Readers of Christian fiction books are oftentimes on the prowl for novels that also function as Christian allegories. What is an allegory you ask? In fiction, an allegory is a story that can be interpreted as having a deeper moral or religious message. Christian allegory novels are books whose plots oftentimes mirror lessons that can be found in the Bible, or reflect the story of Jesus. The most famous example of this is The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, published in 1678–but luckily there are more recent titles for you to explore! If you’re curious about Christian allegory books, here are some good books and series that we recommend, perfect for your next book club or Bible study!
Note: Unfortunately, the books published in this genre are by white authors and many are male authors. This is an area of publishing that needs to be promoting more diverse voices.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Perhaps one of the most famous Christian allegory series around, the Chronicles of Narnia are beloved by generations of kids and adults alike. They tell the story of a magical land called Narnia, from its creation until its end, and of its ruler Aslan, a lion who mirrors the role of Jesus. In the most famous book in the series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Aslan sacrifices himself before the Winter Queen in order to save the Pevensie children, and then is raised from the dead to defeat evil–like Jesus.
The Archives of Anthropos series by John White
This is another Christian allegory fantasy series originally written with kids in mind, but appealing to adult readers as well–and the perfect follow up to the Chronicles of Narnia series. The six-book series is a portal fantasy about three children who are mysteriously transported from their uncle’s attic to a magical land where they must help restore an imprisoned king to his rightful throne. The first book to be published in the series is The Tower of Geburah, but if you want to start with the series chronologically, pick up The Sword Bearer.
Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hunnard
In the style of The Pilgrim’s Progress, this 1955 allegorical novel is a classic for Christian women. It follows the journey of Much Afraid, who must leave her fearful and unbelieving family to travel up a mountain and begin her spiritual journey seeking God. It’s meant to model the journey of someone going from unbeliever to new follower to established follower of God, learning and deepening her relationship with her Shepherd while accompanied by her companions Sorrow and Suffering. This novel is also the basis of many devotionals.
Kingdom’s Dawn series by Chuck Black
If medieval fantasy is more your speed, then pick up this fantasy series about Leinad and Tess, two young people living in under the fearful Lord Fairos. Leinad is a farm boy with a talent for sword fighting, which comes in handy when he meets Tess, a girl living in slavery, and together they must find a way to free their people–but once they do, they’re face with even more challenges. This six-book series mirrors many of the tales and parables from the Old Testament.
Prophet by R.J. Larson
Ela Roeh of Parne is seventeen, impatient, and often hot-headed. But more than that, she’s a girl, and she can’t understand why her Creator would call her to be a prophet–prophets are always men. But callings cannot be ignored, and when she takes up the Vinewood Branch, she’s sent to a war-torn land to try and bring the Creator’s word and peace to the people, only to enter into a partnership with an ambassador with his own ideas of a truce, where she’s tested even further.
The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings
In this contemporary novel, three people find that their suitcases are nowhere to be found when they arrive at the baggage claim. A mother, a businessman, and an artist are directed to a mysterious place where they meet the enigmatic baggage handler, and learn more about the baggage they’re carrying, both literally and figuratively.
Want to discover more book club picks? We have some recommendations for you!
And if you’re looking for more Christian fiction or Christian allegory books, sign up for TBR: Tailored Book Recommendations. TBR is a quarterly book subscription service that takes into account what you want to read in order to offer personalized recommendations. All you have to do to get started is fill out our reader survey, and let us know what books you like, what genres you’re interested in, and what you want to read more of–Christian allegory books, for example. Tell us what you’re not so into as well, and then you’ll be assigned to an expert Bibliologist who will pick out three titles just for you, and write you a recommendation letter. Choose to receive your recommendation letter via email, or as brand new hardcover books from our partner, Print: A Bookstore in Portland, ME. You can always offer feedback, and leave reviews of your picks. Learn more and get started!