Good reviews are absolutely essential for the sales of your book. Readers want to find out if your book is worth reading without having to expend much time upfront. The opinion of readers like them is a huge factor in decision-making.
But Christian fantasy, sci-fi, and horror are niche genres which have a relatively small audience. It’s already hard enough for authors of mainstream fiction to find reviewers, but you might feel incredibly frustrated trying to find the small crowd of readers who won’t condemn your themes of faith OR accuse you of “condoning witchcraft.”
So I’ve compiled a list of resources to help you gain reviews for your Christian SFF book – all of them are friendly toward indie and self-published authors:
- ARC websites DO accept Christian sci-fi and fantasy books
- Book magazines that review Christian sci-fi and fantasy
- Websites that review Christian spec fic
- Blogs that review Christian speculative fiction
- Christian speculative fiction on Booktube
- Christian fantasy reviewers on Instagram
- Goodreads reviewers of Christian SFF
ARC Websites DO Accept Christian Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books
Top advanced reader copy (ARC) websites include NetGalley, BookSirens, and BookSprout. Publishers list their upcoming releases and readers can create an account and request free copies, in exchange for leaving an honest review.
These websites accept all types of genres and any reader can sign up for a free account. I’ve seen Christian fantasy and sci-fi listed on these sites (I’m a reviewer on BookSirens). It’s quite possible that other Christian readers of sci-fi and fantasy browse these websites and will request your book.
The MOST important factor which affects your book’s likelihood of approval on these sites is your release date. If your book was published more than 6 months ago, they will not consider it eligible. Ideally, your book should be available on these sites at least 3 months before publication so that you gain some positive reviews by the time your book goes live. That’s why they’re called advance reader copies.
Note that you are not paying for a review. You are paying these companies to connect you with their list of reviewers.
NetGalley
This is the go-to location for the Big 5 Publishers, so indie authors have to compete with many famous authors and books in high-demand. However, the publishers are also picky about which reviewers they send free books, so there are many readers on the platform who want free books and will keep browsing if they don’t get their top choice.
Prices: $60-800+ depending on what type of plan you purchase. Kindlepreneuer has a great article summarizing the best NetGalley deals.
BookSirens (Our Top Choice!)
This is my favorite ARC site because I think they have the best search function – this makes it easy for me, as a reader, to narrow down their choices and find exactly the type of book I’m looking for.
They also keep a public database of reviewers which allows authors to search for good matches and reach out in-person to readers they think will enjoy their book.
Prices: $10/ARC plus $2/reader or $100/year for unlimited ARCs – learn more
BookSprout
BookSprout is similar to BookSirens, in that it’s very friendly to indie authors. Their plans offer a certain amount of reviewers per month. For instance, if you pick their $9/mo plan, you can receive up to 25 reviews. With their $29 and $59/mo plans, you get unlimited potential reviews.
Prices: $9-59/month – learn more
Book Magazines that Review Christian Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Readers Favorite
This is a popular site that reviews indie and bestselling authors alike. They state that, “more than half of the books submitted for a free review will receive one within three (3) months. Some books are reviewed in less than a week while others are never selected for review.”
You can see some of the Christian fantasy books they currently have listed.
Request a free review.
Independent Book Review
The Independent Book Review exclusively reviews indie release in a wide variety of genres. They’re composed of a team of reviewers, with varied preferences. They note that they do not accept: “some religious books.” But that likely does not exclude SFF with themes of faith, redemption, and the like.
Request a free review.
Booklist Online
This site helps library professionals choose which books to stock. They state, “As the book review journal of the American Library Association, Booklist connects library and education workers to the books and resources needed to support and enrich their communities.” They also have a branch of their site oriented toward library patrons who are searching for their next read.
Since they receive over 60K review requests per year, I suggest only submitting to them if you think your book has wide appeal. This could be a great option for children’s book authors as well.
Request a free review. Or look through their database of reviewers and connect locally.
Websites that Review Christian Spec Fic
Lorehaven (Our TOP Choice!)
Lorehaven is currently the only major website completely dedicated to writing about Christian sci-fi, fantasy, and other speculative fiction. They maintain a database of Christian SFF books, and authors and readers alike can submit books to be included.
They have a team of reviewers and for your book to be considered it must be: Christian-made, fantastical in genre, and professionally published (indie or traditional). Lorehaven also runs a podcast and has an active discord server for readers.
Request a free review.
Redeemed Reader
They review both secular and Christian-made sci-fi and fantasy, but focus on works released by major publishers. So this is not a good option for self-published authors. They review mostly middle grade and YA, aiming their reviews at parents, though you can submit books aimed at adults as well.
Find their review submission guidelines here.
Reformed Perspective
Jon Dykstra, the editor of Reformed Perspective, has reviewed a number of Christian fantasy books, including the Wingfeather Saga and The Dark Harvest Trilogy. There’s not an official way to request reviews on this website, which emphasizes curated and reflective content, but there is no harm in bringing your series to their attention.
You can contact them here.
PluggedIn
PluggedIn is aimed at parents and mostly reviews popular media. Their intent is to help parents filter through the (often secular) content their children are most likely to encounter and request to read or watch. But they have reviewed Christian-made fantasy novels.
They do not have an official way to request reviews, but you can email them directly at letters@pluggedin.com. Keep in mind that the more requests they receive for a certain type of review (or specific work of fiction), the more likely they are to see it as a high demand and expand into that area.
Blogs That Review Christian Speculative Fiction
A Writer’s Hand (by Creative Cornerstones)
This is our blog, and we’re glad you’ve found your way here! We love reviewing science fiction and fantasy of all types, including those with Christian themes!
You may submit a review request here. Please be sure to check out my reading wishlist first! Note that I do not review books with more than 2 POVs.
Periapsis Press (Our Top Choice!)
Periapsis Press is one of the most prolific reviewer sites of Christian SFF, run by Katie and David Roome! They also offer author interviews and invite guest posts from reviewers.
Request a review.
Christian Indie Book Review
Chris Solaas writes concise reviews that include: an analysis of each story, a summary of the Christian content, and estimated ratings for mature content. He notes that he receives way more requests than he can ever accept or even respond to, and is also behind on the books he has chosen to read.
Request a review.
Madi’s Musings
She reviews fantasy and historical romance if they’re “squeaky clean.” She is actively posting.
Request a review.
Kristi’s A Journey of Words
Kristi notes: “As a self-published author myself, I realize the need for reviews and certainly empathize with the difficulty of self-marketing. I read some fantasy, but not really paranormal. I read sci-fi, but not so much space operas.” She has a list of her preferred genres.
Request a review.
Explore Words and Worlds
Leah is a Christian and avid book lover who reviews books clean in language and content, though she will read dark and violent content – which she will then warn of in her reviews.
Request a review.
GraceBought
Coralie reads and reviews both Christian fantasy and classics. She notes in her book review index that you can reach out on her contact page if you’d like to see specific reviews.
Request a review.
Inside the Wrong Mind
Kim is a Christian and reviews clean fiction including fantasy, sci-fi, and romance.
Request a review.
Wishful Endings
Tressa only reviews clean books and notes, “I pretty much read all sub-genres (contemporary, historical, fantasy, dystopian, scifi, steampunk, etc., except most thrillers).” She is backlogged with requests, so be sure to compare her recent reads with your book to see if you’ll be a good fit.
Request a review.
Christian Speculative Fiction on Booktube
Be aware that YouTube videos rarely focus on reviews of individual books, and are more likely to include a list of recommendations or a discussion and comparison of a genre. It’s still a great way to reach a wider audience of readers!
Celestria
Celestria says, “I talk about clean and Christian books here. Subscribe to watch me fangirl about fictional characters, drink too much coffee, and sing the occasional song.”
Rochelle Ackerman
Rochelle is a vlogger based out of South Africa! She makes videos about her faith, her daily life, and books. Here’s a video she made about Christian fantasy.
Rachel Reads
Her bio says she’s “a teenage author, book lover, and Christian with a big dream and an even bigger God.” She reviews and recommends Christian fantasy, definitely on the cleaner side.
Book Lover Amanda
She creates a lot of great content, including book recommendations and reading vlogs.
Jamie The Kansan Reader
She focuses most on clean fantasy fiction and is actively creating videos.
The Rebel Christian
Valicity Elaine used to run this BookTube channel, but transformed it into an indie publishing company with the same name! She still actively reviews on Goodreads. I encourage you to get in touch with her!
Christian Fantasy Reviewers on Instagram
There are many great book reviewers on Instagram who mention that they’re Christian and love to read sci-fi and fantasy! Try searching with tags like #Christianbookblogger, #christianfantasy, and #bookreview. It might take you a while to filter through, but it’s well worth it. I find reviewers on IG to be incredibly friendly, excited, and open to helping share the work of new and indie authors!
Note: I am actively researching and expanding this section.
- Celeste Richardson – @cecereadsandsings
- Jessie’s World of Books – @jessies_world_of_books
- A Brooke and Her Books – @a_brooke_and_her_books
- Hailey Huntington – @haileyhuntingtonauthor
- Suzie Anne – @suzieannewrites
- Brandi Raae – @brandiraaebooks
- Haley – @sunset.farm.library
Goodreads Reviewers of Christian SFF
These individuals have left Goodreads reviews on multiple major works of Christian sci-fi and fantasy and most note on their profile that they are interested in both genre fiction and Christian works. I only included accounts of people who have been active on the platform within the past year.
You could certainly friend them and send a message, but keep in mind that most of these people are readers who do not run “official” reviewer blogs. So be sure to browse through some of their favorites to make sure that they’d actually be interested in your book, BEFORE reaching out to them.
- Sarah – view profile
- Marylin – view profile
- Abigail McKenna – view profile
- Mindy Song Houng – view profile
- RF Gammon – view profile (notes she’s a Christian on her blog)
- Laurel Burgess – view profile
- Brandi Raae – view profile
- Bob Rivera – view profile
- Godly Gadfly – view profile (he crossposts reviews on r/Christiansreadfantasy)
- Mike – view profile
- Steven Evans – view profile
Find more individual readers by scrolling through positive reviews left on your favorite Christian SFF books!
Who Are Your Favorite Reviewers?
If you’re an author of Christian SFF and have some favorite reviewers who love your work, please share so I can keep expanding this list! If you yourself are a reviewer of Christian SFF, please let me know if you’d like to be featured!
Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.
I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!
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