best medieval historical fiction

Best Medieval Historical Fiction: Delve into the Past

If you are a fan of gripping historical fiction set in the medieval period, you are in the right place. In this article, we will explore the best novels that transport readers back in time to experience the drama, intrigue, and social complexities of the Middle Ages. From epic sagas to tales of chivalry and romance, these books are sure to satiate your thirst for medieval adventure. So, grab your armor and sharpen your wits as we embark on a literary journey through the annals of history.

1. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett: Set in 12th-century England, this masterpiece follows the construction of a magnificent cathedral and the lives of those entangled in its creation. Full of political scheming, forbidden love, and the struggle for power, Follett's novel immerses readers in the tumultuous era of the Anarchy.

2. "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco: Journey to a 14th-century Italian monastery as Franciscan friar William of Baskerville investigates a series of mysterious murders. This intellectually stimulating novel weaves together history, philosophy, and religious conflict, offering a thrilling blend of murder mystery and medieval literature.

3. "The Once and Future King" by T.H. White: An enchanting retelling of the Arthurian legend, this book traces the journey of a young King Arthur. T.H. White's poignant work combines adventure, romance, and exploration of moral values, becoming a timeless classic in the realm of medieval-inspired literature.

4. "The Last Kingdom" by Bernard Cornwell: Dive into the Viking Age in this exhilarating series that follows the fate of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon noble captured and raised by Vikings. Cornwell's vivid storytelling and meticulous historical research make this series a must-read for fans of medieval warfare and politics.

5. "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer: Explore the diverse tales narrated by a group of pilgrims en route to Canterbury in the 14th century. Chaucer's collection of stories offers a glimpse into the social, cultural, and religious aspects of medieval England, providing a captivating portrayal of medieval life.

For those hungry for more medieval fiction, there are countless other remarkable authors to discover. Michael Crichton's "Timeline" combines time travel with medieval history, while Sharon Kay Penman's "The Sunne in Splendour" offers a riveting account of the Wars of the Roses. Additionally, the works of Philippa Gregory, Conn Iggulden, and Dorothy Dunnett should not be missed by fans of the genre.

To further quench your thirst for medieval history, there are several websites and communities dedicated to exploring this captivating era. Goodreads offers an extensive list of recommended medieval historical fiction, enabling you to discover new authors and novels. Historical accuracy enthusiasts will appreciate the Medievalists.net website, which provides scholarly articles and resources for a deeper understanding of the medieval period.

So, whether you're seeking tales of knights and battles or intricate political webs, these novels and resources are guaranteed to transport you to the rich and captivating world of medieval historical fiction. Prepare to be captivated by the sights, sounds, and stories of yesteryear as you embark on a reading adventure through the annals of time.
The top scholar in the imperial examination Fiction
The top scholar in the imperial examination

Liang

335.80 Million words | 2022-01-28 09:53Update

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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

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Liu Bei Restores the Han Dynasty in the Three Kingdoms. Fiction
Liu Bei Restores the Han Dynasty in the Three Kingdoms.

This book, based on the Three Kingdoms, utilizes the concept of parallel universes to narrate the remarkable feat of Liu Bei, who gains extraordinary wisdom ahead of time, in establishing the reign of the Han Dynasty amidst the chaotic end of an era. Reader group: Han Dynasty

123.90 Million words | 2022-10-20 23:36Update

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Door to Anywhere: Starting Point - Qin Shi Huang Enlightenment Fiction
Door to Anywhere: Starting Point - Qin Shi Huang Enlightenment

After graduating from college, Chu Feng refused to become a journalist and chose to be a farmer instead. However, strange guests would occasionally appear after nightfall. Emperor Ying Zheng: "Sir, please save Great Qin!" Emperor Li

18.87 Million words | 2020-08-06 16:58Update

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God-level Soldier King Fiction
God-level Soldier King

【Sensational Work】Once a top warlord who dominated the mercenary world, he returns to Huadu, engaging in a fierce battle of wits and strength. Carrying a mysterious mission, he treads on thin ice amidst the bloodshed. His iron fists are unmatched, he fearlessly takes on challenges, defeating arrogant youngsters with his fists and kicking second-generation elites with his feet. Yet

403.47 Million words | 2022-11-11 23:52Update

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There was a man named Dugu Lang in the Northern Dynasty. Fiction
There was a man named Dugu Lang in the Northern Dynasty.

The Han slave can also stir up storms in the world, with the assistance of the domination system, attribute scanning skills, passion, and indomitableness... Many special abilities help him control the world. From the chaos of the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the flourishing of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, he effortlessly traverses the mainland, secretly manipulating the changes of three dynasties. He turns away lightly in front of imperial power, only hoping to avoid experiencing the humiliation of the Battle of Jiawu and the chaos of Xinchou a thousand years later. Farming, flirting, political intrigue, exploration, power struggles, cultivation, system, special abilities... not one can be missing! Without the author's permission, it is strictly forbidden to incorporate the historical facts in this text into any level of history textbooks in order to avoid misleading children! Thanks to the Wen Reading Book Review Team for their support!

439.14 Million words | 2020-10-16 09:39Update

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Rebuilding Tsinghua Fiction
Rebuilding Tsinghua

On June 11th, in the second year of the Xianfeng reign, a woman slowly walked into the Shunzhen Gate, later to be known as the evil Dowager Empress, Satan's wife, and the Iron-blooded Queen, Cixi. Little did anyone know that history would take a drastically different turn. "When the Lobster Army returned triumphant alongside the Gallic Rooster at the Baili Bridge, the remnants of the Taiping Rebellion had already quietly ignited the gunsmoke in India. The brightest jewels on the crown of the Queen of England were about to gather dust. As the Russian bear's reach into the Far East was severed, the awakening dragon had set its sights on the succulent meats of Lake Baikal and Alaska. As the Meiji Restoration began to take shape, the Beiyang Fleet, born out of the twenty-year Westernization Movement, visited Japan with the might of a second Black Ship..." In the Jien Hall of the Yuanmingyuan, under the carved moon and opened sky, Xingzhen set aside the chapter of the Tongdaotang and opened her eyes. She looked at her unusually long lifeline in the palm of her hand, and her eyes emitted a daunting radiance. Since I am Cixi, then no one shall be spared!

108.73 Million words | 2022-09-06 11:21Update

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The Strongest Military Spirit Fiction
The Strongest Military Spirit

If I exist, the dignity of the nation cannot be humiliated. If I perish, the enemy invaders cannot survive. A haunting secret phrase, a mysterious beauty captured in a photograph. The retired soldier awakens, returning to the military camp, with a steel gun in hand, winning the admiration of a beautiful woman. From a tooth of the wolf to a fang of the dragon, he becomes the king of soldiers. From the snowy mountains to the grasslands, he is unstoppable. The squad he leads, known as "a gathering of madmen," ruthlessly tramples on incoming enemies. Though our country is vast, if we seek war, we will perish. The world can only be safe when we forget war, for forgetting it will bring danger.

450.41 Million words | 2022-03-18 11:08Update

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The Three Kingdoms Fiction
The Three Kingdoms

Who determines rise and fall, Success and failure have their proofs, In one night, storms disperse, Smoke vanishes, time and space converge. Separation and reunion are all fate, Embrace responsibilities in the present, Why worry about future evaluation. Feeling bored after being exiled to the heavenly realm, The ancient top ten divine artifacts chose a modern person through a "throwing embroidered ball" method, To experience the so-called "golden armor and iron steed" in ancient times. Li Sheng, a third-rate internet writer, was incredibly fortunate to be selected. However, due to the lack of consideration by the top ten divine artifacts, A slight deviation occurred in the transfer of time and space, And Li Sheng's body reverted to his thirteen-year-old appearance. No astonishing martial arts, no possibility of rebirth, Even the place he landed was just in the outskirts of an "unnamed" small city. The harsh winter of the third year of the Chunping era was killing, More importantly, the next year, he would face the impending massacre of Xuzhou. In such circumstances, how would he

314.08 Million words | 2023-05-09 21:27Update

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Datang Express Company Fiction
Datang Express Company

Courier Fang Tang, with his tricycle and a load of packages, accidentally ended up in the Tang Dynasty. He was instantly dumbfounded. "Lao Gan Ma chili sauce," "trendy men's short-sleeved shirts," "women's underwear." Fang Tang was filled with despair. Others who time-traveled usually brought countless treasures, but why did he end up with women's underwear? What made Fang Tang even more hopeless was what happened next. "I am about to go to war. As my subject, shouldn't you make some contributions?" "You're the emperor, the boss. I will do my best." "Brother, my wife wants a divorce recently. Can you make sure the Civil Affairs Bureau doesn't

501.71 Million words | 2022-04-17 14:18Update

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National Hero Fiction
National Hero

It was the mid-thirteenth century, and the Southern Song Dynasty was teetering on the verge of collapse in the face of the raging tide of the Mongol Empire. Meng Gong, who shed tears in agony, Cao Youwen, who fought alone, Du Gao, who defended the city with unwavering loyalty... all their struggles were feeble in the relentless wheel of history. For three hundred years, the nation had nurtured talented individuals, and now it was time for scholars to serve their country! Zheng Yunming, the son of a prime minister of the Song Dynasty, who was reborn through time and space, found himself in this turbulent era...

449.09 Million words | 2023-05-19 22:40Update

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Chaotic times in the yellow sky. Fiction
Chaotic times in the yellow sky.

[【Entry for the Creation Historical Genre Writing Contest - Possession Genre】] A youth leaning on his sword, gazing at the sky from atop his horse; Twisting fate amidst the stars and moon, he looks back at the visage of a woman.

375.68 Million words | 2021-02-25 17:50Update

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Rebirth of a Small Country in Europe Fiction
Rebirth of a Small Country in Europe

With the construction system, I am reborn after World War II and create a strong European economy. "The Marshall Plan provided us with a foundation, but it is not the core of Nord's rise." - Joseph III, Grand Duke of Nord. "I don't really like this person because he deceived the feelings of the American people." - President of the United States. "As an important member of the European Union, it is hard for me to imagine that this country can surpass us economically." - President of France. "If there is anyone who can constantly capture the hearts of numerous Hollywood actresses, it is undoubtedly the Grand Duke of Nord." - Founder of Playboy.

480.92 Million words | 2021-07-16 02:34Update

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The Ultimate Commando Fiction
The Ultimate Commando

Sister's whereabouts unknown, Wang Lang, born in the market, decided to join the army in order to find his only relative. He didn't want trouble, but trouble always followed him. He didn't want people to look up to him, but suddenly, he found himself standing at the highest peak! Here, there is the camaraderie forged on the brink of life and death, there are many gentle beauties tempered by hardships, and there is the family bond that can never be severed. He hones his body and mind, only to protect everything! He licks his wounds, only to be wrapped in a horse's skin when he falls in

470.18 Million words | 2022-08-19 11:40Update

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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

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The Story of Zhuangzi. Fiction
The Story of Zhuangzi.

Born in troubled times, life is at stake! Zhuangzi takes you into the Warring States period, teaching you how to survive in difficult circumstances and not be exploited by others. Be a free and independent individual, and live a vibrant life. Become an immortal and live until old age. Zhuangzi, one of the Seven Scholars of Pre-Qin, is a representative figure of the Taoist school, often referred to as "Lao Zhuang" alongside Laozi. Tagged by the author: Emotional, witty, teacher, metaphysics.

347.84 Million words | 2023-03-28 20:21Update

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The Great Tang Divine Dynasty. Fiction
The Great Tang Divine Dynasty.

The Eighteen Heroes of Sui and Tang dynasties were all extraordinary. Qin Shuobao broke the river with a single halberd, Li Yuanba shattered the mountain with a hammer, and Yu Chi Gong marched fearlessly amidst ten thousand troops. As the protagonist, Liu Li was equally impressive, supporting the sky with a single pillar!

63.33 Million words | 2020-12-08 11:07Update

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Take a plane to the Ming Dynasty. Fiction
Take a plane to the Ming Dynasty.

Queen's birthday is here, what to give without jewelry? Gift a photo... Huang Taiji's 100,000 cavalry troops pillage Liaodong, how to deal with it? Use excavators... Li Zicheng is about to reach Beijing, what to do? Bring Chen Yuanyuan back... The emperor has hanged himself on the coal mountain, what now? Let him die, I'll handle it... Chongzhen can die, but the Great Ming cannot perish. I am Prince Zhu Changyuan, and I speak for myself.

490.60 Million words | 2021-06-07 20:10Update

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The guilty concubine is not allowed to escape. Fiction
The guilty concubine is not allowed to escape.

She is the princess of a fallen kingdom, her dance captivating the nation, but now reduced to destitution. The serpent king, who possesses vast lands and territories, finds the world mundane until one day, he realizes that she is the only interesting thing amidst all the monotony. Their entanglement is her fault, and there is no escape!******All they wanted was a peaceful love throughout their lives, but they face numerous obstacles, causing upheaval across the entire continent. One flower, one world, one lifetime, one destiny? To endure together is not as good as forgetting each other in the river and lake? Impossible! He only knows that when the end is near and the heavens and earth grow dim, they must be together. In life, in bed,

84.21 Million words | 2021-05-07 16:07Update

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The Spring of the Great Tang Dynasty Fiction
The Spring of the Great Tang Dynasty

When Li Xi crossed over, Yang Yuhuan was fifteen years old. It was spring in the 21st year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty. In Jinyuan County of Shuzhou, Jiannan Road, Yang Huahua, later known as Lady Guo, and Yang Guozhong, who would later hold over twenty positions of power and become a notorious eunuch, were currently residing here. However, at present, one was a widow named Yang in a precarious situation, while the other was Yang Zhao, struggling and destitute on the streets. Well, that's it. Although the plot is a bit clichéd, this story should be quite fascinating.

407.66 Million words | 2021-02-24 14:19Update

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