Cosmic horror web novels often feature elements like vast, unknowable entities from outer space. They create a sense of dread and insignificance in the face of such cosmic forces. For example, the protagonists may discover ancient and powerful beings that defy human understanding, and the settings might include desolate outer - space locations or small, isolated towns where the cosmic horror begins to seep in.
Another great one is 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer. The story follows a group of women who enter Area X, a place full of strange mutations and ecological oddities. It has a sense of creeping dread and mystery that makes it a top - notch cosmic horror novel. It also explores themes of self - destruction and the unknown in a very unique way.
First, create a unique office setting that has elements of the unknown. For example, an office that exists in a dimension where time and space are distorted. Then, introduce a cosmic horror element like an ancient entity that the office workers unknowingly start to be influenced by. Develop characters who gradually realize the horror around them. Their normal office tasks become intertwined with the fight against this otherworldly horror.
Well, in most horror genres, the source of fear is something relatable at some level. For example, in a horror movie about a serial killer, we can understand the basic motives of the killer like revenge or madness. But in cosmic horror novels, the sources of horror are often incomprehensible. They might be ancient, alien forces that don't follow the rules of our world. The fear in cosmic horror is not just about being in danger but about the very fabric of our reality being threatened. It's like in 'At the Mountains of Madness', the things the characters discover in Antarctica are so alien and so beyond our normal conceptions that it creates a different kind of horror than a simple ghost story.
One characteristic is the sense of the unknown. They often feature entities or forces that are beyond human understanding. For example, in Lovecraft's works, the cosmic entities are so alien that just looking at them or learning about them can drive a person insane. Another is the use of isolation. Characters are usually in remote or desolate places, like in the middle of a dark forest or on a lonely planet. This isolation heightens the sense of dread.
The key elements often include the vastness of the cosmos which makes humans seem insignificant. There's also the presence of incomprehensible and powerful entities, like the Cthulhu in Lovecraft's works. Another element is the sense of impending doom, that something beyond our understanding is lurking and could destroy us at any time.
Some of the best modern cosmic horror novels include 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer. It takes readers on a disturbing journey into Area X, a place full of strange and unknowable phenomena. Another great one is 'The Fisherman' by John Langan. It combines elements of fishing lore with a Lovecraftian - style horror, exploring dark secrets beneath the surface. Also, 'The Ballad of Black Tom' by Victor LaValle is a brilliant modern take on Lovecraftian themes, with a focus on race and power dynamics within the context of cosmic horror.
Modern cosmic horror novels often have a sense of the vast and unknowable. They deal with entities or forces that are far beyond human comprehension. For example, in 'Annihilation', the Area X is a place full of strange mutations and phenomena that seem to defy scientific explanation. Another characteristic is the feeling of insignificance they instill in the reader. Characters in these novels usually face threats that make them realize how small and powerless they are in the grand scheme of the universe.
One of the greatest is 'The Call of Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft. It introduces the terrifying and indescribable Cthulhu, an ancient cosmic entity. Another is 'At the Mountains of Madness', which takes readers on a journey to Antarctica and reveals the horrifying secrets of an ancient civilization. And 'The Colour Out of Space' is also notable, with its strange, otherworldly color that brings destruction and madness to a rural area.