When it comes to historical fiction, there are numerous subgenres that cater to the diverse interests of readers. Whether you are fascinated by ancient civilizations, intrigued by World War II, or drawn to magical elements within historical events, there is sure to be a subgenre that piques your interest. In this article, we will explore some of the popular subgenres of historical fiction and recommend notable novels and authors within each category.
1. Ancient Historical Fiction:
Transport yourself back in time and explore the ancient world with captivating historical fiction. Dive into the lives of pharaohs in ancient Egypt or follow warriors in the Roman Empire. Authors like Colleen McCullough ("The First Man in Rome") and Wilbur Smith ("River God") have mesmerized readers with their immersive storytelling set in the distant past.
2. Medieval and Renaissance Historical Fiction:
Experience the splendor and intrigue of the medieval and Renaissance periods through the eyes of compelling characters. Delve into the world of knights, castles, and courtly love in novels like "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett or Philippa Gregory's "The Other Boleyn Girl," which brings the Tudor dynasty to life.
3. Regency and Victorian Historical Fiction:
For fans of Jane Austen's tales of romance and societal norms, there is a plethora of Regency-era historical fiction to explore. Novels such as "Pride and Prejudice" by Austen herself or "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" by Susanna Clarke, blending historical fiction with fantasy, provide readers with a taste of the Regency period and Victorian England.
4. World War Historical Fiction:
World War I and World War II are pivotal moments in human history and have inspired numerous historical fiction novels. Authors like Ken Follett ("Fall of Giants") and Anthony Doerr ("All the Light We Cannot See") capture the heart-wrenching stories of individuals caught in the chaos of war, providing readers with a deeper understanding of these tumultuous times.
5. Alternative History:
Step into worlds where history takes a different path in the subgenre of alternative history. Authors like Philip K. Dick ("The Man in the High Castle") and Robert Harris ("Fatherland") present intriguing narratives that reimagine major historical events with a twist, stimulating the imagination and offering unique perspectives.
For readers looking to explore these subgenres further, several websites provide recommendations, discussions, and reviews. Goodreads and BookBub are popular platforms where readers can discover new historical fiction novels and engage in vibrant book communities.
In conclusion, historical fiction encompasses a wide range of subgenres, allowing readers to explore different time periods and events through captivating storytelling. From ancient civilizations to alternative histories, there is something for every historical fiction enthusiast. So grab a book, get lost in history, and let your imagination soar.
The ordinary university teacher unexpectedly encounters a portal of time and space and acquires a magical ability to travel between the modern era and the end of the Ming Dynasty. With reflections on reality and regrets for history, the protagonist decides to alter the course of history. Witness the story of an ordinary university teacher who changes the world amidst the turbulent end of the Ming Dynasty.
128.07 Million words | 2022-08-04 14:45Update
A good old man from the new century traveled through time. His father had died, and his mother was gone as well. He had more than a dozen charming aunts, each more elegant than the other. Their allure was just to his taste, but unfortunately, "When my concubine was not yet born, I was born. When I was born, my concubine was already old. I regret not being born at the same time as her, so that we could spend our days and nights together like butterflies on fragrant grass." As a small
155.06 Million words | 2023-01-01 00:02Update
Produced by the Qingdu Studio, Email Address: [email protected] ___________________________________ Chess transcends the mundane, dominating the world of strategy, portraying the image of a chess player who uses the game to navigate life. Exploring danger and seeking marvels, it reveals the illusions of existence. Different from wuxia romance or supernatural tales, it creates a unique legend. Chess family secrets - Nine Palace Chess, Three Wars Chess, Blind Chess, Murderer's Chess... The protagonist Fang Guohuan is guided by a master, comprehending the highest realm of chess, the Tianyuan state. From then on, he roams the world of chess, benefiting society with his skills. Outside the Great Wall, he sets up the Tianyuan Chess Formation, repelling the iron cavalry of the Jurchen; at the Yellow Crane Tower, he engages in a fierce battle against the Killer's Chess. Later, he travels overseas to avoid disaster, following in Zheng He's footsteps to explore the Western world. Bearing witness to countless adventures, beneath the Kunlun Mountains, he changes the "Land Pattern" with his chess skills, creating an unparalleled myth. In the end, he bathes in the blood of Liaodong... Life is like a chess game, but few can truly navigate it successfully!
499.30 Million words | 2022-12-15 20:01Update
The Complete Biography of Ji Gong [Qing Dynasty] by Guo Xiaoting.
191.62 Million words | 2021-01-14 10:56Update
Le Xiaotian traveled back to the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. Luckily, his cheap father passed the imperial examination, making him a second-generation official. However, before he could even celebrate, he was kidnapped by Japanese pirates. In a twist of fate, he ended up becoming the second-in-command among them. During this time, Japanese pirates were ravaging the southeast, while Emperor Jiajing was busy practicing alchemy and cultivating Daoism. Yan Song and Xu Jie were engaged in a power struggle, while Lu Bing observed everything from the sidelines. Meanwhile, Portuguese fleets were on their way to Macau, and the Netherlands and England were plotting their own rise to power. How would Xiaotian, with the help of his father, rise from a pirate's identity to steer the winds of the seas towards the imperial court and seize the opportunities of the Age of Discovery? This story is a comedic tale of an undercover agent who, despite being a pirate, aids in the eradication of piracy.
596.67 Million words | 2021-04-29 18:45Update
An unforeseen accident during a military exercise sent Captain Zhao Yunze of the Airborne Forces on a journey through time, transporting him to the era of the Great Tang Dynasty. From then on, his legend began in the expanse of the mighty Tang Dynasty. By the banks of the Wei River, a thunderous roar repelled the invading Turks; within the walls of Chang'an, his ingenious strategies astounded the court and the people. A peasant in the morning, a ruler in the evening, he ascended to the highest halls of power. In the command tent, he strategized and planned tirelessly, his brow drenched in sweat amidst the fields and workshops. His poems and verses stirred the spirits of gods and demons, his sword clashed with valiant heroes. Galloping through the vast desert, breaking through the waves of the open seas, he parachuted into the majestic Chang'an, roaming freely and unrestrained. Witness how Zhao Yunze maneuvers through the grandness of the Tang Dynasty, embarking on a lifetime of madness.
438.96 Million words | 2020-12-29 09:49Update
Give me a girl, and I cannot create a nation; give me a piece of wood, and I can instantly make a repeating crossbow. With the armor and weapon system in my hands, I have the three kingdoms under my control! What does the Wolf Cavalry of Bingzhou matter? Just watch how my three thousand aluminum helmets and armor lead the charge and conquer the world! What about the vanguard of Hebei? Just see how my Furious Edge Camp wields steel spring repeating crossbows to sweep across the Nine Provinces! What about the navy of Jiangdong? Just witness how my Yan vehicle and ship
208.08 Million words | 2023-05-31 00:39Update
"Drunken Linglong" is a masterpiece by Fourteen Nights, a Chinese-American author on Jinjiang Net, and one of the classic representative works of time-traveling novels. With exquisite writing and a historical background, it depicts a beautiful picture with a sense of ancient charm. Ideal for reading by the lamplight, with endless aftertaste when held in hand. It involves the mystery of an emperor's death, the chaotic bloodline of a royal family, an ancient treasure of the witch clan, and the conflicts between the martial world and the imperial court, as well as the entanglement of love and hatred. The story revolves around the transformation of a modern woman who is separated by millions of years. "You are no one, you are only my woman," he said, gazing at her, as if she had fallen into the reincarnation of destiny, step by step. If she exists for him in this lifetime, then he exists to wait for her. Meeting after a thousand years, knowing each other with a glance, they walk hand in hand on the highest path of power in the mortal world, pointing the way to a picturesque country. In the vast universe, throughout endless time, when they reach the pinnacle of this life, how will they choose and decide? "If we could choose only one thing in this world, I would choose your smile. Even if you suffer, what use is the whole world to me?" In this life, there are always some people worth trusting with our lives. There is always one person who has gone through hardships just to be with you...
75.88 Million words | 2023-04-03 12:10Update
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
The brilliant top student, Yang Chao, saved a drowning person and woke up as a mediocre student who longed for the glamour of the Qinhuai River in the Ming Dynasty. Yang Chao immersed himself in the atmosphere of the thousand-year-old makeup and beauty along the Qinhuai River, without reciting the poetry and literary works of future generations. Nevertheless, he thrived in the Qinhuai River area because he opened a brothel, creating a new benchmark for the glamour and elegance of Qinhuai. Despite lacking extensive knowledge, Yang Chao managed to form connections with great scholars such as Qian Qianyi and Ruan Dacheng. With his humble background, he was able to shake the Ming Dynasty's officialdom. He helped Zhang Pu in his operations and aided Zhou Yanru in becoming the chief minister. Although he resided in the world of rivers and lakes, he caused ripples in the court.
161.60 Million words | 2022-04-10 04:47Update
The young eunuch steps out of the Imperial Academy, while the white dragon descends to the mortal world. Vermilion and purple lose their colors, and the blue and white paint the landscape. - Cai Xunzhen's "Farewell to my young friend Lai Xinger" In the chaotic palace of Chang'an, the young man roams freely. With a three-foot sword in his hand, he astonishes gods and demons with his dance. - Liu Yi's "A Gift to my nephew Lai Xinger"
90.81 Million words | 2020-07-12 22:31Update
Have you ever seen someone use "time travel" as a job? Have you tried to capture a fugitive from the Warring States period at a Metro supermarket? Don't pay for him, or you'll end up broke. Or maybe pay the fine for drunk driving by Li Bai? Remember, never let him drive again. Also, the whole team works overtime and goes on business trips to the Tang Dynasty, chasing after the "number one fugitive in Chang'an," Emperor Tang Xuanzong. Oh, Your Majesty, please don't panic. Our director's name is not An Lushan. By the way, have you seen a missing university student? Doesn't this job sound great? Especially if it comes with the benefits of a
472.69 Million words | 2020-08-24 21:39Update
In a chaotic world where everyone suffers, a young boy refuses to be at the mercy of fate and embarks on a path of pursuit. In his youth, he experiences true emotions, heartbreak, and relentless pursuit, only to gain and lose it all. Through bitter and sweet experiences, the boy matures into adulthood. He competes for the world, with boundless passion, sweeping away the formidable, singing proudly across the vast land, until he reaches the pinnacle of life. With the passage of time, as history changes and prosperity fades, only a mournful song remains. After experiencing the ups and downs of life, the boy is no longer young. It is at this moment that he finally understands that the true meaning of life lies in sincerity.
124.76 Million words | 2022-06-10 17:10Update
Who can prevail in the battle between the special forces and the special police? When the older brother is a retired special forces soldier and the younger brother is an active duty special police officer, who will hesitate due to family ties? If he is not bribed, it means the price offered is not high enough! In the face of huge profits, who can still uphold their bottom line? For the sake of interests, the gangsters, drug enforcement, special police, loved ones, mistresses, and behind-the-scenes bosses all make their appearances, playing their respective roles in this extravagant feast. In the darkness, what will those silently guarding people gain?
192.22 Million words | 2022-02-03 18:51Update
The land of Yan and Zhao, where brave warriors abound. With resounding music and passionate singing, their heroic spirit soars high! Amidst shattered mountains and rivers, like a broken golden bowl, heroes rise with a furious sword! With the blood of invaders staining their sharp blades, their pursuit of vengeance knows no end!
200.14 Million words | 2022-06-14 09:16Update
[【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
"This world is truly terrifying..." murmured Zhang Taibai as he gazed at the scene unfolding on the surface of the South Pacific Ocean. In front of the cruise ship he was on, a muscular man wearing emerald green shorts was wielding a trident, engaging in a fierce battle with a gigantic king squid, whose body stretched over a hundred meters, resembling a sea monster. "I never imagined that there would be such formidable beings in this world..." Zhang Taibai mused. Suddenly, he furrowed his brows and shouted somewhat displeasedly at the muscular man, "Hey, hey, hey, I'm talking to you! You can continue fighting, but don't come running towards me. Go play somewhere else!" As soon as he spoke, Zhang Taibai waved his sleeve... Countless sword qi surged, creating tumultuous waves that sent both the man and the sea monster flying! (To all the experts who critique the cover and synopsis, I did my best! This is truly a great book. If you don't like the synopsis, you can just dive right in. Highly recommended, I promise!!!)
58.19 Million words | 2020-07-15 09:27Update
Chen Xun, a future traveler, stirs up a thousand layers of waves in the Eastern Han Dynasty as the butterfly spreads its wings. His father, Chen Gui, died early, while his eldest brother, Chen Deng, showcased his extraordinary talent at a young age. Yuan Shao, an unyielding pillar in the south, suffered a defeat but survived the Battle of Guandu thanks to a divine physician who extended his life. Sun Quan attempted to seize power but was placed under house arrest by his elder brother, yet the young hero still stood proudly in the land of Jiangdong.
460.51 Million words | 2022-11-21 05:38Update
During the period of the Two Jin Dynasties and the Southern and Northern Dynasties, when the Five Hu (non-Han ethnic groups) invaded and chaos reigned, human lives were as insignificant as grass and hay. The Han people were regarded as lambs waiting to be slaughtered, with only one in ten Han people surviving. In such times, who could possess extraordinary talent and prowess? Let us witness how Shi Jia will turn the tide and restore the mighty glory of Great Han.
297.92 Million words | 2022-12-19 18:18Update
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