historical fiction russia

Top 10 Must-Read Historical Fiction Novels Set in Russia

If you are a fan of historical fiction and have an interest in Russia’s rich history, then you’re in for a treat. In this article, we will explore ten captivating historical fiction novels set in Russia that will transport you to another time and place. These novels are perfect for those seeking a blend of fascinating storytelling, vivid historical details, and immersive cultural experiences. So, grab a cup of tea and let's explore these must-read novels together.

1. "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy:
Considered one of the greatest novels of all time, "War and Peace" is an epic masterpiece set against the backdrop of Napoleonic invasion of Russia. This sweeping saga delves into the lives of fictional characters as they navigate love, war, and political upheaval.

2. "Doctor Zhivago" by Boris Pasternak:
Set during the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Civil War, "Doctor Zhivago" follows the life of Yuri Zhivago, a physician and poet. A tale of love, passion, and the struggle for survival, this novel provides a unique perspective on this tumultuous period in Russian history.

3. "The Bronze Horseman" by Paullina Simons:
"The Bronze Horseman" is a gripping love story that unfolds in Leningrad during World War II. Amidst the horrors of war, a young woman, Tatiana, and a Red Army officer, Alexander, find solace and love in each other's arms.

4. "Child 44" by Tom Rob Smith:
For fans of crime and thriller genres, "Child 44" is a page-turner set in Stalinist Russia. A series of brutal child murders pushes a disgraced former MGB agent, Leo Demidov, to unravel a conspiracy that threatens him and his family.

5. "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles:
This charming novel tells the story of Count Alexander Rostov, who is placed under house arrest in a luxurious hotel in 1922 Moscow. As the decades pass, Rostov's life becomes intertwined with the hotel and its eclectic occupants.

6. "The Winter Palace" by Eva Stachniak:
"The Winter Palace" offers a captivating glimpse into the life of Catherine the Great, one of Russia's most powerful and enigmatic rulers. This novel follows the journey of a young Polish girl, Varvara, who becomes a spy in the glittering court of Empress Elizabeth.

7. "The Revolution of Marina M." by Janet Fitch:
Set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution, "The Revolution of Marina M." chronicles the life of Marina Makarova, a young woman from an aristocratic family. The novel vividly depicts the chaos and transformation of Russian society during this turbulent period.

8. "Russka" by Edward Rutherfurd:
Spanning centuries of Russian history, "Russka" is a sprawling epic that narrates the lives of multiple generations in a fictional Russian village. Through the eyes of various characters, readers experience pivotal events such as the Mongol invasions, the reign of Ivan the Terrible, and the Bolshevik Revolution.

9. "City of Thieves" by David Benioff:
Set in Leningrad during World War II, "City of Thieves" follows the journey of two young men, Lev and Kolya, who are tasked with finding a dozen eggs for a Soviet colonel. This captivating and often humorous novel explores themes of friendship, survival, and sacrifice.

10. "The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov:
"The Master and Margarita" is a darkly comedic and fantastical novel that blends reality, satire, and the supernatural. Set in 1930s Moscow, this masterpiece explores themes of censorship, personal freedom, and the nature of good and evil.

For more historical fiction set in Russia, you can explore websites like Goodreads, where you will find numerous user-generated lists and recommendations. Additionally, websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble offer a wide selection of historical fiction novels available for purchase.

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Russian history with these captivating historical fiction novels. Whether you're interested in the grandeur of the Russian court or the struggles of ordinary people during tumultuous times, these books offer an unforgettable reading experience. Start your journey today and get ready to be transported to the captivating world of historical Russia.
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

best time travel historical fiction historical fiction timeline historical fiction time travel

Return to heaven and become a horse carrier. Fiction
Return to heaven and become a horse carrier.

A special forces soldier who participated in the war unexpectedly traveled back to the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom era several decades ago due to a parachute accident. Through a series of coincidences, he became an influential figure in the court as an advisor. With his agile physical abilities, intelligent mind, and knowledge of the history from the future, he showed us a Taiping Heavenly Kingdom that was different from what was recorded in history... giving history a true extension once again.

349.43 Million words | 2021-07-15 07:29Update

historical fiction time travel books historical fiction by time period dual timeline historical fiction

Tang Xiaomi with a revolver Fiction
Tang Xiaomi with a revolver

This is a continuation of the TV drama "Spicy Female Soldiers".

487.27 Million words | 2023-02-02 03:13Update

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

To cover the sky with one hand. Fiction
To cover the sky with one hand.

The severed arm unexpectedly regenerates, behold as my single hand covers the sky. The most explosive urban setting, the most badass cultivation.

138.87 Million words | 2021-09-22 17:46Update

xianxia online novel xianxia novel meaning novel xianxia

The Great Sui Dynasty. Fiction
The Great Sui Dynasty.

"Uncle Bao, join me, the king, and I promise you won't end up like Zhao Zilong, just a bodyguard. I will give you a world to showcase yourself!" "Yao Jin, join me, the king, how about that? Even if you only know three axes, I will make you famous!" "Pharmacist, I have the Taigong Military Strategy, the Wumu Heritage Book, and the military tactics of some western powers. Don't worry, you will see all of these if you join me!" "Mingyue, rest assured, your big brother Yang Can will come back to marry you!" "Wugou, your brother Yang Can doesn't have much money to buy clothes. Just wear whatever is available!" Different heroes with the same iron-bloodedness and tenderness. Please savor - "The Great Sui Dynasty"!!!

509.63 Million words | 2021-12-10 21:54Update

dual timeline historical fiction best time travel historical fiction historical fiction time periods

Dragon Soul Special Operations Team Fiction
Dragon Soul Special Operations Team

The captain of the Special Forces arrived in 1917 and personally created the Special Forces, waving the Reaper's scythe to destroy all the Japanese military's strengths, causing the invaders' corpses to pile up like mountains and fertilize the fertile land of China, becoming a permanent nightmare for the Japanese military. Wherever the Dragon Soul went, rivers of blood flowed and the land of China trembled in fear. Blood dried up, tears ran dry, national hatred, family feuds, and the disgrace of the country, who will bring peace, killing the Japanese aggressors, putting an end to the blood shame, the loyal souls will endure for eternity... The wrath of the Divine Dragon showcases the might of Huaxia - Dragon Soul Special Operations Team. Please move to the new book~ "Crazy Martial City"

304.63 Million words | 2022-10-23 15:55Update

dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction timeline

Reborn in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Fiction
Reborn in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

With a Soviet military base, he traveled back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire before World War I and became the second son of Archduke Ferdinand. Completed novels: Reborn as a Grand Duke in Great Britain, Reborn as an American-European Aristocrat, Reborn in the Russian Empire, Reborn in a Small European Country (ongoing). Group: [information not provided]

319.30 Million words | 2023-01-11 11:44Update

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

Rural Girl's Struggle: Step by Step to Success Fiction
Rural Girl's Struggle: Step by Step to Success

Crossing over as a village girl, who said all I could do was farm? Ning Su had never thought she would have the destiny of becoming an empress. Carelessly, she ended up in the harem. How to deal with a cruel and ruthless tyrant? She had her own ways to turn him from steel to tender. The harem is filled with strange creatures; defeating them and leveling up, Ning Su never expected to climb to the top unintentionally. Who said the harem cannot involve politics? Look at how your country turned out when it lacked an empress. From a small village girl to an esteemed empress, that was not achieved overnight!

209.21 Million words | 2023-05-01 15:20Update

historical fiction time travel books historical fiction history historical fiction time periods

There were tanks in the Northern Song Dynasty. Fiction
There were tanks in the Northern Song Dynasty.

Crossing over to the Song Dynasty and finally finding love. My wife is sharp yet gentle, while my younger sister-in-law is blossoming with potential. A beautiful life awaits me... Wait a minute! The first year of Xuande? The emperor is Zhao Ji? The bandit, Wang Qing, is about to attack? I also have two edgy little cousins? And... my tank is out of fuel... ... Book club: If you follow me, if you follow me, I'll show you some... explicit content...

82.77 Million words | 2022-08-05 21:00Update

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

Yuan Family's Decision Fiction
Yuan Family's Decision

Reborn in the Three Kingdoms, I became Yuan Shao's third son, Yuan Shang, by a strange coincidence, right in the midst of the Battle of Guandu! At this moment, the Battle of Guandu was nearing its end. Xu You had already betrayed Yuan Shao, Wuchao's food supply was about to be burned, Zhang He and Gao Lan were about to defect to Cao Cao, Tian Feng was imprisoned, and Ju Shou was trapped in the prison carriage. The 700,000 strong army was on the verge of collapse, and the decline of the prestigious Yuan family seemed inevitable. Having time-traveled back to the Three Kingdoms, would Yuan Shang still follow the course of history and surrender to Cao Cao? The answer is absolutely not! The outcome of the Battle of Guandu and the downfall of the Yuan family will be altered by the efforts of Yuan Shang.

488.13 Million words | 2021-03-28 16:25Update

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

Datang Express Company Fiction
Datang Express Company

Courier Fang Tang, with his tricycle and a load of packages, accidentally ended up in the Tang Dynasty. He was instantly dumbfounded. "Lao Gan Ma chili sauce," "trendy men's short-sleeved shirts," "women's underwear." Fang Tang was filled with despair. Others who time-traveled usually brought countless treasures, but why did he end up with women's underwear? What made Fang Tang even more hopeless was what happened next. "I am about to go to war. As my subject, shouldn't you make some contributions?" "You're the emperor, the boss. I will do my best." "Brother, my wife wants a divorce recently. Can you make sure the Civil Affairs Bureau doesn't

501.71 Million words | 2022-04-17 14:18Update

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

Unparalleled Wu Yingxiong Fiction
Unparalleled Wu Yingxiong

A righteous, humble, and cautious individual who adheres to principles, strictly follows the law, and is not motivated by personal gains. Diligent and dedicated to their job, they are eager to learn and studious in acquiring professional knowledge. They hold themselves to high standards and prioritize serving the people. Unexpectedly, this outstanding civil servant sacrifices their life in the line of duty, only to discover that they have been reincarnated as Wu Yingxiong, the eldest son of the notorious traitor Wu Sangui. Since they have realized that they are Wu Yingxiong, what should be their first course of action? Restore the Ming Dynasty by overthrowing the Qing Dynasty? Persuade their father, Wu Sangui, to accept the recall of feudal privileges and become a loyal subject of the Qing Dynasty?

520.53 Million words | 2020-08-01 07:22Update

time travel historical fiction history and historical fiction historical fiction time periods

The Legendary Life of Mr. Li San Fiction
The Legendary Life of Mr. Li San

The work draws on many true stories, and the protagonist, Mr. Li San, is based on the author's grandfather. Many place names, surnames, and events in the novel are real.

272.13 Million words | 2020-07-28 21:13Update

historical fiction by time period best time travel historical fiction historical fiction time periods

Tang Dynasty's Chu Ba Wang Fiction
Tang Dynasty's Chu Ba Wang

Tang Dynasty Diplomatic Declaration: 1. What's yours is mine, what's mine is still mine. 2. If I don't have it, I'll just take it from your house. 3. Anyone who dares to defy will be crushed to death.

20.70 Million words | 2023-02-27 17:30Update

historical fiction time travel books historical fiction time periods historical fiction timeline

Not a concubine either. Fiction
Not a concubine either.

The most detrimental thing in a relationship is when one doesn't speak, and the other doesn't ask. She was a beloved princess who left her country and her loved ones behind in order to bring stability to her nation. He, on the other hand, was a prince of the country who ended up with her due to an impure marriage. But their love eventually fell apart because of the conflicts within the royal family. If lovers who truly love each other could have more understanding and trust for one another, wouldn't their love story have been less complicated? When they met again, she was no longer his consort, but the ruler of a nation. However, as she ascended to the throne, did she still wait for him at the same spot?

339.26 Million words | 2022-11-25 11:35Update

historical fiction time travel books historical fiction by time period best time travel historical fiction

The Last Soldier Fiction
The Last Soldier

In the end of the world... Special forces soldiers save the victims, rebuild their homeland, develop technology, and form armies. Riding horses among cherry blossoms, slaughtering America, bloodstaining Europe, growing into the ruler of Earth. Establishing the Earth Empire, the Galactic Corps breaks out of Earth and gazes upon the universe.

419.97 Million words | 2021-02-27 13:11Update

time travel historical fiction best time travel historical fiction historical fiction timeline

Xiliang Iron Cavalry Fiction
Xiliang Iron Cavalry

In the Three Kingdoms where heroes abound and strategists pour like rain, ordinary modern individuals emerge, becoming warlords, and subsequently subduing all rivals, cleansing the land, and achieving an immortal imperial legacy!

208.50 Million words | 2021-03-22 13:23Update

war historical fiction best historical military fiction books historical military fiction

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

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

The Stormy Tang Dynasty Fiction
The Stormy Tang Dynasty

Cheng Huailiang, a youth of the new century, grew up under the five-starred red flag while reading the martial arts novels of Jin Yong and Gu Long. He always dreamed of witnessing the legendary Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms, Nine Suns Divine Art, and Dugu Nine Swords, hoping to witness the extraordinary skills of heroes like Qiao Feng and Guo Jing. He also longed to see the legendary beauties like Xiaolongnü and Huang Rong, and to live like the decadent sons and daughters in TV dramas, strolling the streets at sunset with a few lackeys, taking advantage of every opportunity to approach beautiful women... Luck brought him to the Tang Dynasty, a place coveted by many. After achieving wealth and status, he thought he could enjoy endless indulgence and pursue countless women. However, he soon realized that although the Tang Dynasty was beautiful, it was full of traps. Li Er was the biggest pitfall, and even the esteemed Changsun treated him like a cash cow. The famous generals and ministers in the imperial court manipulated him for their own gain. In order to lie on a bed of gold and live a life of ease, Cheng Huailiang's previously carefree life turned into one of constant hardship. The princess of the Tang Dynasty, with her passion and beauty, the majesty of the grasslands, the desolation of the desert, the sorrow outside the royal city, and the allure of the island nation, all these will be revealed here, one by one. With my spear pointing in all directions, nothing can stand against me. Wherever I stand, it becomes the territory of the Tang Dynasty!

122.75 Million words | 2022-07-18 09:57Update

history and historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction best time travel historical fiction

Northern Song Dynasty Capital Fiction
Northern Song Dynasty Capital

In the time of grandeur, Bianliang was bustling with visitors from all directions, connecting nations far and wide. But in the blink of an eye, it became the period of Jingkang, where iron hooves trampled across, leaving behind only memories. Looking back abruptly, is that Bianliang still the same? Let us follow the young lad named Liu Yong outside the Vermilion Bird Gate and explore the stories of the Eastern Capital during the Northern Song Dynasty. With a new face and a fresh story, we reject clichés.

89.37 Million words | 2021-01-10 18:43Update

historical fiction by time period historical fiction history historical fiction time periods