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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.
Northern Song Dynasty Chef Fiction
Northern Song Dynasty Chef

As the executive chef of a super five-star hotel, Li Qi miraculously crossed over to the late Northern Song Dynasty after having a few drinks. In this unfamiliar world with no family or connections, Li Qi had no choice but to pick up his old profession and work as a chef in a tavern in Bianjing, which was about to be sold at a low price. Li Qi originally wanted to be a low-key chef, but gold will always shine wherever it goes, and being too outstanding as a man is not always a good thing. "General Gao wants to eat steak?—No time!" "Prime Minister Cai wants to eat hot pot?—Tell him to make an appointment one month in advance." "Teacher Li wants to eat fruit salad?—Um...no time during the day, go in the evening." "Li Qingzhao wants to eat cheesecake?—Ask her if she divorced Zhao Mingcheng or not." "The Emperor wants to eat the Golden Han banquet?—Still in preparation, let's talk about it in ten years."

712.02 Million words | 2022-04-17 03:07Update

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Son-in-Law Fiction
Son-in-Law

In the waning years of the Wuchao Dynasty, the world was in chaos. The Jin and Liao dynasties were at odds, and the situation was turbulent. After a century of humiliation, the first glimmer of dawn for an end finally emerged. Emperor Tianzuo, Wanyan Aguda, Wu Qimai, Genghis Khan Temujin, Jamukha, Jebe, Subutai, Muqali, Borhu, Borchu, Qin Hui, Yue Fei, Li Geng, Zhong Shidao, Tang Ke, Wu Min, Geng Nanzhong, and Zhang Bangchang engaged in a battle of loyal ministers and treacherous courtiers, heroes and villains. The barbarians descended from the north, with millions of cavalry pounding at Yanmen Pass. The land fell, and countless lives were devastated. A nation and its people were tormented for a century, their struggle and humiliation. At the very beginning, within the city of Jiangning, hidden undercurrents surged. In this unassuming merchant's family, a frivolous son-in-law lived an irresponsible life, only concerned with eating and watching performances.

593.95 Million words | 2020-10-11 01:42Update

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Exquisite Cold Gentleman Fiction
Exquisite Cold Gentleman

A modern veteran backpacker traverses to the Eastern Jin Dynasty and possesses the spirit of a young man from a humble background named Chen Caozhi. Confronted with the difficult situation of his family's land being usurped and his virtuous widowed sister-in-law being forced into a remarriage, how will Chen Caozhi break through the prejudice against his social class and change his own destiny in order to protect his own and his clan's interests? Witness how the young man from a humble background rises step by step in the strict hierarchical system of the Nine-Rank Officials Law, befriends Gu Kaizhi, marries Xie Daoyun, and accomplishes great feats in warfare, contributing to the first book about time-traveling to the Eastern Jin Dynasty.

156.32 Million words | 2022-02-09 20:47Update

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Chief Royal Physician Fiction
Chief Royal Physician

Saving your life means saving your political life. By a stroke of luck, he entered the ranks of the "Imperial Physician", serving as a part-official, part-physician. While demonstrating the powerful charm of traditional Chinese medicine, Zeng Yi also fulfilled his ideal of "healing the country as a top doctor", steadily rising in the world. This book has already been formally published under the new title "Chief Physician”. Brothers and sisters who enjoy this book can follow and buy it, available in major bookstores across the country and online platforms like Dangdang.

450.20 Million words | 2020-07-06 21:16Update

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Elegant and refined. Fiction
Elegant and refined.

I was transported to the year 1602 in the Wanli era. I wanted to indulge in food, drink, and entertainment while also wanting to save the country. It was a story filled with both pleasure and contradictions. In the prosperous world of late Ming dynasty in Jiangnan, there were the elegance of "Cai Gen Tan" and the vulgarity of "Jin Ping Mei." The old monk engaged in business, while famous courtesans practiced Buddhism. Yuan Hongdao enjoyed tea and arranged flowers to express his spiritual nature, while Li Zhuowu brewed wine and meditated to continue burning books. Dong Qichang excelled in calligraphy and painting, but was also a local tyrant. Zhang Zongzi was a young playboy who reminisced about his dreams of returning to West Lake in his old age. The refined saw elegance, while the unconventional saw eccentricity. The winds

178.38 Million words | 2021-02-17 20:23Update

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Drunken Pillow Over the Rivers and Mountains Fiction
Drunken Pillow Over the Rivers and Mountains

Emperor Wu Riyue, the Empress of Domination, Shangguan Wan'er, weighs the world, Li Guo'er, as enchanting as a flower, The Five Xingzi compete and conspire, Princess Taiping finds it difficult to bring peace, Li Sanlang of the Li family is truly outstanding, Di Renjie, Zhang Yizhi, Feng Xiaobao... Talented scholars, beautiful women, butchers of dogs! Red Sleeve Recruitment, wandering heroes, traversing under the Tang Dynasty sky, Intoxicatedly resting on the pillow of the landscape, laughing and looking at the universe!

394.94 Million words | 2021-11-02 23:47Update

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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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The Millennium of the Pauper Fiction
The Millennium of the Pauper

She once experienced the Battle of Changping and witnessed the massacre of hundreds of thousands of people. She led the Great Qin Iron Cavalry and competed with the Six States for dominance over the world. She witnessed the division of the world into three parts, and the shattering of mountains and rivers. She also heard the melodic sound of the Lu Zhongqin. During the prosperous era of Zhenguan, she indulged in the present with a single intoxication. How did that eternal empress remain youthful? She galloped with a fresh robe and a furious horse, and also wore a feather fan and a silk headdress. She worked as a farmer in the countryside and taught as a scholar. But no one knows that such a person has lived for two thousand years. Well, this is a relatively light-hearted and relaxing historical text because of personal reasons, it may not completely conform to history and withstand rigorous scrutiny. However, I will do my best to research and write the material comprehensively. It's my first time writing this kind of article, so I hope to make it more interesting, haha. Lastly, be cautious when transforming, embrace the single life. Reader group: Second Group: Support Group:

102.70 Million words | 2023-06-16 00:08Update

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Ming Dynasty hypocrite Fiction
Ming Dynasty hypocrite

Emperor Xiaozong revived the Great Ming dynasty, while the wayward and reckless Xuande disregarded conventions. Scholars fervently discussed the state of the nation, while the palace guards were as fierce as tigers and wolves. In an era where opportunity and crisis coexisted, amidst the bustling prosperity of the Great Ming dynasty, there was a young man named Qin Kan who disrupted the calm waters. As he elegantly and charmingly engaged in his mischievous acts, the conventional definitions of a "gentleman" were completely overturned in the minds of the Ming dynasty's civil officials, military generals, and eunuchs.

222.07 Million words | 2020-08-13 05:32Update

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My Life in the Ming Dynasty Fiction
My Life in the Ming Dynasty

I accidentally opened a door and found myself transported to Ming dynasty-era Yueyang. But now, I am back in the familiar modern society. However, with the bonds I have formed, I can no longer return to my peaceful life. I have decided to pick up my weapon and fight against the invaders, so that I can live in a future where there are no queues and no need to address everyone as "servant".

192.29 Million words | 2023-03-14 12:52Update

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World Marriage Fiction
World Marriage

Once reborn, I became the third young lady of the An Ding Marquis Manor. Grandmother disapproved, stepmother detested, and there were also a group of half-sisters and step-sisters who wished to devour my flesh and consume my bones. The sister I relied on for survival since childhood sacrificed herself by marrying my paralyzed brother-in-law in order to restore the marquis title. Now, it's my turn.

151.77 Million words | 2023-02-21 23:43Update

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The Golden Finger of the Great Song Dynasty. Fiction
The Golden Finger of the Great Song Dynasty.

New book "Reviving the Fallen Sky" is now available for upload. Book number: Please support. When barbarism is on the brink of destroying civilization, and ignorance is about to replace wisdom, how can a modern person use their god-given powers to alter the course of history and establish global order on the foundation of Chinese civilization.

169.26 Million words | 2021-06-23 18:43Update

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Dominance at the end of the Ming Dynasty. Fiction
Dominance at the end of the Ming Dynasty.

The Chronicle of a Time Traveler's Struggle in Late Ming, from a lowly martial artist to ruling the world! It all began in the year 1639, the twelfth year of the Chongzhen reign in the Great Ming Dynasty. Zhang Xianzhong surrendered and revolted again in Gucheng, while Li Zicheng resurfaced in Shangluo after two years of hiding. Wu Sangui had just been promoted as the commander-in-chief of Ningyuan. The most pivotal battle between Ming and Qing, the three-year-long Battle of Songjin, had just commenced. Watch me reclaim the empire, and establish the Han dynasty once more.

286.45 Million words | 2021-03-12 08:36Update

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The Idle King of Northern Song Dynasty. Fiction
The Idle King of Northern Song Dynasty.

The idle prince, not the wise prince, Zhao Yan crossed over and became the third son of Emperor Yingzong of the Northern Song Dynasty. Originally notorious, he had no ambition to compete for fame and fortune, only wanting to be a leisurely prince, drinking wine, enjoying fine food, and having a few beauties by his side would make it even more perfect. However, as a person from the future, Zhao Yan's words and actions were like a flashlight in the night among the people of ancient times, emitting a dazzling light. Whether it was the various items he brought with him when he crossed over or his own talents, Zhao Yan inadvertently attracted everyone's attention and gradually changed the situation between the Song, Liao, and Xia dynasties. When the Song people looked back many years later, they suddenly realized that their life trajectory had been led in a different direction by this idle prince, Zhao Yan.

321.43 Million words | 2021-10-20 13:31Update

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The Record of Taking Concubines. Fiction
The Record of Taking Concubines.

Forensic Yang Qiuchi used the technique of reviving the dead to travel to the Ming Dynasty as an apprentice mortician. He had a poor family, an old mother, and a virtuous daughter-in-law who upheld the principles of "Three Obediences and Four Virtues" but couldn't conceive. Besides dealing with various murder cases, he also had the honorable duty to continue his family line. To do so, he had to work hard to become an official and earn money to find concubines. However, strange things began happening, one after another.

178.96 Million words | 2021-10-31 07:45Update

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Wisdom of the Great Song Dynasty Fiction
Wisdom of the Great Song Dynasty

Yun Zheng opened a door, and there was no turning back. Such is life, once the bow is drawn, the arrow flies forward, with no chance for regret. To turn back now would be like shedding a hundred years of life. This novel tells the story of the path of a teacher, portraying wisdom in survival, depicting warmth in humanity, expressing brotherhood and loyalty, and demonstrating gentleness and humility. Here, you'll find the most beautiful of love stories and the deepest of brotherly bonds... Perhaps, I would love to unfold "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" slowly, giving you a different Song Dynasty, a different world of human emotions...

334.54 Million words | 2022-08-29 04:44Update

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The Farmer's Daughter Consort, Don't Be Too Sweet. Fiction
The Farmer's Daughter Consort, Don't Be Too Sweet.

"If you were a ruler, you would definitely be a foolish one," she whispered in his ear. He chuckled, "If I were for you, I'd gladly be a foolish ruler." In truth, he did so much more for her. He was the powerful King of Nanling, known for his elegance and humility. Though the world saw him as a gentleman of integrity, the people of Nanling knew that for the sake of the little divine physician, Liu Yusheng, he could become utterly mad. Betrayed by his closest kin, he found himself traversing into an ancient farming clan. With the love and care of his family and the adoration of the villagers, Liu Yusheng brought with her a lifetime of blessings. Using her spatial spiritual spring to heal the sick and save lives with a golden needle, she only wanted to live peacefully in her secluded paradise. However, the person she once saved from death couldn't help but be infatuated with her from a young age. He always asked, "Sheng Sheng, when will you marry me?" He said, "Bestow upon me the flute, and I shall give you my kingdom." (This is a story of protection, indulgence, healing, and no abuse throughout. Enter at your own discretion.)

366.64 Million words | 2021-03-26 06:53Update

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The Fragrance of Rebirth Fiction
The Fragrance of Rebirth

Abandoned woman Gu Shiba Niang took her own life in front of the newlyweds. Despite her failed business, she woke up ten years ago to find her loved ones still with her, not yet being sent away. Fate is reaching a turning point. Reborn with intense hatred, can she rewrite her destiny? ------------------------ Cover designed by Musuiyou, love it (*^__^*) hehe

85.67 Million words | 2022-06-22 20:27Update

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The Prosperous Tang Dynasty Fiction
The Prosperous Tang Dynasty

Four poles waste, the nine provinces tear apart, the heavens cannot cover all, the earth cannot bear such weight; fierce beasts prey upon the innocent, raptors seize the old and weak. And so, Nüwa refined the five-colored stones to mend the azure sky. Born here, grown here, the five-colored stones leave us no other choice. Great Tang, our homeland! Join the Drunkard QQ Fan Group, fellow readers are welcomed to discuss the plot together.

162.61 Million words | 2022-12-23 08:39Update

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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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Impostor County Magistrate Fiction
Impostor County Magistrate

A detective traveled back in time to the early years of Emperor Taizong of Song and coincidentally encountered a despondent county magistrate who hanged himself. After realizing his resemblance to the magistrate, he assumed the magistrate's identity and vowed to take care of his family. However, he soon discovered that he was governing an isolated and treacherous place of exile. Waiting for him were not only the incredulous gaze of the magistrate's wife, with whom he shared a bed, but also inexplicable debts, various perplexing murder cases, and even bigger mysteries lurking behind them. Most dangerously, he encountered waves upon waves of mysterious attacks! With his keen intelligence, he

211.75 Million words | 2023-02-25 01:06Update

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