definition of historical fiction in literature

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines elements of history and fiction. It is a form of storytelling that takes place in the past and incorporates real historical events, settings, and people, while also adding fictional elements such as characters, dialogue, and plotlines.

In historical fiction, authors strive to accurately depict the historical context in which their stories are set. Through extensive research, they bring to life different eras and cultures, offering readers a unique window into the past. This genre allows readers to not only learn about history but also experience it through the eyes of fictional characters.

One popular example of historical fiction is "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. Set during World War II in Nazi Germany, the novel follows the journey of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace and escape in books amidst the chaos and destruction of the war.

Another renowned historical fiction author is Philippa Gregory, known for her novels based on real historical figures such as Queen Elizabeth I and the Tudor dynasty. Her works, such as "The Other Boleyn Girl" and "The White Queen," offer readers a captivating blend of history and imagination.

For those interested in exploring more historical fiction, there are various online platforms dedicated to this genre. Goodreads, a popular book recommendation website, provides lists of highly-rated historical fiction novels suggested by readers worldwide. Additionally, websites like Historical Novel Society and BookBub offer curated collections and book deals for historical fiction enthusiasts.

In conclusion, historical fiction is a captivating genre that allows readers to immerse themselves in different periods of history through the lens of fictional characters. With its ability to educate, entertain, and evoke emotions, it continues to be a beloved choice for those seeking a blend of fact and fiction in their reading experience.
The Strongest Soldier Fiction
The Strongest Soldier

I swear that I am a special forces soldier of the Chinese Army, the most elite warrior of the People's Liberation Army! I will bravely face all hardships and dangers, whether from training or actual combat. No matter what danger I encounter, I will remain calm and courageously defeat the enemy. Regardless of the circumstances, I will always remember my oath. I dare to be an exemplary soldier, never surrendering. If needed, I will sacrifice myself for the country; if necessary, the last bullet will be left for me, the last bullet will be left for me, the last bullet will be left for me. (Note: This paragraph is

274.12 Million words | 2022-01-09 09:24Update

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

Sunrise Chang Fiction
Sunrise Chang

In the mid-Qing dynasty, due to the need for commodity circulation and currency turnover, an institution specializing in money exchange and remittance business emerged, known as 'Piaohao', also known as 'Piaozhuang' or 'Huizhuang'. This industry was monopolized by people from Shanxi province, known as 'Shanxi Piaohao'. They had a monopoly on the exchange business throughout the country. The largest Piaohao in the country at that time had a total of X branches, of which the largest was 'Sunrise Chang' established by Li Jingkai, a native of Pingyao. It originally operated as a pigment shop and later transitioned into a Piaohao during the Daoguang reign. This book tells the story of the rise and peak of the pioneering Piaohao 'Sunrise Chang' in China, portraying the loves, hates, and struggles of a generation of Jin merchants. It is the precursor of Chinese banks, controlling a significant part of China's financial industry in that era. The street where it was located is colloquially known as the 'Wall Street of China'. It is an indispensable topic in Pingyao, an unmissable story in Shanxi, and the starting point that China's modern financial industry cannot overlook. Without Pingyao and 'Sunrise Chang', the history of China's modern financial industry would have been rewritten, and perhaps even the starting point would still be unknown.

29.92 Million words | 2021-01-02 00:54Update

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

Wei Xue’s Records Fiction
Wei Xue’s Records

In the 25th year of the Yonghe era of the Daxie dynasty, a major case occurred in the imperial capital, Tianqi. The body of the young prodigy, Wei Fusu, known as the "Unicorn Talent," was found in the imperial moat. At that time, the body was swollen and white, almost unrecognizable, but there was a unique fire feather pattern embroidered on his forehead, a mark of the Wei family, the ruling clan of Dongyuan. There has always been a rumor in the land of Jiuzhou that "he who obtains the Wei family of Dongyuan shall obtain the world." When the founding emperor rose in rebellion, it was also through the Wei family's political tactics that he gradually reached the pinnacle of power. Young prodigy Wei Fusu was a rare genius in the Wei family in a hundred years. It is said

86.00 Million words | 2021-10-25 13:09Update

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

Dragon King of the Mad Warriors Fiction
Dragon King of the Mad Warriors

【Hot New Book】 Chen Xuanwu, who was on vacation, was urgently called back to the army in the middle of the night, only to protect a girl. And this girl surprisingly possesses a system that is coveted by mercenaries all over the world. Chen Xuanwu scratches his head - I don't like being a bodyguard! So, let's just bring this girl into the action team! This is the passionate story of Chen Xuanwu using his blood and youth to educate Mu Nianxue into a sharp member of the team! They are the ultimate weapons, the reapers, hovering between life and death, holding the lives of others in their hands! Bathed in blood, relentless in battle, they are the sharpest blades! Book

559.20 Million words | 2021-05-25 11:26Update

historical fiction by time period historical fiction history historical fiction time periods

Zhang Juzheng Fiction
Zhang Juzheng

Zhang Juzheng (Four Volumes) is the winner of the 6th Mao Dun Literature Prize. It revolves around the political struggle between Zhang Juzheng and the chief minister Gao Gong, showcasing the rise and fall of various political forces within and outside the imperial court. The novel vividly portrays characters with distinct personalities such as Zhang Juzheng, Gao Gong, Feng Bao, and Consort Li. Through vivid portrayal of typical settings and careful creation of historical atmosphere, the novel exhibits a clear historical rationality, with fervent and dynamic realism, vividly presenting a vast and intricate historical scenario linked to the 'Wanli New Policies' and showcasing the image of Zhang Juzheng, a complex reformer in feudal society, as well as the inevitability of his tragic fate. This book is a massive historical novel, permeated with an elegant and rustic charm, providing readers with an enjoyable reading experience that is both enlightening and captivating. It is the perfect choice for enthusiasts of historical fiction.

54.69 Million words | 2021-04-18 18:50Update

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

The long journey of immortality, starting from the Qin Dynasty. Fiction
The long journey of immortality, starting from the Qin Dynasty.

A meteorite enabled the young man Li Qing to time travel to the Qin Dynasty and bestowed upon him the extraordinary power of immortality. With the sole intent of altering history, Li Qing soon discovered that history could not be easily changed.

87.00 Million words | 2023-01-11 19:02Update

war historical fiction military historical fiction stories historical military fiction

The Supreme Tang Fiction
The Supreme Tang

Gourmet Excellence Entertainment Excellence Literary Excellence Martial Excellence Beauty Excellence ... Let's witness Wang Xiang creating an era of Excellence in every aspect in the magnificent Tang Dynasty.

219.55 Million words | 2022-01-28 13:39Update

dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction time travel

Great Zhou, my beloved husband. Fiction
Great Zhou, my beloved husband.

Bustling and bustling, full of disputes, where can the heart find peace? Fighting and killing, scrambling for fame and fortune, where can the heart find solace? Qin Feng, the third disciple of Guiguzi, suddenly emerged! With the heart of a child, innocent like a fool, with a pure heart, he walks the path of the world! No matter if you are the treacherous court, the mysterious rivers and lakes, or the tumultuous battlefield, my heart remains steadfast, my goodness remains unchanged! Who says that it is difficult to handle matters with simplicity? Who says that sincerity towards others leads to a dead end? Qin Feng represents innocence, represents being true to oneself, represents our dream self! He charges forward, he is a bit silly and cute, he is passionate, he

550.57 Million words | 2023-07-01 23:23Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction time travel books historical fiction time travel

Born to be Han Xin Fiction
Born to be Han Xin

After Qin lost its deer, it was pursued by the entire world. Behind the collapse of the empire, there were invisible hands at play. It was because of the appearance of a different Han Xin that the tide was reversed against the will of heaven. In the turbulent and mysterious era of the late Qin Dynasty, the mighty struggle between Chu and Han unfolded. A song of heroes in a chaotic world, a tale of the ambition of both land and women. The importance of the tripod, is it worth questioning? The new book has been fully purchased and uploaded. Please continue to support.

115.38 Million words | 2022-11-14 19:19Update

historical fiction. fiction historical historical ya fiction

Where to escape, Immortal? Fiction
Where to escape, Immortal?

"After you betrayed me, what difference does it make if I become a devil or an immortal?" She was the innocent and cherished embodiment of a fairy and demon in the demon realm, while he was the peculiar demon god in the immortal realm who hunted demons and practiced magic with varying success. They were supposed to be natural enemies, but they unexpectedly became entangled for thousands of years. He plotted to trap her in the freezing Pangu Cave, subjecting her to untold torment for millennia. When she escaped, she transformed into a devil out of love, vowing to destroy heaven and earth. He only knew that she hated him, but he was unaware that she resented him for marrying someone else...

186.22 Million words | 2020-08-31 03:10Update

history and historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction timeline

Transmigrated to a different time and became a prince. Fiction
Transmigrated to a different time and became a prince.

A bookworm and a librarian who only loves reading, transcends into a different time and space, possessing the body of a small-time hoodlum while retaining the memories and traits of both individuals. What kind of reactions will occur when a bookworm encounters a hoodlum? Is knowledge truly power? Or is the hoodlum better suited for survival? In an entirely unfamiliar world, with only knowledge of the era falling between the late Sui Dynasty and early Tang Dynasty, it is undoubtedly a chaotic era. Starting from rock bottom, rising to fame in the northern frontier, suppressing rebellion in the south, playing the savior behind enemy lines, conquering small nations, soaring to the pinnacle of life, only to be betrayed by others. Turning to writing, however, brings success and prosperity even in the barren wilderness. With powerful officials ruling the country and the nation in peril, at the critical moment, the tides of power change yet are still unable to escape the dart that pierces the darkness. Heaven lends its hand, a new Emperor is proclaimed. Serving as a close attendant to the Emperor, wielding great power, pacifying the Southern Barbarians, shattering the Turkic forces

260.90 Million words | 2021-11-15 22:15Update

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

Urban: I Became a Rich Second Generation Villain Fiction
Urban: I Became a Rich Second Generation Villain

Wang Haoran transmigrates into a parallel world constructed by urban power fantasy novels and becomes a villainous rich second generation. As a villain, in the future, the girl he likes will be stolen by the protagonist, his billions of assets will be seized by the protagonist, and in the end, he will be left penniless and homeless by the protagonist. Fortunately, it is still in the early stages of the plot, and none of these have happened yet. Wait, the transmigration also comes with a [Super Villain System], which makes him stronger against the protagonist?! Opportunities, girls, I want them all!

271.83 Million words | 2021-01-29 04:28Update

historical fiction history historical fiction timeline historical fiction time travel

Private Detective in the Song Dynasty Fiction
Private Detective in the Song Dynasty

This is an era of beauty. This is an era of outstanding ministers. This is an era where poets lead in elegance. Here, there is Zhang Sanying, who marries the peach and apricot to the east wind. Here, there is Liu Sanbian, who endures trading fame for a life of simplicity and sings in a low voice. ..................................... This is the third year of Renzong Jingyou in the Great Song Dynasty. In this year, a dandy came. He didn't want to be an outstanding minister, nor did he want to be a poet. He only wanted to be a carefree private detective with a reputation that fills the world.

384.40 Million words | 2021-05-17 02:50Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction time travel books historical fiction time travel

The Voyage of the Grey Wolf Fiction
The Voyage of the Grey Wolf

In the Jiajing period of the Great Ming Dynasty, there were Mongols in the north and Japanese pirates in the southeast. Corrupt officials plagued the country, and the people could barely survive. The empire was in turmoil. In order to seek immortality, the emperor divided his courtiers and promoted the Yan faction, secretly sending the Embroidered Uniform Guard to disrupt the martial world. From then on, the rivers and lakes became chaotic, and the everlasting battle between righteousness and evil, which had lasted for a thousand years, finally reached a decisive moment. There were fifteen major sects and three forces, intricately intertwined, marking an unprecedented upheaval in the martial world. Li Heng, the senior disciple of Wudang, faced a drastic change, going from having everything to having nothing overnight. This pain surpassed any pain

502.30 Million words | 2021-02-18 20:23Update

martial arts novel urban martial arts system novel complete martial arts attributes novel

My backyard is the Tang Dynasty. Fiction
My backyard is the Tang Dynasty.

After opening the ancient well in his backyard, Li Yin's life changed forever... The Sixth Prince Li Yin? The 21st-century otaku Li Yin? With the ability to freely travel between two worlds, what kind of life should he choose!?

119.73 Million words | 2021-10-07 15:06Update

history and historical fiction historical ya fiction ya historical fiction

Zhao Yun. Fiction
Zhao Yun.

Caging the imperial power, I let the Han people stand at the pinnacle of the world. — Quoted from Zhao Yun's quotes. His title was the Eternal Emperor, but future generations always called him Emperor Zhao Yun.

402.75 Million words | 2023-02-12 15:51Update

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

The Rise of the Underclass in the Three Kingdoms Fiction
The Rise of the Underclass in the Three Kingdoms

Love for one's close relatives can be perilous, as it may jeopardize one's own well-being. When a minister becomes too powerful, it is inevitable that the ruler's position will be threatened. If brothers do not submit to authority, it will endanger the stability of the state. The rise of treacherous ministers leads to the decline of the righteous path. The vast territories of feudal lords pose a danger to the emperor. In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the empire was in great chaos, with powerful eunuchs and influential relatives causing harm to the nation, while regional warlords seized power, leaving the Han Dynasty in name only. The Yuan family, composed of officials and scholars from the fourth generation, sought to rule the world. Cao Mengde, a visionary figure despite being labeled as an unworthy eunuch, gathered talents and aimed to dominate the central plains. Jiangdong has always produced heroes, from the formidable tiger Sun Jian who swept all enemies, to the young hero Sun Ce who established the foundation of Eastern Wu, and Sun Quan, who inherited the legacy of his father and brothers and aspired to become an emperor. Liu Bei, renowned for his righteousness and unmatched fame as a descendant of the Han Dynasty, spent half of his life wandering, until Zhuge Liang appeared and provided the perfect strategy for dividing the realm into three. In his later years, Liu Xuan, known as Liu Bei, finally achieved his ambition to become a hegemon. Guo Jia, a talented strategist who died prematurely, was an important advisor to Cao Wei in history. When a time-traveler takes the place of Guo Jia, the brilliant and resourceful strategist is transformed into someone with a completely different destiny, embarking on another grand and eventful life. If you enjoy "The World of the Commoner in the Three Kingdoms," please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ group and on Weibo!

31.87 Million words | 2022-04-29 14:20Update

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

Tang Dynasty Urban Management Brigade Fiction
Tang Dynasty Urban Management Brigade

"The Tang Urban Management is a quasi-military organization developed secretly in our country. They manage the city during peacetime and train in guerrilla tactics. During wartime, they can be incorporated into the regular army. They are an excellent reserve force that can charge into battle, conduct reconnaissance, endure hardships, tolerate suffering, and fight bravely." Xu Yang adjusted his attire and said, "As the spokesperson for the Tang News, I solemnly promise that our country will never be the first to use Urban Management forces against foreign entities." "In our eyes, if the Turkic cavalry is like dust, then we are a sandstorm." - Excerpt from the preface of "The Outstanding History of Urban Management" "I'm sorry, but I can only answer that I don't know because it involves the highest secrets of the Tang Empire." - Response from the Urban Management captain when asked about their training by a journalist "You must have never seen the Urban Management... If you had, you wouldn't be standing here so intact..." - Disabled Gokturk swordsman "When the Urban Management appears on the battlefield, I know that our doomsday has come." - Former Japanese Emperor, Wood Kawasei "The Tang Urban Management, the best in the world." - Joint letter from the Arab, Silla, Gupta, Persian, and Abbasid Emperors.

411.23 Million words | 2022-08-28 23:45Update

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

The First Emperor of Qin Fiction
The First Emperor of Qin

The King of Qin sweeps across the land, His gaze as fierce as a tiger's, Wielding his sword, dispersing the clouds, The feudal lords all come from the west. With clear judgment bestowed by the heavens, He commands talented advisors with great strategy. Disbanding the army, casting golden statues, Opening the Hangu Pass to the east. Car

57.65 Million words | 2023-03-01 17:33Update

historical fiction history ya historical fiction civil war alternate history fiction

The Elegant Household Servant Fiction
The Elegant Household Servant

Li Jin, a recently dismissed mechanical engineering graduate, was tragically killed in a car accident, only to unexpectedly find himself transported back to ancient times. Making the best of a bad situation, he shamelessly plagiarized the works of ancient poets and inventors, rising to power and surrounded by countless beauties in this new era...

547.12 Million words | 2022-09-02 17:50Update

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