history and historical fiction

History and Historical Fiction: Exploring the Past Through Books

From the rise and fall of empires to the lives of ordinary people throughout the ages, history has always captivated the human imagination. While delving into history textbooks can be informative, there is a unique charm to experiencing the past through the lens of fiction. Historical fiction allows readers to immerse themselves in rich narratives, filled with vivid characters and captivating settings. In this article, we will explore some popular historical fiction books and authors that will transport you back in time.

One notable author in the historical fiction genre is Ken Follett. Renowned for his epic novels, Follett has a talent for blending historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. His critically acclaimed book "The Pillars of the Earth" takes readers on a journey to twelfth-century England, weaving together the lives of various characters against the backdrop of the construction of a grand cathedral. Follett's attention to detail and intricate plotting make his books irresistible to history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike.

Another author worth mentioning is Philippa Gregory, known for her captivating novels set during the Tudor period. "The Other Boleyn Girl" is one of her best-known works, offering a fascinating insight into the lives of Anne and Mary Boleyn, sisters whose relationship becomes entangled with the court of King Henry VIII. Gregory's meticulous research and ability to bring historical figures to life make her novels a must-read for anyone interested in this era.

If you prefer a different time and setting, Bernard Cornwell's "The Last Kingdom" is an excellent choice. Set during the ninth century, this book introduces readers to Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a young Saxon nobleman who is captured and raised by Vikings. Cornwell's vivid descriptions and fast-paced storytelling create an immersive experience, allowing readers to witness the clash between Saxons and Vikings firsthand.

For those who enjoy multiple perspectives and intertwining storylines, "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel is a masterpiece of historical fiction. Set in the sixteenth century, this book delves into the life of Thomas Cromwell, one of the key figures in King Henry VIII's court. Mantel's impeccable writing and attention to historical detail earned her the prestigious Man Booker Prize, making "Wolf Hall" an absolute must-read for fans of historical fiction.

While these authors and their books offer a great starting point, there are countless other historical fiction novels waiting to be explored. If you're looking for more recommendations, websites like Goodreads and Historical Novel Society provide comprehensive lists and reviews to help you discover your next captivating read.

In conclusion, historical fiction is the perfect gateway to the past, allowing readers to learn about different time periods while enjoying a compelling story. Whether it's the grandeur of ancient civilizations or the drama of a particular era, historical fiction offers a unique blend of education and entertainment. So, grab a book, embark on a literary journey through time, and let your imagination transport you to worlds long gone.
Late Tang Fiction
Late Tang

In the 14th year of the Xiantong era in the great Tang Dynasty, in the year of AD. The 17th Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Yizong, passed away, and the empire in the setting sun welcomed the 12-year-old 18th Emperor, Emperor Xizong Li Xuan. It was only a few months before private salt merchant Wang Xianzhi led ten divisions to rebel against the Tang Dynasty, and another private salt merchant, Huang Chao, who loved singing chrysanthemums, had long held grievances against the Tang Dynasty. At this time, Prince Jin Li Ke used was still a small frontier officer, and the Thirteen Guardians had yet to make a name for themselves. Emperor Zhu Wen of Later Liang was feeding pigs at a landlord's house, Prince Wang Jian of Shu was killing donkeys, Xu Wen of Southern Tang was smuggling salt, King Qian Liu of Wuyue was a hired thug for salt smugglers, Prince Ma Yin of Chu was a carpenter, and Prince Gao Jixing of Nanping, a notorious gambler, was working as a house servant for a merchant family. The three Wang brothers, rulers of the Min Kingdom, were still low-level clerks in the county office, Prince Muzhi Li Maozhen was a low-ranking soldier in the Chengde Army, and King Yang Xingmi of Wu was a bandit hiding in Luzhou. At this time, the Khitan people, who would later oppress the Han people for hundreds of years, were still grazing on the grasslands. The future Dali Kingdom, which would eventually become a separatist in the southwest, had not yet been established, and the Western Xia Xiangxiang people, who would dominate the northwest in the future, were still loyal to the Li Tang Dynasty. It was at this moment that Li Jing accidentally stumbled into this waning empire of the Tang Dynasty. Group ID: [群号]

374.89 Million words | 2022-08-26 21:42Update

fiction historical history of historical fiction alternate historical fiction

Dreamer of Freedom Fiction
Dreamer of Freedom

What would the world become if humans lost their dreams? This is a story about dreams! This is a story that revolves around dreams, gradually reaching the pinnacle of the world! Indulging in the art of dreaming, one becomes invincible!

285.01 Million words | 2021-10-30 14:31Update

history and historical fiction best time travel historical fiction historical fiction history

Roaring Hero Fiction
Roaring Hero

Emperor Han Cheng, Liu Ao: "You ask Us... uh, you ask who I am? Hmm, I am merely a slave of the Fuping Marquis's family!" Zhao Feiyan, the most beautiful woman in the Han palace: "I would rather be the lord's concubine than the empress." Zhao Hede, the greatest beauty in the Two Hans era: "To fulfill my desires, I would not hesitate to die. I envy only mandarin ducks, not immortals." Ban Jieyu, the most talented female scholar of the Western Han: "Gazing at the bright moon, I embrace my heart, thinking of my love in the autumn wind." Wang Zhao

454.49 Million words | 2023-07-01 04:40Update

history and historical fiction historical fiction by time period historical fiction history

Three Kingdoms of Data Fiction
Three Kingdoms of Data

In the first year of Zhongping (AD), the "Great Daoist of Peace" Zhang Jiao launched the famous "Yellow Turban Rebellion" in history, causing chaos and suffering for the people, and setting the stage for the upcoming Three Kingdoms era when various warlords rose to power. The regretful South China Elder who taught Zhang Jiao the "Tàipíng Yàoshù" made a mistake in accepting disciples, so he summoned two immortals, Zuo Ci and Yu Ji, to the Shangfang Mountain Cloud Cave and sought to harness the power of the three celestial books to plead with the heavens for the descent of a

65.53 Million words | 2022-08-02 11:34Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction time periods historical fiction timeline

Reborn as the Phoenix: The Rebirth of a Common Girl and Her Road to Success Fiction
Reborn as the Phoenix: The Rebirth of a Common Girl and Her Road to Success

Reborn as the Phoenix: The Rebirth of a Common Girl and Her Road to Success, written by Shan You Fusu, falls under the category of urban youth novels. It is a complete work with millions of words and hundreds of chapters.

111.07 Million words | 2022-07-05 21:41Update

time travel historical fiction best time travel historical fiction historical fiction time periods

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

historical fiction history historical fiction time periods historical fiction timeline

The Rise of Dragon Soul Fiction
The Rise of Dragon Soul

The center of world power, the most mysterious island, is the supreme hall of honor for soldiers, and also known as a purgatory-like existence. Dragon Soul Island transforms an ordinary person into a towering figure, unlocking their last drop of potential, surpassing the nation, and becoming the battleground for global power struggles. Li Dou, a young lad from Xiahe Village, becomes a soldier and grows into a national-level king of soldiers. However, his struggle has just begun, as Dragon Soul Island stretches out its colossal hand towards him.

403.63 Million words | 2021-02-09 07:49Update

historical fiction time travel books history and historical fiction historical fiction time travel

Great Zhou, my beloved husband. Fiction
Great Zhou, my beloved husband.

Bustling and bustling, full of disputes, where can the heart find peace? Fighting and killing, scrambling for fame and fortune, where can the heart find solace? Qin Feng, the third disciple of Guiguzi, suddenly emerged! With the heart of a child, innocent like a fool, with a pure heart, he walks the path of the world! No matter if you are the treacherous court, the mysterious rivers and lakes, or the tumultuous battlefield, my heart remains steadfast, my goodness remains unchanged! Who says that it is difficult to handle matters with simplicity? Who says that sincerity towards others leads to a dead end? Qin Feng represents innocence, represents being true to oneself, represents our dream self! He charges forward, he is a bit silly and cute, he is passionate, he

550.57 Million words | 2023-07-01 23:23Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction time travel books historical fiction time travel

The Rise of Noble Families in the Three Kingdoms Fiction
The Rise of Noble Families in the Three Kingdoms

He comes from Jiangnan, a collateral branch of the Zhu family, one of the four major families. His name is Zhu Cheng, and he has a third uncle named Zhu Jun! After time-traveling to the Three Kingdoms era, he unexpectedly discovers that he can level up by fighting monsters. With the support of the "Heroes System," why should he submit to others? He rises during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, becomes renowned during the campaign against Dong Zhuo, and subdues the chaos in the South, establishing prosperity in Jiangnan. Born and raised in an influential family, he understands the phrase "There may not be a thousand-year dynasty, but there are ten-thousand-year families." Suddenly realizing, the royal family is actually the largest family in

388.87 Million words | 2022-04-02 11:03Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction timeline

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

history and historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction history

A Life in a Foreign Land Fiction
A Life in a Foreign Land

【Farm + Cute Kids + Sweet Pet + Vengeance】Qin Jiuyue, the ace assassin of the 22nd century, transmigrated into a malicious and despised rural girl, along with a living dead husband and four children with distinct personalities! Roll up your sleeves and work hard! I'll make you earn a fortune first. We can catch rabbits on the mountain and catch precious fish in the river. I'm skilled in farming and business! I raise chubby kids, teach them literature and martial arts, and guide them to become honorable heroes. Later on - The new emperor ascends the throne: I was raised by my mother. Young general: I was also raised by my mother. Foreign princess: I was adopted by Sister Jiuyue. The free-spirited medical saint: I was also picked up by Jiuyue as her disciple.

198.59 Million words | 2021-07-08 12:59Update

fiction historical history of historical fiction rebirth of the urban immortal novel

Legend Kitchen Warrior Fiction
Legend Kitchen Warrior

"Xie Heilong, the captain is coming soon. Add a few more dishes right away." "Xie Heilong, stop chopping vegetables. Sniper from the third platoon has a stomachache. Hurry and go. If you don't take the first place, go feed the pigs." The story of a mediocre soldier in the cooking squad who rises up to become the King of Soldiers! Well, the story of the King of Soldiers who was once a cook."

408.60 Million words | 2020-07-05 03:00Update

historical fiction history historical fiction time periods historical fiction time travel

Zhu Yuanzhang Fiction
Zhu Yuanzhang

Zhu Yuanzhang treated power with instincts similar to how a wild beast treats its prey: a strong desire, dreadful patience, long periods of laying low, remaining vigilant in chaos, discerning real opportunities, baring its fangs, and striking a deadly blow. This power-hungry founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty left behind a prosperous era known as the "Hongwu reign of governance." This is a comprehensive account of Zhu Yuanzhang's strategies and struggles in obtaining power, manipulating power, seizing power, and wielding power throughout his life.

367.08 Million words | 2021-08-17 05:41Update

history and historical fiction historical fiction by time period historical fiction time travel

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

historical fiction time travel books dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction timeline

Young Official in the Tang Dynasty Fiction
Young Official in the Tang Dynasty

Wu Zetian ascended to the throne. In the ancient city of Luoyang a thousand years ago, the vibrant peonies bloomed in bright red, and the morning sun rose, shedding countless rays of light. Beneath the prosperity, concealed were the bloody battles that unfolded time and time again. Qin Shaoyou arrived, and then he smiled: "Give me a vegetable knife, and I can conquer the world."

185.55 Million words | 2022-02-23 04:07Update

dark fantasy fiction dark life novel historical fiction us history

Pirate King of Late Ming Dynasty Fiction
Pirate King of Late Ming Dynasty

Who says the sea is stormy? I say only those who dare can win! As a time traveler, Li Tu aims to pioneer the era of great maritime exploration in the late Ming Dynasty. This is a story of a time traveler's struggle and adventures in the late Ming Dynasty. It's an exciting tale.

15.94 Million words | 2020-08-25 04:37Update

history of historical fiction history and historical fiction historical ya fiction

Beautiful scenery of the country Fiction
Beautiful scenery of the country

In the seventh year of the Sui Dynasty, it seemed to be a prosperous year. Emperor Yang of Sui set out to conquer Liaodong, aspiring to become an eternal emperor. Li Yuan, unknown and diligent, was overseeing provisions on the frontline in Liaodong. Zhilang Wang Bo was singing "The Long Spear Invades Half the Sky, The Round Blade Shines in the Sun" on Changbai Mountain. In the blink of an eye, war flames ignited. Li Shimin was full of confidence, Li Mi hung a book on the horn of a bull, and Zhang Xuduo was about to engage in countless battles on the yellow sand. Li Xuanba, Yuwen Chengdu, Qin Qiong, Yu Chigong, and Cheng Yaojin, these heroes also made their appearance. The picturesque landscape, the rivers and mountains stretching for thousands of miles; the stunning beauty of the country could intoxicate the world, with a dance that would move heaven and earth. Traveling through time and space, in this magnificent era, starting from the common people, practicing martial arts in Shaolin, gathering allies in Wagang, overlooking the world! There is already a completed novel with nearly two million words, guaranteed quality. This book is largely based on meticulous research, striving to be different from other Sui and Tang Dynasty works, presenting a unique and detailed era.

230.94 Million words | 2022-01-09 15:03Update

fiction historical historical fiction ya historical fiction

The Supreme Hero Zhù Biāo in Water Margin Fiction
The Supreme Hero Zhù Biāo in Water Margin

The greatest tragedy for a time traveler is to be transported into a situation where his fiancée is about to be kidnapped by a group of bandits, his family is about to be killed, and even his own head is going to be chopped off. And somehow, the carefree Jiang Weimin finds himself in such a predicament. Who did he travel into? He became Zhu Biao, one of the three heroes of the Zhu family in "Water Margin," whose village is about to be attacked by Liangshan troops. How can he prevent his fiancée, Hu Sanniang, from being violated by these loathsome bandits? How can he save his family from being killed? And how can he avoid having his head chopped off by Li Kui, the Black Whirlwind? In the near future, the Jurchen cavalry will descend rapidly southward, sweeping through the Central Plains. On the eve of this turbulent era, as a young man with 21st century advanced thoughts, culture, science and technology, and management concepts, he should change history! Well, let's not talk nonsense, he should first change his own fate of being killed...

363.31 Million words | 2021-06-24 05:39Update

historical fiction by time period dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction time periods

Shocking! The Legitimate Eldest Daughter Tears Apart the Script of the Rich and Fiction
Shocking! The Legitimate Eldest Daughter Tears Apart the Script of the Rich and

【Ancient Crosses Modern Rich and Powerful Entertainment Circle Variety Metaphysics】The legitimate eldest daughter of the Hou family, Jiang Li, travels back in time and finds herself as the cannon fodder who self-destructs shortly after her debut in a CEO novel. Shocking!

297.50 Million words | 2021-02-21 16:22Update

historical fiction time travel books history and historical fiction historical fiction by time period

Not Letting the Kingdom Fiction
Not Letting the Kingdom

I used to see the world as filled with heroes and warriors. But now, I see only a mass of ordinary people.

412.53 Million words | 2022-12-18 07:26Update

historical fiction by time period historical fiction time periods historical fiction timeline

Assassin Empress: Long Live the Demon Emperor Fiction
Assassin Empress: Long Live the Demon Emperor

A 21st-century top assassin traverses to a different world, transforming from a worthless waste to a genius, defying all odds as a legendary crown princess. With her unparalleled skills, she rises to fame and becomes a renowned figure. "Whether you're a woman or a man, if I like you, I'll like you." Jun Fuxiao trembles as she gazes at him, saying, "...beast...you beast!" He smiles knowingly and nods sincerely, "Yes, even if you're a beast, I'd still only like you." In the end, it's only you, it has always been you!

175.67 Million words | 2023-03-28 18:39Update

time travel historical fiction history and historical fiction best time travel historical fiction