Best Historical Fiction Book Recommendations

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.

4af56302c502-birdillustration.png

The Tamarind Seed Author Evelyn Anthony Passes Away at 92

Remembering a prolific writer who brought history vividly to life. 

9 Must-Reads for Fans of Poldark

Cornwall calling! Indulge your Poldark fever with sweeping historical fiction novels.

One of the Best Mystery Novels of 2018 is Finally Here

Stuart Turton's debut novel puts readers at the center of a murder mystery...with a twist.

8 Historical Fiction Books Set During World War I

Set against the backdrop of the Great War, these novels confront love and loss during an unfathomable time.

8 Books Like Before We Were Yours

From harrowing stories of orphans to multi-generational sagas, these books will captivate you.

Shonda Rhimes to Adapt Julia Quinn's Historical Romance Series

The Grey's Anatomy and Scandal creator is bringing the Bridgerton series to Netflix.

9 Books Like Outlander That'll Give You All the Feels

Here's what to read when you're missing Jamie and Claire.

The Terror: The Doomed Expedition to the Northwest Passage

Dan Simmons’s thriller is a chilling re-imagination of what happened to Sir Franklin's long lost crew.

9 Thought-Provoking Books by Marge Piercy

The author of Woman on the Edge of Time was way ahead of her own.

[CLOSED] GIVEAWAY: Win a Copy of This Epic Historical Fiction Novel

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Visible Empire, by Hannah Pittard.

21 Beach Reads to Pick Up This Summer

Make the most out of your days in the sun.

Spanning Decades: 10 Historical Mystery Books

Go on a wild journey through time and crime.

10 Historical Books to Read When You Want to Escape the Present

Take a journey to the past with epic historical fiction, riveting biographies, and more.

An Irish Immigrant Gets a Second Chance in Taylor Caldwell's Captains and the Kings

While en route to Pennsylvania, a penniless teenager meets the man who will change his life forever.

9 Books for Fans of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

These female sleuths would earn Phryne's seal of approval.

6 Must-Read Historical Fiction Books by Rumer Godden

The prolific British author deserves a place on your bookshelf.

7 War Books That Tell Stories of Life on the Home Front

The home front can be just as perilous as the front lines.