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---

# The Ultimate List of Historical Fiction Books

By [The Brothers Gwynne (@thebrothersgwynne)](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne)

560 views · 0 likes · 0 followers  
Published 6 February 2023 · Updated 6 February 2023

Category: books & literature / fiction books

Unleash the enigmatic charm of bygone eras with our curated compilation of premier historical fiction tomes, each page brimming with captivating tales that transport you to a myriad of periods and destinations. Delve into the classical realm, traverse the medieval epoch, and embark on a journey through the modern and early modern eras. Immerse yourself in the intricate worlds of some of the greatest historical fiction novels, meticulously selected and arranged to offer you an unparalleled experience of each era depicted. Let the magic of history unfold before your eyes. Indulge!

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## Items

### 1. [Boudica](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/0/boudica)

Item ID: `0`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/gzw3ns7ciyjz00oh9jrm.jpg)
- Author: Manda Scott
- Year of Publication: 2002
- Genre: Classical
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.amazon.com/Boudica-Dreaming-Eagle-Book/dp/B08219F666/ref=sr\_1\_1?crid=34XONZKK6Y4MU&keywords=boudica+manda+scott&qid=1675389330&sprefix=Boudica+%2Caps%2C286&sr=8-1](https://www.amazon.com/Boudica-Dreaming-Eagle-Book/dp/B08219F666/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34XONZKK6Y4MU&keywords=boudica+manda+scott&qid=1675389330&sprefix=Boudica+%2Caps%2C286&sr=8-1&tag=listium03-20)
- Notes: We think that this book should be on everyone's read list if you want to try some strong fiction! In our opinion, this is the Robin Hobb of historical fiction.
- Video:
  ```json
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    "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9io_FQzg44M"
  }
  ```

### 2. [The Gates of Athens](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/1/the-gates-of-athens)

Item ID: `1`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/z3j3lhgaj2rjedrxk60u.jpg)
- Author: Conn Iggulden
- Year of Publication: 2020
- Genre: Classical
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51908596-the-gates-of-athens?ac=1&from\_search=true&qid=aMGr1fhgME&rank=1](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51908596-the-gates-of-athens?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=aMGr1fhgME&rank=1)
- Notes: Made by one of the most renowed historical fiction authors! If you want a taste of the Ancient Athens, we suggest you to read this book.
- Video:
  ```json
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    "stop_time_secs": "32",
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  }
  ```

### 3. [Gates of Fire](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/2/gates-of-fire)

Item ID: `2`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/aleldma7yufq5rncurxx.jpg)
- Author: Steven Pressfield
- Year of Publication: 1998
- Genre: Classical
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1305.Gates\_of\_Fire?ref=nav\_sb\_ss\_1\_13](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1305.Gates_of_Fire?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_13)
- Notes: Gates of Fire is the story of the film 300. The characters are so philosophical about friendship, love and more. This book is so easy to get stucked into!
- Video:
  ```json
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  }
  ```

### 4. [The Wolf Den](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/3/the-wolf-den)

Item ID: `3`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/jd97zcg22dvhptxjccuq.jpg)
- Author: Elodie Harper
- Year of Publication: 2021
- Genre: Classical
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56563852-the-wolf-den](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56563852-the-wolf-den)
- Notes: This book is about a women who worked in a brothel. A super smooth and easy book to read but we're warning you that this book is not for the faint hearted!
- Video:
  ```json
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  }
  ```

### 5. [The Winter King](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/4/the-winter-king)

Item ID: `4`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/usv4ax29nvryy7zjh40d.jpg)
- Author: Bernard Cornwell
- Year of Publication: 1995
- Genre: Dark Ages/Early Medieval
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68520.The\_Winter\_King?ref=nav\_sb\_ss\_1\_16](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68520.The_Winter_King?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_16)
- Notes: Written by one of the most famous authors of historical fiction. Bernard Cornwell did a super excellent job writing the characters of this book. This book made me cry a tear a few times while reading!
- Video:
  ```json
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    "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9io_FQzg44M"
  }
  ```

### 6. [The Whale Road](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/5/the-whale-road)

Item ID: `5`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/fmkc74r25kcttnu0awyx.jpg)
- Author: Robert Low
- Year of Publication: 2007
- Genre: Dark Ages/Early Medieval
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/395168.The\_Whale\_Road?ref=nav\_sb\_ss\_1\_15](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/395168.The_Whale_Road?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15)
- Notes: The Whale Road is known for its richly detailed portrayal of Viking culture and its exploration of themes such as bravery, loyalty, and the quest for power.
- Video:
  ```json
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    "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9io_FQzg44M"
  }
  ```

### 7. [Wolf of Wessex](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/6/wolf-of-wessex)

Item ID: `6`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/kmbbqy1o7c5ho1pk1ksl.jpg)
- Author: Matthew Harffy
- Year of Publication: 2019
- Genre: Dark Ages/Early Medieval
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49534246-wolf-of-wessex?ref=nav\_sb\_ss\_1\_15](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49534246-wolf-of-wessex?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15)
- Notes: If you're feeling investigative, this book is the perfect one to read! The story will revolve around the character's viking regrets, crimes, and more.
- Video:
  ```json
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    "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9io_FQzg44M"
  }
  ```

### 8. [God of Vengeance](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/7/god-of-vengeance)

Item ID: `7`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/r6xae8bsbux1gn8utqeq.jpg)
- Author: Giles Kristian
- Year of Publication: 2014
- Genre: Dark Ages/Early Medieval
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18332123-god-of-vengeance?ref=nav\_sb\_ss\_1\_17](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18332123-god-of-vengeance?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_17)
- Notes: Written by a wonderful author. The characters of this book were fantastic and is known for its vivid depictions of life during the Viking era and its action-packed battles and adventures.
- Video:
  ```json
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    "stop_time_secs": "58",
    "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9io_FQzg44M"
  }
  ```

### 9. [Essex Dogs](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/8/essex-dogs)

Item ID: `8`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/ifk4sensuguho0z0yjwn.jpg)
- Author: Dan Jones
- Year of Publication: 2022
- Genre: Medieval
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62063402-essex-dogs](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62063402-essex-dogs)
- Notes: The book is notable for its unique perspective on English history, which highlights the importance of local stories and traditions in shaping our understanding of the past.
- Video:
  ```json
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    "stop_time_secs": "43",
    "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9io_FQzg44M"
  }
  ```

### 10. [The Ill Made Knight](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/9/the-ill-made-knight)

Item ID: `9`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/shhrtw35ipsxuwmfvakk.jpg)
- Author: Christian Cameron
- Year of Publication: 2013
- Genre: Medieval
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13550502-the-ill-made-knight?ref=nav\_sb\_ss\_1\_20](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13550502-the-ill-made-knight?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_20)
- Notes: The novel provides a vivid and action-packed portrayal of medieval life both on and off the battlefield. This book was super intense but super fun to read!
- Video:
  ```json
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    "stop_time_secs": "10",
    "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9io_FQzg44M"
  }
  ```

### 11. [Lion Heart](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/10/lion-heart)

Item ID: `10`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/dxrpxvmoeon2qf6wp34v.jpg)
- Author: Ben Kane
- Year of Publication: 2020
- Genre: Medieval
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57873047-lion-heart?ref=nav\_sb\_ss\_1\_19](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57873047-lion-heart?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_19)
- Notes: Ben Kane, the author of Lion Heart made sure that the readers won't be overwhelmed while reading this book and was super enlightening.
- Video:
  ```json
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  }
  ```

### 12. [Wolf Hall](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/11/wolf-hall)

Item ID: `11`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/he8sqjqv7wcbte54nnev.jpg)
- Author: Hilary Mantel
- Year of Publication: 2009
- Genre: Early Modern
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6101138-wolf-hall?ref=nav\_sb\_ss\_1\_9](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6101138-wolf-hall?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_9)
- Notes: The book is set in the 16th century and focuses on the life of Thomas Cromwell, the powerful advisor to King Henry VIII. Wolf Hall is a masterful work of historical fiction that has been widely praised by readers and critics.
- Video:
  ```json
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  }
  ```

### 13. [Young Samurai](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/12/young-samurai)

Item ID: `12`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/ajyace3dkr2hg24j7otv.jpg)
- Author: Chris Bradford
- Year of Publication: 2008
- Genre: Early Modern
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.amazon.com/Young-Samurai-Warrior-Chris-Bradford/dp/1423118715](https://www.amazon.com/Young-Samurai-Warrior-Chris-Bradford/dp/1423118715?tag=listium03-20)
- Notes: Super fantastic read! This series is a popular choice for young adults who enjoy historical fiction and adventure stories.
- Video:
  ```json
  {
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    "start_time_secs": "6",
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    "stop_time_secs": "30",
    "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9io_FQzg44M"
  }
  ```

### 14. [Oroonoko](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/13/oroonoko)

Item ID: `13`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/egllmyxrwhimhv0wou6n.jpg)
- Author: Aphra Behn
- Year of Publication: 1688
- Genre: Early Modern
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51190.Oroonoko](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51190.Oroonoko)
- Notes: This book was considered to be the first english novel produced. This book is about Oroonoko, an enslaved African prince who is taken from his home in Africa and sold into slavery.
- Video:
  ```json
  {
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    "start_time_secs": "36",
    "stop_time_mins": "21",
    "stop_time_secs": "55",
    "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9io_FQzg44M"
  }
  ```

### 15. [Shogun](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/14/shogun)

Item ID: `14`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/gspbbi5yieo2xb0nzhzj.jpg)
- Author: James Clavell
- Year of Publication: 1975
- Genre: Early Modern
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52382796-sh-gun](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52382796-sh-gun)
- Notes: This book is about John Blackthorne who is a European navigator who becomes embroiled in the politics and culture of Japan. The pacing of this book was fantastic!
- Video:
  ```json
  {
    "start_time_mins": "21",
    "start_time_secs": "56",
    "stop_time_mins": "23",
    "stop_time_secs": "47",
    "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9io_FQzg44M"
  }
  ```

### 16. [Ride the Wind](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/15/ride-the-wind)

Item ID: `15`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/hqqr6dfigevnydg3jgud.jpg)
- Author: Lucia St. Clair Robson
- Year of Publication: 1982
- Genre: Modern
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/165446.Ride\_the\_Wind?ref=nav\_sb\_ss\_1\_13](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/165446.Ride_the_Wind?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_13)
- Notes: The book is set in the 19th century and tells the story of a young woman named Cynthia, who is taken captive by a group of white settlers and must find a way to survive in a world that is hostile to her people and culture.
- Video:
  ```json
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    "stop_time_secs": "41",
    "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9io_FQzg44M"
  }
  ```

### 17. [At Night All Blood is Black](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/16/at-night-all-blood-is-black)

Item ID: `16`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/qe69hqk1yw0kfzrvtviw.jpg)
- Author: David Diop
- Year of Publication: 2018
- Genre: Modern
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50403480-at-night-all-blood-is-black?ref=nav\_sb\_ss\_1\_27](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50403480-at-night-all-blood-is-black?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_27)
- Notes: This book is about the World War I soldiers from Senegal. This book provides a vivid and often brutal depiction of life in the trenches, as the characters struggle to survive the horrors of war and confront the racist attitudes of his fellow soldiers and officers.
- Video:
  ```json
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    "stop_time_secs": "27",
    "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9io_FQzg44M"
  }
  ```

### 18. [Dead Man's Walk](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/17/dead-mans-walk)

Item ID: `17`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/yidwz1dvstyl8czyezre.jpg)
- Author: Larry McMurtry
- Year of Publication: 1995
- Genre: Modern
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54804.Dead\_Man\_s\_Walk?ac=1&from\_search=true&qid=KmYNW6qSfx&rank=1](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54804.Dead_Man_s_Walk?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=KmYNW6qSfx&rank=1)
- Notes: We recommend reading this book because the characters are easy to fall in love with. This book provides a vivid and often brutal depiction of life on the western frontier, as the two men encounter dangerous animals, hostile Native American tribes, and hostile settlers, as well as the challenges of surviving in the harsh wilderness.
- Video:
  ```json
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    "stop_time_secs": "1",
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  }
  ```

### 19. [Slaughterhouse-Five](https://listium.com/@thebrothersgwynne/81309/the-ultimate-list-of-historical-fiction-books/18/slaughterhouse-five)

Item ID: `18`

- Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/ojakkgzg5onclll6wr0v.jpg)
- Author: Kurt Vonnegut
- Year of Publication: 1969
- Genre: Modern
- Age Category: Young Adult, Adult
- Where To Buy: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4981.Slaughterhouse\_Five](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4981.Slaughterhouse_Five)
- Notes: The book is widely considered to be one of the greatest works of 20th century American literature and is known for its unconventional narrative structure, dark humor, and powerful anti-war message.
- Video:
  ```json
  {
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    "start_time_secs": "08",
    "stop_time_mins": "32",
    "stop_time_secs": "38",
    "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9io_FQzg44M"
  }
  ```