Fantasy For Your Kids After Tolkien: A Top 10 for Epic Seekers

Because children, perhaps, most of all deserve well written works to spark the imagination.

So, your crew’s burned through all seven Narnia books, or maybe you’ve worn out The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings like an old favorite hoodie. What’s next, right? I’ve been there—as a kid I once blitzkrieged Lewis’s series in a summer, leaving me digging for more. That’s where this list comes in: ten Christian fantasy novels that hit the sweet spot of wonder, adventure, and faith. Some are kid-friendly, some lean darker for teens or adults, but all are worth your time.

Before we hit the countdown, a few honorable mentions that almost cracked the top 10:

• The Seraph’s Path by Neil DykstraPicture this: a horse trainer turned mail courier, riding a massive flying tarn that might just eat him. It’s a wild ride—1,200 pages of twists I couldn’t predict. Not your casual weekend read, but if you’re down for a marathon, it’s dope.

  
  

  Age rating: 12+ —the length and layered plot might overwhelm younger kids.

• Wings of Dawn by Sigmund BrouwerA kid named Thomas reclaims his castle with “magic” that’s really just old-school tech—gunpowder, kites, you name it. It’s clever as heck, though tracking down a copy feels like a quest itself these days.

  
  

  Age rating: 10+ —historical bits might need a quick explainer for little ones.

• The Chronicles of Klarin by Andrew LansdownAn Aussie poet spins a portal-hopping tale of a boy, a knife, and a dragon-packed world. Three short books, 100 pages each—perfect for a quick escape.

  
  

  Age rating: 8+ —fast-paced and great for younger fantasy fans.

Now, buckle up for the top 10, counting down from chill to mind-blowing.

10. In the Hall of the Dragon King by Stephen Lawhead

Knights, swords, and a kingdom dripping with medieval vibes—Lawhead nails it. His early stuff, like this, has a quiet Christian pulse that fades in his later books. Pro tip: stick with vintage Lawhead. It’s rich, immersive, and feels like a fireside tale.

Age rating: 12+ —slower pacing might test younger attention spans.

9. The Winter King by Christine Cohen

Cora’s 15, tough as nails, and up against a village god called the Winter King who’s got it out for her. Her dad’s gone, neighbors shun her—talk about a rough gig. The writing’s gorgeous, with Reformation vibes where the church ain’t the hero. Deep stuff, best for older readers.

Age rating: 15+ —mature themes and historical nods could confuse the young’uns.

8. Urchin of the Riding Stars by M.I. McAllister

Squirrels wielding swords. Yup, it’s as rad as it sounds. Think Redwall with a Christian twist—cozy, heroic, and perfect for kids who vibe with talking critters. The world’s so alive you’ll smell the forest.

Age rating: 8+ —battles might spook the tiniest readers, but it’s a gem.

7. The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic by Jennifer Trafton

Poison-tongued turtles, a mountain that yo-yos daily, and a pepper-obsessed kid king? This book’s a fever dream—in the best way. It’s goofy, heartfelt, and sneaks in lessons on guts and grace. Total win for quirky fantasy lovers.

Age rating: 8+ —silly enough for kids, smart enough for teens.

6. Brave Ollie Possum by Ethan Nicolle

From a Babylon Bee alum, this one’s bonkers: a scaredy-cat kid turns into a possum after spotting something freaky on the roof. Starts creepy, flips to laugh-out-loud. It’s a wild ride for tweens who dig a scare with their giggles.

Age rating: 10+ —humor and mild spooks might miss younger kids.

5. Dawn of Wonder by Jonathan Renshaw

My nephew hyped this up, and it dragged me and half my friends into its orbit. Aeden’s a boy tangled in ancient mysteries and war’s shadow—world-building so vivid you’ll dream it. Only catch? Book 2’s been MIA for eight years. Still, book 1 slaps.

Age rating: 12+—intense moments, but nothing gory.

4. The Dark Harvest Trilogy by Jeremiah W. Montgomery

I handed this to my daughter, expecting tame pastor vibes. Nope—dark, twisty, and legit good. A monk hunts secrets in a world that bites back. It’s freaky in a way that sticks with you, so older teens only.

Age rating: 14+ —scary bits and depth aren’t for the little ones.

3. The Green Ember by S.D. Smith

Rabbits with swords! Heather and Picket fight wolves to save their home—think Lord of the Rings with fluffier heroes. It’s epic, warm, and a no-brainer for Narnia fans.

Age rating: 8+ —battles might rattle super-sensitive kids.

2. Bark of the Bog Owl by Jonathan Rogers

A Southern-fried David-and-Saul remix with castles and sass. Aidan’s a shepherd kid thrust into chaos, and the laughs hit as hard as the heart. Twain meets Lewis? Pretty much.

Age rating: 10+ —jokes might zip past younger readers.

1. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

This sat on my shelf forever—musician author, really? But it’s unreal. Three siblings battle lizardy Fangs of Dang in a world that hums with life. Peterson’s line, “The world is whispering—listen, child!” hooked me. It’s Narnia-level magic.

Age rating: 10+ —tricky words might trip up little kids, but the story’s awesome.

There you go—ten killer fantasy for your kids after Tolkien.

From squirrel warriors to possum hijinks, there’s something here for every vibe. Start with Peterson if you’re lost; it’s fire. Either way, I hope you found this list of fantasy for your kids helpful.

Happy reading!

About the Author

Izaic Yorks, a former professional track athlete turned Christian fantasy author, brings a rare blend of discipline and creativity to his writing. With accolades like winning silver as professional athlete at the USA Championships, Yorks has transitioned his competitive spirit into crafting epic fantasy novels that resonate with themes of virtue, honor, and redemption.

His "Anchorverse" is a tapestry of nobledark and grimbright fantasy, where readers encounter lost kingdoms, skyships, and heroes whose journeys are as much about inner transformation as they are about external adventure. Inspired by the likes of Wheel of Time and Realm of the Elderlings, Yorks' slow-burn, character-driven narratives are designed to inspire and uplift, making his works a beacon for those seeking fantasy that not only entertains but also enriches the soul. His motto, "Virtute et Veritas" (Virtue and Truth), reflects his commitment to storytelling that champions the Good, the True, and the Beautiful, making his books a must-read for fans of meaningful, faith-inspired fantasy.