best historical fiction books of 2016

In 2016, there was no shortage of exceptional historical fiction books that captivated readers with their immersive storytelling and vivid portrayals of the past. From sweeping epics to intimate character studies, here are some of the best historical fiction books of 2016 that you wouldn't want to miss:

1. "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel takes readers on a profound journey through World War II. Set in occupied France, it follows the lives of a blind French girl and a young German soldier whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Doerr's exquisite prose and meticulous research make this a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

2. "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead
Whitehead's groundbreaking novel reimagines the Underground Railroad as a physical railway, enabling slaves to escape to freedom. Through the eyes of Cora, a young slave on a Georgia plantation, readers witness the horrors of slavery and the resilience of those seeking liberation. This National Book Award winner is a gripping and haunting tale.

3. "The Essex Serpent" by Sarah Perry
Set in Victorian England, "The Essex Serpent" is a mesmerizing blend of historical fiction and Gothic elements. When rumors of a mythical creature surface in a small village, it sparks fascination and fear among the residents. Perry's lyrical prose and richly drawn characters create a compelling narrative that explores love, faith, and scientific inquiry.

4. "The Girls" by Emma Cline
While not strictly historical fiction, this mesmerizing debut novel transports readers to 1960s California. Inspired by the Manson Family cult, "The Girls" delves into the complexities of adolescence, manipulation, and the allure of belonging. Cline's evocative writing and keen insight into human nature make this a standout read.

5. "The North Water" by Ian McGuire
For those seeking a darker historical thriller, "The North Water" takes readers aboard a whaling ship in the Arctic in the 1850s. McGuire's gritty novel delves into the brutal and unforgiving world of the men on board, combining adventure, survival, and moral ambiguity. This visceral and atmospheric tale will keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you're looking for a comprehensive list of the best historical fiction books of 2016, you can visit websites such as Goodreads or BookBub. These platforms provide user-generated recommendations, author interviews, and reader reviews to help you discover your next captivating historical fiction read. Happy exploring!
Transcend to become an emperor. Fiction
Transcend to become an emperor.

The story of Ye Chen, who gradually becomes stronger in order to protect his younger sister and loved ones. (This book is suitable for all those who love younger sisters and enjoy character development. It is a fictional story set in no specific historical era, so historical accuracy enthusiasts should refrain from reading.)

321.32 Million words | 2021-09-27 12:08Update

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Three Kingdoms of Fish Flesh Fiction
Three Kingdoms of Fish Flesh

There are many definitions of heroes! Most of them end in tragedy! But there are two types of heroes that are quite special, they are known as charismatic heroes and scheming heroes. There are many charismatic heroes in the Three Kingdoms! And there is one scheming hero! How do you survive in the cracks between them? Will you become their henchmen? Unwilling? Then become their opponents! Interesting! Who are the Water Mirror Nine? Who is their leader? If you were to choose one color to rebel and create a flag, which color would you choose? Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple? In the north of Jing Province, there is a river named Bi. In this river

157.28 Million words | 2021-07-27 15:42Update

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The New Legend of Yue Fei Fiction
The New Legend of Yue Fei

Yue Fei's twin brother Yue Teng was abandoned in infancy, but fortunately rescued by a kind-hearted person, who named him Prince Peng. Though Yue Fei and Prince Peng were twin brothers, their characters were vastly different. Yue Fei was calm, composed, introverted, and gentle, while Prince Peng was outgoing, strong-willed, and bold. Yue Fei was born with extraordinary strength, while Prince Peng was naturally weak. Yue Fei led the army on expeditions, while Prince Peng trained his body and martial arts in Shaolin. Through a fortuitous encounter, the brothers reunite. Due to being abandoned since childhood, Prince Peng harbored resentment and refused to join his brother in the exped

194.61 Million words | 2020-11-07 00:41Update

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Return to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Fiction
Return to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Feng Yao, who unexpectedly crossed over to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, had to accept the fact that he was still an orphan. Just as the protagonist was indulging in his fantasies, he realized that reality was often different from what he had read in books! A mysterious background! Twisty experiences! Fierce struggles on the battlefield! Stirring love and enmity in chaotic times! Here, there are almost no rules! Here, only the strong can have the final say! Here, is the most real and darkest chaotic era!! Bloodshed! Slaughter! War! Power struggles! Conspiracies! Fame and fortune! Women! Reversal!... Let's see how the protagonist, starting off as a worthless orphan, eventually becomes the ruler of the world!

326.70 Million words | 2022-12-25 09:06Update

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A Strange Fiction
A Strange

The novel revolves around the dual time-travel of Liu Yong and his forty-fifth generation descendant Liu Chang. It witnesses the miracles created by Liu Sanbian in the realms of military affairs, art, new words, and love. He is not only a playboy in the world of romance, but also a socially influential figure filled with positive energy. While seemingly indulging in a world of beauty and desire, he actually experiences a life full of interesting joys and hardships.

22.17 Million words | 2022-04-17 16:04Update

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King of Kings Fiction
King of Kings

An era of heroes in chaotic times! In the midst of raging battles! From an ordinary soldier to a mighty emperor, everything changed overnight. From then on, he embarked on the path of a ruler, uniting the Northwest and establishing the Great Hua Empire. With his Eastern and Western conquests, he commanded the world as an unparalleled king, hailed as the "Martial Emperor". Like a mythical figure, how will he unfold his extraordinary life...!!!!

261.82 Million words | 2023-04-20 08:20Update

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Tiger Stride Attack. Fiction
Tiger Stride Attack.

Borrow me three thousand Tiger Warriors, Restore our mighty China. With sword pointing west to Tian Shan, And horse trampling north to the Black Sea. Drawing the bow on the surface of Lake Baikal, Appreciating snow on the island of Hokkaido. Exploring the ancient on the Indochinese Peninsula, Paying tribute to ancestors amidst the ruins of Tokyo. Where the Han flag points, the enemies flee in dust. Those who dare to offend China shall be punished, no matter how far! ... All the brave warriors in the world are Tiger Warriors, This book is dedicated to those who have fought for our nation, Our ancestors who refused to be enslaved.

270.48 Million words | 2021-11-02 03:13Update

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Hero of the Wu family Fiction
Hero of the Wu family

Standard Version: The warrior clan of Wu rises from obscurity, its pillars crumble during the Warring States period. As the absurd Bushido way prevails, who remembers the vows of the Genji clan? The young head of the Kira clan in Mikawa, how does he time and again pluck the strings of fate, forging a path belonging to the pillars of the warrior clan? Butterfly Version: A small butterfly wanders into the era of Japan's Warring States. What kind of storm will it stir, and what annotations will it leave for this era? Chunibyo Version: The Dark Lord of Chunibyo suddenly turns around and walks over, pat

521.96 Million words | 2022-04-08 12:38Update

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Assassin Empire of the Three Kingdoms Fiction
Assassin Empire of the Three Kingdoms

Heroes emerge one after another, wars are relentless... He arrived in the Three Kingdoms by accident, and his presence changed the course of history in a way different from what it was meant to be... Where to go, to become an assassin or rise up in resistance, the winds of change in this great era pushed him to the forefront!

422.32 Million words | 2022-03-31 10:30Update

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The Grand Tang's Splendid Romance Fiction
The Grand Tang's Splendid Romance

In the flourishing days of the Kaiyuan era, countless households were hidden in the small town. With rice flowing with oil and millet as white as snow, both public and private granaries were abundantly filled. In the fourth year of the Kaiyuan era, the Great Tang Empire was at its peak, and the capital Chang'an was the most prosperous city in the world, without a doubt. Yao Chong, Song Jing, Li Bai, Wang Wei, Zhang Xu, Wu Daozi, Yan Zhenqing, Gongsun Danniang, Pei Min, Guo Ziyi... At this moment, the sky of the magnificent Tang Dynasty was filled with shining stars. Born in a prosperous era, as a talented prodigy who was once forgotten, Du Shi Yi was not concerned about the overall situation of the world, but about how to live a more splendid life in this second chance. In the prosperous Tang Dynasty, there were those with heroic spirits, those with self-confidence and composure, those with great achievements, and those who enjoyed the luxury of palaces with the entire world bowing to them! After eight years of diligent writing, with nine works, following "The Amorous Adventures of Zhu Men," "The Treacherous Minister," "The Crown and the Robe," and "The Wealth and Glory," Fu Tian brings you his latest work, "The Splendor of the Tang Dynasty," taking you on a journey to truly experience the prosperous era of the Great Tang!

437.37 Million words | 2021-08-16 16:59Update

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Anti-Japanese war bandits Fiction
Anti-Japanese war bandits

During the Japanese invasion, the country was devastated. Young Hu Fei cremated the bodies of his loved ones and his own residence in a blaze, and from then on he became a bandit on the mountains. Hu Fei, also known as Hu the Bandit, was renowned throughout the martial world. He fought against traitors and the Japanese invaders, determined to defend China and eradicate the vile invaders. Adorned with the halo of an anti-Japanese volunteer soldier, Hu Fei was a famous leader of the bandits who fought for the country and its people. From the Northeast to Xinjiang, from Jin Sui to Zai Lanfeng, from Nanjing to Nanchang, the land of China bore witness to Hu Fei's battles. With an unquenchable thirst for revenge, Hu Fei fearlessly charged into every battle against the Japanese invaders. A military force with a distinct bandit style traversed the land of China, appearing and disappearing like ghosts, shouting and advancing with unyielding courage. They were the heroic Anti-Japanese Volunteer Army! (This book is purely fictional. Any resemblance to actual events or people is purely coincidental.)

429.54 Million words | 2022-09-08 12:45Update

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Nan Song does not cough. Fiction
Nan Song does not cough.

Background Song Dynasty was a unique period in history. It possessed three out of the four great inventions. It had significantly higher tax revenue compared to other dynasties. Its foreign trade and commercial scale were well-developed. It also had a high level of urbanization, poised for further transformation. Unfortunately, it encountered the Mongol Empire, a seemingly insurmountable historical challenge. Consequently, its process of development was abruptly interrupted, leading to the decline and eventual oblivion of the dynasty. The protagonist, Hong Tao, is a seasoned professional who has been reborn three

251.80 Million words | 2020-07-13 07:56Update

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Roaring Hero Fiction
Roaring Hero

Emperor Han Cheng, Liu Ao: "You ask Us... uh, you ask who I am? Hmm, I am merely a slave of the Fuping Marquis's family!" Zhao Feiyan, the most beautiful woman in the Han palace: "I would rather be the lord's concubine than the empress." Zhao Hede, the greatest beauty in the Two Hans era: "To fulfill my desires, I would not hesitate to die. I envy only mandarin ducks, not immortals." Ban Jieyu, the most talented female scholar of the Western Han: "Gazing at the bright moon, I embrace my heart, thinking of my love in the autumn wind." Wang Zhao

454.49 Million words | 2023-07-01 04:40Update

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The Strongest Army in the Three Kingdoms. Fiction
The Strongest Army in the Three Kingdoms.

In the chaotic era of wielding weapons, men aspire to be heroes! The late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, an eternal theme of passionate men! It was an era that gave birth to countless legends. There was Bai Ma Yi Cong, unmatched in horseback archery; the invincible vanguard soldiers; the unstoppable assault troops; the world-renowned Tiger and Leopard Cavalry... Great generals were abundant, and mighty soldiers were like a forest! Amidst the crumbling world, they galloped across the Central Plains, stirring up endless smoke of war. Who was the strongest? In the first year of Chu Ping, the warlords in the eastern region rose together, storming the gates to overthrow Dong Zhuo! Just...

348.82 Million words | 2022-10-09 04:37Update

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The Emperor's Younger Uncle during the end of the Han Dynasty. Fiction
The Emperor's Younger Uncle during the end of the Han Dynasty.

"I'm Ji Yu!" "Okay! Actually, my name is Liu Zhang, also known as Ji Yu!" When Ji Yu realizes that he has become the pitiful Liu Zhang, what choices will he make? Let us wait and see! ---------------------------- Brothers, Qingfeng's new book is now open for recommendations and collections.

4.64 Million words | 2023-03-03 10:14Update

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After transmigrating into the birth mother of a villain's cub, she effortlessly Fiction
After transmigrating into the birth mother of a villain's cub, she effortlessly

"Meng Bao Fun: Luo Jiaozhao is a mercenary from the 25th century. Unexpectedly, she died in a car accident and transmigrated into the body of a weak woman in a different world with the same name, along with two obedient little cubs. Skipping the stage of falling in love with men, she directly obtained two incredibly adorable and obedient little cubs. Luo Jiaozhao expresses that she has reached the pinnacle of life! The only downside is that her family is relatively poor, but it doesn't matter because Luo Jiaozhao is extremely skilled at making money. She runs restaurants, food stalls, and various businesses to earn money. One day, a man suddenly appears and claims to be her husband. Luo Jiaozhao loudly exclaims-"

311.01 Million words | 2020-11-29 20:45Update

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Invincible Demolition Worker Fiction
Invincible Demolition Worker

Notice: In light of the strong protests from the Asian people regarding the severe air pollution caused by Yasukuni Shrine, in order to safeguard the physical health of the people in the Asia-Pacific region, the Demolition Office of the Tang Dynasty Empire stationed in Japan has decided to carry out the demolition of the illegally constructed Yasukuni Shrine and construct a large-scale public sanitation facility in its place to alleviate air pollution, address the issue of land scarcity caused by the surging population in Tokyo, and improve personal hygiene for the local residents. From the date of issuance of this notice, all relevant individuals are required to bring their ownership certificates to the Demolition Office of the Tang Dynasty Empire within three days to complete the necessary procedures for demolition compensation agreements. Failure to complete the relevant procedures within three days will result in the initiation of legal proceedings for forced demolition by the Tang Dynasty Empire. The Tang Dynasty Empire stationed in Japan will collaborate with the city management personnel from the Demolition Office for the execution of the forced demolition. We urge all relevant countries, such as the Angle Tower, to refrain from challenging the bottom line of the Tang Dynasty Empire. Otherwise, they shall bear the consequences themselves. This notice is hereby issued. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Demolition Office of the Tang Dynasty Empire stationed in Japan

248.76 Million words | 2021-06-24 10:16Update

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The Great Consolidation of the Sui Dynasty Fiction
The Great Consolidation of the Sui Dynasty

Only professionals can do professional things! When time travel becomes fashionable and trendy, history needs even more professional time travelers. Gao Xing, a member of the Dragon Group, who always dreamed of traveling back in time, finally fulfilled his wish and arrived in the chaotic late period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Without Song Yu's tribute, there is still Xiao Meiniang. I don't like violence, but I don't mind using it. I don't like the smell of copper, but I don't want anyone to have more money than me. I don't like dominating, but I like to have the world submit to my feet. I am not a savior, but I am the terminator! I will treat the people under my rule with the warmth of spring, treat women with the heat of summer, treat the island country and the stick people like the autumn wind sweeping fallen leaves, and treat enemies more cruelly than the harsh winter. - Gao Xing. If you think "The Great Success of Establishing the Sui Dynasty" is good, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ groups and Weibo!

463.81 Million words | 2021-01-22 13:50Update

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After the Breakup, She Hides Her Pregnant Belly and Inherits Billions Fiction
After the Breakup, She Hides Her Pregnant Belly and Inherits Billions

Ye Zhimeng worked as a body double for five years, hiding her sharp edges and pretending to be gentle and obedient, doing everything she could to meet the needs of Li Xingyuan, but never being cherished. Until the news of Li Xingyuan's marriage to a billionaire heiress came. The obedient body double disappeared, leaving behind the scum boyfriend and hiding her pregnant belly as she ran away. Five years later, she transformed into the heiress of a trillion-dollar conglomerate, the investment queen adored by the capital world. When they reunite, after five years of searching and going insane, a certain someone who discarded all pride and arrogance pleads desperately, 'Darling, don't reject me...'

67.45 Million words | 2022-07-26 01:39Update

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Wind Rising in Longxi Fiction
Wind Rising in Longxi

The spy war of the Three Kingdoms era, witnessing the hidden brilliance of the intelligence master Zhuge Liang. An unknown enemy, the hunting and counter-hunting in the darkness. The tragic legend of the most successful spies and anti-spies in the Three Kingdoms, spanning from Hanzhong to the entire Yongliang region. The intense war between Wei and Shu, stretching across the Qinling Mountains. With clashing weapons and galloping horses, the era gives rise to many heroes. However, war is not only about bloodshed and battles, nor is it just about fighting. A silent war erupts in the unknown corners, fought deep within the enemy's heart and confronted with countless dangers. They operate in the shadows, sometimes hidden within their own ranks, doing the work of an executioner. These events will not be recorded in history books, nor will their names be left behind. Even their contemporaries will not perceive their existence. Yet, they quietly shape history and are indispensable, as they are the grand waves surging through the shadow of the era. The life and death struggle on the secret intelligence front during the Three Kingdoms era. This is a silent war...

554.33 Million words | 2022-05-19 13:34Update

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