great historical fiction books to read

Are you a fan of gripping tales that transport you to a bygone era? If you crave a taste of the past and love to immerse yourself in engrossing historical fiction, you're in luck! In this article, we'll explore some of the greatest historical fiction books that are sure to captivate your imagination and leave you yearning for more.

1. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett:
Step into the 12th century and witness the construction of a magnificent cathedral amidst political intrigue and personal dramas. Ken Follett's epic masterpiece weaves together vivid characters and a meticulously researched historical backdrop that will keep you hooked until the very last page.

2. "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell:
Travel back to the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. Delve into the turbulent life of Scarlett O'Hara as she navigates love, loss, and the changing landscape of the South. Margaret Mitchell's sweeping novel is a timeless classic that continues to enthrall readers around the world.

3. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel:
Step into the captivating world of King Henry VIII's court and witness the rise of Thomas Cromwell, one of history's most enigmatic figures. Hilary Mantel weaves a rich tapestry of political intrigue and personal ambition, bringing to life a fascinating era in English history.

4. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak:
Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, this profoundly moving story follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who discovers the power of words and the solace they bring during a time of darkness. Markus Zusak's lyrical prose and unforgettable characters make this a must-read for any fan of historical fiction.

5. "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr:
Transport yourself to occupied France during World War II and delve into the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths intertwine. Anthony Doerr's beautifully crafted narrative explores the profound impact of war on individuals and the resilience of the human spirit.

For even more historical fiction recommendations, consider visiting websites such as Goodreads or Bookbub, where you'll find curated lists and reviews from fellow enthusiasts. These platforms are great resources for discovering new gems and connecting with a vibrant community of readers who share your passion for historical fiction.

So, whether you're fascinated by medieval cathedrals, the American Civil War, Renaissance politics, or the human stories within WWII, these incredible historical fiction books are waiting to transport you to another time and place. Get ready to lose yourself in the past and embark on unforgettable literary journeys!
Rise of the Northern Song Dynasty. Fiction
Rise of the Northern Song Dynasty.

Traveling through the late Northern Song Dynasty, the enchanting young widow, the willing courtesan, and the unreasonable femme fatale, all captured! The cunning Lao Zhong, the rascal Han Wu, and the straightforward Yue Fei; the fierce bandits, the wise Da Shi, and the domineering Wu Zhu; the charming emperor, the sycophant Tong Guan, and the greedy Cai Jing; fighting wits and courage, revealing the true colors of heroes! The hearts of beauties, the bond of brothers, witnessing the ever-changing world. Dear readers, welcome to our QQ group. Thank you for the reviews and support provided by the Wenxun Book Review Team.

137.85 Million words | 2023-02-28 12:42Update

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Ming Dynasty Jiang Xiang Fiction
Ming Dynasty Jiang Xiang

Jiang Xiang, a man who dwells in the rivers and lakes, boasting the talent of a prime minister. Yes, I admit that I am a fraud, but I am a fraud with genuine knowledge and abilities. If they don't let me hold an official position? I can still engage in romantic affairs. If they don't let me get married? I can still make money through business. Damn it, they won't even let me make money? Well then, sorry, but

336.55 Million words | 2023-01-25 13:45Update

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The Astonishing Heiress: Ace Consort Fiction
The Astonishing Heiress: Ace Consort

On the day of her wedding, when she lifted her head, she was taken aback to see that it was the wicked eunuch she despised. Hua Qingmo, the legitimate daughter of the Ning County Prince's Mansion, was timid by nature and had been neglected by her parents, bullied by her sisters, and disrespected by the servants. On her coming-of-age ceremony, she was instigated by her sister and ended up dead in the snow. When she opened her eyes again, she had become Hua Qingning, one of the top superhumans of the Supernatural Research Institute. In the midst of the snow, she grabbed onto a glimpse of peony-red clothing to save her life, and it turned out to be Bai Zixiao, the

81.29 Million words | 2021-02-07 23:15Update

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Young Lord of the Great Song Fiction
Young Lord of the Great Song

Once a bank employee, now reborn into the world as a person, unexpectedly finding himself in the great Song Dynasty! With an empty home and living in abject poverty, how can he survive? With countless strategies in his heart and a carriage full of poetry and books, unfortunately, his handwriting resembles that of a crawling dog and is simply unsightly... He competes for fame with courtesans, fights for beautiful women, and faces persecution from wicked tyrants; he joins the army under a renowned teacher and learns everything from him. He forms brotherhood bonds, sharing life and death, and repeatedly turns danger into safety; he seduces women, exuding charm and elegance, always winding through countless twists and turns... With the Khitan on the north horizon, Tibetans causing chaos in the west, domestic ministers oppressing the people, and regional lords coveting power, since he has arrived in this great Song Dynasty, he will restore peace to this land and create a prosperous era for the people! As the wheels of history roll forward, can he fulfill his aspirations? Let's witness the unveiling of this historical scroll in "The Young Lord of the Great Song."

29.19 Million words | 2023-04-07 04:45Update

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The Chronicles of Sanguo's Whispers Fiction
The Chronicles of Sanguo's Whispers

Special Forces soldier Liu Qi, in an accident, traveled back to the Three Kingdoms period and naturally became Liu Bei's eldest son Liu Qi, one of the "Eight Geniuses". This Liu Qi is not the same as the historical Liu Qi. Watch how Liu Qi pretends to be a pig and eats a tiger, silently developing. Waiting for the right moment, when encountering storms, he will transform into a dragon, turning the heavens and earth upside down, making the sun and moon lose their light! With such favorable conditions, Jingzhou, captured; valiant generals, defeated; beautiful women, hehe, do you think Liu Qi will let them go? The world, everything is in his hands...

592.59 Million words | 2022-12-05 17:43Update

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Li Lianying Fiction
Li Lianying

This book provides a detailed and nuanced description of Li Lianying's extraordinary life, from her exceptional talents in childhood to her diligent work in her youth. It delves into her rise to power in middle age and her successful return to her hometown in old age. Particularly noteworthy is the portrayal of Li Lianying's emotional world as a man and his close relationship with the widowed Empress Dowager Cixi, depicting their mutual support and reliance on each other. Unbiasedly, this is not only a poignant and tragic story of China's top eunuch, but also a gripping tale of power struggle within the imperial court.

332.64 Million words | 2021-09-07 14:21Update

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The Crafty Overlord Reigns Supreme. Fiction
The Crafty Overlord Reigns Supreme.

Jian is wicked and Xiong is mighty. In times of order, one becomes a villain; in times of chaos, one becomes a hero. In the face of the end of the world, one becomes the hope of the world, known as a cunning hero. Due to an accident, Chen Guodong, the second officer of a large ocean-going ship, abandoned a bright future and transcended to the late Southern Song Dynasty, which was on the verge of destruction. Ahead were iron horses and golden spears, while behind was a deep abyss. Looking at the world, it was a time full of opportunities. Let's witness how the cunning hero Chen Dexing saves the nation from a millennium of decline amidst the raging storm...

271.18 Million words | 2020-12-02 09:20Update

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The Rise of Dragon Soul Fiction
The Rise of Dragon Soul

The center of world power, the most mysterious island, is the supreme hall of honor for soldiers, and also known as a purgatory-like existence. Dragon Soul Island transforms an ordinary person into a towering figure, unlocking their last drop of potential, surpassing the nation, and becoming the battleground for global power struggles. Li Dou, a young lad from Xiahe Village, becomes a soldier and grows into a national-level king of soldiers. However, his struggle has just begun, as Dragon Soul Island stretches out its colossal hand towards him.

403.63 Million words | 2021-02-09 07:49Update

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Legend of Wulin Heroes in the Three Kingdoms Fiction
Legend of Wulin Heroes in the Three Kingdoms

The unsolvable millennium puzzle, the ambitious Chu Kuangge seeks immortality and world domination! Xiao Yang, descendant of Xiao He, unexpectedly obtains the "Yellow Stone Scriptures" and roams the world, recruiting mighty warriors and capturing alluring beauties, reveling in the intoxicating realm of rivers and lakes! What? My brother is a despicable creature, a scum from ancient times? Even Prime Minister Zhao and Prince Li Yuanba of the West Palace cannot match him with three strikes? The clash between Xiemen Chuixue and Ye Gucheng in a parallel universe, and the showdown between Xiaofeng and Guo Jing with their respective martial arts! More excitement awaits in "The Heroes of Martial Arts in the Three Kingdoms"

384.72 Million words | 2020-12-10 07:08Update

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Intelligent Owl Fiction
Intelligent Owl

In the ninth year of Chongzhen reign, the grand palace teeters! Sons of Han, their hot blood spilled!

334.26 Million words | 2021-02-11 03:00Update

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Tang Dynasty Urban Management Brigade Fiction
Tang Dynasty Urban Management Brigade

"The Tang Urban Management is a quasi-military organization developed secretly in our country. They manage the city during peacetime and train in guerrilla tactics. During wartime, they can be incorporated into the regular army. They are an excellent reserve force that can charge into battle, conduct reconnaissance, endure hardships, tolerate suffering, and fight bravely." Xu Yang adjusted his attire and said, "As the spokesperson for the Tang News, I solemnly promise that our country will never be the first to use Urban Management forces against foreign entities." "In our eyes, if the Turkic cavalry is like dust, then we are a sandstorm." - Excerpt from the preface of "The Outstanding History of Urban Management" "I'm sorry, but I can only answer that I don't know because it involves the highest secrets of the Tang Empire." - Response from the Urban Management captain when asked about their training by a journalist "You must have never seen the Urban Management... If you had, you wouldn't be standing here so intact..." - Disabled Gokturk swordsman "When the Urban Management appears on the battlefield, I know that our doomsday has come." - Former Japanese Emperor, Wood Kawasei "The Tang Urban Management, the best in the world." - Joint letter from the Arab, Silla, Gupta, Persian, and Abbasid Emperors.

411.23 Million words | 2022-08-28 23:45Update

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A Life in a Foreign Land Fiction
A Life in a Foreign Land

【Farm + Cute Kids + Sweet Pet + Vengeance】Qin Jiuyue, the ace assassin of the 22nd century, transmigrated into a malicious and despised rural girl, along with a living dead husband and four children with distinct personalities! Roll up your sleeves and work hard! I'll make you earn a fortune first. We can catch rabbits on the mountain and catch precious fish in the river. I'm skilled in farming and business! I raise chubby kids, teach them literature and martial arts, and guide them to become honorable heroes. Later on - The new emperor ascends the throne: I was raised by my mother. Young general: I was also raised by my mother. Foreign princess: I was adopted by Sister Jiuyue. The free-spirited medical saint: I was also picked up by Jiuyue as her disciple.

198.59 Million words | 2021-07-08 12:59Update

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The Five Dynasties' Against the Sky Fiction
The Five Dynasties' Against the Sky

To avoid the decline of the two Song dynasties and revive the prosperity of the Han and Tang dynasties, everything lies in the novel "The Reversal of the Five Dynasties". Originally intended to portray a cheerful fifth prince, who would have thought he would recruit a trusted general named Cao Bin, hire an accountant and change his own name to Zhao Pu, and even save a bandit, only to find out that his brother-in-law is Pan Mei... In the city of Bianjing, he insults Wang Pu, injures Shi Shouxin, and even kicks Zhao Kuangyin's buttocks with force. There is no path of surrender, only the road to contention for hegemony!

74.65 Million words | 2020-10-21 23:20Update

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The golden bowl is missing. Fiction
The golden bowl is missing.

During the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song, the Song, Liao, and Jin dynasties each held their own territories in the vast land of China. The Jin dynasty thrived, while the Liao dynasty suffered from deep-rooted problems. Meanwhile, the Song government, since the peace

120.06 Million words | 2023-02-25 14:34Update

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A Guide to Jia Lian in the Red Chamber Fiction
A Guide to Jia Lian in the Red Chamber

The unparalleled talents of the Twelve Beauties of Jinling could not escape the tragic fate of being inevitably associated with sorrow and tears. Even the astounding stubborn stone is nothing more than an irreparable stone! The collapse of the Red Chamber resonates loudly, shattering the dream into pieces. The empty space of the antique lamp and ancient Buddha may not be truly empty, as they recite the lingering resentment of Cao Xueqin. The Red Chamber has lost its dreams, leaving only remnants of dream shadows!

454.54 Million words | 2021-10-30 22:24Update

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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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Surviving at the end of the Western Jin Dynasty. Fiction
Surviving at the end of the Western Jin Dynasty.

Traversing the end of Western Jin Dynasty, I became an ordinary member among the masses, forced to engage in dangerous private salt trading for survival. Little did I know, it was through this endeavor that I would establish a great dominion, making light of the chaos brought upon by the Five Barbarians. Behold the rise of Wei Shuo, the one who will seize the world from Jin! During the Yongjia era, demons danced recklessly, scholars fled to the south, and common people suffered. With a sweep of the southern wind, Hu's dust settled, and I embarked on a journey to Chang'an and beyond. This is my Huaxia, a new turning point in history, as a new chapter of Huaxia poetry begins! It all starts from the fifth year of Yongjia in Western Jin, in the year AD...

596.24 Million words | 2022-10-14 01:00Update

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The Elegant Household Servant Fiction
The Elegant Household Servant

Li Jin, a recently dismissed mechanical engineering graduate, was tragically killed in a car accident, only to unexpectedly find himself transported back to ancient times. Making the best of a bad situation, he shamelessly plagiarized the works of ancient poets and inventors, rising to power and surrounded by countless beauties in this new era...

547.12 Million words | 2022-09-02 17:50Update

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The Hunting System of the Three Kingdoms Fiction
The Hunting System of the Three Kingdoms

Otaku Hu Li returned to the Three Kingdoms with a headhunting system. Originally without any ambitions, he was forced onto the path of dominance by the system's elimination of threats. He recruited famous officials, gathered renowned generals, and embraced beautiful women, creating his own legend! Tian Feng, Chen Gong, and Jia Xu are mine. Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, Zhang Liao, and Gao Shun are also mine. Zhen Ji, Da Qiao, and Xiao Qiao are mine as well. Cai Wenji, Diao Chan, Zou Shi, and Wu Xian, these married women cannot be let go either. I must also experience the style of the Western Regions and the culture of the Eastern Island. If there is a chance, I must

475.68 Million words | 2021-03-28 19:10Update

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Basic Interdimensional Law Fiction
Basic Interdimensional Law

Book Club Group Number: The old version of the introduction has been cut due to its excessive length and is now suspended from a tree.

281.53 Million words | 2022-05-29 03:17Update

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