While time travel will (probably) never happen, we’ll always have the next best thing: historical fiction novels. Through the magic of fiction (and authors’ dedication to researching endless incredible details), readers can feel as though they’ve been everywhere and every time, from Ancient Greece to colonial Asia to the American Revolution to the Holocaust. If you’re a fiction lover who wants to learn more about the past but isn’t sure about diving into the world of history books, it’s the best of both worlds.
Another reason to love historical fiction is that it can be crossed with any other genre. From historical mysteries to steamy historical romance to hilarious historical fiction, whatever genre you enjoy can be placed in another period.
Clearly, this is a genre that truly has something for everyone. Whether you prefer novels that bring you to times of war and terror or more whimsical stories set in the past; historical fiction that is surprisingly accurate or tales that take creative license with their settings, you'll find endless books to add to your TBR pile in the lists below.
Her depictions of race, religion, and history are uniquely poignant and informative.
The New York Times bestselling author was behind some of the most beloved family sagas, in addition to sword and sorcery tales.
By Olivia Mason
Penelope Fitzgerald once described herself as "an old author who had never been a young one."
Broaden your mind and travel through time with these widely-encompassing reads.
By Orrin Grey
History just got a whole lot more interesting.
Surround yourself with queens, princes, and the British people.
Or, what to read after you finish The Passenger.
By Orrin Grey
Flip through faith-based reads.
By Nicole Klett
These thought-provoking reads reflect on the human impact of war.
By Kimmy Kelly
Celebrate the anniversary of Victory Day with these moving WWII novels.
These authors create masterful, immersive narratives.
Settle in for dramatic storytelling.
Fact, meet fiction.
By Olivia Mason & Ella Burch