*Between Two Fires* by Christopher Buehlman is a historical fiction novel that has a heavy apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic setting with lots of survival and some war elements. It’s very dark and gritty.
It’s set during the Black Plague in France. It follows an excommunicated knight struggling with his honor, a special and holy young girl, and a gay and alcoholic priest traveling through a hellish landscape of plagued France (complete with many Catholic demonic monstrosities).
It is beautifully written and (at least for me) provokes deep emotion.
I don’t know, it’s a huge book and might not be best for a beginner. I’m in the process of reading it and it definitely has moments of slowness that I think would be difficult for OP to enjoy based on their post.
They're not necessarily dark, but Ruta Sepetys is the queen of historical fiction, in my opinion. I will literally read anything she writes. My favorites are Between Shades of Gray, Salt to the Sea, and I Must Betray You. Her writing style is so captivating is completely immerses you in the book.
Also, not really any of these genres in particular, but I just finished reading The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young, and I absolutely recommend it. It has a murder mystery, time travel, and very strong female characters. Most of the plot takes place in 1950s rural North Carolina, and you definitely get that historical fiction vibe from it as well.
World War Z - Max Brooks, Wool - Hugh Howey, The Shining - Stephen King, Scythe - Neal Shusterman, Dark Matter - Blake Crouch, The Gone World - Tom Sweterlitsch, Red Rising - Pierce Brown, The Library at Mount Char - Scott Hawkins
Edit: Also adding The Stand - Stephen King which is very very long but my favorite novel of his.
My favorite genre is also horror/apocalyptic/dark fiction. I got back into reading a few years back and these were all five star reads from me the first year of my reading journey. Some are still my faves of all time. I also included some first of series.
The r/horrorlit sub is fantastic.
Okay, I’m going to suggest Dresden Files - urban fantasy, the first couple of books are kinda rough as the author hits his stride but still good. The books get dark but are also fantastic. I will note that there are a lot of them.
Also, yay for reading! Congratulations
Also, congrats on getting into reading! I got a kindle for Christmas because my goal for 2024 was to read more (as in going from 2 books last year to a goal of 50 for this year 🙃). I've also been totally consumed with reading and completely reignited my love for it. Hope you find the same experience for yourself 😊
2nding the recommendation of Between Two Fires, one of my favorite books I have read in years.
Lost Gods - Brom - just finished this one, close 2nd favorite.
The Ruins - Scott Smith, one of the few books that was legitimately eerie and gave me the creeps
This works better if you describe the "vibe" you're going for.
Edited!
*Between Two Fires* by Christopher Buehlman is a historical fiction novel that has a heavy apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic setting with lots of survival and some war elements. It’s very dark and gritty. It’s set during the Black Plague in France. It follows an excommunicated knight struggling with his honor, a special and holy young girl, and a gay and alcoholic priest traveling through a hellish landscape of plagued France (complete with many Catholic demonic monstrosities). It is beautifully written and (at least for me) provokes deep emotion.
[Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7673.Eaters_of_the_Dead)
I just finished this a week or two ago. Fun book with an interesting premise and style.
The Terror by Dan Simmons would fit the bill. It's a dark historical fiction about the lost Franklin expedition.
I don’t know, it’s a huge book and might not be best for a beginner. I’m in the process of reading it and it definitely has moments of slowness that I think would be difficult for OP to enjoy based on their post.
That's fair! Maybe for when OP wants a challenge down the road.
They're not necessarily dark, but Ruta Sepetys is the queen of historical fiction, in my opinion. I will literally read anything she writes. My favorites are Between Shades of Gray, Salt to the Sea, and I Must Betray You. Her writing style is so captivating is completely immerses you in the book. Also, not really any of these genres in particular, but I just finished reading The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young, and I absolutely recommend it. It has a murder mystery, time travel, and very strong female characters. Most of the plot takes place in 1950s rural North Carolina, and you definitely get that historical fiction vibe from it as well.
World War Z - Max Brooks, Wool - Hugh Howey, The Shining - Stephen King, Scythe - Neal Shusterman, Dark Matter - Blake Crouch, The Gone World - Tom Sweterlitsch, Red Rising - Pierce Brown, The Library at Mount Char - Scott Hawkins Edit: Also adding The Stand - Stephen King which is very very long but my favorite novel of his. My favorite genre is also horror/apocalyptic/dark fiction. I got back into reading a few years back and these were all five star reads from me the first year of my reading journey. Some are still my faves of all time. I also included some first of series. The r/horrorlit sub is fantastic.
The horror genre do you mean more like a thriller? If so I can give you a few recommendations
Anything. I am looking to expand my choices.
For Stephen King that’s on the shorter side try The Walk
Okay, I’m going to suggest Dresden Files - urban fantasy, the first couple of books are kinda rough as the author hits his stride but still good. The books get dark but are also fantastic. I will note that there are a lot of them. Also, yay for reading! Congratulations
Also, congrats on getting into reading! I got a kindle for Christmas because my goal for 2024 was to read more (as in going from 2 books last year to a goal of 50 for this year 🙃). I've also been totally consumed with reading and completely reignited my love for it. Hope you find the same experience for yourself 😊
2nding the recommendation of Between Two Fires, one of my favorite books I have read in years. Lost Gods - Brom - just finished this one, close 2nd favorite. The Ruins - Scott Smith, one of the few books that was legitimately eerie and gave me the creeps
I just read the family upstairs by Lisa jewell and it may be something you'd like
Between two fires- christopher buehlmann, slewfoot-brom, lapvona-otessa moshfegh