Then there's 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley. It presents a world where a new form of 'religion' in the form of state - imposed values and consumerism has replaced traditional religions. It shows the dehumanizing effects of such a system and can be considered as an indirect critique of religious - like dogmas that can limit individual freedom and human nature.
I would also mention 'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury. While it's not solely about anti - religious themes, it does criticize a society that suppresses free thought, which can be related to how some religious dogmas can limit intellectual exploration. The burning of books in the story can be seen as a symbol of suppressing ideas that may go against the established religious or ideological norms.
One example is 'The Book of Mormon'. It is considered a religious text by the Latter - Day Saints, but from a non - Mormon perspective, it can be seen as a fictional religious work in that it is based on religious revelations and stories that are not part of the mainstream Judeo - Christian canon. Another could be the various books in the 'His Dark Materials' series which create their own religious - like cosmology with elements such as daemons and the Authority.
One of the most well - known is 'Macbeth' by William Shakespeare. Although it's a play, it has strong elements of witchcraft with the three witches who prophesy Macbeth's rise and fall.
Definitely 'The Natural'. It has been adapted into a movie and is widely regarded for its portrayal of a complex baseball hero.
'Sing, Unburied, Sing' by Jesmyn Ward was also among the popular 2017 fiction. This book explored themes of race, family, and the haunting legacy of the past in the American South. The author's beautiful prose and the way she wove together different storylines made it a memorable read for many.
'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' is a well - known wiccan - related fiction. It gives a different perspective on the Wicked Witch from 'The Wizard of Oz' and delves into her backstory, which is filled with magic and a different kind of witchcraft that has wiccan - like qualities.
One of the most well - known is 'The Mothman Prophecies'. It has been adapted into a movie too. It's all about the strange Mothman sightings and the eerie events associated with it. Another is 'Cryptozoica' which is a collection of stories about different cryptids. 'The Legend of Boggy Creek' book is also quite famous. It's based on the Fouke Monster legend from Arkansas.
Well, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is also very well - known in the list. It's a classic that deals with important themes like racism and justice. The story is told from the perspective of a young girl, Scout, and it's a very poignant and thought - provoking read.
A well - known one is 'The Pillars of the Earth'. It's set in the Dark Ages and shows the building of a cathedral and the lives of the people involved. It's very detailed and engaging.
The 'Deep Space Nine' books are also well - known. They explore the unique setting of the space station and the various characters there. 'A Stitch in Time' is a great example. It gives a deep look into the character of Garak. And then there are the 'Voyager' books that continue the adventures of the Voyager crew stranded in the Delta Quadrant, such as 'Homecoming' which was much awaited by fans of the series.
Definitely 'The Flame and the Flower' by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. It was very popular and kind of set the standard for medieval romance novels. It has a strong - minded heroine and a very alpha male hero. Another well - known one is 'Whitney, My Love' by Judith McNaught. It's a story full of drama and love in a medieval - style world. Also, 'The Wind Dancer' by Iris Johansen is quite famous. It combines art, mystery, and romance in a medieval setting.