historical fiction for young adults

Best Historical Fiction Novels for Young Adults: Journey Through Time

Are you a young adult looking for a thrilling and captivating reading experience? If you have a keen interest in history and love diving into adventurous tales, then historical fiction is the perfect genre for you! The blend of real-life events with fictional characters creates a mesmerizing world that will transport you to different eras and cultures. In this article, we present a list of must-read historical fiction novels specially curated for young adults.

1. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak:
Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, this gripping novel follows the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others. With lyrical prose and an unforgettable cast of characters, "The Book Thief" is a powerful exploration of the human spirit in the face of darkness.

2. "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys:
Based on real events, this compelling story takes place during World War II as thousands of refugees seek refuge on a ship bound for freedom. Through the perspectives of four different characters, Ruta Sepetys exposes the untold tragedy of the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff, making "Salt to the Sea" an emotional and educational read.

3. "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein:
Set in World War II, this heart-wrenching novel follows the friendship between two young women. When one of them is captured by the Nazis, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of espionage and must find the strength to survive. "Code Name Verity" is a thrilling tale of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice.

4. "Out of the Easy" by Ruta Sepetys:
Taking us to 1950s New Orleans, this coming-of-age story follows Josie Moraine, the daughter of a brothel prostitute, as she dreams of escaping her circumstances and pursuing a better life. Ruta Sepetys masterfully recreates the atmosphere of the French Quarter while delving into themes of love, family, and self-discovery.

5. "The Book of Lost Things" by John Connolly:
This enchanting novel blends historical references with elements of fantasy. Set during World War II, it follows twelve-year-old David, who escapes from the horrors of his reality into a mythical land filled with twisted versions of fairy tales. "The Book of Lost Things" is a dark and magical journey of loss, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

To explore more incredible historical fiction novels for young adults, we recommend visiting popular book recommendation websites such as Goodreads or BookBub. These platforms allow you to discover books tailored to your interests, and you can also participate in online communities of fellow book lovers to share your thoughts and recommendations.

Remember, historical fiction not only entertains but also educates, offering a unique lens through which to view the past. So, embark on a journey through time with these captivating novels and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history. Happy reading!
Ambitious in a foreign land Fiction
Ambitious in a foreign land

A candidate who had just finished the college entrance examination was transported to a strange planet through a crash accident. When he woke up, he discovered that he had gained an additional soul chip in his brain. In order to return home, he fought for supremacy on the continent, climbed the technological tree, embraced the beauty of the world, and used his soul chip and knowledge from Earth to accumulate wealth, develop his power. Let's see how he eventually manages to return to his home - Earth.

10.42 Million words | 2023-03-20 05:30Update

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

Dance of the Battle Soul Fiction
Dance of the Battle Soul

The Eastern Han Empire is plagued with crises on its borders! Crisis in the Northeast! Crisis in North China! Crisis in the Northwest! Crisis in the Southwest! Rebellion in the Central Plains is rampant! Who will save this empire in crisis? He is a descendant of a famous general from the Western Han, yet he serves the nation in the Eastern Han army. He has accomplished numerous extraordinary feats, yet has been suspected multiple times. However, no matter the hardships and difficulties, he will grow in adversity. With his battle spirit, a god of war shall emerge!

553.31 Million words | 2021-08-01 21:02Update

historical fiction by time period dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction history

Qin Si Fiction
Qin Si

Everyone dreams of being an emperor, but I am different! I am the heir to the Great Qin Empire. Qin Shihuang, the first emperor, is my great-grandfather, Qin Ershi Hu Hai is my second grandfather, and Prince Ying of Qin is my father. However, it doesn't matter! The Han Dynasty has now established its third generation, with Empress Lü ruling the court. But I will not give up. Some things are worth striving for in order to avoid regrets. PS: When I say "strive," I mean to live a fulfilling life in this colorful world. After all, isn't the goal of life to seek happiness? Of course, I still have the dream of becoming an emperor, but let's consider it as a side quest. - Ying Xuan

128.19 Million words | 2021-01-12 17:34Update

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

The rise of the idler. Fiction
The rise of the idler.

A young man, originally intending to live a leisurely life, along with his dying servant, gets involved in a shady deal with the abbot of a Buddhist temple and unexpectedly becomes entangled in a conflict... And so the story begins. (In principle, this is a story of political intrigues and schemes at the imperial court, of clear blue skies, sunny beaches, and a mix of emotions and bloodshed in the martial world.)

574.05 Million words | 2023-04-25 00:54Update

historical fiction by time period dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction history

I am here, the king. Fiction
I am here, the king.

The moon has a secret, she carefully guards a world-shattering treasure without a "key". The regent has a doubt, he schemingly tries to exclude and mistreat the moon with all the women in his mansion, but she thrives and becomes more content day by day. She is an unlucky princess, he is the powerful regent who holds sway over the court. When she meets him, they initially dislike each other, but later on... "Why are you shouting? I am here!" "What are you afraid of? I am here!" "Why are you crying? I am here!"

184.17 Million words | 2022-01-27 04:10Update

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

Invisible Battle Fiction
Invisible Battle

Chen Miao, also known as Chen Sanshui, a comrade of our party's hidden undercover in the Nationalist Party's secret service, unexpectedly infiltrated the organization and was mistaken for a shameful "defector." In reality, he was sent by the party to gather intelligence, protect our underground party comrades and other anti-Japanese fighters. Together with his comrades, he embarked on a challenging and thrilling journey, engaging in a battle of wits and bravery against the Japanese and their collaborators. This book is also known as "Traceless."

268.73 Million words | 2021-06-04 03:37Update

spy fiction spy school graphic novel spy school free novel

An Ordinary Life of Time Traveling Fiction
An Ordinary Life of Time Traveling

Xu Hao lived during the early days of the Ming Dynasty, a time when corrupt officials thrived and wealthy individuals' fortunes were uncertain. In different dimensions, predecessors traveled through time and held immense power, but the ordinary Xu Hao was content with leading a simple life. Because within the ordinary, there is joy and profound meaning.

299.47 Million words | 2021-10-26 07:56Update

time travel historical fiction history and historical fiction best time travel historical fiction

The Ten Kings of the Kingdoms Fiction
The Ten Kings of the Kingdoms

Ten years, enough to read three thousand volumes of poetry and books, and to practice the sword that kills on the battlefield. Shi Jingtang wants to acknowledge the enemy as his father, but a young man, who wears mourning clothes for his father, disagrees. He asks Guo Wei if he wants to be the emperor, and Guo Que'er says it's more appropriate for him to decide. Many years ago, he only wanted to survive in chaotic times; many years later, he wants his subjects to live well.

347.50 Million words | 2020-08-09 02:13Update

military historical fiction series best historical military fiction books best military historical fiction books

The Terminator of Kingpins Fiction
The Terminator of Kingpins

It was a chaotic era of warlords, with fierce competition and brilliant heroes... Ling Feng, a famous playboy in Chuan Valley County, was unexpectedly drawn into this turmoil due to a sudden upheaval in his family. Let's see how his fate unfolds. They say extraordinary people do extraordinary things, and his father was one such exceptional individual. He came from another world, and Ling Feng inherited his father's dying wish, embarking on a journey with an unparalleled mission! They say conquerors are formidable and heroic figures, but he specialized in annihilating conquerors!

593.51 Million words | 2023-01-30 11:45Update

historical fiction by time period best time travel historical fiction historical fiction history

The Impostor Grand Emperor Fiction
The Impostor Grand Emperor

Because he was too eager to lose his virginity, he shamelessly kissed the school beauty and got beaten up, only to miraculously traverse to Emperor Yang Guang of Sui Dynasty, who shares the same name and surname. Consequently, chaos ensued in the Great Sui Empire, as this Yang Guang had not yet ascended to the throne but was already involved with the princess of the Northern Zhou, playing around with a

77.00 Million words | 2021-07-02 17:38Update

history and historical fiction historical fiction timeline historical fiction time travel

Usurpation of Qin Fiction
Usurpation of Qin

Yun Yue fell into a bottomless abyss and found herself in another world. Faced with the Warring States period from two thousand years ago, what will Yun Yue do? She feels lost... King Huiwen is a wise ruler, while General Lian Po is cunning. Crown Prince Dan is extremely weak, and Qin Shihuang is a completely deceitful man... The survival environment in the Warring States period is harsh, but Yun Yue manages to thrive. Han Xiong wrote too much darkness, while the Coup against Qin writes about much sunshine. Where there is light, there will also be shadows, and where there are shadows, there will inevitably be light.

205.82 Million words | 2020-11-09 03:05Update

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

The Blood Battle of Yue Fei in Central Plains. Fiction
The Blood Battle of Yue Fei in Central Plains.

Being born, I strive for greatness, Even in death, I remain a hero. Thoughts of Xiang Yu still linger, Unwilling to cross the Yangtze River. The Zhao and Song dynasties fear the Jin invaders, Fleeing in haste, abandoning the heartland like worn-out shoes, Discarding millions of people like mere dirt. They may abandon, but I cannot, For my ancestral tomb lies in the heartland. They may leave, but I cannot, For the heartland is my hometown. I, Yue Fei, shall never retreat southward. I will fight in my beloved heartland.

63.51 Million words | 2022-03-12 01:54Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction by time period best time travel historical fiction

There were tanks in the Northern Song Dynasty. Fiction
There were tanks in the Northern Song Dynasty.

Crossing over to the Song Dynasty and finally finding love. My wife is sharp yet gentle, while my younger sister-in-law is blossoming with potential. A beautiful life awaits me... Wait a minute! The first year of Xuande? The emperor is Zhao Ji? The bandit, Wang Qing, is about to attack? I also have two edgy little cousins? And... my tank is out of fuel... ... Book club: If you follow me, if you follow me, I'll show you some... explicit content...

82.77 Million words | 2022-08-05 21:00Update

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

The Story of Sui and Tang Dynasties Fiction
The Story of Sui and Tang Dynasties

"The Sui and Tang Dynasties: The Tale of Chu Renhuo" (Qing Dynasty)

62.20 Million words | 2023-02-23 07:32Update

fiction novel good novel a novel

Night Journey in Early Tang Dynasty Fiction
Night Journey in Early Tang Dynasty

The reincarnated warrior was born with exceptional martial skills. He rose through the ranks, fought at Xuanwu Gate, relocated to the solitude of Pei Ji, and engaged in conflict with prominent families. After thinking that the prosperous era of

255.71 Million words | 2022-08-05 16:08Update

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

The poor scholar's plan. Fiction
The poor scholar's plan.

Frog's third new work, "The Unparalleled Ghosts and Gods of the Three Kingdoms," will be released on July 1st. I hope my brothers can show their support. Used to seeing Lu Bu, Zhao Yun, Guan Yu being the sole warriors, who said the protagonist couldn't have unrivaled martial prowess, dominating the world? This is a book filled with shallow killings and sensuality, so please bear with it, my brothers. Thank you. Link: http://book.zongheng.com/book/.html

249.21 Million words | 2023-03-14 16:08Update

time travel historical fiction history and historical fiction historical fiction history

Gentlemen should also be cautious. Fiction
Gentlemen should also be cautious.

In the first year, when Princess Qian first met the "gentleman", he upheld justice with a resolute demeanor. She sneered, "A hypocrite." In the third year, during the struggle for succession to the throne, one wrong step resulted in complete defeat. She closed her eyes, wishing for death. The only person who came forward to protect her, at the risk of his own life, escorted her back to the capital. She scoffed lightly, "He could be considered a gentleman." In the fifth year, there was a coup d'état and the empress took the throne. She bestowed high positions, wealth, and beautiful women upon that person, but he declined everything. She furrowed her brows slightly, "Indeed, he is a gentleman." In the tenth year, she woke up in the morning, feeling sore all over her body. She gritted her teeth and cursed the person by her side, "Being a gentleman is futile!" "Three things can make an empire great again: the sword, loyal subjects, and scholars of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism," he said to the empress. ------------------------- [The author has already written a 2.4-million-word masterpiece called "I Have a Sword Immortal Wife" in the fantasy and martial arts genre. You can check it out if you are in need of a good read!

92.23 Million words | 2020-11-01 15:59Update

light novel meaning light novel read new fantasy fiction

Kang Fiction
Kang

Emperor

78.40 Million words | 2021-09-01 08:01Update

historical fiction by time period dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction time periods

Madness at the end of the Ming dynasty. Fiction
Madness at the end of the Ming dynasty.

Wu Shigong traveled to the end of the Tianqi period and reluctantly boarded the sinking ship of Wei Zhongxian. In the late Ming Dynasty, there were internal power struggles in the court and rebellions on the outside. In the harsh environment with the threat of the Later Jin army at the border, he did not understand the historical process and engage in opportunism; he

338.60 Million words | 2020-12-08 07:51Update

best time travel historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction timeline

Thundering War Soldier Fiction
Thundering War Soldier

Hulei Taiji: A martial art focused on practical combat, alternating between hardness and softness, speed and slowness, with resounding strength. Yen Nianlang: An orphan raised by wolves, who rounded off his edges in society while keeping his wild nature hidden. This is the story of a common soldier, who, through unexpected events, transformed from an ordinary to a legendary soldier, from a forest guard to a determined special forces warrior. This story is highly realistic, but please do not identify with it. I will also never admit it, so it is a fabricated reality.

295.29 Million words | 2023-06-12 05:35Update

history and historical fiction best time travel historical fiction historical fiction timeline