The most recommended books about hell

Who picked these books? Meet our 72 experts.

72 authors created a book list connected to hell, and here are their favorite hell books.
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Four Views on Hell

By Preston Sprinkle (editor),

Book cover of Four Views on Hell

Ben Kirby Author Of PreachersNSneakers: Authenticity in an Age of For-Profit Faith and (Wannabe) Celebrities

From the list on for the questioning Christian.

Who am I?

I’m the founder of PreachersNSneakers, a network of social media accounts and books of the same title, which looks to get others to question the state of the modern church and our obsession with wealth, entertainment and fame. Going through the process of curating the accounts and writing the book has helped me develop expertise on mega churches, celebrity pastors, social media and the prosperity gospel. My goal is to get all people to laugh, think and live more authentically.

Ben's book list on for the questioning Christian

Why did Ben love this book?

This book was perspective shifting for me because it brings together four experts on the bible and contrasts their very different views on one of the most important topics of our faith, eternity. As someone that grew up never thinking critically about hell, this book made me realize that there were still a lot of elements of my faith that I needed to investigate.

By Preston Sprinkle (editor),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Four Views on Hell as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Recent years have seen much controversy regarding a unified Christian doctrine of hell: Do we go to heaven or hell when we die? Or do we cease to exist? Are believers and unbelievers ultimately saved by grace in the end?

By focusing on recent theological arguments, Four Views on Hell: Second Edition highlights why the church still needs to wrestle with the doctrine of hell.

In the fair-minded and engaging Counterpoints format, four leading scholars introduce us to the current views on eternal judgment, with particular attention given to the new voices that have entered the debate.

Contributors and views…


Death by Meeting

By Patrick M. Lencioni,

Book cover of Death by Meeting: A Leadership Fable...About Solving the Most Painful Problem in Business

Steven G. Rogelberg Author Of The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance

From the list on navigating out of meeting hell.

Who am I?

As an organizational psychologist, I am driven to study and work to improve work activities that are causing great frustration and not working effectively—meetings are the perfect fit. And, for 20 years I have been actively publishing in this space and have spoken to well over 100,000 leaders through my keynotes/events/videos. What excites me is that meeting science can truly help leaders, teams, and organizations. The books I recommend are well-aligned with the science, and can be difference makers. I hope you enjoy them and find them helpful.  

Steven's book list on navigating out of meeting hell

Why did Steven love this book?

This is a really unique and different meeting book – it basically teaches about how to run meeting effectively by inserting them naturally into a fable. The fable is really quite engaging and something most of us can relate to. The learnings, although not extensive, align quite well with the science. Overall it is a fun and informative book.

By Patrick M. Lencioni,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Death by Meeting as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Casey McDaniel had never been so nervous in his life. In just ten minutes, The Meeting, as it would forever be known, would begin. Casey had every reason to believe that his performance over the next two hours would determine the fate of his career, his financial future, and the company he had built from scratch. 'How could my life have unravelled so quickly?' he wondered. In his latest page-turning work of business fiction, best-selling author Patrick Lencioni provides readers with another powerful and thought-provoking book, this one centred around a cure for the most painful yet underestimated problem of…


Truth for Life

By Alistair Begg,

Book cover of Truth for Life: 365 Daily Devotions

Oladapo Richard Osuntokun Author Of The Ordained Demon: The Story of a Young Priest

From the list on keeping you away from freaking out in Hell.

Who am I?

I am interested in identifying and narrowing the fringes between Religion and Psychology and Psychiatry and bringing them together. I am especially interested in pastoral counseling through meditation and prayer. As a Psychiatrist, counselor, teacher of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Religion, and Pastor of a church. My passion is refining and simplifying the processes involved in tackling day-to-day obstacles posed by depression, PTSD, suicide, drug addiction, and other life-threatening mental health issues. I love storytelling. Most of my books will start with a story that will help everyone draw an independent personal conclusion on how to deal with a universal problem.

Oladapo's book list on keeping you away from freaking out in Hell

Why did Oladapo love this book?

This book illustrates my second interest, meditation and prayer. This contains many words of encouragement for readers as they go through daily personal obstacles and struggles. 

Alistair Begg did a fantastic job bringing out the words of truth to anchor our lives and excite and equip us to live for Christ. This book is comparable to the attempts in my book, which use the Scriptures to explain each chapter's struggle and illustrate God's greatness and Grace in our lives. 

There is nothing better for a Christian than to remain prayerful and faithful as we go to war every day. 365 days of 365 prayers are comparable to the straight talk in the ordained demon.

By Alistair Begg,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Truth for Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A year of gospel-saturated daily devotions from renowned Bible teacher Alistair Begg.

Start with the gospel each and every day with this one-year devotional by renowned Bible teacher Alistair Begg.

We all need to be reminded of the truth that anchors our life and excites and equips us to live for Christ. Reflecting on a short passage each day, Alistair spans the Scriptures to show us the greatness and grace of God, and to thrill our hearts to live as His children. His clear, faithful exposition and thoughtful application mean that this resource will both engage your mind and stir…


John Dies at the End

By Jason Pargin,

Book cover of John Dies at the End

T.L Oberheu Author Of The Shadow Dies Loudly: 27 Tales

From the list on for aspiring horror authors.

Who am I?

I read my first chapter book in Kindergarten, and have been fascinated by literature ever since. From writing a Halloween story in 3rd grade that made my classmates cry and the teacher call my mom, to graduating from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, literature has always been a big factor in my life. As a new writer myself and paired with my long list of books stored on my shelves and in my mind, I simply would like to give my two cents on the stories that caused my inspiration to blossom. 

T.L's book list on for aspiring horror authors

Why did T.L love this book?

Possibly the most famous book on this list, this book was included not for its fame, but for the author’s ability to handle the Eldritch/Cosmic horror trope and make it hilarious. A wonderful mix of horror and comedy, the pseudonymous Wong is also the main character in the book. His first-person narration paired with other details paints this book as an actual series of events that he is risking his life and all of reality by telling you these bizarre events. An homage to the Lovecraftian style and several real-world paranormal mysteries will surely entertain readers, however for writers, it shows you how to blend the real-world, inspiration from other literary worlds, and your own creative content to make a fantastic story. 

By Jason Pargin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked John Dies at the End as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

It's a drug that promises an out-of-body experience with each hit. On the street they call it Soy Sauce, and users drift across time and dimensions. But some who come back are no longer human. Suddenly, a silent otherworldly invasion is underway, and mankind needs a hero. What it gets instead is John and David, a pair of college dropouts who can barely hold down jobs. Can these two stop the oncoming horror in time to save humanity? No. No, they can't. "John Dies at the End" has been described as a 'Horrortacular', an epic of 'spectacular' horror that combines…


The Woman Destroyed

By Beauvoir Simone De,

Book cover of The Woman Destroyed

Catherine Cusset Author Of Life of David Hockney

From the list on by French women.

Who am I?

I am a French novelist, the author of fifteen novels, many of which are memoirs, so I am considered a specialist of "autofiction" in France, of fiction written about oneself. But I also love writing about others, as you can see in my novel on David Hockney. Beauvoir, Sarraute and Ernaux were my models, Laurens and Appanah are my colleagues. Three of the books I picked would be called memoirs in the States, and the other two novels. In France, they are in the same category. All these women write beautifully about childhood and womanhood. I love their writing because it is both intimate and universal, full of emotion, but in a very sober and precise style. 

Catherine's book list on by French women

Why did Catherine love this book?

Abandonment and the end of love terrify me. In The Woman Destroyed, the happy diary of a fifty-year-old woman turns into a descent into hell when Beauvoir's narrator finds out that her husband is having an affair and is actually leaving her. Beauvoir wrote it in order to send a feminist message to women in the fifties, to convince them to get a job and define their identity outside their family life. I wonder, however, whether the intensity of the grief we feel in that novella wasn't experienced by Beauvoir herself the summer when her American lover, the novelist Nelson Algren, broke up their transcontinental passion of four years. 

By Beauvoir Simone De,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Woman Destroyed as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

First published in 1967, this book consists of three short novellas on the theme of women's vulnerability - in the first, to the process of ageing, in the second to loneliness, and, in the third, to the growing indifference of a loved one.

THE WOMAN DESTROYED is a collection of three stories, each an exquisite and passionate study of a woman trapped by circumstances, trying to rebuild her life.

In the first story, 'The Age of Discretion', a successful scholar fast approaching middle age faces a double shock - her son's abandonment of the career she has chosen for him…


The Truth About Lies

By Tim Chaddick,

Book cover of The Truth About Lies: The Unlikely Role of Temptation in Who You Will Become

Oladapo Richard Osuntokun Author Of The Ordained Demon: The Story of a Young Priest

From the list on keeping you away from freaking out in Hell.

Who am I?

I am interested in identifying and narrowing the fringes between Religion and Psychology and Psychiatry and bringing them together. I am especially interested in pastoral counseling through meditation and prayer. As a Psychiatrist, counselor, teacher of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Religion, and Pastor of a church. My passion is refining and simplifying the processes involved in tackling day-to-day obstacles posed by depression, PTSD, suicide, drug addiction, and other life-threatening mental health issues. I love storytelling. Most of my books will start with a story that will help everyone draw an independent personal conclusion on how to deal with a universal problem.

Oladapo's book list on keeping you away from freaking out in Hell

Why did Oladapo love this book?

Tim Chaddick also confronts the topic of Temptation in a very insightful and informative rendition, including some self-disclosure about his background. 

He discussed the "unlikely Role of Temptation in Who You Will become." 

This book seeks to help readers identify temptations in day-to-day living and to use the book as a launching pad for their understanding and soul-searching of how to prevent and treat this distracting but ever-present issue.  

Of course, Temptation is the obstacle that harbors the pathway to victory, freedom, and spiritual growth through Jesus. To help us solidify our faith. I recommend this to every Christian as it talks about Temptation and how to improve our confidence which is immensely necessary for salvation.  

By Tim Chaddick,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Truth About Lies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“How do we navigate the moments of life with wisdom beyond our years and face the temptations of our hearts with courage and resolve? In The Truth about Lies, Tim leads us into a new place, setting a new framework for how to live and how to live well. If you’re ready to take the journey, I can’t think of a better guide.”
John Mark Comer, pastor of teaching and vision for Bridgetown: A Jesus Church, and author of Loveology
 
Temptation isn’t merely about winning or losing a battle.
It’s about discovering who you truly are.
And what matters most.…


Wolf Under Your Skin

By Ellen Hunter,

Book cover of Wolf Under Your Skin

Mandi Oyster Author Of Dacia Wolf & the Prophecy

From the list on fantasy to take you away.

Who am I?

Picking up a fantasy novel and getting away from real-world problems is an escape for me. Even though many of these issues don’t exist in our lives, we can still learn from the way the characters deal with their struggles. We can find compassion and empathy and maybe see that there are two sides to every story. Along the way, we also get to see stunning vistas and amazing, mythical creatures.

Mandi's book list on fantasy to take you away

Why did Mandi love this book?

Hunt gives us a different type of werewolf. One who is just trying to find his place in the world. His journey gave me all the feels. I loved being a part of Josh’s journey and seeing him find a life instead of just going through the motions of day-to-day life.

By Ellen Hunter,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wolf Under Your Skin as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover an exciting YA supernatural romance series about vengeful werewolves, a desperate love, and the darkness in everyone’s heart. Perfect for fans of "Twilight" and the "Shiver" series!

Blue eyes, raven hair—and a terrible secret.

Life in Shatterlake is pretty laid back. I go to high school, live on a farm, and lead a normal, quite life. When I meet Josh, however, there is something intriguing about this young man. He’s gentle and kind, but always cautious and distant. As my feelings for him grow, I make a horrifying discovery.

Josh is a werewolf.

One day, he suddenly turns into…


The Sinful Scot

By Maddison Michaels,

Book cover of The Sinful Scot

Jennifer Trethewey Author Of Saving the Scot

From the list on regency romances featuring hot highlanders.

Who am I?

I am passionate about historical romance and romance readers. My favorite era in history is the Regency, the period during which the Prince of Wales was named Regent. It is also the time during which Jane Austen wrote. Austen readers are particular about details so it’s daunting to write Regency fiction. Still, I love to write it and read it. I’m also passionate about Scotland, its history, the land, the people, the customs, the folklore, the food, and the music. If you’ve never been, put Scotland on your bucket list. They say it’s the oldest rock on earth. There’s magic there, too. Really and truly. Magic.

Jennifer's book list on regency romances featuring hot highlanders

Why did Jennifer love this book?

In The Sinful Scot, Maddison Michaels combines mystery and romance, two of my favorite kinds of novels. Viewed from the outside, Constance Campbell has the perfect life. The truth is, her husband, the duke, keeps her prisoner in a living hell. When her husband turns up dead in her bed, she is framed for his murder. 

Dr. Alec McGuiness has always known his origins were too humble for the likes of Constance, but he has never stopped loving her, so when she turns to him for help, he has to save her. In my opinion, there is nothing so painful as loving someone who can never love you back. This one has all the feels.

By Maddison Michaels,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Sinful Scot as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, once believed that all she needed in life was a duke. But everything unraveled when she realized her perfect husband was a perfect monster. Now broken beyond repair, she hides her misery behind a perfect Society mask...even from her childhood friend, Alec.

Dr. Alec McGuiness reluctantly finds himself back in Scotland, and checking up on the only woman to ever get under his skin, Connie. After she spurned him many years ago, he knows his humble life as a doctor could never be enough for her. But when the Duke of Kilmaine is murdered…


Sutton's Spinster

By Scarlett Scott,

Book cover of Sutton's Spinster

Alyson Chase Author Of Disciplined by the Duke

From the list on naughty historical romance to heat up your nights.

Who am I?

I grew up reading nothing but mystery novels, which is why when I discovered romance, I found the ones I liked the best had a bit of intrigue to them. As Alyson Chase, I write Regency romances I like to read: full of adventure and mystery, deep emotional connections, and, yes, quite a bit naughty. Character is the most important thing to me, whether as a writer or reader, and the books on this list are full of characters you can’t help but fall in love with.

Alyson's book list on naughty historical romance to heat up your nights

Why did Alyson love this book?

One of the tropes I always one-click is the well-bred lady with an earthy, pull-himself-up-by-the-bootstraps kind of guy. Sutton’s Spinster gives you all that and more. Jasper has built his wealth by running a successful gaming hell. When two young daughters land on his doorstep, he finds himself in need of a wife. Octavia dreams of creating a gossip journal, but needs a partner to provide the start-up funds. The heat between these two lights up the pages. I love how Jasper reacts to suddenly becoming a father, and how he transforms from a hard and cutthroat businessman to something softer because of Octavia. Scarlett Scott delivered with this one.

By Scarlett Scott,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sutton's Spinster as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From USA Today bestselling author Scarlett Scott comes a deliciously wicked new Regency series...

Jasper Sutton, London’s most dedicated scoundrel, needs a wife. He needs one quickly. He needs one yesterday, in fact. His requirements are precise. She has to be capable of mothering the wild twin daughters who have unexpectedly appeared in his life. She must also possess the patience of a saint and the understanding of an angel. Better still if she is plain and has no expectation of a true marriage. He is not about to reform his ways. But how is he to find such a…


Encyclopaedia of Hell

By Martin Olson, Tony Millionaire (illustrator), Mahendra Singh (illustrator)

Book cover of Encyclopaedia of Hell: An Invasion Manual for Demons Concerning the Planet Earth and the Human Race Which Infests It

Darrel Perkins Author Of The End Is At Hand

From the list on to read as the world crumbles around us.

Who am I?

Like most people, I started to think about the end of the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of learning how to bake sourdough bread, I read stories and made art about the apocalypse. The true and catastrophic experiences of people throughout history interested me so much that the project turned into a book. My background in printmaking and illustration has formed my approach to visualizing narrative scenes using crisp black and white linocut prints. My current position as a studio art professor has given me practice in providing information concisely. I try to entertain as much as inform. 

Darrel's book list on to read as the world crumbles around us

Why did Darrel love this book?

Big plans for the afterlife? Go prepared. Martin Olson’s Encyclopaedia of Hell and its sequel Encyclopaedia of Heaven can answer all your questions about God, the Devil, and whatever mess we’re currently stuck in. Every page is uniquely designed, entertaining, and beautifully illustrated. To remind you not to take the End so seriously, it satirizes the hell out of our world. Like my favorite things in life, it manages to be both dark and funny.

By Martin Olson, Tony Millionaire (illustrator), Mahendra Singh (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Encyclopaedia of Hell as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A tour de force of darkness, Encyclopaedia of Hell is a manual of Earth written by Lord Satan for his invading hordes of demons, complete with hundreds of unpleasant illustrations, diagrams, and a comprehensive and utterly repulsive dictionary of Earth terms.

Since the customs and mores of humanity are alien and inconceivable to demons, Satan wrote this strangely poetic military handbook for the enlightenment and edification of his demon armies. A masterpiece expressing Satan's hatred for humanity and himself, the Encyclopaedia includes "Techniques of Stalking and Eating Humans," "Methods of Canning Human Pus," and "Dicing and Slicing Orphaned Children."

Why…