Best Historical Fiction Novels That Will Transport You to Another Time If you're a fan of historical fiction, then you know the joy of being immersed in a different era, exploring the lives and events that have shaped our world. From ancient civilizations to recent historical events, historical fiction offers endless possibilities for storytelling. In this article, we will take a journey through time and recommend some of the best historical fiction novels that will captivate your imagination. 1. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett: Set in 12th-century England, this epic tale follows the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. Filled with political intrigue, religious conflict, and the struggle of ordinary people, this novel is a masterpiece of historical fiction. 2. "The Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Tracy Chevalier: Based on the famous painting by Johannes Vermeer, this novel takes place in 17th-century Delft, Netherlands. It tells the story of Griet, a young maid who becomes the subject of Vermeer's masterpiece. Chevalier's vivid descriptions and attention to detail transport readers back to the Golden Age of Dutch art. 3. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel: Winner of the prestigious Man Booker Prize, this novel follows the rise of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII. Set in the tumultuous period of the English Reformation, Mantel's masterful storytelling brings to life the political intrigue, power struggles, and volatile relationships of the Tudor court. 4. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak: Narrated by Death, this hauntingly beautiful novel is set in Nazi Germany during World War II. It follows the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace in books and discovers the power of words. Zusak's unforgettable characters and lyrical prose make this a must-read for any fan of historical fiction. 5. "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco: In 14th-century Italy, a Franciscan friar named William of Baskerville is called upon to solve a series of mysterious deaths in an isolated monastery. Blending historical events, philosophy, and detective fiction, Eco creates a rich and atmospheric world that will keep readers engaged until the very last page. To delve deeper into the world of historical fiction, there are several websites that offer recommendations and reviews. Goodreads, a popular online community for book lovers, has dedicated lists and forums for historical fiction enthusiasts. Historical Novel Society is another valuable resource, providing reviews, interviews, and articles about the genre. In conclusion, historical fiction is a genre that allows us to travel through time and experience different eras firsthand. Whether you're interested in medieval Europe, Renaissance art, or the World Wars, there is a historical fiction novel out there waiting to transport you to another time. So grab a book, settle into a cozy chair, and let the magic of historical storytelling take you on a captivating journey.
Close your eyes, open them again, the ever-changing world, crossing a thousand years, I have arrived in the fourth year of the Zhenguan era. People always have to live, and Suning is no exception. Therefore, I can only exert all my efforts and conquer the Zhenguan era! The things needed are not many. With a divine machine that allows me to know everything in the world, a three-inch tongue that allows me to navigate the temple, a heart as tough as iron and stone that allows me to travel thousands of miles, and an extremely thick skin that allows me to disregard the vast history!
361.24 Million words | 2021-12-04 05:26Update
In the chaos of the late Sui Dynasty, heroes emerged on the borderlands. Dou Tianwang of Hebei, fought the Golden King on a snowy night. The cunning Vagang was relentless, vanquishing Zhai Rang in a fiery battle. The treacherous Yuwen clan plotted against their ruler, assassinating Xiao Niang. Li Erlang of Chang'an challenged the Wangs of Luoyang in two fierce battles. Emperor Xiao of Baling crossed the river, seizing Jing and Xiang. Du Fuwei of the southeast proclaimed himself the Wolf of the Jianghuai region. The raging waves swept across the heavens as fierce generals hunted down Yang of Sui. The rise and fall of the Sui dynasty unfolded in the war map, where the defeated became bandits and the victorious became kings.
359.90 Million words | 2022-01-09 02:44Update
In the thirtieth year of the Jiajing reign, the Emperor secluded himself in the Western Garden to refine mercury and burn elixirs. Prime Minister Yan Song wracked his brains to compose a Qing verse. Anda of the northwest galloped across the Central Plains multiple times, while the Japanese pirates in the southeast became addicted to plunder. Zhang Juzheng pulled his hair out for flattering articles, and Qi Jiguang was still kneading a washboard on his knees. Li Shizhen silently left the Imperial Medical Academy... Decay remains decayed, while new life blossoms. The songs and dances of Jiangnan, the melodies of swallows, and emerging with confidence, Tang Yi opened a promotion strategy with a calm smile… 24/7, awaiting your arrival. Welcome to settle in.
359.07 Million words | 2021-12-02 20:51Update
This is a Tang Dynasty lost in chaos, with separatist forces in the Central Plains and rampant border crises, plagued by internal and external troubles. Yet, every night, Chang'an is filled with music and dance, veiled in elegance. He is a lone fierce warrior, adept with his bow and arrows, a formidable nomadic hero that instills fear. But his glory is absent in the Great Tang. He unsheathes his sword, lost and wandering, a hero without a place to call home...
357.87 Million words | 2020-08-14 20:30Update
Yang Decheng, a diligent community worker, accidentally travels back to ancient times and becomes the most despised illegitimate son of the Ding family, Ding Hao. With neither power nor wealth, Ding Hao, who works as a coachman for his half-brother, harbors a dream of becoming a carefree and prosperous young master in this wicked society, living a peaceful life. Although his dream seems distant, Ding Hao remains undaunted. With the social experience accumulated from his community work, he adeptly navigates through people and events, seizing every opportunity to break free from confinement and strive for everything he desires. The power struggles of the Song dynasty, the joys and sorrows of Li Yu, the ambitions of Xiao Chuo in the Northern Kingdom, the secrets of the Golden Casket Alliance, the mysterious movements behind the scenes, Chen Tun's cunning plot to take Mount Huashan, the eternal regret of the Gao Liang River... The picturesque landscape, the beauty as poetic as a verse, the samsara world, where every step yields lotus blossoms.
356.55 Million words | 2020-11-15 02:01Update
The fierce gale roars, sweeping across thousands of miles, where horse hooves tread, lies the mighty Tang Empire!
354.12 Million words | 2020-08-16 15:40Update
Wang Tong, a modern office worker, is unexpectedly transported to the early years of the Ming Dynasty after his death. This is the best era of the Great Ming, as well as its final glory. As a descendant of the Jinyiwei, what can Wang Tong do and change? In this moment of his appearance, the course of history has already shifted...
350.11 Million words | 2020-10-15 13:19Update
The family owns a good hundred acres of fertile land, making them prosperous landowners. However, at the young age of fourteen, Wang Fulin suddenly finds himself being called "father" by someone. Just as he was about to achieve success, it seems like it will slip away again, putting immense pressure on the young scholar. The first rule of the Wang family's teachings: immorality leads to calamity, filial piety comes first. Amidst the extravagant and decadent society, where beauty and pleasure are valued, making a living is not easy. Wang Fulin, the young official, embarks on an unconventional journey, setting off from this point.
349.95 Million words | 2021-09-24 12:21Update
In the chaotic era of wielding weapons, men aspire to be heroes! The late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, an eternal theme of passionate men! It was an era that gave birth to countless legends. There was Bai Ma Yi Cong, unmatched in horseback archery; the invincible vanguard soldiers; the unstoppable assault troops; the world-renowned Tiger and Leopard Cavalry... Great generals were abundant, and mighty soldiers were like a forest! Amidst the crumbling world, they galloped across the Central Plains, stirring up endless smoke of war. Who was the strongest? In the first year of Chu Ping, the warlords in the eastern region rose together, storming the gates to overthrow Dong Zhuo! Just...
348.82 Million words | 2022-10-09 04:37Update
This is an era of outstanding heroes. Li Shimin, Dou Jiande, Wang Shichong, Li Mi, Xiao Xian, Zhang Xuduo, Li Jing, Su Dingfang... Great waves sift out the remnants, leaving behind timeless characters. This is also an era full of opportunities. As the end of Sui Dynasty approaches, the whole country is in chaos, with warlords vying for power. Beauties are as precious as jade, and the landscape is picturesque. Only the strong can thrive. Bound by centuries of spiritual connection, a son of a common family rises, hardened by countless battles in the yellow sand, his aura stretching for thousands of miles like a tiger. Faced with the rise of Li Tang's dominance, will he dare to compete for the world?
348.38 Million words | 2020-08-28 19:11Update
In the third month of the seventh year of Chongzhen, there was a severe drought in Shanxi and Shaanxi, with thousands of miles of barren land and widespread famine. In the fourth month, Li Zicheng entered Henan and joined forces with Zhang Xianzhong to capture Chengcheng. In the seventh month, the Later Jin army besieged Xuanfu, looting Datong, and many border fortresses were lost. The Ming Dynasty faced internal troubles and external threats, in a state of instability. In July of that year, Wang Dou unexpectedly arrived in the Ming Dynasty and became an ordinary soldier stationed in Shunxiangbao, a fortress in Xuanfu. ※※※ [Rankings of the military in Xuanfu Garrison, Ming Dynasty: Soldier, Sergeant, Squad Leader, Defense, Integrity, Security, Guerrilla, Deputy General, Vice General, Commander.]
348.26 Million words | 2022-02-12 07:50Update
In the late Northern Song Dynasty, during the Jingkang Incident, the prosperous and wealthy Central Plains Dynasty was shattered under the trampling of the Jurchen cavalry. Two emperors were captured and subjected to torture. The pinnacle of economic and cultural development in this feudal era of China collapsed under the onslaught of northern ethnic groups. Xu Wei, a swindler, happened to transmigrate to the year when the Jin army was advancing south to attack Song. He had no time to calmly take up an official post, train troops, recruit people, expand territory, and develop. All he could do was to constantly strengthen himself in the midst of war, becoming stronger with each battle!
346.03 Million words | 2022-07-02 00:51Update
Zhao Lang woke up from his sleep and found himself in the Qin Dynasty. Luckily, his family was relatively wealthy. However, after calculating the time, he realized that the Qin Dynasty only had three more years to live. With courage, Zhao Lang spoke to his father, who had only returned a few months ago, "Father, the Emperor has only three more years to live. After his death, the Qin Dynasty will fall, and the world will be in chaos. Let's prepare and rebel early!" His father was initially startled but then nodded in agreement. Zhao Lang became excited and began training a new army. Just when he was about to reach his full potential and prepare to compete for supremacy, his father suddenly appeared in front of him and said, "Stop pretending. It's time to come clean. I am Emperor Qin Shi Huang."
341.47 Million words | 2021-07-28 20:08Update
He inherited a position without succession, yet he is not of royal blood; he comes from a prestigious family, yet he is not from a noble lineage. As one of the heads of the Six Doors, he initially intended to dutifully pass down the iron rice bowl handed down by his ancestors through generations. However, he never expected to be deceived by a charlatan and lose his little world. From that moment on, a formidable figure emerged. He proclaimed himself as a selfless friend who would sacrifice himself for others, but wherever he went, he would always hide away those with virtuous wives and noble daughters, never daring to reveal them to the public. He claimed to have a pure and kind nature, but only to avoid serving under his superior, he amusingly used the excuse of "filial piety" to happily resign from his high-ranking position and return to his hometown. He declared himself a loyal subject, but because of him, the diligent Emperor Wanli no longer attended court early. Yang Ling is known as "Yang the Beheader" by the people, while Yang Fan is called "Plague Doctor", but he has even more nicknames to his name – "Mad Historian," "Ass-Carrying Official," "Night Emperor"... Each nickname represents one of his legends.
338.08 Million words | 2022-12-31 03:27Update
The gates of the Zhu family reek of alcohol and meat, while frozen bones litter the streets. Reborn into a prestigious Ming dynasty family, Zhang Yue finds himself nothing more than an insignificant child. The chaos of the Jingnan Rebellion has passed, Zheng He's fleet sails the seas, and high-ranking officials abound in his family... Is all he capable of doing merely waiting for death? In this flourishing era, the Zhu family seeks greatness, but even wealth and glory must be pursued with stability. To settle family, country, and world affairs, he sets sail with his wife and children in a humble boat.
336.73 Million words | 2023-06-02 14:19Update
At the end of the Warring States period, there was an unprecedented upheaval in the Middle Kingdom. Some were born as nobles. Some were esteemed as princes. But he was reborn as a lowly soldier named Heifu in the state of Qin, a small character in the Yunmeng Qinjian. To avoid death in the ravines and to seize control of his own destiny, he fiercely climbed his way up. Fortunately, he caught up with a great era. The King of Qin swept across the world, his eyes filled with ambition! Centuries-old bloodlines were no match for military achievements and bestowed titles. The elites of the six states were all trampled upon by the officials of Qin. Heifu only wanted to laugh and ask one question: Are the noble and honorable truly noble and honorable? Conquering the Baiyue in the south, repelling the Xiongnu in the north, driving away the Di and Qiang in the west, and crossing the Eastern Sea on towering ships. With his participation, how will history change? However, the First Emperor's death inevitably led to the fragmentation of the world. As an official of Qin, how should he choose? Should he contribute to chaos or try to prevent it?
336.68 Million words | 2022-07-08 23:40Update
Yun Zheng opened a door and never looked back. Such is life, once the bow is drawn, there's no turning back the arrow. To turn back is to age a hundred years. This is a novel about the path of a teacher, speaking of wisdom for survival, depicting human warmth, emphasizing brotherly love, and portraying kindness and humility. It contains the most beautiful love and deepest bonds of brotherhood... Perhaps, I would very much like to unfold "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" slowly, offering you a different Song dynasty, a different depiction of the world...
334.54 Million words | 2022-10-18 20:54Update
Yun Zheng opened a door, and there was no turning back. Such is life, once the bow is drawn, the arrow flies forward, with no chance for regret. To turn back now would be like shedding a hundred years of life. This novel tells the story of the path of a teacher, portraying wisdom in survival, depicting warmth in humanity, expressing brotherhood and loyalty, and demonstrating gentleness and humility. Here, you'll find the most beautiful of love stories and the deepest of brotherly bonds... Perhaps, I would love to unfold "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" slowly, giving you a different Song Dynasty, a different world of human emotions...
334.54 Million words | 2022-08-29 04:44Update
Mimi is the first Empress in history, also known as the extraordinary Queen Mimi in 'Records of the Grand Historian' and 'Strategies of the Warring States'! Her life was filled with great challenges and near-death experiences, but with her wisdom and resilience, she reached the pinnacle of success and paved the way for the future domination of the Qin dynasty! During the Warring States period, Mimi was a beloved princess by King Wei of Chu, but her life took a drastic turn after the death of King Wei. Her mother, Lady Xiang, was banished from the palace by the new queen, and Mimi, along with her brother Rong, faced numerous calamities and crises. Mimi had a deep love for Huang Xie, the son of Duke Chu, but as a princess, she was married off as a maid to Qin. Her sister, Princess Mishi, became the queen of Qin, and their bond slowly deteriorated in the midst of court intrigue. As the struggle for power among the heirs ensued, King Ying Si of Qin died with regrets. Mimi and her son were exiled to the distant kingdom of Yan. Unexpectedly, the downfall of King Wu of Qin led to chaos in the kingdom. Mimi gathered military forces and returned to Qin, successfully quelling the internal turmoil. Her son, King Zhaoxiang of Qin, ascended the throne, leaving a glorious legacy.
333.66 Million words | 2023-05-23 21:04Update
During the prosperous era of the Tang Dynasty, peace and harmony prevailed throughout the land, with magnificent mountains and rivers, and the Li clan reigning supreme. General Li Jing led troops to defeat the Turks in the north, while Emperor Taizong embarked on an expedition to Goguryeo in the east, establishing his dominance in all directions. Starting anew, they restored the old glory of the empire. Before the portraits of the heroes, Emperor Li Yuan strummed his lute with a sense of melancholy, while Emperor Li Shimin danced gracefully and joyously on the Lingyan Terrace. In the grandest and most spirited era in Chinese history, outside the ancient capital of Chang'an, a young man in humble attire smiled as he gazed at the setting sun's glow upon the imperial city...
329.80 Million words | 2021-12-25 12:56Update
The person died, the money wasn't spent. Before crossing over, Qin Mu inherited thirty billion worth of family property. The person didn't die, but the money was gone. Qin Mu, who crossed over, had to face a difficult situation. In the sixteenth year of Chongzhen, the land of Huaxia was filled with bloodshed and chaos. The Ming Dynasty was on the verge of collapse, and countless households were in mourning. Qin Mu, who went from being a billionaire to having nothing, had no way out. He decided: to have a conversation with this world. Keywords of this book: Qinhuai, Ruijin, Dazi, Huaxia's clothing and crown, the country, beautiful women, what's eaten is one's own.
328.35 Million words | 2021-12-11 21:04Update
