🩸 Horror Fiction

Like Real

✍️ Shelly Lyons
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$16.95
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A standalone horror novel examining genetic engineering anxiety through an absurdist lens.

Lyons blends clinical details with deep fear to defy genre norms. The plot centers on how unnatural creations affect the mind, showing a world where science makes no sense. This breakdown of logic creates a feeling that reality is falling apart. Instead of gore or jumps, the story builds a confusing mood. It asks readers to see the absurdity in playing god with life. The structure keeps a steady tone of mental tension throughout. Ultimately, the work questions our connection to nature and tech without providing simple solutions or happy endings.

Key Themes
genetic engineering anxiety absurdist horror unnatural creations
Literary Context

Published in 2023 by Ghoulish Books, this work sits at the intersection of horror and science fiction. It reflects contemporary anxieties about scientific advancement and its consequences for humanity.

Difficulty
●●● Challenging
Recommended For Fans Of
Thomas Ligotti · Samuel Delany · Jeff VanderMeer · H.P. Lovecraft
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Ghoulish Books 📅 2023 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781943720828

📝 Description: Like Real

Shelly Lyons’ novel stands apart from standard horror or sci-fi categories. It uses absurdity to explore fears about genetic manipulation, focusing on the ridiculousness of altering life rather than bloodshed. This single-volume edition creates a confusing atmosphere that challenges how we view nature and tech. The plot shows science colliding with nonsense, making reality feel unstable. It asks what happens when people face creations that defy natural laws. By mixing clinical details with deep fear, it produces unease through humor and weirdness. Fans of psychological tension will appreciate this unique style. Those who prefer clear plots or cheap thrills might struggle with the mood-driven approach. The book highlights discomfort found in scientific arrogance rather than physical danger.

💎 Our verdict on Like Real

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Lyons delivers a distinctive horror experience by blending clinical details with absurdity to examine genetic manipulation fears. The novel excels in creating a pervasive sense of mental tension and instability without relying on physical danger or cheap thrills. By focusing on the ridiculousness of altering life, it produces unease through humor and weirdness rather than bloodshed. This mood-driven approach may challenge readers preferring clear plots but rewards those seeking deep psychological discomfort. The steady tone effectively questions our relationship with science, making it a compelling choice for fans of cosmic and psychological horror who appreciate nuanced, thought-provoking narratives that defy genre norms.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a departure from conventional gore or jump-scare mechanics will find value in this unique exploration of scientific arrogance. The book appeals to those interested in the intersection of biology and existential dread, offering a mood-driven narrative that challenges logical perception. It is ideal for audiences who appreciate psychological tension and the unsettling feeling of reality unraveling through absurdity. Those willing to engage with a confusing atmosphere and deep fear will discover a profound commentary on our connection to nature and technology. This title serves readers who enjoy intellectual unease and are comfortable with narratives that defy standard plot structures, providing a stark alternative to easy thrills.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Lyons delivers a distinctive horror experience by blending clinical details with absurdity to examine genetic manipulation fears. The novel excels in creating a pervasive sense of mental tension and instability without relying on physical danger or cheap thrills. By focusing on the ridiculousness of altering life, it produces unease through humor and weirdness rather than bloodshed. This mood-driven approach may challenge readers preferring clear plots but rewards those seeking deep psychological discomfort. The steady tone effectively questions our relationship with science, making it a compelling choice for fans of cosmic and psychological horror who appreciate nuanced, thought-provoking narratives that defy genre norms.

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