best historical fiction books of 2020

As we bid farewell to 2020, it's only fitting to reflect on the best historical fiction books that captivated readers throughout the year. Historical fiction provides a unique opportunity to dive into the past, immersing ourselves in the narratives of bygone eras. In this article, we will explore some of the top historical fiction books of 2020 that transported readers to different periods, ranging from ancient civilizations to wartime dramas.

1. "The Book of Longings" by Sue Monk Kidd:
Set in the first century, this enchanting novel imagines the life of Ana, a courageous and independent young woman who becomes the wife of Jesus. Sue Monk Kidd brilliantly portrays the struggles and aspirations of a female protagonist against the backdrop of the biblical age.

2. "Hamnet" by Maggie O'Farrell:
Maggie O'Farrell's spellbinding tale offers a captivating exploration of the life of William Shakespeare's son, Hamnet. Rich with eloquent prose and meticulous research, this book delves into the emotional depths of a family haunted by grief and tragedy.

3. "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett:
While primarily categorized as contemporary fiction, "The Vanishing Half" effortlessly weaves in historical elements, making it an intriguing choice for historical fiction enthusiasts. Brit Bennett tells the captivating story of twin sisters who choose different paths—one embracing her Black heritage, the other passing as white.

4. "The Evening and the Morning" by Ken Follett:
Set in the Dark Ages, Ken Follett's epic prequel to "The Pillars of the Earth" takes readers back to the origins of the beloved Kingsbridge series. This masterful tale of ambition, love, and revenge unfolds against the backdrop of war and political turmoil.

5. "The Pull of the Stars" by Emma Donoghue:
Amidst the backdrop of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, Emma Donoghue takes readers on a mesmerizing journey into a Dublin maternity ward. This poignant and timely novel offers a powerful exploration of the resilience of humanity in the face of adversity.

For book enthusiasts seeking more historical fiction recommendations, websites like Goodreads and Historical Novel Society offer curated lists and reviews. These platforms provide a wealth of user-generated ratings and suggestions, enabling readers to discover their next favorite historical fiction novel.

In conclusion, the year 2020 brought us a captivating array of historical fiction books, each offering a unique perspective on different periods of history. From Sue Monk Kidd's "The Book of Longings" to Emma Donoghue's "The Pull of the Stars," these novels transported readers through time, immersing them in richly imagined worlds. Whether you're a history buff or simply enjoy exploring the past through fiction, these books are sure to captivate and intrigue. Happy reading!
Returning to the Qing Dynasty with a Super Battleship Fiction
Returning to the Qing Dynasty with a Super Battleship

In the year A.D., during a routine patrol of the "Zhengwu" space cruiser in the Renma galaxy, it encountered a space-time turbulence and arrived in the Qing Dynasty. Li Zhongju was the only survivor of the warship, but with the warship in his hand and his wit in his heart, he was invincible. In the end, Li Zhongju led China on the path of hegemony. Empress Dowager Cixi glared at the ministers, saying, "As long as Li Zhongju is not dead, don't expect peace for anyone!" The Japanese emperor said to the prime minister, "Mobilize all available forces and deal with Li Zhongju. Otherwise, we will never be able to establish ourselves in East Asia." The Russian czar shuddered and said, "We should surrender to the Chinese. This war cannot be won!" The European powers sighed and said, "Contact China immediately and we are willing to pay for all losses." The President of the United States cautiously said, "The only country we cannot offend in this world is China."

153.33 Million words | 2023-06-03 23:54Update

history and historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction time periods

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

Reborn as the Band of Brothers in the United States. Fiction
Reborn as the Band of Brothers in the United States.

E Company, a U.S. Army division during World War II. The soul of a Chinese soldier named Pax, who was reincarnated in E Company after being discharged, and his experiences with the brothers of E Company during the European campaign. A new book, "The Tao of America," has been published recently. Book ID: [Please provide the book ID]. I hope both new and old friends will support and follow. The half-immortal Pax is immensely grateful! The link to this book can also be found in the author's information.

101.48 Million words | 2021-07-05 22:34Update

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

The Thirteen Secret Fiction
The Thirteen Secret

Heaven as a tent, earth as a blanket, The sun, moon, and stars accompany my sleep. In the night, dare not extend my feet, Fear of treading upon the mountains, rivers, and sacred places. The QQ discussion groups for this book are as follows: 影魅饕餮商羊虚耗 本有八个群,现在集中一下 希望都加到四个群里 在镜花水月混沌傲因这四个群的观众 希望看到后能够转移。

183.68 Million words | 2021-03-03 16:49Update

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

Xinghan Fiction
Xinghan

- He was originally a harmonious soldier in the future naval expeditionary forces but inexplicably became Liu Cong, who was disregarded and bullied in the late Eastern Han Dynasty. - Facing tens of thousands of troops led by Cao Cao on the outside and internal challenges from Liu Bei who sought to replace Liu Biao, the usurpation of power by Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, as well as Sun Quan's covetousness from the east of the Yangtze River. - Gathering the wisdom of Zhuge Liang, battling against Cao Cao. Let's witness Liu Cong's battles of wits and bravery with various warlords, rising

107.54 Million words | 2023-01-13 00:59Update

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

Unparalleled Literary Excellence Fiction
Unparalleled Literary Excellence

What is the unparalleled literary cauldron? Confucius said, "Through literature, one can attain the essence of the Way, consolidating talents and abilities to create battle poems and verses to conquer demons and barbarians!" Emperor Huangdi said, "If you cannot truly consolidate it, then practice and forge your own vessel for amusement!" Xiang Yu, the King of Western Chu, said, "Regardless of the cauldron, as long as it can smash demons and barbarians with pleasure, it is a good cauldron!"... Ahem, now let's get down to earth. Zhao Mingcheng, a talented scholar of the Northern Song Dynasty, was defeated in a poetic contest with the super talented Li Qingzhao, damaging his literary heart and unable to consolidate the literary cauldron. He could only wander through famous rivers and mountains, turning to the path of martial inscription. However, the martial world was treacherous, with demons and barbarians running rampant. If he wanted to find a place to settle and establish his life, he must obtain the unparalleled literary cauldron! Come, let's sing a song, make a fresh start, and witness my triumphant return, sweeping across the world as a king!

180.06 Million words | 2022-08-14 17:56Update

history and historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction timeline

The Prince of Maratha Fiction
The Prince of Maratha

Do you want to time travel but don't want to live without the internet? No need to worry, this is the 21st century after all. Do you want to get rich with advanced knowledge but have no interest in the stock market and football? Don't be upset, you'll be a wealthy landowner. Do you want to enjoy the vibrant life of a modern city while having the privileges of an ancient noble? No need to fret, this is a semi-feudal, semi-democratic society. In short, there is a lucky man who has forgotten his own identity, and his soul has transmigrated into the body of a prince from the 21st century in an ancient kingdom.

218.20 Million words | 2021-01-10 03:28Update

best time travel historical fiction historical fiction timeline historical fiction time travel

The Scheme for the Republic of China Fiction
The Scheme for the Republic of China

How powerful is the fluttering of a butterfly's wings? Can it really cause a revolution? Veterinary student He Tianci accidentally travels back to the end of the Qing Dynasty, and what kind of historical development will it bring? He Tianci is not a hero, but he uses his wisdom to change the world. The Chinese nation is experiencing turbulence, and I am favored by the goddess of luck. A small figure leads a great era, experiencing miraculous encounters with horses, and the little veterinarian shows his power. He Tianci establishes himself in Fengtian, leading the rise of Northeast China, forming the Sino-German alliance, and swallowing the tiger (Japan) and wolf (Russia). The collapse of Soviet Russia and the decline of the United States. All nations will submit to China. A prosperous Chinese in Hanfu and a world where employment opportunities are measured by the Chinese level 4 test. The sons and daughters of China should be happy as the future will belong to us completely! If you readers find "Determining the Republic" good, please don't forget to recommend it to your QQ group and friends on Weibo!

454.26 Million words | 2020-07-17 05:34Update

dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction timeline historical fiction time travel

The Boss of the Sui Dynasty Fiction
The Boss of the Sui Dynasty

A businessman, he achieves wealth through inferior goods, power through moderate means, and dominates the world! He is the ultimate boss.

419.32 Million words | 2021-04-15 12:12Update

time travel historical fiction history and historical fiction historical fiction history

Three Kingdoms of Beast Descent. Fiction
Three Kingdoms of Beast Descent.

Tech-savvy guy Zhang Ye, who was supposed to be ordinary, suddenly stood out in the land of the southern barbarians during the Three Kingdoms period, thus leading a different life...Gone are the days of Lv Bu, Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, Guan Yu, Ma Chao, and Zhang Fei! Watch me, the Sword Saint, Old Bull, Prophet, and Little Crooked, dominate the world of the Three Kingdoms... (QQ group: Warcraft fans and Three Kingdoms enthusiasts are welcome to join!)

241.05 Million words | 2021-05-12 08:43Update

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

My Mercenary Career Fiction
My Mercenary Career

The new book

529.37 Million words | 2020-12-02 16:06Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction time periods historical fiction timeline

Endless Blood Feud Fiction
Endless Blood Feud

In Yan and Zhao, many mighty warriors have always resided. Now, their courage and valor span the heavens! He is reborn in the Wansheng coal mine in Fushun and will undoubtedly unleash his vengeance from within the depths. This is not an ordinary resistance against the Japanese; it tells a chapter of history that many have chosen to forget. He cares about nothing else but his sole purpose of reclaiming the Wansheng coal mine, which the short and ignorant foreigners have established in the land of China! He will repay them in their own coin! This is an army that spares no lives for the sake of their country and the people. They swear with their lives: never retreat, fight to the bitter end! In a head-on confrontation, I am invincible! Note that the names in the story are both real and fake, so please do not try to match them with actual individuals. The storyline contains both truth and fiction, so do not take it as a historical textbook!

568.70 Million words | 2021-06-22 05:22Update

history and historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction timeline

Profligate Son of the Tang Dynasty Fiction
Profligate Son of the Tang Dynasty

The Nine Heavens open the palace gates, nations bow with their attire adorned; The Great Tang of Zhenguan, resplendent in its governance, a land of beauty and splendor; Martial prowess unparalleled, its might echoing throughout the four seas. Upon the Hall of Supreme Ultimate, Li Shimin's formidable presence, reigning over the world; Beneath the Tower of Lingyun, civil and military officials guide the nation, expanding its borders. In this brilliant era of prosperity, amidst the ebb and flow of life's waves, Young Xie Yi, dazed as if a millennium has passed, becomes a prodigal son who has just squandered his entire family fortune...

112.81 Million words | 2021-02-25 19:30Update

historical fiction. historical ya fiction historical fiction history

Encounter in the Three Kingdoms Fiction
Encounter in the Three Kingdoms

The Three Kingdoms we see, full of turmoil and fierce battles among extraordinary talents. Yet the Three Kingdoms I perceive, a turbulent era, struggling to survive. It seems that I am also the hero in people's hearts.

522.88 Million words | 2021-12-14 02:14Update

historical fiction history historical fiction time periods historical fiction time travel

Exotic Vanguard Fiction
Exotic Vanguard

The mighty warriors of the Infinite Clan descended upon a parallel dimension, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies even without their powers. Join the army and become a fearless warrior defending our homeland! Mozi Qi, with his gun in hand, wrote a legendary chapter in the modern military history of China. The hot blood of men flows freely, and the tenderness of ironclad souls reveals itself after lights out. The Chinese Reaper Society will make sure that anyone with ill intentions towards China knows that those who dare to provoke us will be crushed, no matter how far. Eliminating internal threats, repelling strong enemies, with a gun in hand, the reaper comes to this world.

113.16 Million words | 2022-05-20 19:21Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction timeline historical fiction time travel

The Dominance of Xu Zhou in the Three Kingdoms Fiction
The Dominance of Xu Zhou in the Three Kingdoms

Master of military industry, Tao Ying, returned to the war-torn Xuzhou after a failed attempt to develop a mass destruction weapon. In the year of Xuzhou, during the end of the Han Dynasty, Cao Cao's army surrounded the city, intending to slaughter everyone and leave no one alive, while Liu Bei gained tremendous popularity within the city. Furthermore, Lu Bu, riding on his red rabbit horse, was on his way to Xuzhou. Unfortunately, Tao Ying had the misfortune of transmigrating into the despised second son of Tao Qian. In this era where heroes emerged one after another, some vanished into thin air with a single snap, while others scared away millions of soldiers with a mighty roar. However, the weak Tao Ying had only one wish - to defend Xuzhou!

164.94 Million words | 2020-08-21 21:14Update

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

Requesting to take leave: The princess intends to remarry. Fiction
Requesting to take leave: The princess intends to remarry.

Ignoring her father's opposition, she married him as the prime minister's legitimate daughter. After the wedding, she exhausted all her efforts to assist him in gradually ascending to high positions. Unexpectedly, along with the imperial edict promoting him, there was also a secret order to massacre the entire prime minister's mansion. Crawling out from a pool of blood, she witnessed a scene of him embracing another woman in his arms. With bruises all over, struggling for breath, she laughed bitterly, "Zhou Mu, as long as I have a breath left, I will make sure to tear your heart out. Even if I become a ghost, I will haunt you day and night, making the Zhou family never

287.63 Million words | 2021-04-10 17:22Update

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

Miss's Personal Spy Fiction
Miss's Personal Spy

After awakening to the meaning of life, Zhang Tianbao, a super wealthy second-generation, acquired martial arts skills and went to Africa and Syria to form a mercenary group, leading an adrenaline-fueled life filled with bloodshed. During a rescue mission, unfortunately, he got hit by a cannon (yes, you read it right, a cannon, not a bullet), and found himself transported to an unknown ancient realm. There, he became a spy and embarked on a quest to find a way back. With a mysterious old man, influential employers, and a group of tormenting little girls, his life in this world became quite unfortunate. Zhang Tianbao said, "Life doesn't have to be just about the harsh reality before us. It also includes the beautiful

272.22 Million words | 2023-04-06 16:08Update

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

Tiger and Leopard Cavalry Fiction
Tiger and Leopard Cavalry

【Official Version】Heroes are like the wind, beauties like clouds. Strategists devise plans, wise men discuss widely. Governance and martial arts, dragons soar and tigers roar. Ten thousand cavalry leaving all in their dust, seizing the world in a single moment! Let us behold the strongest special forces unit in history. 【Classic Version】A special forces soldier travels back in time and becomes a lowly horseman with a mysterious background. Struggling to survive in a tight spot, he gathers powerful generals and talented strategists, forging the strongest special forces unit in history. He fights against warlords, conquers the world, infuriating Cao Cao to the point of spitting blood, leaving Liu Bei in despair, and scattering the soul of Sun Quan. Growing into a heroic figure amidst political schemes and fiery battles.

106.65 Million words | 2022-10-26 08:18Update

history of historical fiction historical ya fiction historical fiction history

The first imperial concubine of the Ming Dynasty Fiction
The first imperial concubine of the Ming Dynasty

The new book "Iron-Blood Warlords" has been uploaded.

475.92 Million words | 2021-03-04 08:18Update

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