We fear the unknown. What is more unknown to us than death? I might not have read Vicious or Shadowcry yet but I know they have one thing in common with The Raven Boys. All three books begin at graveyards.
Foreboding
When I read The Raven Boys, I had a sense of foreboding right from the start. I even counted it towards “A book that scares you” for the Popsugar Reading Challenge this year. There’s nothing like graveyards, darkness and spirits to inspire fear in readers.
Then there’s the prologue of Vicious. It starts with gravediggers and the realization that one of them is dead yet fears the dead herself.
Shadowcry‘s prologue also begins with grave digging. This time in search of a book buried with a particular coffin. After a long search, the book is finally uncovered and written in it is a warning:
Those Who Wish to See the Dark,
Be Ready to Pay Your Price.—from Shadwocry by Jenna Burtenshaw
Enticing Fear
It’s knowing that there’s something to be feared that entices me to read on. I won’t voluntarily spend a night at a graveyard, much less go round disturbing the graves of the deceased. Yet when it comes to books, there’s something tantalising when they start like this. As a reader you expect that these books will have much to offer because the very first emotion you’re meant to feel is fear.
Which books have elicited fear in you?
If you’re participating in Mise-en-scène, remember to leave your link to your photo in the linky widget down below!
Gorgeous photo Josephine! I’d admit I haven’t really read many books that are supposed to scare its readers, the closest I’ve gotten is the anna dressed in blood duology but I’ll hopefully be picking up messenger of fear soon so that sounds promising!
I need to start participating in your feature with Georgie! Loved this round though – fear is an interesting theme to think about :)
LOVE this picture!!! I now I want to get Shadowcry