The religious fantasy genre of fiction includes elements of spirituality, mythology, and magic within fantastical worlds, exploring themes of faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. Rooted in religious beliefs, legends, and folklore from various cultures, these stories transport readers into realms where gods, demons, and mythical beings influence mortal lives.
One hallmark of religious fantasy is its intricate world-building, drawing from religious texts or creating entirely new mythologies inspired by them. Characters often grapple with divine intervention, prophecy, and the consequences of their actions on a cosmic scale. The protagonists may be chosen ones, fulfilling ancient prophecies or embarking on quests guided by divine will.
Themes of morality and ethics are prevalent, with characters facing moral dilemmas and spiritual trials that test their beliefs and convictions. Whether set in a medieval kingdom, a futuristic dystopia, or an alternate dimension, religious fantasy challenges readers to contemplate deeper questions about existence, destiny, and the nature of the divine.
Authors such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have made significant contributions to the genre, crafting tales that resonate with readers across generations and belief systems. Through allegory, symbolism, and allegiances to universal truths, religious fantasy offers readers an immersive escape into realms where the supernatural intersects with the human experience.
Here are 20 great religious fantasy novels:
The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, published in 1678:
In “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” Christian embarks on a perilous journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, encountering various trials, temptations, and allies along the way. As he travels, Christian learns valuable lessons about faith, perseverance, and the dangers of straying from the path of righteousness. Bunyan’s allegorical masterpiece remains a timeless classic, offering readers profound insights into the Christian journey and the challenges faced by believers.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, published in 1950:
In “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” four siblings discover a magical wardrobe that transports them to the enchanting land of Narnia, where they become entangled in a battle between the noble lion Aslan and the White Witch. As they journey through Narnia, the siblings learn about bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring power of good over evil. Lewis weaves Christian allegory throughout the narrative, with Aslan representing Christ and his sacrificial death and resurrection central to the story’s themes.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, published in 1937:
In “The Hobbit,” Bilbo Baggins, a timid hobbit, is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters elves, dwarves, wizards, and other fantastical creatures, confronting danger and discovering courage he never knew he possessed. Tolkien’s richly imagined world of Middle-earth serves as a backdrop for a captivating adventure filled with themes of heroism, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil.
Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis, published in 1951:
In “Prince Caspian,” the Pevensie siblings return to Narnia to aid Prince Caspian in his struggle to reclaim his rightful throne from his evil uncle Miraz. As they journey through the land they once ruled, the siblings face challenges that test their faith and loyalty to Aslan. Lewis explores themes of faith, courage, and the importance of standing up for what is right, offering readers a thrilling tale of adventure and redemption.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, published in 1962:
In “A Wrinkle in Time,” Madeleine L’Engle takes readers on a mind-bending journey through space and time. When Meg Murry’s father mysteriously disappears while working on a secret government project, she embarks on an interstellar adventure with her brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin O’Keefe to rescue him. As they travel to distant planets and encounter strange beings, Meg learns about the power of love, courage, and the importance of embracing her own uniqueness. L’Engle’s novel is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its blend of science fiction, fantasy, and profound philosophical insights.
This Present Darkness by Frank E. Peretti, published in 1986:
In “This Present Darkness,” a small town becomes the battleground for a cosmic struggle between angels and demons. As sinister forces conspire to unleash darkness upon the world, a handful of individuals must confront their own doubts and fears to stand against the encroaching evil. Peretti’s gripping narrative delves into spiritual warfare and the power of prayer, challenging readers to consider the unseen forces at work in the world and the importance of faith in combating evil.
Black by Ted Dekker, published in 2003:
In “Black,” Thomas Hunter finds himself trapped between two realities—one in which he is a successful surgeon in present-day Colorado, and another in a dystopian world overrun by a viral epidemic. As Thomas alternates between worlds, he discovers that his actions in one reality affect the other, leading him on a quest to uncover the truth about his identity and the nature of reality itself. Dekker’s novel is a mind-bending journey filled with suspense, philosophical questions, and spiritual allegory.
DragonSpell by Donita K. Paul, published in 2004:
In “DragonSpell,” a young servant girl named Kale discovers she possesses a rare ability to communicate with dragons. When she is thrust into a world of magic and adventure, Kale must navigate dangerous alliances and confront a powerful evil threatening the realm of Amara. Paul’s novel is a whimsical and imaginative tale filled with colorful characters, mythical creatures, and themes of courage, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil.
The Door Within by Wayne Thomas Batson, published in 2005:
In “The Door Within,” Wayne Thomas Batson invites readers on an epic adventure through the realms of Alleble and Paragory. When Aidan Thomas stumbles upon a mysterious book and is transported into a world of knights, dragons, and ancient prophecies, he must embrace his destiny as a chosen hero. As Aidan battles against the forces of darkness alongside his newfound allies, he discovers courage, loyalty, and the true meaning of sacrifice. Batson’s novel is a thrilling blend of fantasy, adventure, and spiritual allegory, offering readers a tale of heroism and redemption that will captivate the imagination.
Dragons in Our Midst by Bryan Davis, published in 2005:
In “Dragons in Our Midst,” readers are introduced to a world where dragons exist hidden among humans. As young David Rain discovers his own connection to these mythical creatures, he becomes entangled in a battle against ancient evil forces seeking to destroy both dragons and humans alike. Davis weaves a tale of adventure, friendship, and the struggle between light and darkness, inviting readers on a journey filled with magic, danger, and the power of faith.
The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson, first book published in 2008:
In “The Wingfeather Saga,” readers are transported to the fantastical world of Aerwiar, where the fate of kingdoms hangs in the balance. As siblings Janner, Kalmar, and Leeli Wingfeather discover their true identities as heirs to the throne of Anniera, they must navigate treacherous landscapes and confront powerful enemies to reclaim their rightful inheritance. Peterson’s epic series is filled with captivating characters, intricate world-building, and themes of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope.
Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl, published in 2010:
In “Heartless,” readers are swept into the enchanting realm of Goldstone Wood, where a dark curse threatens to consume the land. As Princess Una embarks on a quest to break the curse and save her kingdom, she encounters the enigmatic Prince Aethelbald, whose heart holds the key to unlocking the truth. Stengl’s novel is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and allegory, with themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love.
The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead, first published in 2010:
In “The Skin Map,” Stephen R. Lawhead weaves a tale of adventure, mystery, and multiverse exploration. When Kit Livingstone discovers a mysterious map tattooed on his uncle’s skin, he is drawn into a quest to unlock its secrets and unravel the mysteries of alternate dimensions. Alongside his eccentric uncle and a motley crew of allies, Kit travels through time and space, encountering danger and intrigue at every turn. Lawhead’s novel is a captivating blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction, offering readers a thrilling journey through the corridors of time and space.
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin, published in 2010:
In “The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms,” N.K. Jemisin crafts a mesmerizing tale set in a world where gods walk among mortals. When Yeine Darr is unexpectedly thrust into the politics of the ruling family, she must navigate a treacherous court filled with intrigue and betrayal. As she uncovers dark secrets about her family’s past and the true nature of the gods, Yeine finds herself at the center of a power struggle that could reshape the very fabric of the world. Jemisin’s novel is a masterful blend of fantasy, politics, and mythology, offering readers a richly imagined world and complex characters to explore.
The Zealots of Shiloh by Walter E. Mark, published in 2011:
In “The Zealots of Shiloh,” Walter E. Mark presents a gripping tale set during the American Civil War. As the battle of Shiloh rages on, a group of Union soldiers find themselves trapped behind enemy lines. As they struggle to survive in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, they must confront their own fears and prejudices while searching for a way to escape the horrors of war. Mark’s novel offers readers a vivid portrayal of the human cost of conflict and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren, published in 2011:
In “Waterfall,” Gabi Betarrini and her sister Lia are transported back in time to medieval Italy through an ancient medallion. As they navigate the dangers of a foreign land and the political intrigues of warring families, Gabi finds herself torn between two men vying for her affection. Bergren’s novel blends elements of historical fiction with fantasy, offering readers a captivating tale of adventure, romance, and self-discovery.
The Lake Lights by William D. Burt, published in 2014:
In “The Lake Lights,” William D. Burt continues the adventure of the Greenstone of Healing series. As Aidan and Maggie O’Conner spend the summer at their grandfather’s cabin, they encounter mysterious lights dancing above the lake. Little do they know, these lights hold the key to a hidden world filled with magical creatures and ancient secrets. As Aidan and Maggie embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the lake lights, they must confront their own fears and doubts while learning to harness the power of faith and friendship. Burt’s novel is a delightful blend of fantasy, mystery, and heartwarming lessons, offering readers a tale of wonder and discovery.
The Epic Adventures of the Techno Wizard by Dustan Stanley, first published in 2018:
In “The Epic Adventures of the Techno Wizard,” readers are introduced to a modern-day world where technology and magic collide. When a young prodigy named Alex discovers he has the ability to manipulate technology with his mind, he becomes embroiled in a quest to uncover the truth about his mysterious powers. As Alex navigates through a world of danger and intrigue, he must confront his own doubts and fears while learning to harness his unique abilities for the greater good. Stanley’s novel offers readers a thrilling blend of science fiction and fantasy, with themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the power of belief.
The Sea Archer by J Suthern Hicks, first published in 2019:
In “The Sea Archer,” J Suthern Hicks introduces readers to a world of myth, magic, and romance. When Mia Foley discovers a mysterious bracelet that grants her the power to control water, she is thrust into a world of ancient gods and hidden dangers. Alongside a brooding immortal named Nikolas, Mia embarks on a quest to unlock the secrets of her past and embrace her destiny as a powerful sea archer. Hicks’s novel is a captivating blend of fantasy, adventure, and forbidden romance, offering readers a tale of love and redemption set against a backdrop of myth and legend.
First Generation – Origin Series by Kristiana Sfirlea, published in 2020:
In the “First Generation – Origin Series,” Kristiana Sfirlea introduces readers to a dystopian future where humans with extraordinary abilities are hunted by the government. As Ember Wright discovers her own powers, she must navigate a dangerous world filled with secrets and betrayal. Alongside a group of fellow “gifted” individuals, Ember embarks on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion against a corrupt regime. Sfirlea’s series is a thrilling blend of science fiction, action, faith and romance, offering readers a captivating tale of empowerment and resistance.
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And that’s our list of the 20 best religious fantasy books. What’s your take on these – any surprises, or any religious fantasy novels not on this list that you feel should make the top 20?