historical fiction characteristics

When it comes to historical fiction, it's the perfect blend of history and imagination. Readers are transported to different eras and get to experience the past through compelling characters, intriguing plots, and authentic settings. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of historical fiction and recommend some must-read novels in this genre.

1. Accurate Historical Setting: One of the fundamental features of historical fiction is an accurate portrayal of the past. Authors meticulously research the time period, including the customs, events, and social dynamics, to provide readers with an immersive experience. Novels like "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett and "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell excel in recreating historical settings.

2. Complex Characters: Historical fiction often introduces readers to captivating characters who live amidst significant historical events. These characters are relatable, multi-dimensional, and offer various perspectives on the era they inhabit. A prime example is Thomas Cromwell in Hilary Mantel's "Wolf Hall," a fictionalized account of Henry VIII's court.

3. Interweaving Fiction and History: Historical fiction blends fictional narratives with real events seamlessly. Authors skillfully integrate their characters into key historical moments, providing a unique lens through which readers can observe and understand the past. Philippa Gregory's "The Other Boleyn Girl" is an excellent example of this, intertwining the fictional Boleyn family with the Tudor court.

4. Immersive Research: Writers of historical fiction undertake extensive research to ensure the authenticity of their work. Through meticulous examination of primary and secondary sources, they strive to recreate the language, clothing, culture, and societal norms of the time period. Colleen McCullough's "The Thorn Birds" is a vivid example of the depth of research that goes into creating an engaging historical narrative.

5. Balancing Fact and Fiction: Historical fiction involves a delicate balance between adhering to historical facts and allowing creative freedom. While the backdrop remains true to history, authors may introduce fictional characters, dialogues, and subplots to enrich the storytelling. Ken Follett's "Fall of Giants" expertly blends historical accuracy with engaging fictional characters against the backdrop of World War I.

For readers seeking a captivating journey through history, here are some highly acclaimed historical fiction novels worth exploring:

- "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak: Set during World War II, it follows a young girl in Nazi Germany who finds solace in books.
- "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel: This Booker Prize-winning novel offers a fresh perspective on Thomas Cromwell's rise to power during Henry VIII's reign.
- "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon: Blending romance, time travel, and historical intricacies, it transports readers to 18th-century Scotland.
- "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett: Set in 1960s Mississippi, it exposes racial tensions through the perspective of African American maids.
- "Alias Grace" by Margaret Atwood: Based on a true story, it delves into the life of Grace Marks, a maidservant accused of a brutal double murder in 19th-century Canada.

When searching for historical fiction recommendations and further exploration, websites such as Goodreads, HistoricalNovels.info, and BookBub offer comprehensive lists, reviews, and community discussions to satisfy any historical fiction enthusiast. Enjoy your journey through the past!
The Young Scholar of the Great Ming Fiction
The Young Scholar of the Great Ming

Accidentally catching a embroidered ball, but unexpectedly creating a beautiful story. Accidentally taking on a disciple, but ending up in front of Emperor Zhengde. Accidentally playing a tune, but causing the people of a foreign land to surrender helplessly.

59.67 Million words | 2022-08-12 16:08Update

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Ming Dynasty's Golden Finger Fiction
Ming Dynasty's Golden Finger

Cheat codes, nowadays, essentially mean hacking, but for Zhang Hongbin, who found himself in the late sixth year of Tianqi, it also symbolized the ability to turn everything to gold. Linked to a system called the Counterfeit Trade System in his mind, he could purchase all kinds of counterfeit goods from the future. While the quality might not be guaranteed, they were top-notch products in the sixteenth century. From common grains and oils to daily necessities, from basic iron spearheads to explosive bombs, as long as his level was high enough, he could buy anything he wanted. Oh, but

7.95 Million words | 2022-04-13 00:24Update

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Xin Ma Chao, a renowned general during the Three Kingdoms era. Fiction
Xin Ma Chao, a renowned general during the Three Kingdoms era.

In history, he was not a loyal and filial subject. Now, he is filial but far from loyal. In history, it was said that he was invincible and courageous, but now he prefers schemes and plots over killing and arson. In history, it was said that he was ambitious and excelled in both civil and military affairs, and now he shamelessly admits to these two points. In history, he was not a fierce general, but a valiant warrior. Now, under his command, he has a hundred thousand iron cavalry from Xiliang and dominates the world. However, his reason for doing so is, "Damn it, if I want to compete with powerhouses like Lu Bu, Cao Cao, Sun Ce, and Zhou Yu for a wife, I need to be more ruthless!"

341.91 Million words | 2021-09-26 02:17Update

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The Legend of Dong Zhuo in the Three Kingdoms Fiction
The Legend of Dong Zhuo in the Three Kingdoms

Who kicked off the Three Kingdoms era? Who was the most hated, died the most tragic death, and had the most enemies? The answer to all these questions is: Dong Zhuo. A modern delinquent student traveled back in time to the Three Kingdoms, but instead of reincarnating as the hero he idolized, he ended up becoming Dong Zhuo. However, he shockingly discovered the hidden side of the real Zhuge Liang that history had obscured... My new book, "Rebellious Wu Yingxiong," is now available on K publishing!

187.41 Million words | 2020-07-14 00:26Update

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Prime Minister of Qin Fiction
Prime Minister of Qin

The Eastern Jin court was complacent, and the gentry pursued intellectual discussions. The officialdom was plagued with factionalism and corruption. The protagonist became an orphan due to the ravages of war, but through numerous adventures, he was fortunate to receive the guidance of a mysterious master. Little did he know that he would be drawn into a great whirlpool. Fortunately, he met many like-minded individuals who helped him navigate through crucial moments. The protagonist experienced numerous ups and downs in life, witnessing the coldness of the world and the deceitful nature of human beings. Through these trials, he gradually matured and grew. Eventually, he saw through the decay and hypocrisy of the Jin court, and returned to the northern lands to assist the Fu clan in pacifying various tribes. He also strived to reform the internal affairs, ultimately establishing a powerful

427.75 Million words | 2022-07-13 23:28Update

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Transcendence: The Stunning Female Undercover Agent Fiction
Transcendence: The Stunning Female Undercover Agent

The modern Meng Xiaoran is a solitary and aloof girl, cold-hearted yet strikingly beautiful. Accidentally traversing into the state of Da Shang, where she was once the campus belle and a favored elite by her superiors, she now struggles to survive. The handsome and unparalleled son of the imperial merchant, in order to safeguard his family, embarks on the path of political strife. When she falls into a desperate situation, he appears and asks, "Have you made up your mind?" She nods her head, resigning herself to even the most perilous situations rather than being left exposed in the wilderness. From then on, the two join hands... Toppling the Prime Minister, overthrowing the Crown Prince, paving the way for others to ascend the throne. Little did they know that amidst this political struggle lies a web of conspiracies, gradually obscuring her vision as to whether it is love or merely manipulation. After experiencing profound love and deception, can she still believe in love?

112.92 Million words | 2023-04-10 04:24Update

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One Imperial Junhou Fiction
One Imperial Junhou

The flourishing and prosperous Ronghan Dynasty may seem calm and peaceful on the surface, but beneath it lies a turbulent undercurrent. The military forces are expanding relentlessly, factions engage in deceitful power struggles, and the major aristocratic families are consumed by insatiable greed. All of these slowly corrode this ancient and venerable empire. ...

349.05 Million words | 2020-11-21 13:11Update

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Born to be Han Xin Fiction
Born to be Han Xin

After Qin lost its deer, it was pursued by the entire world. Behind the collapse of the empire, there were invisible hands at play. It was because of the appearance of a different Han Xin that the tide was reversed against the will of heaven. In the turbulent and mysterious era of the late Qin Dynasty, the mighty struggle between Chu and Han unfolded. A song of heroes in a chaotic world, a tale of the ambition of both land and women. The importance of the tripod, is it worth questioning? The new book has been fully purchased and uploaded. Please continue to support.

115.38 Million words | 2022-11-14 19:19Update

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Strong soldiers/army Fiction
Strong soldiers/army

Fans of the Iron Blood Army's history, please show your support! Author's custom tag: Hot-blooded

208.73 Million words | 2021-03-12 21:05Update

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The Destruction of the Three Kingdoms. Fiction
The Destruction of the Three Kingdoms.

When Su Chen saw his father, Su Shi, who was a county magistrate in Wuyuan, single-handedly rescuing him from the siege of thousands of Xiongnu elite riders and then killing their leader, he knew that this Three Kingdoms was different. With one sword, he cut through mountains and rivers, with one punch, he shook the sun and moon. This was a flourishing era of martial arts in the Three Kingdoms, where warriors held a high status. The reason why the noble families became noble was because they possessed countless cultivation resources and monopolized the path of upward mobility for the commoners. This was a Three Kingdoms that had taken a different path, a martial arts version of the Three Kingdoms. Reborn into a small family on the borderlands, let's see how Su Chen navigates his family through this chaotic world and vies for supremacy among the warlords!

105.70 Million words | 2020-07-13 04:12Update

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Medical Consort Cute Baby: Green-Hat Prince's Dominant Love Fiction
Medical Consort Cute Baby: Green-Hat Prince's Dominant Love

After transmigrating into another world, Mo Ru Yu was at a loss. She inexplicably lost her virginity and didn't even know the identity of the man. To add to her confusion, she unexpectedly became pregnant with a child of unknown origin and was forcibly married off to the notorious and mysterious Prince Yi. With a decree of marriage, they indulged in nights of revelry. The wanton and unrestrained prince happily took her as his wife. Was she bothered by the adorable baby she brought along? Did it matter to marry someone older and have a younger admirer? Surprisingly, the green-hat prince thoroughly enjoyed his role, showering her and their baby with endless love and affection. 'Prince Yi, if you want to kill me, just do it swiftly.' She felt helpless and on the verge of tears. 'Shh, beloved consort, don't make a fuss.' He doted on her deeply...

77.56 Million words | 2022-01-17 06:11Update

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The Royal Family of Great Jin Fiction
The Royal Family of Great Jin

In the second year of the Great Jin Dynasty, Prince Dai, who had just recovered from a serious illness, arrived in Chang'an City. He flipped through history books and finally came to a conclusion: this was a dynasty unfamiliar to him, but possibly a dynasty he was familiar with. With the emperor's order to conquer Goguryeo, Baekje, and Korea, and the construction of the Grand Canal, as well as a series of national policies to pacify the south, he seemed to grasp something... an alternative history! Please don't take it as fact, thank you all! Regular group.

169.21 Million words | 2022-11-14 04:27Update

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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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Poor Scholar Becomes the Top Scorer Fiction
Poor Scholar Becomes the Top Scorer

Tired of the glint of swords and the sound of trumpets, perhaps you can savor the arduous livelihood of the grassroots in society. This book tells the story of Shen Xi, who travels through the declining impoverished families of the Great Ming Dynasty. In an era where reading is the only way to climb the social ladder, he changes his fate step by step through his efforts, ultimately reaching the peak of his life's journey. A monumental historical masterpiece that deserves your possession, Your Majesty!

1,046.66 Million words | 2022-01-25 00:53Update

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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

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The rags-to-riches story of Old Wang next door Fiction
The rags-to-riches story of Old Wang next door

Left neighbor's elegant beauty: "Lao Wang, it seems that I am feeling unwell. Come inside and take a look at me..." Innocent little girl from the right house: "Lao Wang, I feel itchy there. Can you come and help me check it out..." Princess: "Wang Lang, I want, I want to marry you as my husband..." Crown Prince: "Mr. Wang, I entrust you with the important duty of defending our country and patrolling its borders!" Majestic military factories, massive rubber processing plants, the grand voyage of navigation — witness how feeble Great Song rises towards the world...

221.29 Million words | 2022-09-19 08:14Update

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The Live Stream: Me as Cao Zhi Fiction
The Live Stream: Me as Cao Zhi

I came softly, I waved my wings quietly, and then embarked on the path of marrying a wealthy beauty, becoming a CEO, and heading for the peak of life without return.

216.66 Million words | 2021-11-22 06:42Update

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The Dominance of Tianfeng Fiction
The Dominance of Tianfeng

Ambition, treachery, cunning, loyalty, martial prowess, strategic genius, beauty. In a chaotic era, Pang Tong devoted himself to the cultivation of both literary and martial arts. From securing the first city to plotting his path of domination, he desired to explore the mysteries of the ancient land. He ventured into the land of the "Mountain God Worshippers," delving into the ruins of a lost kingdom. He unraveled the secret of the divine pearl, staining the blood of the foreign tribe with a curse. He conquered Ma Teng, inventing the "Phoenix Roar Cannon" to crush the iron cavalry of the Western Liang. He formed an alliance with Cao Cao, accompanied by a tiger, biding his time for the ultimate battle. He engaged in

426.43 Million words | 2020-08-13 19:12Update

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The Blue Sky Road of the Grand Canal. Fiction
The Blue Sky Road of the Grand Canal.

During the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty, the waters near the Xijin Ferry in Zhenjiang Prefecture were turbulent, and shipwrecks were common. Kang Damao and Shen Luobin, two young men, led the people in managing the silt at the bottom of the river, but an accident occurred. From then on, the Kang and Shen families became mortal enemies, and Kang Dayong, the twelfth-generation descendant of the "Million Kang" family, also known as Damao, developed shipping on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, revitalized the family business, managed the canal, and served the nation. This book has been officially selected as a key incubation project for the "Grand Canal Culture" theme in the online literary works section organized by the National Press and Publication Administration.

561.25 Million words | 2023-04-02 21:37Update

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The Spring of the Great Tang Dynasty Fiction
The Spring of the Great Tang Dynasty

When Li Xi crossed over, Yang Yuhuan was fifteen years old. It was spring in the 21st year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty. In Jinyuan County of Shuzhou, Jiannan Road, Yang Huahua, later known as Lady Guo, and Yang Guozhong, who would later hold over twenty positions of power and become a notorious eunuch, were currently residing here. However, at present, one was a widow named Yang in a precarious situation, while the other was Yang Zhao, struggling and destitute on the streets. Well, that's it. Although the plot is a bit clichéd, this story should be quite fascinating.

407.66 Million words | 2021-02-24 14:19Update

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