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The Strange

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( 3,273 ratings, 619 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Strange by Nathan Ballingrud is a gripping story set on a colonised Mars in the 1930s. The narrative follows a young girl named Annabelle, who embarks on a dangerous journey through a disintegrating Martian landscape to retrieve a once-important artefact. As she navigates this world, filled with peculiar creatures and mysterious threats, Annabelle confronts the darker aspects of human nature in this haunting and atmospheric tale.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you enjoy eerie tales set on distant planets with a touch of the cosmic and a unique blend of horror and the supernatural, this book may capture your imagination. The story offers a haunting atmosphere with richly detailed environments, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking themes, making it perfect for readers who appreciate immersive science fiction with a dark twist.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Ray Bradbury meets The Martian in this chilling page-turning tale of Mars' first colony, fallen to madness after all contact with Earth ceased, perfect for fans of Jeff VanderMeer.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Anabelle Crisp is fourteen when the Silence arrives, severing all communication between Earth and her new home on Mars. One evening, while she and her father are closing their diner in the colony of New Galveston, they are robbed at gunpoint.

Among the stolen items is a recording of her absent mother’s voice. Driven by righteous fury and desperation to lift her father’s broken spirits, Anabelle sets out to confront the thieves and bring back the sole vestige of her mother.

Accompanied by her loyal robot, an outcast pilot, and a hardened outlaw, Anabelle must travel through derelict mining towns where a mineral called The Strange has transformed its residents in bizarre ways, across the Martian desert and to the shadowy Peabody Crater, where she will discover that New Galveston, once a safe haven, is nothing more than a guttering candle in a dark world.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Strange by Nathan Ballingrud is receiving praise for its imaginative blend of horror and science fiction, set on Mars. Reviews highlight the book's ability to beautifully navigate between existential dread and touching human moments, creating a gripping narrative. The vivid atmosphere and engaging storytelling are attracting readers looking for a unique twist in supernatural horror.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781803362694

Publisher: Titan Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 21 March 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Titan Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 320

About the Author

Nathan Ballingrud was born in Massachusetts in 1970, but spent most of his life in the South. His short story collection, North American Lake Monsters, won the Shirley Jackson award, and his collection Wounds was adapted by Netflix. His work has been nominated for the World Fantasy, British Fantasy, and Bram Stoker awards. Among other things, he has been a cook on oil rigs and barges, a waiter, and a bartender in New Orleans. He now lives in Asheville.

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