Have you heard of the newest genre to hit bookshelves with a fury? It’s called “romantic” fiction and is a combination of fantasy and romance. This has also ushered in a wave of addictive stories, some of them in a series format, with fictional characters wielding swords, riding dragons, engaging their magical powers, and having romantic interludes that—shall we say—are not closed doors but wide open.
Fantasy, dystopian, and speculative fiction are not new genres. They include authors like Tolkien and Lewis as readers dive into the fictional worlds of The Hobbit or Narnia. They also include authors like Suzanne Collins and her Hunger Games series, J.K. Rowling and the now classic Harry Potter series.
As Christians, is there a place for fantasy in our fictional forays? Often, we hear arguments for and against the practices of magic in fantasy, the potential luridness of romance in its pages, the darkness of powers, and the violence of epic battles. Each reader needs to be convinced on these matters, but it may help to know that Christian fiction has exploded in the last decade with fabulous, epic, clean, and God-honoring reads!
So if you’re bent on reading romance, science fiction, speculative, dystopian, and so on, look at this list of fiction you will not want to miss!
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1. Winter’s Maiden By Morgan Busse
1. Winter’s Maiden By Morgan Busse
Winter’s Maiden, by Morgan Busse – if you’re a fan of the Vikings television series, or if you enjoyed the Divergent series, this is just the first of a new series from an author who has an innate ability to engage the imaginations of adults and young adults alike.
About the book:
Warrior. Survivor. Daughter of the North.
From the moment she is born, Brighid fights to survive in the wastelands of Nordica as a clanless one. But when a new power arrives offering a trial to join the Nordic warriors, Brighid enters, hoping to rise above her station. Soon, she becomes one of their fiercest fighters and joins the war against the South.
Kaeden carries the blood of the ancient Eldaran race in his veins, but turns away from his heritage after his parents' deaths. Years later, he is called back to his homeland and invited to be a healer for the southern forces. With the help of an old mentor, the power within him starts to awaken. However, his life is turned upside down when a mighty warrior of the Nordic forces is captured.
As Kaeden interacts with the enemy, he discovers a darkness behind the Nordic Wars that is manipulating the people of the north. But who will believe him? And is there a power strong enough to break the hold of this hidden adversary? Or will the world burn in the flames of war?
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2. Blood of Kings: Legends By Jill Williamson
2. Blood of Kings: Legends By Jill Williamson
Blood of Kings: Legends by Jill Williamson is a romantic fantasy for young adults filled with adventure, intrigue, and sweet romance. It features award-winning author Jill Williamson (best known for her series Blood of Kings), who presents new authors in this Christian genre with spin-offs from Ms. Williamson’s original series.
The new titles include: Squire of Truth, by Jill Williamson; Lord of Winter, by Andrew Swearingen; Lady of Shadows, by Kelly Fernlake; and Heir of Light, by Niki Florica.
Here's a peek at book one, The Squire of Truth:
Cole Tanniyn, squire to the soon-to-be king, has journeyed far from his days as a stray stable boy in a distant mountain village. Haunted by the echoes of past failures on the battlefield, he seeks solace in music, hoping to find belonging among fellow musicians. His quest leads him to Mistel Wepp, a spirited songstress determined to forge her path on stage.
A past of confinement and control has bound Mistel for too long. Now on her own, she toils tirelessly to make her mark, but the struggle to earn a living in a world that fails to appreciate her talents proves exhausting. When she connects Cole with the future king and discovers he’s a skilled lutist, she sees an opportunity to change her future.
When a heinous crime leaves Mistel’s roommate dead, she turns to Cole for help. Despite his inexperience as an investigator, Cole vows to uncover the truth. Together, they delve into the dark alleys of Armonguard, revealing a sinister web of secrets and sorcery that threatens the kingdom. As their journey unfolds, their shared love of music catches the attention of the king, who commissions them to compose a song for his upcoming wedding, offering a glimpse of normalcy amid adversity. Can Cole and Mistel prevail against enemies wielding dark magic? Or will they become the next casualties in a deadly game of power?
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3. Zodak, The Last Shielder By Max Moyer
3. Zodak, The Last Shielder By Max Moyer
If you like epic world-building in the vein of Brandon Sanderson, unlikely heroes, and evil versus good, you will not want to miss this first book in a new series by up-and-coming fantasy author Max Moyer. Zodak, The Last Shielder was written in a style that adults will enjoy, boys 13 and up will also enjoy the tale of Zodak, his quest to unveil his mysterious past, conquer a sinister plot, and navigate a world filled with pitfalls. Not to mention, this book also has a prequel that will set your adventurous spirit on fire!
About the book:
A courageous orphan. An ancient evil. A mysterious medallion.
In the village of Laan, Zodak endures a bleak life of misery at the hands of his hateful cousins and aunt. His steadfast uncle Ardon is his only anchor. When a water sprite arrives, speaking of destiny and an epic journey that awaits, Zodak struggles to grasp how an adventure with goblins, krikkis, and dwarves could ever be his story.
But when his uncle falls into a kidnapping plot and entrusts Zodak with a mysterious medallion, Zodak flees into a vast, unknown world. Seeking answers about his past and the medallion he carries, Zodak finds himself drawn to the magnificent city of Uth Becca. In his journey, he unearths a clandestine order, a corrupt Magistrate, and a sinister plot that threatens humanity’s existence.
A great evil awakens. Dark hordes are on the march. In a world desperate for a hero, can an outcast be enough?
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4. Hunt for Eden’s Star By D.J. Williams
4. Hunt for Eden’s Star By D.J. Williams
Hunt for Eden’s Star by D.J. Williams is the first of a trilogy that merges elements of Indiana Jones meets Harry Potter, and then you can easily throw in some Divergent elements along with it. Historical mystical elements include a boarding school, influences from the author’s upbringing in Asia, and other worlds with supernatural forces at play. It is highly captivating and written for young adults, but will enchant adults of all ages.
About the book:
Discover the story of an intrepid, globe-trotting teen and a motley group of friends in a world where choices have epic consequences.
In this new coming-of-age YA fantasy novel full of action-packed adventure, Williams tells the tale of a teen thrown into a world of ancient secrets when he discovers a supernatural artifact that protects a weapon of mass destruction. With the help of a diverse group of friends, he embarks on a global adventure, seeking the truth about his sister’s death. He uncovers two clandestine, supernatural societies waging an epic, hidden war that threatens the future of civilization.
As Jack races to collect ancient artifacts critical to the world's survival, readers are transported to incredible international locales across Asia.
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5. Estuary By Lisa T. Bergren
5. Estuary By Lisa T. Bergren
Time travel, anyone? Italy? Do medieval elements meet our contemporary world? Yes please! Not to mention, you can trust that Ms. Bergren will present clean fiction with adventurous elements you will not want to miss. She is an award-winning author with over 3 million copies of her books sold. Look no further if you’re in the mood to merge history, time, and fantasy check out Estuary by Lisa T. Bergren !
About the book:
Can a family bond stand the test of time?
Lady Tiliani Forelli is the epitome of the She-Wolves who raised her, an adept archer with her own mind. It is long before she weds, but she deems each young lord who comes to bid for her hand lacking. With battles upon their border, and rumors of war growing louder on every front, Lady Forelli’s decision could secure her kingdom’s peace…or bring about its destruction.
Centuries later, history major Luciana Betarrini takes a summer job alongside her twin, Domenico, as a period actor at Castello Forelli in Italy. This might be their last chance to spend meaningful time together as incoming college seniors, so she’s soaking up every minute. But when Dom’s theory that their lost Betarrini relatives have traveled through time becomes potentially real, and they might be able to follow, Luci fears they’ll be forever divided.
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Originally published April 30, 2025.
