The Best Horror Novels NOT Written by Stephen King

[@elhekoyya]

Man, you've such a likeable personality.

[@EdwardLorn]

Thank you!

[@karamarie6781]

Agreed! He is just adorable.

[@RA12121]

And original...at a time when many are beginning to look and sound the same...

[@bookable18]

I agree :)

[@UncannyValleyVideos]

When the filmstrip fell out, it was like the beginning of a Creepypasta.

[@olivia-m6467]

UncannyValleyVideos HA!

[@timmbot6082]

I thought for sure it was part of the review to add suspense... but nothing happened!

[@chicky-to7qs]

Lol!

[@pateris]

If it was a videoconference, you could make a scared face and say "What's THAT right behind you ?"

[@DaSansei]

When the film roll dropped from the book, that legit felt like the start of a horror story.

[@EdwardLorn]

I was creeped out, for sure lol

[@luminyam6145]

Agree, it will be a clue for sure!!

[@grayace4556]

The statement that blood and gore in a book was the equivalent of a jump scare was brilliant. It's the same way for me. I'd rather have a creeping sense of dread, subtext and psychological horror. That's not to say I dislike blood and gore on occasion, but it doesn't belong in **every** story. :-)

[@dqan7372]

"What I find horrific is a mounting sense of dread." Was just thinking that. Subscribed.

[@professorhelsing7305]

Refreshing. Saw that King wasn’t included and immediately clicked. As much as I like king, everybody knows him so it is easier to find and experience new authors and novels.

[@ZACHRAWKS921]

do top 10 disturbing scenes from books youve read

[@EdwardLorn]

+Salemcards that's a good one! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@amandanicholls2796]

Ooh, yes please,

[@TheLDE420]

I'm finishing up American psycho by Brett Ellis.....some disturbingly awesome parts....it's way better than the movie...read the book first if you haven't watched the movie...recommended

[@EdwardLorn]

*they're

[@PatPauloMMA]

The girl next door. The whole book is disturbing. Doesn’t help that it’s a true story too

[@laertesdd]

I am a simple man: Edward Lorn recommends, I buy.

[@EdwardLorn]

+laertesdd I'm honored 😊

[@pjwchung]

Yes I just purchased blankly by kealan Patrick Burke from amazon.

[@EdwardLorn]

+pjwchung that's great!

[@MS-df2fk]

The Ruins is an incredible book. It's gross, dark and super depressing. I admire the fact that it unnerved me so bad that I never want to read it again.

[@OlYables]

Matt Stryker the Ruins is a great metaphor for modern man suffering at the hands of primordial elements, the cell phone part he mentions is genuinely dark and hopeless.

[@KevinsKontentKorner]

@Fhjthnl Lol Iuyo the ruins made me physically widen my eyes, TWICE. great book

[@KevinsKontentKorner]

@Fhjthnl Lol Iuyo ive read offseason by ketchum as well. I don't really remember it, but I'm glad you liked the Ruins!

[@Hellspwn6]

Just picked it up after reading this thread. I saw the movie in elementary school and thought it was cool but I haven't seen it since so the overall story totally went over my head. I could rewatch the movie and it would seem like a new movie to me so it's a perfect time to read the book.

[@Galimah]

is it better than the movie? i didn´t like the movie at all

[@ellishastings9350]

The Ruins was awesome. Almost quit after about the first 50-pages. Mathias wasn't a bad dude, though. Probably the ONLY genuine character in it. -chirp chirp chirp-

[@brionayoung5281]

I know I'm 2 years late but I love your personality!!! Can't wait to watch your other videos

[@blacknwhitecookie8967]

What up E! The Ruins is my ALL time favorite "non King" horror...LOVE IT!!!

[@EdwardLorn]

+K&C Rocks awesome! It was damn good, wasn't it? 😁

[@OlYables]

King himself recommended it highly!

[@garbgegal77]

I am binge-watching your channel today! Keep up the quality content, E!

[@EdwardLorn]

+Rhiannon & Silas Russell thank you so much! 😁

[@theotherheather4520]

Hi, I am just starting out in the horror fiction genre and I am quite impressed by your list compared to other book tubers out there. I was wondering if you had any suggestions for horror books that are centered around creepy children? Thank you for your videos.

[@EdwardLorn]

Try LET THE RIGHT ONE IN and PET SEMATARY (it's spelled wrong on purpose).

[@johnnythepillpopper1974]

Heather Nicole lost boys don’t remember author, this book will brake your heart

[@missyl3119]

Suffer the children by Craig Dilouie

[@cocoak744]

try reading Baby Teeth

[@EdwardLorn]

BABY TEETH is a great book but I wouldn't call it horror

[@laertesdd]

(2:53) It's called 'Schadenfreude' (meaning enjoying the damage done to others).

[@EdwardLorn]

+laertesdd yes, yes! That's the word I was looking for. Thank you!

[@patrickdutton6768]

schade

[@amandanicholls2796]

Glad you mentioned Drood by Dan Simmons, I adored it, he got the Victorian Opium den underworld simply brilliantly, and I loved The Terror too. I want to read the rest of his works on the strength of both of these. Ghost Story is one of my favourites too. More recently, I adored Hex. It scared the eeby jeebies out of me, that witch ( shudders), oh and last year Neville’s The Ritual was pretty damn terrifying too. There is one scene in the middle of the woods, one of those what’s out there moments, when I had to stop listening to the audiobook at night in the dark and was sat upright, all lights a blazing scared rigid! That rarely happens.......

[@EdwardLorn]

+Amanda nicholls I enjoyed HEX. Haven't read THE RITUAL yet but it's definitely on my radar.

[@backroomgentleman]

The Terror is in my top 10 favorite books! Like you said, even though it is so long it just flies by. When I reread it I always find myself reading it in 100+ page chunks at a time haha. Such a gripping book

[@EdwardLorn]

I'm that way with King's IT 😁

[@thirstsnake]

The Terror is one of my favorite books ever. Love seeing it on your list!

[@reneperez2126]

The terror is not only a book its an experience ,no amount of words would describe how good is this book to me , i dont know but this book set my imagination into motion when i was readin it , its a cinematic book

[@SiddhantParkar]

@@reneperez2126 I agree. It’s one of the best book I’ve ever read.

[@jimmybailey7198]

"welcome to the discovery channel" thats hilarious!

[@wheelmanjosh1982]

I'm starting to get back into reading books more. It takes me a little longer to read than most people I know, and that's probably the reason why I haven't read more in a recreational sense. In my reading history, I have digested mostly science-fiction, but I'm getting more involved. I've read some Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Michael Crichton. I love horror movies, so what the heck. I like your videos, so I'll be checking more of them out. Thanks.

[@tarynmarie9066]

I’m a long term fan from Goodreads and randomly came across your video while putting together my October TBR. What a coincidence!

[@EdwardLorn]

*waves* Hey, Taryn! 😁

[@laertesdd]

Thanks again for the recommendation of 'The Terror', E.! İt's an amazing novel with a very dense atmosphere and interesting characters. İ read the first 200 or more pages in a rush, but then my vacation ended and İ didn't find the time to continue. Now I'm at it again, halfway through, and boy does this get dark. My personal highlight so far was the morbid party they have. From the beginning of the description of the differently colored rooms and the masks of the participants İ knew this was a direct reference to one of Poe's both shortest and most beautiful stories: 'The Masque Of The Red Death'. Haunting!

[@EdwardLorn]

Hey, Laertes! Long time to chat. You're welcome. Glad you're enjoying the book and I hope the second half is just as good for you. 😁

[@dallascowboyshighlights9632]

Ghost Story is creepy as hell

[@joshperry6700]

Hell of a list. Got some names for you: Christopher Slatsky, Richard Gavin, Clint Smith, and Nathan Ballingrud. The fiction addiction is a cruel mistress but completely worth it lol Enjoy!

[@codytidwell5086]

Great list. God, I love The Ruins.

[@ThatsWhatSheRead]

Great list! I loved the Ruins and Night Film though that does seem to be an unpopular opinion too! I need to get to the Terror

[@EdwardLorn]

+That's What She Read THE TERROR is amazing. If it wasn't so long I'd reread it right now.

[@PringleManWorld]

@alprazolam1mgs Did you watch the tv series? Absolutely stunning.

[@davidwalker9594]

God the Ruins really freaked me out. That book really gives you the perfect sense of lost hope.

[@karamarie6781]

Read The Push by Ashley Audrain. Really creepy, manipulative, sociopathic child book. The Omen meets We Need To Talk About Kevin. So engrossing.

[@christopherrichardson2945]

The Ruins was pretty solid

[@dr.history3567]

I really enjoyed the monk by Mathew Gregory lewis, it really and i mean really disturbed me. Could you do top 10 detective novels?

[@EdwardLorn]

That's an oldie!

[@lazyhomebody1356]

The grossest scenes EVER. Even after all this time, no one has surpassed him

[@howboutdemboys1358]

Great video! Absolutely agree on The Terror! I can't wait to start Drood next as I've been looking forward to that one for awhile now. I'm dying to read Kin, The Ruins & Night Film. Kin sounds amazing & right up my alley. I also agree on Straub, I enjoy his work but he is so vague. Often times I have no idea what I just read & wish he would be a little more forward. I couldn't agree more with The Terror though, I'm nearly finished & it does not feel like I've read nearly 1000 pages at all. IT by King was the same way. Have you ever heard of the Dyatlov Pass Incident? Man, that's an eerie true story & I would love to see Simmons tackle that. I also have to agree on what you find horrifying & what you like best in your fiction. I read King for years & only recently began to branch out, & I've tried to go according to reviews & recommendations but all the "body horror" stuff loaded with gore I keep getting turned toward doesn't do it for me. I've found my definition of "horror" to be different from others. Sure it has it's place but I'll watch a slasher movie if I want that. Everyone keeps saying Laymon Laymon or you must read Jack Ketchum & yes I respect their work & what they've done for the genre but jeez.. I'll take The Terror over that stuff any day or even Bone White by Malfi. By the way I've heard great things about Dark Matter by Michelle Paver, especially if you enjoyed The Terror. It's a ghostly tale taking place during an expedition in the 1930's I believe, and she also has a story called Thin Air taking place in the 30's during a climb to the Himalayas, if I'm not mistaken. Thanks for the video sir & the rec's!!

[@EdwardLorn]

+Howbout Demboys BONE WHITE was exceptional! I'll definitely look into DARK MATTER. Thanks!

[@markrickert6592]

I love your lists--you make me want to devour these books again...and buy the ones that I haven't. (Just bought three of your recommendations while watching this!) The Terror--Amen brother! Thanks for mentioning the Drood; I loved that book! So glad you mention Peter Straub, but did you read Floating Dragon? It's one of my all time favorites. Also, what about Clive Barker? I think Imagica and Great and Secret Show are two of the coolest horror novels of all time. Read them if you haven't already!

[@scoutcoker9813]

this video inspired me to read "The Grip of It" and i could not be happier. thank you sincerely for the recommendation, and i very much look forward to watching more of your videos

[@EdwardLorn]

Thanks! Hope you find other videos you enjoy! 😁

[@JoesSweetShack]

Awesome video! I was pleasantly surprised to see Night Film! Night Film was an impulse buy for me as well, at B&N way back around it’s release. Stanislas Cordova was a character so awesome, I wished he was real.

[@SKIUPOD]

My favorite horror is also a growing sense of dread. However most of the time I find that it’s best when the dread is caused by an actual person or not a haunted spirit. For instance I read Hell House and yes it’s kind of disturbing but I was never actually scared or spooked too much reading it. But I love Dracula’s suspense and setup style of horror. Any suggestions for me?

[@laertesdd]

- mounting sense of dread... check! - subtext... check! plus - fleshed-out characters who develop over the course of the novel, - an exciting and unpredictable, yet believable plot, - relevance, - and most of all: a fitting language. put all that together, and you will most probably have a good (horror) novel.

[@laertesdd]

p.s.: Talking about 'mounting sense of dread' - that could be the title for almost all of the Kealan Patrick Burke novellas I have read so far (most of all 'Blanky', of course, thanks again for the recommendation).

[@EdwardLorn]

+laertesdd agreed on all counts!

[@EdwardLorn]

+laertesdd you're very welcome! So glad you liked them. He's a terrific author!

[@laertesdd]

Edward Lorn Just in case I haven't mentioned it (and I know I have a thousand times, sorry): mounting dread + subtext = 'The Visible Filth' by Nathan Ballingrud.

[@lauraforrester2910]

The Terror is my FAVOURITE NOVEL OF ALL TIME!!!!!! I can’t believe you shared this. It is perfection

[@rodneyadderton1077]

I liked The Ruins. I like how the author had the characters think 'I shouldn't say this' or 'do this' but did it anyway, or as they did it. I want to like Straub, but it's hard for me to. You ever read Bryan Smith? The author of Freakshow, or Strange Ways. He is also on Kindle and affordable. I dig him.

[@EdwardLorn]

Yep. One of my favorite parts of THE RUINS were the unlikeable characters.

[@etamommy]

@@EdwardLorn My sense of those characters were that although they may have been unlikeable most of them were characters you can relate to and also from their points of view he, to me made them believable though it took a little while. I think it is a credit to him that he made the somewhat ludicrous in the light of day storyline believable too. Certainly a sacrifice to the supernatural powers and the powers of a haunted place is a trope because either there is something to it or because it's an archetype that helped us at one time. Anyway, I was utterly drawn into that book and could not believe when it came out that it was not another best seller along the lines of Silence of the Lambs.

[@luminyam6145]

That was a wonderful video, thank you. I loved Ghost Story but I also could not get into any of Peter Straub's other work.

[@18iole]

I heard you speak for two seconds and immediatly subscribed 😂 I love your personality and your content! ♥

[@OrcmanRepugnant]

For a sense of dread, I think of two films. Mad Max and the original Assault on Precinct 13. Particularly the scenes of deserted LA suburban streets. Check it out.

[@PaperbackMania]

Night Film was really fun and addictive. Loved the world the author created.

[@EdwardLorn]

+Paperback Mania same here. The films and the lore were really what made the book believable.

[@joettacreasia6688]

The Ruins is one of my all time favorite books ever! It was very well written.

[@milolink6993]

I have the Terror by Dan Simmons and haven't read it YET ... But now I will definitely start reading it.

[@horrificromantic143]

The Ruins is so underrated, and I've read it fifty times.

[@kryss187]

I liked The Ballad of Black Tom. I love how he fleshed out the short story from Lovecraft. Have you checked out Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff? I really enjoyed it. Going with the Lovecraft theme, what do you think of some of his stories. The Dunwich Horror, The Shadow over Innsmouth, and The Colour Out of Space are a few of my favorites.

[@EdwardLorn]

I've never enjoyed Lovecraft whatsoever. He bores me to death. I usually stay away from anything with his mythos but I read everything LaValle writes so I had to in this case. Glad I did. 😁

[@kryss187]

I do recommend Lovecraft Country. It deals with the horrors of Jim Crow and a touch of supernatural horror.

[@EdwardLorn]

Cool. I'll look into it. Thanks for the rec 😁

[@Rick-ve5lx]

Ramsay Campbell writes disquieting horror stories. “Incarnate” and “The doll who ate his mother” are well worth a look.

[@pateris]

Some of his novels are (extremely well done) family dramas with some supernatural stuff thrown in, like "the darkest part of the woods". But he does write beautifully and is a very nice bloke too…

[@verenamansfeld5321]

the Caligo Andrea's saga: Obsesión its seriously scary and describe perfectly the hell

[@EdwardLorn]

lol did you like your own comment? Be honest 😂😂

[@holybatgamer5492]

I read ghost story last year..it was a chore to get through. I saw night film in the bookstore the other day. I really wish I bought it now lol

[@EdwardLorn]

It's definitely not for everyone, Mike.

[@colleenpugliese6160]

It's a good movie

[@Weshighlights24]

Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay. Terrified me!

[@catfeline1530]

You can find all kinds of really cool bookmarks in old books at thrift stores. Letters between lovers, family pictures are what I found. My personal favorite was a hippy letter from the 60's along with a guitar string and a couple of greyhound bus tickets around the same era. On topic: I haven't been real impressed with contemporary horror writing, I've read some of those authors. Maybe I just changed over the years and it doesn't interest me anymore. But I think also, a lot of these "horror" books are trending towards torture and cruelty themes, which seems to be the trend in horror movies over last several years as well. and that turns me off.

[@EdwardLorn]

Yes! I have found a cute Christmas photo, a construction-paper love letter, a clipping of someone's baseball team's win, and (creepy) a ponytail.

[@EzeICE]

The Terror was freaking fantastic!!!

[@jates513.productions]

Someone's probably commented it on here but one of my all time favorites is House of Leaves. It's confusing, psychologically thrilling and terrifying and it makes you rethink what a novel is. It's not for everyone, I know a few people who have read it who don't like it or just hate it but it's definitely one of my all time favorite books.

[@EdwardLorn]

Yep, I get recommended that one at least twice a week.😁

[@nhennessy6434]

You missed Carrion Comfort! You were so close in choosing The Terror but CC is even better, and Simmons is great enough to have two entries! Also House of Leaves and Haunted! Did love The Ruins, though.

[@EdwardLorn]

Hated CARION COMFORT. My review is on Goodreads.

[@toddthelibrarian1289]

The Terror was an awesome read! One of my favorites!

[@EdwardLorn]

+Todd the Librarian! Cool! Thanks for watching!

[@aleahgriggs5479]

Is it a ghost book?

[@amandanicholls2796]

I finished “The Ruins” today. I’m with you in thinking it’s a great horror, pretty original and pretty damn creepy. I did not expect the thing that is the horror to be as disturbing as they are. Loved the ending too.

[@EdwardLorn]

+Amanda nicholls agreed on all accounts.

[@godsnobody2915]

I loved "The Terror." I was intimidated at first by it's size, but the story is so gripping you don't ever think about the length of the book again.

[@monilily]

I'm so excited. Half of these are already on my TBR. You are the first person I hear mention the PiloFamily Circus. I came across this when researching circus books and immediately put it on my TBR. Also, I tried reading Ghost Story over 10 years ago but couldn't get into the writing style and DNFed it. Wish I hadn't unhauled it because I've been wanting to pick it up again.

[@EdwardLorn]

+monilily GHOST STORY is EXTREMELY hard to finish but worth the effort by the end. His best novel not written with King, for sure.

[@ChrisCoy77]

The Terror has got to be one of the best books I've read. There is so much information density, and I think this must be in part due to the reality that the story is based on.

[@DualBrainGames]

Really been enjoying the channel! I’m a horror writer as well, you might like “Charla” Alexander Beresford (my book). Let me know, would be happy to send it to you.

[@sarahfrost1201]

I had a few of these already on my list (and the ones I didn't are there now), but I actually OWN Night Film after an impulse-buy similar to yours from my local charity shop. I feel like I don't know where to look first - I'm enjoying my current read (contemporary literature by Victoria Hislop about a real life leper colony off the coast of Crete that existed until the mid 50s) plus I have like eight other library books waiting for me that looked fascinating when I picked them up three weeks ago (before I left for the cruise), but now look a bit drab next to Night Film or my first King, and I also want to immediately dive into ALL THE BOOKS you've been talking about in the Theorist videos and your books and the books in this video. I am completely torn and it's all your fault. I will remedy this situation by avoiding the problem and continuing to watch the last of your videos.

[@EdwardLorn]

+Sarah Frost ha! I'm trying to decide which Kind book you should start with. There's two choices and I don't want to steer you wrong. Thinking...

[@maggiedeleon6678]

You just got yourself a new subscriber!! I love love love this recommendations. Great video!

[@EdwardLorn]

Thanks! 😊

[@focalgain]

Hey man thanks to your channel I just finished Night Film. Wow I loved it great suggestion. I'm at the book store now revisiting this video for another suggestion. Keep up the great work - Justin Levi

[@EdwardLorn]

Awesome! Always happy to hear when people dog my suggestions. What did you end up choosing?

[@jenellowe6326]

I just finished The Ruins. Here's a testament to it's readability: I checked it out from the library and two dead bedbugs fell out and I kept reading it!! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@EdwardLorn]

Ha! Also, ew lol

[@emcdonald496]

Dude, Adam LG Neville and Josh Malerman

[@kevinpickell715]

Surprised I Am Legend by Richard Matheson didn't make the list. One of my all-time favorites. Also liked Hell House.

[@EdwardLorn]

I couldn't finish I AM LEGEND, and I gave HELL HOUSE three stars, I believe. I'm just not much of a Matheson fan.

[@lazyhomebody1356]

@@EdwardLorn "I Am Legend" contains one of my favorite scenes ever: When during a flashback, the hero carpools with the scariest vampire- He's IN THE CAR! OMG, RUN! RM is more psychological and poetic, esp "The Shrinking Man"

[@patrickmcmahon497]

This guy is wholesome and his voice makes me happy

[@racewiththefalcons1]

The Ruins is a great read, much better than the film, but definitely check out both. Fun fact: Scott Smith was once thought to be a pseudonym of Stephen King because their writing is so similar.

[@n.b.6022]

All your recommendations are awesome! Thanks for making these videos! Looking forward to many many more 👍

[@EdwardLorn]

Thank you for watching😁

[@unholydiver1095]

I am actually not a reader currently (haven't had the time since school has had me focusing on math non-stop). All the books I read are in the single digits. Now that I have a job, I want to get into reading, and since I am a horror fan, I thought I would start with horror. Are there any books that are similar to the paranoia filled-type story similar to John Carpenter's The Thing, or stories where the great turns out to be humans becoming monsters due to fear (like King's The Mist)? Psychological and cosmic horror are definitely my favorite. Also planning on looking for some horror manga. Japanese sure know how to make quality horror. I am definitely subbing cause I think your channel can help me throughout

[@EdwardLorn]

Check out my Manga playlist. For horror lit, maybe try Hailey Piper's THE WORM AND HIS KINGS. It's cosmic horror. If I can think of something similar to THE THING, I'll let you know.

[@unholydiver1095]

@@EdwardLorn Thanks! Also, definitely will check out your manga vids later. Cool that you also have manga material

[@robertkamer1820]

Thank you for the tips. The Terror by Dan Simmons is on my backlog pile. I ADORE Simmons's Carrion Comfort, would take a lot to kick that off my #1 horror novel spot.

[@reneperez2126]

I am sure that top spot was already taken by the terror and will stay that way for many years as is my case

[@mspoetic888]

Great list. I really need to finally read The Ruins. I'm going to buy Kin soon. I finished Blanky and enjoyed it. I thought it was pretty good. Ooh, I'll have to check out Ghost Story too. A homie gave me a ton of Dan Simmons books, and I'm really hyped to get into his work. I just added Night Film to my wishlist.

[@EdwardLorn]

+mspoetic888 I will Dan Simmons is not always good. He's always engaging. Also he can be preachier than King, but in the opposite direction. That comes through in some books and not others tho.

[@pippavanel4170]

Ohhh my gosh!!!! A good horror review channel!!! I loved the ruins it was great that thumbnail sold this video to me and now I have a new fave booktuber!! Thank you so much for the video- agree was really satisfying to see those cussbuckets get got in that book! Will check out the others thank you :))+ hope you are keeping safe and well :)

[@EdwardLorn]

Welcome to the channel, Kay! We're doing great great, how about you?

[@pippavanel4170]

@@EdwardLorn good thanks so far! And delighted at the moment as I am watching your king ranking- I don't necessarily agree but love your rationale for your choices :) so fun to see others views on a favourite author :)

[@EdwardLorn]

You're gonna fit in perfectly around here then. I love differing opinions and friendly discussion 😁

[@burntgod7165]

Jack Ketchum, "Off Season"; Thomas Emson, "Skarlet" (+ it's two sequels); Guy N. Smith, "Crabs"; James Herbert, "The Rats"; Clive Barker, "Books of Blood".

[@pateris]

"Naomi's room" by Jonathan Aycliffe is a forgotten classic, lean, mean (it's about 200 pages) and scary as feck…

[@cameronscott7304]

I will definitely check out Kin, The Grip of It, and The Terror. Have you heard of Nasser Rabadi? He's got a horror trilogy that I really enjoyed. Another recommendation is They'll Get You by Mark Pelligrini.

[@karamarie6781]

Sorry for so many comments but I LOVE YOU! You have a new subscriber! Yayyyy!

[@susanburgess820]

Just subbed! The discovery channel...hahaha!

[@emcdonald496]

Bird Box by Josh Malerman. Don’t google it, just read it. I love your taste, and think you’d appreciate this one

[@EdwardLorn]

Sorry, Emily, I hated BIRD BOX.

[@emcdonald496]

@@EdwardLorn after several years I just saw your reply, I’m rewatching your videos as I do sometimes to find something new to read. I have to agree with you, 3 years and a reread later I don’t like Bird Box anymore either. I love The Ruins though, always have. I don’t get the dislike for it from the horror lit community. Maybe it’s because I absolutely love unlikeable characters in horror, and The Ruins just kills it in that department. Have you read Scott Smith’s other novel, A Simple Plan? I have a feeling you might like it a lot. I love your videos and your novels, thanks for being such a consistent presence in my life helping me find new stuff to read. You are awesome dude

[@NancyLebovitz]

I recommend The Face of Twilight by Mark Samuels-- a vivid depiction of things falling apart, though to go into detail would be a spoiler.

[@gallygrovle2160]

creeping sense of dread and subtext are ESSENTIAL for me in a horror novel. I don't mind gore if it adds to the story, but for me if it's anything more than an embellishment of an already scary story, then it's not enjoyable.

[@paulread7113]

Hi E, I am new to your channel, so doing lots of catching up! Just wanted to let you know I am currently reading "Night Film" thanks to your recommendation and really enjoying it.

[@EdwardLorn]

Awesome! I still think of scenes from that book to this day.

[@paulread7113]

@@EdwardLorn so do I, but then I was reading it today lol

[@paulread7113]

Hi E, I finished reading "Night Film" last night. I really enjoyed it, but felt the final 100 pages or so wasn't so strong as the rest of the book (I don't want to give spoilers for anyone). Again, thank you for the work you put into your channel, you have invigorated my reading! I am now due to start reading "The Outsider" by Stephen King.

[@Masky5150]

I too enjoy horror stories, The Ruins is a great book. I’ll definitely be looking into these other titles you mention. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@mancima]

Thanks for giving me some new authors to check out. I slightly disagree on Dan Simmons. I’ve read both ‘The Terror’ and ‘Drood’ the former I loved the latter was frustrating. Sometime after I had read both I happened to pick up one of those paperback horrors from the “eighties” also written by Dan Simmons. ‘Carrion Comfort’ knocked my socks off! One of the best if not the best horror novels I’ve read. Give it a try if you get the chance. I highly recommend it.

[@wolfstar675]

Great list man will be definitely reading some of those specially The Terror and Night Film. Also I'm quite curious what's your opinion on Paul Tremblay as a writer?

[@pjwchung]

Enjoy your video Guess you are a morning person uploading a video at 7 in the morning. Thanks

[@EdwardLorn]

+pjwchung thanks. And no, not a morning person. I just seem to get more views in the morning for some reason. 😁

[@baileytheadventurer2710]

ha ha, love finding things inside books....you're excitement was so funny

[@EdwardLorn]

+martina locke these were cool. I have another video coming soon of what they were 😁

[@rogerwhite95]

Dude, if I might make a suggestion: it's nice that you are letting us know these are your favorites; but how about giving us a little info on what the story is *about*? Not much, just the general set up. Peace!

[@AlysN1dr]

just found you!! thanks so much for the "best Horror Novels NOT Written by Stephen King"...I have read all his books (except the dark tower series...not for me). I will say, that after reading "The Institute" and didn't finish it I was done with all things Stephen King. His latest book? As if I am going to spend 28.00 bucks. The man is loaded. He should be giving his books away by now because they are so awful. So yeah, I am subbing so I can see your other recommendations! Hope you are doing well during this delightful time we are in. Weirded out by the dystopia we are living in here in Canada. Alyssa

[@boltywolty123]

Keep up the vids

[@sdfsdfsdfsdsdfsf8468]

Love your channel and show But , please give and say= * Give date isbn number of pages * Primse and spoolers * Number of heros * Sex of protagonist * Intercourse sex and level of details * Wikipedia summery * Movies and series from it * Number of chapter * Percentage of details dailouge tech details So people like me how cannot get these books will have general knowledge of it. Thanks for your engagement and keep them coming

[@NaveenKumarErroju]

Currently reading it by stephen king. Fuck off world. Imma live in this book. Somewhere in 50% of the book. Don't want it to end.

[@johnward5404]

DANG DUDE I saw the Ruins in a used bookstore and ALMOST BOUGHT IT... seems I need to go back and get it.

[@weirdasscandyreview3254]

Thank you! This is an awesome list. My goal this year is to read more than last year & this list is perfect place to start. Great video.

[@EdwardLorn]

+Weird Ass Candy Review youre welcome. Always happy to help. 😁

[@jaecubed592]

Going to see what all these books are about and add them if they sound up my alley. I agrre with your take on what horror is so I have a feeling I will like some of these recommendations. I wonder how many people don't even know what fell out of your book. Lol Actually if I were a writer this would be a great book ... Man buys a used horror book...finds film in the book... Things in his life start getting weird... Something to do with those films he found.... 🤔 I would read that book. Lol Anyways first time to yoiur channel so going to check out more videos. 👍 EDIT: Just read previous commets... Looks like my idea isn't original. Lol well great minds think alike. 😂

[@keithravenscroft5788]

The Ruins by Scott Smith is one of the dumbest novels ever written. A group of friends go to Mexico. They befriend a German tourist and some Greeks. They go in search of a friend of the missing German outside Cancun, who’d decided to go on a dig with some archaeologists. He leaves a poorly drawn map of his whereabouts. The weather is hot, unbearably hot, we are reminded on every page. They find a hill which was drawn on the map. Suddenly they are surrounded by Mayans (local villagers) carrying spears and bows and arrows, and are not allowed to leave the hill upon which they are marooned. There is a monster vine. This plant can think, mimic words, sing, and eat flesh. One by one, they go down the hill, and are faced with the Mayans who won’t let them pass. They go back up the hill. Then they go down the hill… they find bones. They go down a well (twice). Five pages on how to braid the rope they use to go down it, but it’s too short. More pages about how to make it longer. They drink Tequila, sit around, talk endlessly about the day the Greek’s friends will arrive. They go down the hill every day to see if they have arrived. Weeks pass. Pages pass. The vine munches away at the Greeks legs. He screams. His screaming goes on for pages and pages. ‘And when he stops screaming, the stopping is worse’! They make a sign, on which they draw skulls and crossbones and write ‘Danger’ to warn off others. The plant eats the sign. 524 pages later they are all dead….

[@biseidaduque5576]

You should read Dry Lands by Trent Mills! It was creepy, scary, and suspenseful! Its an excellent read!

[@Honeywell888]

Discovery channel! Hahahah... You are AMAZING!

[@davekincla9818]

The Terror made me feel *cold*. Unbelievably good book.

[@opaque4742]

Who are your favorite horror/]suspense/thriller authors besides King, if you take their collective work? Mine are Saul and Koontz.

[@jarod9135]

So I just now found your channel. You are awesome, your personality is spectacular! Also... I wanna know what's on that film that fell outta the book😂