best books of historical fiction

Best Books of Historical Fiction: Dive into the Past with these Captivating Novels

Historical fiction takes readers on a journey through time, immersing them in the lives and events of the past. If you are a fan of this genre, you are in for a treat. In this article, we will explore some of the best historical fiction novels that have received rave reviews and captured the hearts of readers worldwide.

1. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett: Set in 12th-century England, this epic tale chronicles the construction of a cathedral and the lives of those involved. Follett's meticulous research and compelling storytelling make this book a must-read for any historical fiction enthusiast.

2. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak: Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, this powerful story follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who steals books to cope with the horrors around her. Zusak's unique narration, coupled with vivid characters, makes this novel a poignant exploration of resilience and the power of words.

3. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel: Transport yourself to the court of King Henry VIII in this gripping novel that centers around Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in Tudor England. Mantel's evocative prose captures the political intrigue and complex dynamics of the era, earning her critical acclaim and a devoted following.

4. "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell: Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, this sweeping saga revolves around Scarlett O'Hara, a headstrong Southern belle. Mitchell's vivid descriptions and memorable characters, including Rhett Butler, have made this classic a beloved favorite.

5. "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco: Combining historical fiction with mystery, Eco's masterpiece takes place in a 14th-century Italian monastery. William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar, investigates a series of murders while a theological debate rages. This thought-provoking novel seamlessly blends historical accuracy with an intricate plot.

Apart from these highly acclaimed novels, there are many other noteworthy historical fiction books that cater to a variety of interests. For fans of ancient history, "I, Claudius" by Robert Graves and "Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden offer captivating tales from vastly different cultures.

If you prefer World War II as your historical backdrop, "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr and "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah are excellent choices, exploring themes of survival, sacrifice, and resilience.

To explore more historical fiction recommendations, websites like Goodreads and Historical Novels Society provide comprehensive lists and reviews from fellow readers. They offer valuable insights, allowing you to discover lesser-known gems and find books tailored to your specific historical interests.

In conclusion, historical fiction offers a rich tapestry of stories that not only entertain but also educate and enlighten. Whether you seek tales of ancient civilizations, wartime dramas, or regal courts, these best-selling novels and reputable websites will guide you on a captivating journey through history. Happy reading!
Fu Minglu Fiction
Fu Minglu

A skilled martial artist travels through the palace as a eunuch during the end of the Ming Dynasty. With only two months until Li Zicheng's conquest of the capital, the city stands on the brink of collapse, with devastation and misery rampant. Amidst the infighting of warlords across the land, how will he navigate the turbulent waves, raise the flag in resistance against the Qing, and prevent the Ten Days of Yangzhou and the Massacres of Jiading? Organizing a fearless team of eunuchs, he fiercely protects the young prince, launching attacks against the enemies from within and without, though lacking any supernatural abilities and merely being a humble eunuch. Yet, I will raise the Dragon Flag of the great Ming Dynasty.

569.62 Million words | 2020-07-16 21:48Update

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Grand Robe Fiction
Grand Robe

After traveling through time, both of his parents were still alive, bringing him immense joy. However, as the royal guard to the prince, he incurred the wrath of the powerful Imperial Secret Police by punishing an evil scion in a fit of anger. From then on, he became an exile, wandering the world. He made friends with heroes of the martial arts world, embarking on thrilling revenge missions, showcasing his true colors as a man. When the previous emperor passed away and a new one ascended the throne, it turned out to be his foster brother. He delved deep into the court, taking control of the Imperial Secret Police. This started a complex web of conflicting loyalties between his old friends from the martial arts world and the interests of the court, where intrigue and power struggles were the norm...

585.19 Million words | 2020-08-26 21:30Update

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Song Shixing. Fiction
Song Shixing.

In the sixth year of Xuanhe, he arrived at the capital city of Dongjing. Two years away from the disgraceful Jingkang Incident, Yu Yin stood by the Wuzhang River, at a loss. Is Dongjing a dream of prosperity, or a dream of illusion? The once magnificent buildings are now on the verge of collapse, while the streets are filled with vibrant colors... In this crumbling world, Yu Yin stumbles forward. But with a sudden turn, he realizes that history has changed without his noticing. A brand new era silently unfolds!++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

160.65 Million words | 2023-03-29 22:55Update

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Fairy spectrum Fiction
Fairy spectrum

Produced by the Qingdu Studio, Email Address: [email protected] ___________________________________ Chess transcends the mundane, dominating the world of strategy, portraying the image of a chess player who uses the game to navigate life. Exploring danger and seeking marvels, it reveals the illusions of existence. Different from wuxia romance or supernatural tales, it creates a unique legend. Chess family secrets - Nine Palace Chess, Three Wars Chess, Blind Chess, Murderer's Chess... The protagonist Fang Guohuan is guided by a master, comprehending the highest realm of chess, the Tianyuan state. From then on, he roams the world of chess, benefiting society with his skills. Outside the Great Wall, he sets up the Tianyuan Chess Formation, repelling the iron cavalry of the Jurchen; at the Yellow Crane Tower, he engages in a fierce battle against the Killer's Chess. Later, he travels overseas to avoid disaster, following in Zheng He's footsteps to explore the Western world. Bearing witness to countless adventures, beneath the Kunlun Mountains, he changes the "Land Pattern" with his chess skills, creating an unparalleled myth. In the end, he bathes in the blood of Liaodong... Life is like a chess game, but few can truly navigate it successfully!

499.30 Million words | 2022-12-15 20:01Update

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Lying drunk on the battlefield Fiction
Lying drunk on the battlefield

This is a memorable memory. Throughout the ages, passionate men have had a dream of joining the military and serving their country. If you're interested and patient enough to understand the real military life, join me in recalling that period of military service. Though it may be difficult to achieve complete authenticity, I will try my best to present the truth, offer sincere dedication, and incorporate some fictional elements without blindly fabricating. So, my friend, let's go back together to those iron-blooded years. As they say in the army, "Brothers, follow me..." If you're interested in discussing further, join the "Drunk and Fallen on the Battlefield" reader group. I highly recommend "The First Military Commander," which tells the untold story of a founding hero, and "The Throne of Warriors," which portrays the stories of heroes in the self-defense counterattack war. "The Iron Spear Paints the Eyebrow Records" showcases the desolate beauty of ancient warfare.

126.80 Million words | 2021-11-15 13:59Update

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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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Tang Dynasty Scouts Fiction
Tang Dynasty Scouts

In the Sino-Vietnamese self-defense counterattack war, Captain Zhang Wenji, the leader of a reconnaissance battalion subordinate to the military, was assigned the mission to scout the military defense layout in Liangshan. However, due to a two-minute mistake, he lost his life in the artillery fire and transmigrated to the body of a soldier in the city of Luoyang in the fourth year of Wu De in the Tang Dynasty. Being aware of the future course of history, he decisively left the city, brandishing his three-foot-long sword in pursuit of fame and success. How did he become the indispensable general of Li Shimin? At the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, the four borders were in constant turmoil. Led by Zhang Yunwen, a series of special operations teams launched attacks from all sides, leaving vivid marks in the expansion history of the Tang Empire. A new book titled "Dragon Authority" has been released at http://www.k.com/book/.html. Your continued support is greatly appreciated! If you enjoy this book, please add me on QQ for discussions. QQ: [redacted]. You can also join the group: [redacted]. Thank you, brothers, for your support! I am just an enthusiast of military affairs, and the depictions of special operations in the book are mostly products of imagination. There may be many mistakes, and I ask for your understanding!

151.26 Million words | 2021-05-17 11:19Update

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Liu Bei Restores the Han Dynasty in the Three Kingdoms. Fiction
Liu Bei Restores the Han Dynasty in the Three Kingdoms.

This book, based on the Three Kingdoms, utilizes the concept of parallel universes to narrate the remarkable feat of Liu Bei, who gains extraordinary wisdom ahead of time, in establishing the reign of the Han Dynasty amidst the chaotic end of an era. Reader group: Han Dynasty

123.90 Million words | 2022-10-20 23:36Update

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Returning to the Quadrangle to Raise Cubs Fiction
Returning to the Quadrangle to Raise Cubs

Waking up in the 1960s, Qin Huairu becomes the female protagonist in the novel 'The Full House of Birds'. She feels tremendous pressure, realizing that she will have to support the whole extended family in the future. Fortunately, she brings along a small supermarket in her space, with all kinds of rice, flour, and oil available. With her presence, no one can accuse her of being a 'vampire'. Of course, she enjoys teasing Jia Zhangshi, scolding Xu Damao, and many more adventures await her...

101.65 Million words | 2022-02-16 10:34Update

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Dream of Tosa Fiction
Dream of Tosa

From the first-person perspective, I present the most authentic Warring States period. It was an era of civilization, with prosperous trade, thriving culture, and the collision of technology and ideology. It was a savage era, with various warlords rising and frequent conflicts, betrayal and slaughter prevailing. It was a paradise for the strong but a hell for the weak. The strong couldn't rely on their strength alone, as they could crumble in an instant. The weak didn't need to feel despair, as they had the potential to conquer the world in the end. A modern Chinese student arrives in the Warring States period of Japan, what kind of path will they carve out? ... ...

72.92 Million words | 2023-01-10 14:07Update

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Power and Dominion over the Ming Dynasty Fiction
Power and Dominion over the Ming Dynasty

In the forty-fifth year of the Wanli reign, Li Hongyu unexpectedly became the young master of a influential local clan's third branch. He instinctively enjoyed wealth and glory, but unexpectedly, the industries under his name were successively seized by the clan head who relied on his power. At the same time, the Ming Dynasty was also plagued by internal and external troubles, with war in the frontier and political struggles in the capital, causing the decline of the empire. For the sake of the people and for himself and those around him, the protagonist decided to embark on an official career. However, first, he must rise up and reclaim the industries usurped by the clan head. Author's QQ group: [omitted]. This novel is updated daily and may have intermittent bursts, welcome to read. Author's customized tags: Aristocratic family, Wit, Struggle for power.

339.00 Million words | 2020-12-10 18:20Update

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Not as handsome as the emperor's uncle. Fiction
Not as handsome as the emperor's uncle.

"Less Handsome Than My Uncle" published as "Thoughts of the Pond Fish", copyright belongs to Ruochu Literature Website, no reprint without permission, otherwise legal responsibility will be pursued. Pre-order address: http://dwz.cn/DFcK A man I have loved for ten years, in order to marry someone else, wants to burn me to death! Before dying, someone descended from the sky and saved me from the flames. "What do you want to do, I'll help you with anything," said Shen Guyuan. "As long as your final marriage is successful." "I want revenge!" Chi Yu gritted her teeth. "I want to make that couple pay the bloody price!" However, despite seeking revenge, this vicious woman still couldn't find a suitable marriage. Shen Guyuan was troubled. He taught her how to seduce men, how to outshine all others, but he didn't expect that she would fall in love with him along the way. "Shen Guyuan, choose between dying and having me," she said. "I choose death," he replied. Chi Yu nodded, obediently putting on her wedding gown. I will use what you taught me to love someone else, so please, don't stand in my way.

49.19 Million words | 2022-12-05 10:56Update

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The Mighty Soldier is in the Three Kingdoms. Fiction
The Mighty Soldier is in the Three Kingdoms.

The left hand embraces enchanting beauty, while the right hand controls vast lands. Liu Xuan, the king of warriors, returns to the Three Kingdoms and becomes the son of the Kang King of Beihai. To seize both power and love, he must be relentless. Reborn, witness Liu Xuan's rise in the Three Kingdoms and his pursuit of dominance over the world.

385.58 Million words | 2021-12-11 21:45Update

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The Ultimate Commando Fiction
The Ultimate Commando

Sister's whereabouts unknown, Wang Lang, born in the market, decided to join the army in order to find his only relative. He didn't want trouble, but trouble always followed him. He didn't want people to look up to him, but suddenly, he found himself standing at the highest peak! Here, there is the camaraderie forged on the brink of life and death, there are many gentle beauties tempered by hardships, and there is the family bond that can never be severed. He hones his body and mind, only to protect everything! He licks his wounds, only to be wrapped in a horse's skin when he falls in

470.18 Million words | 2022-08-19 11:40Update

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Ming Empire Fiction
Ming Empire

Cao Yue crossed over to the 14th year of the Chongzhen era in the late Ming Dynasty, in the month of July, just in time for the tragic Battle of Songjin. The city of Songshan was completely surrounded by the Manchu army, and as a military officer, should he escape or follow Hong Chengchou to defend Songshan, shedding blood on the battlefield and sacrificing himself for the country? Cao Yue didn't want to die, let alone become a captive of the Manchus. Since he had come to the Ming Dynasty, even if he was just a small cog in the machine, he would strive to resist. In this era of shattered mountains and rivers, he would compose a resounding song to expel the Manchus and restore the glory of our great Han Dynasty. With passion and faith, he would forge an indomitable military spirit. With every hoof of the horse, he would defend the land of China, the mighty Empire of the Great Ming, standing proudly between heaven and earth. The Qinhuai Eight Beauties, Princess Chang

92.04 Million words | 2023-02-24 04:25Update

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Organize heroes to resist the Japanese. Fiction
Organize heroes to resist the Japanese.

Dual identities, youth going back in time, a modern perspective on war from that era, a clash of weaponry from different eras, occasional collaboration and fierce competition between the Communist and Nationalist parties, intricate gang systems, how a few Japanese individuals managed to occupy a large territory relying on their traitorous allies, the establishment of an industrial system to support the war, the development of modern agriculture to sustain basic survival, the rise of the nation in the midst of war, the resilience and strength of humanity in the face of bloodshed and fire

460.00 Million words | 2022-09-26 20:56Update

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The Overlord of the Turbulent Times in the North and South - Biography of Gao Ch Fiction
The Overlord of the Turbulent Times in the North and South - Biography of Gao Ch

The world, when separated for a long time, will eventually reunite. When united for a long time, it will eventually separate. In the waning years of Northern Wei, the imperial family declined and powerful officials took control. Amidst their struggles for personal gain, the state became divided. From their first encounter to their alliance as sworn siblings, Gao Cheng and Yuwen Tai embarked on different paths in life, gradually rising to become powerful officials in Dong Wei and Xi Wei respectively. They began a fierce competition for power and influence. The overall situation was as unpredictable as swirling clouds, and these influential officials were like pillars supporting the world. Witness how Gao Cheng, the son of Gao Huan, the Prince of Bohai and Grand Chancellor of Northern Qi, transformed from a prince ignorant of court affairs to the Grand General dominating Dong Wei. Observe how Yuwen Tai, a low-ranking officer under the Great Council of the Western Expeditions, seized every opportunity to become the Grand

316.90 Million words | 2023-04-06 17:45Update

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A merchant dominates the world. Fiction
A merchant dominates the world.

After reading novels for so many years, I noticed that most protagonists who travel back in time have lost their parents and live in poverty. Well, I'm different. The world's richest person, Shen Wansan, is my father! Modern wealthy heirs are truly inferior! Riding in a Rolls-Royce? That's too low for me. My precious BMW, made from my blood and sweat, looks down on it. Sleeping with a popular female star? Sorry, I have shares in all the brothels in the world. Several mansions? Haha, I was actually thinking of buying a piece of land recently, not too big, just about the size of Japan.

242.41 Million words | 2022-04-02 20:58Update

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The First Ghostly Genius of the Three Kingdoms Fiction
The First Ghostly Genius of the Three Kingdoms

This is an era belonging to the strong, This is an era where human life is worthless, This is an era of war and roaming, a time of tragedies for beautiful women. In the Three Kingdoms, heroes emerge; In the Three Kingdoms, emotions run deep; In the Three Kingdoms, the world is intoxicated with wine. Zhuge Yang, accidentally returning to the era of the Three Kingdoms, discovers that he has become the legendary Zhuge Liang's older brother, a monstrous being. Thus, he becomes completely entangled... "The Sleeping Dragon and the Phoenix, with either one, one can pacify the world." With such bold words still echoing, will he take a step forward? Or... Witness how the first genius, Zhuge Jin, manipulates the three kingdoms, displaying his wisdom in the midst of battles and adding fragrance to the red sleeves in love affairs. Awake, he holds the power of the world, intoxicated, he lies on the beauty's knees, and with a smile, he observes the affairs of the world! For those who enjoy "Genius," welcome to join the first Q group of this book: We have declared to join the ranks of civilized online literature writing and willingly accept the supervision of all members in the civilized writing ranks.

105.91 Million words | 2022-11-24 11:12Update

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The unparalleled talent amid the chaos caused by the Five Barbarians. Fiction
The unparalleled talent amid the chaos caused by the Five Barbarians.

During the period of the Two Jin Dynasties and the Southern and Northern Dynasties, when the Five Hu (non-Han ethnic groups) invaded and chaos reigned, human lives were as insignificant as grass and hay. The Han people were regarded as lambs waiting to be slaughtered, with only one in ten Han people surviving. In such times, who could possess extraordinary talent and prowess? Let us witness how Shi Jia will turn the tide and restore the mighty glory of Great Han.

297.92 Million words | 2022-12-19 18:18Update

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