Brom

Writing Style

Brom is one of those rare authors who is also an acclaimed dark fantasy artist, and that visual intensity bleeds into every page he writes. Reddit readers consistently describe his novels as dark, weird, folky, and magical, with vivid imagery that never lets up. His work leans heavily into American folk horror and mythology, building worlds that feel ancient and violent and beautiful all at once. Whether it's colonial New England in Slewfoot or a purgatory populated by forgotten gods in Lost Gods, Brom creates settings that are as much characters as the people inhabiting them. His pacing keeps things moving, though some readers note his quieter books like Evil in Me are slower burns.

Where to Start

I'd point most readers toward Slewfoot first. It's far and away his most recommended book on Reddit, to the point where one subreddit practically made a running joke out of it always being the answer. It hits a sweet spot of dark folk horror with a strong female protagonist, set in Puritan Connecticut with a forest that feels alive and dangerous. If you want something darker and more mythological, Lost Gods is the pick — a journey through a vividly imagined purgatory that readers compare to surrealist, dream-like fiction. And if you grew up on Peter Pan, The Child Thief is a dark adult retelling that multiple readers call an all-time favorite reread.

Similar Authors

Based on what Reddit readers pair with Brom, I'd look at Clive Barker first — multiple commenters mention them in the same breath, especially for authors who combine visual art sensibilities with dark storytelling. For the folk horror and creepy countryside vibes of Slewfoot, readers consistently recommend Laird Hunt's In the House in the Dark of the Woods and David Barnett's Withered Hill. If the surreal, dreamlike quality of Lost Gods appeals to you, commenters group Brom alongside Susanna Clarke (Piranesi), Scott Hawkins (The Library at Mount Char), and Mark Danielewski (House of Leaves). T. Kingfisher also shares that folk-horror-with-personality energy.