Horror novels and short stories aren’t well known for their lengthy titles (if you want those, science fiction and fantasy are your best bets). But we decided to go one better and bring you a list of our favorite books with just one word in the title.
Just one word to catch our attention and make us say “gimme”.
Lilyn’s Picks
Alive by Scott Siegler
“Because you think all these things, and then it gets to the end and you’re like WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK? And we need more books that surprise you out of left field like that.
Check out Lilyn’s review of Alive
Biblical by Christopher Gault
“Trippy sci-fi that makes you give the development of AI the side-eye, but not for the reasons you might expect.”
Check out Lilyn’s review of Biblical
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
” Because Nnedi Okorafor created a character to communicate ‘other’ extremely well, and it’s a beautiful short book.”
Check out Lilyn’s review of Binti
Transcendental by James Gunn
“Stands out in my mind because the aliens were so unique. A very enjoyable read.”
Check out Lilyn’s review of Transcendental
Gracie’s Picks
Gothic! edited by Deborah Noyes
“Gothic has some great Gothic stories for YA readers and a really good send-up of the genre in a short story by Neil Gaiman”
Terminal by Michaelbrent Collings
“Terminal is so ominous sounding. So end of the line. So final. It’s a great title for a horror book.”
Check out Gracie’s review of Terminal
Tracy’s Picks
Brother by Ania Ahlborn
“This book is hungry and mean. Ahlborn pulls no punches and crafts a mother that no child should ever have. And it made me cry.”
Wanderers by Chuck Wendig
“Yes, more apocalyptic recs from me. Shocking. Bioterror and character studies combine to make this epic tome an absolute must-read. I love Wendig’s writing style and it’s one I will definitely re-read. All 750+ pages.”
Check out Tracy’s review of Wanderers
Wool by Hugh Howey
“This book is the first in Hugh Howey’s silo series and it is amazing. I read the entire 400 or so pages in 24 hours and devoured the rest of the series. A must-read for fans of post-apocalyptic stories. LOVED IT. So unique and engaging and even I could understand the science. Think Mark Watney but FEMALE. YES.”
Sam’s Pick
Soon by Lois Murphy
“One word but it’s immediately ominous and foreboding. And the contents live up to it!”
Check out Sam’s review of Soon
Sian’s Pick
Remains by Andrew Cull
” An ominous title with a heartbreaking story that’s very difficult to put down”
Check out Sian’s review of Remains
IT by Stephen King
Shawn’s Pick
“IT by Stephen King leapt out. Makes the threat feel ominous as so little is known about it that this is the only way it can even be referred to.”
Check out Lilyn and Gracie’s double review of IT
Eliza’s Pick
Chills by Mary SanGiovanni
“Masterfully uses snow and cold to create a tense atmosphere with tension rising as horrific events overtake a town, threatening the lives of everyone there.”
Check out Lilyn’s review of Chills
Let us know your favorite one word book titles down below!
GracieKat was the first co-host of Sci-Fi & Scary, Lilyn’s partner-in-crime, and sub-head of the Kali Krew. She reviews horror books, movies, and games for the site. She also does a weekly Focus on the Frightful feature, and is the site list-maker. She is also in control of the Sci-Fi & Scary podcast which will relaunch soon.
Toss in Iain M. Banks’s “Excession.” The title describes the science fiction/cultural conflict concept that drives the whole novel. Oh, and there’s an alien species called “the Affront,” because that’s what they’re good at, a woman who’s been pregnant for forty years, and a guy . . . well, actually two guys who are lousy lovers (definitely a fantasy concept, as ever guy knows).