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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.
The Phoenix Returns to Its Nest Fiction
The Phoenix Returns to Its Nest

From the legitimate daughter of the Marquis House to the influential Empress dowager. Gu Wanning's life has been full of ups and downs, experiencing hardships and enjoying prosperity. As she closed her eyes, exhausted both physically and mentally, she finally found peace. Unexpectedly, when she opened her eyes again, she had returned to the year when she was thirteen...

272.08 Million words | 2022-12-14 21:24Update

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good kids of the Three Kingdoms Fiction
good kids of the Three Kingdoms

Cao Cao, Guo Jia, Xun You, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, Cao Chun, Cao Hong, Yue Jin, Li Dian, Yu Jin, Dian Wei! They are here to kill me. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and seemingly even Chen Dao, who is not mentioned in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" but possesses formidable strength rivaling that of Zhao Yun! They are here to seize my territory. Oh heavens, I am not Lord Dong, nor do I have a Lu Bu to deal with these formidable individuals. I am just a good child, an honest child, Tao Qian's second son Tao Ying, a typical soy sauce man and a simple person. How can I defend myself?

271.96 Million words | 2021-11-19 18:54Update

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Sing High in the Flourishing Tang Dynasty Fiction
Sing High in the Flourishing Tang Dynasty

Thousands of officials and attendants head north to Mount Li, while nations from all over the world come to court in the east by the Wei River. It depicts the grand scene of nations coming to court in the Tang Dynasty. The reign of Kaiyuan was another prosperous era after the successful governance of the Zhenguan period. The national power of the Great Tang reached an unprecedented peak. However, amidst the prosperity of music and dance, the empire was filled with internal crises. At this time, a distinguished son of a noble family emerged unexpectedly...

271.86 Million words | 2021-08-03 03:00Update

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Li Zhi, don't be a coward. Fiction
Li Zhi, don't be a coward.

"Your Majesty insists on going against me?" Empress Wu's eyes flickered with anger. Li Zhi took a fearful step back and swallowed hard, saying, "I dare not... I mean, where is Lord Li? Li Qinzhai, come out!" After the great achievements of the three dynasties, Li Qinzhai rushed out and grabbed Li Zhi's retreating body, saying in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, don't back down!" Li Zhi seemed to have found a savior and grabbed Li Qinzhai's sleeve, whispering, "I'm not backing down, not at all. Lord Li, I authorize you to teach her a lesson on my behalf!"

271.42 Million words | 2020-12-31 21:17Update

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The Crafty Overlord Reigns Supreme. Fiction
The Crafty Overlord Reigns Supreme.

Jian is wicked and Xiong is mighty. In times of order, one becomes a villain; in times of chaos, one becomes a hero. In the face of the end of the world, one becomes the hope of the world, known as a cunning hero. Due to an accident, Chen Guodong, the second officer of a large ocean-going ship, abandoned a bright future and transcended to the late Southern Song Dynasty, which was on the verge of destruction. Ahead were iron horses and golden spears, while behind was a deep abyss. Looking at the world, it was a time full of opportunities. Let's witness how the cunning hero Chen Dexing saves the nation from a millennium of decline amidst the raging storm...

271.18 Million words | 2020-12-02 09:20Update

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Disaster to the Great Qing. Fiction
Disaster to the Great Qing.

的子民。——一些爱国之士如是说。 Lu Yifeng is the number one scourge of our Qing Dynasty! I vow not to be human if I don't kill this thief! - So said a certain small pockmark who claimed to have shot 318 rabbits in one day and was known as the "rabbit terminator". Lu Yifeng is a great scourge! We Qing Dynasty will never have peace as long as this scourge exists. - Both the servant and the staunch traitors said the same thing. Lu Yifeng is the epitome of a traitorous official who harms the country and its people throughout history. He eats our Qing dynasty's rice and receives our Qing dynasty's salary, but every action he takes is to dig the foundation of our Qing dynasty's wall, undermine the foundation of our Qing dynasty's house, and harm every virtuous citizen of our Qing dynasty. - So said some patriotic people.

270.38 Million words | 2021-12-13 04:10Update

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Evil man Fiction
Evil man

Transmigrated and reborn... but as Dong Zhuo's son. However, I remember that Dong Zhuo didn't have a son in the Three Kingdoms, so what's going on? My impression of Dong Zhuo was that he competed with the fearsome generals for women. Even though I married Xiao Diao, I lost my head. Then my entire family was beheaded by the fearsome generals, including my elderly grandmother who had white hair. What should I do? I don't know how to make paper, understand gunpowder, let alone possess advanced dipping fire techniques. I'm just a lowly forest ranger who forgot to bring Baidu da shen (Baidu's great god) with me when I transmigrated, and to make matters worse, I was born into an extremely ugly individual. My father sees me as a monster, and everyone else treats me like a ferocious beast, except for my grandmother and sister... I need to survive, so that my grandmother won't be beheaded. I must kill Huangfu Song first; but what can changing history really accomplish? Everything I do is for the sake of my own survival and for the ones who love me to stay alive.

267.15 Million words | 2020-08-01 23:29Update

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The Adorable Maiden's Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Fiction
The Adorable Maiden's Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Young scientist Sun Yu came to the Three Kingdoms with nanorobots, but it seems like this is not the Three Kingdoms. Liu Bei is a gentle lady, Guan Yu is a weird young lady with a long beard, Zhang Fei is a agile and beautiful girl who loves drinking, and Lu Bu is a majestic invincible loli. Sun Yu: "Yu, can't you take off the fake beard on your face? What does a woman with a beard look like!" Guan Yu: "If Sanmei stops drinking, I will take off the beard." Zhang Fei: "If Eldest Sister gets angry and scolds someone, I won't drink." Liu Bei

267.00 Million words | 2021-11-28 11:21Update

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The Elementary School Student in the Great Ming Dynasty. Fiction
The Elementary School Student in the Great Ming Dynasty.

In the city of Nanjing, by the banks of the Qinhuai River, a humble young man stood at the crossroads of history, where a life of poverty began with an encounter with a wealthy widow. The commoners of the Ming Dynasty had no right to call themselves students, so he had no choice but to start as an elementary school student.

264.36 Million words | 2021-12-20 16:03Update

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Iron-blooded Cavalry of the Three Kingdoms. Fiction
Iron-blooded Cavalry of the Three Kingdoms.

Modern mercenary Zhang Yan unexpectedly traveled back to the war-torn era of the Three Kingdoms. He helped Tao Qian to drive away Cao Cao, snatched Liu Bei's wife, and took over Tao Qian's territory in Xu Zhou. Zhang Yan recruited fierce warriors, talented scholars, and established the Iron Cavalry. He fought against Cao Cao, drove away Liu Bei, battled Lu Bu, mocked Yuan Shao, destroyed Yuan Shu, challenged the world, dominated the emperor, established hegemony over Hebei, pacified Guanzhong, conquered Jiangnan, marched into Bashu, and conquered the Western Liang. With the invincible Iron Cavalry, Zhang Yan created a path of glory in the Three Kingdoms era.

263.60 Million words | 2020-11-25 13:14Update

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Inverted Brightness 1644 Fiction
Inverted Brightness 1644

Prince Zhu Ci of the Ming Dynasty, heading southward to ascend the throne, first pacified Zuoliangyu, then exterminated the Donglin Party, solidifying the Southern Ming's reign. Establishing a strong army, annihilating the rebels Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong, launching a Northern Expedition, defeating the Manchu Qing Dynasty, reclaiming the nation. With unwavering determination, expanding the territory in all directions! The world of the late Ming Dynasty was truly splendid, witnessing the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Netherlands, the emergence of Britain and Russia, and the Mughal Empire of China shall no longer remain silent as it did in history!

260.13 Million words | 2021-10-01 05:16Update

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The Beauty and the Land of Three Kingdoms Fiction
The Beauty and the Land of Three Kingdoms

Mysterious solar eclipse, eerie time travel! Facing the magnificent landscape of the end of the Han Dynasty, renowned heroes and beauties who have left an indelible mark in history, formidable yet enigmatic adversaries, where should Wang Xu go from here...

259.38 Million words | 2022-01-22 10:56Update

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Name of the Executioner Fiction
Name of the Executioner

A forensic doctor who traveled back to the Ming Dynasty became a renowned magistrate's assistant. He encountered various mysterious cases and used his knowledge of forensic investigation and reasoning to carefully examine and meticulously analyze the evidence. Unraveling the layers of mist, he finally unveiled the truth behind these bizarre cases one by one, revealing them to the world.

257.91 Million words | 2022-10-15 01:46Update

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Song of the Moon and Moonlight by Shi Ming Fiction
Song of the Moon and Moonlight by Shi Ming

This is a story about a time-traveling ordinary person. Unexpectedly, Zhao Xing became a person from the Song Dynasty. The people he interacted with included renowned poets, notorious corrupt officials, bandits forced onto Liangshan Mountain, and extraordinary beauties with a scandalous reputation. This was an era of "moonlight on the willow branches, rendezvous at dusk." Here, there were timeless romantic gentlemen, shimmering poetry lines that lasted for thousands of years, splendid commercial song and dance performances, and various forms of commercial competition... In this splendid era, Zhao Xing immersed himself in it, enjoying the refined life of this era like a fish in water. This book does not involve court struggles or official conflicts. It only depicts the worldview of ordinary people in the Song Dynasty. Perhaps, the content of this book will challenge your preconceived notions about the Song Dynasty, but please savor it carefully.

253.92 Million words | 2020-07-28 18:38Update

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Xing Tang Fiction
Xing Tang

I am the epitome of debauchery in the Tang Dynasty. I am the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty. I am the eldest son of Wu Zetian, possibly the first one to fall victim to my mother's ambitions. (Important note: Stay true to the historical context, which includes lolis, the cultivation of gentle ladies, and the fascination with mature women. If you dislike it, please refrain from entering.)

253.13 Million words | 2021-08-08 04:57Update

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Nan Song does not cough. Fiction
Nan Song does not cough.

Background Song Dynasty was a unique period in history. It possessed three out of the four great inventions. It had significantly higher tax revenue compared to other dynasties. Its foreign trade and commercial scale were well-developed. It also had a high level of urbanization, poised for further transformation. Unfortunately, it encountered the Mongol Empire, a seemingly insurmountable historical challenge. Consequently, its process of development was abruptly interrupted, leading to the decline and eventual oblivion of the dynasty. The protagonist, Hong Tao, is a seasoned professional who has been reborn three

251.80 Million words | 2020-07-13 07:56Update

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Unparalleled Prince of the Great Tang Dynasty. Fiction
Unparalleled Prince of the Great Tang Dynasty.

Li Jian traveled through the Tang Dynasty and became the son of Li Shimin. At the beginning, he cut off all ties with Li Shimin. "Ding! Congratulations, host, for activating the War System." Li Jian: ??? With the system in hand, I have dominion over the world. This world is ultimately within my grasp!

250.15 Million words | 2022-04-16 18:48Update

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As You Wish Gentleman Fiction
As You Wish Gentleman

A dual master of the century, time-traveled to ancient times. No ring, no system, no wise old man with a white beard, not even the memories of this world. Damn the heavens, starting with nothing, not even knowing who I am, how am I supposed to play? With a grumbling stomach and a heart full of frustration, Tang Ning couldn't help but raise his middle finger: Damn it! A projectile flew from the sky and hit him right on the forehead. Before fainting, he only wanted to ask one question: Who the hell put a stone in the embroidered ball for a thousand knives to kill?! When he opened his eyes again, there was a maid with a smiling face like flowers saying, "Young Master, the young lady is requesting your presence!" There was a woman with captivating eyes and beautiful features saying, "Beloved, this concubine greets you!"

246.98 Million words | 2023-06-13 20:40Update

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Beautiful Countenance in Flourishing Times Fiction
Beautiful Countenance in Flourishing Times

Reborn in the Great Xia Empire, Sheng Siyan may appear harmless like a little white rabbit, delicate and easy to manipulate. Little do people know, she is actually a cunning and clever little fox who never loses. When it comes to choosing a spouse, the little fox naturally has a discerning eye. And so, Sheng Siyan realizes that she has been fortunate enough to pick a husband who brings his own invincibility halo to the table... O(∩_∩)O Haha, life is now enjoyable. Husband, you go engage in battles, I'll enjoy the blessings and comforts! Husband: =_= Isn't engaging in battles a woman's battlefield, my lady? You're being unfair... ——*——*——*——*—— A certain author has completed a trilogy of ancient-style novels: "Coldness of Smoke and Water," "The Rules of Reborn Space," "Walking Hand in Hand with You." There is also a completed fantasy martial arts and mystery novel "Replenishing the Sky Chronicle." And lastly, a completed lengthy historical romance novel "The Handbook for the Original Consort." Quality assured, feel free to jump into any of these stories. O(∩_∩)O

245.30 Million words | 2022-01-24 06:29Update

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Chief Medical Officer Fiction
Chief Medical Officer

Ceng Yi, with his ancestral unique techniques and comprehensive knowledge in both Chinese and Western medicine, stood out in the highly competitive medical field. With just three prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine, he successfully cured the underlying cause of the provincial party secretary's wife's illness, earning high praise and an unprecedented appointment as an expert in the provincial healthcare specialist group. Once in office, he showcased his talents, consistently treating difficult and complicated ailments that even renowned Chinese and Western medical experts struggled with. With his noble medical ethics, he gained the admiration of both domestic and foreign patients and formed unbreakable bonds with numerous celebrities in politics, business, the military, and law enforcement, becoming their most trusted confidant...

244.83 Million words | 2020-07-15 14:48Update

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The crown prince is very fierce. Fiction
The crown prince is very fierce.

The world is like a chessboard, and people are like chess pieces. In the imperial court, there is deception and trickery; in the rivers and lakes, there is love, hatred, and vendetta. In the ordinary world, there is joy, anger, grief, and happiness. They are nothing but chess pieces, interweaving and igniting sparks on the chessboard. During the era of Emperor Zhaohong, it was widely rumored in the streets that a vassal prince was secretly eyeing the dragon throne in the Golden Hall...

244.68 Million words | 2021-03-01 17:02Update

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