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10 bestHistorical Fiction Booksof December 2024

112M consumers helped this year.

12% off

1

The Nightingale
The Nightingale

Audible

9.9

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12% off

2

The Pillars of the Earth: Kingsbridge, Book 1
The Pillars of the Earth: Kingsbridge, Book 1

Audible

9.8

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12% off

3

The Midwife of Auschwitz
The Midwife of Auschwitz

Audible

9.6

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50% off

4

Lessons in Chemistry: The modern classic multi-million-copy bestseller
Lessons in Chemistry: The modern classic multi-million-copy bestseller

Penguin

9.3

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8% off

5

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: The Sunday Times Bestseller
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: The Sunday Times Bestseller

Simon & Schuster

9.1

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The Rose Code: the most thrilling WW2 historical fiction Bletchley Park novel from the bestselling author

The Rose Code: the most thrilling WW2 historical fiction Bletchley Park novel from the bestselling author

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The Rainbow: Absolutely Heartbreaking World War 2 Historical Fiction Based on a True Story

The Rainbow: Absolutely Heartbreaking World War 2 Historical Fiction Based on a True Story

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Sharpe's Command: The latest thrilling adventure from the best-selling master of historical fiction: Book 14 (The Sharpe Series)

Sharpe's Command: The latest thrilling adventure from the best-selling master of historical fiction: Book 14 (The Sharpe Series)

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Clytemnestra: The spellbinding retelling of Greek mythology’s greatest heroine

Clytemnestra: The spellbinding retelling of Greek mythology’s greatest heroine

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6

Dark Fire: Shardlake, Book 2
Dark Fire: Shardlake, Book 2

Audible

8.8

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45% off

7

Act of Oblivion: The Sunday Times Bestseller
Act of Oblivion: The Sunday Times Bestseller

Penguin

8.6

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8

Edge of Eternity: Century Trilogy, Book 3
Edge of Eternity: Century Trilogy, Book 3

Audible

8.3

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35% off

9

The Four Winds: The Number One Bestselling Richard & Judy Book Club Pick
The Four Winds: The Number One Bestselling Richard & Judy Book Club Pick

MACMILLAN

8.0

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10

Demelza: Poldark, Book 2
Demelza: Poldark, Book 2

Audible

7.7

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Historical Fiction Books--Propelling You Into the Past

Andre Speransky

Andre Speransky

Historical fiction is an interesting genre, which you’ll enjoy if you prefer stories set up in the past. It’s an interesting mix of historical facts, enhanced by means of a fictional storyline that appeals to modern audiences. Historical fiction is recommended to book lovers who would love the authenticity of the characters and plots. With these types of books, the tradition, social norms, customs, and manners of a specific time are crucial to the plot. Whether you're looking for something for your children, your students, or just for self-edification, historical fiction both entertain and inform you at the same time.

If you are searching for the best historical fiction books for yourself or your children, you should do some research before making a purchase. There are so many writers of historical fiction books and this can make your decision even harder. Also, there are other factors that you need to consider before making your final choice.

Below are some fundamental tips that will help you purchase the best historical fiction books for you:

  • Consider popular authors: With so many authors of historical fiction books available, it’s wise to start with the popular options. Choosing a popular author can help narrow your research. You can also get opinions from other readers more easily. Most of the time, if an author is popular, it’s a good indication of the quality of their writing.

  • Check reviews: After selecting a specific author to focus on, the next step is paying attention to reviews of different books by that author. With reviews, you can almost immediately tell if you would enjoy reading a specific book or not.

  • Choose the book that suits you: After checking out multiple reviews, you can easily select the best book for you or your child or students.

The tips mentioned above are not the only necessary information needed to shop for historical fiction books. However, they are the most important suggestions to remember.

Types

  • Traditional Historical Fiction: These types of historical fiction books usually have a historically detailed plot. It's a story set in a specific period with the plot surrounding the exact events that took place. A good example is novels by Sharon Kay Penman, which are usually set in medieval France or Great Britain.

  • Historical Romantic Fiction: As the name implies, these types of books have a romantic plot at a different time. It could also be a true love story, such as "Katherine" by Anya Seton.

  • Adventure, Mysteries, and Thriller Fiction: A perfect example of a historical mystery novel is the "Cadfael Chronicles", a novel surrounding a 12th-century monk and herbalist who solved different crimes.

Other types of historical fiction books involve time travel, fantasy, historical western fiction, and so many others. There is a wide range of authors available for each of these types of books from which you can choose.

What Reviewers Have to Say

The following are some of the most popular comments from different users in multiple locations that we have reviewed:

  • Highly addictive and chilling: Most historical fiction books are addictive, especially if you are passionate about history. The fact that it is set in a familiar period can also make it very nostalgic.

  • Deliciously unsettling: If you are a fan of thriller novels, then you can already tell how amazing a historical thriller must be.

  • Historically accurate and educational for children: There are so many historical fiction books for kids, and they are written in a lighthearted manner. They are usually educational and perfect for a reading group or a class assignment.

  • A rollercoaster of mystery, fantasy, and thrill: Adventure and fantasy fiction books will easily have this effect on you as you read. You will easily be transported to the location you read about in these subgenres.

Important Features

It's one thing to purchase the best historical fiction book for yourself. However, deriving the maximum amount of enjoyment out of it is another. The following are some useful tips to help you enjoy your historical fiction books:

  • Keep your books out of sunlight and in a room of moderate temperature.

  • Wipe your books to get rid of dust with a dry, soft, cloth.

  • Assemble your books upright on a stable shelf. However, it is preferable to keep large books laying flat.

  • Check your books for any damage and get a professional to fix them if they need the binding repaired.

  • For audiobooks, adjust the speed to suit your preference.

  • Avoid listening to audiobooks for long periods.

Top-Rated Brands

  • TCK Publishing: This brand is a small press famous for publishing different types of fiction genres, including traditional historical fiction and historical romance.
  • Pelican Publishing Company: Pelican Publishing Company has been in business since 1926 and publishes multiple book genres. They are also famous publishers of historical fiction books.
  • Mystic Publishers: Mystic Publishers is another publisher known for putting out some of the best historical fiction books.
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