best historical fiction reads

Best Historical Fiction Reads: A Journey Through Time

If you're an avid reader who loves immersing yourself in the past, then historical fiction is the perfect genre for you. It allows you to explore different eras, experience the lives of fascinating characters, and get a glimpse into historical events. In this article, we will recommend some of the best historical fiction reads that are bound to captivate your imagination and transport you to a different time.

1. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak:
Set during World War II, this novel follows the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl in Nazi Germany who finds solace in stealing books. Through her eyes, we witness the power of words and the resilience of the human spirit. Markus Zusak's beautiful storytelling will leave you breathless and deeply moved.

2. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett:
Travel back to the 12th century and enter the world of Kingsbridge. This epic masterpiece tells the tale of the building of a cathedral and the lives of the people involved. Ken Follett's meticulous attention to historical detail combined with a gripping plot makes this a must-read for any fan of historical fiction.

3. "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón:
Set in post-war Barcelona, this enchanting novel revolves around a young boy named Daniel who becomes obsessed with a mysterious book. As he delves deeper into its origins, he unravels a dark secret that intertwines with his own life. Carlos Ruiz Zafón's lyrical prose and atmospheric storytelling will transport you to the vibrant streets of Barcelona.

4. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel:
Step into the court of Henry VIII with this Booker Prize-winning novel. Through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, a commoner who rises to power, we witness the political intrigue and religious upheaval of Tudor England. Hilary Mantel's meticulous research and vivid characterizations make this a compelling and immersive read.

5. "The Agony and the Ecstasy" by Irving Stone:
Immerse yourself in the life of one of the greatest artists of all time, Michelangelo. This biographical novel traces Michelangelo's journey from his early years as a sculptor to his work on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Irving Stone's vivid descriptions bring Renaissance Italy to life, making this a must-read for art enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

When it comes to finding the best historical fiction reads, these novels are just the beginning. Countless other masterpieces await your discovery, from the works of Philippa Gregory to Anthony Doerr's "All the Light We Cannot See." For more recommendations and reviews, head to reputable book review websites like Goodreads or historical fiction-specific websites such as historicalnovelsociety.org.

Remember, historical fiction not only educates but also entertains. It allows us to connect with the past, understand different cultures, and appreciate the human experience throughout history. So, embark on a literary journey through time and let these captivating stories transport you to bygone eras. Happy reading!
The Girl Need Not Guard, I am Blind Fiction
The Girl Need Not Guard, I am Blind

【Editor's Highly Recommended】"The girl need not guard, I am just a blind man." Initially, he only wanted to survive and grow. Little did he know that he would encounter w along the way.

67.80 Million words | 2022-06-10 14:32Update

light novel light novel world new fantasy fiction

Rising Battle Spirit Fiction
Rising Battle Spirit

He cleared a bloody path with a knife and a bow. He encountered adversity, but it was a woman who moved his heart. In this world, who can define good and evil? Only the strong! Regardless of adversity or the concept of good and evil, he only follows his own inner choices. He raised a flag, resisted foreign enemies, fiercely attacked the corrupt court, and ultimately gained great reputation. Under his leadership, the martial arts culture in the entire country overshadowed the literary culture, eliminating the sour smell and rejuvenating the whole nation! Kill one, it is a crime; slaughter ten thousand, it is dominance. In life and death, I remain calm about my choices. With every kill, the corpses pile up like mountains, and I swing my sword to tear through the sky. I exterminate countless enemies, and the land is dyed red with blood. I dare to venture on the path of heaven with a sword in hand, and I will rebuild the mountains and rivers on my conquest! If you like ancient military warfare, please click it energetically!!

586.76 Million words | 2022-04-15 00:00Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction time periods historical fiction time travel

Iron Soft Fiction
Iron Soft

Wen Ruixiu watched as his future father-in-law waved his hand and summoned three handsome young men in front of him. He was told that his fiancée was among them. Tian Rou had always believed that what she managed to snatch was hers, little did she know that the jade pendant she had taken from her elder brother was actually a token of betrothal. She roughly pulled off the jade pendant that she had been wearing for over ten years and threw it to Wen Ruixiu, stuttering, "Sister-in-law! I didn't know you had this kind of relationship with my elder brother!" Wen Ruixiu: "..." Wen Ruixiu had been well-educated since childhood, and even in his youth, he had yearned for the heroic aspirations depicted in the frontier poems, sacrificing oneself for the nation

486.79 Million words | 2022-02-22 14:20Update

dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction timeline

The Great Shanghai 1909 Fiction
The Great Shanghai 1909

Xiao Zhenlei, the leader of an international mercenary corps, was betrayed by his employer and killed by a missile strike. Unexpectedly, his soul crossed over to the body of a laborer in the Shanghai Bund during the late Qing Dynasty. This is an era where human lives are worthless, yet it also marks the beginning of a grand epoch. Let's witness how Xiao Zhenlei, with his leadership, steers the tide of history towards

369.77 Million words | 2020-12-08 09:45Update

historical fiction by time period historical fiction timeline historical fiction time travel

The War of Resistance Fiction
The War of Resistance

If the first expedition to Myanmar was not a failure, if the first expedition defeated the Japanese army, if the first expedition managed to defend Myanmar, if China could control Myanmar that year, then would history be rewritten? Would there be a rebirth, following the expeditionary forces to resist the Japanese invaders, trying to turn the tide, rewriting history, reshaping the grandeur of the Han and Tang dynasties, and establishing a magnificent Chinese empire? If you think "Old Stories of the Anti-Japanese War" is good, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in QQ groups and on Weibo!

401.98 Million words | 2020-08-22 12:53Update

time travel historical fiction history and historical fiction historical fiction time periods

The New Empress in the Cold Palace Fiction
The New Empress in the Cold Palace

On the wedding night, Meifrost went from being the revered queen to the despised whore. The Emperor grew disgusted, she was dethroned, and banished to the cold palace... A series of perilous events unfolded, and everyone blamed her for her own misfortune. She had to bear the consequences of sins committed by her past self, even though she had nothing to do with them. With a dagger in hand, she tore apart the bonds of sisterhood, Holding hands with her lover, they swore to grow old together, But the most enchanting words in the world turned out to be a grand conspiracy. She said she never wanted to become the queen, and people mocked her for being pretentious. She claimed ignorance

69.59 Million words | 2022-07-26 01:41Update

romantic love story novel historical fiction romance novel historical romance

Record of Chaos and Intrigue Fiction
Record of Chaos and Intrigue

The countries are in turmoil, and hidden currents surge. Cunning paths or royal paths? The world fluctuates, clouded in mysteries. Hero or tyrant? Beauty and kingdom, captivating nations and cities, which one is the true answer to heroism? Alluring charm and countless admirers, new loves and old affections, who is the so-called beloved? Scholars, between generations, none can escape the ebb and flow. A golden opportunity is truly a pity, while troubled times are unworthy of admiration. Witness the downfall of the discarded crown prince, and the upheaval of fate!

192.00 Million words | 2021-07-20 03:50Update

time travel historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction timeline

Beast Battle Fiction
Beast Battle

Playing with cats and fighing dogs, teasing crickets and summoning monkeys. Confronting eagles, taming snakes, and amusing gibbons. In an era of prosperity, skilled hands can thrive even in troubled times, bringing both joy and destruction! The painting of "Exotic Beasts" sought by many, including the foreign invaders! A hero with courage and literary prowess, powerful in combat, executes justice before anyone else! Originally hoping for prosperity and a prosperous family, but unexpected misfortune befalls as the intruders bring desolation. Unable to protect the great family fortune, loved ones around cannot be fully safeguarded! In such a scenario, I would risk my life! Tear apart the heavens, rip through the earth

419.47 Million words | 2020-09-20 01:56Update

historical fiction time travel books dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction time periods

Legend of the Emperor's Journey through Time Fiction
Legend of the Emperor's Journey through Time

I came to the Southern Song Dynasty and became the de facto ruler of a fallen nation, Emperor Song Duzong. There was only one path for me, to lead the Southern Song Dynasty back to the pinnacle of the world. Facing external challenges, I waged a great war against the mighty Mongolian cavalry in history. In the martial world, dangers lurked at every turn. Internally, I engaged in a battle of wits with Jia Sidao, one of the four treacherous ministers of the Southern Song Dynasty. In the realm of love, it was a mysterious and difficult journey. If readers enjoy "The Legend of the Emperor in a Time Travel," please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ

559.54 Million words | 2022-07-30 21:52Update

historical fiction by time period dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction time periods

The Rebirth of a Veteran in the War of Resistance. Fiction
The Rebirth of a Veteran in the War of Resistance.

Through 14 years of arduous resistance against the invaders, we fought from Northeast China to the Central Plains. Despite the enemy constantly changing their commanders, our soldiers remain as sharp as a hot knife through butter! Soldiers fear no sacrifice, and the spirit of the military will endure forever! (I've set up a group, feel free to join if you're

138.48 Million words | 2022-01-17 18:51Update

reincarnation novel military science fiction rebirth novel

Usurpation of Qin Fiction
Usurpation of Qin

Yun Yue fell into a bottomless abyss and found herself in another world. Faced with the Warring States period from two thousand years ago, what will Yun Yue do? She feels lost... King Huiwen is a wise ruler, while General Lian Po is cunning. Crown Prince Dan is extremely weak, and Qin Shihuang is a completely deceitful man... The survival environment in the Warring States period is harsh, but Yun Yue manages to thrive. Han Xiong wrote too much darkness, while the Coup against Qin writes about much sunshine. Where there is light, there will also be shadows, and where there are shadows, there will inevitably be light.

205.82 Million words | 2020-11-09 03:05Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction by time period historical fiction timeline

Legend Kitchen Warrior Fiction
Legend Kitchen Warrior

"Xie Heilong, the captain is coming soon. Add a few more dishes right away." "Xie Heilong, stop chopping vegetables. Sniper from the third platoon has a stomachache. Hurry and go. If you don't take the first place, go feed the pigs." The story of a mediocre soldier in the cooking squad who rises up to become the King of Soldiers! Well, the story of the King of Soldiers who was once a cook."

408.60 Million words | 2020-07-05 03:00Update

historical fiction history historical fiction time periods historical fiction time travel

First-class wealth and honor Fiction
First-class wealth and honor

The protagonist, having transmigrated to the early years of the founding of the Song Dynasty in the first year of Qiande, finds himself in a time when the Song Dynasty is in the process of unifying the Central Plains. However, due to Zhao Kuangyin's punishment of the chaos of the Five Dynasties and his consolidation of military power, the Song Dynasty later faced a tragic situation of emphasis on the internal affairs and neglect of external affairs. At this time, Zhao Kuangyi's influence was gradually growing, and the internal crisis of the Song Dynasty quietly expanded. This is both the best and the worst of times, and the protagonist gradually grows and thrives in such circumstances. Two famous sayings of Song Jiu

358.52 Million words | 2021-03-16 19:33Update

time travel historical fiction history and historical fiction historical fiction timeline

Fahrenheit Three Kingdoms Fiction
Fahrenheit Three Kingdoms

A minor actor from Hengdian unexpectedly transmigrates into the Three Kingdoms era as Hua Xiong. In this life, he refuses to play a supporting role again! Starting from Sishui Pass, he reverses his fate, defeating Guan Yu, killing Dong Zhuo, and vying for dominance over the world! Watch how he creates a path to become the protagonist in this turbulent era!

590.77 Million words | 2020-07-29 03:32Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction time periods

The Legendary Tale of Wu Dalang in A Chinese Odyssey to the Water Margin Fiction
The Legendary Tale of Wu Dalang in A Chinese Odyssey to the Water Margin

History is not a mirror, it is sperm. Sacrificing billions, only one can live till today; life is not a story, it is an accident. Struggling and rolling, only then can one not let down fame and dust. As a nerd, time travel has always been my dream, but why did I end up in the body of Wu Dalang? Short stature, ugly face? I spit, I Wu Dalang am a proud seven-foot tall man, handsome and elegant! A different Water Margin, a different legend, watch how I, Wu Dalang, rise to prominence! Thanks to the official book review team of Yuewen for their support in the forum reviews! QQ group: [group number]

596.44 Million words | 2023-05-25 09:08Update

dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction time periods

The cunning hero/villain (depending on the context) Fiction
The cunning hero/villain (depending on the context)

【Short Version 1】: Rather bear the blame than put it on others. 【Short Version 2】: I will take care of your wife, don't worry about her. ... As the wheel of history turns, sometimes the front wheel stops while the back wheel takes over - causing things to go off track. Wu Fan finds himself transported to a parallel universe, five hundred years after history was altered by Dong Zhuo. It's now the era of the Sui Dynasty and he is unfortunately a low-ranking official known as a "palace eagle dog". Thus begins his story. PS: (50 updates on the first day of release, are you ready?) PS: The previous summary was too long, here's a new one.

167.30 Million words | 2022-01-13 07:09Update

historical fiction history historical fiction ya historical fiction

The soldier is the king. Fiction
The soldier is the king.

When my faith is engraved with the country and the people, I become an unstoppable war machine; when this faith burns with passion, I become a fervent believer that makes the world tremble! Go mad, roar with rage, under the trumpet of faith, under the call of duty, I live for my country, die for the people, and fight endlessly with blood staining the red flag! PS: Exercise extreme caution before clicking, because it is addictive, really addictive, absolutely truly addictive! Highly addictive, be cautious, cautious, cautious... Seventh-grade craftsmanship, guaranteed quality; branded assurance, trustworthy. (Published works: "Fangs," "King of Soldiers," "King of Soldiers: The Supreme")

200.99 Million words | 2023-06-25 19:12Update

time travel historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction history

Surviving at the end of the Western Jin Dynasty. Fiction
Surviving at the end of the Western Jin Dynasty.

Traversing the end of Western Jin Dynasty, I became an ordinary member among the masses, forced to engage in dangerous private salt trading for survival. Little did I know, it was through this endeavor that I would establish a great dominion, making light of the chaos brought upon by the Five Barbarians. Behold the rise of Wei Shuo, the one who will seize the world from Jin! During the Yongjia era, demons danced recklessly, scholars fled to the south, and common people suffered. With a sweep of the southern wind, Hu's dust settled, and I embarked on a journey to Chang'an and beyond. This is my Huaxia, a new turning point in history, as a new chapter of Huaxia poetry begins! It all starts from the fifth year of Yongjia in Western Jin, in the year AD...

596.24 Million words | 2022-10-14 01:00Update

historical fiction time travel books dual timeline historical fiction best time travel historical fiction

The Blissful Life of a Junior Official in the Northern Song Dynasty Fiction
The Blissful Life of a Junior Official in the Northern Song Dynasty

This is a golden age for Chinese literati. The artistic youth travels back to the Qingli period of the Northern Song Dynasty. From then on, they flourish and achieve an extraordinary life.

249.13 Million words | 2022-11-25 01:10Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction by time period dual timeline historical fiction

After the Breakup, She Hides Her Pregnant Belly and Inherits Billions Fiction
After the Breakup, She Hides Her Pregnant Belly and Inherits Billions

Ye Zhimeng worked as a body double for five years, hiding her sharp edges and pretending to be gentle and obedient, doing everything she could to meet the needs of Li Xingyuan, but never being cherished. Until the news of Li Xingyuan's marriage to a billionaire heiress came. The obedient body double disappeared, leaving behind the scum boyfriend and hiding her pregnant belly as she ran away. Five years later, she transformed into the heiress of a trillion-dollar conglomerate, the investment queen adored by the capital world. When they reunite, after five years of searching and going insane, a certain someone who discarded all pride and arrogance pleads desperately, 'Darling, don't reject me...'

67.45 Million words | 2022-07-26 01:39Update

whats historical fiction whats a historical fiction historical fiction ya