Books matching: religious zealotry
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Save:Soulswift by Megan Bannen is a dark fantasy novel that explores themes of blind faith, betrayal, and forbidden love. The story follows Gelya, a vessel who can channel the word of the One True God through song, and Tavik, who believes in a mother goddess and seeks to free her. As their beliefs clash, Gelya and Tavik are forced to work together to set Elath, the Great Demon, free, leading to a series of adventures and struggles. The book delves into the complexities of religious beliefs, cultural differences, and the consequences of blind allegiance.
The writing style in Soulswift is praised for its aching beauty, humor, and depth. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters, particularly Gelya and Tavik, and the progression of their relationship as they navigate through a world filled with suffering, romance, and betrayal. The book is noted for its intriguing worldbuilding, exploring the clash between Christianity and Earth Mother worship, and for its riveting action-packed plot that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
Well, Zofia is about to get her wish. With the other Vessels treating me like a nuisance and the rest of the Daughters avoiding me like the plague, I’m lonely enough in her absence to follow her sugge...November 2020•480 pages - #2
Save:A beautifully written, ambitious start to a fantasy series that's perfect for fans of political intrigue, nuanced characters, and queer romance - just be ready for a leisurely, richly layered ride.
In The Jasmine Throne, readers are introduced to a richly woven fantasy world where Princess Malini, exiled to the treacherous Hirana temple by her despotic brother, and Priya, a maidservant with forbidden temple magic, must work together to keep Ahiranya safe and overthrow the emperor. The story delves into complex political machinations, betrayal, mystery, and magic, all set against a backdrop of intricate worldbuilding and compelling storytelling. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering a depth of character development and exploring themes of strength, love, revenge, and the blurred lines between them.
The writing style of Tasha Suri in The Jasmine Throne is described as evocative and beautiful, incorporating elements from South Asian myths and motifs to create a unique and immersive reading experience. The world she has crafted is reminiscent of ancient to medieval South Asia, filled with symbols, cultural items, and fantastical elements that set it apart from traditional fantasy settings. The book expertly weaves together themes of imperialism, zealotry, and decolonization, all while showcasing morally grey female characters and a slow-burn romance that captivates readers from start to finish.
Priya was sure of it the minute she heard the thud of hooves on the road behind her. She stepped to the roadside as a group of guards clad in Parijati white and gold raced past her on their horses, th...June 2021•545 pages - #3
Save:A fresh, wild ride of survival horror set in the last place you’d expect! Crafting for Sinners turns craft supplies into survival tools and delivers plenty of gore, cult creepiness, and queer drama - definitely a must for horror fans unafraid of a little (or a lot of) blood.
Crafting for Sinners by Jenny Kiefer is a horror novel set in a craft store run by a megachurch. The main character, Ruth, finds herself in a deadly situation when she enters New Creations to shoplift yarn. She quickly discovers that the store is empty and sinister employees are after her. Ruth must use her crafting skills as weapons to survive, turning ordinary supplies into tools for defense. The story explores Ruth's past with the church, her girlfriend Abigail, and the oppressive atmosphere of the town.
Kiefer's writing style blends humor and horror, making the tale both scary and entertaining. The book is fast-paced, keeping readers engaged with unexpected twists. Despite heavy themes of homophobia and religious zealotry, the narrative shines through its fresh take on serious topics. The inclusion of podcasts and news articles adds depth, though they may initially confuse. Overall, Crafting for Sinners offers a thrilling ride, complete with graphic violence and memorable moments that stick with you long after reading.
“It better not be another message from Charlie,” she muttered under her breath. He’d been sending her text messages all week, saying he was sorry about how things went down, that he had a daughter now...October 2025 A riveting and chilling collection of interwoven stories that dares you to ponder how far humanity will go in the name of perfection. Not for the faint of heart, but highly recommended if you want sci-fi that really makes you think.
"Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful" by Arwen Elys Dayton is a collection of short stories that explore the possibilities and consequences of genetic engineering. Through the eyes of six different characters living in different periods of scientific discovery, the book chronicles the advancements in genetic modifications over time, painting a cautionary tale about the implications it has on society and humanity. The common thread in all the stories is the character Tad Tadd, a religious zealot turned politician whose views on genetic modifications evolve as the years pass, reflecting the changing societal attitudes towards modifications.
The writing style of the book is described as haunting, compelling, and akin to something off a Black Mirror episode. The author, Arwen Elys Dayton, does an amazing job of world-building, creating scenes that are vivid and immersive, allowing readers to visualize and experience what the characters are going through. is noted for its unique storytelling approach of presenting each story as a separate narrative set in different time periods, ultimately weaving them together to paint a dark and thought-provoking picture of a future dominated by genetic modifications.
December 2018•382 pages- #5
Save:'Damascus Gate' by Robert Stone is a novel that delves into the complexities of Jerusalem, both as a modern political hotspot and an ancient place of faith. The protagonist is portrayed as suitably complex, mirroring the intricacies of the city itself. The book takes readers on a journey through the streets of Jerusalem, surrounding areas, and the inner walls of the old city, providing a vivid historical backdrop that immerses the reader in the setting. The plot revolves around a diverse cast of characters, including pilgrims, misfits, NGO workers, archeologists, settlers, and drug arms runners, all intertwined in a tight scheme leading up to the Millennium.
The writing style of 'Damascus Gate' has been described as a mixture of detailed descriptions that vividly bring Jerusalem to life and a plot that weaves together elements of religious zealotry, intifada, and psychological tension. The author's portrayal of the city and its inhabitants, while controversial, offers a unique perspective on the political and social dynamics of Jerusalem, challenging conventional narratives and exploring the complexities of the region.
She had opened a latticed Moorish door to the small sunny courtyard outside and moved her chair to sit beside it. An olive tree grew from the dry soil in the middle of the court. Two thirsty-looking p...1998•530 pages - #6
Save:'The Men in the Jungle' by Norman Spinrad is a dark and intense science fiction novel set in a future where humankind is dispersed throughout the galaxy amidst war, cannibalism, slavery, and prostitution. The story follows a protagonist who narrowly escapes Earth and ends up on a planet run by religious zealots, leading to a botched revolution and the start of a civil war. Spinrad weaves together a gripping narrative with realistic characters, exploring themes of power relations, revolution, indoctrination, and social commentary in a thought-provoking manner.
Bart Fraden sat loosely on the edge of the desk, a strange mixture of tension and repose, like a hunting cat at rest. What the hell, he thought, biting off another savory piece of pheasant leg, you ca...1966•285 pages - #7
Save:A concise, powerful classic - perfect for fans of thought-provoking historical stories with a dark edge. Not cheerful, but unforgettable.
In "Lois the Witch" by Elizabeth Gaskell, the story is set during the Salem Witch trials and follows the protagonist, Lois Barclay, a young English girl who finds herself accused of witchcraft in a society filled with suspicion and hysteria. Gaskell humanizes the complex sociological matter of the witch trials, portraying Lois as a victim of being different in a conformist society. The book delves into themes of religious zealotry, social injustices, and the destructive power of unfounded accusations.
Gaskell's writing style in "Lois the Witch" is described as chilling, powerful, and thought-provoking. She skillfully portrays the mindset of the Salem community, where selfishness, fear, and religious intolerance reign. Through rich character development and detailed descriptions, Gaskell creates a narrative that explores the consequences of societal pressures and the dangers of fanaticism.
December 12th, 1747. —My life has been strangely bound up with extraordinary incidents, some of which occurred before I had any connection with the principal actors in them, or indeed, before I even k...1861•107 pages - #8
Save:Dazzling, dark, and brutally smart - Beyond the Rift is a must-try for hard sci-fi fans who enjoy thought-provoking fiction with a razor edge. Not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable for those who love their stories on the cerebral, chilling side.
'Beyond the Rift' by Peter Watts is a collection of thought-provoking and original science fiction short stories that explore themes such as encounter with alien intelligence, parasitic communion, deceit, and backstabbing. The stories delve into dark and bleak narratives, challenging readers to contemplate existential questions about humanity, artificial intelligence, and the universe. Watts' writing style is described as unflinching, precise, and scientifically exacting, with a focus on exploring the darker aspects of humanity through the lens of hard science fiction.
The facts of the case were straightforward. Lacey Hillcrest of Pensacola, fifty years old and a devout Pentecostal, had been diagnosed with inoperable lymphatic cancer and given six months to live. Fi...1994•255 pages - #9
Save:A beautifully wintry, folklore-rich adventure - magical, immersive, and thoughtfully written, but don’t expect a rush of action. Best enjoyed with a blanket and a steaming cup of tea when you’re in the mood for a modern fairytale.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is a fantasy novel set in medieval Russia, where the protagonist Vasya can see spirits and is caught between the world of Christianity and the old gods. The story follows Vasya's journey as she navigates the magical and mysterious woods, facing challenges related to family, courage, love, and magic, all while defying traditional gender roles.
The book is written in a lyrical and fairy tale-like style, drawing heavily on Russian folklore and mythology. It explores themes of resilience, tradition, family, and the clash between old and new worlds, creating an atmospheric winter setting that captivates readers with its intricate and layered storytelling.
It was late winter in northern Rus’, the air sullen with wet that was neither rain nor snow. The brilliant February landscape had given way to the dreary gray of March, and the household of Pyotr Vlad...January 2017•382 pages - #10
Save:A compelling and imaginative first novel - definitely worth picking up for fantasy fans, especially those who enjoy inventive magic and self-contained stories, but be ready for a slow build and a few rough spots typical of a debut.
Elantris is a unique fantasy novel that follows the story of a country on the brink of destruction, where the city of Elantris and its god-like inhabitants have fallen from grace. The plot revolves around Prince Raoden, an Elantrian struggling to survive in the decaying city, a high priest named Hrathen seeking to convert and conquer Arelon, and Princess Sarene determined to thwart Hrathen's plans. The book combines elements of political intrigue, magical mysteries, and well-developed characters to create a captivating narrative that keeps readers on edge until the final chapter.
The writing style of Elantris is praised for its detailed world-building, multiple character points of view, and engaging plot progression. The intricate magic system, distinct characters, and well-imagined world of Elantris provide a refreshing take on the fantasy genre. Despite a slow start for some readers, the story gains momentum as it unfolds, offering a blend of mystery, political intrigue, and character development that keeps readers immersed in the narrative.
Prince Raoden of Arelon awoke early that morning, completely unaware that he had been damned for all eternity. Still drowsy, Raoden sat up, blinking in the soft morning light. Just outside his open ba...2005•646 pages
