what are 3 characteristics of historical fiction

When it comes to historical fiction, there are three key characteristics that make this genre both intriguing and captivating. Historical fiction combines real historical events and settings with fictional characters and storylines, allowing readers to delve into different eras and experience the past in a unique way. In this article, we will explore these three characteristics in detail, providing recommendations for popular historical fiction novels, authors, and websites.

1. Authenticity: One of the defining characteristics of historical fiction is the level of authenticity it brings to the table. Whether it is the meticulous research, attention to detail, or historical accuracy, a great historical fiction novel can transport readers back in time and make them feel as though they are witnessing the events firsthand. A prime example of this is Hilary Mantel's critically acclaimed novel "Wolf Hall," which vividly portrays the intrigue and political machinations of Henry VIII's court in the 16th century. For readers craving authenticity in historical fiction, websites like Goodreads and Historical Novel Society provide excellent resources for finding accurate and well-researched novels.

2. Blending Fact and Fiction: Another key characteristic of historical fiction is the seamless integration of real historical events and figures with fictional narratives. This combination allows authors to explore the untold stories and perspectives of overlooked characters, breathe life into forgotten eras, or reimagine well-known events from a new perspective. A prime example of this is "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, which follows the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany who steals books to fuel her love of reading. For readers interested in novels that blend fact and fiction, authors like Philippa Gregory and Ken Follett have a vast collection of captivating historical fiction novels to explore.

3. Sense of Time and Place: Historical fiction has the remarkable ability to transport readers to different time periods and immerse them in the settings of the past. Whether it's the grandeur of the Victorian era, the turmoil of World War II, or the elegance of ancient Rome, historical fiction novels bring these worlds to life, capturing the essence of the era and making readers feel as though they are experiencing it firsthand. A highly recommended novel that excels in creating a powerful sense of time and place is "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett, which takes readers on a journey to 12th-century England during the construction of a magnificent cathedral. Websites like BookBub and Historical-Fiction.com provide a treasure trove of recommendations for readers seeking novels with a strong sense of time and place.

In conclusion, historical fiction is a genre that combines authenticity, the blending of fact and fiction, and a strong sense of time and place to offer readers a captivating and immersive reading experience. Whether it's uncovering hidden stories from the past or reimagining well-known events, historical fiction allows us to explore and understand history in a unique and engaging way. So, if you're looking to embark on a historical adventure, these characteristics are sure to guide you to the perfect historical fiction novel and authors who can bring history to life. Happy reading!
Grand Robe Fiction
Grand Robe

After traveling through time, both of his parents were still alive, bringing him immense joy. However, as the royal guard to the prince, he incurred the wrath of the powerful Imperial Secret Police by punishing an evil scion in a fit of anger. From then on, he became an exile, wandering the world. He made friends with heroes of the martial arts world, embarking on thrilling revenge missions, showcasing his true colors as a man. When the previous emperor passed away and a new one ascended the throne, it turned out to be his foster brother. He delved deep into the court, taking control of the Imperial Secret Police. This started a complex web of conflicting loyalties between his old friends from the martial arts world and the interests of the court, where intrigue and power struggles were the norm...

585.19 Million words | 2020-08-26 21:30Update

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

Flower brocade Fiction
Flower brocade

After being reborn, Kang Yan discovered that some people and things were not as simple as she had thought in her previous life, such as the double demise of her parents, and the trapped souls in her Night Blossom. Woman: Sir, even though I helped you be reborn, haven't we settled our debts? In this lifetime, I just want to take good care of my flowers. Please don't stick to me like this, okay? Man: Well, shouldn't I repay you for saving my life with my body? Woman: Uh, are you sure you want to repay me with your "

164.81 Million words | 2022-02-16 13:01Update

historical fiction time travel books history and historical fiction historical fiction history

Entertainment against Japan, Shanghai Bund Fiction
Entertainment against Japan, Shanghai Bund

Those who offend our mighty nation shall be punished, no matter how far! You dare invade my motherland? You dare harm my fellow countrymen? You dare disregard our ancestors? Then don't blame me, a liberal arts student with memories of past lives, for making you die silently! I will ensure your death is extremely imaginative!

552.13 Million words | 2022-12-10 20:08Update

time travel historical fiction history and historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction

Wei Xue’s Records Fiction
Wei Xue’s Records

In the 25th year of the Yonghe era of the Daxie dynasty, a major case occurred in the imperial capital, Tianqi. The body of the young prodigy, Wei Fusu, known as the "Unicorn Talent," was found in the imperial moat. At that time, the body was swollen and white, almost unrecognizable, but there was a unique fire feather pattern embroidered on his forehead, a mark of the Wei family, the ruling clan of Dongyuan. There has always been a rumor in the land of Jiuzhou that "he who obtains the Wei family of Dongyuan shall obtain the world." When the founding emperor rose in rebellion, it was also through the Wei family's political tactics that he gradually reached the pinnacle of power. Young prodigy Wei Fusu was a rare genius in the Wei family in a hundred years. It is said

86.00 Million words | 2021-10-25 13:09Update

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

The city is full of Yellow Turban Army. Fiction
The city is full of Yellow Turban Army.

Traveling through the Three Kingdoms, joining the Yellow Turbans, starting from weakness and becoming strong, leading the oppressed masses to revolution. Xu Feng wants people to know that even a peasant uprising can be exciting! It can be grand and magnificent. The only question is, can the various warlords hold their ground?

377.33 Million words | 2021-11-15 02:41Update

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

The Great Tang Dynasty. Fiction
The Great Tang Dynasty.

The iron horses gallop freely, traversing thousands of miles. Every hoofprint shapes the world of the Great Tang! This is an era that breeds heroes: Li Bai, Du Fu, Guo Ziyi, Li Guangbi, Li Longji, Yang Guifei, Gao Shi, Cen Shen, Wang Wei, Gao Xianzhi, Ge Shu Han, Feng Changqing... If you, dear readers, think "The Great Tang Dynasty" is good, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ groups and on Weibo!

110.02 Million words | 2021-01-20 13:34Update

historical fiction. history of historical fiction historical ya fiction

Conquering Fiction
Conquering

In the 26th year of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's reign, a miserable military medic transmigrated back to this turbulent era, becoming a veterinarian. From then on, he couldn't separate himself from this world. Thus, a touching rise of an ordinary man began. He paid homage to famous teachers, recognized heroes, guided the nation, and encountered splendid sights. He led the charge against the Xiongnu in the north, his horse galloping with determination. He went south to conquer the Baiyue tribes, striking like a raging river. However, when faced with a divergence point in history, how would he choose? Would he agitate against the storm in the dark, even though there were millions of people against him? Or would he move with

255.22 Million words | 2021-03-18 08:11Update

dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction timeline

King of the Special Forces: Crossing the Jia-Wu Dynasty Fiction
King of the Special Forces: Crossing the Jia-Wu Dynasty

Zhang Yi was originally a colonel in the special forces of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. During his vacation, he was surrounded by international mercenaries and ultimately perished together with a few of them. When he woke up, he found himself in turbulent times, reborn as a platoon leader during the Korean War. Witness how a legendary special forces king strengthens national defense, revives military glory, fights against Japan, defeats Russia, and restores the greatness of China! Those who dare to challenge his might shall be eliminated, no matter how far they may be! Justice always belongs to the strong! The new book, "Iron-Blooded King of the Great Ming Dynasty," has been published and is being updated simultaneously on both Chuangshi and Qidian platforms. Readers are kindly requested to bookmark and follow it!

15.38 Million words | 2022-12-20 08:15Update

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

Father's River Fiction
Father's River

This book, in the form of a novel, reflects the historical changes in modern times in the Wuhan region. It covers a series of major historical events, including the Xinhai Revolution, early communist activities in Wuhan, the "May 4th" Movement, the Northern Expedition, the defense of Wuhan, the tragic experiences of the evacuated and occupied areas, the Expeditionary Force, the New Fourth Army, the surrender of the Japanese invaders, the War of Liberation, and underground struggles in Wuhan. With a family's rise and fall as the main plotline, it vividly depicts the fate of characters during turbulent times. The protagonist is extraordinary, while also showcasing the kind-hearted and sincere nature of Wuhan citizens in the past. This book

453.33 Million words | 2022-12-29 05:53Update

historical fiction time travel books historical fiction history historical fiction timeline

Iron Will Fiction
Iron Will

The fierce battle outside Nanjing, the changing of the flag on Dawai Mountain, the unmatched bravery of the heroic men, vowing to fight the Japanese aggressors to the end! They intercepted supplies, burned down watchtowers, rescued fellow compatriots. The guerrilla and volunteer armies joined forces, creating countless thrilling and heart-stirring tales!

193.58 Million words | 2021-01-24 16:16Update

historical fiction time periods historical fiction timeline historical fiction time travel

Yuan Family's Decision Fiction
Yuan Family's Decision

Reborn in the Three Kingdoms, I became Yuan Shao's third son, Yuan Shang, by a strange coincidence, right in the midst of the Battle of Guandu! At this moment, the Battle of Guandu was nearing its end. Xu You had already betrayed Yuan Shao, Wuchao's food supply was about to be burned, Zhang He and Gao Lan were about to defect to Cao Cao, Tian Feng was imprisoned, and Ju Shou was trapped in the prison carriage. The 700,000 strong army was on the verge of collapse, and the decline of the prestigious Yuan family seemed inevitable. Having time-traveled back to the Three Kingdoms, would Yuan Shang still follow the course of history and surrender to Cao Cao? The answer is absolutely not! The outcome of the Battle of Guandu and the downfall of the Yuan family will be altered by the efforts of Yuan Shang.

488.13 Million words | 2021-03-28 16:25Update

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

Adou Fiction
Adou

Reincarnated as the helpless Adou, overturned the story of the Three Kingdoms. This novel "Adou" can be considered as a representative work during my early days as a writer. If you like Three Kingdoms genre, you can give it a try. New pen name, "Passing Through the Obstacles," new book "The All-Rounder," with a very innovative concept that can be said to have pioneered a new subject matter. The story is quite passionate, so I recommend everyone to take a look!

154.53 Million words | 2022-09-19 01:30Update

reborn through fire novel historical fiction us history ya historical fiction

Han Ming Da Huang Pao Fiction
Han Ming Da Huang Pao

What can one person really change? Beneath the beauty of ideas and actions lies the cruel reality. I provided millions of bushels of grain in relief, yet farmers in Shaanxi still starved to death; I opened trade routes that stretched to the four seas, but the taxed silver still ended up in the officials' pockets. What use is this title to me? What meaning is there in trying to change the world? I want a just world under a clear sky; I want majestic mountains and rivers; I want the land to produce talented individuals for generations to come. Starting as a commoner, I achieved the rank of a count through one battle, but found it difficult to find peace in the

488.44 Million words | 2021-12-25 20:14Update

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

The Grand Ming Martial Arts Champion Fiction
The Grand Ming Martial Arts Champion

Looking north, billowing smoke covers the vastness; Lamentation fills the people's hearts; rampant cavalrymen, how can young ones bear the loss of their country? Looking south, the mountains and rivers remain majestic; A Han champion, brandishing swords and guns, whipping the horse to gallop across the mighty river. The people were not yet prosperous, the Ming dynasty not yet flourishing; The horsehide wrapped around the coffin, returning to the hometown. In the modern era, a king of Sanda, his spirit lingering in the Great Ming dynasty; With a single brilliant achievement in the Jinluan Palace, becoming the first martial champion

213.69 Million words | 2021-04-05 12:59Update

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

Steamed Tang Fiction
Steamed Tang

【【Entries for the Creation History Genre Writing Contest - Magnificent Tang Dynasty Era】】Participating Work: Currently in the preparation phase for a new book, tentatively titled "Every Member of the Transmigrators with a System is a Father," in the fantasy genre.

172.81 Million words | 2022-07-22 14:26Update

history and historical fiction historical fiction timeline historical fiction time travel

The moon is hazy, the birds are hazy. Fiction
The moon is hazy, the birds are hazy.

The moon is hazy, the birds are hazy, Fireflies illuminate the night sky, Mountains are hazy, trees are hazy, Autumn insects buzz softly, Birds tire, the moon is full. It seems like a gentle whisper, Yet it evokes a sense of tenderness; Even the resolute heart eventually becomes soft... Since she met the spirited little girl Wei Chu, Ling Shan unconsciously stepped into Wei Pengfei's family, As time passed, they gradually and deeply attracted each other, But they were continuously obstructed by the innocent girl Chu Chu. By chance, Ling Shan discovered a book called "Miscellaneous Chronicles of Love and Tung Trees," Uncovering a hidden secret in Pengfei's heart...

317.18 Million words | 2022-09-16 23:09Update

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

My father-in-law's name is Lu Bu. Fiction
My father-in-law's name is Lu Bu.

Liu Mang, who accidentally cosplayed as a Golden Saint Cloth from the Aries Constellation, traveled back in time to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Just as Cao Cao was attacking Lu Bu and the city of Xiapi was about to fall, he appeared on the city wall. "Big brother, don't kill me! I'm not one of Cao's subordinates!" he exclaimed. "Hey hey, you got the wrong person. Lu Bu's subordinates are over there, not me!" he shouted. By inadvertently saving Lu Bu, who was bound by Song Xian and Wei Xu, Liu Mang became Lu Bu's son-in-law and inadvertently changed the course of history in the Three Kingdoms. When the twelve sets of aluminum-plated golden Saint Cloths shimmered in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, adorning the bodies of fierce generals like Zhang Liao and Gao Shun. When the Vanguard Corps wielded mechanical repeating crossbows, each soldier equipped with one. When hybrid rice was cultivated in Lu Bu's territory. Liu Mang knew that this was the world belonging to the Lu family that was about to unfold. Traversing between the Three Kingdoms and the modern era, it was a unique Three Kingdoms and a unique life.

509.77 Million words | 2020-08-24 20:42Update

dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction time periods

The Number One General of the Three Kingdoms Fiction
The Number One General of the Three Kingdoms

One Lu, two Zhao, three Dian Wei, four Guan Yu, five Ma Chao, six Zhang Fei. Huang, Xu, Sun, Tai, two Xiahou, two Zhang, Xu, Pang, Gan, Zhou, Wei. Zhang Xiu, the divine spear, and Wen Yan, though brave, were doomed to a tragic fate. Twenty-four famous generals of the Three Kingdoms, finally Deng Ai and Jiang Wei. In the era of the Three Kingdoms, outstanding generals emerged one after another, shining with brilliance. It is fortunate to be reborn in such a grand era, dueling and dancing with numerous famous generals on the battlefield, which is a stroke of luck. Braving the three armies, strategizing on the battlefield, this is the dream and passion of a passionate man. When stepping into this grand era, one can only say: The first general of the Three Kingdoms, who can surpass me?

411.13 Million words | 2021-09-11 15:06Update

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

Divine Physician of the Great Song Fiction
Divine Physician of the Great Song

Zhao Lei, a veteran who grew up in a hospital, returned to the early period of the Renzong reign of the Northern Song Dynasty. At that time, the country was the most prosperous and powerful in the world, but

307.49 Million words | 2022-11-06 04:26Update

historical fiction history historical fiction timeline historical fiction time travel

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

supremacy games novel history of historical fiction historical ya fiction