Historical fiction reading guide
Leave modern life behind and disappear into another era.
Explore the politics of high society, palaces and castles and courtly intrigue, or wars waged over love and honour - with reputations made and ruined. Find settings that transport you to scenes of historical events. Sail with pirates, fight with the Roman army, or gossip in the drawing room with ladies in waiting, and witness how kings and queens are made.
Like stories set in the past that span generations? Try out Saga fiction reading guide.

Historical fiction reading lists
Historical fiction - eBooks and eAudiobooks
Historical fiction sub-genre lists
Historical LGBTQIA+ Fiction
Historical Romance
Historical Mystery
Historical Graphic Novels
Christian Fiction - Biblical
Historical Fiction - Royalty
Historical Fantasy
Historical Military Adventure
Gritty Historical Fiction
Historical Sagas
New Zealand Historical Fiction
Historical Fiction - Westerns
Historical Fiction - Women's voices
Historical Fiction - Christian
Historical Adventure Fiction
Return to reading lists
Kickstart your reading with librarian-created lists of the most readable and enjoyable fiction.
Return to Reading: Historical fiction
Return to Reading: New Adult Historical
Redwood Reads March 2025
A huge book, a good week's worth of reading (or more). Lots of detail as the author tries to squeeze a lot of English history into an absorbing story.…
Read more of this comment about God Is An EnglishmanIn Butte Montana, Tom Rourke meets Polly Gillespie (NZers may laugh at the name - I did). They begin a relationship and go on the run together. It's like…
Read more of this comment about The Heart in WinterRedwood Reads March 2025
The Defiance of Frances Dickinson examines the shocking impact of sustained spousal abuse - physical, mental, emotional, conveyed through letters and diary…
Read more of this comment about The Defiance of Frances Dickinson…A huge book, a good week's worth of reading (or more). Lots of detail as the author tries to squeeze a lot of English history into an absorbing story.…
Read more of this comment about God Is An EnglishmanIn Butte Montana, Tom Rourke meets Polly Gillespie (NZers may laugh at the name - I did). They begin a relationship and go on the run together. It's like…
Read more of this comment about The Heart in WinterFind great reads:
Authors of historical fiction:
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The Defiance of Frances Dickinson
The Defiance of Frances Dickinson examines the shocking impact of sustained spousal abuse - physical, mental, emotional, conveyed through letters and diary…
Read more of this comment about The Defiance of Frances Dickinson…