definition historical novel

A historical novel is a genre of literature that blends fiction with historical events, settings, and characters. It serves as a means to transport readers into the past, providing a rich and immersive experience that combines elements of history and storytelling. In a historical novel, authors often weave real historical events, figures, and places with fictional narratives to create a compelling and informative story.

One highly acclaimed historical novel is "The Pillars of the Earth" written by Ken Follett. This epic novel takes place in 12th century England and chronicles the construction of a cathedral amidst political strife and social unrest. It beautifully captures the essence of the time period, giving readers a glimpse into the architectural marvels of the medieval era.

Another notable historical novel is "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, this heart-wrenching tale follows a young girl named Liesel as she discovers the power of words and the resilience of the human spirit. Through Liesel's eyes, readers gain a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by ordinary people during this dark chapter in history.

For fans of ancient history, "I, Claudius" by Robert Graves is a must-read. This historical novel brings the Roman Empire to life, chronicling the life and reign of Emperor Claudius. With intricate plots, political intrigue, and vivid descriptions of ancient Rome, Graves offers a riveting account of power, betrayal, and survival.

To explore a different time period, "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel is highly recommended. This award-winning novel delves into the court of King Henry VIII during the turbulent years of the English Reformation. Through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, a central figure in Henry VIII's reign, Mantel paints a vivid and immersive portrait of Tudor England, with all its political maneuverings and religious upheavals.

When it comes to exploring historical fiction, there are also various websites and online platforms that cater to enthusiasts of this genre. Goodreads, for example, provides a platform for readers to discover and discuss historical novels, offering personalized book recommendations based on individual interests. Additionally, websites like Historical Novel Society and Historical Fiction Online are dedicated to promoting and reviewing historical fiction, helping readers find new authors and titles to explore.

In conclusion, a historical novel is a captivating blend of history and fiction, transporting readers to different periods and allowing them to experience the past through vivid narratives. The recommended novels and websites mentioned above are just a few examples of the vast world of historical fiction waiting to be discovered.
Great Ming Earth Master Fiction
Great Ming Earth Master

Year of the Chinese calendar, 17th year of the Ming Wanli era. Zhang Juzheng, the powerful eunuch, has died. Qi Jiguang, the war-loving general, has died. Hai Rui, the troublemaker who challenged the corrupt officials, has also passed away. Emperor Wanli and his court officials are tired of constant arguments and disputes, so they decide to retreat from court affairs and initiate a strange era known as the "Year of No Countryside, No Wilderness, and No Court Attendance." Time keeps passing by, and the streets are bustling with prosperity and peace. The common people indulge in discussions of harmony, enjoy music, go on trips, gamble, consort with courtesans, collect artworks, and appreciate nature's beauty, such as plants, insects, fish, and birds. Amidst this bustling world, no one knows that on the other side of the continent, the Europeans are setting sail, venturing out into the vast oceans, and exploring the world.

137.16 Million words | 2022-11-13 07:39Update

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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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Time traveling merchant Fiction
Time traveling merchant

The solitary traveler, traversing different time periods and eras, from the present day to the era of ancient weaponry, and further into the vastness of interstellar space, encounters clashes of blood and fire.

488.63 Million words | 2021-10-19 16:31Update

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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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Song Xiao Fiction
Song Xiao

At the end of the Northern Song Dynasty, the disgrace of the Jingkang Incident; the grand structure on the verge of collapse, with rivers and mountains engulfed in blood and fire.

555.85 Million words | 2022-12-12 02:15Update

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Realm of Secrets Fiction
Realm of Secrets

Lightsaber, future, the continuation of legend. Battle, swordsmanship, cold weapons, endless legends. A doctor studying archaeology, caught up in a mysterious event on Earth, and thus the story begins. Embark on a journey of the interstellar sword saint, waiting for brave warriors like you to join.

337.66 Million words | 2021-02-24 01:06Update

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Anti-Terrorism Elites in the War of Resistance Fiction
Anti-Terrorism Elites in the War of Resistance

Archimedes said, "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world!" Xu Rui said, "Give me an AWP and I will headshot the enemy boss!" Returning to the past, to an era of raging wars, with the sound of the charging tanks, we destroy everything in our path, with rivers of blood flowing along. Ste

233.53 Million words | 2023-04-24 12:53Update

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The Heroes' Skills of the Three Kingdoms Fiction
The Heroes' Skills of the Three Kingdoms

As a man with a system that possesses the secrets of the heroes, I crossed over to the magnificent world of the Three Kingdoms and embarked on a wild and extraordinary life. Huang Zhong, how's your marksmanship? I have the Sun and Moon Twin Bow! Lu Bu, how's your martial arts? I have the Dance of Gods and Ghosts! Zhou Yu, how's your military command? I have the Formation of Heaven and Earth, boosting offense, defense, and speed! And there's that boy named Ah Man, who's more beautiful than his wife when compared to me? If you, my dear readers, find "The Heroes of the Three Kingdoms" impressive, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ groups and on Weibo!

28.70 Million words | 2020-07-05 19:09Update

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Decade of Civilization Fiction
Decade of Civilization

In the year , a twin-engine passenger plane that had been missing for nearly half a century was discovered in a forest swamp in Papua New Guinea. What was difficult to comprehend was that the aircraft appeared just as new as when it disappeared, without any signs of aging or deterioration. What could be the explanation behind this mystery? And what happened next? This is definitely a mesmerizing historical novel that you should delve into... (Please note that while this story may borrow from historical context, it is purely fictional.)

241.83 Million words | 2021-08-09 23:58Update

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One Saber, Nine Nine Nine, you tell me this is the Three Kingdoms? Fiction
One Saber, Nine Nine Nine, you tell me this is the Three Kingdoms?

Zhao Yun crossed over to the Three Kingdoms and was surprised to find that he could see the health bars above everyone's heads! Engaging in battles would earn him experience points, and killing enemy generals would grant additional rewards! The system showered him with rewards, allowing him to rampage from Xuchang to Wujun! Liu Bei: Zhao Yun, don't always ask for rewards, aren't we brothers? Zhao Yun: Brothers? No rewards, no deal! Cao Cao: Zhao Yun is truly a divine general! Xiahou Dun: Prime Minister, please stop praising him. We've lost too many generals! Sun Quan: If Zhao Yun comes under my command, he can have his pick of the beauties in Jiangdong! Zhao Yun: Confused, if I kill you, those beauties will be mine

23.20 Million words | 2021-11-28 14:35Update

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Rebirth of the Cold Emperor's Beloved Consort Fiction
Rebirth of the Cold Emperor's Beloved Consort

She was just an ordinary, extremely ordinary person. An unexpected car accident caused her to be reborn in a different world, and she even became a princess of a country, embarking on a journey of reversing her fate! Wait a minute, she successfully turned the tide, but can someone please tell her why there are other races besides humans in this world? What is the power of race? Oh my, what kind of world is this? Just a small hint: there are dual male and female protagonists in this story~

144.31 Million words | 2021-12-27 04:41Update

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Babylonian Empire Fiction
Babylonian Empire

Here, once was the pinnacle of the development of Mesopotamian civilization, here, a new era of unity will be embraced! Surviving between two great super empires, evolving under the watchful eyes of envious neighbors, growing stronger amidst the turmoil of the Iran-Iraq War. Reborn as Saddam's son, rewriting the destiny of Iraq! The new Babylonian Empire stands tall atop the world!

281.38 Million words | 2021-04-18 03:37Update

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Zhenguan Wenzong system Fiction
Zhenguan Wenzong system

An innocent young boy, equipped with a literary system, transmigrates to the era of Wu De in the Tang Dynasty. Li Shimin is still the Qin King, and Wei Zheng is still a cunning member of the Crown Prince Party. Li Bai, Du Fu, and others have not yet been born, and the Four Great Talents of Early Tang have not yet emerged. With the system in hand, watch me

126.95 Million words | 2022-08-06 02:52Update

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Emperor Yongzheng Fiction
Emperor Yongzheng

The Emperor Yongzheng depicts the little-known life in the Qing court, breaking free from the confines of the Forbidden City. With fierce court intrigues, hidden murders, a change of power, and Yongzheng's precarious victory, a historical period filled with mysteries and complexities unfolds. The author skillfully uses a historical perspective and engaging writing to capture all aspects of life, from imperial rituals and architecture to daily life in streets, temples, and wilderness. The struggle for power between princes, with their cunning strategies, and the enchanting melodies of talented entertainers weave a captivating narrative. With meticulous plot development and well-rounded character portrayals, this work explores the depths of history and human existence.

514.65 Million words | 2021-02-07 10:38Update

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Shadow Agent Fiction
Shadow Agent

From now on, you have no right to remain silent, no right to argue, and no protection under the laws of Huaxia. The moment you come into contact with our identity, you will be sentenced to death! You will no longer have human rights. We are the Seventh Division, the Third Enforcers!

119.20 Million words | 2020-09-17 11:16Update

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The Great Tang Dynasty said. Fiction
The Great Tang Dynasty said.

The lecturer, with his sharp tongue, traveled back in time to the Tang Dynasty, witnessing the power of language. A sharp tongue could withstand a million soldiers. With his sharp tongue, he altered the course of history and made Liu Ao, this unfortunate time traveler, live a rich and flavorful life. With a sharp tongue, the world changed, and peace prevailed. The sharp tongue said, "I just want to live a good life..."

98.48 Million words | 2021-04-16 06:37Update

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Late Qing Dynasty, 1909. Fiction
Late Qing Dynasty, 1909.

In the year, the vast Yadong Empire was still in turmoil, and the throne of power under the Huanglong Banner was on the verge of collapse. In this year, the Xuantong era was proclaimed, and the Prince Regent assumed power. In this year, the Royal Guards were established, marking the beginning of the most elite army in late Qing China, and the thunderous rain of bullets from the Maxims machine guns astonished the nation. In this year, the Chinese territory was still adorned with autumn leaves and sea holly, as the cavalry from Koulun to Tannu Uriankhai acted as an impenetrable barrier against the expansionist ambitions of Tsarist Russia. In this year, the Qing Dynasty remained the largest country in Asia... But at the same time, in this year, Sun Dapao was still fundraising in San Francisco, Yuan Gongbao was still fishing in Huanshang Village, and Emperor Xuantong had not yet been weaned off. Yet, a rising star with modern ambitions had already stirred up the late Qing political landscape, deploying schemes and conspiracies, aiming to rise rapidly or seize great power? Ye Kai, Aisin-Gioro Liangbi, casually manicured his nails and chuckled silently, "In my opinion... it's still better to hold things in the palm of your hand." (Light Yaoi, Soft Alternate History, Political Intrigue)

481.39 Million words | 2020-10-21 13:03Update

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The Great Tang Divine Dynasty. Fiction
The Great Tang Divine Dynasty.

The Eighteen Heroes of Sui and Tang dynasties were all extraordinary. Qin Shuobao broke the river with a single halberd, Li Yuanba shattered the mountain with a hammer, and Yu Chi Gong marched fearlessly amidst ten thousand troops. As the protagonist, Liu Li was equally impressive, supporting the sky with a single pillar!

63.33 Million words | 2020-12-08 11:07Update

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The Heroic Journey of the Fire-Wielding Warriors Fiction
The Heroic Journey of the Fire-Wielding Warriors

The three-month-long Battle of Shanghai was a scene of carnage, with corpses littering the fields and rivers flowing with blood. The city of Nanjing was draped in a crimson cloak by the souls of the countless victims. The Battle of Xuzhou and the defense of Wuhan were also filled with fallen heroes. A chance encounter between a young and naive student named Tangcheng and a captain in the National Army changed his destiny forever. Driven by a sense of loyalty and righteousness, Tangcheng embarked on a long journey. He transformed from a rookie soldier on the battlefield to a battle-hardened veteran known as the "Longevity Ghost" by his comrades. Bold as a fierce tiger, fearless as steel. Sworn never to retreat until the enemy is defeated. With this book, we pay tribute to the brave souls who sacrificed themselves for our country. Though they may be gone, their spirits will forever live on in our nation's soul.

273.60 Million words | 2021-12-30 12:23Update

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Tang Dynasty Detective Fiction
Tang Dynasty Detective

A reincarnated criminal investigation expert in the Tang Dynasty, using his intelligence to solve a series of brutal crimes. Originally planning to live a peaceful life with his lovely young wife, he becomes entangled in a web of conspiracies. In an instant, the court and martial world are filled with hidden currents, as storms approach the Great Tang Empire. Witness how Li Canghai, with his meticulous mind and brilliant deduction skills, unravels one bizarre and incredulous case after another.

302.00 Million words | 2021-10-18 14:26Update

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