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The Illustrated Compendium of Horror
The world of horror comes to life with this gorgeously illustrated and whimsical journey through the genre—exploring the folklore, monsters, and tropes that have fueled our fears for centuries.
Horror is where the macabre meets the profound, and The Illustrated Compendium of Horror is your visual guide to its twisted world. Drawing from film, fiction, and folklore, this immersive tour follows horror’s evolution from primal tales of survival to the heart pounding thrillers of today.
We’ve dissected the genre into all its terrifying parts. Inside, you’ll
- The Origins of The ancient mythology, folklore, and religious traditions that have shaped the genre since the dawn of humanity.
- The Science of What happens in our brains when we’re scared—and why we can’t get enough of it.
- The Characters of The stories behind horror’s most iconic characters—the vampires, witches, and werewolves that have bled into our hearts.
- Horror through the How history, culture, and catastrophe have shaped the genre from the turn of the century to today.
And more!
With seek-and-find puzzles, quizzes, and hidden surprises throughout, The Illustrated Compendium of Horror is a fun and interactive guide to one of world’s most enduring genres.
Enter…if you dare.
Horror is where the macabre meets the profound, and The Illustrated Compendium of Horror is your visual guide to its twisted world. Drawing from film, fiction, and folklore, this immersive tour follows horror’s evolution from primal tales of survival to the heart pounding thrillers of today.
We’ve dissected the genre into all its terrifying parts. Inside, you’ll
- The Origins of The ancient mythology, folklore, and religious traditions that have shaped the genre since the dawn of humanity.
- The Science of What happens in our brains when we’re scared—and why we can’t get enough of it.
- The Characters of The stories behind horror’s most iconic characters—the vampires, witches, and werewolves that have bled into our hearts.
- Horror through the How history, culture, and catastrophe have shaped the genre from the turn of the century to today.
And more!
With seek-and-find puzzles, quizzes, and hidden surprises throughout, The Illustrated Compendium of Horror is a fun and interactive guide to one of world’s most enduring genres.
Enter…if you dare.
- GenresHorrorNonfiction
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 9, 2026
This was so fun to read and all of the illustrations inside are breathtaking and vibrant. Liz really outdid herself with this one. It showcases the origins of horror, the science of horror as well as horror throughout the decades (and so, SO much more). There’s even a few puzzles and quizzes scattered throughout which I really enjoyed. I highly suggest this one!!! Especially if you love all things horror!
October 10, 2026
"...we can see that the origin of horror is simultaneous with the origin of mankind. Humans are born with fear; we have no ability to escape it. Whether we like it or not, fear is a part of us and always will be. The good news is that fear has been more beneficial than harmful to us. It’s protected us, kept us alive, built community, educated us, and kept us from committing unspeakable acts upon each other..."
This book explains in a concise way the reasons why I love horror. The horror genre helps us explore our fears and face them, and serves as a mirror of humanity, depicting our evolving fears and phobias, like spiders, heights, natural disasters, wars, etc. Watching horror movies and reading horror books is for me a type of catharsis, a way to cope with my traumas, and most of the time, a highly entertaining hobby :D.
The author did an amazing job with the illustrations and colors. Her artwork is so detailed and full of life, I could spend hours looking at it. I would have loved for this book to be a full encyclopedia and go deeper into each theme (the origins of horror, its science and evolution, etc.), but I’m happy with what I got. I like the fact that, even if briefly, she mentions many forms in which we can consume horror (other than movies/TV shows and books), like video games, plays, paintings, music, fashion, and more.
This would be perfect for a person new to the genre, as it gives a great overview, but even a more seasoned horror fan like me, who has consumed countless documentaries and books on the horror genre, can learn a thing or two, since it’s an ever-changing genre that can always find ways to surprise us.
"There’s enough horror in our everyday lives that some shy away from consuming it for pleasure. And fair enough — life can be so terrifying, why voluntarily endure more? But what’s true and quite beautiful about human nature is that we desire ways to process our experiences and emotions, and to do so we often turn to art. And what better form of art is there to process our real-life horrors, than the queen of metaphor herself, the horror genre? Enduring life’s horrors is a universal experience."
This book explains in a concise way the reasons why I love horror. The horror genre helps us explore our fears and face them, and serves as a mirror of humanity, depicting our evolving fears and phobias, like spiders, heights, natural disasters, wars, etc. Watching horror movies and reading horror books is for me a type of catharsis, a way to cope with my traumas, and most of the time, a highly entertaining hobby :D.
The author did an amazing job with the illustrations and colors. Her artwork is so detailed and full of life, I could spend hours looking at it. I would have loved for this book to be a full encyclopedia and go deeper into each theme (the origins of horror, its science and evolution, etc.), but I’m happy with what I got. I like the fact that, even if briefly, she mentions many forms in which we can consume horror (other than movies/TV shows and books), like video games, plays, paintings, music, fashion, and more.
This would be perfect for a person new to the genre, as it gives a great overview, but even a more seasoned horror fan like me, who has consumed countless documentaries and books on the horror genre, can learn a thing or two, since it’s an ever-changing genre that can always find ways to surprise us.
"There’s enough horror in our everyday lives that some shy away from consuming it for pleasure. And fair enough — life can be so terrifying, why voluntarily endure more? But what’s true and quite beautiful about human nature is that we desire ways to process our experiences and emotions, and to do so we often turn to art. And what better form of art is there to process our real-life horrors, than the queen of metaphor herself, the horror genre? Enduring life’s horrors is a universal experience."
October 7, 2026
This is an absolute must own/read for any horror movie fan. Getting to see the behind the scenes facts and origins of some of my favourite horror movies was truly fascinating. I also discovered SO many new movies that I added to my never ending watch list and I can’t wait to dive deeper into the horror genre. If you think you know horror movies well this book will make you rethink that and discover a whole new realm of the genre. I especially loved how it focused on movies from other countries and places, that’s definitely something I don’t explore enough of and will be doing more thanks to this gorgeous book.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Cleverly written and conceived, beautifully illustrated, and about to receive pride of place on my coffee table.
I was impressed by how visually dense this book is without it ever feeling overwhelming, and I love an art book that can be read cover to cover or perused in small doses depending on your mood. I read this one from start to finish, but see it mostly as one to display and drop back into to view the art.
This is a really thorough compendium of pop culture and horror, and it’s also one of the mostly cleverly formatted books I’ve encountered recently. The clever layout and stylistic choices make the book feel interactive beyond just art appreciation, and I loved how many different arrangements and themes are present here.
The style of the art itself is almost psychedelic, which is typically not my favorite and seems an odd choice for a book about Horror, but it works flawlessly here.
The visual guides to tropes and themes in Horror were excellent, and I loved some of sections where the art really takes over: The Zombie Mall! The Candyland board! Even a section on Christmas Horror! Absolute immersive perfection.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I was impressed by how visually dense this book is without it ever feeling overwhelming, and I love an art book that can be read cover to cover or perused in small doses depending on your mood. I read this one from start to finish, but see it mostly as one to display and drop back into to view the art.
This is a really thorough compendium of pop culture and horror, and it’s also one of the mostly cleverly formatted books I’ve encountered recently. The clever layout and stylistic choices make the book feel interactive beyond just art appreciation, and I loved how many different arrangements and themes are present here.
The style of the art itself is almost psychedelic, which is typically not my favorite and seems an odd choice for a book about Horror, but it works flawlessly here.
The visual guides to tropes and themes in Horror were excellent, and I loved some of sections where the art really takes over: The Zombie Mall! The Candyland board! Even a section on Christmas Horror! Absolute immersive perfection.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and S&S/Simon Element for an advance copy of this illustrated guide to the world of horror in entertainment, from tales told around the fire, to the shorts one can download on Youtube, a look at why horror is important to who we are, our understanding of the world, a way to keep us alive and way to just give us cool little shivers in the dark.
Even know I have no idea what introduced me to horror, but it is one genre, the one form of entertainment that I never really became bored with. Science fiction, fantasy, mysterys I stepped away from, finding nothing new in the tales. Horror though I never said I had enough. More, oh that looks awful I must read and or watch it. Oh that looks scary, let me give that a try. I have never said ughh a dragon, ugh an alien, ohh a cop who cares about others, as I have with books, comics and movies. More, hmm this looks interesting. I don't know why. I have no foundational book, movie or fairy tale. Why I like horror is mysterious to me. I have no favorite monster, no favorite slasher, even a favorite author. I just enjoy the tales, the movies, the comics, the past. After reading this book, I feel there is a whole more that I will be enjoying. The Illustrated Compendium of Horror by Liz Deleo is a primer of horror, a look at why he love to be scared, where this fear came from, how it helped us survive and even where the genre might be going.
The book begins with a discussion of the Gods, the myths and fables that early people shared about the world around them. A world lit only by the fire at night, where strange things happened outside this circle, even in the skies above. Deleo looks at how myths reassured people that there was a reason for things, there was a purpose to the moon rising, the strange things and bad luck that many had. Malicious monsters and imps, which Deleo has kindly illustrated. Horror is used to explain why people do bad things, and warn others that people do bad things. Deleo goes into how horror can divide others, xenophobia of the outsider, the fear of the different that has plagued humans so much through history. The psychology of horror, how horror effects the body how mental and physical impairments have been used to marginalize people. Deleo looks at popular horror, slasher films, franchises both book and film, and looks at where the genre might be headed, and what it tells of us as people.
The book is lavishly illustrated and serves as a good introductory primer to horror in all its forms. The book gives intros to many sub genres, folk, slasher, monster, psychological and other forms of horror, with descriptions of creatures, stories from folklore and modern retellings. The art is quite good, especially the creatures that Deleo highlights. There are some format issues some colors that make things a little hard to read, but that is a minor quibble. The book is well written, and covers a broad subject matter.
As with most books like this people will probably take issue with a few things. This is a good intro, not a argument for a specific kind of horror, or issues in horror. A great read to toss in some one's Trick or Treat bag, especially if they are asking difficult questions. like what is scarier Easter European Vampires, sparkly Twilight Vampires or Japanese kyūketsuki. This book will help with those questions.
Even know I have no idea what introduced me to horror, but it is one genre, the one form of entertainment that I never really became bored with. Science fiction, fantasy, mysterys I stepped away from, finding nothing new in the tales. Horror though I never said I had enough. More, oh that looks awful I must read and or watch it. Oh that looks scary, let me give that a try. I have never said ughh a dragon, ugh an alien, ohh a cop who cares about others, as I have with books, comics and movies. More, hmm this looks interesting. I don't know why. I have no foundational book, movie or fairy tale. Why I like horror is mysterious to me. I have no favorite monster, no favorite slasher, even a favorite author. I just enjoy the tales, the movies, the comics, the past. After reading this book, I feel there is a whole more that I will be enjoying. The Illustrated Compendium of Horror by Liz Deleo is a primer of horror, a look at why he love to be scared, where this fear came from, how it helped us survive and even where the genre might be going.
The book begins with a discussion of the Gods, the myths and fables that early people shared about the world around them. A world lit only by the fire at night, where strange things happened outside this circle, even in the skies above. Deleo looks at how myths reassured people that there was a reason for things, there was a purpose to the moon rising, the strange things and bad luck that many had. Malicious monsters and imps, which Deleo has kindly illustrated. Horror is used to explain why people do bad things, and warn others that people do bad things. Deleo goes into how horror can divide others, xenophobia of the outsider, the fear of the different that has plagued humans so much through history. The psychology of horror, how horror effects the body how mental and physical impairments have been used to marginalize people. Deleo looks at popular horror, slasher films, franchises both book and film, and looks at where the genre might be headed, and what it tells of us as people.
The book is lavishly illustrated and serves as a good introductory primer to horror in all its forms. The book gives intros to many sub genres, folk, slasher, monster, psychological and other forms of horror, with descriptions of creatures, stories from folklore and modern retellings. The art is quite good, especially the creatures that Deleo highlights. There are some format issues some colors that make things a little hard to read, but that is a minor quibble. The book is well written, and covers a broad subject matter.
As with most books like this people will probably take issue with a few things. This is a good intro, not a argument for a specific kind of horror, or issues in horror. A great read to toss in some one's Trick or Treat bag, especially if they are asking difficult questions. like what is scarier Easter European Vampires, sparkly Twilight Vampires or Japanese kyūketsuki. This book will help with those questions.
![Profile Image for Kuu [semi-ia for china reasons].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1725785181i/108391134._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
This was really fun and informative! The illustrations were nice and kept cartoonish enough to not be scary (which I was worried about, as someone who gets easily freaked out by visual horror). Traditions from across the globe were included, though the focus especially in the more modern sections was on the West.
What I would have wished for was a more critical examination of horror and the forces such as racism or ableism that play into it. Like, why aren't you mentioning the inherent ableism of the horror genre in the section of the psychological origins of horror? The author writes about how humans are afraid of not being able to tell what's real or not, of descending into madness, but fails to mention that humans are also afraid of and frequently violent toward OTHER people's "madness". There is a page dedicated to the fraught history of mental illness in horror, and how now "mental illness, instead of the mentally ill patient, is the horror", and framing this as "reclaiming", but... idk, I really don't agree with that and would have hoped for a more critical exploration of the matter, instead of using the paragraph on the stigmatisation of mental illness to then go "how do YOU think you would fare in an asylum??". That's pretty tone deaf, not gonna lie.
And like, despite being called "American Psycho", Bateman wasn't actually psychotic, for example. Why are you calling him the "most psychotic" horror movie lead? And why are "most psychotic" and "most delusional" separate categories??? Why are you talking about the "various forms of insanity" without critically examining this context and its usages in the field of horror? Idk, I don't think that's very cash money of the author, really.
There were also no discussions on how the visual of the witch (and of various horror characters, really) are based on antisemitic stereotypes, which I would have wished for.
Then, I personally was a bit disappointed about the space dedicated t0 the United States and Europe in comparison to other regions. Chinese horror didn't even get its own page? I really feel like there would have been a chance for a lot of diversity, and really don't think that mainstream US horror needed the space it was given. And why was there no Asia's or Africa's most haunted? Why were Africa and Oceania lumped together? Choices were made that I didn't like.
It's a very fun book all in all, the illustrations worked very well and I liked the use of colours, and it's very informative. The above bothered me a bit, but I still really enjoyed this book! It includes so much information and I think for fans of horror (movies in particular) it's going to be a very fun read.
This was really fun and informative! The illustrations were nice and kept cartoonish enough to not be scary (which I was worried about, as someone who gets easily freaked out by visual horror). Traditions from across the globe were included, though the focus especially in the more modern sections was on the West.
What I would have wished for was a more critical examination of horror and the forces such as racism or ableism that play into it. Like, why aren't you mentioning the inherent ableism of the horror genre in the section of the psychological origins of horror? The author writes about how humans are afraid of not being able to tell what's real or not, of descending into madness, but fails to mention that humans are also afraid of and frequently violent toward OTHER people's "madness". There is a page dedicated to the fraught history of mental illness in horror, and how now "mental illness, instead of the mentally ill patient, is the horror", and framing this as "reclaiming", but... idk, I really don't agree with that and would have hoped for a more critical exploration of the matter, instead of using the paragraph on the stigmatisation of mental illness to then go "how do YOU think you would fare in an asylum??". That's pretty tone deaf, not gonna lie.
And like, despite being called "American Psycho", Bateman wasn't actually psychotic, for example. Why are you calling him the "most psychotic" horror movie lead? And why are "most psychotic" and "most delusional" separate categories??? Why are you talking about the "various forms of insanity" without critically examining this context and its usages in the field of horror? Idk, I don't think that's very cash money of the author, really.
There were also no discussions on how the visual of the witch (and of various horror characters, really) are based on antisemitic stereotypes, which I would have wished for.
Then, I personally was a bit disappointed about the space dedicated t0 the United States and Europe in comparison to other regions. Chinese horror didn't even get its own page? I really feel like there would have been a chance for a lot of diversity, and really don't think that mainstream US horror needed the space it was given. And why was there no Asia's or Africa's most haunted? Why were Africa and Oceania lumped together? Choices were made that I didn't like.
It's a very fun book all in all, the illustrations worked very well and I liked the use of colours, and it's very informative. The above bothered me a bit, but I still really enjoyed this book! It includes so much information and I think for fans of horror (movies in particular) it's going to be a very fun read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Illustrated Compendium of Horror.
If you love all things horror, like me, then this is the book for you.
This is a fascinating dive into the eerie and captivating world of horror.
The author does a good job weaving together mythology, science, and pop culture in a way that both entertains and educates.
My favorite sections were the Origins of Horror section, as the author delved into the mythology, folklore, and religious traditions of various countries and how their horror traditions evolved.
It's interesting and sad how the fears of the past still resonate in modern times and have subtly shifted the horror trends we see in movies and books in a different way, showcasing how these primal fears have sculpted the genre we know today.
It's intriguing to see how our ancestors scared themselves in ways that still resonate.
The Science of Horror explains the brain's complex responses to fear; understanding why some of us take pleasure in horror is a rewarding experience, reminding us that horror helps prepare you for the reality of life and living.
The exploration of Horror through the Decades is very interesting, demonstrating how history, culture, and societal turmoil have shaped the genre.
Horror in Pop Culture was a fun section to read; how horror has transformed fashion, music, and more.
I enjoyed the illustrations, they were bold and eye-catching but the text is small and hard to read on a Kindle.
Also, the layout and some of the background colors made it hard to read the text.
I hope these issues are corrected in the final proof.
The book's tone is both jokey and informative, making it accessible to a wide audience.
At the same time, the vibe and writing style felt like it's geared toward a YA or new adult crowd.
The depth of research and diverse categories being discussed ensures there's something for every horror enthusiast.
This is a thoughtful collection of a misunderstood genre that delivers both knowledge and enjoyment.
Horror is part of our lives, whether through the challenges of our societal and political climate or the struggles we face in navigating social inequality and modern existence.
Horror is so much more than vampires and witches, folklore and myths; the genre can teach, educate, protect, and inform us about the culture and world we inhabit and must survive in.
If you love all things horror, like me, then this is the book for you.
This is a fascinating dive into the eerie and captivating world of horror.
The author does a good job weaving together mythology, science, and pop culture in a way that both entertains and educates.
My favorite sections were the Origins of Horror section, as the author delved into the mythology, folklore, and religious traditions of various countries and how their horror traditions evolved.
It's interesting and sad how the fears of the past still resonate in modern times and have subtly shifted the horror trends we see in movies and books in a different way, showcasing how these primal fears have sculpted the genre we know today.
It's intriguing to see how our ancestors scared themselves in ways that still resonate.
The Science of Horror explains the brain's complex responses to fear; understanding why some of us take pleasure in horror is a rewarding experience, reminding us that horror helps prepare you for the reality of life and living.
The exploration of Horror through the Decades is very interesting, demonstrating how history, culture, and societal turmoil have shaped the genre.
Horror in Pop Culture was a fun section to read; how horror has transformed fashion, music, and more.
I enjoyed the illustrations, they were bold and eye-catching but the text is small and hard to read on a Kindle.
Also, the layout and some of the background colors made it hard to read the text.
I hope these issues are corrected in the final proof.
The book's tone is both jokey and informative, making it accessible to a wide audience.
At the same time, the vibe and writing style felt like it's geared toward a YA or new adult crowd.
The depth of research and diverse categories being discussed ensures there's something for every horror enthusiast.
This is a thoughtful collection of a misunderstood genre that delivers both knowledge and enjoyment.
Horror is part of our lives, whether through the challenges of our societal and political climate or the struggles we face in navigating social inequality and modern existence.
Horror is so much more than vampires and witches, folklore and myths; the genre can teach, educate, protect, and inform us about the culture and world we inhabit and must survive in.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Element| S&S/Simon Element, as well as the author, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #SimonElement #LizDeleo #TheIllustratedCompendiumofHorror #Horror #Nonfiction
Title: The Illustrated Compendium of Horror
Author: Liz Deleo
Format: eBook
Publisher: Simon Element| S&S/Simon Element
Publication Date: September 8, 2026
Rating: 5 Stars
Themes: Horror fiction and nonfiction, the science of horror, origins of horror, all different themes and subgenres
Trigger Warnings: Discussions of horror, but this is an accessible look at horror in general. It’s much more fun and informative than scary.
The second I finished this incredible book; I immediately preordered a hard copy. This book is a nonfiction look at all things horror. From the origins of horror to the science behind its popularity to its most modern examples, the reader is treated to a look at all of it. Accompanied by gorgeous illustrations, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the mind, and of course, the little black heart.
The draw to horror has always been a part of me and I’m always fascinated by the why. Because of this curiosity, I devour books like this. This one, however, is unique in its beautiful illustrations as well as the interactive element. The book has puzzles and quizzes. It’s beautiful, fun, and informative. It’s also nostalgic.
The book does delve into some of the rarer movies and books. Several movies and authors I don’t see mentioned very often. I noticed several that were missing as well though. Stephen Graham Jones was notably absent but, maybe there’s a second volume underway. Let’s hope.
Horror fans, this one is for us.
#NetGalley #SimonElement #LizDeleo #TheIllustratedCompendiumofHorror #Horror #Nonfiction
Title: The Illustrated Compendium of Horror
Author: Liz Deleo
Format: eBook
Publisher: Simon Element| S&S/Simon Element
Publication Date: September 8, 2026
Rating: 5 Stars
Themes: Horror fiction and nonfiction, the science of horror, origins of horror, all different themes and subgenres
Trigger Warnings: Discussions of horror, but this is an accessible look at horror in general. It’s much more fun and informative than scary.
The second I finished this incredible book; I immediately preordered a hard copy. This book is a nonfiction look at all things horror. From the origins of horror to the science behind its popularity to its most modern examples, the reader is treated to a look at all of it. Accompanied by gorgeous illustrations, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the mind, and of course, the little black heart.
The draw to horror has always been a part of me and I’m always fascinated by the why. Because of this curiosity, I devour books like this. This one, however, is unique in its beautiful illustrations as well as the interactive element. The book has puzzles and quizzes. It’s beautiful, fun, and informative. It’s also nostalgic.
The book does delve into some of the rarer movies and books. Several movies and authors I don’t see mentioned very often. I noticed several that were missing as well though. Stephen Graham Jones was notably absent but, maybe there’s a second volume underway. Let’s hope.
Horror fans, this one is for us.
April 11, 2026
YOU NEED THIS BOOK!! This book was a FUN and fascinating crash course in the horror genre, but the illustrations and the unique design of the book elevated this to a five star read and made it a must-buy for me. I’m a bit of a coward when it comes to horror movies and books, but this compendium made me a fan. I learned SO much about the genre and its rich history; I have a completely different view of a genre that I thought was just slasher low-budget films, zombies, ghosts and haunted houses. This compendium and Liz Deleo proves that horror is so much more than cheap scares and gore. Liz Deleo did an excellent job choosing what info to include in the book and I was never bored. Throughout the book Liz Deleo includes “Where’s Waldo” style search-and-finds to break up the text and portrays the info in cool and funny ways that’ll definitely connect with audiences of all ages. I would not recommend this book to a child because it’s horror, duh, but it’s a fantastic gift for literally anyone else. Horror fans will love this but honestly this is a perfect gift for anyone that loves books or films or wants something fun and interesting to add to their library.
Liz Deleo deserves all the awards for the work that she’s put into this book and I look forward to reading more of the works she illustrates and writes. I will definitely be buying this book! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Liz Deleo deserves all the awards for the work that she’s put into this book and I look forward to reading more of the works she illustrates and writes. I will definitely be buying this book! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
October 11, 2026
SYNOPSIS
Horror is where the macabre meets the profound, and The Illustrated Compendium of Horror is your visual guide to its twisted world. Drawing from film, fiction, and folklore, this immersive tour follows horror’s evolution from primal tales of survival to the heart pounding thrillers of today.
We’ve dissected the genre into all its terrifying parts. Inside, you’ll
- The Origins of The ancient mythology, folklore, and religious traditions that have shaped the genre since the dawn of humanity.
- The Science of What happens in our brains when we’re scared—and why we can’t get enough of it.
- The Characters of The stories behind horror’s most iconic characters—the vampires, witches, and werewolves that have bled into our hearts.
- Horror through the How history, culture, and catastrophe have shaped the genre from the turn of the century to today.
And more!
With seek-and-find puzzles, quizzes, and hidden surprises throughout, The Illustrated Compendium of Horror is a fun and interactive guide to one of world’s most enduring genres.
Enter…if you dare.
REVIEW
As a fan of the horror genre, I was so excited to have an opportunity to read this. It’s a fun and comprehensive read, beautifully illustrated, with fun games and quizzes throughout. I especially liked learning about horror from different parts of the world, along with other lore and mythology. Definitely a book that horror fans need on their shelves, right next to Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe.
Horror is where the macabre meets the profound, and The Illustrated Compendium of Horror is your visual guide to its twisted world. Drawing from film, fiction, and folklore, this immersive tour follows horror’s evolution from primal tales of survival to the heart pounding thrillers of today.
We’ve dissected the genre into all its terrifying parts. Inside, you’ll
- The Origins of The ancient mythology, folklore, and religious traditions that have shaped the genre since the dawn of humanity.
- The Science of What happens in our brains when we’re scared—and why we can’t get enough of it.
- The Characters of The stories behind horror’s most iconic characters—the vampires, witches, and werewolves that have bled into our hearts.
- Horror through the How history, culture, and catastrophe have shaped the genre from the turn of the century to today.
And more!
With seek-and-find puzzles, quizzes, and hidden surprises throughout, The Illustrated Compendium of Horror is a fun and interactive guide to one of world’s most enduring genres.
Enter…if you dare.
REVIEW
As a fan of the horror genre, I was so excited to have an opportunity to read this. It’s a fun and comprehensive read, beautifully illustrated, with fun games and quizzes throughout. I especially liked learning about horror from different parts of the world, along with other lore and mythology. Definitely a book that horror fans need on their shelves, right next to Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book courtesy of Netgalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Horror has been a long-term genre in the entertainment industry. It is at times a sub-plot in the Bard's plays (see Macbeth's witches, or Hamlet's father) or the main plot as in Mr. Stoker's works. What all is included in this expansive genre? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Ms. Deleo has an interesting viewpoint in life. Just because a horror monster is female doesn't mean that she was created as a weapon of the patriarchy. As a society, we are rather advanced, technologically speaking. Yet, there is a good reason that the females of a species were more feared than the males. Humanity isn't much different. Take it from someone who has first-hand knowledge: women cheat in a struggle.
And she missed quite a few horror authors in one of her illustrations, as Mr. Jones nor Mr. Koontz were shown or even mentioned in her literature section.
Likes: It was interesting to see what all was included in the horror monsters, the ideas behind them notwithstanding. We even get to see King Kong and Godzilla.
The different subgenres will make it easier to pick the horror novels or movies based on your personal tastes.
Conclusion: This was an interesting read. If you are a horror fan, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Horror has been a long-term genre in the entertainment industry. It is at times a sub-plot in the Bard's plays (see Macbeth's witches, or Hamlet's father) or the main plot as in Mr. Stoker's works. What all is included in this expansive genre? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Ms. Deleo has an interesting viewpoint in life. Just because a horror monster is female doesn't mean that she was created as a weapon of the patriarchy. As a society, we are rather advanced, technologically speaking. Yet, there is a good reason that the females of a species were more feared than the males. Humanity isn't much different. Take it from someone who has first-hand knowledge: women cheat in a struggle.
And she missed quite a few horror authors in one of her illustrations, as Mr. Jones nor Mr. Koontz were shown or even mentioned in her literature section.
Likes: It was interesting to see what all was included in the horror monsters, the ideas behind them notwithstanding. We even get to see King Kong and Godzilla.
The different subgenres will make it easier to pick the horror novels or movies based on your personal tastes.
Conclusion: This was an interesting read. If you are a horror fan, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
September 8, 2026
Liz DeLeo's The Illustrated Compendium of Horror is a captivating celebration of the horror genre, combining informative content with stunning artwork. Whether you're a longtime horror fan or simply curious about the genre's history and iconic creatures, this book offers an engaging and visually rich experience.
The standout feature is undoubtedly the illustrations. Each page is filled with detailed, imaginative artwork that brings classic monsters, legends, and horror themes to life. The visuals complement the text perfectly, making the book both entertaining to read and enjoyable to browse.
DeLeo presents a wide range of horror topics in an accessible format, providing interesting facts and background information without becoming overly academic. The book strikes a nice balance between education and entertainment, making it appealing to readers of varying levels of horror knowledge.
While some subjects could have been explored more deeply, the format is designed as a broad overview rather than an exhaustive reference. As a result, it works best as an introduction or celebration of horror rather than a comprehensive study of the genre.
For fans of monsters, folklore, gothic tales, and horror history, this book is a delightful addition to any collection. Its combination of eye-catching artwork and engaging content makes it easy to revisit again and again.
The standout feature is undoubtedly the illustrations. Each page is filled with detailed, imaginative artwork that brings classic monsters, legends, and horror themes to life. The visuals complement the text perfectly, making the book both entertaining to read and enjoyable to browse.
DeLeo presents a wide range of horror topics in an accessible format, providing interesting facts and background information without becoming overly academic. The book strikes a nice balance between education and entertainment, making it appealing to readers of varying levels of horror knowledge.
While some subjects could have been explored more deeply, the format is designed as a broad overview rather than an exhaustive reference. As a result, it works best as an introduction or celebration of horror rather than a comprehensive study of the genre.
For fans of monsters, folklore, gothic tales, and horror history, this book is a delightful addition to any collection. Its combination of eye-catching artwork and engaging content makes it easy to revisit again and again.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is so cool! I can't wait for the release of this book, because it is so visually beautiful.
I wish something like this had existed when I was younger. I guess it wouldn't be a stretch to say that I was a weird kid. I was obsessed with horror from the time I was in elementary school. I feel like it's become kind of trendy to be into horror as a kid nowadays, but back in my day, it felt a bit more alienating. That was fine with me, because I was passionate.
That being said, this is an adult book. Despite the fun visuals and search-and-find games, this is a well-researched, highly informative read. I enjoyed the section on horror around the world, although there were some countries that I felt were overlooked. Obviously, one can't highlight everywhere, but still.
As some others have mentioned, some of the color schemes made it difficult to read, but I'm not sure if this would be better in the physical edition. The graphics are fun without being scary, for those who may be concerned about that.
I can't wait to get a hardcover copy of this when it comes out. I think this also might be useful to have in my classroom.
Major nostalgia for me!
Thanks to NetGalley, Liz Deleo, Simon Element, and S&S Simon Element for the ARC!
I wish something like this had existed when I was younger. I guess it wouldn't be a stretch to say that I was a weird kid. I was obsessed with horror from the time I was in elementary school. I feel like it's become kind of trendy to be into horror as a kid nowadays, but back in my day, it felt a bit more alienating. That was fine with me, because I was passionate.
That being said, this is an adult book. Despite the fun visuals and search-and-find games, this is a well-researched, highly informative read. I enjoyed the section on horror around the world, although there were some countries that I felt were overlooked. Obviously, one can't highlight everywhere, but still.
As some others have mentioned, some of the color schemes made it difficult to read, but I'm not sure if this would be better in the physical edition. The graphics are fun without being scary, for those who may be concerned about that.
I can't wait to get a hardcover copy of this when it comes out. I think this also might be useful to have in my classroom.
Major nostalgia for me!
Thanks to NetGalley, Liz Deleo, Simon Element, and S&S Simon Element for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"The Illustrated Compendium of Horror" was informative, excellently showcased, and also surprisingly hilarious. The illustrations, color pops, and wit throughout made this such an enjoyable read. It's a full-on experience!
The artistic style of the illustrations is approachable and kept the book light while talking about some more sinister themes and the psychology behind the tropes of horror as a genre. It was fascinating to dive deeper into the human brain and figure out some of the reasons why people are so titillated and intrigued by the dark and deadly.
The book covers the more common tropes of horror but also some that might be considered rarer and more niche. I learned a lot! I especially loved the "anatomy of" diagrams and the interactive elements where the reader is able to do puzzles and finding exercises. I loved Highlights magazines for those reasons, so it's a treat to have similar fun (although with a horror themed twist!).
I read this digitally, but I'll be looking for the physical copy for a shelf trophy, and to see the cool art and play the puzzles IRL!
Thanks for the ARC! :)
The artistic style of the illustrations is approachable and kept the book light while talking about some more sinister themes and the psychology behind the tropes of horror as a genre. It was fascinating to dive deeper into the human brain and figure out some of the reasons why people are so titillated and intrigued by the dark and deadly.
The book covers the more common tropes of horror but also some that might be considered rarer and more niche. I learned a lot! I especially loved the "anatomy of" diagrams and the interactive elements where the reader is able to do puzzles and finding exercises. I loved Highlights magazines for those reasons, so it's a treat to have similar fun (although with a horror themed twist!).
I read this digitally, but I'll be looking for the physical copy for a shelf trophy, and to see the cool art and play the puzzles IRL!
Thanks for the ARC! :)
September 9, 2026
I am blown away by the talent and skill put into every part of this book. You can tell a lot of love and eyeballs went into this. 👀
I’m currently on my 3rd flip through this book. 😂 The first time, I looked through every page and ogled all of the incredible illustrations. 🎨👀
On my second flip, I stopped at all the full-page illustrations that are interactive. Instead of Where’s Waldo, it’s more like… Where are the severed limbs? 🤣🩸
And now, on my third flip through, I’m actually reading my way through it! 📖
This is such a fun book for anyone who loves horror and supernatural things, but I think history buffs will really enjoy it too. The book starts with the lore and mythology behind horror and even explores the question: Why do we enjoy being scared?! 👻🔎
As you make your way through the book, Liz also dives into the pop culture side of horror, from movies to some of our most famous creepy characters. 🎬🧛♀️🖤
I also just learned that the cover glows in the dark!!!
I’m currently on my 3rd flip through this book. 😂 The first time, I looked through every page and ogled all of the incredible illustrations. 🎨👀
On my second flip, I stopped at all the full-page illustrations that are interactive. Instead of Where’s Waldo, it’s more like… Where are the severed limbs? 🤣🩸
And now, on my third flip through, I’m actually reading my way through it! 📖
This is such a fun book for anyone who loves horror and supernatural things, but I think history buffs will really enjoy it too. The book starts with the lore and mythology behind horror and even explores the question: Why do we enjoy being scared?! 👻🔎
As you make your way through the book, Liz also dives into the pop culture side of horror, from movies to some of our most famous creepy characters. 🎬🧛♀️🖤
I also just learned that the cover glows in the dark!!!
September 30, 2026
The Illustrated Compendium Horror is an informative, yet cheeky, guide to all things horror. It’s a fun ride from the origins through the monsters and tropes, and on to current pop culture. Although it is clearly for adults (there is a reference to erotic horror), I would have loved to read this as a horror-obsessed teen. The most fun parts for me were learning about creatures and tropes from all over the world. The author even talks about what musical instruments go into the making of creepy horror soundtracks (shout out to the Ondes Martenot and the Waterphone). I really enjoyed this fun reference and think it would make a great gift for the horror-obsessed person in your life.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Element for the advanced reading copy of this book. It was so fun and these are my honest opinions.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Element for the advanced reading copy of this book. It was so fun and these are my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this so much!
This is EVERYTHING horror. Books, movies, myths, history, it's all there! Want to explore Hell? This book has it. Wondering about various vampiric creatures in history? It's here. Need a little pop culture? Turn the page and there's Nancy from The Craft.
The illustrations are wonderful and the little explanations are informative, humorous and just a little creepy.
This is that book that you'll find yourself leafing through more than once and you'll likely keep it out on your coffee table - because, yes, your visitors will start reading it.
An absolute must for any horror lover!
This is EVERYTHING horror. Books, movies, myths, history, it's all there! Want to explore Hell? This book has it. Wondering about various vampiric creatures in history? It's here. Need a little pop culture? Turn the page and there's Nancy from The Craft.
The illustrations are wonderful and the little explanations are informative, humorous and just a little creepy.
This is that book that you'll find yourself leafing through more than once and you'll likely keep it out on your coffee table - because, yes, your visitors will start reading it.
An absolute must for any horror lover!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy!
I have some mixed feelings about this. Let's break it down:
The Good:
The information contained in the book I think is really good. It covers all sorts of aspects of horror as a genre, and encompasses multiple types of media and has some shout outs to popular series and creators. The illustrative scenes are all very well done, and I especially loved many of the two-page spreads with the amount of detail they were able to include in them.
The Bad:
Multiple sections of this book are incredibly hard to read due to the lack of contrast between the background color for the page and the color of the text that was chosen. I should not be reading yellow or pale pink text on a white page. I generally don't have any trouble with my eyes, but all I can think is that for someone who does have some trouble this could border on being unreadable in certain parts. Additionally, there were pages where colored text blocks didn't line up correctly, leaving two different colors behind a block of text. This also made it harder to read, and almost gave it a look of being more of a rough draft than a finished product.
In all, I think this is a very nice book in concept and in a lot of the content that we get from it, but I do think there were things in it that need to be fixed up a little bit.
I have some mixed feelings about this. Let's break it down:
The Good:
The information contained in the book I think is really good. It covers all sorts of aspects of horror as a genre, and encompasses multiple types of media and has some shout outs to popular series and creators. The illustrative scenes are all very well done, and I especially loved many of the two-page spreads with the amount of detail they were able to include in them.
The Bad:
Multiple sections of this book are incredibly hard to read due to the lack of contrast between the background color for the page and the color of the text that was chosen. I should not be reading yellow or pale pink text on a white page. I generally don't have any trouble with my eyes, but all I can think is that for someone who does have some trouble this could border on being unreadable in certain parts. Additionally, there were pages where colored text blocks didn't line up correctly, leaving two different colors behind a block of text. This also made it harder to read, and almost gave it a look of being more of a rough draft than a finished product.
In all, I think this is a very nice book in concept and in a lot of the content that we get from it, but I do think there were things in it that need to be fixed up a little bit.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Illustrated Compendium of Horror is a fun and immersive treasure trove of all things horror!
It’s beautifully illustrated and filled with everything related to the horror genre. I liked that it’s well-written, interactive, and well-researched. I think my favorite sections were the flowers related to horror, the whole folklore portion, and the international horror sections. I also love that I learned some new information and trivia after finishing it.
Overall, this is a fantastic information-packed horror collection! If you’re a fan of the genre, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you NetGalley and Simon Element for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review
It’s beautifully illustrated and filled with everything related to the horror genre. I liked that it’s well-written, interactive, and well-researched. I think my favorite sections were the flowers related to horror, the whole folklore portion, and the international horror sections. I also love that I learned some new information and trivia after finishing it.
Overall, this is a fantastic information-packed horror collection! If you’re a fan of the genre, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you NetGalley and Simon Element for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Illustrated Compendium and of Horror'
By Liz Deleo
Pub Date: Sep 08 2026
As someone who grew up watching classic horror films and reading all the horror books I could get my hands on this was a real treat for me. I love all the fun facts and history behind all the different monsters and horror aspects. The art style is also really creative and fun. It must have been a blast putting this book together.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Element for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
By Liz Deleo
Pub Date: Sep 08 2026
As someone who grew up watching classic horror films and reading all the horror books I could get my hands on this was a real treat for me. I love all the fun facts and history behind all the different monsters and horror aspects. The art style is also really creative and fun. It must have been a blast putting this book together.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Element for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
oh, this was for sure made by someone who LOVES horror, it covered everything I could think of. I'm sure it's just because it was an arc, but I do hope some of the formatting gets revised because certain parts got cut off or were just unreadable due to the color scheme, and I do wish it was longer and even more in depth but I'm a horror nerd and this is also only a compendium. It is written with such appreciation and excitement for the genre with fun little games throughout and plenty of recognizable artwork making it a fun experience that I will love to have featured in my house
October 7, 2026
I enjoyed this book until the author seemed to put forth to much of her personal viewpoints on women's rights and politics into the book.
The artwork was quirky and fun to view. The topics covered were entertaining and I enjoyed the sections on the various countries and their horror genre niche. The movie lists from those countries were a nice touch.
The book had some sections which were difficult to read due to the background and type coloring with a gloss that was challenging.
Overall a nice easy read and a quick overview on various horror topics.
The artwork was quirky and fun to view. The topics covered were entertaining and I enjoyed the sections on the various countries and their horror genre niche. The movie lists from those countries were a nice touch.
The book had some sections which were difficult to read due to the background and type coloring with a gloss that was challenging.
Overall a nice easy read and a quick overview on various horror topics.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book has everything you want as a horror lover, whether you’ve known horror for a long time or just want to learn more about it. The illustration is good and very interactive, it won’t make you bored. But for me, sometimes the text is just too small, and the color isn’t too different from the background, so it’s a little hard to focus. But it’s still a really fun and interesting book, and I’d recommend it if you like horror.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
The Illustrated Compendium of Horror is full of horror information and wonderful illustrations! There are segments on folkloric history, film history and scientific studies, all on horror. It is impossible to dismiss this as only a picture book because of all of the writing and information that this book has to hold! Pick up a copy of this compendium when it hits shelves, and don't forget to enjoy the search and find pages!
The Illustrated Compendium of Horror is full of horror information and wonderful illustrations! There are segments on folkloric history, film history and scientific studies, all on horror. It is impossible to dismiss this as only a picture book because of all of the writing and information that this book has to hold! Pick up a copy of this compendium when it hits shelves, and don't forget to enjoy the search and find pages!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is definitely more of a coffee table book to flip through and appreciate the art and the little factoids here and there but it isn't really going to teach you much of anything unless it is your literal first toe touch into the horror genre at all. The art was really incredible - so vibrant and colorful - and the added aspects of little games were fun. A visual experience for sure.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The one problem I had was the background color made it hard to read some of the print. But this is a really well done collection of information with fun illustrations. It felt pretty comprehensive for an introductory guide and there were some great choices on what's included.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.
There are coffee table compendiums and thick tomes with pictures to peruse; however, this one will make the guests think twice about being invited over for supper.
Seriously, though a beautiful book of horror from many angles, including all the classic tropes
There are coffee table compendiums and thick tomes with pictures to peruse; however, this one will make the guests think twice about being invited over for supper.
Seriously, though a beautiful book of horror from many angles, including all the classic tropes
August 1, 2026
A fun coffee table book with whimsical horror artwork, fun facts, and some games sprinkled throughout. I would say I wanted it to be more in depth but I can appreciate it for what it is. I actually think this would be great for teens who love horror but aren’t going to want to read minute details of everything.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a delightful entree to the subject of horror. The history, fauna, and flora is generally covered. Every page is illustrated with some games thrown in. I wish there was more weight to it but it was a lot of fun. 3 1/2 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers of this work in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2026
so thoroughly researched and gorgeously illustrated! not even a big “horror” person but fascinated by the history of what we consider terrifying and taboo!
this will be on my coffee table all throughout spooky season 👻
this will be on my coffee table all throughout spooky season 👻
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