Fans pick 72 books like Kingdom's Dawn

By Chuck Black,

Here are 72 books that Kingdom's Dawn fans have personally recommended if you like Kingdom's Dawn. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

Tabitha Caplinger Author Of The Wayward

From my list on Christian to help you live on purpose for purpose.

Why am I passionate about this?

My faith is core to who I am. I love Jesus wholeheartedly and believe true fulfillment only comes through a relationship with Him. I believe we are all created on purpose for a purpose. I want every person I come in contact with to know that they are powerful, chosen, loved, and never alone. I also love creating and reading real and fictional stories that have a message. I believe that stories can seep through our layers and speak to the deepest parts of who we are. The books on my list are the ones that seeped deep down into my heart.

Tabitha's book list on Christian to help you live on purpose for purpose

Tabitha Caplinger Why did Tabitha love this book?

It was surprising how much a series for children spoke to my heart. I loved the deep worldbuilding that didn’t shy away from the darker things. As I listened with my daughter, I was overcome by the message of truth, transformation, and the power to do good. This beautiful story encouraged us to have value and purpose in this world–one that is more about being than doing.

By Andrew Peterson,

Why should I read it?

10 authors picked On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

After living for years under the occupation by the evil Fangs of Dang, the Igiby children find a map rumoured to lead to the lost Jewels of Anniera - the one thing the Fangs will do anything to find. The family is thrown headlong into a perilous adventure, uncovering truths about who they are that will change their world forever.

Repackaged with new illustrations, this is the opportunity to discover the Wingfeathers.


Book cover of This Present Darkness

Z.T. Soyoye Author Of The Unwanted

From my list on spark your child-like wonder.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always chased that child-like wonder—the intoxicating mix of passion, adventure, and discovery. Growing up, I sought books that could capture that magic, and as a writer, I now understand how rare and powerful it is to evoke those raw emotions. These books gave me that spark, inspiring me both personally and creatively. They even motivated me to create Visual Novel, a tool designed to bring stories to life and immerse readers further into their worlds. I hope this list rekindles that sense of innocent wonder and reminds you of the beauty and weight of youthful imagination.

Z.T.'s book list on spark your child-like wonder

Z.T. Soyoye Why did Z.T. love this book?

This book immersed me with its portrayal of all the unseen battles that are felt, the ones as real as the struggles we face every day. It reminded me that even when life feels overwhelming, faith and trust go a long way.

It captures the tension between fear and hope, making me think more about the bigger picture in my own life. It left me feeling both humbled and inspired.

By Frank Peretti,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked This Present Darkness as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A powerful audio abridgement of this top-selling novel about a prayerful pastor and a skeptical reporter who find themselves fighting a plot to subjugate the human race.


Book cover of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

J. Suthern Hicks Author Of Where the Garden Begins

From my list on books that explore Christianity in creative and engaging ways.

Why am I passionate about this?

After discovering Jesus at the age of fourteen, I began reading the King James Version of the Bible. This early modern English version was difficult to understand at first, but it soon became my poetic introduction to a faith that would reveal just how big and wonderful our Creator is. I eventually realized how a correct interpretation of science agreed with a correct interpretation of the Bible. That led me to study apologetics and such topics as how the universe began. As a creative person at heart, having been an actor, songwriter, playwright, and novelist, I am realizing that being made in the image of God means that the possibilities for creativity never end.

J.'s book list on books that explore Christianity in creative and engaging ways

J. Suthern Hicks Why did J. love this book?

I read this book for the first time in my thirties. I think I appreciated it more as an adult than I would have as a child. The story is often categorized as an allegory, but the author never intended it to be read as such. C.S. Lewis referred to Narnia as a “supposal”.

What a gloriously refreshing way to read a book full of wonderful characters, familiar truths, and exciting plots—supposing it all could have happened in another time or place. I adored the innocent places this book took me, places in my own memories, dreams, and hopes.

By C. S. Lewis, Pauline Baynes (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

36 authors picked The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

Lucy steps into the Professor's wardrobe - but steps out again into a snowy forest. She's stumbled upon the magical world of Narnia, land of unicorns, centaurs, fauns... and the wicked White Witch, who terrorises all. Lucy soon realises that Narnia, and in particular Aslan, the great Lion, needs her help if the country's creatures are ever going to be free again...


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Book cover of Hotel Oscar Mike Echo

Hotel Oscar Mike Echo by Linda MacKillop,

Home isn’t always what we dream it will be.

Eleven-year-old Sierra just wants a normal life. After her military mother returns from the war overseas, the two hop from home to homelessness while Sierra tries to help her mom through the throes of PTSD.

When they end up at a…

Book cover of Once I Knew

Hosanna Emily Author Of The Torch Keepers

From my list on non-magical fantasy for truth seekers.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, I roamed the forests and imagined I was on epic adventures to change the world with a sword, live epically, and be part of a Kingdom. I dove into stories like that, stories that whetted my appetite to see Truth discovered and the world’s eyes opened to the beauty and purpose one has when following that Truth. As I followed Jesus and fell in love with Him, He guided me to create those stories, and I love writing beautiful words in novels, poems, and children’s books. I hope you become a dreamer again and believe there’s a Kingdom that’s calling.

Hosanna's book list on non-magical fantasy for truth seekers

Hosanna Emily Why did Hosanna love this book?

Once I Knew is a stirring and adventurous story of a peasant girl who courageously rescues an enemy soldier only to have her entire life torn apart. The fantasy world is interwoven with danger, and I enjoyed the exciting read that shone with hope applicable to our own world today. It addresses hard issues for mature readers and doesn’t shy away from diving into truth and showing that because of that truth, life has a huge and beautiful purpose and hope.

By Victoria Lynn,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Once I Knew as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Chronicles of Elira Book #1

Violet lives her quiet life in her sleepy village, trying to remain as dead to the politics that are threatening their world as possible. She follows the rules, stays out of trouble and does her best to remain out of sight from the dreaded and overbearing Kingsmen.

With the new regent on the throne till the prince comes of age, the country has been thrown into a turmoil. Unlike the kindly king before him, the new ruler is overbearing, frightening and tyrannical in his rule. Taxes are bleeding the people dry and without the money…


Book cover of The Sword, the Ring and the Parchment

Hosanna Emily Author Of The Torch Keepers

From my list on non-magical fantasy for truth seekers.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, I roamed the forests and imagined I was on epic adventures to change the world with a sword, live epically, and be part of a Kingdom. I dove into stories like that, stories that whetted my appetite to see Truth discovered and the world’s eyes opened to the beauty and purpose one has when following that Truth. As I followed Jesus and fell in love with Him, He guided me to create those stories, and I love writing beautiful words in novels, poems, and children’s books. I hope you become a dreamer again and believe there’s a Kingdom that’s calling.

Hosanna's book list on non-magical fantasy for truth seekers

Hosanna Emily Why did Hosanna love this book?

I devoured this book and the entire series following The Sword, the Ring, and the Parchment as a younger reader! Not only were the adventures exciting and the book full of plot twists and cliff hangers, but it also explains truth in a simplistic, easy-to-understand way. The book is family friendly and has encouraged many readers we’ve recommended it to. It’s a story I’ll go back to again and again to experience the thrill of becoming a young warrior training with a sword in a world where two kingdoms battle for control, one of evil, darkness, and chains and the other a loving King who offers hope, truth, and a personal relationship with himself.

By Ed Dunlop,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Sword, the Ring and the Parchment as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The first book in the Terrestria Chronicles medieval allegory series. Young Josiah is a slave to Argamor, a powerful warlord with plans to wrest the Terrestrian throne from King Emmanuel. When Josiah’s escape attempt fails, Emmanuel rescues him from Argamor, adopting him into the Royal Family.

The Terrestria Chronicles allegory series was written with a three-fold purpose: to honor Jesus Christ as King, to challenge young readers to love and serve Him, and to teach them to guard their hearts for Him. The focus of the series is always on the King.

Fast-paced action… powerful imagery… heart-pounding adventure… These life-changing…


Book cover of The Bark of the Bog Owl

Hosanna Emily Author Of The Torch Keepers

From my list on non-magical fantasy for truth seekers.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, I roamed the forests and imagined I was on epic adventures to change the world with a sword, live epically, and be part of a Kingdom. I dove into stories like that, stories that whetted my appetite to see Truth discovered and the world’s eyes opened to the beauty and purpose one has when following that Truth. As I followed Jesus and fell in love with Him, He guided me to create those stories, and I love writing beautiful words in novels, poems, and children’s books. I hope you become a dreamer again and believe there’s a Kingdom that’s calling.

Hosanna's book list on non-magical fantasy for truth seekers

Hosanna Emily Why did Hosanna love this book?

The Bark of the Bog Owl satisfied my urging desire for adventure and a mission for a higher calling as a pre-teen reader! The fast-paced escapades were so realistic I wanted to search my own forest home for mystical creatures to befriend and go on adventures with. As I dreamed of belonging to a greater kingdom, this book was a taste of that fulfillment. Even as an adult reader, I go back to this series to re-realize that life is a purposeful adventure with God, and the truth within has stuck with me over the years.

By Jonathan Rogers,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Bark of the Bog Owl as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

Courage and a heart for adventure drive twelve-year-old shepherd boy Aidan Errolson. When the bark of the bog owl echoes from the forest across his father’s well-tended pastures, Aidan dreams of wild places still untamed and quests not yet pursued.

Aidan’s life changes forever on the day Bayard the Truthspeaker arrives at Longleaf with an astonishing pronouncement: it is Aidan’s destiny to be the Wilderking, who will ascend to the throne from Corenwald’s wildest places. Only the Wilderking can balance his people’s civilizing impulses with the wildness that gives Corenwald its vitality. But not just yet. Many trials and adventures…


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Book cover of Funny Folk Tales for Children

Funny Folk Tales for Children by Allison Galbraith,

These are the funniest folktales in the world. You will be amazed at the intelligent animals and LOL at the ridiculous scrapes the humans get themselves into in these short stories. Discover why dogs are our best friends, learn how to change a cow into a zombie, and meet a…

Book cover of Forbidden

Jolene Fine Author Of Kalani: Shadows of Destiny

From my list on Christian fantasy series with faith themes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been fascinated by finding religious symbolism or concepts in literature since I was little. Discovering elements of your belief system in the world you are interacting with brings me much joy. From the time I was placed in foster care at age three, I sought fantasy as a tool to overcome the trials of my life. As I grew older, I gained a testimony of faith and God’s light, which had power over darkness, despair, and the adversary. I hope that you find this truth in my books and this list. God bless!

Jolene's book list on Christian fantasy series with faith themes

Jolene Fine Why did Jolene love this book?

I’ve read this twice and listened to the audiobook because this symbolic story is timeless. I love how the blood in the vile is the key to life, as Jesus’ sacrifice is the key to everlasting life. The co-authors do a fabulous job of illuminating how it looks and feels to experience a new emotion for the first time.

By Ted Dekker, Tosca Lee,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Forbidden as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The world as we know it is unrecognisable.

Almost 500 years have passed since civilization's brush with extinction. Perfect order reigns and humanity's gretaest threats have been silenced by the ruling totalitarian government. There is no disease. No passion. No hate. No war. There is only peace.

Until one man discovers the truth hidden in a secret journal: the human heart has been stripped of all that makes it human and exists only in a kind of living death. But when Rom exposed himself to the vial of blood contained in the journal he was filled with uncontrollable emotions. Only…


Book cover of Prophet

Jolene Fine Author Of Kalani: Shadows of Destiny

From my list on Christian fantasy series with faith themes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been fascinated by finding religious symbolism or concepts in literature since I was little. Discovering elements of your belief system in the world you are interacting with brings me much joy. From the time I was placed in foster care at age three, I sought fantasy as a tool to overcome the trials of my life. As I grew older, I gained a testimony of faith and God’s light, which had power over darkness, despair, and the adversary. I hope that you find this truth in my books and this list. God bless!

Jolene's book list on Christian fantasy series with faith themes

Jolene Fine Why did Jolene love this book?

What I loved about this book was the character development of spiritual heroes. Elsa, meek and sweet, feels reluctant to be chosen for her call. This contrasts with the outgoing and funny Klein, who is quite strong-willed. How the characters remain loyal to the infinite despite society's worship of new gods creates a strong pull to keep reading.

By R. J. Larson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Prophet as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"This tale captured me and held me hostage to the very last page. Breathlessly waiting for the next book."--Donita K. Paul, author of The Dragon Keeper Chronicles and The Chiril Chronicles

Ela Roeh of Parne doesn't understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She's undignified and bad-tempered, and at age seventeen she's much too young. In addition, no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as Parne's elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite's prophet, Ela knows she will die young.

Yet she can't imagine living without…


Book cover of Fairy Tale

Tempest V. Everett Author Of The Grimoire

From my list on inspiring resilience against the odds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an avid book connoisseur, passionate about reading and supporting the underdogs in literature. As someone who struggled with reading and faced bullying and torment from both peers and teachers, I have a personal connection to these stories. Being an underdog, especially one with literacy challenges, is difficult for anyone, regardless of age. This is why I pursued a degree in English and a master's in creative fiction writing. I aim to inspire and support others who, like me, have faced adversity and have found their solace in the written word. I hope these books featuring underdog stories will inspire resilience and determination in you, just as they did for me.

Tempest's book list on inspiring resilience against the odds

Tempest V. Everett Why did Tempest love this book?

This book left me utterly speechless; words alone cannot capture the depth of my admiration and love for it. As a long-time fan of Stephen King’s work, I had stopped reading his recent novels because I felt they didn't measure up to his earlier masterpieces. However, when my daughter recommended it to me, insisting I would love it, she was absolutely right.

I devoured all 598 pages over a single weekend. The story captivated me from start to finish, rekindling my appreciation for King's unparalleled storytelling. I was especially drawn to the characters Charlie and Radar, the dog, whose journey and relationship added layers of emotion and intrigue to an already gripping narrative. This isn't just a book; it's an experience that will stay with me for a long time. 

By Stephen King,

Why should I read it?

15 authors picked Fairy Tale as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A #1 New York Times Bestseller and New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice!

Legendary storyteller Stephen King goes into the deepest well of his imagination in this spellbinding novel about a seventeen-year-old boy who inherits the keys to a parallel world where good and evil are at war, and the stakes could not be higher—for that world or ours.

Charlie Reade looks like a regular high school kid, great at baseball and football, a decent student. But he carries a heavy load. His mom was killed in a hit-and-run accident when he was seven, and grief drove his dad…


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Book cover of The Case of the Zombie Ninjas

The Case of the Zombie Ninjas by Erik Christopher Martin,

Twelve-year-old supernatural sleuth Dotty Morgan becomes embroiled in an ancient conflict between rival Japanese factions, and the timing couldn't be worse. A new girl in town creates jealousy between Dotty and her girlfriend, and her mother invites a nightmare houseguest to stay with them. She must put the drama aside…

Book cover of The Epic of Marindel: Chosen

Brae Wyckoff Author Of The Orb of Truth

From my list on epic fantasy that are under the radar.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up playing Dungeons & Dragons. I’m always on the hunt for not just good but great stories. One of the most profound things I have done revolving around fantasy writing was walk the same streets as the legends walked. Oxford, UK is a magical location and the place where Narnia and The Hobbits were born. I visited CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien gravesites. I visited their homes where they wrote their works. Adventure is around every corner in life. If we choose it. Here is a dwarven proverb from my book series, “May your light shine bright and blind your enemies.”

Brae's book list on epic fantasy that are under the radar

Brae Wyckoff Why did Brae love this book?

I am in pursuit of stories that affect my thinking and change my heart. I absolutely loved how the author wove Samurai and fantasy together.

The story of Marindel is shown brilliantly in a way that doesn't overwhelm you. You will quickly embrace the characters and ultimately the hardest part I found in this book was when I reached the end and needed to decide which character I liked most. Thank God, book two is coming out soon.

By Nathan Keys,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Epic of Marindel as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Every person has a story.

Every story is a part of something Greater.

Long ago, the elven Kingdom of Marindel governed the realm of Tyrizah from its place on the back of a giant sea turtle. But when a great evil was unleashed, the Era of Peace came to a tragic end. Thousands of years passed, and Marindel was all but forgotten.

Connor, a young farmer with a wild imagination, always longed for adventure. When bizarre events cause him to realize his role in the greatest story of all, Connor embarks on a quest to defend the Great King's daughter…


Book cover of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
Book cover of This Present Darkness
Book cover of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

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