Science fiction, humor, fantasy: many people don’t realize the incredible variety of Christian fiction books out there. While romance novels are certainly a popular genre in Christian literature, there are many other kinds of books that can inspire and challenge your faith. If you’re looking for a great book to read out there–perhaps one that stays clean and God-honoring while still being a rollicking ride– look no further. Here are 15 fiction books by Christian authors to add to your summer reading list.
Suspense/Mystery
1. The Present Darkness
In the small town of Ashton, an unlikely duo of a reporter and a pastor are drawn together by a diabolical scheme aiming to conquer not just Ashton, but eventually, the human race. This cosmic clash between unseen forces of angels and demons manifests in a mysterious New Age cult that threatens the very soul of Ashton. Bernice Kreuger and Hank Busche must work together to uncover The Universal Consciousness Society’s dark plot before it is too late. This spiritual warfare thriller is one of the best selling Christian fiction books of all time with over two million copies sold!
Spiritual warfare can seem like a very far-flung subject, but this novel makes it more accessible. The prose is gripping, page turner stuff, and it reads like a Christian Steven King. This book provides an opportunity to delve into the spiritual realm. It prompts us to open our eyes, ponder the deeper meaning behind our everyday lives, and engage in thought-provoking introspection.
2. The Cross and the Switchblade
In 1958, a young pastor named David Wilkerson came across an article in Life Magazine that would change his life forever. It told the story of seven teenagers who were part of a dangerous criminal gang. Risking everything – his career, his marriage, and even his life – David packed up and headed to the streets of New York City to help the young folk there. Armed with nothing but his faith, he ventured into the heart of darkness, confronting violent gangs and drug users. Once in the city, David’s encounters with these troubled individuals inspired him to dedicate his life to helping them break free from drugs and crime. With the Word of God as his guide, he established a ministry called Teen Challenge, which still exists today.
The Cross and the Switchblade is a thrilling autobiography that recounts David’s journey as a brave missionary in the face of incredible opposition. Filled with suspense, humor, sadness, and heartwarming moments, this real-life account will keep you on the edge of your seat. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be inspired to embrace your own faith and answer the call that God has for your life.
3. Quo Vadis
Step into the magnificent world of ancient Rome, a place where grandeur and corruption collide. In Quo Vadis, Henryk Sienkiewicz takes us on an enchanting journey through the Forum’s bustling streets, the awe-inspiring Coliseum, and the opulent banquet halls of the nobility. As Nero’s sinister plans for the Christians unfold, time is running out for the young lovers. Love, desire, and profound moral courage form the core of this mesmerizing narrative. Through lavish descriptions, vivid dialogue, and brilliantly crafted characters, Sienkiewicz presents us with one of the greatest epics the world has ever known.
In our modern society, we crave books that touch our souls and explore the depths of beauty and truth. Quo Vadis not only satisfies this hunger, but it also serves as a timely reminder of the importance of moral courage and transcendent love. This page-turner, far from being a simple romance, sets the stage for a high-stakes battle against Nero’s violent persecution of Christians. Let Quo Vadis ignite your imagination and leave you reflecting on the power of moral courage and the enduring nature of love.
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Classics
4. Go Tell It On The Mountain
Experience the mesmerizing journey of self-discovery in this captivating Christian fiction novel crafted by a talented African American author. Baldwin weaves a tapestry of vivid imagery and meticulous attention to detail, transporting readers into the poignant narrative of a young boy’s search for his true identity. With its profound exploration of spirituality, sexuality, and morality, this compelling tale revolutionizes the American language and our understanding of ourselves. Set against the backdrop of Harlem in 1935, Baldwin’s storytelling delves deep into the inner turmoil of a stepson to a minister of a Pentecostal church.
Unleashing a potent mix of love, anger, psychological insight, and thematic potency, Baldwin’s words resonate with steadfast power. Within the pages, the young protagonist discovers newfound hope within the scriptures, defying the obstacles that life throws at him. Go Tell It On The Mountain not only explores the African-American church but unearths universal truths about the human condition. Prepare to be stirred and challenged as you navigate through your own beliefs about God and his Word.
5. Wise Blood
Enter the world of Hazel Motes, a twenty-two-year-old who finds himself trapped in an eternal struggle against his own desperate destiny. In his quest for meaning, he is ensnared by the spellbinding presence of a seemingly blind street preacher named Asa Hawks and his morally corrupt fifteen-year-old daughter Sabbath Lily. Fueled by his own lack of faith and an unyielding desire to outdo Hawks, Motes establishes the Church Without Christ, embarking on a journey to renounce God. However, even in his defiance, he discovers that losing God is not as simple as he initially believed. This enthralling tale explores themes of redemption, retribution, false prophets, blindness, and the pursuit of wisdom while introducing one of the most captivating characters in American fiction.
Flannery O’Connor, an iconic Christian author whose legacy still resonates today, boldly confronts the inescapable realities of God’s faith and love, underscoring the enduring power of divine truth in the face of human frailty. Wise Blood challenges conventional notions of faith, forcing us to consider the weighty questions: “Who can be saved? Who does God truly love?” Prepare for O’Connor’s revelatory answers to surprise and enlighten you.
6. A Canticle for Leibowitz
Deep in the Utah desert, long after the world has been ravaged by nuclear war, a monk makes a miraculous discovery: holy relics from the life of Saint Leibowitz, a man who devoted his life to preserving knowledge and helping others. These artifacts could be the keys to mankind’s salvation, but they also pose a threat to the fragile society that has emerged from the ashes.In a world where knowledge is feared and learning is forbidden, the monk’s discovery could spark a new age of enlightenment—or it could lead to further destruction.
As the mystery at the core of this groundbreaking novel unfolds, it becomes clear that the search for meaning, truth, and love is the only hope for humanity’s rebirth. A Canticle for Leibowitz is a thought-provoking novel that explores the cyclical nature of history and the human condition. It is a timely reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
7. Space Trilogy
Out of the Silent Planet is the first book in C.S. Lewis’s Space Trilogy, which follows the adventures of Dr. Ransom, a philologist who is abducted by aliens and taken to another planet. The planet, Malacandra, is inhabited by a race of intelligent beings called the hrossa, who are physically and mentally different from humans. Ransom must learn to adapt to this new world and its inhabitants, and he soon finds himself caught up in a battle between good and evil.
The second book in the trilogy, Perelandra, takes place on another planet, Venus. Ransom is sent to Venus to protect a woman named Elwin Ransom, who is the rightful heir to the planet. Elwin is being pursued by the Unman, a creature who is the Devil’s agent on Venus. Ransom must battle the Unman and its minions, and he must also help Elwin to understand her role as the future ruler of Venus. The final book in the trilogy, That Hideous Strength, takes place on Earth. Ransom returns to Earth to investigate a mysterious group called the N.I.C.E., which is conducting unethical scientific experiments. Ransom soon discovers that the N.I.C.E. is a front for the Devil, and he must once again battle evil in order to save the world.
One of the best Christian authors, CS Lewis is beloved for his most famous work, the Narnia series. The Space Trilogy represents Lewis’ attempt to combine Science fiction and Christian thought in much the same way as he combined fantasy and Christian thought in Narnia.The book marries theology and science fiction with an engaging plot, handling the concept of “alien-ness” in an unique way. Ultimately, The Space Trilogy crafts a cosmic vision where every-day life is deeply part of God’s goodness and order in Creation.
8. Eifelheim
Eifelheim is a brilliant science fiction novel by Michael Flynn that combines historical fiction, theology, and science fiction. The story follows Father Dietrich, the village priest of Eifelheim, in the year 1348, when the Black Death is gathering strength but is not yet nearby. Dietrich is an educated man, and to his astonishment, he becomes the first contact between humanity and an alien race from a distant star, when their ship crashes in the nearby forest. The aliens, who call themselves the Aarens, are humanoid in appearance, but they are far more technologically advanced than humans. They have come to Earth in search of a new home, as their own planet is dying. Dietrich is tasked with helping the Aarens to integrate into human society, and he soon finds himself caught up in a web of intrigue and danger.
This strange Christian novel is sure to win the heart of any Christian science-fiction affectionado. Historical fiction, theology, and science fiction?! Yes please! Eifelheim is an intriguing thought experiment about how changing the subject of salvation may change the nature of salvation. The novel explores a number of fascinating themes, including the nature of salvation, the possibility of interspecies communication, and the role of faith in a world that is increasingly secular. This science experiment of a novel causes the reader to experience awe as they wonder about the many mysteries of the universe that God only knows.
9. Wrinkle in Time
A Wrinkle in Time is a science fiction novel by Madeleine L’Engle that was first published in 1962. The book follows the adventures of Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe as they travel through space and time in search of Meg’s father, a scientist who has disappeared while working on a secret government project.
Wrinkle In Time was originally aimed at the YA demographic, but it’s thoughtful and entertaining take on sci-fi cosmology is worth any reader’s time. It explores themes of hope, love, and the power of the human spirit. It also deals with complex scientific concepts, such as tesseracts and quantum mechanics, in a way that is both accessible and engaging. A Wrinkle in Time is a classic of science fiction, and it has been praised by critics and readers alike. It won the Newbery Medal in 1963, and it has been adapted into a film and a television miniseries.
Humor
10. The Man Who Was Thursday
G.K. Chesterton takes the audience on a metaphysical journey once again with the political thriller spoof The Man Who Was Thursday. The book is a wild and hilarious ride that follows Gabriel Syme, a young man who is recruited to a secret anarchist division of Scotland Yard. Syme’s journey takes him into the heart of darkness, where he encounters a cast of characters that includes anarchists, poets, and even the Devil himself.
But as Syme’s journey progresses, he begins to realize that there is more to the world than meets the eye. The Man Who Was Thursday is a book that is full of wisdom, humor, and insight. It is a story about the nature of good and evil, the power of love, and the importance of faith.
11. Lord Peter Wimsey
Dorothy L. Sayers is one of the foremothers of the mystery genre, and her Lord Peter Wimsey series is a true classic. From the cunningly written Whose Body? to the hilarious The Fantastic Horror of the Cat in the Bag, these stories are a treasure trove for any mystery lover. Lord Peter Wimsey is an aristocratic amateur sleuth who is both brilliant and charming. He is aided by his loyal valet, Bunter, and his sharp wit and keen observations help him solve even the most difficult cases. The Lord Peter Wimsey stories are not only entertaining, but they also explore complex themes of faith, morality, and the nature of good and evil. Sayers was a devout Christian, and her faith is evident in her writing.
The stories are full of Christian themes and worldview that will uplift and enlighten as they make you laugh. If you’re a fan of mystery, or if you’re looking for a book that will entertain and challenge you, then I highly recommend the Lord Peter Wimsey series.
12. Sister Betty Says I Do
Sister Betty Says I Do is a heartwarming and hilarious novel about faith, family, and the power of laughter. When Sister Betty’s fiancé breaks off their engagement, she must rely on her faith and her sense of humor to get through the tough times. Along the way, she must deal with meddling church busybodies, a wild-child niece, and a pastor who is desperately dodging temptation. But Sister Betty is no pushover. She’s a force to be reckoned with, and she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.
Sister Betty is written by a woman who has spent a lifetime in the Church, and it shows! This light-hearted novel that pokes fun at some of the silliness in the Christian world, but it does so with love and respect. It’s a story about finding joy in the midst of chaos, and it’s a reminder that even when things are tough, there’s always hope.
Fiction For Teens
13. The Bronze Bow
In this Newbery Medal-winning historical novel by YA Christian author Elizabeth Spear, Daniel bar Jamin is consumed by revenge after his father is crucified by the Roman Empire. He vows to rid his land of Israel of Roman control once and for all. But when he meets Jesus of Nazareth, a traveling carpenter with a gentle message of love and forgiveness, Daniel begins to question his hatred. As Daniel learns more about Jesus, he starts to realize that the hate festering in his heart might be his true enemy. He must decide whether to continue on his path of revenge or to follow Jesus’s teachings of love and forgiveness.
Daniel’s story is a fast-paced, suspenseful, and vividly wrought tale of friendship, loyalty, the idea of home, and community. It is a story about how one young man’s journey to find peace leads him to Jesus Christ. Elizabeth George Spear’s novel is a good book for teens because it is both exciting and meaningful. It contemplates concepts like revenge and how Jesus can redeem the darkest aspects of our souls. It is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
14. The Kid and the Keepers: Dream Vision
The Kid and the Keepers: Dream Visions is a fantastical novel that follows the journey of Jeru “The Kid” Johnstone, a young trumpet player who is struggling with his passion for music. After a chance encounter with a strange bird, Jeru is transported to the Harlem of the 1940s, where he meets some of the most important figures in jazz history, including Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Bolden, and Louis Armstrong.
Through his adventures in the past and present, Jeru learns about the importance of creativity, faith, and family history. He also comes to terms with his own fears and insecurities, and ultimately discovers his true calling as a keeper of jazz music and culture. This fantastical dream journey sends your teen on a quest to learn about jazz and creativity. The Kid and the Keepers: Dream Visions is a modern-day classic!
15. Boxers & Saints
The Boxer Rebellion was a violent and bloody conflict, and many people died. But it was also a time of great change for China, and the Boxers’ rebellion helped to spark the country’s modernization. Boxers & Saints is a graphic novel that tells the story of the Boxer Rebellion from two different perspectives. In the first volume, Boxers, we follow Little Bao as he joins the rebellion and fights for the glory of China. In the second volume, Saints, we meet Vibiana, a young girl who converts to Christianity and is caught up in the violence of the rebellion. The two volumes of Boxers & Saints are beautifully illustrated and written, and they offer a unique and insightful look at a complex and important historical event. The book is also a thought-provoking exploration of the themes of extremism, rebellion, and faith.
This excellently illustrated book is great for the age range of ten to twelve year olds. Boxers & Saints marries Chinese mythology and Christian thought much the same way as the Early Church used Greek mythology to discuss Christian truths. The story is very centered in Chinese experience and history, but is accessible to any reader who loves well-developed characters and a fully-realized world. Boxers & Saints is deftly handled with skill and sensitivity despite the tragic nature of the event it covers, introducing history some teenagers may not have had the opportunity to learn.
Conclusion
Christian books can be fun and engaging! There’s no need to choose between entertainment and being Christ-centered. Literature is God’s gift to us, showing us different perspectives and ways of being in the world. You can’t know everything, but you can read about situations you’re not familiar with and get a little bit closer to understanding the world around you.
Books inspire, give hope, touch us emotionally, and broaden our worlds intellectually. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming story, a thought-provoking challenge, or a laugh-out-loud adventure, there’s a Christian book out there for you. Christian books can help you grow in your faith, learn about different cultures, and explore new ideas. So this summer, curl up with a good Christian book and let your imagination soar!
