best historical fiction books of all time

Searching for the best historical fiction books of all time? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the most beloved and highly acclaimed historical fiction novels that have captivated readers for generations. From epic tales of war and romance to gripping accounts of real events, these books offer a perfect combination of entertainment and education. So, get ready to travel back in time and immerse yourself in the wonders of these literary masterpieces.

1. "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell:
This American Civil War epic tells the story of Scarlet O'Hara, a headstrong Southern belle, and her struggles to survive and find love amidst the chaos of the war. Mitchell's vivid portrayal of the era and unforgettable characters make this book a true classic.

2. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett:
Set in 12th century England, this gripping novel follows the construction of a cathedral in the small town of Kingsbridge. Follett intricately weaves together the lives of various characters, offering a rich portrayal of medieval life, romance, and political intrigue.

3. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel:
Winner of the Man Booker Prize, this novel delves into the life of Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in the court of Henry VIII. Mantel's exquisite writing brings the Tudor era to life, with its religious upheavals, royal drama, and the complex personality of the infamous king.

4. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak:
Set during World War II in Nazi Germany, this unique and heart-wrenching story follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace in books and inadvertently becomes a thief. Zusak's masterpiece explores the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.

5. "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr:
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel intertwines the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II. Doerr's lyrical prose and meticulous research create a poignant and unforgettable portrayal of the war's impact on ordinary individuals.

When searching for historical fiction books, it's also worth exploring the works of other renowned authors such as Philippa Gregory, Bernard Cornwell, and Colleen McCullough. Their novels, including "The Other Boleyn Girl," "The Last Kingdom," and "The Thorn Birds," respectively, offer immersive experiences in different historical periods.

To discover and access these books and many more, online platforms like Goodreads, Amazon, and Book Depository provide user reviews, ratings, and easy purchasing options. Libraries and bookstores are also fantastic resources for exploring historical fiction collections.

So, whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a captivating story set in the past, these best historical fiction books are sure to transport you to different eras and leave a lasting impression. Happy reading!
Rebirth of the Spring and Autumn Warring States Era Fiction
Rebirth of the Spring and Autumn Warring States Era

This is an era filled with contradictions, a time when sages like Laozi, Confucius, Yan Zi, and Sun Zi emerged, laying the foundation for the Hundred Schools of Thought. But this era is also filled with injustice, with constant warfare resulting in the decline of hundreds of feudal states, leaving only a few dozen. Many feudal states have experienced multiple destructions and revivals. Kings seize the opportunity to invade when another king mourns the death of a relative or when the kingdom faces disasters. Rulers prioritize personal gain over trust and righteousness. They fail to rule as true kings, and their subjects fail to serve as loyal subjects. The power in the state of Lu is divided amongst the Three Hengs, in Jin it is shared among the Four Qing, and in Qi, the Tian family holds great power on the sidelines. In this era, Yang Zilu does not possess grand ambitions, but unfortunately, due to an incorrect decision by King Goujian, he is forced onto the path of hegemony. ......... If you, my dear readers, find "Rebirth in the Spring and Autumn Warring States" enjoyable, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ groups and on Weibo!

467.89 Million words | 2022-09-15 10:36Update

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Proud Tang Fiction
Proud Tang

In the history records: In the 14th year of the Tianbao era, on the 9th day of the 11th month, An Lushan rebelled against the Tang Dynasty in Fanyang. The rebel forces quickly seized the capital, Luoyang, and then set their sights on Chang'an. Under the repeated instigation of Prime Minister Yang Guozhong, Emperor Li Longji ordered General Geshu Han, the defender of Tongguan, to launch a full-scale attack, resulting in a disastrous defeat. Tongguan was soon captured, and Chang'an was subsequently occupied by the rebel army. Li Longji hurriedly fled westward to Shu. During Li Longji's escape, a mutiny broke out at Ma Wei Slope,

238.83 Million words | 2021-01-24 08:54Update

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Assassin Empress: Long Live the Demon Emperor Fiction
Assassin Empress: Long Live the Demon Emperor

A 21st-century top assassin traverses to a different world, transforming from a worthless waste to a genius, defying all odds as a legendary crown princess. With her unparalleled skills, she rises to fame and becomes a renowned figure. "Whether you're a woman or a man, if I like you, I'll like you." Jun Fuxiao trembles as she gazes at him, saying, "...beast...you beast!" He smiles knowingly and nods sincerely, "Yes, even if you're a beast, I'd still only like you." In the end, it's only you, it has always been you!

175.67 Million words | 2023-03-28 18:39Update

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Taking the Farm to Wage War in the Three Kingdoms Fiction
Taking the Farm to Wage War in the Three Kingdoms

Zhang Bao, a homebody, time-travels with his farm and becomes Zhang Fei's son, Zhang Bao. Witness how he utilizes the advantages of his farm to create an elite special forces team and achieve miracles in the Three Kingdoms with modern thinking. However, shortly after Zhang Bao's promotion to a military general, the farm undergoes a series of transformations, and a fantasy version of the Three Kingdoms unfolds. What path will history take? Join our book club at 456320419 and enjoy the fun with fellow readers!

310.12 Million words | 2023-01-10 15:26Update

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The rivers and mountains of the Nine Provinces all belong to China. Fiction
The rivers and mountains of the Nine Provinces all belong to China.

In the 21st century, college student Hu Yang mysteriously travelled back to the eve of the downfall of the Ming Dynasty in South Ming Hongguang era and became a guerrilla general in the Huang Degong division of the Ming army: Pang Yue. South Ming, to the Chinese nation, was a tragic era. The Manchus took advantage of the internal strife among the Han people and, with their inferior forces, managed to conquer and occupy the entire continent in just a few short years, nearly extinguishing the Han civilization. In the face of this collapsing empire, with no prominent status or powerful cheat codes, all Hu Yang had was a sense of responsibility and confidence in the Chinese nation, along with a group of loyal comrades. Despite the seemingly powerful enemies in front of him, he still raised his spear without hesitation to uphold the dignity of his people. With golden armor and iron cavalry, frost-covered swords and icy daggers, let us witness how this "scholar" leads his fierce army and writes a legendary tale of all the land and mountains of the Nine Provinces belonging to China! Book fans QQ group:

248.98 Million words | 2023-05-15 09:58Update

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Anti-Terrorism Elites in the War of Resistance Fiction
Anti-Terrorism Elites in the War of Resistance

Archimedes said, "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world!" Xu Rui said, "Give me an AWP and I will headshot the enemy boss!" Returning to the past, to an era of raging wars, with the sound of the charging tanks, we destroy everything in our path, with rivers of blood flowing along. Ste

233.53 Million words | 2023-04-24 12:53Update

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The Supreme Tang Fiction
The Supreme Tang

Gourmet Excellence Entertainment Excellence Literary Excellence Martial Excellence Beauty Excellence ... Let's witness Wang Xiang creating an era of Excellence in every aspect in the magnificent Tang Dynasty.

219.55 Million words | 2022-01-28 13:39Update

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Dragon's Roar on Water Lake Fiction
Dragon's Roar on Water Lake

My name is Cyberton, I have a small box. If your nickname is related to the heroes of the Sui and Tang dynasties, I can grant you their powers. As for that Wang Lun, we formed a sect together. Whose power do you want to obtain? What...the power of Li Mi? And you want me to find you Xiao Fei? Why don't you go die!

527.29 Million words | 2020-08-22 07:18Update

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The Most Awesome Prince Consort in History Fiction
The Most Awesome Prince Consort in History

and he accidentally became involved in the fate of the Song Dynasty.

279.85 Million words | 2021-01-21 12:35Update

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The Beggar's World Hero in the War of Resistance. Fiction
The Beggar's World Hero in the War of Resistance.

Those who are humble dare not forget their country's worries. Even when the mountains and rivers are lost, the nation is destroyed, even the lowliest of citizens will do their part, seeking revenge and justice! A group of lions led by a sheep is no match for a group of sheep led by a lion. Transplanted into a war-torn era, Ren Ziqiang, accompanied by a group of beggars, uses every means possible against the invading enemy, leaving them terrified and defeated!

431.07 Million words | 2023-05-13 01:39Update

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The Voyage of the Grey Wolf Fiction
The Voyage of the Grey Wolf

In the Jiajing period of the Great Ming Dynasty, there were Mongols in the north and Japanese pirates in the southeast. Corrupt officials plagued the country, and the people could barely survive. The empire was in turmoil. In order to seek immortality, the emperor divided his courtiers and promoted the Yan faction, secretly sending the Embroidered Uniform Guard to disrupt the martial world. From then on, the rivers and lakes became chaotic, and the everlasting battle between righteousness and evil, which had lasted for a thousand years, finally reached a decisive moment. There were fifteen major sects and three forces, intricately intertwined, marking an unprecedented upheaval in the martial world. Li Heng, the senior disciple of Wudang, faced a drastic change, going from having everything to having nothing overnight. This pain surpassed any pain

502.30 Million words | 2021-02-18 20:23Update

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Divine General of the Heavenly Strategy in the Holy Tang Dynasty. Fiction
Divine General of the Heavenly Strategy in the Holy Tang Dynasty.

This novel aims to depict a realistic Tang Dynasty. Lin Xuan, who transmigrated into a man named Li Shan during the flourishing period of Emperor Xuanzong's reign in the Tang Dynasty, embarked on an extraordinary life. Imagine the protagonist engaging in drinking and poetry battles with Li Bai, engaging in discussions on state affairs and philosophy with Yao Chong and Song Jing, and defeating the Tibetan Empire to pacify the Kingdom of Nanzhao. Unrestrained and indulgent, Li Shan leaves his colorful mark on the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

389.78 Million words | 2022-01-15 11:12Update

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Empire's Turbulence Fiction
Empire's Turbulence

Military spirit! Military soul! Military momentum!!! There is a thing in the world called "momentum". Dragons roam freely in the sea, tigers stride through deep mountains, snakes hide among grass, and horses gallop on plain fields. That is their momentum! A true warrior always harbors a fear and cautiousness towards things they don't understand, for someone who fears nothing...is a fool. The protagonist of the book, Qian Buli, often feels anxious about the future that he cannot grasp, which enables him to see farther than ordinary people. Because he doesn't want to turn every aspect of his life into a pawn and hand it over to the bewildering future, he rises up and does everything in his power to control the situation in his hands. The rest, belongs to fate.

199.32 Million words | 2022-01-24 13:44Update

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Requesting to take leave: The princess intends to remarry. Fiction
Requesting to take leave: The princess intends to remarry.

Ignoring her father's opposition, she married him as the prime minister's legitimate daughter. After the wedding, she exhausted all her efforts to assist him in gradually ascending to high positions. Unexpectedly, along with the imperial edict promoting him, there was also a secret order to massacre the entire prime minister's mansion. Crawling out from a pool of blood, she witnessed a scene of him embracing another woman in his arms. With bruises all over, struggling for breath, she laughed bitterly, "Zhou Mu, as long as I have a breath left, I will make sure to tear your heart out. Even if I become a ghost, I will haunt you day and night, making the Zhou family never

287.63 Million words | 2021-04-10 17:22Update

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The King of the Unknown Sword in the Flourishing Tang Dynasty. Fiction
The King of the Unknown Sword in the Flourishing Tang Dynasty.

(The new book has been uploaded. Please come and take a look, my new and old book friends.) In the midst of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, the free fighter Li Ye is transcended into Li Siye, a man who has yet to become a famous general. From the bustling Chang'an to the four towns of Anxi, from the narrow streets to the frontier cities of the desert, he will annihilate the Tubo, subdue the Turkic, and conquer the Great Western Xia. As a true man, as a successor, both men and horses will be shattered!

229.04 Million words | 2023-03-05 22:44Update

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Strong man Fiction
Strong man

[Contracted Work by Fourth Editing Group] Conquering the Xiongnu on horseback, the flames of war rage under Emperor Han Wu, as the army of the reborn soldier leads hundreds of thousands of iron cavalry through countless bloody battles, forging a legendary feat that belongs to the Han ethnic group for ages.

453.64 Million words | 2023-03-15 01:51Update

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Late Ming Dynasty bandit Fiction
Late Ming Dynasty bandit

Fan Jinyan, who is reincarnated into a low-ranking soldier in the Wei troops during the chaotic era of the late Ming dynasty, falls into the clutches of a beautiful female bandit who tricks him into joining her gang in order to fill his stomach. The emperor has three palaces, six departments, and seventy-two concubines? The emperor possesses boundless wealth, with silver that cannot be spent? Well then, I want to be an emperor too. Witness how an ambitious bandit takes step by step to ascend the throne of the emperor.

507.07 Million words | 2023-05-03 21:10Update

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Liaodong nail household. Fiction
Liaodong nail household.

There are farmlands, pastures, a river in front, and mountains behind. Coal is buried underground, and gold is hidden in the valleys! The hardworking pig's trotters stick up, happily tilling the most fertile land. "Zhang Erlang, have the Mongols arrived?" "Show them our shining knives!" "The wild boar skin has arrived!" "Bring out the firelock!" "The emperor's men are coming to claim our land!" "The Zhus have had enough, they've taken the Forbidden City by force!" Be the strongest nail-house owner, resolutely safeguarding this prosperous land. Zhang Ke clenches a shining vegetable knife in his hand and laughs loudly to the sky: "Liaodong is my home, whoever dares to meddle, I'll break their claws!"

191.95 Million words | 2020-09-13 04:23Update

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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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Enlightenment Fiction
Enlightenment

Transferred back to the seventh year of the Chongzhen reign in the Ming Dynasty, no food, no clothes, no house to live in. Angry, rebel! Down with Chongzhen! Down with Huang Taiji! Down with the little Japanese! Down with Western powers! Down with anyone I don't like! Lend me three thousand elite soldiers and restore the mighty Chinese nation!

258.53 Million words | 2020-07-07 13:25Update

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