Fantasy, by definition, is imagining something impossible, or improbable.
Christians, by definition, are followers, disciples, of Jesus Christ. A very real, possible and amazing Savior.
At first glance, these two don’t really have much in common, do they? But we’re here discussing the intersection of these two topics anyway.
So what are Christian Fantasy Books, and why should you read them?
Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I may make a small commission. I only recommend books and resources that I’ve enjoyed personally, or believe that you would like. You can read my full disclosure here. You will also find information on Scripture translations there.
Why Read Christian Fantasy Books?
And why on earth would a disciple of Jesus spend time reading them? Very good questions.
The ability of good Christian fantasy authors to draw imaginary impossibilities that beautifully reflect Biblical truths is fantastic. They can take one or two convictions in the Bible, and weave a story set in an “impossible” magical or futuristic world.
That setting and the very improbable nature of the story brings the Gospel to life in fresh and relatable ways.
Just like in 2 Samuel 12, when Nathan told King David the story about the rich man taking the poor man’s lamb, truth connects with our hearts through story.
*Still concerned? See what Focus on the Family has to say about Christian fantasy fiction.
I’ve read many Christian fantasy novels in my life, and each one has drawn me closer to God.
Biblical Allusions in Christian Fantasy Novels
There are 3 main Biblical Allusions to keep watch for when you’re reading Christian fiction of any variety, but especially in the worlds of Christian Fantasy.
- Parallels of God: Father, Creator, etc.
- Allusions to Jesus Christ: Sacrifice, Resurrection, Compassion…
- Miracles and Parables from Genesis to Revelation
The number of Christian allegories successfully woven into these books is amazing!
The Best Christian Fantasy Authors
Good Christian fantasy authors can create a world, or a future, where the battle between good and evil becomes tangible, clear, and inspiring.
Really good Christian fantasy authors pull you into their world, and leave you begging for more.
But the best Christian fantasy authors also leave you better equipped to face the challenges of living out your faith in the real world.
I’m talking about books written by authors like C.S. Lewis, L. Nicodemus Lyons, Bryan Davis, and Priscilla Shirer, to name a few of my favorites.
17 Best Christian Fantasy Books to Read
They fall into 2 main categories. Those set in a whole new world, and those that operate within the confines of the known world here on earth.
7 New Worlds of Christian Fantasy Book Recommendations
Sometimes a book or series is set on a whole other world, an invented fantasy world of the imagination. The characters might start out on earth, or it may be completely separate.
Some of the best of this category include:
C.S. Lewis has a Space Trilogy for adults you might not be aware of. A man named Ransom makes a trip to Venus, and one to Mars, and sees the Creation/Fall story in different ways. One is still Paradise, and his job is to thwart the serpent (not a literal serpent this time). The other is enduring life after the fall, with a slightly different story of the Savior, but the same wonderful Biblical truth throughout.
The Sword of Lyric by Sharon Hinck: Soccer Mom Susan goes into her attic, and finds herself swept away to a land crying out for its Deliverer. As these Christian fantasy novels progress, and you get the adventure of a lifetime, you can bet you’ll see some need for change in your own life. I know I did!
The Staff and the Sword Trilogy by Patrick Carr: This one’s got a bit of a catholic ‘church’ feel to it, but it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s hard, and challenging, and unbelievable. Errol is an unlikely hero, but the journeys he takes are both physically challenging, and full of spiritual growth!
Legends of the Guardian-King Series by Karen Hancock: These are unique and powerful. For the first third, or half of the first book, you’re not sure who are the bad guys, and who are the good guys. Kind of like now, with some things that appear to be good on the surface, but aren’t, really. This epic adventure is one you don’t want to miss, for sure! Here’s a longer review of this amazing story set in an otherworldly kingdom on the edge of darkness and light.
The Milana Legends by Anna Travis: I’ve shared reviews of her first 3 books of this fantasy series here, but the basics are a US youth mission trip to Africa ends up on another planet, with a mission of an entirely different sort. “The Breather” (you know, the One who Breathed into them the Breath of Life?) has an assignment for them that will change the world!
L. Nicodemus Lyons’ world is amazing. Her books are in a somewhat medieval setting, technology-wise, but definitely not earthbound. First the Alliance series, then Allegiance. This is one of my ‘auto-buys’ and I’ve been known to go back to the beginning and read the whole series when a new book releases. In fact, I’m about to do that again.
The Staff and the Sword series by Patrick W. Carr begins with A Cast of Stones. A very ritual-based religious/medieval culture, and an ‘average’ ‘backwoods’ young man with a less than honorable lineage’ given the unexpected opportunity to become crucial to the fate of the world. This is an unforgettable and fun set of stories!
And you don’t want to miss these Christian Steampunk books, they’re definitely a new world of fantasy!
3 Christian Fantasy Fiction Series Set Here On Earth
The other category of Christian Fantasy Fiction is set here, on earth. This could be Christian Time Travel books that take you back to Bible times, or forward into a future where you’re the only Christian (or one of the very few). Or maybe, you’ll end up in a parallel universe in medieval Wales, just in time to save the life of the Last Prince of Wales, and create a just world, protecting the Jews, and educating women and…
Or maybe, we can meet the Dragons in our Midst, descendants of the Dragons who were on the Ark, then transformed into humans by Merlin. The sky’s the limit with Christian fantasy fiction, and finding out if the good dragons in the Bible could possibly still be around and inspiring us to be more faithful is a question worth pursuing!
Don’t forget to try Kindle Unlimited, an Ebook library program.
Then, there’s the Chiveis Trilogy by M. Bryan Liftin: It’s been a few years since I read these books. I knew they were set in a post-apocalyptic future, but I’d forgotten that there was a deadly virus before the nuclear war that wiped out technology. It’s barely mentioned because it was so long ago, and the real action is all in Teo and Ana’s discovery of an ancient book. Attempts to translate it bring about a LOT of drama and attack, because, guess what? It’s a Bible. Something that hadn’t survived. Except for a copy in the hands some really nasty people bent on keeping it quiet.
8 Series of Christian Fantasy Novels for Tweens
Christian books for teens and tweens, really. Many of these YA Fantasy series are fun at any age:
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: Starts out in England, but most of your time is spent in and around Narnia, where animals can talk, Unicorns and Centaurs really exist, and Aslan teaches the meaning of courage, and love, and sacrifice. These are classic and timeless!
- If you’re already a Narnia fan, here are some really cool bookish merchandise and bookworm games that follow a Narnian theme!
The Prince Warriors by Prisilla Shirer: Journeying between here, and “There” these kids have some awesome adventures. This one specifically challenges tweens and teens (and any parents who’ll listen) with the reality of spiritual warfare, and the need to be well-armed with prayer and Bible knowledge (the Word of truth), and a real relationship with God.
The Dragon Keepers Chronicles by Donita K Paul: Christian Fantasy that weaves in dragons, and mystery, and faith, and does it well, is a win in my book. Beginning with Dragonspell, the Dragon Keepers and the whole world of Amara definitely qualifies as a win.
The Seven Sleepers Series by Gilbert Morris: This is another post-apocolypse Christian fantasy book series. A group of teens are put in cryo-stasis, and when they wake up, all is different.
Goel (the Bible term for Redeemer) sends these kids on several missions to reach the lost, and otherwise serve him. I have had this hard-copy series since I was a kid, and am looking forward to reading them with my oldest soon. And I just discovered the Lost Chronicles which has even more adventures!
Here’s another series to check out If you want some novels that will help tweens and teens know what makes a true friend!
The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson: I haven’t gotten to read this series yet, but it comes highly recommended by several people I know, and is currently ranked #18 in the teen and young adult Christian fantasy books category on Amazon, and that takes work!
Don’t forget Audible is always a good option!
The Peleg Chronicles by Matthew Christian Harding: Part Biblical fiction, and solid books for middle schoolers, these are so much fun. Peleg was a descendent of Noah, not too long after the flood. I got book one for free back in 2013, and it’s free today as I’m writing this, so there’s a reasonable chance you’ll find it free for you too. I really think you’ll enjoy it!
The Wormling Series by Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris Fabry: It’s a weird series title, for sure, but this series takes an average kid, a bookworm, and transports him to another place, where reading is his superpower. I’ve only read book 1, but these two are excellent Christian fantasy authors, and kids 10-14 (and up) will enjoy this series!
The Green Ember Series by S.D. Smith: I’m just starting the first Christian fantasy book in this series, but I can tell it’s going to be great! Talking rabbits, good vs. evil, and an epic feel that should carry through all 4 in the series nicely.
What Are Your Favorite Christian Fantasy Books?
As you can see, I’m fond of Christian fantasy books. Do you have any favorites to share, or is this a brand new genre for you?
I know I didn’t get to talk about Tolkien and his Lord of the Rings series, which isn’t expressly Christian, but has great themes in it anyway.
I think Christian fantasy authors have a special gift from God to be able to share such amazing stories with the world. The power to inspire us to greater acts of faith in our daily life is amazing to me!
Until Next Time, Love God, Love Books, Shine The Light!!
23 Comments on “17 Best Christian Fantasy Books to Enjoy Right Now”
I love good book recommendations. Thank you for this list.
You’re most welcome! I love good books too, and am happy to make recommendations. Christian fantasy books are one of my favorite genres, and I hope you found a new friend among these suggestions!
Came here looking for an audio book or a book to read with my kids. Thanks for the suggestions.
By the way, Dawn of Wonder by Jonathan Renshaw is fantastically written. I got to a chapter in this book where the main character was reading a letter from his friend and I felt the Holy Spirit in this author’s writing and sure enough, I looked him up and he is a Christian. Check it out if you haven’t. I anxiously await book 2. jrenshaw.com
Also, I wanted to say that as a teenager In the 90s, I loved the Stephen Lawhead books.
Okay, I went and looked up Dawn of Wonder. The first review about its’ “Blatantly Christian propaganda” had me laughing so hard I added it to my wish list/TBR. Gotta love when Christian Fantasy books hit their mark! I have to admit I haven’t read any of Stephen Lawhead’s books yet, but they sound interesting, especially Byzantium.
Okay, we have very similar reading tastes and it looks like we are both librarians. Fun! The Wingfeather Saga is fantiastic and Karen Hancock is one of my favorite authors of all time! I will need to check out the Milana Legends. Some authors you might enjoy if you haven’t already read them are Morgan L. Busse’s Ravenwood Saga, Prophet by RJ Larson which is a blend of biblical fiction and fantasy, Abiassa’s Fire series by Ronnie Kendig, and anything by Wayne Thomas Batson.
Awesome! I’m 3/4 through the wingfeather saga (yay!!), enjoyed Prophet, and love Karen Hancock. I need to check out Ravenwood and Abisssa, because you’re right. We do seem to have a lot in common, bookwise. At least as far as Christian fantasy books go!!
I really like this discussion and have posted a similar thread on my blog as well. Very good points about Christian Fantasy!
Thank you for saying so. I enjoy the many benefits, and the pure adventure of Christian fantasy books, and am happy when I can share them with others 🙂
Thank you for the list. I had just finished re-reading The Sword and the Stone trilogy and was looking for something new. There are enough suggestions here to keep me going for a while.
As an Orthodox priest, I wonder about Mr. Carr’s use of Orthodox elements (panikhida is a Russian term for a memorial service, for example). In any case, some of the things I appreciated were the way church shortcomings were discusses and the portrayal of the struggle of well-intentioned church and state leaders to discern what is right. They were part of what brought me back to the series in addition to the Errol story arc.
Exactly. One of the best things about Christian fantasy books is the tug of war of both well intentioned mistakes and absolute evil against a main character with heart!
Hi! I just came across your post in my search for more Christian fantasy series (researching the genre as I am planning to write a series of my own!)
A series I love is the Books of the Infinite series by R.J. Larson; its Biblical-inspired with parallels to known stories from the Bible. Absolutely fell in love with it.
How exciting! I will be looking forward to your Christian fantasy series! I’ve heard good things about the Book of the Infinite series. I’ll have to check it out!
I appreciate all the great recommendations. We love fantasy books in our house and great that I can be sure the subject matter will be faith based. I highly recommend the author Jaye L Knight and her Ilyon Chronicles series. This is by far my favorite series. It is similar setting to Lord of the Rings but more New Testament allegory. She includes explanations of the different characters,races, and lands including a map at the beginning of each book. There are 5 so far with a few companion novellas. I’m still eagerly waiting her next book.
Another series that’s dystopian and set in more modern times is The Restoration series by Terri Blackstock. It’s realistic dystopian (and dare I say a good reference book too keep on hand for good off the grid techniques. Just in case).
Another good dystopian teen centered series is The Light series by Jacqueline Brown. So many good faith based series to really enjoy.
Awesome, Laura! Thank you for these Christian fantasy book recommendations. I’ll be looking for them, especially Terri Blackstock’s- I have always enjoyed her books. But this Jay L Knight Ilyon Chronicles sounds right up my alley! I really appreciate you taking the time to share!
Hi, thank you for this thread, I got a lot of new authors to check out?? I would also recommend Frank E. Peretti, he writes books placed in our time, but with a strong biblical, supernatural element. Especially «This present darkness» and «Piercing the darkness», my favourites. Bless!
Good suggestions! I loved reading his Cooper Kids books when I was a kid!
I wrote a YA Christian fantasy recently entitled Bristlecone Magic. Recently, a friend said, Christan fantasy, that doesn’t seem to go together. May I use segments of this post to let others know why it works seamlessly? Thank you.
Dennis aka Moneysaver Editing
I added all these books to my Amazon cart! They all sound so interesting, right now I am trying to read lots of Christian fantasy series to hopefully make my own!
Awesome. I had so much fun putting this list together, It’s nice to hear someone enjoyed finding these Christian Fantasy books! I’d love to hear which one is your favorite!
Thank you for this list. Just found it. Always on the lookout for great Christian Fantasy. Once I exhausted C.S. Lewis, I found the pickin’s to be rather slim. I have done a lot of experimenting. There does not seem to be a lot of good Christian Fantasy available and some of my choices were complete misses. (I won’t name them here). One series I loved was called Where the Garden Begins and A Leaf of Faith–Highly recommend. A book I like (not quite loved) was Seeker’s Call–another series. Hopefully you will update this list with more suggestions. I’ll keep an eye out.
Yes, sometimes it’s disappointing, but I prefer to celebrate the Christian Fantasy wins, than to spend too much time on the ones that don’t quite work out.
Thank you for the suggestions. Where the garden begins sounds like a lot of fun!
Just found this article in early 2023 – thanks so much. As a writer beginning to send out queries for my first fantasy novel, it’s hard to come up with fantasy comps that aren’t too old – Tolkien, Lewis, Le Guin, Lloyd Alexander – now I’ve added about 15 more recent ones to my reading list. Whether I find comps for my query letters or not, I’m looking forward to dipping into some great reads. Many thanks!!
Glad you found it helpful. I’m not sure on all the publication dates, but the reading itself will be fun!