7 Christian Fantasy Authors You’ve Overlooked (And Why You Should Read Them)

What Christian Fantasy Books Should I Read?

People think in stories, so it’s important to be picky with what fantasy books you read. As Christians, we know a healthy mental diet consists of stories packed with truth and elements that call our thoughts back to the truth of the gospel and God’s word. Stories shape how we believe.  

C.S. Lewis, in explaining how he smuggled Christian truth into his fairy tales, described the young mind as having “watchful dragons”. Christian readers can see theology and doctrine a mile away, but if truth is delivered in the form of a story, it may “steal past those watchful dragons”. These seven small Christian fantasy authors are on this list because they have mastered the art of evading dragons. (Full C.S. Lewis quote here.)

I have selected these authors for this list because, among the smaller names out there in Christian fantasy, I believe these deserve greater attention. Don’t get me wrong, I always encourage young Christians to go after reading the big names too. I’ve got nothing against Ted Dekker. However, when we gloss over the lesser-read authors in the Christian fantasy world, we miss a golden opportunity. When you pick up a book from one of these writers, you experience the ingredients of Christian truth masterfully remixed into a recipe you’ve never tasted before. 

Why Read Lesser-Known Christian Authors?

Whether you’re an avid consumer of fantasy, or the parent of a reader that needs a constant feed of books in the hopper, finding enough Christ-centered fantasy stories can be hard. But does it have to be?

I have been surprised to find such a flourishing community of small Christian fantasy writers, largely online, weaving amazing stories from a solid Christian worldview. I have also been discouraged to see these authors go overlooked because they don’t have the marketing chops to compete with other big names. I see that as a huge missed opportunity for Christian readers of fantasy.

Although this list is by no means complete, if you want to support smaller fantasy names and dive into some fresh worlds, these are a few I recommend. By adding their books to your reading list, you support the careers of Christian authors who are, let’s face it, drowning in a sea of fiction noise today. For lovers of high fantasy, epic fantasy, medieval fantasy, whatever flavor of fantasy you prefer, you have endless options today—but not all of them honor God or edify the soul.     

Alright, I’ll get off my soapbox. Without further adieu, here are 7 small-name Christian fantasy authors you or your children should read. I’ve listed them in alphabetical order, and not necessarily in the order of best to worst. While some rank higher for me personally, I will let you the reader be the judge. 

#1. Bryan Davis

Bryan Davis is a little-celebrated but highly talented Christian fantasy author who should be on your radar. Despite difficulty publishing in his early years, Bryan broke out with his captivating series, “Dragons in our Midst”, leading into a prolific career writing fantasy, adventure, and mystery fit for the whole family. 

As a Christ-following father and creative, Bryan adeptly weaves belief into his storytelling, creating narratives that not only entertain but also get young readers asking some very important questions about faith and values. 

Homeschool families especially appreciate his work, owing to his sophisticated yet accessible style that fosters a passion for reading. Through his increasing list of fantasy novels, Bryan invites young readers to embark on a journey to sanctity and grow their imaginations. 

A Good Starting Book by Davis

A starting point I recommend for those new to Bryan Davis’s work is his novel, Raising Dragons, the first book in the “Dragons in Our Midst” series. 

This fantasy novel inspires young readers to dig deep within themselves to discover their God-gifted strengths to overcome life’s challenges. The story follows a boy who learns of his dragon heritage and a girl who has embraced hers for years. 

Joining forces, they combine their faith, courage, and love to confront a menacing slayer determined to eradicate dragon lineage forever. Raising Dragons not only captivates with its thrilling plot but also imparts valuable lessons about resilience and coming to terms with one’s faith, all through the lens of a fantasy narrative.

#2. Elizabeth Klein

Elizabeth Klein is a uniquely imaginative author who cleanly interweaves her Christian faith into her epic fantasy series, “Bethloria”, in a way that subtly celebrates the biblical worldview.  

While her stories are not overtly “Christian”, it cannot be denied they engage with profound theological themes of hope, self-giving love, sacrifice, and a genuine celebration of purity and goodness. Her aim is not to preach to the choir, but to smuggle the Christian worldview into the imaginations of all kinds of readers. Whether she succeeds with non-believers, I can’t be confident, but her stories certainly connect with young Christian fantasy readers.

For instance, the Holy Spirit appears in her Bethloria books, though with another name, but the parallel is quite plain. Using the main character’s connection to the third member of the Trinity, her narratives illustrate the corrupting allure of magic and the characters’ need for divine redemption, something I myself find very compelling in Christian fantasy. 

Elizabeth’s work invites newcomers to the fantasy genre to embark on adventures packed with depth and meaning, without the drag of sounding preachy. Her storytelling serves as a reminder of the subtle temptations we face to compromise godly value, making the Bethloria series a compelling choice for anyone seeking fantasy that engages with faith.

A Good Starting Book by Klein

If you want to start reading Elizabeth Klein’s work, a good starting place is the Firelight of Heaven, (Kinda on-the-nose Christian-sounding title, but it’s subtle, trust me!) This novel is the gripping first installment in the series. 

When an assassin crashes a secret meeting, brothers Robbie and Dougray find themselves thrust into a fast-paced adventure filled with danger and intrigue. Their journey takes them beyond the treacherous Black Mountain, into forbidden territory, where they are saved by an Elf girl named Belle Song. Although off to a smooth start, their quest becomes perilous when Robbie is captured by the terrifying spider known as Queen Shara (If you’re scared of spiders, maybe this book isn’t for you).

In a tense battle, the brothers and Belle confront the spider to rescue Robbie from her lair. Through harrowing trials, Dougray and Belle uncover a shared destiny that leads them on a mission to find seven lost crystals crucial for healing their beloved land of Bethloria. This captivating tale beautifully blends adventure with themes of courage and friendship, making it a perfect introduction to Klein’s enchanting world.

#3. Emily Golus

Emily Golus has been crafting fantasy worlds since before she could write her name. From the beginning, she has enjoyed expressing her faith through imaginative storytelling. A New England immigrant now residing in the Deep South, Emily is captivated by how our cultures shape our values and choices, and she weaves this consistent theme into her narratives. 

Her writing reassures readers that the small choices of everyday, mundane faith hold significant value. As a mom, Emily draws inspiration from adventuring with her boys in the forests and mountains of the Carolinas. The joy and value of family life is a mainstay in Emily’s writing, which I personally find deeply refreshing.

A Good Starting Book by Golus

A wonderful starting point for exploring Emily Golus’s imaginative storytelling is Escape to Vindor, a Salah Award-winning book that immerses readers in Emily’s fascinating magical realm. 

The story follows Megan Bradshaw, who, like many children, has her own secret imaginary realm full of magic and mythical beasts. Her world is Vindor. When the pressures of real life become unbearable, she wishes she could escape to Vindor. Unexpectedly, Megan finds herself transported there, with no clear path back. The enchantment quickly fades as Megan confronts the “Shadow”, a terrifying entity that threatens to destroy her beloved world from the inside out.

Joined by a know-it-all centaur and a suspicious goblin, she embarks on a desperate mission to save both Vindor and herself. This thrilling adventure not only captivates readers with its fantastical elements but also conveys meaningful themes, making it an excellent choice for homeschool students in search of engaging and thought-provoking content.

#4. H.L. Burke

H. L. Burke, hailing from a small town in north central Oregon, spent her childhood surrounded by the wonders of God’s creation. Like many young Christian creatives, she was inspired by the mythopoetic fantasies of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, who instilled in her a passion for storytelling from a Christian worldview. 

Burke’s takes a similar “Tolkienesque” approach to storytelling, infusing her stories with Christian symbolism without turning them into straight-up allegories. Her characters and worldbuilding appeal especially to geeky teens who love lore and some good, home-grown fantasy and adventure. Although her audience is young Christians of all kinds, female readers especially enjoy her flavor of writing.

A Good Starting Book by Burke

A fantastic introduction to H. L. Burke’s storytelling is Flower, the first book in the “Green Princess Trilogy”. 

In this enchanting tale, Kitrin yearns for freedom from her parents’ secluded manor, but when her emotions trigger an uncontrollable blossoming of flowers and bending trees, she finds herself caught in a spiral of mysterious events. Her only anchor is Prince Bryce, a palace outcast burdened by his family’s tragic past, who brings a special spark of hope into her life. 

As their connection deepens, they must navigate the dangers of a world where Kitrin’s abilities make her a target. With themes of enduring love, self-sacrifice, and resilience in the face of trials and challenges, Flower invites readers into a beautifully crafted world where love must strive to survive in the shadow of tyranny. 

#5. Janelle Schmidt

Jenelle Schmidt is another small-time fantasy author that ought to be on your reading list. As a mom of four, Jenelle writing comes alive with a palpable regard for family, traditional values, and wholesome fun. Jenelle invites readers into a fresh yet traditional fantasy world filled with epic quests, magical swords, and courageous warriors that will have you reading from cover to cover.

Jenelle is best known for “The Minstrel’s Song” series, an excellently written four-book saga celebrating godly friendship. Her books have won awards, and as you read you will quickly understand why. Jenelle’s world and characters are dynamic, immersive, and refreshingly free of cynicism. Although primarily writing in the Middle Grade area, readers of all ages find great delight in Jenelle’s work. Her books are especially appreciated by homeschool youth seeking engaging, wholesome content. 

A Good Starting Book by Schmidt

Wondering where to start? One of Jenelle Schmidt’s stories I recommend to begin with is An Echo of the Fae.

The title alone is enough to make me want to pluck it off the shelf, if you ask me. This whimsical novel follows Echo, who, just before her thirteenth birthday, uncovers a family secret that propels her on a quest into the heart of the fae-lands to rescue a sister she never knew existed. As she navigates a world filled with elves, dragons, and intricate fairy courts, Echo’s wit and resolve are put to the ultimate test. This novel is perfect for fans of The Secret of Roan Inish and The Girl Who Drank the Moon. An Echo of the Fae is a fairytale adventure that won the 2021 Middle Grade Realm Award, making it an ideal jumping-in point to Jenelle Schmidt’s delightful blend of magic and family values.

#6. J. F. Rogers

J.F. Rogers, also known as Jennifer Faith Rogers, is a dynamic Christian fantasy writer whose author journey is a testament to walking by faith. In my own email conversations, I’ve been impressed by her grace and personability, which I also see present in her writing. Of all the writers on this list, it’s my opinion that Rogers is head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to weaving her faith into her world and stories.

Rogers was raised by a single father who nurtured a vivid imagination in her. Because of this firm root, Rogers always aspired to be a writer. After years of false starts and life’s unexpected twists—including a challenging divorce and job loss—Rogers turned to God during what she calls the “best worst year” of her life.

Embracing her faith, she committed to following God’s guidance in her authorship, which has transformed her life in inspirational ways. She returned to school, earned a degree in Behavioral Science, and finally completed her first Christian fantasy novel, Astray. Originally intended as a non-Christian story, it evolved into a narrative rich with faith owing to Rogers’ flourishing internal life of communion with God. She serves as a shining example of an author who embraces her faith in Jesus openly, not shying away from the label “Christian fiction”. As a Christian fantasy author myself, seeking to let my walk with God effortlessly flavor all my content, I find Roger’s work a true inspiration.

A Good Starting Book by Rogers

There’s no better place to start with J.F. Rogers’ than that first novel, Alight, the prequel to the “Ariboslia Trilogy”.

This debut novel follows twins Cataleen and Aodan, who share a supernatural bond and must resist dark forces intent on corrupting their gifts. Along with their close friend Faolan, they venture into the perilous land of Ariboslia, where Fasgadair prey on those with powers. As tragedy unfolds and secrets come to light, their friendship is put to the ultimate test, forcing each of them to choose their paths amidst the looming evil. With themes of self-giving friendship, courage, love, and hope in the valley of death, so to speak, Alight is the total package. 

#7. Kim Vermaak

Coming to you all the way from South Africa, Kim Vermaak is another Christian fantasy author I have had personal interaction with. Her writing journey began as a coping mechanism in an abusive household. Later, her adoptive parents became her first hopeful Christrian inspirations, giving her a new beginning—a theme that carries through her writing.

In Kim’s writing you see similar characters rising to seemingly insurmountable challenges and experiencing great personal transformation on the other side. Kim has a peculiar fascination with history and how we learn from our past, especially when it comes to raising kids. Her rough aim, as I understand it, is to share wisdom from history to empower future generations, using fantasy as her medium. While her Christian faith isn’t explicitly evident in her stories, some themes may be more mature than what is covered by other authors on this list, Kim’s outstanding storytelling and basic Christian perspective shine through, offering readers enriching and often challenging narratives.

A Good Starting Book by Vermaak

A great entry point, I’d say, into Kim Vermaak’s writing is her free short story, A Mother’s Warning.

Set in a kingdom weakened by a devastating sickness, the tale follows Isabella as her daughter, Christine, faces the daunting task of securing a politically advantageous marriage with the powerful yet enigmatic King Radolf. While Isabella senses something sinister about Radolf, her warnings fall on deaf ears, overshadowed by her grief over her lost sons. As Radolf and his adviser pursue a hidden agenda that threatens the kingdom, Isabella’s visions blur the lines between life and death, leading her to an impossible choice. This compelling story not only immerses readers in Vermaak’s medieval fantasy world but also showcases her talent for blending emotional depth with suspense.

Conclusion

We keep small Christian authors afloat by buying their books and following their work. In a small way, I genuinely believe this grows our witness to the Kingdom of God as Christians. As a burgeoning Christian fantasy author myself, I can’t tell you how much it means to me when someone buys a book or subscribes to my newsletter. It tells me what I’m doing is valued and appreciated, and you can do the same for these authors on this list!

If you have enjoyed this article, check out my other articles on the blog, and feel free to read the free Christian fiction provided on this website. Until next time, may God be with you.