For those just beginning to read horror, it is probably best to ease into the genre.

These novels are gory, intense, and tell stories that hit readers right to their core.

Blood Meridianis getting a movie adaptation after many years in development hell.

Book-Covers-of-The-Troop-Nick-Cutter,-Maggie’s-Grave-David-Sodergren-and-John-Dies-At-The-End-David-Wong

At the moment, John Hillcoat is attached to direct.

NOS4A2is a compelling and worthwhile book to read, but it may be too much for beginners.

First and foremost, the book is hefty, coming in at almost 700 pages.

Stephen King

Now desperate with a hunger that cannot be satiated, the boys turn against each other to survive.

The Troopincludes various elements that could be off-putting to readers, from children protagonists to animal cruelty.

None of it is gratuitous or unnecessary, but it is still disturbing nonetheless.

Imagery from The Substance and Companion

It is a horror story about a disease, but it also explores friendship and masculinity.

The four diverge in unexpected ways.

Exquisite Corpseisnot just a horror novel, but is firmly rooted in the splatterpunk genre.

Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, NOS4A2 by Joe Hill, and The Troop by Nick Cutter

Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

Only one young boy questions the morality of these crimes, and is given an important choice.

On the surface,The Girl Next Dooris obviously dark and deeply chilling.

Ultimately,this kernel of truth makes Meg and Susan’s tale far more sickening.

Cropped image of one of the many cover art pieces for Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, featuring the title of the book floating amid the plains in the Western frontier.

It is a bleak and terrifying setting that only worsens as the stakes get higher.

In the pursuit of a picture perfect life, Bateman goes to violent lengths to get what he wants.

American Psychois reportedly getting a movie remake directed by Luca Guadagnino.

Joe Hill NOS4A2 Book Cover

Yet, they are pulled back together when Pennywise returns, 27 years later.

There are several things aboutItthat should scare off horror newbies.

Without a doubt, the book is scary.

The Troop Book Cover

On top of that,Itis over 1100 pages long.

It is a thick book that has as much backstory as scares.

Thus,Itis a commitment that is probably better made by King fans and long-time horror readers.

Exquisite Corpse Book Cover

With no diagnosis in sight, she calls in a local priest to perform an exorcism.

From there, the truth of her daughter’s affliction begins to come to light in frightening ways.

The same cannot be said forThe Exorcistbook.

The Girl Next Door Book Cover

A young family moves into a new home and begins to notice some strange details.

Tender is the Flesh Book Cover

American Psycho Book Cover

stephen king book cover It

The Exorcist Book cover

The cover of House of Leaves