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.
Horror sci - fi novels tend to be different from regular horror novels in that they blend science - based ideas with horror. In regular horror, the horror can be more psychological or based on superstition. In horror sci - fi, it's about things like time travel gone wrong, creating alternate and nightmarish realities. The threats in horror sci - fi are often related to scientific progress. For example, a new form of energy that has unforeseen and terrifying side effects. Also, the atmosphere in horror sci - fi novels can be more sterile and high - tech compared to the often gloomy and spooky atmosphere of regular horror novels.