Picked by The Auralia Thread fans

Here are 4 books that The Auralia Thread fans have personally recommended once you finish the The Auralia Thread series. Book DNA is a community of authors and super-readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Book cover of Of Fire and Ash

Lindsay A. Franklin Author Of The Story Peddler

From my list on YA Christian fantasy to unlock your imagination.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m Lindsay, and I never stop falling in love with human creativity. From the moment I first cracked open a library-borrowed copy of The Wizard of Oz as a child, I’ve been asking “What if…?” and I’ve delighted in how other authors imaginatively tackle that question. My interests are eclectic, ranging from history and politics to baking and sparkly things. I read to be swept away and to take a peek inside the storyteller’s mind and heart.

Lindsay's book list on YA Christian fantasy to unlock your imagination

Lindsay A. Franklin Why Lindsay loves this book

Easily one of my favorite epic fantasies I’ve read in recent years. The complexity of Gillian’s world is a highlight, yet she still makes the story and those within it accessible for her readers. It felt deep, not cluttered. She writes distinctly and with heart from three different points of view. I couldn’t flip pages fast enough, anxious for the moment these three story threads would intersect. It was more than worth the wait. 

By Gillian Bronte Adams ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

She rides a fireborn, a steed of fire and ash, trained for destruction.

Ceridwen tal Desmond dreams of ruling like her father over the nation of Soldonia, where warriors ride to battle on magical steeds—soaring on storm winds, vanishing in shadow, quaking the earth, and summoning the sea. After a tragic accident claims her twin brother, she is exiled and sworn to atonement by spending her life—or death—for her people.

But when invaders spill onto Soldonia’s shores and traitors seize upon the chaos to murder her father, Ceridwen claims the crown to keep the nation from splintering. Combatting overwhelming odds…


Book cover of By Darkness Hid

Lindsay A. Franklin Author Of The Story Peddler

From my list on YA Christian fantasy to unlock your imagination.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m Lindsay, and I never stop falling in love with human creativity. From the moment I first cracked open a library-borrowed copy of The Wizard of Oz as a child, I’ve been asking “What if…?” and I’ve delighted in how other authors imaginatively tackle that question. My interests are eclectic, ranging from history and politics to baking and sparkly things. I read to be swept away and to take a peek inside the storyteller’s mind and heart.

Lindsay's book list on YA Christian fantasy to unlock your imagination

Lindsay A. Franklin Why Lindsay loves this book

The quintessential YA Christian fantasy story in my opinion! Jill hits every fantasy beat perfectly, and I particularly loved the obvious care she put into the details. The result is a world that feels ripped from the pages of history, yet it’s overlaid with spiritual themes, supernatural happenings (bloodvoicing, anyone?), and allusions to Christ that will resonate for followers of Jesus. When I want a story that has overt and uplifting Christian themes, I reach for this series. 

By Jill Williamson ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked By Darkness Hid as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Darkness divides the land.

Half of Er'Rets is locked beneath an impenetrable shroud. On the side that still sees the sun, two young people struggle to understand the mind-communication abilities thrust upon them.

It's called bloodvoicing. Some say it's a gift. One of the newly "gifted" wish it had never come.

Achan had been a slave all his life. Worse than a slave—a stray. He is consigned to the kitchens of a lord and forced to swallow a foul potion every day. When an enigmatic knight offers to train Achan for the Kingsguard, he readily accepts. But his new skills…


Book cover of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Debra Clewer Author Of Harriet and Will

From my list on historical fantasy for middle-graders.

Why am I passionate about this?

An avid reader since the age of 7, I have long loved history and fantasy. As a writer, I have a passion to share those things with young readers. I try to create stories that engage imaginations and share some historical facts along the way. As a member of a book reviewing team for new kids’ publications for an online kid lit blog, I also get to read and enjoy what other authors are putting out there as well.

Debra's book list on historical fantasy for middle-graders

Debra Clewer Why Debra loves this book

This is another one I have re-read because I love the fantasy aspect. I didn’t come across C.S. Lewis’ books until I was a young adult, and then it was his adult writings. Now, I’m loving catching up on his Narnia series.

Written in 1950, this classic tale lives on, never becoming out of date, and I love that it is currently a stage production.

As a Christian, I also love a classic tale of good versus evil, with the drama between the white witch and the lion hero, Aslan, who overcomes death to save Narnia from the witch’s evil spell. For me, it’s a truly inspirational allegorical tale that stands the test of time.

By C. S. Lewis ,

Why should I read it?

37 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...


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

Catharina Steel Author Of Vanishings: The Wythic Wood Mysteries Series, Book One

From my list on delving into magic worlds for middle grade.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved stories set in magical worlds with fascinating creatures and have read many books with these features. The mystery element to adventures set in mythical worlds is my favorite genre to read. Over the last seven years, I have worked with some talented and experienced editors and read several books on various aspects of the writing craft. This has all helped me to develop my writing skills, which I’ve found has influenced my opinion of the books I read. I now understand why I’m getting pulled out of a story and how this impacts my reading enjoyment—and the books I recommend.

Catharina's book list on delving into magic worlds for middle grade

Catharina Steel Why Catharina loves this book

I loved this story! The world is darker than I expected but tactfully done. I found myself shivering with the descriptions of the fangs and getting angry at them, right along with the characters, when they did awful things—which was always.

I loved the forest, full of freshly created dangerous creatures I’d not read about before. I was tickled to read about the treehouse, and the treetop walk within this forest as it reminded me of some elements in my own story.

I found myself hoping Janner, a 12-year-old boy, would uncover the truth about his family and respected his determination to do so. I was often anxious about his younger sister's pet dog as I'm not fond of seeing pets harmed.

An excellent start to the series.

By Andrew Peterson ,

Why should I read it?

11 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.