historical fiction timeline

A Fascinating Journey Through Historical Fiction: Exploring the Timeline

Are you a history enthusiast with a love for immersive storytelling? If so, historical fiction novels might just be your perfect literary escape! Stepping into the past through the pages of a well-crafted historical fiction novel allows you to experience different eras, connect with captivating characters, and gain a deeper understanding of historical events. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the timeline of historical fiction, showcasing some iconic periods and recommending must-read novels by talented authors.

1. Ancient Civilizations:

Travel back in time to the dawn of civilization with historical fiction set in ancient times. Immerse yourself in the intriguing worlds of ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Mesopotamia. One exceptional novel worth exploring is "The Egyptian" by Mika Waltari, a compelling tale set in ancient Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten.

2. Medieval Europe:

Delve into the age of castles, knights, and chivalry with historical fiction set in medieval Europe. This captivating era is brimming with rich tales. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett is an epic novel that takes readers on a journey through 12th-century England, showcasing the construction of a grand cathedral and the lives of those involved.

3. Renaissance & Elizabethan Era:

Uncover the cultural and artistic advancements of the Renaissance and the intrigue of the Elizabethan era. Dive into "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco, a thrilling mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery. This novel seamlessly combines historical accuracy with captivating storytelling.

4. Colonial America:

Experience the birth of a nation with historical fiction set in colonial America. "The Last of the Mohicans" by James Fenimore Cooper is a classic novel that transports readers to the rugged landscapes of the American frontier during the French and Indian War.

5. Victorian Age:

Step into the elegant and complex society of the Victorian era, where societal norms and technological innovations collide. Immerse yourself in "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, a timeless romance novel that explores the challenges and expectations of 19th-century England's upper class.

6. World Wars:

Explore the impact of World War I and II through historical fiction that captures the human experience amidst the chaos of war. "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that follows the intertwining lives of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II.

7. Civil Rights Movement:

Engage with historical fiction that sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement. "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett is a powerful novel set in the 1960s, illuminating the lives of African American maids working in white households in Mississippi.

Discovering the Best Resources for Historical Fiction:

To further your exploration of historical fiction, there are numerous websites and platforms where you can find recommendations and connect with fellow historical fiction enthusiasts. Goodreads, a popular online community for book lovers, offers curated lists and reviews specifically focused on historical fiction. The Historical Novel Society's website (historicalnovelsociety.org) is another valuable resource, providing comprehensive information, author interviews, and reviews.

In conclusion, historical fiction novels offer a captivating blend of history and imagination, allowing readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way. Whether you are drawn to ancient civilizations, medieval Europe, or more recent historical events, there is a wealth of fascinating novels waiting to be discovered. So, embark on your own historical journey through the pages of these beloved books and let the past come alive.
Great Ming Splendor Fiction
Great Ming Splendor

Based on the legendary empress Sun Ruowei, the novel depicts her journey from entering the palace at the age of eight to experiencing the reigns of six dynasties and five emperors. It portrays her unwavering love with the emperor Zhu Zhanji, her childhood sweetheart, as well as her political achievements in managing two palace coups that shocked both domestic and foreign powers, influencing the young emperor's decision to move the capital and abolish the practice of burial alive. She, renowned for her beauty since the age of eight, and he, the designated crown prince appointed by the imperial ancestor, meet within the palace walls, and a deep love blossoms between them. Seven years later, a royal decree shatters their dream. She is forced to leave the palace and live in seclusion, while he reluctantly marries another. Their destined love story faces numerous obstacles. As they look up towards the boundless future, they set foot into the palace. Within the harem of the Great Ming Dynasty, how will they accomplish this true tale of a love between an emperor and empress recorded in history?

155.64 Million words | 2020-08-11 11:50Update

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Northward Fiction
Northward

"Northward" is a long novel written by the renowned author Xu Zechen after four years of dedicated work. The book is vast in scope, profound in its depiction, and intertwines the historical and contemporary narratives to tell a century-long "secret history" among several families over the Grand Canal. One of the main characters, Xie Pingyao, acts as an interpreter accompanying little Marco Polo on his visit. Xie Pingyao gathers various grassroots individuals from Chinese society, such as the porter Shao Changlai, the ship captain Xia family, and the righteous fist fighters Sun brothers, to travel along the Grand Canal from Hangzhou to Wuxi, heading northward. This journey serves as both an academic expedition and a reflection on the intellectual identity and destiny, while also exploring their roots. When they finally reach the northernmost end of the canal in Tongzhou, little Marco Polo tragically passes away. Simultaneously, the Qing government orders the cessation of canal transport, marking the beginning of the canal's substantial decline...

264.47 Million words | 2022-12-02 03:08Update

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Zhang Juzheng Fiction
Zhang Juzheng

Zhang Juzheng (Four Volumes) is the winner of the 6th Mao Dun Literature Prize. It revolves around the political struggle between Zhang Juzheng and the chief minister Gao Gong, showcasing the rise and fall of various political forces within and outside the imperial court. The novel vividly portrays characters with distinct personalities such as Zhang Juzheng, Gao Gong, Feng Bao, and Consort Li. Through vivid portrayal of typical settings and careful creation of historical atmosphere, the novel exhibits a clear historical rationality, with fervent and dynamic realism, vividly presenting a vast and intricate historical scenario linked to the 'Wanli New Policies' and showcasing the image of Zhang Juzheng, a complex reformer in feudal society, as well as the inevitability of his tragic fate. This book is a massive historical novel, permeated with an elegant and rustic charm, providing readers with an enjoyable reading experience that is both enlightening and captivating. It is the perfect choice for enthusiasts of historical fiction.

54.69 Million words | 2021-04-18 18:50Update

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Confusing Your Heart: My Lord, don't be reckless. Fiction
Confusing Your Heart: My Lord, don't be reckless.

The Miss of the Prime Minister's Mansion, the future Crown Princess, was framed for adultery with a guard. She was falsely accused of treason and selling the country. The Prime Minister's Mansion was ruthlessly destroyed, and the Miss was subjected to a slow and torturous death. The national treasure, the sinking incense plaque, disappeared without a trace. Returning covered in blood, she adopted the alias of Gu Yu and became a mysterious witch. She killed the Duke, vanquished demons, helped the Crown Prince eliminate rebellious factions, and stabilized the kingdom. At the chaotic burial ground, she peeled off a piece of the Prince's skin, which incurred the Prince's wrath and a debt collection visit. Realizing she couldn't afford the consequences, she decided to run away. But the Crown Prince said, "You are destined to be my Crown Princess, and the sinking incense plaque is proof." The Prince said, "Debt must be repaid, flesh must be returned. Don't even think about running away." Gu Yu said, "Well, how about both of you come into my trap?"

264.30 Million words | 2022-01-13 20:06Update

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The Origin of Smoking Fiction
The Origin of Smoking

The origin of smoking is a mystery in the history of our country and the world. Many historians and scholars around the world are studying and exploring this question. This book revolves around the theme of "The Origin of Smoking," conducting research, logical reasoning, and revealing fifteen world "firsts" through historical anecdotes: Who was the first person to smoke? Who was the first person to eat fish? Who was the first person to eat crabs? Who was the first person to eat roasted meat? Who was the first person to light a fire? Who was the first person to use "medicine" to treat injuries and illnesses? Who was the first person to sew clothes with needles? Who was the first person to invent traps? Who was the first person to go fishing? Who was the

6.44 Million words | 2023-05-11 09:16Update

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The First-Class Prime Minister Fiction
The First-Class Prime Minister

Kings from various countries arrived at the imperial banquet, engaging in a battle of wits. In their hearts, they coveted the prosperity of the capital, Bianliang, and all harbored intentions to bully the weakened Great Song. After three rounds of wine, they all took turns to taunt the Emperor of Great Song: "Our country has a mighty cavalry, a million elite soldiers!" "I have Chen Siwei!" "Our country has a thousand renowned generals, capable of breaking the enemy's formation with a wave of the whip!" "I have Chen Siwei!" "Our country possesses mountains of silver and rivers of grains!" "I have Chen Siwei!"

212.79 Million words | 2021-07-20 11:44Update

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The Boss of the Sui Dynasty Fiction
The Boss of the Sui Dynasty

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

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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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Blood Stained Great Qin Fiction
Blood Stained Great Qin

Emperor Zhao, a lone ruler, was granted the immortal scripture "Blood-Stained Great Qin" by the heavens. He then passed it on to King Yan of Liang to continue the dynasty. Determined to seek immortality in the east, Emperor Zhao embarked on a journey to Penglai to seek the path of eternal life, but his quest was in vain. In historical records, it is recorded that in the twelfth month of the sixth year of the reign of Emperor Wu of Great Qin, the renowned conqueror, under the pseudonym of Li, obtained a partial copy of the immortal scripture known as "Blood-Stained Great Qin." Overjoyed, he kept it in the Zhaode Hall and passed the throne to King Yan of Liang. From then on, he pursued the path of immortality. However, this copy was incomplete, and he could never find the entrance to immortality. Emperor Qin sighed deeply and renamed the scripture as "Sunflower Scripture," decreeing that it be studied by the small yellow gatekeepers in the

401.53 Million words | 2020-11-10 21:19Update

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Dreamer of Freedom Fiction
Dreamer of Freedom

What would the world become if humans lost their dreams? This is a story about dreams! This is a story that revolves around dreams, gradually reaching the pinnacle of the world! Indulging in the art of dreaming, one becomes invincible!

285.01 Million words | 2021-10-30 14:31Update

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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

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Set Sail, Great Ming Fiction
Set Sail, Great Ming

Shen Chongming, a fallen second-generation rich, rises to power and assumes the central position in just a few years. He is the commander of the Imperial Guard, leading a formidable army to deal with ambitious individuals who harbor ulterior motives and manipulate conspiracies. He is also the god of wealth in the mortal world, serving as the governor of the Maritime Office, breaking the maritime trade ban and amassing vast amounts of wealth. Furthermore, he is entangled with a skilled martial artist junior sister, an arrogant and spoiled young lady, an understanding Qingguan man, and a female assassin seeking revenge for her father... Some say he is a deep and cunning villain who manipulates political power, while others say he is a loyal and dedicated minister who wholeheartedly serves the country. Shen Chongming smiles and says, "No, I am just a straightforward person who believes in repaying kindness with kindness, repaying grudges with revenge, enjoys counting money, and loves flirting with beautiful women." In

74.84 Million words | 2022-11-07 02:18Update

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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

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Ming Security Fiction
Ming Security

Modern otaku Zhang Chu lived a happy life, but accidentally traveled back to the late Ming Dynasty, where he almost starved to death in the wilderness. In order to survive, he struggled relentlessly. Li Zicheng, we can do some business together. If you provide the money, I can fight for you, Chongzhen. The world changed as a result.

367.87 Million words | 2021-03-07 18:38Update

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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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The glory of the Song Dynasty Fiction
The glory of the Song Dynasty

Yang Wanli envies his drunken encounters with beauties; Lu You slanders his face like the king of the underworld; The beautiful memories burden him, and his dreams break his heart; Xin Qiji mocks his thuggish behavior; When historians write about his life, they shake their heads in silence, unable to put pen to paper... (History as the skeleton, imagination as the wings, the spirit of the Chinese nation, vast and magnificent.) QQ Group: [group number]

200.50 Million words | 2021-02-09 04:02Update

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Hanwa Fiction
Hanwa

The once mighty Han Empire has reached its desperate end. The glorious Han ethnicity is about to plummet into the depths of darkness. The curtain of chaos slowly unveils, marking an era of blood and fire, a time belonging to heroes, yet also a tragic era... By my blood, I offer the soul of Xuanyuan, protecting the multitude of Han commoners! By my body, I transform Qin bricks and Han tiles, constructing the Great Wall spanning thousands of miles for our Huaxia! I am Liu Ze, and here I come. This is my story: Witness how an underdog rises in the Three Kingdoms! In the hearts of a thousand people, there lie a thousand Three Kingdoms. Under the pen of Lao Feng, perhaps the most perfect Three Kingdoms cannot be written, but it will definitely not disappoint. Amidst the ruins of Han, we shall reshape a dream of end-of-Han China, shining brightly.

379.18 Million words | 2022-10-22 13:47Update

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I am here, the king. Fiction
I am here, the king.

The moon has a secret, she carefully guards a world-shattering treasure without a "key". The regent has a doubt, he schemingly tries to exclude and mistreat the moon with all the women in his mansion, but she thrives and becomes more content day by day. She is an unlucky princess, he is the powerful regent who holds sway over the court. When she meets him, they initially dislike each other, but later on... "Why are you shouting? I am here!" "What are you afraid of? I am here!" "Why are you crying? I am here!"

184.17 Million words | 2022-01-27 04:10Update

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Legend Kitchen Warrior Fiction
Legend Kitchen Warrior

"Xie Heilong, the captain is coming soon. Add a few more dishes right away." "Xie Heilong, stop chopping vegetables. Sniper from the third platoon has a stomachache. Hurry and go. If you don't take the first place, go feed the pigs." The story of a mediocre soldier in the cooking squad who rises up to become the King of Soldiers! Well, the story of the King of Soldiers who was once a cook."

408.60 Million words | 2020-07-05 03:00Update

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Victoria's Secret Fiction
Victoria's Secret

A thousand years ago, the decisive battle between light and darkness took place. As the goddess slumbered, she left behind a prophecy, foretelling the coming of the savior. And now, a millennium later, the reborn soul finds itself lost in this world, burdened with a heavy responsibility, struggling to break free from the chains of mundane existence. Walking a precarious tightrope between good and evil, will he fulfill the prophecy and save humanity? Or will he bring about the destruction of all things? The vengeful judge returns from afar. What exactly is Victoria's secret?

157.55 Million words | 2023-06-28 15:13Update

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Rebel unifies the world. Fiction
Rebel unifies the world.

A modern ordinary person travels to a strange world, where there are no three emperors and five empires, no Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, or Qing dynasties. Instead, there exists a massive empire that is powerful enough to intimidate everyone! Officials are corrupt, the emperor is incompetent, frequent natural disasters occur but no one comes to aid, and the common people suffer endlessly... Wang Xu, starting from being an insignificant beggar, takes step by step to overcome obstacles, removing every stumbling block in his path. With the use of modern knowledge, he creates numerous advanced weapons... He is unwilling to be ordinary; he wants to rebel! [Dear friends, please collect if you like it, thank you!] [Join the Qianye Book Club chat group for

420.83 Million words | 2021-09-27 04:05Update

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