!"
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