The theme of isolation is prominent. Even though an office is a place full of people, in these novels, the characters often feel alone in their fight against the horror. They can't trust their co - workers as they might be possessed or part of the problem. And the theme of time distortion is also there. In some stories, time seems to move differently in the haunted parts of the office, like minutes stretching into hours or vice versa.
Power struggles are common. Just like in a normal office, in office fantasy novels, characters often vie for power within the fantastical organization. For example, in some novels, characters might fight for the top position in a wizard council that functions like an office management structure.
I would suggest 'Office Inferno'. In this novel, the office is a portal to hell. The main character, a hard - working accountant, notices that strange things start to happen around the office coffee machine. As he investigates, he finds out that the office is slowly being taken over by demonic forces from the underworld. There's also 'Workplace of the Wicked' where an office building is built on an ancient burial ground, and the spirits of the dead are now haunting the employees, making their workdays a living hell.
One popular office horror fantasy novel could be 'The Devil in the White City' which has elements of horror set against an office - like backdrop of the World's Fair. Another might be 'The Shining' where the isolated hotel can be seen as a sort of 'office' for the caretaker. And 'Dracula' also has scenes that could be related to office - like spaces in a sense, with the bureaucracy and power plays that Dracula has to deal with in his interactions with humans.
One common theme is the struggle for acceptance in a professional environment. Since they are in an office setting, they often have to hide their relationship at first for fear of discrimination or negative impacts on their careers. For example, in many novels, characters worry about how coming out at work will affect their promotions or relationships with colleagues.
One common theme is the clash of different social classes. The billionaire is from a wealthy upper - class while the other character is usually an ordinary office worker. Another theme is the transformation of the relationship from a professional one to a romantic one within the office setting.
One common theme is power play. For example, a high - ranking executive might be attracted to a junior employee, and the power dynamic between them creates a lot of tension. Another theme is secrecy. Since office romances can be frowned upon, characters often have to keep their relationship a secret, which adds to the drama.
One of the main themes is the conflict between personal and professional life. The CEO and the other character have to deal with how their relationship affects their work. Another theme is social expectation. They may face pressure from colleagues or society because of their relationship. And the theme of transformation is also common. The characters often transform, like the CEO becoming more human and approachable through the relationship, and the other character becoming more confident in the office environment.
One common element is isolation. For example, when an employee is alone in the office at night, like in the story of the late - night worker hearing typing noises. Another element is strange noises, which create an eerie atmosphere. In many office horror stories, there are also unexplained phenomena such as objects moving on their own, like the papers in the haunted meeting room. These elements combine to make people feel uneasy and scared in what is usually a familiar and normal workspace.
One common theme is the unknown. In many fantasy horror stories, there are things like dark, uncharted places or mysterious entities that the characters have to face. Another theme is the battle between good and evil, often with the evil being some sort of supernatural force. Death is also a common theme, whether it's the fear of death or the undead.