historical fiction novels for adults

Top Historical Fiction Novels for Adults: A Journey through Time

Looking for a captivating historical fiction novel that will transport you to another era? Look no further! In this article, we will explore some of the most gripping historical fiction novels for adult readers. Whether you are a fan of thrilling adventures set in ancient civilizations or prefer stories set during significant historical events, these novels are sure to satisfy your craving for a good read.

1. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett:
Set in 12th-century England, this epic masterpiece takes you on a journey through the construction of a magnificent cathedral. Ken Follett weaves together the lives of a diverse set of characters, creating an enthralling tale of ambition, power struggles, love, and sacrifice.

2. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak:
Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, this poignant novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace and escape from the harsh realities of war through stolen books. Markus Zusak's powerful storytelling and unique narrative perspective make this a truly unforgettable read.

3. "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon:
Prepare to be swept away in this time-traveling adventure that merges historical fiction, romance, and fantasy. Follow the journey of Claire Randall, a British nurse from the 1940s who mysteriously travels back in time to 18th-century Scotland. Diana Gabaldon's richly detailed storytelling brings the past to life in this captivating series.

4. "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón:
Set in post-war Barcelona, this mesmerizing novel follows the story of Daniel Sempere, a young boy who becomes obsessed with a mysterious book called "The Shadow of the Wind." Carlos Ruiz Zafón takes readers on a thrilling and atmospheric journey through secret libraries, forgotten authors, and dark secrets.

5. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel:
Step into the court of King Henry VIII in this engrossing historical novel. Hilary Mantel brings the Tudor era to life through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, a commoner who rises through the ranks to become a key figure in the king's court. This award-winning novel is a must-read for fans of political intrigue and rich historical detail.

To dive deeper into historical fiction, consider exploring websites like Goodreads and BookBub, where you can discover more recommendations, read reviews, and join book clubs dedicated to the genre. These platforms also provide valuable insights from fellow readers, giving you a wider perspective on the books you choose to read.

So, whether you crave to unravel the secrets of the past, bear witness to iconic events, or simply immerse yourself in a different time and place, these historical fiction novels for adults are guaranteed to captivate your imagination. Happy reading!
The vastness of the late Ming Dynasty. Fiction
The vastness of the late Ming Dynasty.

Zhao Lie helplessly traversed to the late Ming Dynasty and found himself in the body of a second-generation official. It was the Tianqi period, a time of internal troubles and external threats, with the Great Ming Dynasty on the verge of collapse. For the sake of himself and his family, Zhao Lie had no choice but to navigate through various challenges, engaging in expeditions and battles that shaped the history of the Great Ming Dynasty, Korea, and

201.08 Million words | 2023-04-25 00:39Update

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Mengshan Army Fiction
Mengshan Army

This book is a work of alternative history. It tells the rise and legend of a surviving branch of the Xiangma armed forces in Shandong during the late Qing Dynasty. Witness how they achieve a magnificent transformation from bandits in the Meng Mountains to the Meng Mountain Army, how they play out a bloody drama on the stage of historical epochs, crushing domestic warlords, purging feudal filth, establishing a glorious republic, expelling Russia and annihilating Japan, washing away the humiliations from the Opium War to the Battle of Jiawu, and once again proclaiming the might of China. This book not only portrays grand and sweeping war scenes but also explores the struggles of both prominent and ordinary individuals caught in the tide of history - encompassing the struggles of family, country, and the world, the pursuit of power, wealth, and love, loyalty, and betrayal. Every person faces difficult choices. QQ group number for readers: [Please provide a specific QQ group number]

401.73 Million words | 2021-05-16 21:49Update

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Golden Chef Lady Fiction
Golden Chef Lady

One time-traveling, a cool little shota boy stood in front of her and shouted, "Mom." From then on, the gold medal chef completely became a son lover. The son was adorable, outstanding, and she knew he loved delicious food. The gold medal chef not only satisfied her son's preferences but also used her superior cooking skills from her previous life to become rich and have a house, land, and money. What?! When she received the plaque for the world's first imperial cuisine, her son's father jumped out. Even if he had the same face as her son, she wasn't interested in the grown-up version of her son. This prince, what have you done for your son? Why do you have the right to come out and compete for her son? Go find a place to

227.36 Million words | 2021-11-04 16:35Update

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Mischievous Chaos of the Three Kingdoms Fiction
Mischievous Chaos of the Three Kingdoms

Surname Zhang, given name Han, courtesy name Bingliang; slapping the Han palace beam with a palm; the Yellow Turbans were originally street performers; I formed an oath brotherhood with Xuan De in a hurry. Meng De here, a friend in need; assisting Jiangdong, making a famous name; establishing a grand hall with three parts of the world; raising nobility and becoming a powerful minister. Seven expeditions in the Central Plains, creating waves; the Three Kingdoms will eventually perish; spending a lifetime lying by the bedside; the hearts of the people hold the world. *************************************************************************** Twisting and pulling + imagination + mischievousness + the truth of history = what you see. Compared to official history, this is an uncensored story! Do you really think that knowing a little history can go back in time and change everything? In fact, the people of that era would tell you that what's written in books is all fake! 【If you love me, please click on me. If you don't love me, please click on me to die. - Nan Nan】

289.93 Million words | 2023-05-30 10:56Update

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The Transmigrated Princess Wants to Level Up. Fiction
The Transmigrated Princess Wants to Level Up.

Having crossed over one day, she woke up to find herself no longer in favor in the palace, but rather a neglected royal consort. To make matters worse, she was gravely injured and had little time left to live. In terms of misfortune, she ranked second to none. Everyone wanted her dead, and everyone wanted to use her. So she decided to show everyone her strength. Anyone who dared

214.93 Million words | 2023-05-08 06:42Update

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The Great River Fiction
The Great River

The Great River depicts the comprehensive, detailed, and in-depth changes in the economic field, social life, and people's spiritual outlook in China since the reform and opening-up period. It has been hailed as a remarkable book that portrays the reform and opening-up of China. From the restoration of college entrance examinations in the year to the Southern Tour Speech in the year , from the emergence of township enterprises to the rise of Made in China, from real estate reform to the financial crisis in , the novel vividly portrays representative figures such as state-owned enterprise leader Song Yunfei, township entrepreneur Lei Dongbao, individual business owner Yang Xiaowu, and overseas returnee intellectual Liu Jun, authentically recreating the entrepreneurial life, struggle, and destiny of a generation.

530.48 Million words | 2021-04-22 15:34Update

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Become the Reigning Tea Master in Tokyo. Fiction
Become the Reigning Tea Master in Tokyo.

Lu Ya, a descendant of the incompetent Tang Dynasty tea master Lu Yu, is reborn as Qian Li Yu, the descendant of the renowned Japanese tea master Sen no Rikyu, and the inheritor of Tokyo's Wudai An. This year, at the age of__, he is on the brink of bankruptcy. Just before he is forced to sell his tea house, he awakens to something strange...

96.25 Million words | 2020-08-27 08:22Update

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Imperial orphan Fiction
Imperial orphan

[PS: There is plenty of draft for "The Orphan of the Emperor". I hope dear brothers and sisters can click, collect, and recommend more. Three updates daily, one early, one at noon, and one in the evening (guaranteed to be completed)!] A seasoned commercial spy accidentally transmigrates to the land of Da Yue and becomes the orphan left by the late emperor. I don't mind... The emperor's affection is false, but I am the emperor of acting. Courtiers scheme in darkness, but I am a commercial spy. Generals wield mighty weapons, but I am the king of the streets. Eunuchs flaunt their power, but I am the shadowy assassin. If you want to cause trouble, go ahead. I have died once in my previous life, so I'm not afraid of your numbers and strength. In the end, all of you will kneel beneath my feet!

140.49 Million words | 2022-07-13 12:53Update

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Ace Special Forces in the Turbulent End of the Sui Dynasty Fiction
Ace Special Forces in the Turbulent End of the Sui Dynasty

To save the beauty, he ventures alone into the forbidden palace, putting aside grievances, he joins the army to campaign in the west. Embracing literary talents, gathering fierce generals, he vies for control of the Central Plains. Calming the desolate north, conquering Persia, setting sail overseas. Liu Ziqiu, the ace special forces soldier, travels through the end of the Sui Dynasty, rising against the chaos, expanding territories. He will present to you an extraordinary story of the Sui and Tang Dynasty... Group ID: [Please provide the group number]

505.72 Million words | 2023-03-29 06:41Update

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Bright Blood Fiction
Bright Blood

Transferred to turmoil in the late Ming Dynasty? Heroes have their own ways of dying, and bears have their own paths to survival. A true man sheds his blood without fear of death! Mo Li said, nonsense, without me in this world, you will be lonely! Well, I mean, especially those graceful and charming beauties~ Dayu'er! I'm talking to you, what are you thinking? Come here and kneel down... Join Crazy Blue's QQ group, welcome everyone to chat nonsense together...

136.91 Million words | 2021-09-28 02:27Update

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Sniper of the Late Qing Dynasty Fiction
Sniper of the Late Qing Dynasty

Li Zhen, the special sniper, returned to late Qing dynasty as the Second Opium War was approaching. With a gun in hand, I dominate the world! With a set of modern special warfare tactics, I am invincible in both offense and defense. With my astonishing marksmanship, I can take down the enemy's leaders from thousands of miles away, making Britain, America, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan all weep in despair. I will pacify the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, eradicate internal strife, promote the industrial revolution, establish a pioneering capitalist system, make the invading imperial powers tremble and leave China, and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Avenging

221.88 Million words | 2021-03-20 02:35Update

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The Old Man and the Sea Fiction
The Old Man and the Sea

道路,成为了一名无敌的海盗。

305.31 Million words | 2022-07-14 11:39Update

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By Imperial Decree, Eat Sugar Fiction
By Imperial Decree, Eat Sugar

Ning Shu and the Crown Prince of Jin Kingdom have been childhood sweethearts, on the verge of getting married. However, their plans are disrupted when her step-sister, who shares a father with her, enters the picture and marries him instead. Everyone expects Ning Shu to suffer, but to their surprise, she catches the attention of the Empress Dowager and is summoned to the palace. They all assume Ning Shu is there to keep the Empress Dowager company, but little do they know that she will eventually become the Empress herself. Nobody knows that Ning Shu can hear what porcelain tells her...

306.82 Million words | 2020-07-15 04:56Update

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Financial Sage of the Tang Dynasty. Fiction
Financial Sage of the Tang Dynasty.

[Winner of the Historical Web Novel Award - Contest Entry] Qian Duo was reborn in the Tang Dynasty, born into the wealthy Qian family known for their immense wealth. However, Qian Duo grew up poor, never having experienced a life of luxury. His uncle enjoyed drowning himself in alcohol, his other uncle was a Robin Hood-like figure, robbing the rich to help the poor, and his father had a knack for understanding people's motives. Qian Duo was taught the ways of Daoism by the Nine Suns Immortal from Mount Longhu and learned Buddhism from the Master who had traveled to Tianzhu. He acquired knowledge in the three teachings of Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. From here, Qian Duo

251.31 Million words | 2022-05-10 07:23Update

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Rebirth in America Fiction
Rebirth in America

Nickname as "Quick Shooter", a Chinese Special Forces instructor, accidentally travels to a parallel world where he finds himself in the American Old West, a world full of cowboys, lawlessness, and heroes... Here, you will witness fiery duels between Western cowboys, lightning-fast gun draws that leave you breathless, and the legends of fearless gunslingers roaming

284.33 Million words | 2021-06-17 01:16Update

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The cunning hero/villain (depending on the context) Fiction
The cunning hero/villain (depending on the context)

【Short Version 1】: Rather bear the blame than put it on others. 【Short Version 2】: I will take care of your wife, don't worry about her. ... As the wheel of history turns, sometimes the front wheel stops while the back wheel takes over - causing things to go off track. Wu Fan finds himself transported to a parallel universe, five hundred years after history was altered by Dong Zhuo. It's now the era of the Sui Dynasty and he is unfortunately a low-ranking official known as a "palace eagle dog". Thus begins his story. PS: (50 updates on the first day of release, are you ready?) PS: The previous summary was too long, here's a new one.

167.30 Million words | 2022-01-13 07:09Update

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Song of the Moon and Moonlight by Shi Ming Fiction
Song of the Moon and Moonlight by Shi Ming

This is a story about a time-traveling ordinary person. Unexpectedly, Zhao Xing became a person from the Song Dynasty. The people he interacted with included renowned poets, notorious corrupt officials, bandits forced onto Liangshan Mountain, and extraordinary beauties with a scandalous reputation. This was an era of "moonlight on the willow branches, rendezvous at dusk." Here, there were timeless romantic gentlemen, shimmering poetry lines that lasted for thousands of years, splendid commercial song and dance performances, and various forms of commercial competition... In this splendid era, Zhao Xing immersed himself in it, enjoying the refined life of this era like a fish in water. This book does not involve court struggles or official conflicts. It only depicts the worldview of ordinary people in the Song Dynasty. Perhaps, the content of this book will challenge your preconceived notions about the Song Dynasty, but please savor it carefully.

253.92 Million words | 2020-07-28 18:38Update

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Thundering War Soldier Fiction
Thundering War Soldier

Hulei Taiji: A martial art focused on practical combat, alternating between hardness and softness, speed and slowness, with resounding strength. Yen Nianlang: An orphan raised by wolves, who rounded off his edges in society while keeping his wild nature hidden. This is the story of a common soldier, who, through unexpected events, transformed from an ordinary to a legendary soldier, from a forest guard to a determined special forces warrior. This story is highly realistic, but please do not identify with it. I will also never admit it, so it is a fabricated reality.

295.29 Million words | 2023-06-12 05:35Update

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The Distant Little Scholar Fiction
The Distant Little Scholar

A century-old engineering student travels back in time and becomes a poor scholar. To his surprise, his mind is equipped with a library filled with all kinds of knowledge! In this life, he's determined to not only become a high-ranking official but also have fun with it. With the rising sun as his witness, Li Yi vows to take his first step in this world. 'Stop!' A stunning woman atop a tall horse orders his capture. 'Tie him up!' A group of fierce bandits charge towards him... On his wedding night, as he looks at the gorgeous woman entering his room... Li Yi's aspirations take a slight turn. Being a government official? Who cares? Becoming a noble or minister? Boring! He wants to be the king of bandits! Book club chat: [chat group], everyone is welcome to join! (Important reminder: This book is meant to be read lightheartedly, please don't take it too seriously!)

525.11 Million words | 2022-07-05 10:56Update

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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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