What are the characteristics of horror novels in 2015 - 2016?

Many 2020 horror novels seemed to focus on modern fears. For example, in 'The Only Good Indians', there was a sense of dread related to the past coming back to haunt the present, which could be seen as a reflection of our fear of past mistakes catching up with us.

The 2019 horror novels had several characteristics. A lot of them had a strong sense of atmosphere. Whether it was the oppressive heat in a southern setting or the cold isolation of an old mansion, the settings added to the horror. The use of unreliable narrators was also common. This added an extra layer of mystery and unease as the reader couldn't always trust what they were being told. Moreover, these novels often had a moral or ethical underpinning, making the horror not just about scares but also about deeper human concerns.

One characteristic of horror novels is the creation of a menacing atmosphere. Authors use things like dark settings, strange noises, and gloomy weather to make readers feel uneasy. Another is the presence of terrifying characters, such as vampires, ghosts or deranged killers. Also, horror novels often play on the fears of the unknown, leaving readers in suspense and making them constantly wonder what's going to happen next.

Many of them play with the sense of the unknown. For example, they might have settings like abandoned asylums or old, haunted houses where there are things lurking in the shadows that the characters (and readers) don't understand at first.

Many of them would likely play on the psychological fears of the readers. This could include things like the fear of losing one's mind, or the fear of being alone in a menacing situation. They might also use elements of the supernatural in a way that was believable within the context of the story, blurring the lines between the real and the otherworldly. This was a time when horror was exploring different ways to terrify its audience, and these novels from 1976 were part of that exploration.

Many of them had a focus on psychological horror. For example, in some novels, the real horror came from the minds of the characters rather than just external monsters. It made the readers feel more involved as they could relate to the psychological states.

The settings are often very atmospheric. In novels like 'The Scarf', the places described seem to have a life of their own. They add to the sense of dread and unease, making the reader feel as if they are in that spooky environment.

Some, like 'The Girl with All the Gifts', combine horror with a sense of humanity. The main character, a child zombie, makes you feel empathy while still being in a horror - filled world.

Many famous horror alien novels use vivid and grotesque descriptions. They describe the alien creatures in detail, their strange appearance, their unnatural movements. This helps to bring out the horror. For instance, in some novels, the aliens might have multiple limbs, or be made of some unidentifiable substance. This physical otherness adds to the horror factor.

Silver horror novels often have a sense of the unknown. They play with elements that are not fully understood, like the supernatural or the psychological. For example, in 'Dracula', the vampire's powers and his immortality are part of this unknown factor that creates fear.