Hi! I think I'd like to read some horror books that are based around religion.
I don't usually get emotional or feel much with fictional books, so I want to try and find something that will genuinely unsettle me, which I feel religious horror would do quite well.
I'm a devout Catholic but haven't always loved/felt safe w the Church, so due to both those things horror relating to faith and God and etc. in general really gets to me.
Preferably the book would have religion or religious themes as the primary focus rather than just as a smaller element.
But it doesn't necessarily have to be Christian themes. I do learn about/have some knowledge about other religions, so I'm open to horror based on other faiths.
Thanks!
by bluemoongreenmoon
11 Comments
Dracula fits the bill, even tho the portrayal of Catholic elements in it is highly ridiculous 😂
The Sparrow.
It’s quite old but maybe ‘the Monk’
I’m reading between two fires right now. May be up your alley. It’s basically historical fantasy horror where instead of a fantasy magic system it’s pulling from biblical lore. (That’s my way of putting it)
The plague as a result of a war between the fallen angels and the angels of heaven. Humanity falling into brutality and sin under the corruption of hell. Very brutal book so far, but I haven’t finished
*Between Two Fires* by Christopher Buelhman is likely a good recommendation here. Set in France during the 14th century around the peak of the black death.
You’ll follow a dishonored knight, a priest beset by guilt and a girl who claims to hear the voices of angels as they travel across France.
Really good cosmic and atmospheric horror. Great religious themes.
One of my top reads of last year.
You could try *The Cabin at the End of the World* by Paul Tremblay. Heavy draw on Revelation, an inexplicable WTF quality to the horror, and definitely some upsetting themes and events.Â
Also, beautiful, weirdly?
The Exorcist, by William Peter Blatty
The Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica
Mister Magic by Kiersten White is FANTASTIC. It’s also being adapted into a graphic novel right now! I read and loved the novel when it came out a few years ago; currently reading an advance copy of the graphic novel right now and it’s reminding me what an amazing, well done story this is. It’s about healing from childhood trauma in a culty religion that indoctrinates young children with some messed up messaging about staying small and being ‘good’ and modest.
The Burning Girls by CJ Tudor, but it is more of a thriller than horror.
The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel Cañas