Engadget highlights body horror and bizarre narratives in weekend reading picks
The technology news outlet’s latest feature contrasts a medical thriller inspired by Oscar Wilde with a disjointed comic where disparate plotlines collide, offering a mix of scientific speculation and surreal horror.
Engadget has published a weekend reading recommendation that spotlights two distinct works of fiction: Nick Cutter’s novel The Dorians and Lorenzo De Felici’s comic series Red Roots. The selection, published on 30 May 2026, directs attention toward narratives that blend scientific experimentation with psychological and physical horror, offering readers a departure from standard genre conventions.
The Dorians is described as a novel that draws clear thematic parallels to Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. The premise centres on five terminally ill individuals who are approached by a mysterious figure offering an experimental treatment designed to restore youth. According to the book’s description, this process involves the high-tech harnessing of an ancient biological agent characterised by a singular, conscience-free purpose: the will to survive.
The narrative is noted for its exploration of moral and physical catastrophe as the reality of the treatment unfolds. Engadget’s review draws a comparison to the series Alien: Earth, particularly regarding the trope of a young genius with poor social skills unlocking the secret to enduring youth. The novel is characterised by shudder-inducing body horror, presenting a thrilling but unsettling ride for those familiar with the genre.
In contrast, Lorenzo De Felici’s Red Roots is presented as a bizarre comic series that defies easy categorisation. The second issue of the series was released recently, continuing a storyline that initially introduces two seemingly unrelated characters: a teacher who makes a horrifying discovery in her home and a man on a killing rampage.
The reviewer notes that the storylines of these two characters eventually collide, resulting in increasingly strange and unpredictable developments. Having read the first two issues, the recommendation suggests that the narrative amplifies its surreal elements with each page, offering a disjointed yet compelling experience that leaves readers uncertain of where the plot will lead next.
The Engadget feature serves as a subjective critical opinion rather than an objective report on sales or market performance. It highlights the current availability of these titles for consumers interested in speculative fiction and horror, with Red Roots continuing its run and The Dorians standing as a completed novel recommendation.
