They usually have unique settings. Some might be set in post - apocalyptic landscapes where the horror is not just from the desolation but also from the new and often monstrous entities that have emerged as a result of whatever cataclysm occurred. Another characteristic could be the exploration of the human psyche in extreme and frightening situations. The characters are often pushed to their limits, and we see how they react to the horror around them, which is also a common theme in horror literature in general.
Many of these books often blend futuristic or otherworldly concepts (typical of science fiction) with elements that evoke fear. For example, they might have advanced technology that goes wrong and creates a terrifying situation.
A lot of the books in this list play with the unknown. In science fiction, there's often the exploration of the unknown in space or with new scientific discoveries. When combined with horror, this unknown becomes a source of great fear. It could be an alien life form that we don't understand, or a new scientific experiment that has unforeseen and horrifying consequences. These elements work together to create a sense of unease and dread throughout the books.
The books in this list may also show the anxieties of the era. With the Cold War going on, there could be themes related to the fear of nuclear war or the power struggles between different superpowers. At the same time, they might be exploring new ideas in biology and medicine as science was advancing in those fields at that time. For instance, some books could be speculating about genetic engineering or new ways of treating diseases in a science - fiction context.
They might have had a strong sense of atmosphere. In 1988, horror books often created a really spooky and oppressive mood, like dark, foggy settings or creaky old houses. This helped to draw the reader in and make them feel the horror.
The horror fiction books from 1986 probably had vivid descriptions to create a spooky atmosphere. They would use details like the creaking of old floorboards in a deserted house, or the howling of the wind on a desolate night. These descriptions were used to draw the reader into the terrifying world of the story.
The characters in these books are often faced with extreme situations. They might be isolated, either physically like being trapped in a desolate place, or emotionally, having no one to trust. This isolation amplifies the horror because they have to face the terrifying events all alone. And the pacing is usually fast - paced in the parts where the horror is intensifying, to keep the reader's heart racing.
Some of the books from 1992 might have been characterized by exploring emerging technologies of the time in a fictional context. For example, they could have delved into early concepts of virtual reality like in 'Snow Crash'.
Some might have strong dystopian themes. For example, they could depict a future where society has crumbled due to over - population or environmental disasters.
Some might have a strong sense of psychological horror. For example, like in 'The Silence of the Lambs', it plays on the fears and the mindsets of the characters and the readers. The idea of a serial killer on the loose and the complex relationship between the hunter and the hunted is a characteristic that makes it so engaging.
Some of the books in that list likely had a strong sense of atmosphere. For example, they might have created a really gloomy and oppressive setting, like a haunted house or a desolate forest. This helps to build up the fear factor.
Some books in the list, like 'The Windup Girl', often deal with environmental and genetic engineering themes. It shows a world where humanity has tinkered too much with nature and now has to face the consequences.
Hard science fiction books from 2015 often had a strong focus on scientific accuracy. For example, they might accurately depict space travel, like in 'The Martian' where the details of living on Mars and the challenges of getting back to Earth were based on real science.