I’m looking for books that have the same dark, melancholic, and atmospheric feel as:
• Berserk (Manga) – Deep philosophy, brutal action, and a tragic protagonist.
• Dark Souls – Bleak worldbuilding, cryptic lore, and a haunting atmosphere.
• Deftones’ Music – That dreamy yet heavy, emotional yet aggressive vibe.
• Bloodborne / Elden Ring – Gothic horror, eldritch themes, and a sense of cosmic dread.
I want books that feel heavy, atmospheric, maybe even a little existential. Think grimdark fantasy, nihilistic philosophy, or psychological horror. Some examples I’ve heard of but haven’t read yet:
• The First Law (Joe Abercrombie)
• The Road (Cormac McCarthy)
• No Longer Human (Osamu Dazai)
• Blood Meridian (Cormac McCarthy)
• House of Leaves (Mark Z. Danielewski)
Any must-read recommendations? Bonus points if the book has beautiful but brutal prose or characters struggling against fate like Guts.
by Adorable_Specific224