Christian Books discussion

Hi everyone, not sure if this is the right spot for my topic but let me know - thanks!

I am the author of a new YA Paranormal book called The Realm: Secrets Unlocked (It's a 3 book series).

Amazon has it under several genres based on key words in my description. One of them being fantasy. My book was a bestseller for 5 days straight on Amazon at #2 in Demons and Angels categories and #27 in Teen & Young Adult. Because of this it attracted readers of all types.

I began to experience an extreme mix of reviews. People who absolutely loved it and couldn't put it down, and people who loved it and couldn't put it down until it made any references about Christianity (As my characters are Christian). I have been getting attacked by atheists who are fuming mad that my book is classified under fantasy and has mentioning of Christianity. I've even been getting personal emails and messages about 6-8 paragraphs long. They are mad because they loved my book, my story line and my characters but felt I ruined it by mentioning God.

In addition to that, my novel is based on certain true events that happened to my father. I make it very clear in the acknowledgements that we fictionalized the story but were inspired by these events (that are mentioned in the book). This really angered people that I have a fiction/fantasy book based on true experiences. So I have been getting threats and all kinds of attacks. It's really been quite a shock at the controversy this has stirred up.

Is it not appropriate for books with Christian characters to be classified under broad genres? Dan Brown books have Christianity in them and are under the same broad genres as my book. Just wondering if I need to change my genre to Christian Paranormal Fantasy - is there such a genre? Will that limit my audience?

I've never received such extreme praise and extreme hatred over a book. Would love some feedback - thanks!
Lindsey Rietzsch

I dont think Christian has to be in the genre. People dont have to get offended just because the characters in a great book are Christian. I think if the storyling doesnt revolve around Chrisianity it doesnt have to be labeled for it. You might could mention something about it on the description...

Dont worry! There will always be someone to find something wrong with anything out there. You cant avoid it.