What are the characteristics of horror novels?

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.

These horror novels also had a strong sense of mystery. In 'The Fireman', the origin and nature of the spore that was causing people to combust was a mystery that drove the plot forward. The readers were constantly trying to figure out what was going on, which added to the overall sense of unease and horror. There was also a trend towards more complex characters who had to deal with the horror in different ways, adding depth to the stories.

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.

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.

They tend to explore complex psychological themes. Nordic horror is not just about jump scares but delving deep into the human mind. Characters may be haunted by their past traumas or have some sort of psychological disorder that is exacerbated by the horror around them. It could be something like a character's guilt being manifested in a terrifying way in the story.

One characteristic is the use of horror elements like ghosts, demons, and dark settings. For example, in many bl horror novels, a haunted mansion might be the main setting. Another is the relationship between the male characters. It often adds an emotional layer to the horror. For instance, they might have to protect each other from the horror around them.