smite me baby one more time (paladin)
fiction books with a main character or prominent side character that fits the D&D Paladin class! here for the oath-taking, the divine smiting in the name of your god, the righteous vanquishing of your unholy enemies! recs and input welcome!
created by the_rags
last updated April, 2026
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My beloved and most favoritest class ever 🖤
Of Deeds Most Valiant by Sarah K.L. Wilson might be a good addition to this list.
the_ragsOP
oh that looks great, thanks!!
Yes yes yes yes yesssssssssss I am obsessed with paladins, and now this list!
The Wonder Engine by T. Kingfisher is the second book in the duology that begins with Clockwork Boys. Also by Kingfisher, there's Paladin's Strength, Paladin's Hope, and Paladin's Faith which follow different paladin followers of the Saint of Steel. There are eventually 3 more of those books on the way too!
I haven't read these but some other recs that seem like they may fit:
Holy Wrath - Victoria Mier Goldheart - Tess Carletta Reforged - Seth Haddon
the_ragsOP
ooooo tysm i will add all of these!!!
I only included the magicky ones but if you're looking for straight up knights as well, I have more of those on my knight & paladin 🛡️ shelf.
oooo i am sooooo stealing your shelf for personal use 😈 since im trying to kinda emulate the DnD class (which are half-casters), i def am keeping trying to keep the books here to include more magicky knights!
Heck yeah, steal away! And I figured as much with the half-casters. 😊 Having played paladins before in video games and in D&D, I loved the different way Kingfisher portrays them. They're clearly a bit more than warriors in fancy gear, but the magic is so subtly wrapped around them most of the time, until it comes time to use The Voice™️ or fight demons. Made me think of other forms of paladins in a different way.
