The Best Of Christian Fantasy Books
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The Best of Christian Fantasy Books
One of the perks of being a reviewer is that I get to explore new books that I normally wouldn't have purchased, and perhaps even known about otherwise. I've discovered some excellent authors, and some not so good. I won't get into the bad ones here, but this lens contains some of the best of Christian fantasy novels/series that I've read.
Jeffrey Overstreet's The Auralia Thread Series
The world of Auralia's Colors is divided into 4 parts. The city where Auralia lives has banned all color, and most expressions of imagination and creativity except for nobility and those favored by nobility. But unlike the others living their quiet lives, Auralia can't, and won't give up her incredible ability to create things with colors that make others feel...It may sound a tad simplistic, and the innocent, YA/middlegrade beginning may lull you into a false sense of security, but little by little what you think you know will get turned on its head.
I have never, ever read a fantasy novel quite like Auralia's Colors. The writing is what's normally referred to as "poetic prose", meaning that the writing itself is beautiful and enchanting, and not just an entertaining description.
And Overstreet knows just how to get you mad at him- by driving up the pace and open plot points just before the book ends!
But hang on, it's safe to get your reading gears going, because the next installment, Cyndere's Midnight, came out in September of -09. So go ahead and pick up both while you're at it- you'll thank me when you don't have to order overnight shipping for the second book as soon as you've finished the first.
P.S. Wanna read my full review? Auralia's Colors book review and Cyndere's Midnight book review.
Jeffrey Overstreet's Books
Jeffrey Overstreet on Kindle
Jeffrey Overstreet's Blog
Donita K Paul's The DragonKeeper Chronicles
Kale's rare ability to sense, hatch, and bond dragon eggs earns her freedom from being a village slave. But being a slave is a safe occupation, and her entrance into Paladin's service is anything but safe.Not just Christian fantasy, but YA Christian fantasy- arguably one of the hardest genres to write well (and believe me, I've seen some doozies!).
In the interest of complete honesty, Paul does get a little carried away with naming things in her world, and the allegory is a bit heavy handed- again in the first book. On the whole, however, the world is interesting to explore, Kale's sassy attitude is fun to read, and her story lines are intriguing and unique. It's a Christian fantasy that's definitely worth a read.
Donita K Paul's Books
Donita K Paul on Kindle
Donita K. Paul's Blog
Stephen Lawhead's King Raven Trilogy
Stephen R Lawhead has had a long career in Christian fantasy. I grew up reading In The Hall of the Dragon King, and the Pendragon Cycle.He began spinning legends into believable Christian fantasy with the King Arthur Legends (Pendragon Cycle), and now he's turned to Robin Hood.
The King Raven Trilogy- Hood, Scarlet, and Tuck are excellent. Very light on the magic, which really pushes them more towards the historical fiction genre than fantasy, but the overall flavor is still fantasy. And while I admit that Hood himself is not all that likable in Lawhead's world, the stories themselves are a force to be reckoned with.
Unfortunately, while Lawhead does have a blog (of sorts), it is not only rarely updated, but has no RSS Feed! However, you can check it out here as it still offers good info on the book release time lines.
Please note that Tuck will not be released until Feb. 10, 2009, but you can read my review of Tuck by Stephen R Lawhead on TitleTrakk.com right now.
Stephen R. Lawhead's Newest Novels
Stephen R Lawhead on Kindle
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The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
But the best parts are the footnotes, just as in Pratchett's novels. Actually, that's a good way to describe the books- middle grade fantasy written by Terry Pratchett and heavily edited by a 7 year old boy who thinks boogers are funny. My favorite footnote consists of one word: Woe!
Seriously, you just have to read it to get the humor.
But on top of that, the story line is more or less usual- the child king and his siblings are running for their lives and attempting to kick the evil out of their land to reign in peace and joy once more. But how the story goes is quite fresh. The Fork Factory in particular is a pretty new concept to me (which actually reminded me of a documentary I saw on Wal-Mart's China factories), and the creatures are interesting. Several of the characters are either cool, endearing, or both. The magic is limited, but well done, and is considered a gift from The Maker- to be appreciated, but not manipulated.
One word of warning is that the first book, On The Edge Of The Dark Sea Of Darkness, starts out a bit slow, and only picks up during the last third. It's interesting, though, and totally necessary for background before starting the quick paced North! Or Be Eaten. (pssst... check out my North Or Be Eaten Review. )
The Wordsmith, The Kid, and The Electrolux
The Wordsmith, The Kid, and The Electrolux
Amazon Price: $11.48 (as of 05/29/2012)
I don't know if it's actually possible to explain this story. It's about the fall of man, our corrupt nature, and Jesus' amazing sacrifice. It's written as a boy who gives in to his own selfish desires (ice cream), and how it actually destroys his own life as he becomes a slave to his desire (sneaking about, refusing to participate in his family, cavities). One night, he wakes to find that his parents' vacuum cleaner is alive, and seemingly intelligent. It takes him on a ride, bringing him to a book of his family tree, which is filled with odd, almost living pictures. And then he falls into one. Thus begins his adventure.
Suffice to say that it has all of the strangeness of a story like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and even Pilgrim's Progress. It also teaches its lesson in the same subtle but fantastic method, with the same kind of melancholy feel through out much of the book.
Happily, the message truly gets through, and by seeming so strange, it peaks your curiosity ("I wonder where he's going with this?") and keeps your attention riveted, not only to the story, but also the meaning and message behind the story.
This is not the kind of book that is likely to give a non-believer who wasn't raised in church and "aha!" moment, simply because they won't have the key to unlock the mystery unless the Holy Spirit teaches them. Just as reading the Bible tends to not make sense to someone who doesn't already believe, unless the Holy Spirit is there to guide them. It is, however, an excellent book (just as Pilgrim's Progress, and Hinds Feet In High Places) for the believer who wants to really GET Jesus' sacrifice, and why we need it so much.
Have a favorite Christian fantasy author, novel, or series?
What are you looking for in your Christian fantasy books?
Share your opinions here!
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Jaime_Buckley
May 30, 2012 @ 2:40 am | delete
- I appreciate this blog and listing Christian writers of Fantasy. I have never thought to look up authors under that focus before. As for myself, I may not be considered a "Christian Author" per se by the definitions given here...but I am finding that my desire to keep the adventures clean, moral and uplifting allows me to create a good compass for readers, regardless of beliefs.
I love this lens. Great job, will recommend to others =)
God Bless.
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Scribbles
May 18, 2012 @ 11:29 am | delete
- I'm looking for an author with a well developed system of magic in his/her books. Any sugestions?
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William Woodall
Feb 29, 2012 @ 7:15 am | delete
- I'm a writer of Christian fantasy books, mostly for young adults. I'm not sure if this is an appropriate place to mention one's own work, but I will say that my books have gotten a lot of good reviews and you can find some free samples on my website, if anyone is interested. The link is www.williamwoodall.org
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Ericastanciu
Dec 31, 2011 @ 6:20 pm | delete
- I'm still a little lost when it comes to christian fantasy and just fantasy. Does that mean there's no explicit material? I've read some of these are didn't even realize they were christian family. I would really appreciate it if maybe you could have a look at my lens which features a unique fantasy novel. I can even send you a copy (ebook) if you would like to review it. If not, no worries. Happy New year!
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BFuniv.com
Feb 29, 2012 @ 10:02 am | delete
- I think Fantasy has been well defined, so let's look at the Christian part. Tolkian made Gandalf a type of Christ, falling to his death in Moria as Gandalf the gray, raising to be first seen by followers as Gandalf the White.
In CS lewis' Narnia, Aslan play the part of Christ, as becomes clear by the end of the last book.
The books on this page, as indicated in the bio at top, were selected by another. They may not carry a blatant message, but should all be consistent with a Christian world view. That view reinforcing a need for a personal relationship with God.
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