Definitely 'Dracula'. It's a classic for a reason. It has influenced countless horror stories and movies. The way Stoker created the character of Dracula, his lair, and the vampire's weaknesses is masterful. It's a story that has endured for so long because it taps into our primal fears of the unknown and the dark.
'The Jewel of Seven Stars' is also among the best. It involves a mummy and ancient Egyptian magic. Stoker weaves a complex tale of mystery and horror as the characters grapple with the awakened forces from the past, with a great deal of suspense and spooky atmosphere.
Well, another good Bram Stoker novel is The Jewel of Seven Stars. It combines elements of the supernatural and mystery. The story builds suspense as it revolves around an ancient Egyptian mummy and the secrets it holds.
His horror novels usually involve some form of the supernatural. Be it vampires, as in the famous 'Dracula', or other unearthly creatures. The unknown and the power these supernatural beings possess are what make his novels so terrifying. He plays on our fears of the things that go bump in the night.
Van Helsing is also a very important character in 'Dracula'. He is the one who tries to fight against Dracula. His knowledge and courage are key elements in the battle against the evil vampire.
'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis is also among them. This novel is a disturbing exploration of the mind of a wealthy, materialistic, and ultimately psychotic young man in 1980s New York. It uses vivid and often grotesque descriptions to show the emptiness and depravity that can lurk beneath a seemingly glamorous exterior.
The selection process for Bram Stoker Awards Best Novels involves a group of jurors. These jurors are typically experts in the horror genre, including writers, editors, and scholars. They read a large number of novels published in a given year and then vote on which ones they believe are the best. The novels are judged based on various criteria such as the quality of the writing, the originality of the story, the effectiveness of the horror elements, and the overall impact on the reader.
One of the main themes is the battle between good and evil. In his novels, often there are heroic characters fighting against the malevolent forces like vampires which represent pure evil. Another theme could be the fear of the unknown. Vampires are mysterious creatures, and their existence challenges the normal understanding of life and death.
You could start with 'The Jewel of Seven Stars'. It's a great story that showcases Stoker's ability to create an air of mystery. It has a unique plot involving an ancient Egyptian curse and a powerful jewel. It's not as well - known as 'Dracula' but is still a great example of his writing style and his talent for creating suspense.
One characteristic is their ability to create a sense of unease and fear. For example, they often have well - developed and menacing antagonists. In 'Carrion Comfort', the characters with special powers who use them for evil create a constant threat.
The best Bram Stoker award - winning novels usually have strong narrative arcs. They build up tension gradually and then release it in a satisfying way. Their settings are often very vivid. In 'The Silence of the Lambs', the various locations like the prison cell of Hannibal Lecter are described in such a way that it feels like you're there. Also, they're not afraid to explore dark and taboo topics, which makes them stand out and often gives the reader a lot to think about.