Darkly Enchanting Fantasy Books About Hell

“Inferno” by Dante Alighieri is the classic when it comes to fantasy books about Hell. It’s the original journey through the underworld, and it’s still incredibly influential today. Dante himself is the main character, and he gets lost in a dark forest (symbolism, much?).

Luckily, the poet Virgil shows up to guide him through the nine circles of Hell. Each circle is worse than the last, and Dante encounters all sorts of sinners and monsters along the way. It’s dark, it’s intense, and it’ll definitely make you think about the consequences of your actions. If you’re looking for a classic that’ll give you a glimpse into the depths of Hell, this is it.

“The Library of the Unwritten” by A.J. Hackwith offers a unique twist on the fantasy genre. In Hell’s library, unfinished stories come to life, and it’s librarian Claire’s job to keep them contained.

However, when a Hero escapes and a power struggle erupts in Hell, Claire finds herself on a dangerous quest. If you enjoy imaginative world-building and witty characters, this book is worth exploring.

Sandman Slim” by Richard Kadrey throws you headfirst into a gritty, urban fantasy world where Hell isn’t just a concept, it’s a place. James Stark, aka Sandman Slim, spent eleven years being tortured in Hell. Now, he’s back in L.A., seeking revenge on the magicians who sent him there.

But navigating the dark underbelly of Los Angeles is no easy task. Stark faces demons, angels, and everything in between as he fights to reclaim his life and uncover the truth about his past. If you enjoy fast-paced action, snarky humor, and a morally ambiguous anti-hero, “Sandman Slim” is a must-read.

“God’s Demon” by Wayne Barlowe offers a unique perspective on Hell. It follows Sargatanas, a demon who’s grown weary of his existence in the underworld. He longs for something more, a taste of the divine.

So, he embarks on a quest to regain his former angelic status. However, the path back to grace is fraught with danger and challenges his beliefs. This thought-provoking fantasy novel explores themes of redemption, rebellion, and the blurred lines between good and evil. If you enjoy morally complex characters and stories that subvert expectations, “God’s Demon” is worth a read.

“Kingdom of the Wicked” by Kerri Maniscalco plunges you into a world where witches and the Princes of Hell coexist, albeit secretly. Emilia, a young witch, lives a quiet life with her family in 19th-century Sicily. However, when her twin sister is brutally murdered, Emilia’s world shatters.

Driven by vengeance, she breaks her family’s rules and summons Wrath, one of the Wicked Princes. Together, they forge an unlikely alliance to uncover the killer. But as Emilia delves deeper into this dangerous world, she discovers dark secrets and forbidden desires. If you crave a blend of historical fantasy, romance, and a dash of the infernal, this book is for you.

“The Deer and the Dragon” by Piper C.J. takes a unique spin on the fantasy genre, blending mythology with a dash of paranormal romance. Marlow has always seen angels and demons, including a mysterious entity who’s been with her since childhood. She believes she’s crazy, but a fae from the Nordic pantheon shatters her reality.

Marlow learns she’s been sharing her life with the Prince of Hell, who has mysteriously vanished. Now, she’s thrust into an ancient war between powerful deities. If you enjoy stories with morally grey characters, forbidden romance, and a clash of mythical beings, this book is a must-read.

“Lost Gods” by Brom takes you on a dark and twisted journey into the depths of Purgatory. Chet, a man fresh out of jail, is desperate to start a new life with his pregnant wife. However, their plans take a terrifying turn when they stumble upon an ancient evil.

To save his family, Chet must descend into the horrifying realm of Purgatory. He faces unimaginable terrors, ancient gods, and battles between souls. This book is perfect if you crave a blend of horror, mythology, and a desperate fight for survival.

“To Reign in Hell” by Steven Brust offers a unique and thought-provoking take on the classic tale of the fallen angels. This fantasy novel reimagines the biblical story of Lucifer’s rebellion, portraying him not as a villain, but as a complex and sympathetic figure fighting for freedom and self-determination.

As Heaven descends into a power struggle, Lucifer and his followers challenge the established order. However, their quest for liberation leads to a devastating war that will forever change the course of both Heaven and Hell. If you enjoy stories that explore the gray areas of morality and challenge traditional narratives, “To Reign in Hell” is a must-read for fans of fantasy books about Hell.

“The Library at Mount Char” by Scott Hawkins isn’t explicitly set in Hell, but it definitely explores themes of power, knowledge, and the darker side of divinity. It follows a group of orphans raised by a god-like figure called “Father” in a vast, magical library. Each child masters a specific domain of knowledge, from languages to warfare.

However, when Father disappears, the orphans are left to their own devices, and their powers become a dangerous game. Carolyn, the linguist, finds herself navigating a world both familiar and terrifying as she tries to uncover the truth about Father and the library. This book is dark, weird, and utterly captivating. If you enjoy mind-bending fantasy with complex characters and a touch of the macabre, “The Library at Mount Char” will keep you hooked.

Alright, so “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is a hilarious and heartwarming take on the apocalypse. It follows an angel, Aziraphale, and a demon, Crowley, who’ve grown rather fond of Earth and its inhabitants. But, the end times are upon them, and they’re not exactly thrilled about it.

Together, they embark on a quest to prevent the Antichrist from triggering Armageddon. However, they soon realize that their plans might not be foolproof. This book is full of witty dialogue, quirky characters, and a surprising amount of heart. If you enjoy fantasy with a side of humor and a dash of the absurd, “Good Omens” is a must-read.

“Hell Bent” by Leigh Bardugo plunges readers back into the dark and magical world of Yale’s secret societies. Galaxy “Alex” Stern is on a mission to rescue her mentor, Darlington, from the depths of Hell itself. However, this is no ordinary rescue mission.

Forbidden from seeking help from her fellow students in Lethe House, Alex assembles a team of unlikely allies. Together, they must navigate a treacherous path through arcane rituals and ancient secrets, all while battling demons and facing their own inner demons. If you crave a blend of dark academia, thrilling adventure, and morally gray characters, “Hell Bent” is a must-read fantasy novel about Hell.

“I Have Asked to Be Where No Storms Come” by Gwendolyn N. Nix takes you on a wild ride through a Hell that feels like a twisted, supernatural Wild West. Domino Bluepoint, a half-breed witch, just wants to be left alone in the afterlife. However, when a demon bounty hunter comes after him, he’s forced to team up with his mother to survive.

They become outlaws, running from those who want their magic. But Domino’s brother is pulling the strings, desperate to bring him back to life. As dark magic and dangerous deals come into play, Domino must confront his own demons to save his brother and the world from an ancient evil. If you’re looking for a dark fantasy book about Hell with a unique blend of horror and Western elements, this one’s for you.

“The Descent” by Jeff Long isn’t your typical fantasy book, but it definitely delivers that dark, hellish vibe you’re looking for. It’s more of a sci-fi horror blend, where a group of explorers stumble upon a vast network of tunnels beneath the Earth’s surface. Sounds cool, right?

But, twist! These tunnels aren’t empty. They’re inhabited by terrifying creatures, and the deeper the explorers go, the more nightmarish it gets. It’s a descent into a literal underworld, full of suspense, gore, and a constant sense of dread. If you’re into that kind of thing, this book will definitely get under your skin.

“Shanghai Immortal” by A.Y. Chao is a fantastical adventure set in the roaring twenties of Shanghai. It follows Lady Jing, a sassy half-vampire, half-fox-spirit who’s been stuck serving the King of Hell since childhood. But when she overhears a plot to steal a priceless dragon pearl, she sees a chance to prove herself.

Jing teams up with a gentle mortal and embarks on a wild chase through both Hell and the vibrant streets of Shanghai. However, her impulsive actions put her new friend in danger. Jing must choose between revenge and a chance at love. If you’re looking for a unique blend of Chinese mythology, historical fantasy, and a touch of romance, this book is a captivating read.

“Sign Here” by Claudia Lux offers a darkly humorous take on the corporate world… in Hell. Peyote Trip works in the deals department, and he’s on the brink of a big promotion. All he needs is one more soul from the wealthy Harrison family.

When the Harrisons head to their lake house for the summer, Pey sees his chance. With the help of his coworker, Calamity, he sets a plan in motion. But things get complicated as secrets and dangers surface, both on Earth and in Hell. If you enjoy a blend of humor, horror, and a satirical look at corporate culture, “Sign Here” is a unique fantasy book about Hell that will keep you entertained.

“Wounds: Six Stories from the Border of Hell” by Nathan Ballingrud isn’t your typical fantasy novel. It’s a collection of chilling short stories that explore the blurred lines between our world and the horrors that lurk just beneath the surface. Each story offers a glimpse into the darkness that can consume ordinary lives.

From a haunted smartphone to a mysterious plague, these tales will leave you questioning what’s real and what’s not. Ballingrud masterfully blends elements of horror, fantasy, and the macabre, creating an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after you finish reading. If you’re a fan of dark fiction that explores the depths of human fear and the unknown, this collection is a must-read.