It’s been a good while since I did any discussion/list post and historical fiction is something that’s very close to my heart. It also happens to be our 7th blogversary. What could be a better celebration? So, I decided to make a list of some of the books I enjoyed over the years. I compiled 15 historical fiction books and series you must check out into a list, that features both indie and traditionally published authors.
Please note that I put together this list based on my own personal reading experience, I’m sure there are a lot more amazing historical fiction books/series out there that I have yet to discover. You are absolutely welcome to leave a comment with more recommendations!
And why historical fiction? Well, let me tell you a little story. I wasn’t particularly interested in school, let alone going to have a degree, but I loved reading, and historical fiction was among my first loves when it came to books. It was also the only subject I actually paid attention to, so when my parents were adamant about me getting a degree, my compromise was that I picked history. And then later I specialized in the history of religions, but that’s another story. And while I never worked in that field (never intended to), the spark still remains in me and I love picking up historical fiction whenever I can. Because I’m fascinated by people of bygone eras, their lives, their beliefs, their view of the world.
I ended up with quite an eclectic selection – some are reflecting on true events or characters, some are set in an era that’s considered history, some are more based on legends and myths than truth. They feature elements of fantasy, mystery, romance, and adventure. They are not in any particular order, but I hope you’ll find something that interests you!
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore
Oh man, I read this book so many times. I even took it with me on my first UK trip back in 2010. Moore has a certain sense of humor that’s not for everyone, but I laughed a LOT while reading. It tells the fictionalized story of Jesus, more specifically those years we don’t know anything about from the Bible. Personally, I think the first half is stronger than the second, but it still brings up some interesting ideas, pointing out some similarities between the religious systems known at the time such as Judaism, Buddhism, etc. This is a book I read mostly in Hungarian, but I later read it in English too, and I’m happy to say that the translation was excellent (the Hungarian, I mean). I kind of wonder how it stands up now that I’m not reading in Hungarian anymore…Maybe I should find out soon.
The birth of Jesus has been well chronicled, as have his glorious teachings, acts, and divine sacrifice after his thirtieth birthday. But no one knows about the early life of the Son of God, the missing years—except Biff, the Messiah’s best bud, who has been resurrected to tell the story in the divinely hilarious yet heartfelt work “reminiscent of Vonnegut and Douglas Adams” (Philadelphia Inquirer).
Verily, the story Biff has to tell is a miraculous one, filled with remarkable journeys, magic, healings, kung fu, corpse reanimations, demons, and hot babes. Even the considerable wiles and devotion of the Savior’s pal may not be enough to divert Joshua from his tragic destiny. But there’s no one who loves Josh more—except maybe “Maggie,” Mary of Magdala—and Biff isn’t about to let his extraordinary pal suffer and ascend without a fight.
Sano Ichiro series by Laura Joh Rowland
A very long time ago I picked up one of the Hungarian paperbacks in this series (I don’t think all of them were translated, but I stopped following). Over the years I read 8 out of 18 books so I have a lot to catch up on. It’s a series that follows Sano Ichiro, who is tasked with investigating murders mostly, and it’s all set in 17th-century Japan, mostly Edo, involving the shogun’s court. There is a lot of political intrigue, romance, mysteries, everything you want. From what I can remember, each book involves one investigation that’s closed, but there is an overarching story with the characters, as they get promoted, demoted, feud with each other, etc, so while technically you can read them as standalones, some details might not be clear. I’m going to put the first book below, but you can check out the whole series HERE.
When beautiful, wealthy Yukiko and low-born artist Noriyoshi are found drowned together in a shinju, or ritual double suicide, everyone believes the culprit was forbidden love. Everyone but newly appointed yoriki Sano Ichiro.
Despite the official verdict and warnings from his superiors, the shogun’s Most Honorable Investigator of Events, Situations, and People suspects the deaths weren’t just a tragedy; they were murder. Risking his family’s good name and his own life, Sano will search for a killer across every level of society determined to find answers to a mystery no one wants solved. No one but Sano…
As subtle and beautiful as the culture it evokes, Shinju vividly re-creates a world of ornate tearooms and gaudy pleasure-palaces, cloistered mountaintop convents and deathly prisons.
Part love story, part mystery, Shinju is a tour that will dazzle and entertain all who enter its world.
Eclipse of the Crescent Moon by Géza Gárdonyi
One of my earliest historical fiction-related memories belongs to Egri csillagok or as it was translated, Eclipse of the Crescent Moon (I believe it’s still available in English, definitely as an audiobook, the hardcover might be harder to come by but I have a copy to lend if you are so inclined and we are friends). The book is set in the 16th century and follows the life of a young man, Gergely Bornemissza, who eventually finds himself in the middle of high politics and the siege of Eger in 1552 by the Osman Empire, which was a significant event at the time. A lot of the story is based on historical figures and facts, there are some fictional elements, naturally, but overall it’s pretty well written. One of the few books I can still read in Hungarian because I just love the language – even if I have a newer edition, which was probably modernized (it was originally published in 1901, my edition is from the 80s).
Eclipse of the Crescent Moon is one of the books that every kid has to read in Hungary, although I’m not entirely sure 5-6th graders can understand some of it. That said, I was in 3rd grade when I first read it (and then two more times BEFORE I actually had to, lol), and some things I understood only when I read it as an adult.
The siege of Eger was an astonishing event. A small Hungarian Garrison commanded by István Dobó successfully resisted a huge Turkish army for nearly six weeks and forged it to retreat in disgrace. Dobó became a celebrated hero. But little is known of his explosives expert, Gergely Bornemissza, whose ingenious devices demoralized the Turks. It is his story that Géza Gárdonyi tells in Eclipse of the Crescent Moon, an exciting tale of chivalry and love, adventures and disasters, heroes and villains, culminating in the siege itself. Gárdonyi’s story, a convincing blend of history and fiction, has become a Hungarian literary classic and a firm favourite with adults and children alike.
The Arthurian Tales by Giles Kristian
This trilogy is a more recent read for me, especially as book 3, Arthur was released in 2024. The books are – as the series title suggests – set in the times of Arthur following different sets of characters. We have Lancelot’s story (Lancelot), we have Galahad’s story (Camelot) and we have Arthur’s (Arthur). Or rather, a version of what could have happened. I’m not super familiar with the Arthurian legends in general but these book don’t feel like the thousandth retelling of the same stuff. They have some fantastical elements, and while I put this in the historical fiction category, it’s probably more fiction than history. Still, it’s a well-researched and very engaging trilogy. I’m going to put the first book below, but you can check out the whole series HERE.
The legions of Rome are a fading memory. Enemies stalk the fringes of Britain. And Uther Pendragon is dying. Into this fractured and uncertain world the boy is cast, a refugee from fire, murder and betrayal. An outsider whose only companions are a hateful hawk and memories of the lost.
Yet he is gifted, and under the watchful eyes of Merlin and the Lady Nimue he will hone his talents and begin his journey to manhood. He will meet Guinevere, a wild, proud and beautiful girl, herself outcast because of her gift. And he will be dazzled by Arthur, a warrior who carries the hopes of a people like fire in the dark. But these are times of struggle and blood, when even friendship and love seem doomed to fail.
The gods are vanishing beyond the reach of dreams. Treachery and jealousy rule men’s hearts and the fate of Britain itself rests on a sword’s edge.
But the young renegade who left his home in Benoic with just a hunting bird and dreams of revenge is now a lord of war. He is a man loved and hated, admired and feared. A man forsaken but not forgotten. He is Lancelot.
Set in a 5th century Britain besieged by invading bands of Saxons and Franks, Irish and Picts, Giles Kristian’s epic new novel tells – through the warrior’s own words – the story of Lancelot, that most celebrated of all King Arthur’s knights. It is a story ready to be re-imagined for our times.
The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
This book was a 2024 release, and I read an ARC of it. Set in early 20th-century China, it mixes historical fiction with fantasy, digging into the folklore of fox spirits. This is a story about revenge, love, and second chances. The are mysteries along the way as well. The Fox Wife was my first read from Yangsze Choo, but most definitely not the last.
Some people think foxes are similar to ghosts because we go around collecting qi, but nothing could be further than the truth. We are living creatures, just like you, only usually better looking . . .
Manchuria, 1908.
In the last years of the dying Qing Empire, a courtesan is found frozen in a doorway. Her death is clouded by rumors of foxes, which are believed to lure people by transforming themselves into beautiful women and handsome men. Bao, a detective with an uncanny ability to sniff out the truth, is hired to uncover the dead woman’s identity. Since childhood, Bao has been intrigued by the fox gods, yet they’ve remained tantalizingly out of reach—until, perhaps, now.
Meanwhile, a family who owns a famous Chinese medicine shop can cure ailments but can’t escape the curse that afflicts them—their eldest sons die before their twenty-fourth birthdays. When a disruptively winsome servant named Snow enters their household, the family’s luck seems to change—or does it?
Snow is a creature of many secrets, but most of all she’s a mother seeking vengeance for her lost child. Hunting a murderer, she will follow the trail from northern China to Japan, while Bao follows doggedly behind. Navigating the myths and misconceptions of fox spirits, both Snow and Bao will encounter old friends and new foes, even as more deaths occur.
New York Times bestselling author Yangsze Choo brilliantly explores a world of mortals and spirits, humans and beasts, and their dazzling intersection. Epic in scope and full of singular, unforgettable characters, The Fox Wife is a stunning novel about old loves and second chances, the depths of maternal love, and ancient folktales that may very well be true.
The Forest Lord by Steven A. McKay
This 4 book series is Steven A. McKay‘s take on the Robin Hood legends. Unfortunately, I only read the first book (I know, I know, shame on me, especially as I really enjoyed it), but been planning to get back to the rest soon (well, at least that’s what I’m telling myself every time I see Steven popping up on my social media feeds). Steven writes exclusively historical fictions, so even if Robin Hood is not something that interests you, I highly recommend you take a look at his backlist. I’m going to put the first book below, but you can check out the whole series HERE.
When a frightened young outlaw joins a gang of violent criminals their names – against a backdrop of death, dishonour, brotherhood, and love – will become legend.
ENGLAND 1321 AD
After viciously assaulting a corrupt but powerful clergyman Robin Hood flees the only home he has ever known in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Becoming a member of a notorious band of outlaws, Hood and his new companions – including John Little and Will Scaflock – hide out in the great forests of Barnsdale, fighting for their very existence as the law hunts them down like animals. When they are betrayed, and their harsh lives become even more unbearable, the band of friends seeks bloody vengeance. Meanwhile, the country is in turmoil, as many of the powerful lords strive to undermine King Edward II’s rule until, inevitably, rebellion becomes a reality and the increasingly deadly yeoman outlaw from Wakefield finds his fate bound up with that of a Hospitaller Knight…
“Wolf’s Head” brings the brutality, injustice and intensity of life in medieval England vividly to life, and marks the beginning of a thrilling new historical fiction series in the style of Bernard Cornwell and Simon Scarrow.
Budapest Noir by Vilmos Kondor
Look, this is MY list, so let me indulge in some more Hungarian goodness. Budapest Noir is the first book in a series of crime novels set in Hungary during the 1930s/40s, following a journalist. The reason I’m only featuring book one is that it was the only one translated into English, and a friend of mine read and liked it, so I’m assuming the translation was at least decent (haven’t read it yet). It’s been quite a few years since I read it, and I never finished the series myself, but definitely planning to once I get a bit of breathing room. It’s probably the only contemporary Hungarian novel I read that I liked. Then again, I haven’t really been reading in Hungarian for a good while now, unless it’s an old favorite from my childhood. Anyway, Budapest Noir was made into a film too (it was pretty ok as adaptations go, but I wasn’t entirely happy with the choices they made), although I’m not sure if it’s available internationally, but you should check Amazon Prime if interested.
The passing of the Hungarian prime minister before he could realize his dream of a fascist state has little effect on crime reporter Zsigmond Gordon. Life–and death–go on in the bustling old city, and a late-night tip soon leads him to a crime scene where a young woman lies dead, a Jewish prayer book in her purse. Disturbed by the bizarre circumstances–the corpse of a beautiful, well-groomed, religious victim abandoned in one of Budapest’s seedier neighborhoods–Gordon is determined to unravel the mystery of her demise, especially after her shocking identity is revealed. The investigation will lead him deep into the city’s dark underbelly–a shadow world of pornographers, crime syndicates, and Communist cells–and to the highest echelons of power, where one of Hungary’s most influential executives plans to make an economic killing through his strong political ties to Germany’s leaders…if he can somehow keep secret the fact that he was, at one time, Jewish.
A gripping and evocative thriller, brimming with suspense and breathtaking political intrigue, Vilmos Kondor’s Budapest Noir is a richly atmospheric tale of murder and betrayal from a remarkable new voice in noir detective fiction.
The Tudor Court by Karen Heenan
As the series title suggests, this series is set in the Tudor era, focusing on people’s lives who live within the court rather than the royalty and the nobility. Not that they don’t make any appearances, but they are not in the spotlight. I only read the first book, Songbird whose MC was a singer girl whose job was to entertain at functions. It’s interesting to look into the lives of the common people, as we easily forget they existed, even when big political turmoils took place. I’m going to put the first book below, but you can check out the whole series HERE.
Bess has the voice of an angel, or so Henry VIII declares when he buys her from her father. As a member of the Music, the royal company of minstrels, Bess grows up within the decadent Tudor court, navigating the ever-changing tide of royals and courtiers. Friends come and go as cracked voices, politics, heartbreak, and death loom over even the lowliest of musicians. Tom, her first and dearest friend, is her only constant. But as Bess becomes too comfortable at court, she may find that constancy has its limits.
We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian
I got recommended this book by a friend and read it very recently, so it’s still fresh in my mind. It’s an M/M romance set in New York in the 1950s. Technically, this is a standalone novel in a series, so I decided to feature it as a standalone. It tells the story of a journalist and the heir of the newspaper he works for, in an age when being gay was not very safe, so to speak. There is also a class difference between the two MCs – one coming from a poor Italian family, while the other has a wealthy family and grew up in privilege although that’s not to say happy. It was also the time of the Cold War, when everyone was suspicious of Communists, which definitely did not help. This book mostly focuses on the two MCs but some historical events are mentioned nonetheless.
Casey McQuiston meets The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in this mid-century romdram about a scrappy reporter and a newspaper mogul’s son–perfect for Newsies shippers.
Nick Russo has worked his way from a rough Brooklyn neighborhood to a reporting job at one of the city’s biggest newspapers. But the late 1950s are a hostile time for gay men, and Nick knows that he can’t let anyone into his life. He just never counted on meeting someone as impossible to say no to as Andy.
Andy Fleming’s newspaper-tycoon father wants him to take over the family business. Andy, though, has no intention of running the paper. He’s barely able to run his life–he’s never paid a bill on time, routinely gets lost on the way to work, and would rather gouge out his own eyes than deal with office politics. Andy agrees to work for a year in the newsroom, knowing he’ll make an ass of himself and hate every second of it.
Except, Nick Russo keeps rescuing Andy: showing him the ropes, tracking down his keys, freeing his tie when it gets stuck in the ancient filing cabinets. Their unlikely friendship soon sharpens into feelings they can’t deny. But what feels possible in secret–this fragile, tender thing between them–seems doomed in the light of day. Now Nick and Andy have to decide if, for the first time, they’re willing to fight.
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
I don’t think this is a series/novel that needs to be introduced. I think we can even safely say this is probably the most known historical fiction in the world. It has soooo many adaptations it probably would be hard to list them all. I *loved* The Three Musketeers as a kid, I read it countless times, although I never read the sequels. I think it’s also safe to say it was one of the books that set my love for history and historical fiction for life. I’m going to put the first book below, but you can check out the whole series HERE.
Perhaps the greatest “cloak and sword” story ever written, The Three Musketeers, first published ion 1844, is a tale for all time. Pitting the heroic young d’Artagnan and his noble compatriots, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis against the master of intrigue, Cardinal Richelieu, and the quintessential wicked woman, Lady de Winter, Alexandre Dumas has created an enchanted France of swordplay, schemes and assignations. The era and the characters are based on historical fact, but the glittering romance and fast-paced action spring from a great writer’s incomparable imagination. From the perilous retrieval of the queens gift to her lover in time to foil Rechelieu’s plot to the melodramatic revelation of Lady de Winter’s true identity, The Three Musketeers is the unchallenged archetype for literary romance and a perennial delight for generations of readers.
Note: I decided not to include a buy link, because there are so many versions, I didn’t want to make a decision…sorry, but I’m sure you can find yourself the one you want.
The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson
I was thinking about cheating, because I only wanted to feature one book or series / author, which was fine, but then I remembered Laura Shepherd-Robinson, whose books I fell in love with back in 2023. They are all standalones so I would have to choose. And I’m famously bad at decisions. In the end I managed to pick one, but no one would stop me from plugging her other books as well! So Laura writes mysteries set in the 18th century England, and each got just better and better. Her new one is coming out this year! As for The Square of Sevens, it was released in 2023, and it tells the story of Red, the orphaned girl who sets out to find out what happened to her parents, turning some of London’s noble families upside down in the process, unearthing dark family secrets.
Bess has the voice of an angel, or so Henry VIII declares when he buys her from her father. As a member of the Music, the royal company of minstrels, Bess grows up within the decadent Tudor court, navigating the ever-changing tide of royals and courtiers. Friends come and go as cracked voices, politics, heartbreak, and death loom over even the lowliest of musicians. Tom, her first and dearest friend, is her only constant. But as Bess becomes too comfortable at court, she may find that constancy has its limits.
The Reanimator Mysteries by Kara Jorgensen
This M/M historical-paranormal fantasy series is set in the 1890s New York, well, a magical version, anyway. I got a bit obsessed with it in 2024 and can’t wait for the 4th and last book this year. I love how Oliver and Felipe’s relationship grows throughout the book while they deal with personal traumas, family matters and yeah, some crimes as well.
A reluctant necromancer, a man killed before his time, and the crime that brings them together.
Felipe Galvan’s life as an investigator for the Paranormal Society has been spent running into danger. Returning home from his latest case, Felipe struggles with the sudden quiet of his life until a mysterious death puts him in the path of the enigmatic Oliver Barlow.
Oliver has two secrets. One, he has been in love with the charming Felipe Galvan for years. Two, he is a necromancer, but to keep the sensible life he’s built as a medical examiner, he must hide his powers. That is until Oliver finds Felipe murdered and accidentally brings him back from the dead.
But Felipe refuses to die again until he and Oliver catch his killer. Together, Felipe and Oliver embark on an investigation to uncover a plot centuries in the making. As they close in on his killer, one thing is certain: if they don’t stop them, Felipe won’t be the last to die.
Matthew Shardlake by C. J. Sansom
These is no list of historical fiction without Matthew Shardlake. I sang its praises over the years and it finally even got a TV adaptation on Disney+. Unfortunately, the series was cancelled after one season, which is a shame, because even though I wasn’t happy with every decision they made, it still was a decent adaptation. Anyway. This series follows Matthew Shardlake, the hunch backed lawyer who somehow always finds himself in the middle of a murder mystery, more often than not with heavy political consequences if he fails in solving them. The series is mostly set under Henry VIII’s reign, except for the last book. C. J. Sansom sure was one of the authors to blame for my undying love for history and historical fiction. I’m going to put the first book below, but you can check out the whole series HERE.
Exciting and elegantly written, Dissolution is an utterly compelling first novel and a riveting portrayal of Tudor England. The year is 1537, and the country is divided between those faithful to the Catholic Church and those loyal to the king and the newly established Church of England. When a royal commissioner is brutally murdered in a monastery on the south coast of England, Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s feared vicar general, summons fellow reformer Matthew Shardlake to lead the inquiry. Shardlake and his young protégé uncover evidence of sexual misconduct, embezzlement, and treason, and when two other murders are revealed, they must move quickly to prevent the killer from striking again.
Los Nefilim by T. Frohock
I feel like this trilogy is grossly underrated. I don’t normally like books set in WWI or WWII, but this is one of the exceptions (well, it’s also set during the Spanish Civil War at the end of the 1930s). But I guess the fact it includes angels and demons definitely did help in my decision to pick up the first book. Well that, and the fact that one of the MCs were looking for his lost violin. I came for the music-based magic, and stayed for the characters as well as Frohock’s writing. By book 3 I was obsessed. I want more people to read this. Come to think of it, my interest in M/M romance might have started with Diago and Miquel. Huh. Also an advice, start with Los Nefilim, a collection of novellas set before the events in the first book. I’m going to put the first book below, but you can check out the whole series HERE.
A lyrical historical fantasy adventure, set in 1932 Spain and Germany, that brings to life the world of the novellas collected in Los Nefilim: Spanish Nephilim battling daimons in a supernatural war to save humankind.
Born of daimon and angel, Diago Alvarez is a being unlike all others. The embodiment of dark and light, he has witnessed the good and the horror of this world and those beyond. In the supernatural war between angels and daimons that will determine humankind’s future, Diago has chosen Los Nefilim, the sons and daughters of angels who possess the power to harness music and light.
As the forces of evil gather, Diago must locate the Key, the special chord that will unite the nefilim’s voices, giving them the power to avert the coming civil war between the Republicans and Franco’s Nationalists. Finding the Key will save Spain from plunging into darkness.
And for Diago, it will resurrect the anguish caused by a tragedy he experienced in a past life.
But someone—or something—is determined to stop Diago in his quest and will use his history to destroy him and the nefilim. Hearing his stolen Stradivarius played through the night, Diago is tormented by nightmares about his past life. Each incarnation strengthens the ties shared by the nefilim, whether those bonds are of love or hate . . . or even betrayal.
To retrieve the violin, Diago must journey into enemy territory . . . and face an old nemesis and a fallen angel bent on revenge.
Cesare Aldo by D. V. Bishop
The Cesare Aldo series is my most recent obsession when it comes to historical fiction. I binged the first 4 books in 2024 and can’t wait for the rest as it’s still an ongoing series. It’s set in 16th century Florence (well, book five will take us to Venice) and features Aldo, a police officer investigating murder cases while navigating the hardships of his own personal life (he is gay, which was illegal at the time) and the Medicis’ political intrigues. I’m not saying I decided to visit Florence very recently because of the series, but…well, it sure did influence my decision a lot. I’m going to put the first book below, but you can check out the whole series HERE.
City of Vengeance is an explosive debut historical thriller by D. V. Bishop, set in Renaissance Florence.
Florence. Winter, 1536. A prominent Jewish moneylender is murdered in his home, a death with wide implications in a city powered by immense wealth.
Cesare Aldo, a former soldier and now an officer of the Renaissance city’s most feared criminal court, is given four days to solve the murder: catch the killer before the feast of Epiphany – or suffer the consequences.
During his investigations Aldo uncovers a plot to overthrow the volatile ruler of Florence, Alessandro de’ Medici. If the Duke falls, it will endanger the whole city. But a rival officer of the court is determined to expose details about Aldo’s private life that could lead to his ruin. Can Aldo stop the conspiracy before anyone else dies, or will his own secrets destroy him first?
And that concludes my list of 15 historical fiction books and series you must check out.
Let us know which of these books you’ve read or would like to read and what you think about them!
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Oh, Lamb is on my TBR! It sounds absolutely up my alley but I’ve never tried anything by the author yet!
I also have Lancelot on my shelves collecting dust which I need to rectify as I love Arthurian tales and this one sounds fantastic.
Adding Wolf’s Head to my TBR because I’ve never read a story based on Robin Hood but I used to love the Disney version with the foxes so I need to get more Robin Hood in my life.
Also adding Songbird, I love the idea of focusing on the average people instead of royalty.
Yikes. I meant to reply, and then forgot 😬 Glad you found so many books on my list interesting! I hope you’ll enjoy them when you get around to reading them. It’s probably time for a Lamb reread for me. 🤔 Maybe this coming summer once I got done with SPFBO and get some breathing room.