What makes intelligent horror novels different from regular horror novels?

Psychedelic horror novels often play more with the mind. They might have distorted time, space, or reality. For example, in 'House of Leaves', the layout of the house defies normal architecture and the narrative jumps around in a way that messes with your head. Regular horror novels may rely more on straightforward scares like a monster jumping out. Psychedelic horror gets into your psyche deeper, making you question what's real.

In philosophical horror novels, the horror is often a vehicle to convey complex ideas. In contrast, regular horror is more about immediate thrills. For instance, some philosophical horror might use the idea of an otherworldly entity to explore concepts like the limitations of human knowledge or the insignificance of humanity in the vast universe. This is a far cry from a typical horror novel that may be more concerned with creating jump scares and a sense of immediate danger.

Academic horror novels often have a more intellectual backdrop. For example, in 'The Secret History', the knowledge of Classics and the academic environment are integral to the horror. It's not just about jump scares but about the corruption of knowledge and ideas.

Subtle horror novels often rely more on psychological elements rather than blatant gore or jump scares. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', it's the slow build - up of the characters' fears and the strange happenings in the house that create the horror, not a lot of blood and guts.

They also use unique narrative devices. In a regular horror story, it could be a simple linear narrative of something spooky happening. But in clever ones, like 'House of Leaves', the very structure of the book with its footnotes and changing text layout adds to the horror. It's not just about what's being said but how it's being presented.

Stupid horror stories often have elements that are more comical or absurd. For example, instead of a serious and menacing monster, it might be a goofy - looking creature like a three - eyed bunny. Regular horror stories usually aim for a more intense and chilling atmosphere.

A blamless horror story doesn't involve any real harm or evil. In a regular horror story, there might be a malicious monster or a serial killer. But in a blamless horror story, it's often the setting or the unknown that creates the sense of horror. For example, an old, empty house might seem scary, but there's no actual threat inside.

The difference lies in the tone. Regular horror stories aim to terrify the audience. They might use dark settings, like a desolate cemetery at midnight, and have very real - seeming threats, like a serial killer on the loose. Silly horror stories, on the other hand, might have a monster that is more like a bumbling fool. For instance, a Frankenstein - like creature that gets confused by simple things like which way to turn a doorknob. Also, the endings of silly horror stories are often more light - hearted, not the typical, bleak endings of regular horror.

Well, 'Star Trek horror novels' focus more on creating a sense of fear and dread. Regular Star Trek novels might be more about exploration and adventure. In horror ones, there could be elements like unknown and terrifying alien creatures, or a spooky and unexplained phenomenon on the ship that scares the crew.

Horror sci - fi novels often involve scientific elements. For example, in a regular horror novel, the source of horror might be a supernatural being like a ghost. But in horror sci - fi, it could be a genetically engineered monster or an alien from another planet created by some scientific theory. Also, the settings in horror sci - fi are more likely to be in space, future worlds, or high - tech laboratories. Regular horror might be set in more common places like old houses or forests.