Many famous horror alien novels use vivid and grotesque descriptions. They describe the alien creatures in detail, their strange appearance, their unnatural movements. This helps to bring out the horror. For instance, in some novels, the aliens might have multiple limbs, or be made of some unidentifiable substance. This physical otherness adds to the horror factor.
Famous horror novels often have a sense of the unknown. They introduce elements that are strange and difficult to understand, like the otherworldly creatures in 'The Call of Cthulhu'. Another characteristic is a build - up of suspense. In 'Dracula', for example, the slow discovery of the vampire's true nature creates a lot of suspense. Also, they usually have a dark and often claustrophobic atmosphere, like the isolated setting of 'The Shining' which adds to the feeling of dread.
Famous horror novels often have strong, relatable characters. In 'Pet Sematary', the family at the center of the story makes the horror more real because we can understand their love for their child. They also tend to play with our fears. 'Rosemary's Baby' plays on the fear of the unknown and the fear of something being wrong with a pregnancy. The pacing is also important. In 'The Exorcist', the slow build - up to the full - blown demonic possession keeps the reader hooked and terrified.
H.P. Lovecraft's works often involve alien - like horrors. For example, 'The Call of Cthulhu'. His stories create a sense of cosmic horror where the existence of these otherworldly, often alien - like entities makes the characters and readers question their place in the universe. His use of the unknown and the unknowable in relation to these alien - inspired horrors is very effective.
One characteristic is the use of gloomy settings. For example, in 'Dracula', the Transylvanian castle is dark and foreboding. Another is the presence of supernatural elements, like vampires in 'Dracula' or the monster in 'Frankenstein'. Also, there's often a sense of mystery and the unknown, which keeps the readers on edge.
Often, they have a strong sense of place. For example, the descriptions of old houses or isolated locations add to the horror. In 'Manju', the old mansion where the story is set creates a spooky atmosphere.
Famous horror fiction usually plays on our fears. It might be the fear of death, as in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' where Dorian's pact with the devil - like portrait leads to his downfall and a kind of living death. Another characteristic is the use of vivid and often grotesque imagery. Take 'Salem's Lot' by Stephen King, with its vampires and the desolate town setting.
Another is 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells. This classic novel tells the story of a Martian invasion of Earth. The way the Martians are described as these powerful and ruthless invaders, along with the chaos and destruction they cause, is truly horrifying. It has influenced many other works in the alien horror genre. The idea of being invaded by a superior alien force and the helplessness of humanity in the face of it creates a very tense and scary atmosphere throughout the book.
The threat they pose to humanity. Aliens in these novels often have superior technology or abilities that make them a huge threat to humans. For example, in 'Alien', the alien is a perfect killing machine. The idea that we could be so easily overpowered by an alien species is terrifying. This power imbalance creates a lot of tension and keeps the readers on the edge of their seats. Also, the setting in many of these novels is often isolated, like a spaceship in deep space or a remote area on Earth where the alien has landed. This isolation amplifies the fear as there is no easy way to get help.
One characteristic is their ability to play on common fears. In 'The Lottery', it plays on the fear of blindly following traditions without question. The pacing is usually fast - paced to keep the reader engaged in the short span. They also use elements of the supernatural or the macabre effectively. Take 'The Monkey's Paw' for instance, the cursed object is a classic horror trope. And the best ones leave a lasting impression on the reader long after reading, like 'The Tell - Tale Heart' with its haunting narrator.
They might have a certain charm. Take a character like a vampire thief in some horror fictions. They use their charm to get close to their victims before stealing their blood or valuable possessions. They can blend in with society while having this dark secret of being a thief within the horror context.