historical fiction books to read

Historical Fiction Books to Read: Dive into the Past with These Compelling Novels

If you are a fan of historical fiction, then you'll love immersing yourself in the past with these captivating books. Historical fiction offers a unique blend of facts and imagination, transporting readers to different time periods and cultures. Whether you are interested in the ancient world, medieval times, or more recent historical events, there's a historical fiction novel out there for everyone. Here are some must-read recommendations to satisfy your craving for captivating historical tales:

1. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett: Set in 12th-century England, this epic novel follows the construction of a cathedral amidst political turmoil and personal ambitions. The entwined stories of the characters bring to life the challenges and triumphs of the era.

2. "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell: Transport yourself to the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era with this classic. Follow the tempestuous Scarlett O'Hara as she navigates love and survival during one of the nation's most turbulent periods.

3. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak: Set in Nazi Germany, this heart-wrenching tale is narrated by Death himself. It follows Liesel, a young girl who steals books to find solace and escape in words during a time of great darkness.

4. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel: Delve into the court of Henry VIII with this award-winning novel. Through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in the Tudor era, explore the intricacies of political power, religious conflicts, and the king's pursuit of a male heir.

5. "Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden: Immerse yourself in the world of geishas in Japan before and after World War II. This beautifully written novel follows the life of Chiyo, who becomes the renowned geisha Sayuri, and offers a captivating glimpse into a unique and vanishing culture.

To further delve into the world of historical fiction, there are several websites worth exploring. Goodreads, a popular book recommendation platform, has lists dedicated to historical fiction books where users share their favorites and provide reviews. Another reputable source is Historical Novel Society, which offers book reviews, author interviews, and a wealth of resources for historical fiction enthusiasts.

Remember, historical fiction has the power to educate, entertain, and transport readers to different eras. Whether you're seeking tales of romance, adventure, war, or personal growth, these books will satisfy your cravings for captivating stories set in the past. So, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading nook, and embark on a journey through time with these recommended historical fiction novels.
Tang Store Fiction
Tang Store

At the end of the Tang Dynasty, separatist forces arose, plunging the country into turmoil. Within the city of Suzhou, an old and rundown inn quietly changed hands. Its new owner, once a small surgeon, was driven to despair after being murdered by an angry patient. With a heart full of disillusionment, he no longer wished to lay his hands on the dusty scalpel. In this life, he only aspired to be a contented shopkeeper, with no grand ambitions, facing the vast sea as the flowers bloomed in spring...

96.70 Million words | 2022-08-13 23:55Update

historical fiction history historical fiction time periods historical fiction time travel

The Super Soldier King of Resistance against Japan Fiction
The Super Soldier King of Resistance against Japan

The strongest soldier leader accidentally time-traveled to the anti-Japanese battlefield in the 1940s with his team. Let's witness how Qiao Youhua, the strongest soldier, leads his brothers to kill the Japanese invaders, eliminate the traitors, and seek revenge. A beautiful and gentle female student, and a hot-tempered female communication soldier...

417.70 Million words | 2021-08-04 16:29Update

history and historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction best time travel historical fiction

To cover the sky with one hand. Fiction
To cover the sky with one hand.

The severed arm unexpectedly regenerates, behold as my single hand covers the sky. The most explosive urban setting, the most badass cultivation.

138.87 Million words | 2021-09-22 17:46Update

xianxia online novel xianxia novel meaning novel xianxia

Daily Life of the Favored Daughter of the Marquis Mansion Fiction
Daily Life of the Favored Daughter of the Marquis Mansion

Qin Wan, the three-time winner of Best Supporting Actress, suddenly found herself transmigrated into the role of a fake rich miss who was about to be driven out of the Marquis's mansion. From her position, it was clear that she was either a supporting character or a cannon fodder! Qin Wan touched her blood jade bracelet and smirked. As a supporting character, she was a professional at it! She could play the role of a naive innocent, a foolish and innocent character, a malicious and cunning one, a hypocritical and scheming white lotus, or anything else. The choice was hers. Her eldest brother, who had been slapped in the face, exclaimed, "With her graceful demeanor and noble air, Wan

113.16 Million words | 2021-03-06 19:48Update

romantic historical fiction romantic love novel historical fiction with romance

Shu Han Fights Ghosts Fiction
Shu Han Fights Ghosts

Settling on the policy of first south, then north, the founding emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin, aimed to end the fragmented situation of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. However, he was killed by his own brother, who took the throne. In his final moments, in order to fulfill his dream, he chose to abandon everything and be reborn. As a result, he lost all memories of his previous life and became a lowly soldier in the Shu Han army before the Battle of Yiling. With his combat skills and some advanced knowledge, can Zhao Xing (his new identity) fulfill his dream of unifying the nation from his previous life? Will he become an emperor again or seek out a wise ruler? Completely unaware of what the future holds, Zhao Xing embarks on a completely new life in this even

295.00 Million words | 2021-02-24 16:02Update

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

The Most Awesome Prince Consort in History Fiction
The Most Awesome Prince Consort in History

and he accidentally became involved in the fate of the Song Dynasty.

279.85 Million words | 2021-01-21 12:35Update

historical fiction time travel books history and historical fiction best time travel historical fiction

Story of Yanxi Palace Fiction
Story of Yanxi Palace

In the sixth year of Emperor Qianlong's reign, the young girl Wei Yingluo enters the Forbidden City as a palace maid in search of the truth behind her older sister's death. After investigation, Yingluo confirms that her sister's death is related to the reckless Prince Hongzhou and vows to seek justice. Empress Fucha is well-versed in etiquette and laws, and worries that Yingluo might take the wrong path, thus providing her with warmth and assistance. Under the careful guidance of the Empress, Wei Yingluo gradually grows to become a righteous and strong court official, letting go of her resentment and living a meaningful life. Unfortunately, the Empress passes away, causing Yingluo to misunderstand Emperor Qianlong. From initially being enemies, the two eventually come to understand and support each other.

199.78 Million words | 2022-07-26 19:05Update

historical fiction time travel books historical fiction by time period best time travel historical fiction

Rural Girl's Struggle: Step by Step to Success Fiction
Rural Girl's Struggle: Step by Step to Success

Crossing over as a village girl, who said all I could do was farm? Ning Su had never thought she would have the destiny of becoming an empress. Carelessly, she ended up in the harem. How to deal with a cruel and ruthless tyrant? She had her own ways to turn him from steel to tender. The harem is filled with strange creatures; defeating them and leveling up, Ning Su never expected to climb to the top unintentionally. Who said the harem cannot involve politics? Look at how your country turned out when it lacked an empress. From a small village girl to an esteemed empress, that was not achieved overnight!

209.21 Million words | 2023-05-01 15:20Update

historical fiction time travel books historical fiction history historical fiction time periods

The Impostor Grand Emperor Fiction
The Impostor Grand Emperor

Because he was too eager to lose his virginity, he shamelessly kissed the school beauty and got beaten up, only to miraculously traverse to Emperor Yang Guang of Sui Dynasty, who shares the same name and surname. Consequently, chaos ensued in the Great Sui Empire, as this Yang Guang had not yet ascended to the throne but was already involved with the princess of the Northern Zhou, playing around with a

77.00 Million words | 2021-07-02 17:38Update

history and historical fiction historical fiction timeline historical fiction time travel

Return of the Tang in the Boundless Sea Fiction
Return of the Tang in the Boundless Sea

Stretching from Yiwu in the west to Lingwu in the east, with a land area of over four thousand miles and a population of millions, the six prefectures of the region resemble a long-lost homeland. The story revolves around the Guo Yi Army, a group of rebels in the late Tang Dynasty, and Zhang Yichao, a hero who should not be buried in the sands of history. However, the time has come to the second year of the Changxing period, five generations after the Tang Dynasty, and Zhang Yichao and the loyal descendants of the western Guo family face dangers in the land where the wolves lurk. Can a soul from the future, using the identity of Zhang Yichao's great-grandson, raise the banner of righteousness once again in the northwest and reverse the tide of chaos?

314.31 Million words | 2022-03-24 15:29Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction by time period historical fiction history

The Little Soldier of Flames. Fiction
The Little Soldier of Flames.

A modern person kidnapped by future people and brought to the resistance against Japan era!

476.16 Million words | 2022-12-10 17:36Update

historical fiction history historical fiction time periods historical fiction timeline

The Chronicle of Emperor Qin Fiction
The Chronicle of Emperor Qin

Emperor Qin sweeps the six realms, his tiger eyes gleaming with dominance! Brandishing his sword, he dispels the fleeting clouds, and all vassals come from the west. With keen judgment bestowed by heaven, he leads his great talents... To be reincarnated as anyone would be fine, but why did I have to be reincarnated as the miserable Qin bastard? Who is this Qin bastard, you ask? He is none other than the father of Emperor Qin Shi Huang! I don't want to pick up the pieces left by Lü Buwei, I don't want to be

218.02 Million words | 2022-10-23 14:48Update

fiction historical history of historical fiction passion bl novel

Greetings, Master. Fiction
Greetings, Master.

Unexpectedly deceased, Chu Xiu found himself transmigrated into the game world of "Big River and Lake," becoming the ultimate villainous boss of the yet-to-be-grown third edition, the evil cult leader causing havoc in the martial arts world! "Big River and Lake" incorporates countless martial arts backgrounds, such as the divine king Tianzi of Dong Island, who reads the future and kills with a smile. There is also the leader of the Beggar Gang, who wields the ultimate technique of the Falling Dragon, shaking the martial arts world. And there is the inheritor of the Flying Knife, who shatters the void with his blade, achieving unparalleled fame. In this

452.97 Million words | 2021-10-24 05:06Update

martial arts fiction martial arts master novel complete martial arts novel

Pirate King of Late Ming Dynasty Fiction
Pirate King of Late Ming Dynasty

Who says the sea is stormy? I say only those who dare can win! As a time traveler, Li Tu aims to pioneer the era of great maritime exploration in the late Ming Dynasty. This is a story of a time traveler's struggle and adventures in the late Ming Dynasty. It's an exciting tale.

15.94 Million words | 2020-08-25 04:37Update

history of historical fiction history and historical fiction historical ya fiction

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

The Glorious Era Fiction
The Glorious Era

Glory of the Golden Age, the magnificent empire! The Great Ming Empire, which has ruled the world for hundreds of years, is gradually declining, and unrest is brewing everywhere. Let's witness how Zhang Cheng from the 21st century rides through battles and reshapes the empire's glory with unmatched valor and determination! In this prosperous and everlasting age, the glory of the Middle Kingdom shines brightly. Everything is within the realm of brilliance.

178.74 Million words | 2022-02-02 23:52Update

historical fiction time travel books historical fiction by time period historical fiction history

The Rise and Fall of My Lord in Late Ming Fiction
The Rise and Fall of My Lord in Late Ming

"Rise and Fall of My Sovereign in the Late Ming Dynasty" Synopsis A young migrant worker from the north travels to Mount Wuling for sightseeing. After getting drunk, he unintentionally saves a spirit fox and receives its assistance. As a result, he travels through time to the late Ming Dynasty and becomes Zhu Youjian, the Prince of Xin. (Reader group ID)

395.69 Million words | 2022-07-30 15:24Update

historical fiction time travel books best time travel historical fiction historical fiction time periods

Disappointing Three Kingdoms Fiction
Disappointing Three Kingdoms

The lazy and idle second-generation rich Tao businessman crossed over and became the eldest son of Tao Qian, the Governor of Xuzhou. "Father, I have done wrong. I accidentally killed someone! His son is called Cao Cao!" (Tao Qian spits blood!) "Father, I have done wrong. I married a woman behind your back and took Lu Bu's woman!" (Tao Qian continues to spit blood!) "Father, you have worked hard for the great Han Dynasty, but I cannot help you." "Hmm?" Tao Qian is taken aback. Has his rebellious son transformed? He couldn't help but feel gratified. "If you have such filial piety, it's worth it even if I suffer and tire!" "

64.14 Million words | 2022-04-13 04:41Update

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

The King of the Unknown Sword in the Flourishing Tang Dynasty. Fiction
The King of the Unknown Sword in the Flourishing Tang Dynasty.

(The new book has been uploaded. Please come and take a look, my new and old book friends.) In the midst of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, the free fighter Li Ye is transcended into Li Siye, a man who has yet to become a famous general. From the bustling Chang'an to the four towns of Anxi, from the narrow streets to the frontier cities of the desert, he will annihilate the Tubo, subdue the Turkic, and conquer the Great Western Xia. As a true man, as a successor, both men and horses will be shattered!

229.04 Million words | 2023-03-05 22:44Update

historical fiction. fiction historical historical fiction ya

The Backbone of the Ming Dynasty. Fiction
The Backbone of the Ming Dynasty.

When a soul from the future traversed to the Ming Dynasty as a commoner, he fought his way towards the path of life with his knowledge from the future, striving forward despite being bound by the imperial court. He had to continue to work hard to protect his loved ones and his family. When he looked back, he realized that he had unknowingly become the backbone of the Ming Dynasty! This was a generation of national progress, an era where money was used as a weapon. In the first year of Jiajing, the curtain rose in a small mountain village in Shu.

573.96 Million words | 2022-02-24 03:58Update

history and historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction timeline