Cults are some of the most sinister groups you can find in the world of fiction. They’re a sponge for trouble, ranging from harmless but annoyingly enthusiastic believers to full-fledged demon worshippers who partake in human sacrifice.
A lot of fiction books about cults explore the derangement of these groups, their ability to trap people, and the horrifying power dynamics within them. And while the stories below are fictional, the threats they portray are all too real.
Fiction Books About Cults
If you’re searching for cult-y stories that delve into the dangers of groupthink and misguided ideologies, here are some of the best books you can read.
1. The Incendiaries by R. O. Kwon
At the prestigious Edwards University, student Phoebe Lin is lured into a cult by a former student with a dark past and a willingness for violence. Still dealing with her mother’s death, she willingly goes along.
But then the group commits a violent act. Will Kendall, a student who knows well the dangers of being manipulated, desperately reaches out to Phoebe before it’s too late.
2. Godshot By Chelsea Bieker
The once-fertile town of Peaches, California is suffering from drought. Faced with dry earth and barren farms, the residents turn to Pastor Vern for salvation. He promises rain and assigns secret “assignments” to the people.
14-year-old Lacey May’s life suddenly implodes when her mother is exiled and runs away with a man she barely knows. As the men slowly turn to appalling acts and Pastor Vern’s horrific plans for bringing back rain to the land are revealed, she goes on a quest to find her mother no matter what it takes.
3. The Girls by Emma Cline
The 1960s is coming to a violent end and lonely Evie Boyd catches sight of some girls. Mesmerized by their appearance and air of freedom, she soon finds herself in thrall to Suzanne, an older girl who introduces her to a cult and their charismatic leader.
Hidden away in the hills is a kingdom she so desperately wants to be accepted into. But as Suzanne’s hold on her intensifies, Evie doesn’t realize the level of violence waiting in the near future.
4. The Secret History By Donna Tartt
Richard Papen finds his way into the class of Classics professor Julian Morrow—an exclusive clique consisting of only 6 misfits. Guided by their magnetic professor, the group discovers a way of life that is beyond that of their contemporaries.
But the life they’ve discovered has its price. Their views on morality begin to degrade, leading to a crime that will forever mark them.
5. Kismet by Amina Akhtar
Ronnie Khan never thought she’d leave her familiar, comfortable life in New York. But then she meets socialite wellness guru Marley Dewhurst, who awakens in her a hunger for something more in life.
Lured to the desert mountains of Sedona, Arizona, Ronnie indulges in her new life filled with yoga, juice cleanses, and hikes. But the wellness life isn’t well at all and Ronnie must find a way to escape as the glamor slowly turns into madness.
6. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
Nine strangers arrive at Tranquillum House in search of healing, answers, and directions. Run by the mysterious Masha, the house promises to provide whatever a guest is searching for.
For the next 10 days, the strangers are set to attend activities for mindfulness and meditation. But something sinister lurks within the health resort, slowly solidifying its grasp on each guest.
7. The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta
A percentage of humanity inexplicably disappears and the world is turned upside down. The town of Mapletown is just one of many communities left reeling from the Sudden Departure.
Kevin Garvey, Mapleton’s new mayor, struggles to keep his people intact while dealing with his own fractured family. Everybody is hurting, and some are finding solace in the darkest places—including self-proclaimed prophets and cults.
8. Velorio by Xavier Navarro Aquino
Hurricane Maria has left Puerto Rico in pieces. Haunted by her sister Marisol’s death, Camila carries her through the devastation and into the supposed salvation of Memoria.
But the society that Urayoán, Memoria’s leader, intends to build might not be the utopia that his growing followers seek. And as his troubling ways give rise to authoritarian rule, Camila and the others find themselves fighting for their very home.
9. The Followers by Rebecca Wait
Stephanie, a struggling single mother, follows Nathaniel, a charismatic man into his religious cult. It comes with a home, a new purpose, and what she thinks is a better life for Judith, her daughter.
As both mother and daughter are initiated into this secret society, Judith quickly realizes the oddities in what Nathaniel preaches. But it’s only after a horrifying act of violence do they begin to understand the dangers of what they entered into.
10. The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes
17-year-old Minnow lost everything to the Kevinian Cult—her life, her family, and now, maybe even her freedom. But now the cult’s in tatters and it’s clear that Minnow knows something.
As she’s locked up in juvenile detention, she struggles to unlearn what the cult has taught her and the realization that she might spend the rest of her life behind bars. And though an opportunity for freedom presents itself, Minnow must decide whether it’s worth delving into the darkest secrets of her former life.
Reading Cult Fiction
Cults have always been surrounded by a lot of mystery and intrigue. It doesn’t help that most of these cults toe the line between religion and fanaticism.
From demon worshippers and hillbillies to sinister corporations and secret societies, many works of fiction have explored the dangers of cults and groupthink. The excitement of reading these works comes from the possibility that what they contain, however weird or farfetched, might just be real.
What book about cults did you enjoy reading? Share it in the comments below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
