Fantasy novels are my go to books when I want a heart thumping adventure, deeper lessons, and new world exploration. There’s nothing better to escape the real world for a time and embark on a dangerous quest, engage in an intense battle against evil forces, live the life of a knight or royalty, or fly through the skies on the backs of dragons.
Unfortunately, this genre can be hard to navigate for clean or appropriate content that doesn’t make one cringe or even for just wholesome, meaningful stories. So I wanted to get the ball rolling with some of my favorite fantasy novels. I hope you enjoy this little look at my bookshelf!
My Favorite Fantasy Book List
- Lord of the Rings – By J.R.R. Tolkien
Classics. That is one of the best ways to describe these books. I really don’t think fantasy novels have since been able to reach the level of Tolkien’s best selling Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I started reading these books when I had to leave my own “shire” and set out on a long, often wearying, journey. They gave me comfort and encouragement when I needed it, and God used parts to remind me of His truth. The very detailed world building, beautifully written songs and poems, iconic characters and relationships (one of my favorite storybook friendships), and the many lessons and parallels to the Christian life (and life in general) are just a few reasons these books are favorites in my library. - The Chronicles of Narnia – By C.S. Lewis
These books are also classics. Who doesn’t love to walk through the wardrobe into a land filled with talking animals, mythical creatures and the Great Lion, Aslan? But what I love most about these books is the author’s way of approaching the subject of Christianity and the story of the Greatest Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. C.S. Lewis craftily intertwines lessons and stories of scripture with a unique world and characters in a way that is welcomed by even the most secular communities. While his primary focus may have been a younger audience, you can never outgrow the lessons or stories contained in these pages. - Fableweaver – By Carlie Gernhart
Taking place in both our world and the world of stories, this book follows the adventures of Linnet Fairweather and three of her friends/protectors as they face one of the most villainous characters ever written. This is such a unique look at what happens AFTER a characters’ story is finished, and shows the power words can have when used, even if just to create a story. - Redwall – By Brian Jacques
Mice, moles, squirrels, hedgehogs, and many other woodland creatures, singing and dancing, cooking up delicious dishes, solving riddles, and taking up arms to defend their homeland against invading vermin…what’s not to love?? Brian Jacques beautifully captured what these animals might actually be like, were they to have human like speech and personalities. Each type of character (whether moles, hares, hedgehogs, etc.) have been given their own unique speech and talents, based on the characteristics of the creature in nature. The author does a great job of balancing the adventure and fight sequences with the lighthearted jokes, singing and peaceful descriptions of the beautiful woodland scenery and lifestyle. If your imagination is working correctly you will find yourself laughing and crying, singing and dancing, solving riddles right along with the characters, and, of course, your mouth will water and your stomach will rumble at the detailed descriptions of all the delicious foods so prominent in these pages. - Ilyon Chronicles – By Jaye L. Knight
Follow the adventures of Kyrin Altair, outcast Jace and their friends as they grow deeper in faith and knowledge of the one true God, while standing against the emperor who is intent on eliminating all mention of this God from the land and eradicating His followers. I love how these books kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through, is completely clean in its content and focuses on deep family and friend relationships. These books are set in a fantasy world and introduce us to different races of characters, yet they are free of magic. There are some intense scenes and violence, due to the time and setting, that might make it a little harder for young readers, but teenagers and adults can read with ease. - The Kingdom Series/Knights of Arrethtrae – By Chuck Black
Written by Chuck Black, The Kingdom Series books are biblical allegories set in a medieval time period. Covering the span of time from Genesis through the book of Revelation, they are full of action and adventure where swords, knights, and battle are all Biblically symbolic. The allegory teaches Godly character, and the telling of the adventure captures the imagination of all ages, and the action keeps teenagers engrossed from cover to cover! The series is one continuous story with characters that portray courage, loyalty, discipline, and honor. There is no magic, mysticism, or wizardry in the series.
Building upon the Kingdom created in The Kingdom Series books, The Knights of Arrethtrae fit within the time of the waiting years before the return of the Prince. Unlike the Kingdom Series, each of these books stand alone and tells of the adventures of individual knights during this time period. So you can read them out of order and not be so confused! Each book contains adventures that teach biblical principles such as loyalty, courage, and faith while warning against the tools of the devil such as greed, doubt, and apathy.
Preserving Foundations 