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Best Historical Fiction Novels That Will Transport You to Another Time

If you're a fan of historical fiction, then you know the joy of being immersed in a different era, exploring the lives and events that have shaped our world. From ancient civilizations to recent historical events, historical fiction offers endless possibilities for storytelling. In this article, we will take a journey through time and recommend some of the best historical fiction novels that will captivate your imagination.

1. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett:
Set in 12th-century England, this epic tale follows the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. Filled with political intrigue, religious conflict, and the struggle of ordinary people, this novel is a masterpiece of historical fiction.

2. "The Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Tracy Chevalier:
Based on the famous painting by Johannes Vermeer, this novel takes place in 17th-century Delft, Netherlands. It tells the story of Griet, a young maid who becomes the subject of Vermeer's masterpiece. Chevalier's vivid descriptions and attention to detail transport readers back to the Golden Age of Dutch art.

3. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel:
Winner of the prestigious Man Booker Prize, this novel follows the rise of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII. Set in the tumultuous period of the English Reformation, Mantel's masterful storytelling brings to life the political intrigue, power struggles, and volatile relationships of the Tudor court.

4. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak:
Narrated by Death, this hauntingly beautiful novel is set in Nazi Germany during World War II. It follows the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace in books and discovers the power of words. Zusak's unforgettable characters and lyrical prose make this a must-read for any fan of historical fiction.

5. "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco:
In 14th-century Italy, a Franciscan friar named William of Baskerville is called upon to solve a series of mysterious deaths in an isolated monastery. Blending historical events, philosophy, and detective fiction, Eco creates a rich and atmospheric world that will keep readers engaged until the very last page.

To delve deeper into the world of historical fiction, there are several websites that offer recommendations and reviews. Goodreads, a popular online community for book lovers, has dedicated lists and forums for historical fiction enthusiasts. Historical Novel Society is another valuable resource, providing reviews, interviews, and articles about the genre.

In conclusion, historical fiction is a genre that allows us to travel through time and experience different eras firsthand. Whether you're interested in medieval Europe, Renaissance art, or the World Wars, there is a historical fiction novel out there waiting to transport you to another time. So grab a book, settle into a cozy chair, and let the magic of historical storytelling take you on a captivating journey.
I am Emperor Qin II. Fiction
I am Emperor Qin II.

A mysterious landslide, which led to him replacing the Second Emperor of Qin; while most people who travel through time encounter beautiful ladies and have numerous adventures, I can only worry about staying alive; aside from Zhao Gao, recruiting Li Si, and saving the Meng brothers; restoring the fallen clans of the Six States, witnessing the turbulent times of the world; resisting the Xiongnu, rejecting the Xiongnu, and pacifying Goguryeo; I possess the world, how can there be a shortage of beauties. Snatching Yu Ji, seizing Lady Qi. Empress Lv? Oh, she's long been in Liu Bang's warm embrace. The splendid Han nation, only I am the great Qin.

203.95 Million words | 2023-05-08 00:50Update

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Lychees of Chang'an. Fiction
Lychees of Chang'an.

A line from the Tang Dynasty poet Du Mu, "A ride through the red dust, a princess's smile, no one knows it's the arrival of lychees," has sparked endless imaginations for over a thousand years. However, fresh lychees have a preservation period of only three days. How was this legendary journey, spanning over five thousand miles, accomplished? Who allowed Yang Guifei to savor fresh lychees from Lingnan in Chang'an? Author Ma Boyong opens up a vast realm of imagination. In line with Ma Boyong's signature sense of temporal and spatial tension in writing, readers not only witness the survival tactics of ordinary people in turbulent times, but also experience the thrilling struggles achieved through human effort. The book comes with an accompanying "Fresh Lychee Transportation Map."

199.72 Million words | 2021-08-09 09:57Update

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A private soldier in the late Ming Dynasty border defense force Fiction
A private soldier in the late Ming Dynasty border defense force

In the third month of the seventh year of Chongzhen, there was a severe drought in Shanxi and Shaanxi, with thousands of miles of barren land and widespread famine. In the fourth month, Li Zicheng entered Henan and joined forces with Zhang Xianzhong to capture Chengcheng. In the seventh month, the Later Jin army besieged Xuanfu, looting Datong, and many border fortresses were lost. The Ming Dynasty faced internal troubles and external threats, in a state of instability. In July of that year, Wang Dou unexpectedly arrived in the Ming Dynasty and became an ordinary soldier stationed in Shunxiangbao, a fortress in Xuanfu. ※※※ [Rankings of the military in Xuanfu Garrison, Ming Dynasty: Soldier, Sergeant, Squad Leader, Defense, Integrity, Security, Guerrilla, Deputy General, Vice General, Commander.]

348.26 Million words | 2022-02-12 07:50Update

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Jun Jiuling Fiction
Jun Jiuling

In the winter of the third year of the Taikang era, a girl from the Ning family in the northern town of Yangcheng came to seek recognition but was rejected. After being refused marriage, the girl decided to hang herself in front of the Ning family's doorstep as a declaration of her determination. When the girl, who was thought to be dead, opened her eyes again, the fates of many people were completely turned upside down.

194.72 Million words | 2021-09-17 07:38Update

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The Heroes of the Three Kingdoms Fiction
The Heroes of the Three Kingdoms

A STEM student who was playing a game suddenly found himself transported to the Three Kingdoms era, occupying the body of a bookworm. As the Yellow Turban Rebellion approached, in order to survive, Gao Yun began accumulating wealth, recruiting soldiers, and establishing the Tiger Might Army. With the powerful one-word slash in hand and the Snow Qilin beneath him, he led his brothers in arms to fight battles and conquer territories in the chaotic era of the Three Kingdoms. He defeated the Yellow Turbans, wiped out the Black Mountain Bandits, united the warlords, and challenged the Five Hegemons. Through countless battles, Gao Yun's enraged soul awakened, witnessing the terrifying abilities of those unknown to the world, the fierce ancient Qi martial arts of the eight schools. Engaging in battles of wits, strengths, and spirits, he unveiled the mysteries of his invincibility. Strategists, brave warriors, the country, and beautiful women: a heart-pounding tale begins.

299.40 Million words | 2020-12-11 12:28Update

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The Unraveling of the Sky in the Red Chamber Fiction
The Unraveling of the Sky in the Red Chamber

If you think Lin Yue's latest novel "Red Mansions: Mourning the Falling Sky" is good, you can copy and share it with your friends through the following website link! No pop-up reading address for bookmarking:

510.39 Million words | 2021-10-08 09:09Update

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Capital Tang Fiction
Capital Tang

The new book "Idle King of the Northern Song" has been uploaded. There is a link below the book. Thank you for your support! Capitalism and colonialism are twin siblings, and the birth of colonialism inevitably accompanies the rise of slave trade! The words of an unscrupulous capitalist from the Great Tang Dynasty. Transmigrating into Li Yin, the least favorite son of Emperor Taizong Li Shimin, he originally wanted to use his identity as a prince to pursue a few beautiful women of the Great Tang and live a carefree life. However, the former scoundrel Li Yin left him with a noble identity and countless messes, such as the lowly concubine who made him a laughingstock among the nobles and the financial troubles in the royal mansion.

276.49 Million words | 2021-01-19 22:44Update

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Leftover women are undesirable. Fiction
Leftover women are undesirable.

Publisher: Shuo Pin Culture Limited Publication Date: // Modern leftover woman Xia Ruixi is reborn as an ancient leftover woman. She schemes and runs back and forth, jumping up and down, pretending to be foolish and silly, only to fulfill two wishes: First, find a way to get herself married; Second, only marry the right person, not the rich and influential ones. Especially not the wealthy, powerful, famous, and attractive young men from prestigious families. After marriage, holding the belief of "using a big stick and carrot to deal with men," she resolutely achieves two goals: First, firmly prevent concubines from entering the door; Second, cultivate her own excellent husband - he may be the alpha wolf, but in her hands, he will become a sheep wearing a wolf's skin!!! Is the world difficult? No fear. Is someone causing trouble? No fear. Are the relatives outrageous? Even less fear. Watch how she and her excellent husband, whom she has nurtured, strive to create the happy and peaceful life she desires! Group number: [group number], Password: [name of the protagonist in the book] ——*——*——*——*——*——*——*——*——*—— In the new novel "Heavenly Charm," in the middle of a PK battle, requesting support with pink hearts and PK votes. Thank you, everyone.

83.63 Million words | 2020-07-08 13:07Update

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Fierce soldier Fiction
Fierce soldier

This is a Tang Dynasty lost in chaos, with separatist forces in the Central Plains and rampant border crises, plagued by internal and external troubles. Yet, every night, Chang'an is filled with music and dance, veiled in elegance. He is a lone fierce warrior, adept with his bow and arrows, a formidable nomadic hero that instills fear. But his glory is absent in the Great Tang. He unsheathes his sword, lost and wandering, a hero without a place to call home...

357.87 Million words | 2020-08-14 20:30Update

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An Enlightenment at the Last Moment Fiction
An Enlightenment at the Last Moment

Crossover into a chaotic era was not caused by a lightning strike, but by their own choice. Some wanted to become kings and dominate, some wanted to rescue the people from turmoil, some wanted to use their own strength to prevent the last brutal conquest of civilization and rewrite the history of the Chinese nation. Of course, there were also those who only desired multiple spouses and indulged in an excessively corrupt lifestyle. This group of ordinary people with mixed intentions carried ambitions and dreams, lacking the physique of tigers, the aura of kings, and the props of foolish enlightenment. They squeezed onto an old ship in chaos, armed with modern machinery, technology, and various theories. With ambitions, dreams, and ideals that cannot be achieved in the present world, these time travelers embarked towards the chaotic era of the Ming Dynasty. Destination: Hainan.

866.35 Million words | 2023-03-20 21:24Update

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Tang Qi Fiction
Tang Qi

The fierce gale roars, sweeping across thousands of miles, where horse hooves tread, lies the mighty Tang Empire!

354.12 Million words | 2020-08-16 15:40Update

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Mi Han Fiction
Mi Han

In the rainy season of the 24th year of the Jian'an era, Guan Yu flooded seven armies of Cao Wei, captured the Cao Wei general Yu Jin, and besieged Cao Ren in Fancheng, shaking the whole nation. At this moment, the Wei King Cao Cao was alarmed and intended to retreat from Xuchang with the emperor. At this moment, those who harbored loyalty to the Han Dynasty believed that the revival of the Han Dynasty was at hand. Meanwhile, Sun Quan, who was envious of Liu Bei, was plotting a scheme against Guan Yu. If this scheme succeeded, it would be enough to drag Guan Yu, who was admired by all, into the abyss. And the one who could influence the success of this scheme was none other than Mi Fang, who was stationed in Jiangling to guard Guan Yu's rear. Just at this moment, a soul from the future transmigrated into Jiangling and became the only son of Mi Fang. Will there be war or surrender? The fate of the world changes as a result.

190.01 Million words | 2021-10-26 16:59Update

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The Rise of Lourick Fiction
The Rise of Lourick

Transmigrating into Scandinavia, he went from a young boy in the tribe to the chieftain, then further became a noble in Novgorod, gradually dispelling ignorance and establishing civilization amidst the forests, grasslands, and countless rivers in Eastern Europe.

675.25 Million words | 2021-08-09 07:39Update

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Child Emperor Fiction
Child Emperor

Three emperors died in succession, and an unnoticed prince inexplicably ascended the throne, finding himself surrounded by danger. The Empress Dowager disliked him, constantly wanting to install a younger and more obedient emperor in his place. His half-brothers resented him, believing he had taken their rightful throne. The eunuchs and palace maids also despised him, thinking he was not fit to be a true emperor... The juvenile emperor had no choice but to save himself.

182.74 Million words | 2020-08-09 08:21Update

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Qin official Fiction
Qin official

At the end of the Warring States period, there was an unprecedented upheaval in the Middle Kingdom. Some were born as nobles. Some were esteemed as princes. But he was reborn as a lowly soldier named Heifu in the state of Qin, a small character in the Yunmeng Qinjian. To avoid death in the ravines and to seize control of his own destiny, he fiercely climbed his way up. Fortunately, he caught up with a great era. The King of Qin swept across the world, his eyes filled with ambition! Centuries-old bloodlines were no match for military achievements and bestowed titles. The elites of the six states were all trampled upon by the officials of Qin. Heifu only wanted to laugh and ask one question: Are the noble and honorable truly noble and honorable? Conquering the Baiyue in the south, repelling the Xiongnu in the north, driving away the Di and Qiang in the west, and crossing the Eastern Sea on towering ships. With his participation, how will history change? However, the First Emperor's death inevitably led to the fragmentation of the world. As an official of Qin, how should he choose? Should he contribute to chaos or try to prevent it?

336.68 Million words | 2022-07-08 23:40Update

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The Bewitching Doctor is Poisonous. Fiction
The Bewitching Doctor is Poisonous.

As a modern expert in medicinal herbs, the young lady is suddenly reincarnated in an ancient rural household, becoming the mother of two freshly baked, tender buns. She, adorned in silk and satin, has no memory, and who knows if she is a lost mistress waiting to be claimed? She waits anxiously, but the wet nurse arrives. The fiancé also appears. Then comes the notice of the marquis' father being imprisoned. All of this, just for one purpose: to force her, who fled the marriage, to return home and marry. The woman looks at the two babies in the swaddling cloth, tears welling in her eyes: What should be done with these two colored hats? Must she really send them to inherit their father's business??

101.97 Million words | 2022-05-05 20:14Update

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Step by step, a lotus grows. Fiction
Step by step, a lotus grows.

Yang Decheng, a diligent community worker, accidentally travels back to ancient times and becomes the most despised illegitimate son of the Ding family, Ding Hao. With neither power nor wealth, Ding Hao, who works as a coachman for his half-brother, harbors a dream of becoming a carefree and prosperous young master in this wicked society, living a peaceful life. Although his dream seems distant, Ding Hao remains undaunted. With the social experience accumulated from his community work, he adeptly navigates through people and events, seizing every opportunity to break free from confinement and strive for everything he desires. The power struggles of the Song dynasty, the joys and sorrows of Li Yu, the ambitions of Xiao Chuo in the Northern Kingdom, the secrets of the Golden Casket Alliance, the mysterious movements behind the scenes, Chen Tun's cunning plot to take Mount Huashan, the eternal regret of the Gao Liang River... The picturesque landscape, the beauty as poetic as a verse, the samsara world, where every step yields lotus blossoms.

356.55 Million words | 2020-11-15 02:01Update

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Official Rank of First Class Fiction
Official Rank of First Class

...Experiencing ups and downs, discussing success and failure, dreaming passionately in a century is truly generous... Determined to strive for excellence, to save a faltering world, even if slanderous words come rolling after... Life and death lightly regarded, resurgence and decline heavily felt, the sea, rain, and wind come and go alone... Who wouldn't wish for the Great Wall to stand forever, but it is hard to predict the hatred of water as it flows eastward, returning to the vast sea... Adapted from "Winning Hearts Wins the World", written in the preface.

576.00 Million words | 2023-05-11 16:04Update

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Seize the Throne Fiction
Seize the Throne

This was an era of strict adherence to etiquette, but also an era of the collapse of ritual and music. After the reign of "Ren Xuan", the Ming Dynasty declined in its pursuit, with corrupt government officials, eunuchs causing chaos, increasingly severe land consolidation, external enemies, and hidden dangers within. The grand edifice was riddled with countless flaws. Meng Yan, a modern elite soldier, possessed the soul of a Jin Yiwei secret agent in the Southern Office. With memories from two different worlds, he stirred up storms and challenges throughout the land, overcoming obstacles and advancing bravely. He fought against the eunuchs, the civil officials, and even defied the heavens, ultimately becoming an unrivaled hero who held power over the entire world. This book is purely fictional, and readers must not mistake it for real history. Remember, remember! Lastly, please, my brothers, click, recommend, and bookmark this book. This little breeze bows to you all!

240.81 Million words | 2020-08-05 04:51Update

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My servant in the Tang Dynasty is Li Shimin. Fiction
My servant in the Tang Dynasty is Li Shimin.

【Light-hearted + Farming + Pure Refreshing + Semi-fiction】 QQ Group: The main storyline is about war and annexation. During the Tang Dynasty, Wang Yuan arrived in Lantian County, but his system crashed. Helpless, he had to recruit servants and planned to live a carefree life. One day, a man surnamed Li came to apply for a job. Wang Yuan kindly took him in, but little did he know that Li would frequently take sick leave and sneak away, often asking strange questions. "What do you think of the current emperor?" "When do you think the Tang Dynasty will attack the Turks?" "What do you think of my eldest daughter? Can she be your maid?" "What do you think..." "That's enough! What's the meaning of a servant like you asking all these questions? Are you Li Shimin?" Fed up with Li's annoyance, Wang Yuan made up his mind to use his boss's power and fire Li. Li was taken aback, "Young Master Wang, indeed, I am Li Shimin!" "And your maid is my daughter, Princess Chang Le!" This book is also known as "Tang Dynasty, My Maid is Princess Chang Le."

97.53 Million words | 2021-05-10 13:23Update

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Tang Dynasty Broom Star Fiction
Tang Dynasty Broom Star

Jia Ping'an was born when Li Yuan passed away, and was seriously ill when Li Shimin passed away. At the moment when he was about to be buried alive by the villagers, he exploded... no, he successfully saved himself. Li Zhi ascended the throne, followed by the rule of the two saints, Princess Wu declared herself emperor, and finally the Li family staged a comeback once again. How did he manage to handle such ever-changing situations? Despite being labeled as an unlucky star, he managed to navigate through the ups and downs, treading on three eggs with his feet. Digging a hole today, deceiving tomorrow... Book Club: Group Name: The Great Tang Unlucky Star. If you have purchased the entire book, you can contact the group owner after entering and verify your purchase to enter the complete book group.

597.38 Million words | 2021-08-27 00:42Update

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