One of the great new sci - fi horror novels is 'The Luminous Dead' by Caitlin Starling. It's set in a claustrophobic cave environment with a really tense and spooky atmosphere. Another good one is 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer. The strange and alien world it presents is both fascinating and terrifying. And 'Bird Box' by Josh Malerman is also worth mentioning. The concept of not being able to see the horror that lurks outside is really unique and makes for a great read.
One characteristic is the exploration of the consequences of advanced technology. In many new sci fi horror novels, technology that was meant to improve our lives turns into a source of horror. Another is the use of unique settings. It could be a post - apocalyptic world, a far - off planet, or an alternate reality. The horror in these novels is not just about jump scares but also about the psychological impact on the characters. They often question their own sanity as they face the unknown horrors. And there's a trend towards more diverse characters and themes, incorporating different cultures and perspectives into the horror narrative.
I'd recommend 'The Hollow Places' by T. Kingfisher. It's about a woman who discovers a strange portal in the back of her uncle's junk shop, leading to a nightmarish world. It has a great mix of horror and sci - fi elements. Also, 'Relic' by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is a classic in the making. It involves a strange and deadly relic that brings out the horror in a museum setting, with some scientific mystery as well.
One of the great ones is 'The Girl with All the Gifts' by M. R. Carey. It features a world where most of humanity has been infected by a fungal - like pathogen that turns people into 'hungries'. The story follows a young girl who is infected but has a unique relationship with the infection. It's a brilliant blend of science - fiction elements and horror, exploring themes of humanity, survival, and what it means to be 'other'.
One of the best is 'Alien: Covenant Origins' which delves into the terrifying backstory of the Alien franchise. The Xenomorphs are truly nightmare - inducing creatures in this novel.
One of the best is 'Alien' by Alan Dean Foster (based on the screenplay). It combines the horror of a deadly alien creature in a claustrophobic spaceship setting. Another great one is 'The Thing' by John W. Campbell Jr. The paranoia and the shape - shifting monster create a truly terrifying sci - fi horror experience. And 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson, which features a post - apocalyptic world where the last man alive has to face off against vampire - like creatures.
Some of the best new alien sci - fi novels include 'The Three - Body Problem' by Liu Cixin. It presents a fascinating view of an alien civilization's interaction with Earth. Another one could be 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie, which features unique alien cultures and complex galactic politics. Also, 'Children of Time' by Adrian Tchaikovsky is great. It tells a story about the evolution of spiders on a planet and their relationship with humans.
Well, 'The City We Became' by N. K. Jemisin is among the best new sci - fi novels. It's a unique take on cities as living entities. 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie is also very good. It features a complex world - building and a thought - provoking exploration of identity. Then there's 'A Memory Called Empire' by Arkady Martine. It's praised for its political intrigue and rich cultural details in a science - fiction setting.
One great one is 'The Walking Dead'. It combines the horror of a zombie apocalypse with the complex relationships and survival struggles in a post - apocalyptic world. The art is gritty and really adds to the overall atmosphere of dread.
There's 'The Midwich Cuckoos' too. It tells the story of a village where all the women become mysteriously pregnant at the same time. The children that are born are not normal and bring a sense of unease and horror, all set within a sci - fi context.