Honestly, with the boom of self-published books, I can’t pretend to know what all has come out within the year in the category of Christian speculative fiction, or which books are about to be released. But I can alert you to a couple things.

First, Realm Makers, the premier organization for authors and readers of Christian speculative fiction, is in the judging phase of two of their contests. The Realm Awards and the Parable Award closed submissions in January. However, the process for the Alliance Award, which is a Readers award, doesn’t start until March 1. Here are the details you might want to know:

The Alliance Award

Submissions open March 1st.

Readers have their say in what speculative fiction novels they loved the most from the previous calendar year.

Only READERS can nominate books into the contest. Anyone submitting nominations may choose up to three books.
NOMINATION PERIOD
The nomination period runs from midnight, March 1st to March 24th, also at midnight. Don’t wait to nominate!

Books must be in the genre of fantasy, science fiction, horror, or related subgenre, either traditionally or self-published. Only novel-length fiction please, no short stories, anthologies, or novellas.
ROUND TWO VOTING

The books that receive the top percentage of nominations will move onto the second round of voting, which runs from April 5th to April 22nd. We ask that voters only rate books that they’ve actually read. The voting runs on a star system, which we’ll explain in more detail when the round opens.
FINAL ROUND VOTING

On May 16th, it’s on to FINAL ROUND VOTING. We ask voters to participate only if they’ve read a minimum of two books on the finalist list. That’s why there’s a bit of a gap between the second and final rounds–we want you to have time to read the finalists if you haven’t already. Again, the star rating system will apply.

Final round voting concludes on June 4th.

There is no entry fee for this award. The winner of the Alliance Award will receive a certificate of recognition.

Second, the premier small press publisher for Christian speculative fiction, Enclave Publishing, has announced some of their new books/authors. If you aren’t on their mailing list, you might not be aware of the following:

The truth about Neverland is
far more dangerous than a fairy tale.

Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real—since her twin brother was stolen away as a child. Now Claire’s desperate search points to London… and a boy who shouldn’t exist.

Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins.

The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan—and herself.

Available July 2020 in a limited-run hardcover edition.

This book is available for pre-order now.

Also, from a long-time favorite fantasy author, Sharon Hinck:

The dancers of the Order direct their floating world
of Meriel with their movement…
but are they steering it toward destruction?

Calara spent her life learning dance patterns and seeking to become the perfect servant to her people. When she discovers the work of the Order is built on lies, she flees with a rough-edged herder, Brantley of Windswell. Pursued by soldiers, her journey through the suffering villages of the rim leads her to encounter a truth that sends ripples through her world—and through her soul.

As she seeks clues to her forgotten family, Calara discovers newfound courage in the face of danger, while her quest awakens a growing but forbidden affection for Brantley. Yet even his support can’t fully be trusted, since he’d rather destroy the Order than bring reform.

She is a lone woman facing opposition from rim villages and treachery from the all-powerful Order. Can she restore the dance to its true purpose and bring freedom and hope to her people?

This book may be ordered now.

Enclave has also announced that a new author is joining their group:

Enclave Publishing signs James R. Hannibal

We are thrilled to share that James R. Hannibal will be joining the Enclave Publishing family! An award-winning author who has written mystery, suspense, fantasy and thrillers, James tells stories of adventure in many different genres. In October 2021, Enclave will publish the first book in a brand-new fantasy trilogy set in the Lightraider fantasy world.

More info to come!

Finally, Enclave is making a sneak peek available of one of their up and coming young writers, Chawna Schroeder

Enclave Escape is ready to launch with The Vault Between Spaces, by Chawna Schroeder, and we couldn’t be more excited! Take a peek behind the curtain of the first release with this exclusive seven-chapter sneak peek.

Every legend must start somewhere…

Get the PDF and enjoy!

There’s more—the first ever audiobook put out by Enclave, sales of several series—and this is all from one publisher.

There are any number of other small presses and indie writers who also have new books out or on schedule to be released. Keep your ears open, and let us know here at Spec Faith (the comments section of this post is a good place) what books you’re excited about.