Historical fiction reading guide
Leave modern life behind and disappear into another era.
Recommended titles for readers who love royal intrigue, fans of sagas, or those gripped by the action in historical adventure.
Historical fiction reading lists
Historical Fiction - New & Trending
A mix of fresh new historical titles from the past year and buzzy favourites trending across social media and bestseller charts.
Historical fiction sub-genre lists
Historical Fiction - Essential Reading
The defining historical novels that cross eras and cultures, bringing the past to vivid life for all historical fiction fans.
Historical Fiction - Hidden Gems
A collection of under the radar historical novels that deserve wider attention, waiting to be discovered by curious readers.
New Zealand Historical Fiction
A collection of local historical fiction that brings Aotearoa’s past into sharp view, with stories that shape the nation’s identity.
LGBTQIA+ Historical Fiction
Landmark novels that illuminate LGBTQIA+ histories across time and place, revealing queer experiences through the eras.
Historical War Stories
Mysteries set across richly realised historical eras, creating gripping stories filled with secrets, tension, and unexpected turns.
Historical Saga & Romance
Sweeping tales of families, lovers and generations, these novels capture the emotional ties and legacies that shape lives.
Historical Mystery
Mysteries set across richly realised historical eras, creating gripping stories filled with secrets, tension, and unexpected turns.
Historical Adventure & Westerns
Bold historical adventures and rugged Westerns driven by danger and discovery, expanding frontiers and shifting landscapes.
Historical Literary Fiction
Thoughtful and immersive novels that explore lives shaped by historical moments, blending nuanced storytelling with rich detail.
Return to reading lists
Kickstart your reading with librarian-created lists of the most readable and enjoyable fiction.
Return to Reading: Historical fiction
Explore forgotten worlds and experience pivotal moments in time, all while losing yourself in the drama of days gone by.
Return to Reading: New Adult Historical
Step into the past with this captivating collection of historical fiction, tailored for rediscovering the joy of reading.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
New this week
Every week we publish just ordered, new fiction, and new non-fiction lists. Find out the newest titles added to the library collection.
Historical Fiction - New & Trending
A mix of fresh new historical titles from the past year and buzzy favourites trending across social media and bestseller charts.
Historical Fiction - Essential Reading
The defining historical novels that cross eras and cultures, bringing the past to vivid life for all historical fiction fans.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
New this week
Every week we publish just ordered, new fiction, and new non-fiction lists. Find out the newest titles added to the library collection.
Historical Fiction - New & Trending
A mix of fresh new historical titles from the past year and buzzy favourites trending across social media and bestseller charts.
Historical Fiction - Essential Reading
The defining historical novels that cross eras and cultures, bringing the past to vivid life for all historical fiction fans.
Find great reads:
Authors of historical fiction:
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Whatever kind of fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.