Pantheons and demons are popular topics in science fiction and fantasy. Throw a dart at the SFF bookshelf in your nearest indie bookstore or library, and you’ll likely hit a book that features angels, gods, demons, or a mixture of all the above. This is not a bad thing! Indeed, this is a beautiful part of genre fiction’s power—the ability to dissect and explore how humans look at the world (or other worlds) and other humans and species through the lens of divine and otherworldly powers.
Science fiction and fantasy, and all the lovely subgenre beneath their wide umbrella, can explore gods and demons in a multitude of ways, from the point of view of religious fanatics, the offspring of gods or demons, or even the gods or demons themselves. The “what ifs” utilized in these stories are endless and important, and lead to other questions. How do characters worship, love, hate, rebel against, or abide by the gods or demons in these stories? How do characters keep or lose their humanity or morals in a world where they exist?
Particularly, in our world, we see a lot of these questions regarding religion and spirituality put forth. They’re often dissected, debated, and used as tools or weapons in society. It makes sense, then, that literature—be it science fiction and fantasy or otherwise—explores this and poses in-depth questions for readers.
Gods and Demons in Science Fiction & Fantasy
Below is a list of books that include gods and/or demons in some form or another. I did not include what many might consider obvious choices, though what is obvious depends on the reader. I try to avoid the most viral picks, and I hope to include works that will help you, dear reader, discover new stories and authors. I’ve also attempted to include works that span the spectrum of science fiction and fantasy, though, of course, I am unable to touch on all of them.
I’ve included one young adult book and five adult books. Some of the below books include content warnings, either in the early pages of the book, on Goodreads or StoryGraph, or posted on the authors’ websites. Please double-check if you need additional information before diving in, because some of the titles are violent, gory, or gritty across the board. Some titles also include sexual content. When you’re discussing gods and demons, it can get messy.
As another note, the word “demon” is a term that is used a little more loosely in my choices than “gods”. In some stories, “demon” might not be used explicitly to describe a character, but they may be demonized for their powers or considered a monster.
Finally, let me implore that you allow these works to jar your beliefs. Let yourselves ask “what if” and “how might” these works respond or upend our own spiritual and world views. You might be surprised by what you discover about yourself and the world around you. And isn’t that one of the many important purposes of art?
6 of the Best SFF About Gods and Demons
The Sea Hides Its Dead by Megan Bontrager
Let’s get a little cultish. Orbit’s imprint Run For It, which focuses more on horror and dark SFF, has been one of my favorite imprints to dive into as of late. The Sea Hides Its Dead really encompasses both gods and demons.
In a post-apocalyptic world where the Northeast is suddenly doused with an immovable, unquenchable storm, Caro is asked by her professor and lover to accompany him to a stone monolith that suddenly appeared offshore. Suddenly, Caro, the professor, and other crew members become trapped in what is supposedly the dwelling place of the Cult of the Leviathan and its god. And soon, they find out they’re not alone. This story certainly leans more toward horror, but the dystopian near-future the author created is fascinating, as is the mysterious and horrific mythos of the Cult of the Leviathan.
Aicha by Soraya Bouazzaoui
Any book on female rage is instantly added to my TBR, and Aicha has this and more. A Moroccan-inspired fantasy with romance and magic? Count me in.
Aicha has lived her whole life under the boot of the empire. After she watches colonizers destroy and kill all those in their path, it awakens a fury within her that may lead to her being a savior or a monster to her people. Only her lover, the rebellion leader Rachid, can bring her back when she loses herself to her power. This story is about the rage brewing within us after beholding oppression and atrocities. Should that rage be reigned in, controlled, or unleashed?
Gods of Want: Stories by K-Ming Chang
I always try to include a collection of short stories if I can, because they are my favorite and I want more people to read and enjoy them.
Let’s explore the literary side of science fiction and fantasy. Some might consider this book more speculative in definition than science fiction and fantasy, but reading these stories is a great dive into the literary side of these genres. In addition to the title, this book has a compendium of stories that explore myth and power (or lack thereof) of Asian women. It is an incisive and awe-inspiring book.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
This young adult masterpiece touches on both gods and demons. Deonn reinvents the King Arthur legend, subverts it, and includes Southern folk traditions and Black Girl Magic.
Sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews only wants to get away after her mother dies in a car accident. A residential program at UNC-Chapel Hill seems ideal until Bree witnesses something she cannot comprehend the first night on campus.
She sees a demon feeding on human energies, and the secret society of Legendborn who hunt the demons down. A “merlin” tries to wipe her memory of the event, and fails. Now Bree must come to terms with what she witnessed, her own magic, and what she can and will do with it. Will she take the society of Legendborn down? Or will she join them in their fight against the demons and the epic war they claim is coming?
Headlights by CJ Leede
I really can’t rave enough about Headlights. This horror-fantasy touches on god-like powers and cosmic, god-like entities.
There are many layers to this book, with the first half-ish being more of a gritty, police procedural mystery, but then it takes a hard left (in the very best way, oh my god) and dives headlong into the fantastical. I can’t say more for fear of spoilers, but holy moly do I want to. If you like genre-bending and genre-blending works, Headlights will check your box and then some.
The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling
Let’s close out this list with some medieval dark fantasy/horror, shall we?
I’ve been a fan of Starling since reading Yellow Jessamine, and I also adored The Death of Jane Lawrence. Starling’s work is as mysterious as it is startling, and she’s fantastic at sprinkling tender moments among the horrors. The Starving Saints is a somewhat-historical fantasy/horror about Aymar Castle, which has been under siege for six months. The people within its walls are starving and desperate. Then, lo and behold, the Constant Lady and her Saints arrive. Miraculously and, somehow, despite the barricades. Suddenly, the stores are replenished. All they ask in return is adoration.
What follows is a story told from the point of view of multiple women, from a war hero to a nun-turned sorceress, to a serving girl. They all see their situation for what it is, and they must consider how they will survive under the sway of the Constant Lady and her bacchanalian feasts. More than anything else, though, this is a survival story.
Gods and Demons: Seek and Ye Shall Find
I hope there’s a gem on this list that inspires you to keep reading and keep asking questions. While these stories may be out of this world or set in other worlds, science fiction and fantasy stories pose questions that we should ask ourselves every day. These stories are powerful, and many often act as mirrors for some form of our present. If you’re seeking more books about gods and demons, check out these articles by fellow Book Rioters:
This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
