books fiction cults

The 10 Best Fiction and Nonfiction Books About Cults

In honor of the cultish Nine Perfect Strangers , here are some topical reads for the cult-obsessed among us.

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If you're watching Nine Perfect Strangers and yearning for more cult-y content, we've gathered some of our favorite books about cults, both fictional and extremely real. Here, select the story of your choosing and prepare to get sucked in.

Flatiron Books Nine Perfect Strangers

First, of course, is Liane Moriarty 's  Nine Perfect Strangers , the novel upon which the series is based. In the book, nine guests gather at a wellness retreat, though each is hiding their own secret. Most mysterious of all is the retreat's director, Masha, whose cultish leadership and dark past make the story all the more suspenseful. 

Random House Trade Paperbacks The Girls: A Novel

The Girls debuted to much critical and popular success when it was released in 2016. The story focuses on Evie Boyd, a teenager in 1960s Northern California who falls prey to an infamous cult, which includes a slew of young women and their mysterious male leader. 

W. W. Norton & Company Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders

In  Helter Skelter , prosecuting attorney  Vincent Bugliosi gives the definitive inside account about the Manson Family, one of the most well-known cults of all time. The group gained notoriety for their brutal murders in the late 1960s, with victims including  actress Sharon Tate and four others . Bugliosi's nonfiction work discusses both the cult itself and how he built his case against its leaders.  

Europa Editions The Followers

Rebecca Wait's novel chronicles the story of a struggling single mother, Stephanie, who ends up following a charismatic man into a "secret society." While Stephanie falls in line with the group's strict protocols, her daughter, Judith, begins to grow skeptical of her surroundings. 

Chronicle Prism Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, the Cult That Bound My Life

If you were enthralled by the HBO docuseries,  The Vow , or Starz's Seduced,  then Sarah Edmondson's memoir is required follow-up reading. Edmondson spent 12 years in the harrowing NXIVM sex cult, and eventually became one of the lead whistleblowers influential in its demise.  

Penguin Books The Great Believers: A Novel

Though Makkai's novel is not entirely about a cult, one of the characters' entry into one is a major plot point.  The Great Believers , a Pulitzer Prize finalist, charts two storylines, grappling with the lasting effects of the 1980s AIDS crisis. 

Vintage Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche

In 1995, members of a religious cult released poisonous gas on the Tokyo subway. Here, Murakami, best known for his works of fiction, takes a journalistic deep dive into this terrorist attack, piecing together various firsthand accounts to paint a fuller picture of the tragedy. 

Harper Paperbacks Breaking Free: How I Escaped Polygamy, the FLDS Cult, and My Father, Warren Jeffs

Another account about escaping a cult, Rachel Jeffs's memoir follows her life growing up as the daughter of Warren Jeffs, the leader of a "radical splinter sect of the Mormon Church" and, in 2006, a member of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List. In the text, Rachel describes her traumatic childhood and chronicles her departure from the group. 

St. Martin's Griffin The Leftovers: A Novel

The Leftovers , like Nine Perfect Strangers , spawned its own HBO series by the same name. The dystopian book operates on the premise that a number of people simply vanished with no explanation. The "leftover" citizens take to various practices as coping mechanisms, including—you guessed it—cults.   

Createspace Independent Publishing Platform Cults Inside Out: How People Get In and Can Get Out

If you're looking for a more general overview of cults as a phenomenon, Ross's book gives high level analysis of real-life cults through history. He examines everything from recruiting to internal manipulation, and how he and other experts work to "deprogram" former devotees. 

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Fascinating Books About Cults

Simultaneously alluring and horrifying, cults are fascinating to us both for the hold they can have over people and our need to understand how people can fall into its trap. that is why there have been countless books, television shows, and podcasts that continue to investigate these groups, and countless memoirs that give voice to survivors. these titles, both fiction and nonfiction, explore complicated themes of survival and psychology, all wrapped up in nail-biting narratives..

Underground

By haruki murakami, paperback $18.00, buy from other retailers:.

The World in Flames

By jerald walker.

The Incendiaries

By r. o. kwon.

by Emma Cline

Paperback $19.00.

Salvation Day

By kali wallace, paperback $16.00.

In the Days of Rain

By rebecca stott, hardcover $27.00.

Heartbreaker

By claudia dey, hardcover $26.00.

Slonim Woods 9

By daniel barban levin.

American Heiress

By jeffrey toobin, paperback $16.95.

Say You’re Sorry

By karen rose, mass market paperback $8.99.

by Carolyn Jessop and Laura Palmer

Untouchable

By jayne ann krentz, mass market paperback $7.99.

Seductive Poison

By deborah layton.

I’ll Be You

By janelle brown.

The Girl Before

By rena olsen, paperback $15.00.

Under the Banner of Heaven

By jon krakauer.

Cults, Conspiracies, and Secret Societies

By arthur goldwag.

Cartwheels in a Sari

By jayanti tamm.

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly

By stephanie oakes, paperback $12.99.

by Brent W. Jeffs and Maia Szalavitz

Going Clear

By lawrence wright.

The Marriage Pact

By michelle richmond, paperback $17.00.

This Might Hurt

By stephanie wrobel.

How Minds Change

By david mcraney, hardcover $30.00.

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The stories are fictional, but the threat is real.

If organized crime, brainwashing, and new religious movements fascinate you, your reading list is about to get a little longer. These novels about cults will keep you reading long past your bedtime. The stories are fictional, but the threats are all too real.

Reading cult survivors’ stories forces us to confront hard questions about ourselves. You might wonder whether you are susceptible to cult brainwashing , whether you grew up in a cult , or if you’re in one now . Only you can answer those questions for yourself, and it might take a very long time to sort through your childhood trauma.

Since the mid-20th century, not a decade has gone by without one or more major cults captivating the United States. The Manson Family, the Peoples Temple, the Rajneeshees, the Branch Davidians, the Church of Scientology, NXVIM... the list goes on. Since the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, much attention has been paid to the similarities between QAnon and cult activity , and how understanding cults may help the United States to end QAnon’s reign over U.S. conspiracy theorists.

Here are the novels about cults you should read this year:

We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

A teenager trapped in a religious family cult flees an arranged marriage and searches for her estranged mother in Kristy Dallas Alley’s The Ballad of Ami Miles . When she’s promised in marriage to an older man and told that she must bear his children, Ami finally escapes the Heavenly Shepherd compound and goes looking for answers to all her questions about her upbringing and the wider world.

Set in the mountains of rural West Virginia, Amy Jo Burns’ debut novel centers on Wren Bird — the 15-year-old daughter of a snake-handling, gas-station preacher — as she comes to realize that her father’s sermons may be delusions, or even outright manipulations.

Psychically bonded twins take center stage in Diana Clarke’s riveting debut novel. Rose has spent the last year in residential treatment for anorexia, and her twin sister, Lily, is her only connection to the outside world. Lily’s life is far from perfect, however, and when she turns to a cult centered around disordered eating to make sense of the world around her, it’s up to Rose to find a way to save her before it’s too late.

Based on the story of the Peoples Temple and Jonestown, Fred D’Aguiar’s Children of Paradise follows Joyce and her daughter, Trina, to Guyana. Held under the sway of a charismatic preacher, Joyce finds her view of the rainforest utopia soured by the man’s sexual advances toward her. When Trina is hurt in a tragic accident, only to be revived by the cult leader, Joyce comes to realize that she and her daughter are caught in the center of a deadly web.

As the end of her first year of college draws near, Emily feels adrift. She’s failed to connect with anyone, and she’s too far from home to see her family. When a campus group called the Kingdom invites her on a mission trip to Italy, Emily thinks she’s found the college experience of her dreams... until she’s trapped in Italy with no passport and no clear way out of the Kingdom.

From the author of An Unkindness of Ghosts and The Deep comes this chilling tale of a woman raising her twin children on the outskirts of the controlling society in which she was raised. Vern’s little family is always on the run, but when they find themselves backed into a corner, Vern will have to unleash her mysterious powers — powers even she herself doesn’t fully understand — if she wants to preserve the freedom she’s worked so hard for.

Orphaned in a car accident, Lo and Bea parted ways when Bea left her baby sister with a relative to join The Unity Project. Ostensibly a charitable organization, The Unity Project has never been anything but suspicious to Lo. When an opportunity to investigate The Project lands on Lo’s doorstep, the journalist pulls up stakes to save her sister... but can she get Bea out before it’s too late?

A year after her father mysteriously vanished, Olivia follows his trail to the Levitation Center — a strange mountain retreat that promises to teach its residents how to achieve total weightlessness. But as she and three other teen girls make their way through the Levitation Center’s programming, Olivia comes to realize that they may not all leave the facility alive.

Chapel Croft has been the site of myriad tragedies over the centuries, from the reign of Bloody Mary to the suicide of the local vicar. When a new minister arrives with his daughter, the two find themselves marked as outsiders in a tight-knit community... one that harbors dark secrets.

A picture-perfect community is left bewildered when its latest homecoming queen disappears with a charismatic man who has promised to help her find identity and purpose. But life with Wesley isn’t all it appears, and Alice and the other women living in his home will soon be pushed to their breaking points, in We Can Only Save Ourselves .

This article was originally published on March 23, 2021

The 11 Best Books About Cults (If You’re Into That Sort of Thing)

A podcast about Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple. A documentary series covering the “self-improvement” group NXIVM. A memoir exploring one man’s experience in a group similar to the one in Wild Wild Country . If it’s about a cult, you’re listening to it, watching it or reading it. If you can’t get enough of compelling stories about these systems of veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object, read on for 11 of the best books about cults to add to your Bookshop cart immediately.

Where to Donate Books (Because That Pile Is Leaning More Than the Tower of Pisa)

1. the Girls By Emma Cline

Loosely inspired by the Manson Family and the murder of Sharon Tate, Cline’s bestselling debut is set in Northern California at the end of the 60s. There, a lonely teenager, Evie, is intrigued by a group of girls in the park. She soon becomes mesmerized by Suzanne, an older girl in the group, and is drawn into the circle of a soon-to-be infamous cult and the man who is its charismatic leader. As she spends more time away from her mother and her obsession with Suzanne intensifies, Evie is blind to the fact that she’s coming closer and closer to unthinkable violence.

2. my Life In Orange By Tim Guest

When he was six, Tim Guest was taken by his mother to a commune modeled on the teachings of the notorious Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (who you likely recognize from Netflix’s Wild Wild Country ). The Bhagwan’s teaching encompassed Eastern mysticism, chaotic therapy, sexual freedom and more. In 1985, the movement collapsed amid allegations of mass poisonings, attempted murder and tax evasion, and Guest had to reckon with reentering society and coping with everything he had been through.

3. sex Cult Nun: Breaking Away From The Children Of God, A Wild, Radical Religious Cult By Faith Jones

Faith Jones is the granddaughter of the founder of the Children of God, a cult that’s been around since 1968 and is known for its alarming sex practices and allegations of abuse and exploitation. Growing up on an isolated farm in Macau, Jones prayed for hours every day and read letters of prophecy written by her grandfather. When she was 23, Jones broke away, leaving behind everything she knew to forge her own path in America. In this coming-of-age memoir, she uses her own complicated story to mirror our societal norms of oppression and abuse while providing a unique lens to explore spiritual manipulation, bodily rights and the veiled world of growing up just outside of mainstream society.

4. educated By Tara Westover

Born to survivalists in Idaho, Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. But when one of her brothers gets himself into college, Westover is determined to try a new kind of life. Her compelling memoir charts her quest for knowledge from Harvard and Cambridge University and beyond.

5. godshot By Chelsea Bieker

In Peaches, California, 14-year-old Lacey May lives with her alcoholic mother in an area that was once an agricultural paradise but is now an environmental disaster. During a disastrous drought, the town’s residents turn to a cult leader, Pastor Vern. Though Lacey has no reason to doubt the pastor, her life soon implodes when her mother is exiled from the community. Abandoned and distraught, Lacey May moves in with her widowed grandmother. As she endures the increasingly appalling acts of men, she goes on a quest to find her mother at all costs. Though this one is fiction, it's worth noting that Bieker told NPR that her own mother left when she was nine years old, undoubtedly connecting her to her protagonist.

6. going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood And The Prison Of Belief By Lawrence Wright

Despite its high-power followers like Tom Cruise and John Travolta, Scientology remains largely shrouded in mystery. This fascinating investigation of L. Ron Hubbard’s science fiction-adjacent endeavor draws on years of archival research and more than 200 personal interviews with current and former Scientologists to attempt to uncover the inner workings of the church. From the church's legal attacks on the IRS, its vindictive treatment of critics, and its phenomenal wealth, Going Clear is compulsively readable. (The United States recognizes Scientology as a religion, but it's considered a cult in various other countries.)

7. under The Banner Of Heaven By Jon Krakauer

In this bestseller from 2003 year, the author of Into the Wild and Into Thin Air investigates and juxtaposes two histories. First, the origin and evolution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (starting with the early life of Joseph Smith), and second, a double murder committed in the name of God by a pair of brothers who subscribed to a fundamentalist version of Mormonism.

8. the Secret History By Donna Tartt

Tartt won the Pulitzer for The Goldfinch , but her first novel—about a group of misfits at a New England college who fall under the spell of a charismatic, morally questionable professor—will always have our hearts. The narrator, Richard, is the newest member of the group, and finds himself suddenly burdened by some very dark secrets. Opening with a murder, The Secret History reads like a slow burn, with tension building gradually and an ending that will blow your mind.

9. helter Skelter By Vincent Bugliosi

Books about the Manson murders are a dime a dozen, but this is the O.G. Bugliosi, the prosecuting attorney in the trial, recounts his (and his team’s) tireless detective work and reconstructs Manson’s philosophy while examining how he was able to cultivate such fervent followers.

10. nine Perfect Strangers By Liane Moriarty

The nine titular strangers have convened at a secluded Australian resort that bills itself as a ten-day “Mind and Body Total Transformation Retreat.” Each is there for a different reason, but they’re all led on their wellness journey by the resort’s owner and director, Masha, a blunt Russian émigré hell-bent on providing her guests with some sort of mind-body awakening. Fans of Big Little Lies will recognize Moriarty’s signature slow-burning reveal; you can sense that things are starting to go south, but you’re not sure why—or who will be impacted. Basically, it’s safe to assume that your hesitations about Masha’s motives aren’t unfounded.

11. bunny By Mona Awad

At an elite MFA program in New England, Samantha is a scholarship student who rolls her eyes at her classmates’ privilege. Then, she gets a taste of the inside when she’s drawn into a clique of rich girls who all call each other "Bunny,” a name that’s sweeter than the weird rituals they practice behind closed doors, in this compelling novel for fans of Ottessa Moshfegh.

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Reading Lists

Get ready for ‘american horror story: cult’ with this multigenre list of must-reads about religion gone wrong.

Whether you’re counting down the hours until the premiere of American Horror Story: Cult or trying to make sense of South Korea’s former president ’s scandalous ties to a shamanistic spiritual leader, it’s difficult to deny that cult narratives are in vogue again. From fictive groups like the Guilty Remnant or the Meyerists , to real life sects like the Moonies or the Order of the Solar Temple , communities rooted in zealous — and oftentimes deadly — beliefs are a cautionary reminder of how dangerous the exploitation of an individual’s trust and faith can be.

As a literary alternative to binge watching documentaries about cults on YouTube or listening to the You Must Remember This 12-episode series on Charles Manson in between new episodes of AHS , we’ve compiled a multi-genre list of reads that explore what can happen when religion turns sinister.

Children of Paradise by Fred D’Aguiar

Fred D’Aguiar’s Children of Paradise is a riveting reimagining of life in Jonestown prior to its tragic end. Readers witness the unraveling of Jim Jones’ utopian dream through the eyes of two of his followers — Joyce and her daughter Trina — in addition to the commune’s caged gorilla, Adam. As the heinous cult leader’s behavior becomes more erratic, Joyce is forced to plan her escape from the community she once viewed as her salvation. With vivid prose and heart wrenching empathy, D’Aguiar’s novel examines the power of love and what it means to be free.

The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple by Jeff Guinn

In his extensive view into the rise and fall of the charismatic turned murderous preacher Jim Jones , Jeff Guinn (who also penned a book on the equally notorious Charles Manson ) examines how a Bible-toting civil rights activist evolved into one of history’s most well-known cult leaders. From Jones’ staged healings to illicit drug use and womanizing, Guinn’s research — including recently released FBI files — sheds new light onto the man responsible for the largest mass suicide in the U.S.

Jonestown and Other Madness by Pat Parker

Celebrated lesbian feminist poet Pat Parker’s 1989 collection Jonestown and Other Madness is a gripping reflection on the way race, class, and gender played into Jim Jones’ sadistic slaughter of his congregation. Through the stanzas of poems like “Legacy” and “Love Isn’t,” Parker forces readers to question their definition of liberation and love and to actively discern the difference between empowerment and manipulation. She challenges us to reflect on how easily we accept the answers we are given in the wake of tragedy. In the foreword to the collection she writes, “If 900 white people had gone to a country with a Black minister and ‘committed suicide,’ would we have accepted the answer we were given so easily?” The answer, much like her question, is as timely as ever.

The Girls by Emma Cline

Emma Cline’s wildly popular debut The Girls is a fictive glimpse into the inner circle of a Manson Family-esque group through the eyes of an enamored teenager named Evie. Set in the late ’60s, Cline’s addictive novel gives an intimate depiction of adolescence, desire, and the grotesque lengths some are willing to go in order to feel like they belong. As cinematic as Joan Didion’s quintessential essay “ The White Album ” and as eerie as Lie: The Love and Terror Cult , The Girls is a haunting bildungsroman inspired by a bloody history .

Child of Satan, Child of God: Her Own Story by Susan Atkins

Child of Satan, Child of God is the autobiography of one of the Manson Family’s most infamous members. Throughout the pages of her book, Susan Atkins revisits her troubled past, her struggle with addiction, and her relationship with Charles Manson, the man she blindly followed and ultimately committed murder for. Penned in 1977, Atkins’ book is an inarguably underrated tale of redemption and the perfect primer for those looking forward to next month’s publication of Member of the Family .

Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche by Haruki Murakami

Beloved novelist Haruki Murakami revisits the ghastly sarin gas attack that took Tokyo by surprise in the spring of 1995. Orchestrated by Japanese doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo , the attack, which occurred at rush hour, resulted in 12 deaths, the injury of 50 individuals, and health complications for thousands of commuters. In Underground , Murakami attempts to make sense of this horrific act through a series of conversations with survivors. A testament to the resilience of the human spirit, this investigative look into one of Japan’s deadliest crimes is an unexpected story of hope.

Gather the Daughters by Jennie Melamed

Jennie Melamed’s dark yet satisfying Gather the Daughters transports readers to a post-apocalyptic colony ruled by tyrannical men. In a community shaped by sexism, censorship, and government mandated procreation, womanhood goes hand-in-hand with servitude, domesticity, and dehumanizing subjugation. As the novel’s heroines come of age, they are confronted with the depravity of their colony’s traditions, an occurrence that sparks a rebellion and irrevocable change. Melamed’s debut is a captivating meditation on the dangers of misogyny and fear.

Heaven’s Gate: America’s UFO Religion by Benjamin E. Zeller

The sole in-depth study of Heaven’s Gate , Benjamin E. Zeller’s book charts the formation of Marshall Applegate and Bonnie Nettle ’s UFO cult and its shocking end. Tracing the group’s ties to the New Age movement and Evangelical Christianity, Zeller explores how the anxiety of the 1990s and the looming threat of a new millennium led to one of the decade’s ghastliest mass suicides. Heaven’s Gate is a well-researched and insightful examination of what occurs when faith becomes deadly.

Heaven’s Harlots by Miriam Williams

Miriam Williams’ memoir recounts the time she spent as a member of David Berg ’s sex cult The Family International aka The Children of God . Williams, who joined the group in the ’60s as a teenager, spent 15 years practicing what her then leader Berg called “ flirty fishing .” Heaven’s Harlots exposes Berg and The Family’s sinister motives and documents Williams’ escape and her journey towards healing and freedom.

In the Days of Rain by Rebecca Stott

In her recent memoir, Rebecca Stott revisits her relationship with her father and the restrictive evangelical community that shaped them. Members of the Exclusive Brethren , Stott and her family believed in extreme separation from the secular world in hopes that it would help them live a righteous life untainted by sin. A powerful and fascinating look at life within the sequestered cult that Stott grew up in and later escaped, In the Days of Rain is an exhilarating celebration of family, persistence, and forgiveness.

The World in Flames: A Black Boyhood in a White Supremacist Doomsday Cult by Jerald Walker

Readers experience the chaotic doctrine of the Worldwide Church of God through Jerald Walker ’s harrowing boyhood recollection of his family’s time as followers of the questionable evangelist Herbert W. Armstrong . Throughout his book, Walker revisits how Armstrong’s teachings (a mesh of biblical canon and white supremacy) and failed prophecies put his already vulnerable family at risk. The World in Flames exposes the ways in which racism and greed can corrupt and how salvation often begins with choosing your own path.

God, Harlem U.S.A . by Jill Watts

A definitive portrait of the often overlooked cult leader Father Divine , God, Harlem U.S.A. illustrates how an economically disadvantaged Black boy from the South became a religious celebrity and political influencer. Through meticulous research, Jill Watts examines Father Divine’s origin, his theology, and the rise and fall of the International Peace Mission Movement. An especially interesting read for Philly natives , Watts’ biography breathes new life into Father Divine’s intriguing story.

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20 best books on cults fiction – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Welcome to the fascinating world of cults fiction! In this article, we will explore a curated selection of the 20 best books that delve into the captivating and often enigmatic realm of cults. While cults have always been a subject of intrigue, their portrayal in literature has often been overlooked. But fear not, for we have scoured the literary landscape to bring you a diverse range of titles that will transport you into the depths of cults and their mesmerizing hold on individuals.

Get ready to immerse yourself in tales of manipulation, devotion, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. These books will not only entertain you but also make you question the power of belief, the human desire for belonging, and the dark side of charismatic leaders.

But wait, there’s more! We won’t just be featuring the usual suspects that have received widespread acclaim. Our list includes some hidden gems and underrated cults fiction books that deserve to be discovered by avid readers like yourself. So whether you’re a seasoned cult enthusiast or a curious reader looking for a unique literary experience, this article is sure to captivate your imagination.

So, without further ado, let’s embark on this literary journey through the mesmerizing and thought-provoking world of cults fiction!

• 1 The Girls
• 2 The Incendiaries
• 3 The Family Upstairs
• 4 The Immortalists
• 5 The Girls at 17 Swann Street
• 6 The Book of Essie
• 7 The Water Cure
• 8 The Children Act
• 9 The Roanoke Girls
• 10 The Mothers
• 11 The Girls in the Garden
• 12 The Girls of No Return
• 13 The Children’s Home
• 14 The Girls of August
• 15 The Girls
• 16 The Girls
• 17 The Girls
• 18 The Girls
• 19 The Girls
• 20 The Girls
• 21 Conclusion

Buy the book

by Emma Cline

If you’re a fan of captivating and thought-provoking fiction, then Emma Cline’s The Girls is an absolute must-read. Set in the backdrop of 1960s California, this gripping novel explores the dark and mysterious world of cults, shedding light on the allure and dangers that lie within.

Cline’s unique storytelling takes you on a journey through the eyes of Evie Boyd, a young and impressionable teenager who becomes entangled in the web of a mesmerizing cult. With vivid descriptions and compelling characters, the author delves deep into the psychological complexities of belonging and the blurred lines between love and manipulation.

Unlike any other cults fiction book, The Girls skillfully balances the allure and danger of cult life, drawing you in with its hauntingly beautiful prose. Cline’s meticulous research and attention to detail make the narrative feel authentic, as if you’re experiencing the events alongside Evie.

This book on cults fiction is not just a mere exploration of a particular time and place; it delves into universal themes of identity, power, and the quest for meaning. It challenges our preconceived notions and invites us to question the nature of influence and the lengths we’re willing to go for acceptance.

With its masterful storytelling, The Girls grips you from the first page and refuses to let go until the very end. It’s a powerful and evocative novel that will leave you pondering its themes long after you’ve turned the final page. Don’t miss out on this remarkable cults fiction book that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on a topic rarely explored in literature.

The Incendiaries

By r.o. kwon.

Looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read? Look no further than The Incendiaries by R.O. Kwon. This mesmerizing cults fiction book takes you on a journey that explores the captivating themes of belief, identity, and the power of manipulation. Set in a prestigious university, the story follows the lives of three complex characters whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways.

Kwon’s prose is beautifully crafted, immersing readers in a world where faith, loyalty, and fanaticism collide. The author delves deep into the psychological complexities of individuals who become entangled in a mysterious cult, challenging conventional notions of love, religion, and personal freedom.

Unlike other books about cults fiction, The Incendiaries offers a fresh perspective by focusing on the aftermath of a destructive event, exploring the aftermath of choices made and the consequences that follow. Kwon’s portrayal of the characters is both raw and authentic, making their struggles and desires resonate with readers on a profound level.

Through masterful storytelling, Kwon raises intriguing questions about the nature of faith, the allure of extremism, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they piece together the puzzle of what truly happened.

With its poetic language, compelling characters, and unexpected twists, The Incendiaries is a must-read for anyone seeking a unique and thought-provoking cults fiction book. Get ready to be captivated by Kwon’s spellbinding prose as she explores the dark underbelly of belief and the lengths people will go to find their place in the world.

The Family Upstairs

By lisa jewell.

If you’re searching for a captivating and thought-provoking read, look no further than The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell. This compelling cults fiction book takes you on a thrilling journey that delves into the dark and mysterious world of cults, offering a unique perspective on this often misunderstood topic.

Set against a backdrop of secrets and suspense, Jewell weaves together multiple narratives, each intricately connected to the central theme of cults. With a skillful blend of suspense, psychological depth, and compelling storytelling, this book will keep you hooked from the very first page.

Unlike other books on cults fiction, Jewell explores the lesser-known aspects of this intriguing world, unearthing hidden truths and shedding light on the complex dynamics that exist within these secretive communities. Prepare to be captivated by a cast of compelling characters whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways, as the author skillfully navigates the blurred lines between truth and fiction.

What sets The Family Upstairs apart is Jewell’s ability to challenge conventional perceptions and introduce fresh ideas. Through vivid prose and expertly crafted plot twists, she invites readers to question their own beliefs about cults and the power they hold over individuals who become entangled within their grasp.

This book about cults fiction is not afraid to explore the darker corners of human nature, seamlessly blending mystery, psychological suspense, and family drama into a gripping narrative that will leave you breathless. Prepare to be enthralled by Jewell’s masterful storytelling and her ability to bring to life complex characters grappling with the complexities of cult life.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the enigmatic world of cults fiction, The Family Upstairs is the perfect choice for you. Brace yourself for a mesmerizing tale that will challenge your preconceptions and keep you guessing until the very last page.

The Immortalists

By chloe benjamin.

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin is a captivating and thought-provoking book that explores the intriguing world of cults. This masterfully crafted novel delves into the lives of four siblings who, as children, visit a mysterious fortune teller that predicts the exact dates of their deaths. Set against the backdrop of New York City in the late 1960s, Benjamin weaves together a mesmerizing tale of fate, family, and the power of belief. Through exquisite prose and vivid storytelling, the author takes us on an unforgettable journey as each sibling grapples with their own mortality and the choices they make in the face of an uncertain future.

What sets The Immortalists apart from other cult fiction books is Benjamin’s skillful exploration of the blurred lines between faith, destiny, and free will. The intricately developed characters come to life on the pages, each grappling with their own desires, doubts, and fears. As readers, we are drawn into their individual journeys, questioning our own beliefs and the choices we make in life.

Benjamin’s portrayal of cults is refreshingly nuanced and avoids falling into predictable tropes. She delves deep into the psychology of cult members, examining the allure and dangers of charismatic leaders and the complex dynamics within these closed communities. The author’s meticulous research and attention to detail shine through, lending an air of authenticity to the narrative.

With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and profound exploration of human nature, The Immortalists is a captivating cult fiction book that will leave readers questioning their own beliefs and choices. Chloe Benjamin’s masterful storytelling and unique perspective make this a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and compelling literary experience.

The Girls at 17 Swann Street

By yara zgheib.

If you’re looking for a book that will transport you to a world of captivating stories and explore the depths of the human psyche, then look no further than “The Girls at 17 Swann Street” by Yara Zgheib. This mesmerizing cults fiction book takes readers on a journey through the lives of a group of women who find solace and support in a shared struggle with their eating disorders.

Zgheib’s writing style is exquisite, as she weaves together the raw emotions and complexities of her characters, drawing readers into their world from the very first page. The book delves into the dark underbelly of society, shedding light on the often misunderstood and stigmatized topic of eating disorders.

One of the most unique aspects of “The Girls at 17 Swann Street” is how Zgheib approaches the subject matter. Instead of focusing solely on the physical manifestations of the characters’ disorders, she delves deep into their minds, exploring the psychological nuances and the power dynamics within the cult-like environment of the treatment center they reside in.

Through her brilliant storytelling, Zgheib challenges societal norms and the misconceptions surrounding eating disorders. She brings forth the idea that these disorders are not simply about food, but rather a manifestation of deeper emotional turmoil and a desperate longing for control.

This book is a poignant and thought-provoking read that will leave you contemplating the complexities of human nature long after you’ve turned the final page. It sheds light on a topic that is often overlooked and offers a fresh perspective on the world of cults fiction. So, if you’re ready to dive into a captivating story that will challenge your perceptions and leave you with a newfound empathy, “The Girls at 17 Swann Street” is a must-read.

The Book of Essie

By meghan maclean weir.

Looking for a gripping page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Look no further than “The Book of Essie” by Meghan MacLean Weir. This captivating novel delves into the secretive world of cults, offering a fresh and unique perspective on a topic rarely explored in fiction.

Meet Essie, the teenage daughter of a famous reality TV preacher. But Essie has a secret – she’s pregnant. As her family tries to navigate the scandal, Essie must confront the dangerous cult-like environment she was raised in. With a brilliant combination of suspense, drama, and unexpected twists, Weir expertly explores the complexities of family, faith, and the power of self-discovery.

Unlike other books on cults fiction, “The Book of Essie” goes beyond the surface-level exploration of belief systems and cult dynamics. Weir delves deep into the psychological and emotional impact of growing up in such an environment, shedding light on the inner struggles of the characters and their desperate quest for freedom.

What sets this book apart is Weir’s ability to create fully realized, multi-dimensional characters that you’ll find yourself rooting for. Essie’s strength and resilience will inspire you, while her vulnerability will tug at your heartstrings. The supporting cast, including Essie’s journalist love interest and her estranged sister, adds layers of complexity and depth to the narrative.

Weir’s prose is both lyrical and accessible, effortlessly drawing readers into the world she has created. Through her vivid descriptions and thoughtful observations, she paints a picture of a society fascinated by fame and consumed by its own secrets. With each turn of the page, you’ll find yourself yearning for answers while simultaneously dreading the revelations that lie ahead.

If you’re searching for a thought-provoking and immersive read, “The Book of Essie” is the perfect choice. Weir’s exploration of cults fiction is both timely and poignant, offering a fresh perspective on a topic that is often misunderstood. Prepare to be captivated from the very first page and swept away in a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

The Water Cure

By sophie mackintosh.

Prepare to be captivated by Sophie Mackintosh’s haunting debut novel, The Water Cure. Set in a dystopian world where women are isolated on an isolated island, Mackintosh weaves a chilling tale of survival, trauma, and the power of sisterhood.

At the heart of this mesmerizing narrative lies a unique and thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche. Mackintosh skillfully delves into the depths of cult mentality, shedding light on the dark corners of the human condition. Through her exquisite prose and intricate storytelling, she challenges conventional notions of power, control, and the fragility of the human mind.

The Water Cure is not your typical cults fiction book. Mackintosh’s refreshing take on the genre offers a nuanced perspective, delving into the emotional complexities of her characters. She skillfully explores themes of love, femininity, and the quest for autonomy, creating a narrative that is both haunting and deeply empathetic.

As you immerse yourself in the mysterious world Mackintosh has created, you’ll find yourself questioning the very nature of reality. Her vivid descriptions and evocative imagery will transport you to the isolated island, making you feel the weight of the characters’ experiences as if they were your own.

The Water Cure is a book on cults fiction that pushes boundaries and challenges readers to think beyond the surface. It will leave you pondering the nature of power, the bonds of family, and the lengths we go to protect ourselves from the unknown. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary journey into the depths of the human psyche.

The Children Act

By ian mcewan.

Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey into the realm of unconventional beliefs and captivating narratives? Look no further than Ian McEwan’s spellbinding novel, The Children Act. This thought-provoking piece of cults fiction takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the minds of individuals immersed in the depths of alternative ideologies.

McEwan artfully crafts a tale that delves into the complexities of human nature, exploring the enigmatic world of cults and their influence on society. With his masterful storytelling, he unveils the intricate web of emotions, motivations, and desires that drive individuals to seek solace in such unorthodox communities.

In The Children Act, McEwan seamlessly weaves together the lives of his characters, immersing readers in a world where blind faith clashes with reason, and the quest for individuality battles against the allure of belonging. As the narrative unfolds, you’ll find yourself questioning your own beliefs and pondering the boundaries of personal freedom.

What sets this book apart from other cults fiction novels is McEwan’s ability to shed light on the human psyche with a meticulous eye for detail. His characters are richly developed, each grappling with their own inner struggles and desires, making them relatable and engaging.

The Children Act is not just a book about cults fiction; it is an exploration of the human condition. McEwan challenges societal norms, pushing readers to confront their own preconceived notions and confront the fine line between acceptance and manipulation.

If you crave a captivating read that delves into the depths of unconventional beliefs, The Children Act is the book for you. McEwan’s masterful storytelling and unique perspective on cults fiction will leave you enthralled, questioning, and yearning for more.

The Roanoke Girls

By amy engel.

If you’re a fan of dark and twisty thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then look no further than “The Roanoke Girls” by Amy Engel. This gripping cults fiction book explores the hidden secrets and forbidden desires of a wealthy family living in a small town.

Engel’s masterful storytelling takes you on a journey through the dark underbelly of a seemingly idyllic community, where nothing is as it seems. The Roanoke family is shrouded in mystery and tragedy, with a history that spans generations and a secret that threatens to tear them apart.

What makes this book truly unique is Engel’s exploration of the complex dynamics within a cult-like family. She delves deep into the psychology of the characters, making them feel real and relatable despite their disturbing actions. This is not your typical cults fiction book; it goes beyond the cliches and explores the complicated relationships that exist within such communities.

Engel’s writing is hauntingly beautiful, with vivid descriptions that transport you to the eerie town of Osage Flats. Her prose is both lyrical and chilling, creating an atmosphere that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. The pacing is perfect, with just the right balance of suspense and character development to keep you hooked from start to finish.

If you’re looking for a book that will challenge your notions of right and wrong, “The Roanoke Girls” is a must-read. Engel’s exploration of the dark side of human nature will leave you questioning the limits of love, loyalty, and family. This cults fiction book is a thought-provoking and unsettling read that will stay with you long after you’ve put it down. So go ahead, immerse yourself in the twisted secrets of the Roanoke family and discover why this book has been captivating readers worldwide.

The Mothers

By brit bennett.

In the mesmerizing novel, The Mothers , Brit Bennett delves into the enthralling world of fringe communities, exploring the intricate dynamics that unfold within their confines. Set against the backdrop of a small Californian town, this captivating story weaves together the lives of three unforgettable characters who become entangled in a secretive cult.

Bennett’s masterful storytelling skillfully navigates the complexities of human relationships, power dynamics, and the allure of belonging. As the characters grapple with their desires for connection and purpose, the author expertly exposes the underbelly of cults, shedding light on the psychological, emotional, and social consequences they can have on individuals and communities.

What sets The Mothers apart is Bennett’s ability to create an immersive narrative that goes beyond the surface-level exploration of cults. Through nuanced character development and evocative prose, she invites readers to question their own notions of identity, agency, and the lengths one is willing to go to find a sense of belonging.

With its thought-provoking themes and richly drawn characters, The Mothers is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling and insightful exploration of the human condition. Bennett’s exceptional storytelling will leave you captivated from beginning to end, and long after you’ve turned the final page, her words will continue to resonate with you.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary work of fiction that not only delves into the world of cults but also delves deep into the human heart and soul.

The Girls in the Garden

Are you ready to dive into a captivating world of secrets, mysteries, and hidden desires? Look no further than Lisa Jewell’s mesmerizing novel, The Girls in the Garden. Set in a lush garden, this book weaves a tale of intrigue that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Step into a community where everything seems perfect on the surface, but underneath lies a web of deceit and manipulation. Jewell takes us on a journey through the lives of the families living in this idyllic neighborhood, each harboring their own secrets and desires. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a group of girls who form a unique bond, exploring their own identities while navigating the complexities of growing up.

But what sets this novel apart is its exploration of the human psyche, delving deep into the themes of vulnerability, power, and the allure of belonging. The garden becomes a metaphor for the hidden world of cults, where individuals are drawn into a community that promises acceptance and purpose.

With Jewell’s masterful storytelling, you will find yourself completely engrossed in the lives of these characters, feeling their struggles, their joys, and their fears. The Girls in the Garden is a thought-provoking and gripping read that will make you question societal norms and the power dynamics within.

Experience the thrill of uncovering the truth and unraveling the secrets that lie within the garden. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys cults fiction or is looking to explore a genre that is often overlooked. Get ready to be captivated by Lisa Jewell’s extraordinary storytelling and immerse yourself in a world you won’t want to leave.

The Girls of No Return

By erin saldin.

If you’re looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read, then “The Girls of No Return” by Erin Saldin is the perfect choice for you. This compelling cults fiction book takes readers on an unforgettable journey into a world that is both fascinating and unsettling.

Saldin’s masterful storytelling transports us to a secluded boarding school nestled deep within the rugged mountains. Here, a group of teenage girls, each with their own secrets and desires, find themselves entangled in a web of mystery and manipulation. As they navigate the treacherous terrain of adolescence, they also grapple with the powerful influence of a charismatic cult leader.

What sets “The Girls of No Return” apart from other cults fiction books is its exploration of the complex dynamics within the group. Saldin delves into the psychological depths of her characters, revealing their vulnerabilities, fears, and the lengths they will go to belong. The author’s vivid prose captures the intensity of their emotions, making it impossible to put the book down.

This book is not your typical cults fiction novel. It goes beyond the sensationalism and delves into the human psyche, examining themes of identity, power, and the search for meaning. Saldin raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of cults and the allure they hold over individuals, forcing readers to confront their own beliefs and biases.

With its richly developed characters, atmospheric setting, and compelling narrative, “The Girls of No Return” is a must-read for fans of cults fiction. It will leave you questioning the boundaries between loyalty and manipulation, love and control, and the delicate balance between individuality and belonging.

So, if you’re ready to delve into a world of intrigue and explore the darker side of human nature, pick up “The Girls of No Return” and prepare to be captivated from start to finish.

The Children’s Home

By charles lambert.

If you’re searching for a captivating and thought-provoking book that delves into the realm of unconventional beliefs and secretive communities, look no further than “The Children’s Home” by Charles Lambert. This mesmerizing cults fiction novel will transport you into a world where shadows lurk and mysteries abound.

Set in a secluded mansion, the story revolves around Morgan, a man with a hidden past and a peculiar group of children who mysteriously appear. As the narrative unfolds, Lambert masterfully weaves a tale that explores the complexities of human nature, the power of belief, and the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination.

What sets “The Children’s Home” apart from other cults fiction books is its unique blend of genres, seamlessly merging elements of mystery, psychological thriller, and magical realism. Lambert’s prose is both eloquent and haunting, drawing readers into a world tinged with darkness and uncertainty.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this novel is Lambert’s exploration of unconventional beliefs and the dynamics within secretive communities. Through the lens of the children’s enigmatic origins and their connection to Morgan, the author delves into the themes of identity, isolation, and the human desire for belonging.

Moreover, Lambert’s writing style is a true testament to his skill as a storyteller. His vivid descriptions and vivid character development breathe life into the pages, immersing readers in a setting that is simultaneously enchanting and eerie. The author’s ability to create an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue will keep you turning the pages long into the night.

So, if you’re in search of a cults fiction book that offers a fresh perspective and explores the depths of the human psyche, “The Children’s Home” is an absolute must-read. Get ready to embark on a journey that will challenge your perceptions and leave you questioning the boundaries of reality itself.

The Girls of August

By anne rivers siddons.

Are you ready to delve into the fascinating world of cults fiction? Look no further than Anne Rivers Siddons’ captivating novel, The Girls of August. Set against the backdrop of a secluded island, this book takes you on a gripping journey that explores the depths of human psychology and the power of manipulation.

Siddons weaves a mesmerizing tale of a group of women who find themselves entangled in a mysterious cult-like community. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, and the true nature of this enigmatic group is exposed.

What sets The Girls of August apart from other cults fiction books is Siddons’ ability to immerse readers in a world that feels all too real. Her vivid descriptions and well-developed characters breathe life into the pages, making you feel like you’re right there alongside the protagonists, experiencing their emotions and uncertainties.

One of the unique aspects of this book is Siddons’ exploration of the psychological dynamics within cults fiction. She delves deep into the minds of both the leaders and the followers, shedding light on the complex motivations that drive individuals to join such groups. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of human vulnerability and the lengths people will go to find a sense of belonging.

But The Girls of August is more than just a book about cults fiction. It’s a story about friendship, resilience, and the power of female bonds. Siddons beautifully captures the nuances of female relationships, showcasing the strength and support that can be found in the unlikeliest of places.

So, if you’re looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally captivating read, The Girls of August is the perfect choice. Get ready to be swept away by Siddons’ compelling storytelling and lose yourself in a world where the line between loyalty and manipulation is blurred.

by Lori Lansens

Are you ready to dive into a world of mystery, intrigue, and secrets? Look no further than “The Girls” by Lori Lansens, a captivating cults fiction book that will leave you spellbound from start to finish.

Step into the shoes of Rose and Ruby Darlen, conjoined twins who have spent their entire lives in a small town with a dark secret. As they navigate the complexities of their shared existence, they uncover shocking truths about the cult they were born into.

Lansens skillfully weaves together an unforgettable tale, exploring the boundaries of sisterhood, devotion, and the power of individuality. This book on cults fiction delves into the depths of the human psyche, challenging conventional beliefs and offering a fresh perspective on the concept of identity.

With her vivid prose and multi-dimensional characters, Lansens takes readers on a journey that blurs the line between reality and fiction. As you turn each page, you’ll find yourself drawn deeper into the gripping narrative, unable to resist the urge to uncover the truth alongside Rose and Ruby.

Unlike any other book about cults fiction, “The Girls” breaks free from the constraints of traditional storytelling, daring readers to question their own assumptions and beliefs. Lansens tackles taboo subjects with sensitivity and grace, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who embarks on this literary adventure.

If you’re searching for a thought-provoking and unconventional read, this cults fiction book is a must-have for your collection. Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and ultimately transformed by the power of “The Girls.”

by Abigail Tarttelin

Looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read? Look no further than Abigail Tarttelin’s mesmerizing novel, The Girls. This cults fiction book delves deep into the realms of human psychology, exploring the intricate dynamics of belonging, identity, and the power of manipulation.

Tarttelin weaves together a captivating narrative that follows the lives of a group of young women who find themselves entangled in the clutches of a mysterious cult. As the story unfolds, the author skillfully examines the complexities of human vulnerability and the allure of charismatic leaders.

What sets The Girls apart is Tarttelin’s ability to create multi-dimensional characters that resonate with readers long after the final page. Through her masterful storytelling, she challenges conventional notions of good and evil, forcing us to question our own beliefs and assumptions.

But this book is more than just a thrilling tale of a cult; it is a profound exploration of the human condition. Tarttelin delves into themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain. Her prose is rich and evocative, capturing the essence of human emotions and experiences.

The Girls is a hidden gem in the realm of cults fiction. It offers a fresh perspective on a topic that has been explored in various forms before, breathing new life into the genre. Whether you are a fan of psychological thrillers, or simply crave a thought-provoking read, this book will leave you spellbound.

So, dive into the pages of The Girls and prepare to embark on a journey that will challenge your beliefs and captivate your imagination. Discover why this cults fiction book has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable reading experience.

by Helen Yglesias

Are you ready to dive into a captivating world of intrigue, mystery, and the power of human psychology? Look no further than Helen Yglesias’ riveting novel, The Girls. This spellbinding cults fiction book will transport you into the depths of an underground society that will leave you questioning the boundaries of belief and the strength of the human spirit.

In The Girls, Yglesias weaves a masterful tale where the line between reality and illusion becomes blurred. Set against the backdrop of a secretive cult, this book explores the inner workings of an unconventional society, delving into the minds and motives of its members. With richly drawn characters and a gripping plot, Yglesias invites you to question the very essence of human nature.

Unafraid to tackle controversial themes, The Girls examines the allure of cults and the power they hold over individuals searching for meaning and identity. Yglesias skillfully explores the psychological underpinnings of cult membership, shedding light on the motivations behind these seemingly irrational choices.

What sets The Girls apart from other cults fiction books is Yglesias’ ability to create a world that feels both familiar and unsettlingly alien. Through her vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail, she brings the cult’s rituals, beliefs, and dynamics to life, immersing you in a world that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

As you turn the pages of The Girls, you’ll find yourself questioning your own beliefs and examining the power dynamics that exist in society. Yglesias’ thought-provoking exploration of cults challenges conventional notions of identity, faith, and the search for meaning.

Whether you’re fascinated by the allure of cults or simply love a well-crafted, psychologically rich novel, The Girls is a must-read. Yglesias’ storytelling prowess and her ability to tackle complex themes with grace and insight make this book a true gem in the world of cults fiction.

Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and utterly engrossed in The Girls. This is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

by Amy Goldman Koss

Are you ready to dive into a world of mystery and intrigue? Look no further than “The Girls” by Amy Goldman Koss. This captivating cults fiction book will leave you spellbound from start to finish.

Step into the shoes of Evie, a young girl who finds herself caught up in a secretive group known as “The Girls.” As you turn the pages, you’ll unravel the dark secrets and hidden agendas that lie beneath the surface of this seemingly innocent community.

Amy Goldman Koss weaves a tale that challenges our perception of cults fiction. She delves into the complex psychology of both the followers and the leaders, exploring the motivations behind their actions. This thought-provoking novel will make you question your own beliefs and the power of persuasion.

But what sets “The Girls” apart from other cults fiction books is its unique portrayal of the characters. Koss humanizes them, giving us a glimpse into their lives beyond the cult. You’ll find yourself empathizing with their struggles and questioning the line between right and wrong.

With its gripping plot and richly developed characters, “The Girls” offers a fresh perspective on cults fiction. It challenges the conventional narrative and introduces new ideas that will leave you pondering long after you’ve finished reading.

Don’t miss out on this thought-provoking and captivating book about cults fiction. Join Evie on her journey and discover the hidden truths that lie within “The Girls.” Get your copy today and prepare to be engrossed in a world like no other.

Step into the captivating world of “The Girls” by Lori Lansens, a spellbinding cults fiction book that will leave you breathless. Set in a small town, this gripping tale delves into the lives of Rose and Ruby Darlen, conjoined twins with a remarkable bond. Lansens weaves a masterful story that explores themes of identity, sisterhood, and the power of belief.

Prepare to be enthralled as you embark on an unforgettable journey through the pages of this cults fiction book. Lansens seamlessly blends elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological depth, crafting a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

What sets “The Girls” apart is its unique perspective on cults fiction. Rather than focusing solely on the cult itself, Lansens delves into the intricacies of the human mind and the complexities of relationships. Through vivid prose and rich character development, she challenges our preconceptions and invites us to question the nature of truth and the power of manipulation.

Immerse yourself in the vivid world of “The Girls” as Lansens explores the dark underbelly of cults fiction. With her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering storytelling prowess, she brings to life a cast of characters that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

If you crave a thought-provoking and emotionally charged reading experience, “The Girls” is the cults fiction book you’ve been waiting for. Prepare to be captivated, enthralled, and left pondering the intricacies of the human psyche.

Looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read? Look no further than Emma Cline’s mesmerizing novel, The Girls . Set in the backdrop of 1960s California, this spellbinding tale takes us on a thrilling journey through the dark depths of cults and their allure.

With exquisite prose and an uncanny ability to create vivid characters, Cline delves into the lives of young girls entangled in a mesmerizing cult. Through the eyes of Evie Boyd, we witness the seductive power of Russell, a charismatic cult leader, and the unsettling dynamics that unfold within the group.

But what sets The Girls apart is Cline’s unique approach to cults fiction. Rather than focusing solely on the sensationalism and horror often associated with such stories, she delves deeper into the psychological complexities of the characters. She explores the inherent vulnerability, the sense of belonging, and the desperation for purpose that can draw individuals into these cults.

Cline’s masterful storytelling immerses readers in an atmospheric and evocative world, where the search for identity and belonging takes center stage. As we navigate the tumultuous events through Evie’s eyes, we are forced to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the allure of charismatic leaders.

This book about cults fiction challenges the conventional notions surrounding cults, offering a fresh and nuanced perspective. It compels readers to question their own desires for belonging and the power dynamics that shape our lives.

So, if you’re ready to be swept away by a gripping and thought-provoking tale, dive into The Girls and let Emma Cline’s exquisite storytelling transport you into a world of secrets, seduction, and self-discovery.

In conclusion, the world of books about cults fiction is a fascinating and often unexplored territory. While there are certainly popular titles that have gained recognition, there are also hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These lesser-known books offer unique perspectives and delve into the complexities of cults and their impact on individuals and society. It is important to remember that the best books are not always the ones that receive the most attention. By venturing beyond the mainstream, readers may find themselves immersed in thought-provoking narratives and unconventional storytelling. So, if you’re a fan of cults fiction or simply looking to expand your literary horizons, don’t be afraid to stray from the well-trodden path and explore the hidden treasures that lie within the pages of these lesser-known books. Happy reading!

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Fictional Cults as Terrifying as the Real Thing

In the Clearing

by JP Pomare

This riveting thriller braids the paths of two women living on the edge. Trying to rebound after trauma, Freya is fiercely protective of her young son and dog. Amy is fifteen, a teenager growing up in the Clearing, a cult that has insulated her from the real world until a young girl becomes the new "daughter" of the family and shatters Amy with questions of what lies beyond. Freya has also lived a sheltered life, but her remote existence is by design. In the Clearing brings whiplash twists and aching suspense as Frey and Amy's stories hurtle towards each other.

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The Children of Red Peak

by Craig DiLouie

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by Kathleen Kent

A chilling police procedural is the second book featuring unflappable Detective Betty Rhyzyk. Not long after a cult calling themselves The Family takes her hostage, Betty finds herself recovering from PTSD. Appointed to desk work while she recovers, Betty can't let the beat go and soon embarks on a mission to find out who is responsible for the mounting deaths of drug dealers. As the signs point to a connection between her fellow officers and a Houston drug cartel, Betty flirts with danger in the pursuit of justice. But moving forward with her independent investigation puts her right back on the path to her past and the dangerous leader of the apocalyptic Family.

Related: How Kathleen Kent Survives Social Distancing 

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Cemetery Dance

by Douglas Preston

by Lincoln Child

From the dynamic duo of Preston and Child comes a heart-pounding novel of suspense, the ninth starring Special Agent Pendergast, who once again faces a formidable foe. After the sinister murder of a prominent reporter and his archaeologist wife, the police are baffled when security footage shows the villain to be the couple's neighbor, who by all accounts had been dead and buried for a few weeks. To find the truth, FBI Special Agent Pendergast and Lieutenant Vincent D’Agosta seek to infiltrate a covert Manhattan cult that no outsiders have ever seen and lived to tell the tale. 

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Jackrabbit Smile

by Joe R. Lansdale

In the twelfth book featuring the detective buddies Hap and Leonard, the partners get drawn into an investigation of a radical revivalist cult. As Jackrabbit Smile opens, Hap is about to get married to the love of his life until a group of Pentecostal white supremacists demand Hap and Leonard investigate the case of Jackrabbit, the beloved daughter of one of their members. No one has seen Jackrabbit for ages, and her mother, Judith, has never given up hope. When they bring the case to Hap and Leonard, the duo reluctantly agree to get involved, just the first start on a wild journey with a group of extremists convinced that Jesus will return to humanity, accompanied by lizard people.   

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by Sarah Lotz

This edge-of-your-seat thriller is laced with page-turning intrigue and suspense. Humanity is stunned when four planes crash on different continents in a matter of hours. The sole survivors are three children. While the world sorts through the aftermath, ruling out terrorism and other obvious examples, an evangelical pastor proclaims the children's miraculous survival signals the beginning of the apocalypse. With officials scrambling for answers to the mystery behind the crashes, the children receive widespread interest. Meanwhile, each child begins to display bizarre and uncharacteristic behavior, prompting a search for answers, a journey that sheds light on the extremist fringe who might be involved. Written in the form of an author's report about the so-called Black Thursday events, The Three  is unputdownable.

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Gather the Daughters

Jennie Melamed

In this searing and provocative book, the world has burned into a wasteland. Ten men and their families set sail for an island where they could thrive isolated from the continent's dangers. But their new community quickly adopts a radical system split along lines of gender and age. Only the original ten men can return to the mainland, and women are expected to engage in breeding activity. Children, however, enjoy carefree summers, ones that kids like Caitlin Jacob should enjoy free from adults. When Caitlin witnesses a shocking event that makes her question everything she knows, 17-year-old Janey Solomon steps up to investigate. Janey is already starving herself to avoid the fate she'll face as a woman. Together, Janey and Caitlin search for answers...and finds mystery after mystery.

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A freelance librarian, Sarah S. Davis, MLIS, writes about books on Book Riot, Electric Literature, PsychCentral, and others. She has published the bestselling quote collections  Brave Brain  and  A Reader’s Library of Book Quotes . Currently, she is an MFA candidate at VCFA.

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Sects Appeal: 5 Books About Cults and Why People Join Them

By Joshua Kanter

Joshua Kanter

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A cult’s recruitment process and psychological hold on its members can seem like an obvious red flag to outsiders, and leave us thinking, as individuals, that we’re way too smart and savvy to ever fall into anything like that. But it happens consistently. From ancient times to the modern day, there’s always been an ever-present person who comes along and strikes the perfect combination of intrigue and awe among followers, with control and manipulation not far behind. From the Manson Family to ISIS, Waco to Jonestown and beyond, the best books about cults take a deep dive into the testimonials from survivors and overviews of the experts.

While all cults differ with motives, methods and objectives, there are definitely common threads to look out for, the biggest one being abusive control. “A personality-driven and defined group dominated by a charismatic leader is the most salient single feature of destructive cults,” says Rick Alan Ross, an expert in cult behavior and deprogramming, and author of Cults Inside Out .

For some, exploitation could be a common trait too. Ross says leaders often convince members to willingly hand over access to their finances, or perform labor without pay. Cults hold a tight control over the individual, both psychologically and emotionally, he explains, with a goal of slowly increasing their isolation away from family, friends, and the outside world, sometimes even moving them to a far-off base or compound.

“It varies person to person, but if they’re welcomed and received in a safe way that makes them feel a sense of belonging, and offers an approval that perhaps they don’t have in their lives, it can be a place where they feel someone really gets them,” says Dr. Tod Gross, a Boston-based psychologist who has worked with victims of abuse. “A charismatic and sincere approach from a demonstrative recruiter,” he continues, “might be all it takes, and all of a sudden they feel like they’re part of a brotherhood/sisterhood, and treated in a way that makes them feel special, with a chance to be something bigger than just themselves.”

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Abusive and controlling cults know exactly who they’re going for and prey upon them, utilizing timeless strategies that can sway even the most unlikely of people. According to Ross, “My experience has taught me that a cult can potentially recruit anyone regardless of his or her education or social background. No one is invulnerable or somehow immune.”

And while it may be easy for us to say we’d simply leave or escape in that situation, it’s not always a realistic option. Even if the person isn’t physically constrained or threatened with shame or violence, which they often are, betraying the beloved abductor or leader can be an unthinkable act. The recent success of shows like HBO’s NXIVM documentary, The Vow , the Leah Remini-led, Scientology and the Aftermath , and Netflix’s Wild Wild Country , show that trying to leave a cult could be just as damaging as staying in one.

For those who do manage to leave, it’s an often brutal process. The amount of willpower it takes to endure years of abuse, and the brazen courage needed to escape, is almost unfathomable to those who haven’t lived it. But it’s possible, documented here with these stories of survival, and a disturbing look at how deeply and quickly an ideology can create a dangerous fringe of society.

Destructive and isolating cults can masquerade as anything from religions to self-help and even exercise regiments. These books tell the stories, and warning signs, from those who studied it, lived it, and escaped from the deepest reaches of cult organizations.

1. Breaking Free: How I Escaped Polygamy, the FLDS Cult, and My Father, Warren Jeffs

Warren Jeffs was the self-proclaimed “President and Prophet, Seer and Revalator” of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church), a polygamous, extremist, secretive sect of Mormonism.

In the FLDS, men were obligated to practice what he called “plural marriage” in order to achieve the highest levels of exaltation in the afterlife’s “celestial kingdom.” Jeffs had up to 70 wives (some of which were his father’s, whom he married after the patriarch passed away), was responsible for assigning wives to husbands (some as young as 12), and even held the power to reassign a member’s family to another man. In 2004, he did just that – kicking out 20 men, including the mayor of the community, and ordering their wives and children to new husbands.

This barely scratches the surface of the story though, as Jeffs’ daughter, Rachel, tells firsthand in this unnerving read. Claims of physical and psychological abuse were common in the FLDS, which Rachel was born into, and had a strict patriarchal culture where women didn’t dare speak up or speak out. Even as the leader’s daughter, Rachel was no exception, enduring years of sexual assault beginning when she was just 8, being forced into marriages with men three to four times her age, backstabbing and jealousy among the fellow “sister-wives”, and being locked away from her children as punishment for disobedience.

Despite living under the oppression of her intimidating father, she managed to escape in 2015 and tell her story, while many of her friends, family, and sister-wives still remain in the isolated cult out west.

Warren Jeffs eventually ended up on the FBI’s Most Wanted List as a fugitive, was apprehended, and is now in prison until eligible for parole in 2038. While he continued to run the organization from jail, and even wrote a book of his own, the story gets even weirder and more outlandish as his behavior in prison becomes increasingly bizarre.

For further reading on this subject, check out “Under The Banner of Heaven” by John Krakauer too.

Buy Breaking Free: How I Escaped Polygamy… $19.22

2. Cults Inside Out

Rick Alan Ross is one of the leading experts out there on destructive cults. His career spans over three decades and boasts some serious credibility (along with getting plenty of lawsuits and death threats). Ross has worked as an analyst for CBS and the CBC, lecturing at colleges and universities, consulting with the FBI, and testifying as an expert in US Federal Court.

He’s participated in about 500 interventions to deprogram cult members — some successful and others not — but he details both in this compelling case study. There are interviews with real former cult members, who explain how they were slowly swayed into joining, and the strategies that eventually led them back out.

The book takes us through the history of modern cults, some well-known and others not so much, explaining the differing types of groups and their “persuasive influence techniques,” which we’ve come to colloquially call “brainwashing.” It reads as more of a reference tool, loaded with academic research, and is especially great for anybody worried about a loved one in danger of joining a cult.

And while it dives deep into the definitions of cults and how people fall in, the most important aspect it offers here is how to get them out. Ross suggests a multi-day intervention, with worried family and friends expressing their concern, all while treating the victim with dignity and respect. The goal is discrediting the cult’s leader by reigniting the person’s critical thinking skills, reminding them of who they used to be, and perhaps the most crucial and difficult part – not calling them brainwashed or stupid.

Buy Cults Inside Out $9.99

3. Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM

How can a smart, savvy, educated adult fall victim to a cult, even when she had her initial doubts?

This unsettling read tells the story of Sarah Edmondson, and her harrowing narrative of joining the infamous sex cult NXIVM, eventually becoming a whistle-blower and escaping.

The group, officially advertised as a multi-level marketing company offering personal and professional development through its “Executive Success Programs,” gave her a feeling of belonging, even empowerment, as she rose through the ranks to become the Vancouver head of NXIVM. But as with all cults, there was a dark ulterior motive under the surface. The group was centered around a male leader and a whole host of female associates aiding him, using the company as a recruiting platform for sex slavery, with hundreds of women who were “honored” to have him brand his initials on their skin.

Edmondson unfolds the story in a plain but informative manner, keeping exaggerations and drama to a minimum and instead giving it to us as a cautionary tale.

She didn’t just quit quietly either. She bravely and publicly spoke out against them and took on the aggressively litigious organization in court battles, saving as many other members as she could in the process.

Thanks to her information and cooperation, the FBI eventually closed in on NXIVM, sending most high-ranking members to federal prison. To this day, the leader still has a hand in running operations from behind bars, and die-hard supporters organize “dance protests” outside the jail where he’s kept.

HBO and Starz also made the story of NXIVM into two documentaries for those who want to continue learning more about this incredible story.

Buy Scarred: The True Story of How I… $13.49

4. Terror, Love and Brainwashing: Attachment in Cults and Totalitarian Systems

For anyone thinking that you’re confidently outside the grasp of being recruited, this book explains why, and how, anyone can fall prey.

Author Alexandra Stein is a Doctor of Sociology, and clearly lays out the initial stages, recruitment and retention of a cult and their followers, with plenty of real-life examples and testimonials. The main focus here is “Attachment Theory” – coercing members to replace their feelings of actual family with their newly-found leader and his/her philosophy.

The book completely envelopes the reader into the psyche of a cult member, providing an insightful look at the joining process as well as the emotional aspects that fuel it. Each chapter increases step-by-step, as if you’re being recruited, slowly giving up your regular life and being drawn into the false promises and realities of the organization.

It’s a terrifying but educational read, as well as a way to better understand the recruiting process – and how there’s often hope of bringing the person back.

Buy Terror, Love and Brainwashing…

5. Waco: A Survivor’s Story

In April 1993, a small religious sect known as the Branch Davidians were living outside Waco, Texas in a compound dubbed Mount Carmel. Led by David Koresh, the group was rumored to be stockpiling weapons or even running a meth lab, while Koresh was suspected of physical assault, statutory rape, and polygamy – entitling himself to at least 140 wives and laying claim over any women in the group.

The ATF and FBI began surveilling, which led to a tense standoff, followed by a gun battle that took the lives of four government agents and six Branch Davidians, and a botched raid that ended in a massive tragedy which caught the attention of the nation.

The US Government’s official report on what happened varies widely from those who were there. But this account, written by survivor David Thibodeau, tells the story of what went on inside the compound during the 51-day siege, from his point of view. As one of only 11 who lived to tell about it (and only four who weren’t given prison sentences afterwards) Thibodeau’s retelling starts before even meeting Koresh, as he walks the reader through the increasing chaos that ensued all the way up to, and after, the fire that burned it all down, killing Koresh and 77 others – 25 of whom were children.

Accounts of what happened that day are all over the place depending on the source, which makes it an even more interesting rabbit-hole of information to go down. The book’s conversational tone gives a necessary glimpse into a side of the story that’s easy to get immersed into.

Buy Waco: A Survivor's Story $12.49

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Beyond the Bookends

A Book Blog for Women and Moms who Love to Read

9 Books About Cults: Captivating Non-Fiction & Fiction Picks

Ever since reading Hollywood Park , I’ve been interested in books about cults – both fiction and nonfiction.

I’m fascinated by the reasons someone would join and then stay in a cult whether for religious, political, or wellness reasons.

Watching the Nine Perfect Strangers adaptation only furthered my interest. Since Jackie has read a few of these books about cults too, we thought we would round up our favorites and the ones we want to read for you!

*The best books about cults post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

Fiction Books About Cults

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett

True crime author Amanda Bailey is looking to revive her career. She decides to write a book about The Alperton Angels, a cult that almost convinced a teenage girl that her baby was The Anti-Christ and needed to be killed. But after she calls the police and is dropped off at the hospital, she disappears and so does the baby.

Now Amanda is trying to find the perfect angle for this book when she discovers that Oliver, another author, is also on the case. When they decide to collaborate, they discover that the story goes deeper than they could have imagined.

I started reading this book but then switched to the full-cast audio version and could not put it down. The book is written as WhatsApp messages, emails, and transcripts. I absolutely loved this five-star read and highly recommend the audio version for a deeper reading experience. #gifted

Find this book in Cult Books / Full Cast Audiobooks / Ultimate List of Mystery Books

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

November 2019 GMA Book Club Pick

I love Lisa Jewell. As I read her books I find each one creepier than the last. This book starts with Libby’s 25th birthday when she inherits a multi-million dollar home. She knows that she was adopted at 10 months old but, she doesn’t know the truth about what happened to her family. She is shocked to find that the story that she was told is not what happened to her family.

25+ years ago Henry, his sister, and his parents are living a very privileged life. When he is 12 years old, things change when David moves into the house with his wife and kids with no plans to leave. He is charismatic and alluring to everyone except Henry. The story moves between past and present until the two stories come together and you finally understand what happened in the house all those years ago. I love listening to full cast audiobooks and this popular thriller book was no exception. If you love Lisa Jewell, check out our post: The Best Lisa Jewell Books Ranked: Complete List

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai

Wow.  This is one of those rare books that really has it all.  It was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize as well as the National Book Award and definitely lives up to its hype.  It is a beautifully written, powerful, and poignant book about the AIDS epidemic in Chicago in the 1980s and its aftermath 30 years later. 

Yale Tishman is the development director of an art gallery that is about to bring in an extraordinary collection of art from the 1920s.  He has just lost his friend Nico and is losing friends all around him.  Fast forward to 2015 when Nico’s little sister is in Paris searching for her daughter who disappeared with a cult three years earlier.  I cannot say enough about this book – it’s one of the best books of 2019!

Please Join Us by Catherine McKenzie

Do you love books about secret societies as I do? Then join me in diving into the world of Panthera Leo and their mission to help women conquer the world.

Nicole needs the women in her “Pride” to help her find a new apartment and get back on the partner track at her law firm. But are these women out to help her or is there something more sinister happening with Panthera Leo?

This one was so quick but also so enjoyable. It’s the perfect read for fall for anyone looking for a book about cults.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

December 2022 read with jenna book pick.

Richard is one of a select group of six students who have been hand-picked to work under the guidance of a classics teacher named Julian Morrow. Richard is narrating the story and he begins by telling about the death of one of the students named Bunny.

As the story progresses, it is clear that this secret society of students rides the line of morality. The strained friendships and sexual tensions continue to push the edge until Bunny is killed.

This is one of the books about secret societies that was deeply disturbing and difficult to read. It certainly earns its place on our list of dark academia books and books about cults! And as with most books set in college, this one is a perfect book for fall.

Wellness Cult Books

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

Let me start off by saying, this is no Big Little Lies. I love Moriarty when her works are based more on events that could actually happen – My Husband’s Secret and Big Little Lies remain great contemporary fiction books on my list.

This story about nine strangers at a health retreat had an incredible start and then got insanely far-fetched. Mind you, I enjoyed it immensely, but you need to go in knowing that it’s an enjoyable read but nothing more.

I’ll Be You by Janelle Brown

Sam and Elli are identical twins and former child acting stars who are now estranged. But when Sam’s parents call her because Elli is acting oddly, the secrets from their past start unraveling.

Elli has disappeared and Sam must figure out where she is. But Sam is dealing with life as a recovering addict and through flashbacks, we learn about the root of the wedge between the once-close sisters. Can Sam figure out how to save her sister before they lose each other for good?

This was not my favorite Janelle Brown. I found the whole cult storyline to be predictable and a little silly.

Nonfiction Books about Cults

Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett

I have not read a memoir so fascinating and compelling since Educated by Tara Westover. As non-fiction books go, this is one of the best.

Jollett’s story about leaving a cult he was born into and the emotional scars his early childhood trauma left on him was so compelling. I was so impressed by his insight into himself and those around him, and his willingness to be so frank about his journey to adulthood. I can’t recommend this book about cults enough. 

Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

This coming-of-age book had me thinking about it for DAYS. I mean truly, DAYS. This book about poverty shows the impact how a lack of education can impact generations.

Tara’s journey was inspiring, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking all in one. This nonfiction book about cults had great insight into more extremist religions and survivalists.

I don’t usually read memoirs and I heard great things about this book.  I loved it so much- it made my list of favorites for the year last year.  It is such an amazing story that reads like a novel rather than non-fiction.

More Books about Cults

If you want to read more stories featuring cults, we’ve rounded up the fiction and nonfiction books about cults that we are most interested in reading.

Which of our picks for best books about cults have you read?

21 Alluring Books About Secret Societies You Can’t Put Down

If you love fiction and nonfiction books about cults, we bet you’ll love these secret society stories too!

Co-founder and Editorial Director

Jackie is the mother of three children and a Speech-Language Pathologist who uses her love of books to create language-based learning opportunities in her speech therapy practice and with her own children. Her 20+ years of experience in regular and special education classrooms ensures the website content is relevant and informative. She started this website with Kirsten to share their passion for literacy with other moms and kids.

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20 Must-Read YA Books About Cults

Kelly Jensen

Kelly is a former librarian and a long-time blogger at STACKED. She's the editor/author of (DON'T) CALL ME CRAZY: 33 VOICES START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH and the editor/author of HERE WE ARE: FEMINISM FOR THE REAL WORLD. Her next book, BODY TALK, will publish in Fall 2020. Follow her on Instagram @heykellyjensen .

View All posts by Kelly Jensen

Trends in publishing show up pretty prominently in YA books, likely in part because of how trends for teenagers emerge more broadly. This becomes really evident as you notice the rise and fall of stories filled with vampires or dystopian futures, but it’s also apparent with other themes and topics. Although they never truly disappear—you’ll always have these books—the fluctuations shift. Such is the case with YA books about cults.

YA books about cults are having a moment right now, and they’re going to continue their growth over the next year or two in the category. Perhaps because of the ways they connect neatly with fans of true crime as well as fans of thrillers, YA cult books are a natural fit for those readers.

YA cult books go further than that, though, as they represent the adolescent experience more broadly. Feeling stuck, sheltered, controlled: these are all common teen experiences that push against the innate desire to grow and bloom into a unique and independent person.

What constitutes a cult book, though? For all intents and purposes—and for this list specifically—a cult is a group defined by its devotion to religious, spiritual, or philosophical practices that fall outside of the “norm.” Defining “norm,” of course, is in and of itself challenging, and therein lies what it is that makes cult books so fascinating. Where is the line between a normal religious or spiritual practice and one that becomes obsessive and dangerous?

These books are also scathing critiques of the patriarchy. It’s hard not to notice nearly every book features a female main character seeking freedom. Many times, it comes through the form of a boy who isn’t what he seems to be, further deepening the critique of systems created, cultivated, and thriving from masculine power.

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For YA books about cults, it’s vital to acknowledge the serious lack of authors of color, as well as characters of color, in the catalog of titles. There certainly are some, as will be seen here, but it’s a very white array of books. People of color, who’ve been systemically oppressed, don’t have the same kind of freedoms to write these stories, as what constitutes “cult” experience in their lives doesn’t necessarily fall under religious social groups. Rather, their mere existence is oppressed and tamped down under sociopolical systems themselves. This does not mean that there aren’t cults—real or imagined—with people of color. But it does mean they’ve not yet seen their time in YA books.

Let’s hope they get to share those stories, too.

Compelling and Engaging YA Books About Cults

After the Fire by Will Hill

Moonbeam, as well as several other young people, survived a fire that killed dozens of members of the cult to which she belonged. While working through her trauma with a psychiatrist, the FBI has also launched an investigation to find out what happened. Moonbeam, now free, wants nothing more than to find out what happened to her mother after the fire.

Agnes at the End of the World by Kelly McWilliams

What’s more terrifying: a cult or a pandemic? McWilliams offers those two together in this debut novel.

Agnes always liked her quiet home life in Red Creek, where she looks after her siblings. But a chance encounter with a boy from the Outside leaves her questioning whether or not she really does like it or she’s been led to believe it. Medicine is outlawed in Red Creek, and Agnes’s brother Ezekiel needs insulin to survive. When she escapes with him, leaving the rest of her family behind, she’s confronted with a pandemic and discovers a link between herself and the virus.

The Believing Game by Eireann Corrigan

As punishment for her out-of-control behavior. Greer’s parents ship her off to McCracken Hill, a private, cloistered academy for troubled teens. Greer hates the cult-like world of McCracken. But when she meets Joshua, who introduces her to his mentor, she feels completely taken by the man and finds herself finally feeling understood.

Greer begins to question Joshua, what his motives are, and how he came into her life, and as she digs deeper, she discovers a new world of danger.

Blood and Salt by Kim Liggett

Ash’s mother has disappeared, and she’s convinced her mom has returned to Quivara, Kansas, home to the spiritual commune that she’d once escaped from. Her mother is nowhere to be found among the town and its sinister history and traditions, which begin to plague Ash and her memory.

It’s no surprise when a boy captivates her attention and begs her to look deeper at the history of Quinvara…and no surprise when the boy himself might not be all he seems. This is a cult book with serious horror flavor to it for those who liked their stories especially dark and wicked. It’s the first in a duology.

The Cemetery Boys by Z. Brewer

A darkly funny book, Brewer’s standalone follows Stephen when he learns that, due to mounting medical bills, he and his family will be moving to a tiny town to live with his grandmother. Things look rough until he meets punk girl Cara and her brother Devon—he likes to pine for Cara and hang out with Devon and his friends, who seem like a solid group to fit in with. The longer Stephen hangs out with Devon, though, the more he’s beginning to see that perhaps their nights in the cemetery aren’t as harmless as they look. It might be that Devon is a leader of more than simply a group of friends.

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

It’s secret visits to the mobile library on the edge of her community where 13-year-old Kyra begins to learn the reality of her life: her father’s numerous wives, having over 20 siblings, and the fact the Prophet has declared that she’ll be marrying her 60-year-old uncle who already has several other wives. When she meets Joshua on one of her secret trips, she falls for him and must wrestle with the realities of her life as-is or forever leave behind her family to get away from what’s before her.

Come November by Katrin Van Dam

When Rooney’s mother loses her job at the start of her senior year, she doesn’t plan to get a new one. Instead, she’s devoting herself to the Next World Society, a group which believes they’ll all be leaving the planet on November 17. Rooney doesn’t understand, but her mother and younger brother are all-in. How can Rooney keep her family together and save them from a dark future and from disappointment?

The Cresswell Plot by Eliza Wass

Castella and her five siblings live in a busted up home deep in the woods of upstate New York, where they follow the strict rules of God as told to their father. They’re all outcasts at school, ridiculed for their looks, behaviors, and beliefs. But when Castella is partnered for a project with George, she’s exposed to a whole new world outside of her own. Itching to explore, Castella yearns for freedom beyond the woods, but she’s too afraid to do it without her siblings.

When her father announces the family will soon be departing for heaven, Castella knows she needs to act now to save her life and the lives of her siblings.

Devil In Ohio by Daria Polatin

Based on a true story, Polatin’s novel begins when 15-year-old Jules comes home from school to discover a girl named Mae will be staying with her family. Jules’s mother is a psychiatric nurse and Mae is one of her patients.

But the longer Mae stays with them, the weirder she becomes and more the Jules becomes uncomfortable around her. When she discovers a pentagram carved in Mae’s back, Jules pieces together that Mae is a survivor of an embedded cult not far from her home…a cult that’s eager to get Mae back.

Devoted by Jennifer Mathieu

Rachel’s family is strictly religious. From deciding what her marriage will look like, her future about bering children, and her current life of deep modesty, Rachel has known no other way than that of this community to which she belongs.

But when Rachel meets a former community member and learns about life outside this system of belief—a girl who has moved back to their small Texas town after escaping and is able to stake her own claim in life—she begins to see there is more out there and she’s eager to see it.

Down From The Mountain by Elizabeth Fixmer

Eva wants to be a good disciple to the Righteous Path. She knows she and her family will be saved when Armageddon comes. But now that they’ve moved to the compound in Colorado, things begin to change: their food supplies are going missing, the compound leader is stockpiling weapons, and Eva is the only source of income for her family—she sells jewelry in town and will do so until she marries the compound leader.

When she meets outsiders during her work selling jewelry, Eva begins to wonder if life on the Righteous Path is the right one or if she and her family are pawns in a dangerous game at the compound.

Eden West by Pete Hautman

The Apocalypse will only spare those living in the 20 square miles of Nodd in the land of Grace. This is paradise, the chosen place, full of devotees who are safe from all the wickedness of the world beyond their fence.

At least, that’s the story 17-year-old Jacob has been told again and again. When he meets Lynna, a girl from outside, his world is rattled by the idea that things inside Nodd might not be all that they seem to be.

Family by Micol Ostow

Inspired by and loosely based on the Manson family, Ostow’s novel in verse is a story about young people who feel broken and want nothing more than to belong…even if it means certain ruin for them.

Gated by Amy Christine Parker

The first in a series, Parker’s book follows Lyla, who has been a devoted follower of The Community, where she lives. Her family was selected by Pioneer to join this elite community. When Lyla meets Cody, a boy from the outside, she suddenly begins to wonder whether or not Pioneer is who he pretends to be and whether or not The Community is all it’s cracked up to be.

Mirror in the Sky by Aditi Khorana

Tara is a student at an academically intense high school on scholarship, and her world becomes even more challenging when she discovers a message from an alternate Earth is received from light years away. On this planet, there’s another Tara, living an entirely different life because of a few changes in choices she’s made—think Sliding Doors , but on another planet.

This discovery at first brings about small shifts on Earth, but soon the shifts grow bigger and bigger, including the shift wherein her mother’s obsessive news watching turns into connecting with a cult.

No Parking at the End Times by Bryan Bliss

Abigail’s parents gave up everything, including their home, to the end-of-times preacher. They thought he was right and that the end times were coming. But now that they’ve lost everything, all Abigail wants is some sense of normalcy. How can she achieve that, knowing she has nothing? Where does she find faith enough in herself to keep her family surviving—and help them return back upright?

The Project by Courtney Summers (February 2021)

Summers isn’t known for shying away from big topics in her fiction, and her upcoming book The Project takes a dive into the world of cults. Lo’s sister Bea joined The Unity Project after her parents died, leaving Lo in the care of her great aunt. Though the group won the approval of the greater community, Lo doesn’t think The Unity Project is all that it seems. She’s out to investigate the truth behind the group, including what it is leader Lev Warren wants from his followers…and, perhaps, Lo herself.

Quiver by Julia Watts

What happens when, in rural Tennessee, a teen whose family follows the quiverfull movement connects with a teen who identifies as a feminist genderfluid socialist vegan?

This book explores cult-like fanaticism, digging into the extremes of social beliefs and practices.

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes

The Kevinian cult took away Minnow’s life, family, trust, and, when she attempted to escape, it took away her hands, too. With the murder of the Prophet and fire that destroyed the compound, Minnow is at the center of the question of what really happened. This compelling, engaging, and fast-paced read was made into a series for Facebook Watch called Sacred Lies .

The Smaller Evil by Stephanie Kuehn

Arman, who has always struggled with chronic illness and anxiety, decides he’s had enough and after stealing two thousand dollars from his drug-addicted step father, arrives at a “self-help” program in Big Sur. It’ll be his chance to “evolve,” so says Beau, the man behind the program. Beau is nothing like he seems—he’s complicated, compelling, and then, he’s gone. The only witness to Beau’s disappearance, now Arman has to rely on himself to get to the bottom of the mystery of what happened to Beau.

A complex, dark, and compelling look at what it is that helps people connect with themselves, as well as what it is that makes someone a leader.

Those Who Prey by Jennifer Moffett (November 2020)

Emily is excited to go to college, but she quickly discovers that it’s much lonelier than she ever expected. Then The Kingdom, an elite group on campus, finds her and begins to offer her the world. Literally, they offer her a boyfriend, friendship, and the chance to join a mission trip to Italy. But it’s anything but a happy trip when money and passports go missing, and the stakes keep getting higher as The Kingdom becomes more manipulative and dangerous.

The Violet Hour by Whitney A. Miller

Harlow is the adopted daughter of the leader of VisionCrest, and while she’s regularly under the eyes of others and needs to be perfect, polished, and ready to take on a leadership role within the group at any time, the voice in her head is something all together different. It wants her to kill.

This is a bloody, dark, and twisted thriller for readers who want a gory, gruesome cult read.

Because this list is limited to 20 titles (okay, 21!), of course it doesn’t include every YA book about cults. But if you’re craving more, a few additional titles for your ever-growing TBR include Girl in a Bad Place by Kaitlin Ward , Karma for Beginners by Jessica Blank , The Liar’s Daughter by Megan Cooley Peterson, The Patron Saint of Butterflies by Cecelia Galante, Shallow Graves by Kali Wallace, The Sisterhood by AJ Grainger , The Right and the Real by Joelle Anthony , The Special Ones by Em Bailey , Starbird Murphy and The World Outside by Karen Finneyfrock, and The Virtue of Sin by Shannon Schuren.

Itching for more great reads? You’ll want to dig into these hard-hitting YA novels .

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Nonfiction Books to Read While Researching and Writing About Cults

Stephanie wrobel's top nonfiction picks for writers and readers preparing to dive deep into cults..

Writing novels is an excuse to immerse myself in my obsessions. Research is my favorite part of writing prep, and I am one-hundred-percent guilty of continuing to read and take notes long after I know a subject backward and forward.

My second novel, This Might Hurt , is about a cult, and I pursued this topic with typical gusto. These unusual communities have always enthralled me. I didn’t know it at the time, but whenever I picked up a cult novel, I was trying to figure out two things: why would someone start a cult? Perhaps more importantly, why would someone join one?

The more cult novels I read, the less I felt these questions were being answered. Often the cult was more of a plot device than anything; I couldn’t picture myself or anyone I knew getting wrapped up in these fictitious societies. Yet real people did and do join cults all the time. I turned to nonfiction, and there, I found the answers I was looking for.

If you, too, are thinking of writing a novel about a cult, let me make the task a little easier by sharing a handful of the best resources I stumbled upon. Below are my top nonfiction book picks for writers preparing to dive deep into cults—or for the lay reader who wants to do the same.

The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple by Jeff Guinn

Guinn exhaustively covers not only the history of the Peoples Temple, but also its leader, Jim Jones, taking the reader all the way back to his childhood. We learn Jones’s quirks, like holding funerals for roadkill as a boy, and, as a teenager, refusing to speak to anyone unless he initiated the conversation. We see the role Jones’s mother played in his development. We get to witness, up close, the techniques Jones used to recruit new members, and how he kept them committed once they’d joined. If you’re looking for a psychology manual on how a cult leader takes shape and thrives, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than this one. Bonus: I also highly recommend listening to Guinn’s interview on NPR’s Fresh Air , which is full of fascinating insights.

Seductive Poison: A Jonestown Survivor’s Story of Life and Death in the Peoples Temple by Deborah Layton  

Layton’s memoir is the best resource I found for understanding how people wind up in cults. She gives a firsthand account of why she joined one—in this case, Peoples Temple again—and why she stayed as long as she did. This story gives you the chance to see a cult leader through a member’s eyes: the initial admiration that often develops into infatuation, which slowly turns to doubt, disillusion, and fear. I found the admiration and infatuation elements the most useful; it’s easy for those of us outside the cult to understand the eventual disillusionment and fear, but it’s much harder to see the allure of these leaders. Layton’s book is an excellent companion piece to Guinn’s, allowing you to read the same story twice but from wildly different perspectives.

Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders by Vincent Bugliosi

Helter Skelter is a classic within the true crime genre, and for good reason: it reads like a novel. As with Guinn’s book, Bugliosi offers readers the chance to peek behind the curtain, to understand how Charles Manson became Charles Manson. By reading multiple biographies of cult leaders, we can note the commonalities between people like Jones and Manson: neglected, narcissistic, unpredictable, power-driven. But to make a cult leader feel real and believable, we can’t mistake them as being interchangeable. Jones, Manson, Applewhite, Koresh, etc. had differing belief systems; they had strengths, weaknesses, and tics specific to their personalities and upbringings. Helter Skelter takes an unblinking look at one of these men.

Tricks of the Mind by Derren Brown

  I realize the autobiography/magic manual of a British illusionist may not be the most obvious choice for a roundup about cults, but hear me out. Brown spends part of his book explaining what sort of people are most likely to believe—in hypnosis, in magic, in a charlatan promising the world. (Sound familiar?) Brown’s musings on belief and the difficulty of defying authority are also applicable to the relationships found within cults. Finally, he offers tips for being an effective performer—and what are cult leaders, if not masterful performers?

Escape by Carolyn Jessop

Jessop is a former member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or FLDS. If you’re interested in writing a story about a religious cult or polygamist sect, Jessop gives you an uncomfortable but powerful look into daily life inside one. She spends much of the book recounting the difficulty of extricating herself from the cult, so if your novel has an escape element to it, Jessop’s story is a good one to read.

Cults, Conspiracies & Secret Societies: The Straight Scoop on Freemasons, The Illuminati, Skull and Bones, Black Helicopters, The New World Order, and many, many more by Arthur Goldwag

What sort of research guide would this be without a reference manual? In truth, I found the resources I’ve already mentioned more helpful than this one, but there is information to be gleaned here too. Most useful to me were Goldwag’s three characteristics of cults: 1) a charismatic leader who becomes an object of worship, 2) a process of coercive persuasion, and 3) psychological, economic, and/or sexual exploitation of members by leaders. These days, it’s easy to accuse anything with a zealous following of being a cult, but I think it’s important to know what the textbook definition is before attempting to create one ourselves.

The more I studied cult leaders, the more familiar their personality traits sounded. I realized I had written a narcissist before—Patty Watts was one of the narrators of my first novel, Darling Rose Gold . Patty has Munchausen syndrome by proxy (now known as Factitious disorder in another), which meant she was cunning, manipulative, and charismatic. Upon identifying the overlap between cult leaders and people with FDIA, I was able to apply some of Patty’s tricks to Teacher, Wisewood’s fearless founder. Despite Patty’s and Teacher’s commonalities, I suspect most readers would never confuse them; to me, they feel nothing alike. In research, narcissists tend to sound quite similar. In literature, they can—and should—be as varied as writers themselves.

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Stephanie Wrobel

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Diaries of A Bibliophile

Book Lists , Memoir , Non-fiction

16 Non-Fiction Books About Cults

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links , which earn me a commission at no additional cost to you.

I don’t know about you, but there’s something that just fascinates me about cults and cultish behavior. I think it’s probably the psychology about how some people are more susceptible to joining cults than others. Or perhaps it’s how there are many instances where religion and cults intersect and overlap. I’m not sure. But I’m hooked.

Because I love learning about different cults and their inner workings, I can never say say no to a non-fiction book about cults. Typically, it’s a memoir from a cult survivor, but there are a few general non-fiction books that also share valuable information about cults and their behaviors. As you can see from the title of this post (and the content below), I’ve compiled a list of 16 non-fiction books about cults – a mix of memoir and general non-fiction. Enjoy!

1. Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer

Jon Krakauer’s literary reputation rests on insightful chronicles of lives conducted at the outer limits. In Under The Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith, he shifts his focus from extremes of physical adventure to extremes of religious belief within our own borders. At the core of his book is an appalling double murder committed by two Mormon Fundamentalist brothers, Ron and Dan Lafferty, who insist they received a revelation from God commanding them to kill their blameless victims. Beginning with a meticulously researched account of this “divinely inspired” crime, Krakauer constructs a multilayered, bone-chilling narrative of messianic delusion, savage violence, polygamy, and unyielding faith. Along the way, he uncovers a shadowy offshoot of America’s fastest-growing religion, and raises provocative questions about the nature of religious belief.

Krakauer takes readers inside isolated communities in the American West, Canada, and Mexico, where some forty-thousand Mormon Fundamentalists believe the mainstream Mormon Church went unforgivably astray when it renounced polygamy. Defying both civil authorities and the Mormon establishment in Salt Lake City, the leaders of these outlaw sects are zealots who answer only to God. Marrying prodigiously and with virtual impunity (the leader of the largest fundamentalist church took seventy-five “plural wives,” several of whom were wed to him when they were fourteen or fifteen and he was in his eighties), fundamentalist prophets exercise absolute control over the lives of their followers, and preach that any day now the world will be swept clean in a hurricane of fire, sparing only their most obedient adherents.

Weaving the story of the Lafferty brothers and their fanatical brethren with a clear-eyed look at Mormonism’s violent past, Krakauer examines the underbelly of the most successful homegrown faith in the United States, and finds a distinctly American brand of religious extremism. The result is vintage Krakauer, an utterly compelling work of nonfiction that illuminates an otherwise confounding realm of human behavior.

Links: Amazon – Libro.fm – Goodreads

2. Cultish by Amanda Montell

What makes “cults” so intriguing and frightening? What makes them powerful? The reason why so many of us binge Manson documentaries by the dozen and fall down rabbit holes researching suburban moms gone QAnon is because we’re looking for a satisfying explanation for what causes people to join—and more importantly, stay in—extreme groups. We secretly want to know: could it happen to me? Amanda Montell’s argument is that, on some level, it already has . . .

Our culture tends to provide pretty flimsy answers to questions of cult influence, mostly having to do with vague talk of “brainwashing.” But the true answer has nothing to do with freaky mind-control wizardry or Kool-Aid. In Cultish, Montell argues that the key to manufacturing intense ideology, community, and us/them attitudes all comes down to language. In both positive ways and shadowy ones, cultish language is something we hear—and are influenced by—every single day.

Through juicy storytelling and cutting original research, Montell exposes the verbal elements that make a wide spectrum of communities “cultish,” revealing how they affect followers of groups as notorious as Heaven’s Gate, but also how they pervade our modern start-ups, Peloton leaderboards, and Instagram feeds. Incisive and darkly funny, this enrapturing take on the curious social science of power and belief will make you hear the fanatical language of “cultish” everywhere.

3. The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner

UTH WARINER was the thirty-ninth of her father’s forty-two children. Growing up on a farm in rural Mexico, where authorities turn a blind eye to the practices of her community, Ruth lives in a ramshackle house without indoor plumbing or electricity. At church, preachers teach that God will punish the wicked by destroying the world and that women can only ascend to Heaven by entering into polygamous marriages and giving birth to as many children as possible. After Ruth’s father—the man who had been the founding prophet of the colony—is brutally murdered by his brother in a bid for church power, her mother remarries, becoming the second wife of another faithful congregant.

In need of government assistance and supplemental income, Ruth and her siblings are carted back and forth between Mexico and the United States, where Ruth’s mother collects welfare and her stepfather works a variety of odd jobs. Ruth comes to love the time she spends in the States, realizing that perhaps the community into which she was born is not the right one for her. As she begins to doubt her family’s beliefs and question her mother’s choices, she struggles to balance her fierce love for her siblings with her determination to forge a better life for herself.

Recounted from the innocent and hopeful perspective of a child,  The Sound of Gravel  is the remarkable memoir of one girl’s fight for peace and love. This is an intimate, gripping tale of triumph, courage, and resilience.

Links: Amazon – Libro.fm – Goodreads – My Review

4. Sex Cult Nun by Faith Jones

Faith Jones was raised to be part an elite army preparing for the End Times. Growing up on an isolated farm in Macau, she prayed for hours every day and read letters of prophecy written by her grandfather, the founder of the Children of God. Tens of thousands of members strong, the cult followers looked to Faith’s grandfather as their guiding light. As such, Faith was celebrated as special and then punished doubly to remind her that she was not.

Over decades, the Children of God grew into an international organization that became notorious for its alarming sex practices and allegations of abuse and exploitation. But with indomitable grit, Faith survived, creating a world of her own—pilfering books and teaching herself high school curriculum. Finally, at age twenty-three, thirsting for knowledge and freedom, she broke away, leaving behind everything she knew to forge her own path in America.

A complicated family story mixed with a hauntingly intimate coming-of-age narrative, Faith Jones’ extraordinary memoir reflects our societal norms of oppression and abuse while providing a unique lens to explore spiritual manipulation and our rights in our bodies. Honest, eye-opening, uplifting, and intensely affecting,  Sex Cult Nun  brings to life a hidden world that’s hypnotically alien yet unexpectedly relatable. 

5. A Billion Years by Mike Rinder

Mike Rinder’s parents began taking him to their local Scientology center when he was five years old. After high school, he signed a billion-year contract and was admitted into Scientology’s elite inner circle, the Sea Organization. Brought to founder L. Ron Hubbard’s yacht and promised training in Hubbard’s most advanced techniques, Mike was instead put to work swabbing the decks.

Still, Rinder bought into the doctrine that his personal comfort was secondary to the higher purpose of Hubbard’s world-saving mission, swiftly rising through the ranks. In the 1980s, Rinder became Scientology’s international spokesperson and the head of its powerful Office of Special Affairs. He helped negotiate Scientology’s pivotal tax exemption from the IRS and engaged with the organization’s prominent celebrity members, including Tom Cruise, Lisa Marie Presley, and John Travolta.

Yet Rinder couldn’t shake a nagging feeling that something was amiss—Hubbard’s promises remained unfulfilled at his death, and his successor, David Miscavige, was a ruthless and vindictive man who did not hesitate to confine many top Scientologists, Mike among them, to a makeshift prison known as the Hole.

In 2007, at the age of fifty-two, Rinder finally escaped Scientology. Overnight, he became one of the organization’s biggest public enemies. He was followed, hacked, spied on, and tracked. But he refused to be intimidated and today helps people break free of Scientology.

6. Don’t Call It a Cult by Sarah Berman

They draw you in with the promise of empowerment, self-discovery, women helping women. The more secretive those connections are, the more exclusive you feel. Little did you know, you just joined a cult.

Sex trafficking. Self-help coaching. Forced labour. Mentorship. Multi-level marketing. Gaslighting. Investigative journalist Sarah Berman explores the shocking practices of NXIVM, a global organization run by Keith Raniere and his high-profile enablers (Seagram heir Clare Bronfman; Smallville actor Allison Mack; Battlestar Galactica actor Nicki Clyne). Through the accounts of central NXIVM figures, Berman unravels how young women seeking creative coaching and networking opportunities found themselves blackmailed, literally branded, near-starved, and enslaved. With the help of the Bronfman fortune Raniere built a wall of silence around these abuses, leveraging the legal system to go after enemies and whistleblowers.

Don’t Call It a Cult shows that these abuses looked very different from the inside, where young women initially received mentorship and protection. Don’t Call It a Cult is a riveting account of NXIVM’s rise to power, its ability to evade prosecution for decades, and the investigation that finally revealed its dark secrets to the world. It explores why so many were drawn to its message of empowerment yet could not recognize its manipulative and harmful leader for what he was—a criminal.

7. Breaking Free by Rachel Jeffs

Born into the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Rachel Jeffs was raised in a strict patriarchal culture defined by subordinate sister wives and men they must obey. No one in this radical splinter sect of the Mormon Church was more powerful or terrifying than its leader Warren Jeffs—Rachel’s father.

Living outside mainstream Mormonism and federal law, Jeffs arranged marriages between under-age girls and middle-aged and elderly members of his congregation. In 2006, he gained international notoriety when the FBI placed him on its Ten Most Wanted List. Though he is serving a life sentence for child sexual assault, Jeffs’ iron grip on the church remains firm, and his edicts to his followers increasingly restrictive and bizarre.

In Breaking Free, Rachel blows the lid off this taciturn community made famous by John Krakauer’s bestselling Under the Banner of Heaven to offer a harrowing look at her life with Warren Jeffs, and the years of physical and emotional abuse she suffered. Sexually assaulted, compelled into an arranged polygamous marriage, locked away in “houses of hiding” as punishment for perceived transgressions, and physically separated from her children, Rachel, Jeffs’ first plural daughter by his second of more than fifty wives, eventually found the courage to leave the church in 2015. But Breaking Free is not only her story—Rachel’s experiences illuminate those of her family and the countless others who remain trapped in the strange world she left behind.

A shocking and mesmerizing memoir of faith, abuse, courage, and freedom, Breaking Free is an expose of religious extremism and a beacon of hope for anyone trying to overcome personal obstacles.

8. Lost Boy by Brent W. Jeffs

Brent Jeffs is the nephew of Warren Jeffs, the imprisoned leader of the FLDS. The son of a prominent family in the church, Brent could have grown up to have multiple wives of his own and significant power in the 10,000-strong community. But he knew that behind the group’s pious public image—women in chaste dresses carrying babies on their hips—lay a much darker reality. So he walked away, and was the first to file a sexual-abuse lawsuit against his uncle. Now Brent shares his courageous story and that of many other young men who have become “lost boys” when they leave the FLDS, either by choice or by expulsion.

Brent experienced firsthand the absolute power that church leaders wield—the kind of power that corrupts and perverts those who will do anything to maintain it. Once young men no longer belong to the church, they are cast out into a world for which they are utterly unprepared. More often than not, they succumb to the temptations of alcohol and other drugs.

Tragically, Brent lost two of his brothers in this struggle, one to suicide, the other to overdose. In this book he shows that lost boys can triumph and that abuse and trauma can be overcome, and he hopes that readers will be inspired to help former FLDS members find their way in the world.

9. Escape by Carolyn Jessop

When she was eighteen years old, Carolyn Jessop was coerced into an arranged marriage with a total stranger: a man thirty-two years her senior. Merril Jessop already had three wives. But arranged plural marriages were an integral part of Carolyn’s heritage: She was born into and raised in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), the radical offshoot of the Mormon Church that had settled in small communities along the Arizona-Utah border. Over the next fifteen years, Carolyn had eight children and withstood her husband’s psychological abuse and the watchful eyes of his other wives who were locked in a constant battle for supremacy.

Carolyn’s every move was dictated by her husband’s whims. He decided where she lived and how her children would be treated. He controlled the money she earned as a school teacher. He chose when they had sex; Carolyn could only refuse—at her peril. For in the FLDS, a wife’s compliance with her husband determined how much status both she and her children held in the family. Carolyn was miserable for years and wanted out, but she knew that if she tried to leave and got caught, her children would be taken away from her. No woman in the country had ever escaped from the FLDS and managed to get her children out, too. But in 2003, Carolyn chose freedom over fear and fled her home with her eight children. She had $20 to her name.

Escape exposes a world tantamount to a prison camp, created by religious fanatics who, in the name of God, deprive their followers the right to make choices, force women to be totally subservient to men, and brainwash children in church-run schools. Against this background, Carolyn Jessop’s flight takes on an extraordinary, inspiring power. Not only did she manage a daring escape from a brutal environment, she became the first woman ever granted full custody of her children in a contested suit involving the FLDS. And in 2006, her reports to the Utah attorney general on church abuses formed a crucial part of the case that led to the arrest of their notorious leader, Warren Jeffs.

10. Triumph by Carolyn Jessop

The author of Escape, which detailed her escape along with her eight children from the cult she had been raised in, the extremist Mormon sect the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, follows up on the 2008 raid on the Yearning for Zion Ranch, which her ex-husband ran for Warren Jeffs on a sprawling 1,700-acre ranch near Eldorado, Texas.

11. Cults by Max Cutler

Cults prey on the very attributes that make us human: our desire to belong; to find a deeper meaning in life; to live everyday with divine purpose. Their existence creates a sense that any one of us, at any time, could step off the cliff’s edge and fall into that daunting abyss of manipulation and unhinged dedication to a misplaced cause. Perhaps it’s this mindset that keeps us so utterly obsessed and desperate to learn more, or it’s that the stories are so bizarre and unsettling that we are simply in awe of the mechanics that make these infamous groups tick.

The premier storytelling podcast studio Parcast has been focusing on unearthing these mechanics—the cult leaders and followers, and the world and culture that gave birth to both. Parcast’s work in analyzing dozens of case studies has revealed patterns: distinct ways that cult leaders from different generations resemble one another. What links the ten notorious figures profiled in Cults are as disturbing as they are stunning—from Manson to Applewhite, Koresh to Raël, the stories woven here are both spellbinding and disturbing.

Cults is more than just a compilation of grisly biographies, however. In these pages, Parcast’s founder Max Cutler and national bestselling author Kevin Conley look closely at the lives of some of the most disreputable cult figures and tell the stories of their rise to power and fall from grace, sanity, and decency. Beyond that, it is a study of humanity, an unflinching look at what happens when the most vulnerable recesses of the mind are manipulated and how the things we hold most sacred can be twisted into the lowest form of malevolence.

12. Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett

So begins  Hollywood Park , Mikel Jollett’s remarkable memoir. His story opens in an experimental commune in California, which later morphed into the Church of Synanon, one of the country’s most infamous and dangerous cults. Per the leader’s mandate, all children, including Jollett and his older brother, were separated from their parents when they were six months old, and handed over to the cult’s “School.” After spending years in what was essentially an orphanage, Mikel escaped the cult one morning with his mother and older brother. But in many ways, life outside Synanon was even harder and more erratic.

In his raw, poetic and powerful voice, Jollett portrays a childhood filled with abject poverty, trauma, emotional abuse, delinquency and the lure of drugs and alcohol. Raised by a clinically depressed mother, tormented by his angry older brother, subjected to the unpredictability of troubled step-fathers and longing for contact with his father, a former heroin addict and ex-con, Jollett slowly, often painfully, builds a life that leads him to Stanford University and, eventually, to finding his voice as a writer and musician.

Hollywood Park  is told at first through the limited perspective of a child, and then broadens as Jollett begins to understand the world around him. Although Mikel Jollett’s story is filled with heartbreak, it is ultimately an unforgettable portrayal of love at its fiercest and most loyal.

13. Troublemaker by Leah Remini

Leah Remini has never been the type to hold her tongue. That willingness to speak her mind, stand her ground, and rattle the occasional cage has enabled this tough-talking girl from Brooklyn to forge an enduring and successful career in Hollywood. But being a troublemaker has come at a cost.

That was never more evident than in 2013, when Remini loudly and publicly broke with the Church of Scientology. Now, in this frank, funny, poignant memoir, the former  King of Queens  star opens up about that experience for the first time, revealing the in-depth details of her painful split with the church and its controversial practices.

Indoctrinated into the church as a child while living with her mother and sister in New York, Remini eventually moved to Los Angeles, where her dreams of becoming an actress and advancing Scientology’s causes grew increasingly intertwined. As an adult, she found the success she’d worked so hard for, and with it a prominent place in the hierarchy of celebrity Scientologists alongside people such as Tom Cruise, Scientology’s most high-profile adherent. Remini spent time directly with Cruise and was included among the guests at his 2006 wedding to Katie Holmes.

But when she began to raise questions about some of the church’s actions, she found herself a target. In the end, she was declared by the church to be a threat to their organization and therefore a “Suppressive Person,” and as a result, all of her fellow parishioners—including members of her own family—were told to disconnect from her. Forever.

Bold, brash, and bravely confessional,  Troublemaker  chronicles Leah Remini’s remarkable journey toward emotional and spiritual freedom, both for herself and for her family. This is a memoir designed to reveal the hard-won truths of a life lived honestly—from an author unafraid of the consequences.

14. Uncultured by Daniella Mestyanek Young

Behind the tall, foreboding gates of a commune in Brazil, Daniella Mestyanek Young was raised in the religious cult The Children of God, also known as The Family, as the daughter of high-ranking members. Her great-grandmother donated land for one of The Family’s first communes in Texas. Her mother, at thirteen, was forced to marry the leader and served as his secretary for many years. Beholden to The Family’s strict rules, Daniella suffers physical, emotional, and sexual abuse — masked as godly discipline and divine love — and is forbidden from getting a traditional education.

At fifteen years old, fed up with The Family and determined to build a better and freer life for herself, Daniella escapes to Texas. There, she bravely enrolls herself in high school and excels, later graduating as valedictorian of her college class, then electing to join the military to begin a career as an intelligence officer, where she believes she will finally belong.

But she soon learns that her new world — surrounded by men on the sands of Afghanistan — looks remarkably similar to the one she desperately tried to leave behind.

Told in a beautiful, propulsive voice and with clear-eyed honesty,  Uncultured  explores the dangers unleashed when harmful group mentality goes unrecognized, and is emblematic of the many ways women have to contort themselves to survive.

15. Unfollow by Megan Phelps-Roper

Megan Phelps-Roper was raised in the Westboro Baptist Church – the fire-and-brimstone religious sect at once aggressively homophobic and anti-Semitic, rejoiceful for AIDS and natural disasters, and notorious for its picketing the funerals of American soldiers. From her first public protest, aged five, to her instrumental role in spreading the church’s invective via social media, her formative years brought their difficulties. But being reviled was not one of them. She was preaching God’s truth. She was, in her words, ‘all in’.

In November 2012, at the age of twenty-six, she left the church, her family, and her life behind.  Unfollow  is a story about the rarest thing of all: a person changing their mind. It is a fascinating insight into a closed world of extreme belief, a biography of a complex family, and a hope-inspiring memoir of a young woman finding the courage to find compassion for others, as well as herself.

Links: Amazon – Goodreads

16. The Road to Jonestown by Jeff Guinn

In the 1950s, a young Indianapolis minister named Jim Jones preached a curious blend of the gospel and Marxism. His congregation was racially integrated, and he was a much-lauded leader in the contemporary civil rights movement. Eventually, Jones moved his church, Peoples Temple, to northern California. He became involved in electoral politics, and soon was a prominent Bay Area leader.

In this riveting narrative, Jeff Guinn examines Jones’s life, from his extramarital affairs, drug use, and fraudulent faith healing to the fraught decision to move almost a thousand of his followers to a settlement in the jungles of Guyana in South America. Guinn provides stunning new details of the events leading to the fatal day in November, 1978 when more than nine hundred people died—including almost three hundred infants and children—after being ordered to swallow a cyanide-laced drink.

Guinn examined thousands of pages of FBI files on the case, including material released during the course of his research. He traveled to Jones’s Indiana hometown, where he spoke to people never previously interviewed, and uncovered fresh information from Jonestown survivors. He even visited the Jonestown site with the same pilot who flew there the day that Congressman Leo Ryan was murdered on Jones’s orders.  The Road to Jonestown  is the definitive book about Jim Jones and the events that led to the tragedy at Jonestown.

Are there any others you’d add to the list? Let me know in the comments!

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Book Review: ‘City of Ruins’ completes a masterful Don Winslow trilogy

This image released by William Morrow shows “City in Ruins” by Don Winslow. (William Morrow via AP)

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Years ago, when novelist Don Winslow first read Aeschylus, he recognized that the Greek father of literary tragedies had explored every major theme found in modern crime fiction, from murder, vengeance, and corruption to power, justice and redemption. He became obsessed, he said recently, with the idea of retelling the ancient stories in a modern-crime fiction trilogy.

For the last 30 years, while churning out a succession of books that include some of the best crime novels ever written, he worked on the ambitious project in fits and starts, sometimes despairing but never giving up.

“City of Ruins” marks the conclusion of his saga of Rhode Island mobster turned Las Vegas gambling tycoon Danny Ryan. If Winslow is to be believed, it is also the last novel he will ever write as he turns his considerable talents to political activism.

The trilogy opened with “City on Fire” (2021) as Ryan and a handful of allies fled Providence, Rhode Island, after losing a gang war to the Italian Mafia. It continued with “City of Dreams” (2023) as Ryan tried, and failed, to build a new life in Los Angeles.

As “City in Ruins” opens, we find an older Ryan operating as a silent partner in two Las Vegas casinos. A man who was once a dock worker and underworld strong arm in Providence is now rich beyond his dreams, but he still wants more.

Why, he wonders. Is it greed? No. Not that.

“Be honest with yourself,” he says. “You want more money because money is power and power is safety. And you can never be safe enough. Not in this world.”

After all, the Italian mob and the FBI are still out there, hell bent on revenge and/or justice for the crimes he’s committed. For the people he has killed.

So Danny overreaches.

He schemes to purchase a prime piece of real estate on the Las Vegas strip to build a fabulous gambling resort, putting him in conflict with the city’s power brokers including a rival casino owner who has mob connections of his own.

Soon, the old enemies also are circling. Danny does what he can to prevent the power struggle from turning violent, but through a series of miscalculations, bullets start flying, endangering not only his gambling empire but his life and the lives of those he loves.

While “City in Ruins” can be read as a standalone, readers would be best served by reading the trilogy from the beginning. With his compelling characters, his vivid prose, and his exploration of universal themes, Winslow has produced a masterpiece of modern crime fiction.

Bruce DeSilva, winner of the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award, is the author of the Mulligan crime novels including “The Dread Line.”

AP book reviews: https://apnews.com/hub/book-reviews

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The 30 greatest book series of all time.

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British writer J.K. Rowling signs copies of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" for public school ... [+] children at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood on October 15, 2007.

From fantasy bodies of work to epic sagas, the vast world of literature contains classic books that have had a significant impact on popular culture, people, and places. Many of these books, which have become series, have captured the hearts and imaginations of readers of all ages worldwide and remain some of the most intriguing—and lucrative—pieces of literature ever to be published. This article compiles a list of the 30 greatest book series of all time, highlighting the plots and characters that have fascinated us, annoyed us, or made us thoroughly loathe them.

Top Book Series

This article covers a range of genres from fantasy to science fiction, and rankings are based on specific factors, including critical acclaim, commercial success, mass appeal, and cultural impact among readers of all ages over the years. From J.K. Rowling’s magical wizarding world to George R.R. Martin’s epic to C.S. Lewis’s magical musings, these series and their authors have earned reputations as the world’s literary elite.

30. The Expanse Series By James S.A. Corey

James S.A. Corey is the joint pen name of authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, and their The Expanse Series is a space opera body of work that sends readers to an otherworldly reality powered by escapism. In this futuristic reality, humanity is colonized by the solar system, giving rise to a complex web of conspiracy, political intrigue and the discovery of alien technology. The nine-book series, was originally published in 2011, and adapted into a hit TV show The Expanse, which adapted six out of the nine books in the series.

Who should read: Readers who are intrigued by epic space stories with complex characters, intricate plotting and high-stakes conflicts will be entertained by this series. It is available at Hachette Book Group .

29. The Southern Reach By Jeff VanderMeer

Jeff VanderMeer’s The Southern Reach Trilogy is set in the horrifying and surreal backdrop of Area X, an isolated location that has been isolated from the rest of civilization for years. The series follows a team of scientists and explorers as they venture into the heart of this mysterious territory. As they venture out deeper into Area X, they begin to experience strange physical transformations that challenge their understanding of reality and their own identities. There is no official television adaptation of The Southern Reach Trilogy, however, the first novel in the three-part series, Annihilation , was adapted into a film in 2018.

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Who should read: Readers who enjoy atmospheric and immersive storytelling, as well as those who appreciate horror will be drawn to this series. It is available at Macmillan Publishers .

28. Mistborn By Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Trilogy is proof that magic, intrigue and revolution can collide in ways that breathe life into stories. Sanderson tells the story of Vin, a young street thief with a troubled past, who discovers that she possesses rare and powerful allomantic abilities. As she makes her way through the rough and tumble streets of the Final Empire, she becomes involved in a rebellion against the tyrannical Lord Ruler that forces her to join forces with a group of skilled rebels to form a revolution. Sanderson’s apt storytelling in this series is an evergreen literary output that stays with readers long after they turn the final page.

Who should read: Fans of epic fantasy, heist stories and political intrigue will find much to love in Sanderson’s seasoned blend of magic and adventure. The Mistborn is series is currently available on the Macmillan Publishers website, and a feature film adaptation of the series is currently in the works.

27. The Red Rising Saga By Pierce Brown

These books, which eerily mirror real-life issues of discrimination and classism, is a gripping science fiction series that transports readers to a dystopian future where society is divided into color-coded castes, each with its own responsibilities and privileges. At the heart of the saga is the protagonist, Darrow, a young Red miner who embarks on a grueling journey of rebellion and redemption that will change the fate of humanity.

Who should read: This book is ideal for readers who are passionate about social justice and drawn to coming-of-age storylines. The series is available to readers on Penguin House . Brown published the series between 2014 and 2021, and the story unfolds across five novels, with a sixth installment in the works and available for pre-order.

26. Thursday Next Series By Jasper Fforde

Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next Series is a body of work that readers have found delightfully quirky with an inventive collection of novels that transports readers to an alternate version of England. First published between 2001 and 2012, the series follows the adventures of a literary detective called Special Operative as she navigates a world where books are not just objects of leisure but important members of society, with serious consequences for tampering or altering them.

Who should read: This book is perfect for readers who are literature fans to the core. Fforde has plans to publish more books in this series but currently, the series contains seven books and is available on Penguin Books .

25. The Bartimaeus Trilogy By Jonathan Stroud

Writers like Jonathan Stroud are able to thrive in their careers as authors because their uncanny ability to intertwine multiple themes to create a richly layered narrative of intrigue, adventure and rebellion. His book The Bartimaeus Trilogy, which was released between 2003 and 2005, consists of four books and is set against the backdrop of an imaginative world ruled by powerful magicians. Stroud weaves together a body of work that explores complex themes of tyranny, corruption and the struggle for freedom. At the heart of the series is the witty and cunning Djinni Bartimaeus, whose sharp wit and quick tongue provide a refreshing perspective on the events around him. In 2019, Start Media optioned the film and television rights to the adult fantasy series, but there has been no word on the progress of the project.

Who should read: While the series is marketed as young adult fiction, its depth and sophistication make it a rewarding read for readers of all ages. The series is available on Random House .

24. The Kingkiller Chronicle By Patrick Rothfus

Fantasy series can often become boring after a while, with some readers losing interest after the first three books, but that is far from the case here. With The Kingkiller Chronicle, Patrick Rothus keeps readers’ eyes glued to the pages by employing some of the finest skills in an author’s arsenal. Kvothe, the primary character in the book, is a figure whose life story unfolds across the pages, revealing a tale of triumph and tragedy, love and loss, and the pursuit of knowledge and power. Rothus’ episodic storytelling comes alive through Kvothe, who recounts his life story to a scribe, making the series an immersive read. Although there have been attempts to adapt the series into a movie or TV show, there are reportedly some ongoing challenges with this.

Who should read: The Kingkiller Chronicle is an excellent read for a diverse range of audiences, including fans of episodic storytelling and fantasy. The first two books of the fantasy trilogy were published between 2007 and 2011, and the series is available on Penguin Random House .

23. Riyria Revelations By Michael J. Sullivan

Michael J. Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations is an epic series that complements fantasy literature with complex characters who draw in readers with their personal stories. The series follows two protagonists, Royce Melborn, a cunning thief with a checkered past, and Hadrian Blackwater, a talented swordsman, as they embark on a thrilling journey replete with intrigue, dark mystery and dangerous adversaries. The six-book series, published between 2011 and 2012, shows that Sullivan is a master of his craft who has the ability to bring the pages of a book to life with a diverse cast of characters ranging from noble knights to ruthless villains, each with complex personalities. Although the series does not have a TV adaptation, Audible has created dramatized adaptations of the series.

Who should read: Riyria Revelations is a good read for people who enjoy complex plots and complicated protagonists. The series is available on Hachette Book Group .

22. The Witcher Saga By Andrzej Sapkowski

Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher Saga is a series of fantasy novels that has intrigued audiences with a plot that takes readers down the road of a dark and politically turbulent world, filled with magic, monsters and moral ambiguity. Sapkowski introduces readers to Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter (known as a Witcher), as he navigates his intricate and thrilling world. With its origins in Polish folklore and mythology, The Witcher Saga is comprised of six books, and gained a loyal fanbase for its vivid characters, rich storytelling and exploration of complex themes. Netflix adapted Sapkowski’s work for the silver screen a few years ago, and it got mixed reviews by critics.

Who should read: The Witcher Saga is a perfect book for readers who enjoy reading about complex characters and analyzing political themes. The Witcher Saga was published by Hatchette Book Group .

21. The Belgariad By David Eddings

At the heart of David Eddings’ The Belgariad lies the intriguing story of Garion, a small-town farm boy whose ordinary life takes a significant turn after he discovers his true identity as the heir to a legendary lineage of sorcerers. The coming-of-age books show Garion embarking on a journey of self-discovery, guided by the enigmatic sorcerer Belgarath and accompanied by a colorful cast of companions. Through Garion, Eddings thrusts readers into a world of magic, ancient prophecies, dark conspiracies and epic battles against the forces of darkness. The series is comprised of five books which Eddings wrote over the course of two years.

Who should read: The Belgariad is perfect for young readers and those looking for heroic storylines. The series can be found on the Grim Oak website.

20. The Earthsea Cycle By Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Earthsea Cycle is a remarkable series of fantasy books set in the archipelago of Earthsea, a fictional world characterized by vast seas, endless islands and magic. Although Le Guin intended the series to be a short story, she ended up turning the body of work into a series after realizing that she had grown as a writer and had more to say to share with her readers. Celebrated for its richly imagined world, philosophical depth and exploration of timeless themes, Le Guin’s The Earthsea is undoubtely a fan favorite . In 2006, the book was adapted into a movie called Tales from Earthsea.

Who should read: While The Earthsea Cycle is suitable for readers of all ages, young adult readers, in particular, may appreciate the series’ coming-of-age themes, relatable characters and moral dilemmas. The Earthsea Cycle is available on Simon & Schuster .

19. Crazy Rich Asians By Kevin Kwan

Kevin Kwan’s over-the-top trilogy Crazy Rich Asians is a body of work that is brimming with larger-than-life characters and their opulent lifestyles. The New York Times bestseller tells the story of protagonist Rachel Chu, a New Yorker, who falls madly in love with Nicholas Young, who happens to come from an affluent Singaporean family. Rachel is unaware of this fortune until she and Nick take a trip that reveals a lot of unexpected plot twists. This kicks off an exciting foray into wealth, exuberance and everything in between. In 2018, the series was adapted into a movie.

Who should read: This book is recommended for readers who like a good plot twist. The series is available on Penguin Random House .

Henry Golding and his wife Liv Lo attend the Singapore premiere of "Crazy Rich Asians" on August 21, ... [+] 2018.

18. Goosebumps By R. L. Stine

R.L. Stine revolutionized the world of fiction for young readers when he released the Goosebumps series . The spine-tingling saga was first released in 1992 with the release of Welcome to Dead House , Stine’s ominous invitation into a world lurking with darkness and mystery. Since the initial release, Stine has continued to publish a steady stream of new additions to the series, ensuring that the Goosebumps franchise remains as vibrant, evergreen and unsettling as ever. What makes Stine’s creation a timeless body of work is that it gives his audience a literary playground with which to explore the darker corners of their imaginations. Each tale is carefully crafted to deliver a powerful blend of suspense, mystery and spine-tingling horror, and all 240 books in the series have served their purpose. The series has inspired the 2015 American horror comedy film Goosebumps .

Who should read: This series is an especially good fit for young readers who enjoy the thrill of a good scare. It is available for purchase on Simon & Schuster .

17. The Dresden Files By Jim Butcher

Spanning an impressive 17 books (and counting) and written over the course of more than two decades, Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files is a spellbinding narrative collection with elements of noir mystery, supernatural intrigue and pulse-pounding action. The New York Times bestselling series has attracted readers because of its layered approach to the art of storytelling. At the heart of the series is Harry Dresden, a wizard and private investigator who operates in the shadows of modern-day Chicago. Butcher’s vivid prose comes alive through Dresden, who gives readers a vicarious insight into life in the windy metropolis, while navigating the gritty streets of the city and facing off vengeful vampires and malevolent creatures.

Who should read: Anyone who is intrigued by dark mystery and adventure would find this book fascinating. The 17-part series can be purchased on Penguin Random House .

16. Percy Jackson & the Olympians By Rick Riordan

Rick Riordan introduced readers to the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series with the 2005 debut of the series titled The Lightning Thief . The series underscores the modern-day world of demigods and Greek mythology through the perspective of Percy Jackson, a spirited teenager who discovers that he is the son of Poseidon, the sea god. Although the series centers on Greek mythology, Riordan weaves in elements like adventure, humor, and fantasy to give readers with a diverse palate a wide range of material. Riordan published five of the books in this series over the course of four years and all of the books have remained culturally appealing to young readers over the years. In 2023, Disney+ adapted the body of work into a TV series.

Who should read: This series is recommended for readers who are intrigued by greek mythology, thrillers and adventure. This series is available on Penguin Random House .

15. The Hardy Boys By Franklin W. Dixon (Pseudonym)

Since its first release in 1927, The Hardy Boys series has continued to captivate readers with over 190 thrilling installments, making it one of the longest-running and most beloved mystery series in literary history. Set in the fictional town of Bayport, the Hardy Boys series chronicles the daring adventures of two curious, intellectually sharp brothers, Frank and Joe Hardy. The two have a keen knack for solving mysteries that stump even the most seasoned adult detectives by confronting danger, outwitting cunning adversaries and upholding justice in each action-packed tale. The Hardy Boys series is a body of work that has spanned nearly a century, but has managed to maintain its popularity across generations. This has led to numerous adaptations for television, with the most recent offering being Hulu’s 2020 spin on the series.

Who should read: Fans of detective and mystery books would find this series appealing. The books can be purchased on Simon & Schuster ’s website.

14. The Foundation Series By Isaac Asimov

Published between 1951 and 1993, Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series is a cornerstone for classic science fiction. Set against the backdrop of a universe inhabited by countless worlds and civilizations, the story serves as the perfect opportunity for Asimov to bring the main characters to life as they explore political intrigue, scientific speculation, and philosophical inquiry with depth and complexity. The series follows a group of exiles who have taken it upon themselves to save humanity from the throes of the Galactic Empire. At the core of the story is Hari Seldon, whose uncanny theories of psychohistory allow him to predict the future with precision, foreseeing the inevitable collapse of the Galactic Empire and the onset of a dark age that will last thousands of years. The science fiction series has been adapted for television and is available on Apple TV Plus.

Who should read: This is a perfect book for readers who are curious about science fiction’s potential to explore complex ideas and intricate plots. The Foundation Series can be purchased on The Penguin Random House website.

13. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy By Douglas Adams

Douglas Adams’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series is a comedic science fiction saga that follows the misadventures of Arthur Dent, his protagonist, who is swept off Earth just before its destruction and embarks on a journey through the cosmos with his eccentric alien friend, Ford Prefect. What sets Adams’ franchise apart is his unique concoction of irreverent humor and thought-provoking philosophical themes. At its core, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is more than just a series of zany escapades—it is a humorous journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. The series has since been adapted to various other formats. In 1981, BBC adapted the television show in the United Kingdom for TV.

Who should read: Readers who enjoy philosophy with a healthy dose of laughter will like the five-book series, which can be purchased on the Penguin Random House website.

12. His Dark Materials By Philip Pullman

In his book His Dark Materials , Philip Pullman leans into multiple genres and themes, including fantasy, adventure and philosophical inquiry to set a parallel universe in motion. In this series, the souls of humans manifest themselves as sentient animal companions, which Pullman refers to as daemons. Through his masterful ability to create characters that challenge and entertain the reader, Pullman brings Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry, his two spirited protagonists, to life as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion against oppressive forces. Pullman blurs the lines between dark adventure and philosophical depth, which is appealing to readers of all ages. He wrote the series between 1995 and 2000, and in 2019, BBC One and HBO premiered the fantasy drama series His Dark Materials based on this series.

Who should read: Fans of thought-provoking fantasy seeking more than just escapism will find His Dark Materials to be a rewarding and enriching experience. The four-book series can be purchased on the Scholastic website.

Jack Thorne, Jane Tranter, Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson and Lin-Manuel Miranda of "His Dark Materials" ... [+] speak onstage during the HBO Summer TCA Panels on July 24, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California.

11. The Dark Tower By Stephen King

Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series is arguably his magnum opus. The body of work defies categorization, blending elements of fantasy, science fiction and horror into a seamless blend. As usual, King leans into his powerful storytelling abilities by introducing readers to Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger and a lone figure on a quest to reach the enigmatic Dark Tower — a mythical figure that holds the key to saving a world that is quickly becoming distinct. The book highlights Roland’s journey as it leads him to confront his inner demons and make sacrifices to reach his ultimate goal. The series spans eight novels, and as he always does, King finds a way to sweep readers into the fictional world of his characters in the most memorable and remarkable ways. In 2017, the series was adapted into a movie called The Dark Tower , featuring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey.

Who should read: Lovers of fiction, fantasy and adventure will find this book fascinating and entertaining. It can be purchased on the Simon & Schuster website.

10. Wheel of Time By Robert Jordan

Drawing from deep mythology and diverse cultures and traditions, The Wheel of Time series draws readers in with its epic scope and timeless themes of destiny, sacrifice and the nature of power. Robert Jordan’s body of work is not just a saga that ushers readers into its thick plot throughout fourteen volumes, it also immerses readers in a world where the forces of Light and Shadow collide in a power struggle for the fate of existence itself. At the core of the story is Rand al’Thor, a young man from a modest background who discovers he is the Dragon Reborn, a prophesied champion destined to confront the Dark One and change the course of the Wheel of Time. The series is reportedly being adapted into a movie trilogy that is in the works.

Who should read: This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys long reads and is committed to following the plot of a story, no matter how extended it is, to see it through to the end. The book can be found on Macmillan .

9. Discworld By Terry Pratchett

In Discworld , Terry Pratchett’s boundless whimsical imagination takes flight within the confines of a flat, disc-shaped world perched on the backs of four colossal elephants standing atop a giant turtle. In this fantastical world, magical wizards, mischievous dragons and eccentric characters bring the pages to life, inviting readers to embark on a journey that is a vivid exploration of both the absurd and the fantastical. Over the course of 32 years, the English author crafted 41 books, each brimming with its unique sense of sharp wit, satirical humor and idiosyncratic social commentary. Since its release, the series has garnered a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim for its unparalleled imagination and insightful exploration of societal norms. Although there have been some attempts to turn Discworld into a film adaptation, none has truly been successful.

Who should read: This book is a good fit for readers who are intrigued by fantasy and good humor. The book can be found on the Harper Collins website.

Author Sir Terry Pratchett leaves hand imprints and his signature in concrete while fans of his ... [+] "Discworld" novels look on at Kingwell Rise, Wincanton, England.

8. A Song of Ice and Fire By George R.R. Martin

George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series is a powerful epic with unexpected plot twists and turns. The story is set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, where noble houses vie for power and the threat of supernatural forces is ever looming. Through the series, Martin invites readers into a world where power is a double-edged sword, and loyalty can be a deadly flaw. Martin first published the first book in the series in 1996, and while five books have been released to date, he is reportedly working on the sixth novel, The Winds of Winter. His seventh novel in the series, A Dream of Spring, is allegedly also in the works. Thanks to its adaptation into the hit HBO television series Game of Thrones, Martin’s brain child has also become a TV fan-favorite.

Who should read: Lovers of fiction, fantasy and mystery would be happy with this book. Currently, it is available on Penguin Random House .

7. Outlander By Diana Gabaldon

Diana Gabaldon’s nine-book series Outlander is a treasure trove of creative mastery, time travel and apt storytelling. The historical romantic novels follow the story of British nurse Claire Randall, who time travels to 18th-century Scotland and finds love and adventure with the enigmatic Jamie Fraser. The encounter changes the course of Claire’s life and opens up her world to endless possibilities beyond anything she could have imagined. Gabaldon first published the first book in the nine-part series in 1991, and there are reports that she will publish a 10th sometime in the future. In 2014, the book series was adapted into a seven-season historical drama television series that premiered on Starz.

Who should read: This is a perfect book for readers who enjoy vivid imagery and are fans of complex characters. The series can be purchased on Simon & Schuster ’s website.

6. Fifty Shades By E. L. James

Cult classic Fifty Shades is an erotic six-book series by British author E. L. James that took the world by storm when he released the series, and fans soon fell in love with its provocative storyline and steamy romance. The series follows the intense relationship between literature student Anastasia Steele and mysterious billionaire Christian Grey as they navigate the complex nature of their relationship and the power dynamic within it. Set against the backdrop of Seattle, Washington, the Fifty Shades series explores themes of dominance and submission, boldly pushing the boundaries of what is accepted in conventional romance literature . In 2015, the books were adapted into an erotic romantic film series, which brought in a box office worldwide profit of $569.7 million against a budget of $40 million.

Who should read: Readers who are comfortable with intense character dynamics and are comfortable with explicit content will find Fifty Shades an engaging and provocative read. The series is available on Penguin Random House .

5. The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

In modern-day cult classic The Hunger Games , Suzanne Collins creates a dystopian trilogy that follows the main character, Katniss Everdeen, as she navigates the brutal Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death, and becomes a symbol of strength, courage and rebellion against the oppressive Capitol. As Katniss navigates the arena and all of the things that come with it, she is not only in survival mode, she transforms into a source of strength and hope for the oppressed districts, embodying the qualities of strength, courage and defiance in the face of tyranny. Collins plays into themes that rely on justice in the face of blatant injustice and advocacy for the oppressed when no one else will speak up for them. Collins’ body of work was adapted into the wildly popular The Hunger Games film series, featuring Jennifer Lawrence, who brought Katniss to life on the silver screen.

Who should read: This book is a perfect fit for fans of dystopian fiction, action-packed thrillers and strong female protagonists. The series is available for purchase on the Scholastic website.

Jennifer Lawrence attends the Spanish premiere of the film "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" on ... [+] November 13, 2013 in Madrid.

4. Twilight Saga By Stephenie Meyer

Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Saga is arguably one of the best fantasy storylines in modern history. The story unfolds in the small, rainy town of Forks, Washington, where Bella Swan, a reserved and introspective teenager, relocates to live with her father. There, she encounters the enigmatic Edward Cullen, a vampire with a compelling allure and a dangerous secret. As their forbidden romance blossoms, Bella becomes entangled in a world of immortal beings, werewolves and ageless supernatural conflicts. The book broaches several genres, inviting readers to explore several themes and sub themes, including romance, fantasy, suspense and horror. The book series inspired the mega-successful adaptation, The Twilight Saga , which spun five films and has grossed a staggering $5.28 billion worldwide.

Who should read: Fans of paranormal romance and supernatural drama will find themselves captivated by the Twilight Saga ’s storyline. This series is available through the series’ official publisher, Hachette Book Group .

3. The Chronicles of Narnia By C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic series of seven fantasy novels, each with a self-contained story that contributes to the overarching narrative of Narnia’s philosophy and mythology. Through this series, Lewis guides readers on a mystical journey that begins with an enchanted wardrobe in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and culminates in the final book, The Last Battle . In the series, Lewis explores themes of moral goodness, courage, sacrifice and redemption. The book has had a significant impact on readers of all ages, and some have even said that it carries themes that are arguably biblical. The classic was written between 1949 and 1954 and three out of the seven books in the series were adapted for the big screen, where they grossed $1.5 billion.

Who should read: Chronicles of Narnia is perfect for people who love philosophy and religion. The book’s timeless charm and captivating storytelling will enchant children and adults alike. Fans of fantasy, adventure and Christian allegory will also find a lot to appreciate in Lewis’s imaginative world. This series is available on Harper Collins .

A complete seven-book boxed set of C.S. Lewis' classic "Chronicles of Narnia" series.

2. The Lord of the Rings By J.R.R. Tolkien

Set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy, The Lord of the Rings , has amassed a cult-like following for its intricate storytelling, complex characters and mass appeal. Tolkien’s masterpiece follows the quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron, while leaning into universal feel-good themes like heroism, triumph over evil, and friendship. The series includes four books and is one of the most critical pieces of literature in the fantasy genre. Although Tolkien wrote the books between 1937 and 1949, it continues to be a a widely celebrated classic, even in the 21st century. To date, the body of work has sold over 150 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 40 languages. Because of its commercial success, it was adapted into six movies , collectively grossing over $2.9 billion worldwide.

Who should read: This series is perfect for intellectually curious readers who are interested in fantasy and complex characters. Harper Collins currently offers the series on its website.

1. Harry Potter Series By J.K. Rowling

Inarguably one of the most beloved book series of all time, J.K. Rowling struck gold with her multi-billion-dollar Harry Potter franchise. The series follows the journey of a young wizard, Harry Potter, who attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and battles the evil wizard Voldemort. Rowling’s vivid depiction of the complex characters in the story and the forces that shape their worlds, against the ultimate battle of good against evil, forms the backbone of the storyline. The series consists of seven books, published over a decade, from 1997 through 2007.

With over 600 million copies sold worldwide, the Harry Potter series has become a literary phenomenon, and has been translated into numerous languages, inspiring a generation of readers and an equally lucrative film franchise.

Who should read: Readers of all ages enjoy magical adventures and stories about timeless themes of friendship and courage in the face of adversity. To purchase the Harry Potter series, visit Scholastic .

What Are The Best Fantasy Book Series?

Robert Jordan kicked off The Wheel of Time series with his first release of The Eye of the World in 1990. This epic saga follows the journey of Rand al'Thor as he battles against the forces of the Dark One to save the world from destruction. Another fan-favorite is A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, which debuted with A Game of Thrones in 1996. Set in Westeros, the series is celebrated for its complex characters and epic battles for power.

What Are The Best Sci-Fi Book Series?

Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games is a standout series that changed the trajectory of Science Fiction in the 21st century when it was published in 2008. Set in a dystopian future where children are forced to fight to the death in televised competitions, the series follows the story of Katniss Everdeen as she boldly navigates a revolution against the Capitol. Many literature critics have affirmed that The Hunger Games is a modern science fiction classic.

What Are The Best Romance Book Series? 

Set in the small town of Forks, Washington, Stephenie Meyer's Twilight is considered one of the most powerful romance stories of all time, and it follows the romance between Bella Swan, a teenage girl, and Edward Cullen, a vampire. Although their love is taboo, the story makes for an intriguing read and explores complex themes of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural as Bella and Edward navigate the challenges of their forbidden romance. 

Bottom Line

Some of the most best-selling book series of all time have gripping storylines that showcase epic fantasies, fascinating thrillers and feature multi-faceted characters that have left their imprint on literature.

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10 books to add to your reading list in April

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Critic Bethanne Patrick recommends 10 promising titles, fiction and nonfiction, to consider for your April reading list.

April’s book releases cover some difficult topics, including Salman Rushdie discussing his 2022 maiming, Leigh Bardugo’s fiction about the dark arts and Ada Limón’s poetry anthology about our fragile world. However, like April, there is also sunshine: Leif Enger’s wild Great Lakes love story, Helen Tworkov’s beautiful memoir of Buddhism and a collection of the inimitable Maggie Nelson’s essays. Happy reading, happy spring!

I Cheerfully Refuse: A Novel By Leif Enger Grove Press: 336 pages, $28 (April 2)

An unusual and meaningful surprise awaits readers of Enger’s latest, which takes place largely on Lake Superior, as a man named Rainy tries to reunite with his beloved wife, Lark. While the world around this couple, a dystopian near-future American where billionaires control everything, could not be bleaker, the author’s retelling of the myth of Orpheus (who went to the underworld to rescue his wife) contains the authentic hope of a born optimist.

The Familiar: A Novel By Leigh Bardugo Flatiron Books: 400 pages, $30 (April 9)

Bardugo departs from novels of dark academia in a standalone to make the hairs on your neck stand up, set in 16th century Spain. A hidden Sephardic Jew and scullery maid named Luzia Cotado matches wits with fellow servant Guillén Santángel. Luzia discovers a secret of Guillén’s, but she’s already fallen in love with him. And because he knows hers, too, they might both avoid the Spanish Inquisition. It’s a gorgeous tale of enchantments both supernatural and earthly.

The Sleepwalkers: A Novel By Scarlett Thomas Simon & Schuster: 304 pages, $28 (April 9)

A couple honeymoons at a Greek resort. What could go wrong? In Thomas’ hands, plenty – especially as the author has never written a comfortable story; her books, from “PopCo ” to “Oligarchy,” crackle with unreliable characters, as well as big philosophical ideas. In this case, the new marriage’s breakdown is chronicled through letters between the spouses, and sometimes bits of ephemera, that ultimately untangle a dark mystery relating to the title.

The Garden: A Novel By Clare Beams Doubleday: 304 pages, $28 (April 10)

Few novels of literary fiction are written as well as “The Garden,” let alone given its sadly relevant retro setting, a 1940s country-estate obstetrical program. Irene Willard walks through its gates having endured five miscarriages; pregnant again, she and her war-veteran husband George desperately hope for a live birth. But as Irene discovers more about the woman who controls all here, Dr. Bishop, she fears carrying to term as much as she once feared pregnancy loss.

Reboot: A Novel By Justin Taylor Pantheon: 304 pages, $28 (April 23)

David Crader, former teen TV heartthrob, just wants to reboot his career when his old show “Rev Beach” has a moment. His life has devolved through substance abuse, divorce and underemployment. But when he and colleagues launch a remake, devolution continues: The protagonist’s struggles are mirrored by climate-change issues, from flooding to wildfires. Despite that darkness, Taylor’s gift for satire might make this a must-read for 2024 beach bags.

You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World By Ada Limón (Editor) Milkweed Editions: 176 pages, $25 (April 2)

A wondrous artist herself, Limón is currently poet laureate of the United States, and this anthology is part of her signature project, “You Are Here,” which will also feature poetry as public art in seven national parks. Released in conjunction with the Library of Congress, the collection features 50 previously unpublished poems by luminaries including Jericho Brown, Joy Harjo, Carl Phillips and Diane Seuss, each focusing on a piece of regional landscape.

Like Love: Essays and Conversations By Maggie Nelson Graywolf Press: 336 pages, $32 (April 2)

While all of the pieces in Nelson’s new book have previously been published elsewhere, they’re made fresh here both through being collected and through their chronological placement. Readers can practically watch Nelson’s incisive mind growing and changing as she speaks with colleagues such as Hilton Als and Judith Butler, or as she writes about queerness, motherhood, violence, the lyrics of Prince and the devastating loss of a friend.

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder By Salman Rushdie Random House: 204 pages, $28 (April 16)

On Aug. 12, 2022, the author Salman Rushdie was speaking at upstate New York’s Chautauqua festival when a man rushed the stage and attempted to murder him. Rushdie, a target of Iranian religious leaders since 1989, was permanently injured. In this book, he shares his experience for the first time, having said that this was essential for him to write. In this way, he answers violence with art, once again reminding us all that freedom of expression must be protected.

Lotus Girl: My Life at the Crossroads of Buddhism and America By Helen Tworkov St. Martin’s Essentials: 336 pages, $29 (April 16)

Tworkov, founder of the magazine Tricycle, chronicles her move from a 1960s young-adult interest in Buddhism to travels through Asia and deep study in the United States of the different strands that follow the Buddha’s teachings. Tworkov mentions luminaries such as the artist Richard Serra, the composer Charles Mingus and the Dalai Lama, but she’s not name-dropping. Instead, she’s strewing fragrant petals from her singular path to mindfulness that may help us find ours.

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War By Erik Larson Crown: 592 pages, $35 (April 30)

Even diehard Civil War aficionados will learn from Larson’s look at the six months between Lincoln’s 1860 election and the surrender of Union troops under Maj. Robert Anderson at Charleston’s Ft. Sumter. Larson details Anderson’s secret Christmas redeployment and explores this individual’s contradictions as a former slave owner who loyally follows Lincoln’s orders. The author also shares first-person perspective from the famous diaries of the upper-class Southerner Mary Chesnut. All together, the book provides a riveting reexamination of a nation in tumult.

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10 noteworthy books for April

Historical fiction, memoirs and fantasy novels are worth your while this month.

Great reads are popping up this month like spring daffodils, including historical fiction about the Roosevelt era and Palm Beach’s high society, stories that explore modern family dynamics in both fiction and memoir form, and a fantastical tale of an impossible voyage.

‘A Short Walk Through a Wide World,’ by Douglas Westerbeke

Aubry Tourvel, the indulged youngest sister in her loving Parisian family, suddenly develops painful convulsions and life-threatening blood loss. It doesn’t take long to work out that relief comes only when she goes somewhere she has never been. With no choice but to leave home and keep moving, spending just days in one place until the bleeding starts again, she quickly learns to navigate a late-19th-century world where she is forever an outsider and perpetually alone. Sharing a shelf with philosophical adventure novels like “ The Midnight Library ” and “ The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue ,” Westerbeke’s debut thoughtfully explores the effects of being forced to live only in the present. (Avid Reader, April 2)

‘The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony,’ by Annabelle Tometich

As a journalist, Tometich knew there would be headlines when her mother was arrested for using a pellet gun to shoot out the car window of a mango thief. She was still surprised, though, by how harshly people judged her Filipina immigrant mother based on skin color alone. The moment is an entry point for Tometich to revisit growing up in a mixed-race household and desperately longing to appear “normal.” The goal of her turbulent formative years was to go unnoticed, whether it was hiding in her room while her parents were scream-fighting or disappearing in the back seat of her best friend’s car as a rotating cast of popular kids sat up front. In seeking to understand the complexity of her mother’s life, Tometich reveals the difficulties that many immigrants and multiracial families face as they try to find a way to belong. (Little, Brown, April 2)

‘American Daughters,’ by Piper Huguley

Huguley’s engaging historical novel reimagines the then-taboo interracial friendship — noted in a 1978 Washington Post obituary — between Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter Alice and Booker T. Washington’s daughter, Portia. These children of American luminaries, who are smart and savvy characters in their own right, share an uncommon connection. As their friendship flourishes, the intriguing women encourage each other through both political and personal tumult. (William Morrow, April 2)

‘Sociopath: A Memoir,’ by Patric Gagne

While earning a doctorate in clinical psychology, Gagne wrote a dissertation examining the relationship between sociopathy and anxiety, a subject with which she was intimately familiar as a sociopath herself. From childhood, she was at a loss to explain why people were uncomfortable around her; she only knew she didn’t understand emotions like fear, guilt or empathy. The inner drive to experience such feelings led her down a path that included lies, criminal behavior and violence. Her studies gave her a diagnosis but little hope: The consensus among late-20th-century psychologists was that there was no treatment, nor the possibility of a normal life. Yet after years of study and therapy, plus the encouragement of supportive family and friends, she shares an inspiring story — of building a life filled with love and meaning — while upending the prevailing narrative of sociopaths as monsters. (Simon & Schuster, April 2)

‘A Sweet Sting of Salt,’ by Rose Sutherland

Jean is a midwife in an 1830s Canadian coastal village when a mysterious woman shows up during a storm, uncommunicative and in labor. After Jean assists with the birth, her neighbor Tobias arrives, explaining that the woman is his Gaelic wife, Muirin, who doesn’t speak at all. During the following week, Jean stays with the new mother, secretly teaching her English while becoming suspicious of Tobias’s intentions. When their friendship turns into something deeper, Jean plans an escape, but she fears that her actions may be putting Muirin and her baby in more danger. Sutherland’s atmospheric, feminist retelling of the selkie wife folk tale is a mesmerizing debut. (Dell, April 9)

‘The House of Broken Bricks,’ by Fiona Williams

Tess moved from her Jamaican community in London to the English countryside, where her husband, Richard, grew up, to raise their twin boys — Max, who presents as White, and Sonny, who presents as Black — in a place where they could muck about in nature. Struggling to find happiness after a great loss, Tess ignores racial slights and devotes herself to cooking Caribbean food, while Richard immerses himself in his winter garden, avoiding difficult conversations. Max can talk only with Sonny about his feelings, although everyone can sense the family is suffering. Like Richard’s plants, only the hardiest of people can endure a desolate winter, but spring’s warmth and light might bring what the family needs for healing and growth. (Henry Holt, April 9)

‘A Better World,’ by Sarah Langan

Langan’s satirical observations shine in this dystopian thriller set in a wealthy enclave where something sinister lurks under a glittery surface. After climate devastation fueled chaos, the only safe places to live are guarded company towns like Plymouth Valley, where the Farmer-Bowens hope to be accepted as residents. An underpaid Environmental Protection Agency employee, Russell has just gotten a one-year trial job offer that could save his family from financial ruin and reverse their deteriorating health issues. Linda gives up her job as a doctor, and they relocate to a three-story colonial and send their two teens to the neighborhood’s blue-ribbon school. Valley residents are tightknit, though, and social breakthrough is difficult until Linda accepts a job offer at a clinic supported by local power brokers. The family’s new stature opens doors but also prompts questions about how far Valley natives might go to justify their wealth and isolation. (Atria, April 9)

‘The Limits,’ by Nell Freudenberger

As covid sweeps the globe, Pia’s mother sends the 15-year-old to New York City to live with her cardiologist father, David, and his new young wife, Kate, a teacher. To protect Pia and newly pregnant Kate from covid exposure, David takes an apartment near the hospital where he works, leaving his daughter to make sense of the upheaval brought by her parents’ divorce. Meanwhile, Kate struggles to connect with a teenager — and questions her own ability to raise a child — while leading online classes for high-schoolers who are facing their own family dramas. Freudenberger ably captures the sense of uncertainty and displacement during the height of the pandemic, matching the inner confusion of major life changes with the outer turmoil of a world in crisis. (Knopf, April 9)

‘The Beautiful People,’ by Michelle Gable

Fluffy and fun, Gable’s novel takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the lives of Palm Beach jet-setters through the eyes of fictional former debutante Margo Hightower. Desperate for money after a broken engagement and a family scandal, Margo takes a job as an assistant to photographer Slim Aarons and is thrust into the world of uber-wealthy scions with names like Vanderbilt, Kennedy and Rousseau. As a friendship develops with heiress and up-and-coming fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer and her seemingly devoted husband, Peter, the divide between work and play starts to blur. When lines are crossed and secrets are revealed, Margo must rely on her skills to forge a path for her future. (Graydon House, April 16)

‘Honey,’ by Victor Lodato

Even at her age — “eighty plus a dash of salt” — Honey Fasinga still does herself up before leaving the house, donning one of a number of outfits from years ago that still fit her: the green silk custom creation with marigold cuffs; a Gucci day dress with ribbon trim; a militantly angular Vivienne Westwood suit. Half a century earlier, Honey fled the world of organized crime to settle in Los Angeles, where she created a fashionable, art-filled life. Honey has always told herself she was different from her now-deceased parents and brother and is convinced she has moved past old grievances. But as she returns home and is faced with a seemingly drug-addled grandnephew, old friends turned enemies and a carjacking to boot, she’s no longer sure whether she is looking for absolution or reprisal. Lodato skillfully brings to life a haunting and irresistible character who is as complex as she is charming. (Harper, April 16)

More from Book World

Love everything about books? Make sure to subscribe to our Book Club newsletter , where Ron Charles guides you through the literary news of the week.

Best books of 2023: See our picks for the 10 best books of 2023 or dive into the staff picks that Book World writers and editors treasured in 2023. Check out the complete lists of 50 notable works for fiction and the top 50 nonfiction books of last year.

Find your favorite genre: Three new memoirs tell stories of struggle and resilience, while five recent historical novels offer a window into other times. Audiobooks more your thing? We’ve got you covered there, too . If you’re looking for what’s new, we have a list of our most anticipated books of 2024 . And here are 10 noteworthy new titles that you might want to consider picking up this April.

Still need more reading inspiration? Super readers share their tips on how to finish more books . Or let poet and essayist Hanif Abdurraqib explain why he stays in Ohio . You can also check out reviews of the latest in fiction and nonfiction .

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Michael Magee: ‘There’s a disbelief at how I’ve ended up’

The Belfast novelist on moving between memoir and fiction in his prize-winning debut, turning down a spot on Granta’s best young British novelists list and why Lords of the Rings was his ‘gateway drug’

M ichael Magee, 33, won this year’s Nero debut fiction award for Close to Home , now out in paperback, as well as last year’s Rooney prize for Irish literature (previously awarded to Anne Enright and Claire Keegan). Set in west Belfast, where Magee grew up, the book follows Sean, a working-class graduate who falls foul of the law as he struggles to make a life in the shadow of violence both political and domestic. The disclaimer on your copyright page is unusually particular: “The story is inspired by the author’s real-life experiences but the characters and events… are not real.” Part of the difficulty in writing this was gauging the distance from the material. I was swaying between memoir and fiction when I changed the narrator’s name from Mick to Sean, which allowed me to see Sean as a shadow version of myself and take the step back I needed. My mother wanted to call me Sean but my father wouldn’t let it happen because it’s an Irish Catholic name. He’d grown up in a society where to carry a name like that – the way he did – was to be exposed: as a Catholic working-class man in west Belfast at that time you were discriminated against when it came to employment and housing and being pulled out of your car at a British army checkpoint. How did it feel to be cited in the press last year as someone Granta ought to have listed as one of its best young British novelists? I was approached by the organisers of that list, but I couldn’t in good conscience agree to be part of it. I don’t think the people involved could quite wrap their heads around why; that frustrated me because I’d written this novel that, if anything, articulates a degree of hostility towards the idea of being labelled British. I don’t have any ill feelings towards the people who made that presumption about me – it was just a mistake, and I was eligible as a citizen of the United Kingdom or whatever. The lack of understanding people have for this place and the Troubles arises in all sorts of contexts, not just in England but south of the border here in Ireland: people come up to me [after reading the book] and say they had no idea. There’s almost a guilt about how little they understand what was happening in the north of Ireland, but I don’t blame them: they were given a blinkered vision of what was happening. The back cover of the paperback edition quotes a press description of the novel as a “love letter to Northern Ireland”. That was my error: I was sent a proof and paid about as little attention to the blurbs as I would to an empty packet of crisps on the street. When I got the first copies, one of my mates was like, what the fuck? I immediately emailed my editor, too late for this print run, but it’ll be taken off: it’s a massive misconception of what the book is about and completely contradicts everything about how I position myself.

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10 Great Sci-Fi Movies Not Based On Books

• Great sci-fi movies not based on books showcase the original storytelling abilities of filmmakers, like George Lucas with Star Wars.
• These movies, such as Avatar and Donnie Darko, draw inspiration from various sources but are not direct adaptations of any singular book.
• Directors like Christopher Nolan with Inception and the Wachowskis with The Matrix, create unique and innovative sci-fi films that stand on their own, revolutionizing visual effects and storytelling.

Great sci-fi movies not based on books showcase the abilities of filmmakers and screenwriters alike. Audiences may be surprised at which of their favorite sci-fi films weren't lifted from the pages of any existing books. Though the clever concepts and believable world-building of certain films make them seem like book adaptations, film writers and directors have historically crafted original stories at par with the greatest sci-fi books of all time.

While sci-fi films based on books deal with the pressures of properly honoring the source material, movies with completely original screenplays face a different challenge. Science fiction movies have been around for over a century, and nearly every viable sci-fi concept has been explored and remixed to no end, making any original screenplay a rare storytelling gem. This isn't to say that great sci-fi movies not based on books don't borrow from literature in some way - this is inevitable for any modern artwork. Even though they're inspired by the long history of literary and cinematic sci-fi storytelling , these movies have achieved greatness without directly lifting from any book's pages.

Star Wars (1977)

Based on classic sci-fi, star wars: episode iv - a new hope.

Release Date 1977-05-25

Director George Lucas

Cast Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Peter Mayhew, Peter Cushing, Kenny Baker, James Earl Jones, Frank Oz, David Prowse, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, Alec Guinness

Runtime 121 Minutes

George Lucas drew inspiration from various sources - including mythology, classic literature, and old serials - to flesh out the Star Wars movies. However, Star Wars is not directly based on any literary work. The saga's foundation emerged from Lucas's original screenplay, evolving as he developed the narrative. While there are Star Wars books , they came after the films. Lucas prioritized visual storytelling, crafting a space opera that transcended traditional literary adaptations . The iconic characters, like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, sprang from his imagination - not pre-existing written works. Star Wars is a cinematic journey born from Lucas' vision, and is not a direct translation of any singular book.

Avatar (2009)

Inspired by environmentalism and indigenous people's struggles.

Release Date 2009-12-18

Director James Cameron

Cast Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez

Runtime 162 minutes

While Avatar 's story bears resemblance to films like Fern Gully and Pocahontas , James Cameron conceived the plot and wrote the screenplay himself. The film's narrative and the world of Pandora were products of Cameron's imagination, blending elements of environmentalism, indigenous cultures, and science fiction. Unlike adaptations from pre-existing literature, Cameron crafted Avatar's universe to fit the visual medium of film. While there are tie-in novels and comics, they serve to expand the lore rather than being the source material. The creation of the Na'vi, the conflict with the humans, and the exploration of Pandora all originated from Cameron's blockbuster-driven approach to storytelling.

Related: Avatar 3 News & Updates: Everything We Know

Donnie Darko (2001)

Groundbreaking take on traditional film and sci-fi tropes, donnie darko.

Release Date 2001-10-26

Director Richard Kelly

Cast Jake Gyllenhaal, Patrick swayze, Noah Wyle, Drew Barrymore, Jena Malone, Maggie Gyllenhaal

Runtime 113 minutes

Writer and director Richard Kelly conceived the mind-bending screenplay for Donnie Darko independently of any existing literature. The film's complex narrative, blending science fiction, psychological thriller, and teen drama, originated from Kelly's imagination. The story of Donnie's encounters with a mysterious figure named Frank, time travel, and existential themes were crafted specifically for the screen. While there's a novelization of the movie, it was released after the film's debut and serves as an extension rather than source material. Donnie Darko 's enigmatic plot and characters are a testament to Kelly's original storytelling, not an adaptation of pre-existing literary work.

Beyond the Black Rainbow (2010)

Original sci-fi horror based on american drug cults.

• Release Date: 2010 -10-06
• Director: Panos Cosmatos
• Cast: Michael Rogers, Eva Bourne, Scott Hylands
• Runtime: 110 minutes

Rather than borrowing from any book, director Panos Cosmatos wrote the screenplay for the psychedelic horror sci-fi film Beyond the Black Rainbow , one of the best sci-fi movies not set in the future . Based on real psychedelic drug cults from the 20th century, the movie explores themes of control, consciousness, and dystopia. Set in a mysterious research facility , Beyond the Black Rainbow delves into the psyche of its characters through a surreal lens. The film's atmospheric and abstract elements were carefully crafted for the cinematic experience, without being tied to a pre-existing book or written work. It stands as a testament to Cosmatos's creative storytelling in the realm of film.

Inception (2010)

Unique and original sci-fi take on psychological thriller.

Release Date 2010-07-16

Director Christopher Nolan

Cast Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, Elliot Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy

Runtime 148 minutes

Director Christopher Nolan also wrote the screenplay for Inception, which is not an adaptation of any existing literary work. The intricate narrative, centered around the concept of dream infiltration and manipulation , emerged from Nolan's distinct storytelling style. Alongside the plot's "snowballing effect," the film's exploration of dreams within dreams and the complexity of the human mind is a product of the writer-director's creative vision. While there are books and theories on dreams and the subconscious, Nolan crafted the mind-bending cinematic experience independently. With its iconic, action-driven take on exploring the different layers of dreaming, Inception is an original and innovative addition to contemporary science fiction cinema.

The Matrix (1999)

Inspired by cyberpunk and classic sci-fi.

• Release Date: 1999-03-31
• Director: Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski
• Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
• Runtime: 136 minutes

Was The Matrix inspired by Grant Morrison's Invisibles ? Morrison has famously argued this to be the case, as there are many similarities between The Matrix and The Invisibles. However, the Wachowskis have maintained that their film's groundbreaking concept of a simulated reality built by artificial intelligence is their original work. Moreover, the rumors about copies of The Invisibles being used as a reference during The Matrix 's filming have been unfounded. At the same time, the Wachowskis drew inspiration from various sources, blending cyberpunk aesthetics, martial arts, and philosophical sci-fi - not unlike The Invisibles . Technically, The Matrix isn't an adaptation, but an original film that revolutionized visual effects and storytelling.

Related: The Matrix Owes Its Existence to An Obscure Marvel Comic

The Fifth Element (1997)

Inspired by french comics and classic sci-fi serials, the fifth element.

Release Date 1997-05-09

Director Luc Besson

Cast Chris Tucker, Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich, Ian Holm

Runtime 126 minutes

Even though The Fifth Element may seem like it was pulled directly from a classic sci-fi book or comic, director and writer Luc Besson crafted the movie's screenplay on his own. The vibrant world, unique characters like Leeloo and Korben Dallas, and the overarching quest to save the universe are original elements of Besson's imagination. While Besson drew inspiration from various sources, including French sci-fi/fantasy comics , The Fifth Element stands as a cinematic original, not a direct adaptation. Although The Fifth Element 's look and feel borrow heavily from sci-fi serials, its visual spectacle and narrative richness showcase Besson's ability to weave an original and visually stunning story for the screen.

Dark City (1998)

Shares thematic elements with great sci-fi books.

• Release Date: 1998-02-27
• Director: Alex Proyas
• Cast: Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly
• Runtime: 100 minutes

One of the most underrated sci-fi movies from the '90s , Dark City is an original film that's not based on any book. Alex Proyas, the director, conceived the story and co-wrote the screenplay with Lem Dobbs and David S. Goyer. The film's neo-noir, sci-fi atmosphere and exploration of memory manipulation are unique to the trio's vision. Characters like John Murdoch - along with the shadowy conspiracy surrounding a mysterious city - were crafted specifically for the screen. While the film shares thematic elements with classic literature, Dark City is not a direct adaptation. Its surreal setting, distinctive visual style, and mind-bending plot demonstrate Proyas's creativity in delivering an original film.

Alien (1979)

Original and formative sci-fi horror.

Release Date 1979-06-22

Director Ridley Scott

Cast John Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Yaphet Kotto, Veronica Cartwright, Tom Skerritt, Ian Holm, Harry Dean Stanton

Runtime 117 minutes

Alien is an original and iconic sci-fi horror movie not based on any novel or book. Director Ridley Scott developed the concept, which was fleshed out by screenwriters Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusett for the big screen. The film's tense atmosphere, claustrophobic setting, and the terrifying creature known as the Xenomorph are all products of Scott's vision. Notably, however, the Xenomorph was inspired by the work of legendary visual artist H.R. Giger, which in turn inspired Scott. Alien introduced the world to the iconic character Ellen Ripley and set high standards for sci-fi horror, showcasing Scott's ability to create a chilling and suspenseful cinematic experience that remains influential today.

Related: Every Alien Movie in the Franchise, Ranked From Worst To Best

District 9 (2009)

Original contemporary film that honors science fiction's social realist roots.

Release Date 2009-08-14

Director Neill Blomkamp

Cast Mandla Gaduka, David James, Vanessa Haywood, Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope

Runtime 112 minutes

District 9 has an original screenplay that isn't directly based on any existing literary work. Neill Blomkamp, the director, co-wrote the script with Terri Tatchell, crafting a unique story of apartheid , alien refugees, and social commentary in a sci-fi setting. The character of Wikus van de Merwe and the challenges he faces in a segregated society are original elements introduced for the film - based on South African history. While District 9 delves into thought-provoking themes, it is not an adaptation of any pre-existing book or literary source. Instead, Blomkamp and Tatchell's storytelling prowess shines through in this distinctive and impactful sci-fi movie.