Historical fiction is a genre that offers a captivating blend of history and imagination. From ancient civilizations to recent world events, these novels transport readers to different eras, providing a unique perspective on past events. If you're looking for the best historical fiction novels to dive into, we've compiled a list of 100 outstanding recommendations.
1. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett
Set in 12th-century England, this epic tale delves into the construction of a cathedral amidst political and social turmoil.
2. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak
Set in Nazi Germany, this gripping story follows a young girl who finds solace in books during wartime.
3. "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell
This classic novel explores the struggles of Scarlett O'Hara during the Civil War and Reconstruction era in the American South.
4. "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
Set during World War II, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel intertwines the lives of a blind French girl and a young German soldier.
5. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel
This historical fiction masterpiece immerses readers in the court of King Henry VIII, focusing on his advisor, Thomas Cromwell.
6. "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
Against the backdrop of 1960s Mississippi, this novel sheds light on the lives of African American maids working for white families.
7. "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
Set in Afghanistan, this powerful story follows the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant.
8. "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco
Taking place in 14th-century Italy, this mystery novel explores a series of murders in a monastery.
9. "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon
This time-traveling saga follows the adventures of Claire Randall, a British nurse transported to 18th-century Scotland.
10. "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Set in a New England college, this psychological thriller delves into a group of students' dangerous obsession with ancient Greek studies.
These are just a few examples of the exceptional historical fiction novels available. To discover more captivating stories from different periods in history, websites such as Goodreads, Book Riot, and Historical Novel Society offer curated lists and reviews.
Remember, historical fiction not only entertains but also educates. Whether you're passionate about ancient civilizations, world wars, or lesser-known historical events, this genre provides a gateway to the past. So, grab a fascinating historical fiction novel, travel through time, and immerse yourself in captivating stories that bring history to life.
Synopsis of "My Seventy Years": "My Seventy Years" is an autobiographical historical novel. The story chronicles the ups and downs of "me" from childhood to youth, to middle age, and to old age, presenting a magnificent historical panorama spanning over seventy tumultuous years from the turn of the century to the end of the century and the beginning of a new century. It praises the selfless and fearless patriotic sentiments of an old soldier who dedicates his youth, life, wisdom, and strength to the beloved frontier construction, displaying an unwavering commitment to serving the nation until the end of his days.
475.26 Million words | 2022-10-23 06:03Update
He is a passionate young man with the same dream as most boys - the dream of joining the military. It is his dedication that has earned him a sacred honor - the Chinese Armed Police. Through a chance encounter, he has the opportunity to further his training in a more powerful force - the Snow Leopard Commando. They are invincible warriors. No one has seen their true faces, and their appearance signifies death. They are the ones feared even by the most ruthless. How was such a terrifying force trained? What have they experienced that has nearly stripped them of their humanity? This is a novel that chronicles the growth of contemporary special forces soldiers. Decrypting the most brutal and terrifying invincible warriors in history! The Cold
221.84 Million words | 2023-01-29 13:17Update
In this year, Liu Bei's biological son, Liu Shan, was born. In this year, Cao Cao boasted an army of 800,000 marching south. In this year, a modern accountant traveled back in time and became Liu Bei's adopted son, Liu Feng. With an awkward identity, imminent disasters, and a tragic ending in the distant future, Liu Feng, who is well aware of all this, can only rise up and resist
404.85 Million words | 2023-01-24 00:01Update
If life were not limited to one existence, I would certainly reign over the myriad realms. In the tenth year of the Hongwu reign, Zhu Yuanzhang traveled to the year 1622 using a life simulator, arriving in the late Ming Dynasty. As he opened the history books and saw Zhu Di usurping the throne, he couldn't help but furrow his brow. Seeing the Great Ming War God sacrificing a million soldiers in battle, his expression turned somewhat dark. And when he learned that peasant uprisings were rampant during the reign of Chongzhen, with the Great Ming Empire on the verge of collapse, he could no longer sit idly by. All you unworthy descendants, get out of my way! What "Later Jin," what "King of Yan," Zhu Yuanzhang will make you all understand what
62.42 Million words | 2021-10-12 11:54Update
A high school student who has a hobby of fortune-telling, accidentally gets hit on the head by a clay sculpture of Guiguzi, the ancestor of fortune-telling in a temple, and travels back in time to the Ming Dynasty. He possesses the body of a poor and destitute fortune-teller's apprentice, starting a life of making a living through fortune-telling in ancient times. He quickly discovers that there is something new in his mind, making his fortune-telling abilities extraordinary. PS: There are two book lover groups, , which are both super book lover groups, and all book lovers are welcome to join.
48.39 Million words | 2023-04-18 10:32Update
The young eunuch steps out of the Imperial Academy, while the white dragon descends to the mortal world. Vermilion and purple lose their colors, and the blue and white paint the landscape. - Cai Xunzhen's "Farewell to my young friend Lai Xinger" In the chaotic palace of Chang'an, the young man roams freely. With a three-foot sword in his hand, he astonishes gods and demons with his dance. - Liu Yi's "A Gift to my nephew Lai Xinger"
90.81 Million words | 2020-07-12 22:31Update
They say there are five types of people that Tang Chuan shouldn't be: one being the Crown Prince. If you don't understand, just read Li Chen's story. As soon as he transmigrated, he almost got killed. Then he was about to be thrown into a cesspit. Just when he thought he had escaped, he was going to be buried alive. Why does the dog emperor keep chasing after me? Even when I fled to the temple, I was still pursued. On the escape route, I even ended up with four tag-alongs. How am I going to live like this? It's okay, I'm not afraid. I swear to speak with an influential Tang dynasty. All under heaven shall be the land of Tang, and all the coasts of the world shall be inhabited
18.30 Million words | 2021-11-14 03:07Update
A modern person named Liu Feng became the adopted son of Liu Bei, the founding emperor of Shu Han. This identity was originally honorable, as Liu Bei did not yet have a son of his own, especially one named Adou. However, as a modern person, Liu Feng knew that in the near future, Liu Bei's biological son Adou would be born, and he, as the adopted son, would become a thorn in Liu Bei's side. In the end, he was condemned to death. As a man, he couldn't passively accept his fate and silently await death. He wanted to take control of his own destiny and the fate of Shu Han and its courtiers. Shu Han, I shall take charge. When it comes to reading online literature, use the magnificent Bambook. Official website, direct sales only!
313.54 Million words | 2023-01-30 16:11Update
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
The Han slave can also stir up storms in the world, with the assistance of the domination system, attribute scanning skills, passion, and indomitableness... Many special abilities help him control the world. From the chaos of the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the flourishing of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, he effortlessly traverses the mainland, secretly manipulating the changes of three dynasties. He turns away lightly in front of imperial power, only hoping to avoid experiencing the humiliation of the Battle of Jiawu and the chaos of Xinchou a thousand years later. Farming, flirting, political intrigue, exploration, power struggles, cultivation, system, special abilities... not one can be missing! Without the author's permission, it is strictly forbidden to incorporate the historical facts in this text into any level of history textbooks in order to avoid misleading children! Thanks to the Wen Reading Book Review Team for their support!
439.14 Million words | 2020-10-16 09:39Update
This is an era of beauty. This is an era of outstanding ministers. This is an era where poets lead in elegance. Here, there is Zhang Sanying, who marries the peach and apricot to the east wind. Here, there is Liu Sanbian, who endures trading fame for a life of simplicity and sings in a low voice. ..................................... This is the third year of Renzong Jingyou in the Great Song Dynasty. In this year, a dandy came. He didn't want to be an outstanding minister, nor did he want to be a poet. He only wanted to be a carefree private detective with a reputation that fills the world.
384.40 Million words | 2021-05-17 02:50Update
Is the son-in-law of a merchant who married into the family useless? Time-traveler Xiao Fan is a clear exception. In the 29th year of the Hongwu reign of the Great Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang was elderly, and his heir apparent was weak, while the King of Yan was plotting. In this year, Xiao Fan arrived. The world was stirred because of him. (This book has successfully completed, and a new book titled "The False Gentleman of the Ming Dynasty" has been published. Please support and cast your votes.)
148.83 Million words | 2021-12-20 13:54Update
After being reborn, I became the unattainable desire of my ex-husband, full of greed, anger, and obsession... In my past life, you ended my life and annihilated my clan. In this life, I will seize your empire and send you to the underworld... Living a second life, Xiao Yun always reminded herself not to be emotionally involved, to avoid suffering... But unfortunately, she met him. Little did she expect that this person would emerge from the depths of darkness. He said: I have crossed the abyss of darkness and overcome numerous obstacles, all for your affection, to serve you as my queen! Heartless little thing, could you perhaps move me even just a bit? She replied: A person without a heart, how can their heart be moved? Strong and powerful, without cruelty, with an exceptionally sound worldview. The female lead never harms innocent people. The male lead is full of all kinds of romantic and dramatic elements...
428.54 Million words | 2020-10-11 08:06Update
The once mighty Han Empire has reached its desperate end. The glorious Han ethnicity is about to plummet into the depths of darkness. The curtain of chaos slowly unveils, marking an era of blood and fire, a time belonging to heroes, yet also a tragic era... By my blood, I offer the soul of Xuanyuan, protecting the multitude of Han commoners! By my body, I transform Qin bricks and Han tiles, constructing the Great Wall spanning thousands of miles for our Huaxia! I am Liu Ze, and here I come. This is my story: Witness how an underdog rises in the Three Kingdoms! In the hearts of a thousand people, there lie a thousand Three Kingdoms. Under the pen of Lao Feng, perhaps the most perfect Three Kingdoms cannot be written, but it will definitely not disappoint. Amidst the ruins of Han, we shall reshape a dream of end-of-Han China, shining brightly.
379.18 Million words | 2022-10-22 13:47Update
...... The Embroidered Uniform Guard, what do they live off? They're used for killing! Who do they kill? Those who obstruct the development of the Ming Dynasty! Deadwood officials, corrupt bureaucrats, kill! Factionalism, indulging in internal strife, kill! Falsifying imperial edicts, framing loyal subjects, kill! Selfishness, tax evasion, kill! Hypocrisy, empty talk causing harm to the nation, kill! Collusion with foreign powers, betraying the country, kill! Disrespecting the Great Ming, no matter how far, must be punished with death, kill!
316.88 Million words | 2022-09-02 12:49Update
A modern ordinary person travels to a strange world, where there are no three emperors and five empires, no Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, or Qing dynasties. Instead, there exists a massive empire that is powerful enough to intimidate everyone! Officials are corrupt, the emperor is incompetent, frequent natural disasters occur but no one comes to aid, and the common people suffer endlessly... Wang Xu, starting from being an insignificant beggar, takes step by step to overcome obstacles, removing every stumbling block in his path. With the use of modern knowledge, he creates numerous advanced weapons... He is unwilling to be ordinary; he wants to rebel! [Dear friends, please collect if you like it, thank you!] [Join the Qianye Book Club chat group for
420.83 Million words | 2021-09-27 04:05Update
Having been in the political arena for ten years, ambition has also been worn down into an old horse. One careless move in the power struggle led to a downfall. Crossing over? It's not a rare occurrence, but luckily, I crossed over into the body of a nobleman's son. Unfortunately, he is only a common-born son of an elderly marquis, who holds a prominent position. With fifteen sons, he ranks twelfth in the family hierarchy, making it impossible for him to inherit the title. Among his elder brothers, some hold official positions, while others serve in the military. Unfortunately, our immediate family possesses no talent and shows no signs of improvement, relying on a meager monthly allowance of twenty taels of silver to scrape by. My mother was a concubine who passed away early, and the marquis's mansion holds no regard for us. Even the snobbish servants dare to flaunt their power in front of us. Only my widowed sister, who shares the same mother as me, treats me kindly and occasionally provides assistance. However, as a widow with a son, I must be mindful of my boundaries. While others who have crossed over try to develop businesses, our elderly marquis strictly forbids his descendants from engaging in commerce. Shall we wait until the marquis passes away, only to be driven out by our brothers, each given a small plot of land? As a modern person, if I'm going to experience this, it must be done in a grand manner. Engaging in literature and calligraphy is not my forte, and the games of kings and marquis are not interesting to me. How about manipulating the changing of emperors and establishing my own power? "Why shouldn't a man carry his Wu Blade, conquering fifty provinces? I invite you to temporarily ascend the Lingyan Pavilion. Which scholar wouldn't desire to become a marquis of ten thousand households?"
548.82 Million words | 2021-09-11 02:44Update
"I'm Ji Yu!" "Okay! Actually, my name is Liu Zhang, also known as Ji Yu!" When Ji Yu realizes that he has become the pitiful Liu Zhang, what choices will he make? Let us wait and see! ---------------------------- Brothers, Qingfeng's new book is now open for recommendations and collections.
4.64 Million words | 2023-03-03 10:14Update
The one riding a white horse is not necessarily Tang Seng, it could also be Fa Hai. The one offering incense is not necessarily a monk, it could also be a Taoist. The Crown Prince is not necessarily a prodigal, he could also be a genius. The world beneath our feet is full of fantasy, while the distant court is decadent. The Great Liao, Mongolia, and Nv Jin wrap around Qianyang, but it is not thriving as rumors say. Scholars are bitter, always with a sense of lowliness. Courtesans are not good-hearted, they are quite petty. People in the rivers and lakes face danger every day. Of
599.30 Million words | 2022-12-14 08:36Update
Saigon. Explosions every day, mysterious intrigues of various countries, successful or unsuccessful coups, constant crises, gunshots and bullets flying, a constant flow of colorful characters... Here, there is only smoke of gunpowder. What can one do when reborn in a country on the brink of disappearing? Rain falls from the sky, a girl gets married, let's just fight, because if we don't, we'll be taken advantage of by fishermen. Li Weimin stands on the embankment of Confucius Street, arms wide open, saying, "Welcome to Saigon!" PS: Join our communication group, all new and old readers are welcome. PS: The completed novel "Superintendent Li" has never gone on hiatus, so readers can confidently collect it.
256.46 Million words | 2021-08-30 01:23Update