What Novel Was The Winner Of The 1987 British Fantasy Award?

2025-06-10 07:57:19 46

3 Answers

Fiona
Fiona
2025-06-12 14:34:24
I’ve always been drawn to award-winning horror novels, and 'The Influence' by Ramsey Campbell is one that left a mark. Winning the 1987 British Fantasy Award, this book is a quiet, creeping kind of terror—no jump scares, just an ever-growing sense of dread. The story follows Rowan, a young girl whose life unravels after her family moves into a house with a dark history. Campbell’s genius lies in how he makes the ordinary feel ominous. A dollhouse, a whisper, a reflection in a mirror—all become harbingers of something deeply wrong.

What I love about this novel is its focus on the fragility of childhood innocence and the way evil can seep into the cracks of family life. The supernatural elements feel secondary to the real horror: the way trauma echoes through generations. Campbell’s writing is crisp and evocative, with a knack for turning simple scenes into something profoundly unsettling. If you’re tired of flashy horror and want something that gets under your skin, 'The Influence' is a perfect pick.

It’s worth noting that Ramsey Campbell’s work often flies under the radar compared to American horror giants, but his influence (no pun intended) on the genre is immense. This book is a testament to his skill at blending psychological depth with supernatural horror.
Ursula
Ursula
2025-06-13 03:07:36
I was thrilled to stumble upon 'The Influence' by Ramsey Campbell while researching past British Fantasy Award winners. This 1987 winner is a masterclass in slow-burn horror, weaving a tale about a family haunted by more than just ghosts. The protagonist, Rowan, is a relatable yet flawed character, and her struggle against an ancient evil tied to her bloodline is both terrifying and poignant. What sets Campbell apart is his ability to make the mundane sinister—a child’s nursery or a dusty attic becomes a nightmare waiting to unfold.

Campbell’s prose is elegant yet unsettling, with descriptions that linger in your mind like a bad dream. The novel’s exploration of identity and the weight of familial expectations adds layers to the horror. It’s not just about scares; it’s about how the past can shape—and distort—the present. Compared to other horror classics of the era, 'The Influence' stands out for its emotional depth and psychological complexity. If you enjoy authors like Shirley Jackson or Peter Straub, this book will feel like a natural fit.

Interestingly, the British Fantasy Award that year also recognized other iconic works, but 'The Influence' clinched the top spot for its originality. Campbell’s legacy in horror is undeniable, and this novel is a perfect example of why. It’s a shame it isn’t as widely discussed today, but for those who discover it, the impact is lasting.
Lillian
Lillian
2025-06-13 09:21:40
I remember digging through old award lists a while back, and the 1987 British Fantasy Award winner stuck with me because it was such a dark, atmospheric read. The novel that took the prize was 'The Influence' by Ramsey Campbell. It's a chilling story about a young girl named Rowan who becomes entangled with a malevolent force after her family inherits a creepy old house. Campbell's writing is masterful—every shadow feels alive, and the tension builds so slowly you don’t even realize you’re holding your breath until it’s too late. It’s not just a horror novel; it’s a deeply psychological exploration of family and inherited trauma. If you’re into stories that unsettle you long after you’ve finished reading, this one’s a must.

Fun fact: Ramsey Campbell is often called the UK’s answer to Stephen King, and 'The Influence' shows why. The way he blends everyday settings with supernatural dread is unmatched. The book also feels surprisingly modern despite its age, tackling themes like mental health and generational curses in ways that still resonate today.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

Erotic Fantasy
Erotic Fantasy
Anthony, A married man finds himself in a love triangle when a new secretary starts working at his father in laws company. With his marriage and job on the line, He must choose between Janet his wife of 5 years and Marisol the hot new secretary he has been lusting over.
Not enough ratings
23 Chapters
Fatal Summer 1987
Fatal Summer 1987
Who killed Sunny Sweeney? During Sunny’s very LAST summer days, she experiences unusual paranormal happenings all around her as she indulges in desire, has adventures with her friends, and experiences forbidden love. Her angelic face once lit up the room now smothered in blood, desecrated, her beautiful life stolen! The ultimate betrayal!
Not enough ratings
32 Chapters
Winner Takes All
Winner Takes All
I'll make everyone who's humiliated, bullied, and harmed me get a taste of their own medicine tenfold!I don't know what people mean when they say I'm young and reckless. All I know is that the winner takes all!
10
765 Chapters
The Fantasy Maker
The Fantasy Maker
An erotic thriller that is part Fifty Shades of Grey and part Sweet Little Lies, with a character driven exploration of pleasure, sensuality, infinite eroticism and political repercussions.Thirty-four year old Emma Hamilton’s life is comfortable and predictable, right up to the moment she reluctantly enters “The Ranch”, an exclusive club where the wives of the ultra-rich and powerful surrender all inhibitions to meet every tantalizing desire. Far outside her element, Emma is initially swept away by the secret society that promises community, infinite eroticism and the fulfillment of every sexual desire limited only by the imagination. However, she soon discovers that her afternoon of pleasure comes at a shockingly high price. The more she learns about the “members only” club, the more she realizes the dangers lurking just behind the faade of sexual indulgence. With her family, life and the career of one of the most promising politicians in the country on the line, Emma goes up against a cadre of powerful players hell bent on silencing her before she destroys them all.The Fantasy Maker is created by Emily Kendricks, an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.
9.9
56 Chapters
What Was Once Mine
What Was Once Mine
I've been married to the prince of the underworld for ten years and have endured countless life-or-death situations by his side. My hands, once trained to play the piano, are covered in calluses from holding guns and stained with blood. But at 28, my husband ends up falling for a young woman from the slums. She's as delicate and pure as a chamomile. She's his well-kept little secret—until I run into them at the woman's prenatal appointment one day. I storm up to him, demanding an explanation, only for him to nonchalantly hand me divorce papers. "Sonia is a devout follower of the church and can't have a child before marriage. I must make an honest woman out of her. Sign these, and you'll get 40% of the company's shares." I refuse to do as told, so he corners me. In the end, he has my crippled younger brother tied up and forced under a hydraulic compression machine. "Sign the papers, Maeve, or watch your brother become a human mince pie. The choice is yours." I fall on my knees and beg him to stop. As the machine turns on, my hands fly to my aching lower belly, and I scream as I lose consciousness. When I wake up again, I'm back in the hospital, in the same spot where I ran into my husband and his mistress at her prenatal appointment. This time, I don't confront him. Overnight, I make arrangements with a sanatorium abroad, get divorced, and run away from home. Yet the moment I truly disappear, my husband loses his mind.
10 Chapters
Fantasy Of Love
Fantasy Of Love
Jenny, a 17 years old teenager. Finds love in an unexpected place but what happens when her best friend and her falls in love with the same guy. Find out
Not enough ratings
28 Chapters

Related Questions

How Do Isekai Animes Differ From Traditional Fantasy?

4 Answers2025-10-19 11:48:27
Is it just me, or does the world of isekai anime have this electrifying flair that truly sets it apart from traditional fantasy? While traditional fantasy often plunges us into invented realms with rich histories and fantastical races, isekai brings a unique twist: the protagonist is often yanked from their everyday life and dropped into these magical worlds. It's like sprinkling a dash of our mundane reality on top of something fantastical, shaking things up in an exciting way. A classic example would be 'Sword Art Online,' where players find themselves trapped in a video game world. Here, the stakes are so personal, and it hits different when you know the character had a life back home. In contrast, shows like 'Lord of the Rings' create epic tales without that modern-day link. Instead of journeying through already established lore, the isekai genre often embraces the concept of self-discovery as the characters adapt to their new environments, showing growth that resonates in such a fresh, relatable manner. Moreover, isekai titles frequently pull on themes of redemption, adventure, and even harem dynamics, giving them a distinct flavor. The blend of real-life struggles and magical escapades allows viewers to connect with characters on multiple levels. When a character grapples with the challenges of building a new life in a fantastical world, all while reflecting on their past, it’s deeply engaging and can get pretty emotional. You get the action and adventure while still being grounded by relatable emotions and dilemmas. So, in essence, isekai is all about merging our world with the fantastic, reeking of nostalgia while branching into the absurd. This delightful blend keeps the genre vibrant and wildly entertaining!

What Inspired The Plot Of My Best Friend'S Brother Novel?

4 Answers2025-10-20 06:37:12
A rainy afternoon sketch sparked the whole thing for me. I was scribbling characters in the margins of a journal while listening to an old playlist, and a line about a laugh that both comforts and ruins you kept returning. That tiny contradiction—someone who feels like home and also like a secret—grew into the central tension that became 'My Best Friend's Brother'. From there I pulled in textures from things I'd loved: the awkward warmth of teen rom-coms, the moral tangle of 'Pride and Prejudice' when attraction crosses a social line, and the quiet domestic scenes from family dramas that reveal how small habits carry big histories. Real-life moments—like overhearing two siblings bicker in a grocery aisle—gave the scenes a lived-in feel. I wanted the brother to be more than a trope: protective but flawed, funny but painfully private. Ultimately the plot assembled itself as a conversation between desire and responsibility, where secrets and small kindnesses push characters into choices that aren't tidy. Writing those choices taught me a lot about consent, consequence, and the strange grace of being known. It still makes me smile to reread the first chapter and feel how thin the line is between comfort and complication.

Who Wrote Divorced In Middle Age: The Queen'S Rise Novel?

4 Answers2025-10-20 09:56:11
Bright morning vibes here — I dug into this because the title 'Divorced In Middle Age: The Queen's Rise' hooked me instantly. The novel is credited to the pen name Yunxiang. From what I found, Yunxiang serialized the story on Chinese web novel platforms before sections of it circulated in fan translations, which is why some English readers might see slightly different subtitles or chapter counts. I really like how Yunxiang treats middle-aged perspectives with dignity and a dash of revenge fantasy flair; the pacing feels like a slow-burn domestic drama that blossoms into court intrigue. If you enjoy character-driven stories with emotional growth and a steady reveal of political maneuvering, this one scratches that itch. Personally, I appreciate authors who let mature protagonists reinvent themselves, and Yunxiang does that with quiet charm — makes me want to re-read parts of it on a rainy afternoon.

Is Divorcing A Billionaire:Running Away With His Baby A Novel?

4 Answers2025-10-20 14:04:43
That title jumps right into the kind of modern romantic melodrama I love to binge: 'Divorcing A Billionaire: Running Away With His Baby' is indeed a novel—specifically a serialized contemporary romance that you’ll often find on online reading platforms. It reads like the classic billionaire-divorce-runaway-with-a-child trope: emotionally messy marriages, a flight to protect a little one, and lots of tension between obligation and genuine feeling. The pacing tends to be chapter-by-chapter, so cliffhangers are part of the fun. From what I've tracked across translations and reader communities, it’s typically published chapter-wise (either on commercial apps or translated by fan groups), and different editions sometimes tweak the English title a bit. If you enjoy character-driven domestic drama with slow-burn reconciliation, this fits the bill perfectly. I ended up staying up too late turning pages on a weekday because the lead’s parenting scenes were unexpectedly touching—definitely a guilty-pleasure read that left me smiling.

Who Wrote The Wife You Left. Novel And Screenplay?

4 Answers2025-10-20 09:17:01
I dug around several book and film databases to try to pin down who wrote 'The Wife You Left.' and came up empty of a single, definitive credit. I checked common places I use first — library catalogs, ISBN listings, and retailer pages — and there wasn’t a widely recognized, mainstream edition with a clear author that pops up in multiple sources. That usually means one of three things: the work is very obscure or self-published, it goes by a different title in major databases, or it exists primarily as an uncredited/indie film project. If you want a firm citation the fastest way is to look at the book’s copyright page or the film’s closing credits and official festival/program materials. For books, the publisher, imprint, and ISBN will tell you who to credit; for films, the screenplay credit should be on IMDb or the film’s official press notes. I’m left intrigued by the mystery around 'The Wife You Left.' — feels like a hidden gem that needs a deeper dig through physical copies or festival programs.

Is Drunk And Daring: I Kissed A Tycoon! Based On Manga Or Novel?

4 Answers2025-10-20 11:55:23
I’ve dug into the origins of 'Drunk and Daring: I Kissed a Tycoon!' and it’s rooted in an online serialized novel rather than a traditional printed manga. The story originally circulated as a web novel — you know, the kind of serialized romance/romcom that authors post chapter-by-chapter on platforms — and that’s where the core plot, character beats, and most of the dialog come from. After the novel gained traction, it spawned other formats: a comic adaptation (a manhua-style webcomic) and screen adaptations that tweak pacing and visuals. If you care about the deepest character development and little internal moments, the novel usually delivers more of that; the comic highlights visuals and specific dramatic beats. I personally love bouncing between the two because the novel fills in thoughts the panels only hint at, and the art brings some scenes to life in a fresh way — it’s a fun cross-medium experience.

Is One Evening Encounter With The Mafia Boss Based On A Novel?

4 Answers2025-10-20 11:06:08
I got pulled into 'One Evening Encounter With The Mafia Boss' because my friend insisted the chemistry was ridiculous, and after a bit of digging I learned that yes — the show traces its roots to an online serialized romance novel. It started life as a web novel circulated on fan-driven platforms, where readers followed chapter-by-chapter for months before the story gained enough traction to attract a screen adaptation. The adaptation process is textbook: the novel establishes the slow-burn tension and inner monologues, and the screen version trims and rearranges scenes for pacing and visual drama. Expect some condensed subplots and a few original scenes created to boost on-screen momentum, but the core relationship beats are intact. If you enjoyed the show and want to see more of the characters' internal life, reading the original prose gives you that extra layer of motivation and backstory. Honestly, I love comparing the two — the novel feels like a cozy late-night chat with the characters, while the show is the flashy, heart-thumping highlight reel. Either way, it’s a treat to see how a fan-favorite online story blooms into a slick production; I still flip through the novel when I want those lingering, quieter moments.

What Role Does Veldora Tempest Play In The Light Novel?

5 Answers2025-10-18 15:45:41
Veldora Tempest is such a fascinating character in the light novel 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime'. He’s not just a simple dragon; he embodies a huge part of the story's lore and plays a significant role in shaping the protagonist's journey. Initially, we meet him as a long-imprisoned being, sealed within a cave. But don’t let that fool you! Veldora is a major player with a vibrant personality, rich backstory, and immense power that he exudes. His interactions with Rimuru Tempest are truly delightful. When Rimuru frees him, it’s as if two worlds collide, leading to a combative yet comical friendship. Veldora’s enthusiasm and childlike curiosity contrast sharply with Rimuru's more calculated approach. Their bonding moments over food and adventures add a sprinkle of lightness to the storyline, and it deepens as they work through various challenges alongside each other. The way they strategize together demonstrates how Veldora's immense power complements Rimuru’s unique abilities. On top of that, Veldora’s influence extends beyond mere friendship; his existence impacts the political dynamics of the realm. He’s not just a side character; his legacy and strength help shape the world around them. Veldora Tempest is a perfect example of a character that balances fun and depth, making him a joy to follow throughout this incredible journey. I absolutely love his wild spirit!
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status