Flinch-Free Fantasy: Finding Remarkable Books, Rated PG-13 or Cleaner
Are you looking for clean, flinch-free fantasy books to read? Fantastic tales without excessive gore, language, and sex? Being a reader and a writer, I’m always looking for remarkable books that are not only “clean,” but tell good tales with great worlds, characters, and ideas. The following is a list of reading material that does not exceed a PG-13 rating. While you will find mostly fantasy books and stories, there’s also some sci-fi, historical fiction, and a thriller or two as I come across suitable candidates. Enjoy!
The following is a list of remarkable reading material I recommend that does not exceed a PG-13 rating. Find your next great Flinch-Free read below, and support the author when you click through!
Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Clicking on the images below will take you to the Amazon store.
Binti
by Nnedi Okorafor
Binti is an imaginative blend of traditional folklore and futuristic storytelling, exploring identity through Binti’s courageous journey. Despite some narrative oversights regarding the Meduse’s violence, its captivating prose offers profound insights into culture and humanity, making it a must-read.
The Fifth Doll
by Charlie Holmberg
Matrona, a dutiful daughter, finds a paintbrush and descends into nightmare. This unique fantasy uses the nesting doll concept to explore difficult choices and destiny. With clever foreshadowing and rich world-building, it’s a captivating read.
The Queen’s Poisoner
by Jeff Wheeler
Loosely based on the War of the Roses, young Owen is a hostage in a hostile court. This clean fantasy is a deeply engaging read, balancing political intrigue with genuine character development and real consequences for every hard choice.
Until All Curses Are Lifted 🌟
by Tim Frankovich
Magic has gone horribly wrong, cursing the innocent and breaking the world. This fast-paced fantasy features an incredible, unusual, and twisted magic system. The fast-paced adventure explores serious issues with strong, complicated characters that immediately draw you in. Highly recommended!
The Heart of What Was Lost
by Tad Williams
This bridge novel picks up after the defeat of the Norns, uniquely exploring the sheer awfulness of genocide from their perspective. Williams excels at world-building and characterization, creating a tale that perfectly sets the stage for The Last King of Osten Ard.
Dragon Draught
by Kristie Kiessling
A thrilling, readable story by an amazing, underrated writer. Dragon Draught is a wonderful novella featuring exciting adventures and intricate plots. Read this hidden gem and join the chorus demanding more of this author’s stellar work!
A Wizard of Earthsea
by Ursula Le Guin
This fantasy masterpiece celebrates the magic in all things. Through stunning world-building and inclusive casting (brown-skinned Ged, black friends), Le Guin delivers a deeply relatable story of facing the consequences of one’s deeds. Ged’s journey through the Archipelago is filled with high mountains, cold streams, and great peril. The beautiful prose and focus on the dignity of action make this essential reading.
The Innkeeper’s Son
by K.C. Herbel
This engaging story pulls you in immediately, following young William through chance meetings and thrilling adventures. His relatable journey from naïveté to maturity moves at a measured pace, balancing battle scenes with meaningful, pensive moments. A highly recommended journey!
A Hero’s Curse
by P.S. Broaddus
This C.S. Lewis-esque children’s adventure is enjoyable for any age. Its blind heroine paints a stunning world through sound and touch, offering meaningful moments and good morals. The author expertly conveys the world through the heroine’s non-visual senses, making this a thoughtful and highly enjoyable read for all ages.
Nightrage Rising
by P.S. Broaddus
This fast-paced sequel to A Hero’s Curse tackles the challenge of choice and the desire for sight. Essie navigates intrigue and adventure while the mysterious Nightrage’s true nature remains shrouded. This book offers great depth, exploring pride, power, and the reliability of friends. Further adventures await!
The Portrait of Geraldine Germaine
by E.M. Epps
This charming tale perfectly captures turn-of-the-century Paris, evoking French Impressionist paintings. Follow Géraldine, an impoverished author, whose pragmatic and witty observations guide her through writing challenges and strange occurrences. Is it coincidence or magic?
Song of the Summer King
by Jess E. Owen
Gryfon Shard’s uncertain past is revealed after he accepts the unexpected counsel of a she-wolf. This unique adventure, which subtly explores themes of colonialism (Aesir vs. Vanir), delivers fantastic world-building and characterization. A highly promising start to the series.
Hood 🌟
by Stephen R. Lawhead
This epic shatters the familiar Robin Hood legend! Lawhead relocates the tale to the Welsh borderlands, where Bran ap Brychan flees into a primeval forest with mysterious powers. Steeped in Celtic mythology and political intrigue, this fresh, well-paced retelling is absolutely captivating. The strong character growth makes this a compelling read, ensuring you buy the sequel.
Scarlet 🌟
by Stephen R. Lawhead
Will Scarlet faces execution unless he delivers King Raven to the ruthless Normans. Told entirely in first-person as Will dictates his confession, this sequel is packed with more intrigue and surprises than the first, showing the continued, compelling growth of the selfish young Bran into the leader his people desperately need. Hard to put down!
Tuck 🌟
by Stephen R. Lawhead
The epic Robin Hood reimagining reaches its stunning conclusion as King Raven fights for his throne. Filled with breathtaking suspense and determination, the story dives deep into medieval life and clashing cultures, proving Tuck’s simple faith is a powerful force against tyranny.
The Dragonbone Chair 🌟
by Tad Williams
This is my all-time favorite epic fantasy! Kitchen boy Simon is plunged into a war of brother against brother, battling a long-dormant evil. Williams masterfully blends folklore, humor, and tragedy into a grand conflict. This deep world of trolls, sithi, and dragons immediately immerses readers, and kicks off an intricate, epic fantasy that truly puts humanity in peril.
Stone of Farewell 🌟
by Tad Williams
The Storm King’s might threatens to lock the world in eternal winter. As the villains become clearer, disparate threads begin to unite humans, Sithi, and Qanuc trolls. I love the rich story, myth, and lore of Osten Ard, which feels alive even under siege. This epic tale is full of betrayal, dark scheming, and unexpected magical strikes.
To Green Angel Tower, Part 1 🌟
by Tad Williams
The final battle for Osten Ard begins! Prince Josua’s army faces King Elias while Simon searches for a way to defeat the Norns. I find this deep world and strong story a classic for a reason. Every character has depth, and their individual evolution is the true, rewarding focus of this epic fantasy.
To Green Angel Tower, Part 2 🌟
by Tad Williams
This final confrontation is one of the greatest works of epic fantasy. This concluding volume manages to dig deep into character psychologies, making you feel every sacrifice. I remain in awe at Tad’s skill, which makes the inevitable climax feel earned and never cliché, especially the reversal of the three swords. A powerful ending that leaves you achingly happy.
The Legend of Nightfall 🌟
by Mickey Zucker Reichert
I found this rare treasure completely captivating! The legendary thief, Nightfall, is magically bound to guide the incredibly naïve Prince Edward. I wanted to throttle the prince initially, but this story of unexpected friendship is endlessly entertaining and beautifully shows character growth and maturity.
Rend the Dark
by Mark Gellineau and Joe King
The cunning ancient titans now hide inside us, wearing our skin. Hunter Ferran, haunted by visions, wields that power to track these monsters for the Order of Talan. This incredible short read immediately hooks you with its intriguing premise and sad character history.
Harry Takes Off
by Steve Turnbull
Two sisters get mixed up in a major war after a trip to see the German Army in 1896 East Africa. Escaping captivity in their ornithopter, they must race to deliver a warning. This terrific tale is full of twists and turns with amazing, unique, very real characters—and ends with a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.
The Woodcutter
by Kate Danley
A wonderful twist on fairytales! The Woodcutter defends the Twelve Kingdoms from a malevolent queen and the Royal Fae. Aided by three charmed axes, he hunts a murderer amidst ancient magic and sinister mysteries. This tale of love and sacrifice is thoroughly engrossing.
The Graveyard Book
by Neil Gaiman
After tragedy strikes, Bod is adopted by the graveyard’s denizens and guarded by Silas and Miss Lupescu (a werewolf). This story beautifully combines creepiness, humor, and magic as Bod learns to navigate the worlds of the living and the dead. A bittersweet, well-crafted journey.
The Princess Bride 🌟
by William Goldman
What’s not to love? This tale is packed with giants, Rodents of Unusual Size, and the Dread Pirate Roberts. Blending romance and high adventure, this cleverly framed novel made me laugh a lot! It’s charming, entertaining, and endlessly quotable—a definite must-read.
Warrior Mage
by Lindsay Buroker
Buroker throws you straight into the action on the testing grounds of Stargrind magic school! Yanko, a boy with uncommon earth magic, embarks on a secret, dangerous quest. I was delighted by the appearances of a familiar face from the Emperor’s Edge world and the sarcasm of his sidekick, Laeko.
A Cast of Stones
by Patrick C. Carr
Forced to join a quest to select a new king, Errol Stone must leave his grief behind and learn to fight. I found it beautiful to watch his character find redemption, driven by a story that unfolds with a lively pace and keeps the suspense high throughout.
The Hero’s Lot
by Patrick W. Carr
Accused of conspiracy, Errol Stone is compelled to embark on an impossible quest to kill Sarin Valon in the enemy kingdom. This book reads quickly! It takes the reader on a ride with excitement, invasions, and religious conflict, proving everything in this amazing story means something.
A Draw of Kings
by Patrick W. Carr
This final book dives into the final battle for Illustra as the barrier falls and Duke Weir schemes. I think the story’s richness comes from the hero’s struggle with addiction and abuse, making his path to redemption feel profoundly real and overcoming great personal obstacles. The final battle is a beautiful, powerful conclusion with a twist I didn’t expect.
The Damiano Trilogy 🌟
by R.A. MacAvoy
This acclaimed trilogy follows the wizard’s son, Damiano, from alchemist to pilgrim, even seeing the Archangel Raphael fall prey to Lucifer. This series is one of my favorites, set in the Italian Renaissance, where faith-based magic is real. This series is one of my favorites.
Transformation
by Carol Berg
After sixteen years of slavery, Seyonne is sold to Prince Aleksander. Their intense relationship drives a story with raw, believable emotions and an unusual, slowly unfolding magic. I finished it straight through—a beautiful, hopeful tale about growth and tested faith.
In Siege of Daylight
by Gregory S. Close
This sweeping fantasy delivers adventure, prophecy, and intrigue with spot-on pacing. I appreciate that the young protagonist, Calvraign, is flawed—his mercurial temper and teenage arrogance make him believable. An excellent read featuring richly developed characters and surprise reveals.
The Count of the Living Death
by Joshua Grasso
Leopold’s whispering magic chest unleashes his Death, drawing in the formidable Ivan the Terrible and the sorcerer Hildigrim. This is a delightfully dark adventure, blending Gothic staples with an Austen-esque air.
Waif
by Nigel Edwards
This riveting, thrilling short story is perfect for a lunch break. I was quickly bound by the atmosphere—you’ll smell the tallow and feel the chill. The yearning between Waif and the mysterious Young Master is palpable, leaving you desperately wanting more.
Lady of the Forest 🌟
by Jennifer Roberson
Lady Marian and a shattered Sir Robert of Locksley find a kindred soul in each other. I fell in love with this poignant retelling because the characters are so real; Robin is convincingly traumatized, and their love story is natural and beautiful. I want to write like this when I grow up!
Fortress in the Eye of Time
by C.J. Cherryh
Born fully formed but innocent, Tristen is sent to sow distrust and is hunted by an old enemy. I appreciate the complex, slow-burn plot that contrasts Tristen’s innocence with the fractious nobles at court. A masterful tale where destiny hinges on a wizard’s ambition.
Fortress of Eagles
by C.J. Cherryh
Cefwyn relies on his friend Tristen—a man of mysterious origins—to unite a land that has never known peace. The writing is beautiful. This powerful story details Tristen’s unfolding understanding as the king’s dream faces ruin from entrenched northern barons.
Fortress of Owls
by C.J. Cherryh
Now Duke of Amefel, Tristen must take up his fearsome sword as scarlet banners of war unfold. I love this book as things fall into place, revealing a world full of underhanded betrayals and political maneuvering where friend and foe are hard to tell.
Fortress of Dragons
by C.J. Cherryh
Tristen must take up his sword, inscribed with “Truth” and “Illusion,” as the world’s Lines are shifting. Relax and enjoy the thoughtful pace—the buildup ensures a deeply satisfying final conclusion where all the details connect before magics and armies clash.
Fortress of Ice
by C.J. Cherryh
Nothing is as it seems as the bonds of family strain against dark magic that has seized the kingdom. I find the story of two half-brothers—one destined to rule, one seeking a denied birthright—a compelling epic illustrating how rejecting our demons brings resolution.
Scarlet Sails 🌟
by Alexander Green
This delightful 1923 romantic novella is a powerful fairytale about dreams coming true. Asole’s unwavering prophecy is fulfilled by the sailor Arthur Grey, conquering the antagonist of disbelief and lack of imagination. Always a story to love.
The Emperor’s Edge
by Lindsay Buroker
When human sacrifices and a plot against the emperor surface, Amaranthe Lokdon is ordered to hunt down Sicarius, the empire’s most notorious assassin—who turns into an intriguing contrast against Amaranthe. The witty dialogue and surprising plot twists make this an intriguing, fun read.
Dark Currents
by Lindsay Buroker
Blamed for kidnapping the emperor, Amaranthe’s team discovers mutilated bodies and a mysterious illness. I enjoyedthis fun, fast-paced adventure filled with laughs, tears, and a smooth flow. Buroker expertly keeps the focus on the action, dodging imperial soldiers and deadly mechanical constructs.
Timeline
by Michael Crichton
A man speaking nonsense leads to a shocking discovery at a medieval site: a corporation has developed technology to enter the past! I was sad when the book ended, wishing to stay with these characters as they face peril six hundred years ago. Action, twists, and high-stakes survival.
The Winds of Khalakovo
by Bradley P. Beaulieu
Conflict erupts in the crossroads archipelago of Khalakovo after a windship attack. Prince Nikandr must find an autistic savant who may hold the key to healing a wasting blight, and risks everything to protect the boy. An exceptional novel of high stakes!
The Light of Eidon
by Karen Hancock
Sacrifice leads to betrayal when Abramm is sold into slavery, but his suffering molds him for a greater purpose. I loved how the plot continually twists and turns, flowing effortlessly to explore religious and political depths. This hero is so very appealing.
The Shadow Within
by Karen Hancock
Abramm returns to claim his crown, opposed by kin and prepared for war against the Black Moon. I found this book fantastic for paralleling the Christian life and the daily spiritual battle. The symbolism of the branded golden shield perfectly underscores the battle between good and evil.
The Kinshield Legacy
by K.C. May
A blacksmith’s abduction and a stolen sword kick off this exciting mystery. I appreciated the quick, competent writing that flows well, making the predictable journey entertaining. Gavin’s tragic backstory and inner conflict make him a compelling, lovable protagonist.
Tathea
by Anne Perry
This beautiful, lyrical fantasy is full of sorrows and failures, showing that serving God comes at a high price. I think the story of Empress Tathea—fleeing a coup to find the Truth of life—is a compelling tale, but it is not for everyone.
By Divine Right
by Patrick W. Carr
When a gifted musician is found dead, reeve Willet’s intuition leads him to chase a plot that threatens the kingdom. I appreciate how the author uses a scar here and a phobia there to expertly draw complex characters. An entirely readable fantasy mystery.
The Farseer Trilogy
by Robin Hobb
This epic trilogy follows Fitz, whose royal blood and assassin training lead him to a soul-shattering mission. I’m glad I stuck with this series! Its plot is convoluted enough to be interesting, building to an emotionally powerful ending that makes you feel like you have truly been through something. Slow going, but the last book left me in tears.
Brood of Bones 🌟
by AE Marling
When 50,000 women conceive, cursed Enchantress Hiresha must track a leeching sorcerer. I loved this fantasy whodunnit, where Hiresha acts as an arcane detective. The complex characters, including the charming but terrible Lord of the Feast, make this an easily 5-star read.
Fox’s Bride
by AE Marling
Hiresha objects to marrying a fox in a sarcophagus, but a sorcerer may have arranged her murder. Vibrant characters, especially Hiresha, who is whimsical, callous, and often puts her foot in her mouth. A wonderful, engaging follow-up to Brood of Bones.
Gravity’s Revenge
by AE Marling
Saboteurs steal the Mindvault Academy’s keystone jewels, causing enchantresses to fall from the sky. This white-knuckle read is the series’ most intense, featuring the dangerously charming Lord Tethiel and a relentless enemy.
Dream Storm Sea
by AE Marling
Hiresha is exiled and teams up with the charming Tethiel and the redeemed Emesea. I was on the edge of my seat as they navigate a dangerous sea and a central conflict where no one knows what is a dream. Hiresha remains a complex, flawed hero in a flawed world.
Have You Got a Flinch-Free Recommendation?
I love promoting authors who write the kind of clean fantasy (and occasionally sci-fi or historical fiction) that meets my standards. Since any book I promote receives my personal endorsement, submissions need to measure up to the following yardstick. If your book fits, please feel free to reach out!
- Age Range: The work must be suitable for ages 15-115.
- Language: PG-13 rating or gentler. Creative cursing is appreciated, but swearing and racially offensive terms should be practically non-existent. No use of the “F-Word” or other crude terms.
- Sex Scenes: Must be hinted at, with details left entirely to the reader’s imagination. Avoid play-by-play descriptions and use caution with innuendo.
- Violence & Tolerance: The story must not glorify war, killing, kidnapping, torture, or abusive treatment of people, animals, or imaginary creatures. Violence for shock value is discouraged. (I prioritize books that demonstrate mutual respect for all races, genders, and religious beliefs, as tolerance is key to a strong society.)
- Magic/Physics: Must follow some discernible rules within the realm of the story; logic must drive the plot, not convenience.
- Character Development: Characters must grow and develop like real people, displaying believability, complexity, and depth.
- Editing: The story must be professionally edited or demonstrate a high level of polish. Beta readers are crucial, but an editor is highly recommended. (Thanks to Leeland Artra for letting me borrow from his list of “rules.”)
Cross-Promotion & Contact
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