The King of Horror has given some fantastic masterpieces to this genre, but sometimes, even 50+ books by your favorite author feel like they are not enough. Being a Stephen King fan, it is hard to find books as good as King’s. So this recommendation is for the times when you wish to explore other authors who write books as good as King’s (sometimes, even better. I know. They are rare, though). So here we bring you nine books you would love if you were Stephen King’s fan.
P.S. You know it. The books are arranged in alphabetical order.
#1 NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
About the Book
Title: NOS4A2
Author: Joe Hill
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Thriller
Publisher: William Marrow
Type: Standalone
Pages: 692
Goodreads rating: 4/5
Victoria McQueen has a special gift – here Burner Bike that can take her anywhere she wants to go. Charles Talent Manx takes children for rides in his 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith with the NOS4A2 vanity plate to a beautiful playground of amusements he calls “Christmasland.” Vic found Max, and now years later, the only kid to ever escape Manx’s unmitigated evil, is all grown up and desperate to forget that encounter. But she isn’t the only person having problems with failing. Charlie Manx never stopped thinking about Victoria McQueen. He’s on the road again, picking up a new passenger: Vic’s son. Would Vic be able to save her son in time?
Why do we recommend this book?
Joe’s version of Neverland is terrifying, and it seems like the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Of course, Joe is Stephen King’s son, so it makes sense that his writing is influenced by him too, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his unique style. The creativity and brilliance, though – that’s just as awesome as King’s. This book is among the best books to read for Stephen King fans.
To buy/gift NOS4A2, click on the below link :
#2 Phantoms by Dean Knootz
About the Book
![Phantoms: A chilling tale of breath-taking suspense by [Dean Koontz]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510Ihs86SQL._SY346_.jpg)
Title: Phantoms
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: Berkley
Type: Standalone
Pages: 448
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
Dr. Jennifer Paige and her younger sister Lisa arrive in the quiet town of Snowfield after the death of their mother. Too quiet. Then the two sisters discover a dead body. It gets worse from there. One hundred fifty died, and 350 are missing. But the terror had only begun. At first, they thought it was the work of a maniac, terrorists, or toxic contamination. Or maybe it’s a mysterious new disease. But then they found the truth. And they saw it in the flesh. And it was more terrifying than anything any of them had ever imagined. A fantasy-horror thriller, Phantoms demonstrates good v/s evil in a terror-inducing way.
Why do we recommend this book?
The book had the same vibes as Stephen King’s Desperation (I love that book). When the sisters learn about the bodies and gradually learn the truth about the town, the initial few chapters left me with goosebumps. The writing is so intricate that it had me legit imagining all the scenarios.
To buy/gift Phantoms, click on the below link :
#3 Summer of Night by Dan Simmons
About the Book
Title: Summer of Night
Author: Dan Simmons
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Fantasy, Mystery
Publisher: Warner Books
Type: Standalone (Book 1 of Seasons of Horror Series)
Pages: 600
Goodreads rating: 4/5
1st book in the Seasons of Horror Series that could be read as a standalone, Summer of Night, follows five 12-year-old children in the summer of 1960 whose classmate disappeared on the last day of school before their vacation. And the kids slowly realize that there have been other cases of children going missing in Elm Haven, Illinois. But that’s not all. The town is turning weirder and weirder. There are unexplained holes in the ground, a stranger could be seen wandering around dressed as a World War I soldier, and a rendering-plant truck constantly follows the five boys. There is evil lurking here, but would these children be able to save their town?
Why do we recommend this book?
It is a book that almost feels like a re-telling of Stephen King’s IT but is not (trust me). Sure, many elements remind one of ‘IT,’ but the storytelling and plot progression is very different. (Thankfully, it’s also shorter than that book – at least 400 pages. The creep factor isn’t as high as It (the clowns are creepy even in reality).
To buy/gift Summer of Night, click on the below link :
#4 Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon
About the Book
![Swan Song by [Robert McCammon]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/6127juxHYUL._SY346_.jpg)
Title: Swan Song
Author: Robert R. McCammon
Genre: Apocalyptic, Horror, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Publisher: Pocket Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 956
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
A 1987 horror novel, Swan Song is a work of post-apocalyptic fiction that won the 1987 Bram Stoker award (tied with Misery by Stephen King). In an America ravaged by nuclear war, there is an evil force that feeds on the dark desires of the countless followers he has gathered into his service. His only desire is to find a unique child named Swan—and destroy her. Those wishing to protect her are determined to fight for what’s left of the world and their souls. These survivors would go through whatever the world throws at them, drawn to the final battle between good and evil that will decide the fate of humanity.
Why do we recommend this book?
The book is often compared with Stephen King’s The Stand, and I guess you could say that the themes are pretty similar, but I digress. Personally, Swan Song is better (I love King, but Robert McCammon outdid almost every other writer who has written books on similar themes – military fiction, post-apocalypse, reality horror). It’s dark, terrifying, and devastating – because it feels too real.
P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.
To buy/gift Swan Song, click on the below link :
#5 The Bad Place by Dean Koontz
About the Book
![The Bad Place: A gripping horror novel of spine-chilling suspense by [Dean Koontz]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/519aSpw9GQL.jpg)
Title: The Bad Place
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery
Publisher: Berkley
Type: Standalone
Pages: 417
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
Every time Frank goes to sleep, he wakes up with things he can’t explain, with no recollection of his nightly travels. Afraid of his actions, Frank enlists the help of a husband-wife investigation team. Though considering his case absurd initially, the two investigators soon realize how serious the situation is. Especially as they delve deeper into the night and find the mysterious man who simply thirsts for blood, be it humans or animals, and is particularly interested in Frank. No one but a boy with Down’s Syndrome knows where this mystery would take the group. To that terrible place from where no one ever returns.
Why do we recommend this book?
Not the most fantastic book ever written, The Bad Place is full of heart and charms. The supporting characters have some of the best development, and though predictable, the book surprises them at times. The horror element isn’t very vivid, and the terror is more subtle, but it’s still among those books that are worth trying if you have been a fan of Stephen King for a long time (it’s pretty refreshing and tamer when compared to other books in this list, at least for me).
To buy/gift The Bad Place, click on the below link :
#6 The Bottoms by Joe. R. Lansdale
About the Book
Title: The Bottoms
Author: Joe. R. Lansdale
Genre: Mystery, Historical, Young Adult
Publisher: Mysterious Press
Type: Standalone
Pages: 328
Goodreads rating: 4.1/5
Trigger Warning: Violence, Sexual Violence, Racism
It’s 1933, and the 11-years-old Harry is living a relatively peaceful life on a farm outside of Marvel Creek, Texas, near the Sabine River bottoms. However, the peace is shattered when he discovers the corpse of a young black woman molested and sexually mutilated. First, in a series of similar murders, all of them are the victims of a new, unprecedented sort of monster: a traveling serial killer and dealing with the themes of toxic racism during that period.
Why do we recommend this book?
The realistic and straightforward theme of the book has me feeling all kinds of horror. The condition of women even to date, especially those from the colored communities, is so terrifying, and Lansdale used this serial-killer mystery novel to shed light on these topics is absolutely commendable. Seriously, read this masterpiece!
To buy/gift The Bottoms, click on the below link :
# 7 The Fireman by Joe Hills
About the Book
![The Fireman by [Joe Hill]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51-W7kIArML._SY346_.jpg)
Title: The Fireman
Author: Joe Hills
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Type: Standalone
Pages: 768
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
Dragonscale, a worldwide pandemic that started from God only knows where, where a highly contagious deadly spore marks its hosts with beautiful black and gold marks across their bodies before causing them to burst into flames. Millions are infected across the globe, and there is no antidote. No one is safe. The nurse, Harper Grayson, treated hundreds of infected patients before her hospital burned to the ground, and she discovered the telltale gold-flecked marks on her skin. In her will to live, at least until her child is born, she meets a mysterious stranger in a firefighter’s jacket, a madman afflicted with Dragonscale who has learned to control the fire within himself, using it as a shield to protect the hunted, and as a weapon to avenge the wronged. Who is he, and just what is it that makes him unique? Harper is about to find out.
Why do we recommend this book?
The concept of this story is excellent! Joe Hills is one seriously talented storyteller, and if he keeps writing like this, I would be willing to read even his grocery list (and rate it 5/5 stars). The mystery is superb, the writing brilliant, the characters charming, and the overall story completely satisfying. I would give this book all the stars of the world if I could. For a fan of Stephen King books, this is a must-read.
To buy/gift The Fireman, click on the below link :
#8 The Thief of Always by Clive Barker
About the Book
![The Thief of Always by [Clive Barker]; books for stephen king fan](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51zDyUAYQZL._SY346_.jpg)
Title: The Thief of Always
Author: Clive Barker
Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult, Children
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Type: Standalone
Pages: 225
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
A haunting story of Harvey, bright 10-year-old suffering from the winter doldrums, bored with his life, and of a creature who takes him to a place where every day is filled with fun, and Christmas comes every night. Harvey Swick is invited to Mr. Hood’s Holiday House. This thousand-year-old dwelling welcomes children to enjoy its rapidly changing seasons, explore its grounds filled with mythical creatures, and partake of the delicious meals prepared by the house cook, Mrs. Griffin. He thinks he has finally found the joy of life. However, Harvey soon realizes that the Hood-house isn’t all that seems. But though he admitted he wanted to leave, are all the doors out closed.
Why do we recommend this book?
Barker’s world-building, writing, and imagination are genuinely beyond human. Though tagged for children, this book can be enjoyed by people of any age group. It’s an illustrated book, and sure, you could say it’s like a storybook, but this story is too good to pass on. This book reminded me of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower books, and you must read this if you are a King fan.
To buy/gift The Thief of Always, click on the below link :
#9 They Thirst by Robert McCammon
About the Book
![They Thirst by [Robert McCammon]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61WIf2tseoL._SY346_.jpg)
Title: They Thirst
Author: Robert McCammon
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Thriller
Publisher: Dark Harvest
Type: Standalone
Pages: 412
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
Andre Palatazin, a Los Angeles Detective, could have led an elementary life in Hungary if his father hadn’t returned home as something he went hunting – A Vampire. Though Andy and his mother escaped, living far, far away from those nefarious creatures that turn a man’s spine to ice and a woman’s heart to glass, their life isn’t exactly on track. A serial killer who goes by the name ‘The Roach’ because he likes to stuff cockroaches in the mouths of his victims, and Andy is on his case. But he has no idea that this monster is about to be beaten by a horde of monsters. Andy’s nightmares from Hungary have finally caught up with him. And it’s upon Palatazin to find a way to stop the Vampire Prince and his plan to subjugate the human race. Without losing his damn mind.
Why do we recommend this book?
Oh dear God, the descriptions of the victims of vampires and all those action scenes were some stuff made of nightmares. It’s graphic, creepy, horrifying, and beautiful all at once. I would suggest this book a hundred times to anyone who has read and liked any one of Stephen King’s books and is perfect for a fan of King(or to literally anyone, period). The nostalgic vibe of the setting really makes for a fascinating read. A must!
P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.
To buy/gift They Thirst, click on the below link :
That’s all for the recommendations now.
P.S: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, you can read these books for free. Check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
That’s it. SO to conclude, here is the list of Best Books You Would Love If You Are a Stephen King Fan :
| 1 | NOS4A2 by Joe Hill | Buy Now |
| 2 | Phantoms by Dean Koontz | Buy Now |
| 3 | Summer of Night by Dan Simmons | Buy Now |
| 4 | Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon | Buy Now |
| 5 | The Bad Place by Dean Koontz | Buy Now |
| 6 | The Bottoms by Joe. R. Lansdale | Buy Now |
| 7 | The Fireman by Joe Hills | Buy Now |
| 8 | The Thief of Always by Clive Barker | Buy Now |
| 9 | They Thirst by Robert McCammon | Buy Now |
Do read all the books on this list of Books You Would Love If You Were Stephen King Fan. You are going to enjoy reading them.
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Disclosure: All our recommendations are honest. Also, some links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we recommend.
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