5 Best Alternate History Books to Read in 2025
Looking for the best alternate history books? We picked our favorites, perfect for anyone who loves to wonder, what if history changed?
If you’re like us, you’ve probably wondered what would happen if history took a left turn instead of a right. That’s where alternate history shines, twisting the past into new and wild stories. When we pick the best alternate history books, we look for ones with bold ideas, real heart, and plots that keep us turning pages way past bedtime. Each book on this list takes a famous moment and flips it on its head, throwing us into worlds that are both strange and familiar. Get ready—these five picks serve up alternate history like you’ve never seen before.
On this list:
5 Fatherland by Robert Harris
We picked ‘Fatherland’ because it tosses us into a chilling world where Nazi Germany won World War II. If you like books that twist real history and add a good mystery on top, this one will scratch that itch. We loved the detective hunt and the edgy feel the whole way through. Plus, it’s easy to find on Amazon, so you won’t have to search the dark web or barter with your neighbors.
4 11/22/63 by Stephen King
We picked this because Stephen King rewrites history in a gripping way. An English teacher steps through a portal to stop JFK’s assassination. This alternate history novel mixes suspense, history, and a bit of romance. The story is a wild ride through the past, with butterfly effects galore.
3 The Plot Against America by Philip Roth
We picked this one because it drops us in an America where Charles Lindbergh becomes president and things get weird fast. It’s sharp, full of uneasy ‘what ifs’, and keeps the tension high. Plus, we like any book that makes Thanksgiving dinner awkward with questions about history.
2 The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon
We picked this one because it gives us a wild alternate history: Jewish refugees settle in Alaska after WWII instead of Israel. It’s a mystery, it’s got humor, and there are grumpy detectives everywhere. We couldn’t put it down, and it’s on Amazon for easy nabbing.
1 The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson
We chose this for our alternate history fans because it flips history big time—a world where Europe is wiped out by the Black Death, and Asia and the Islamic world rise instead. It’s a real brain-bender, full of cool what-ifs, and you’ll actually feel smarter after reading it. We argued over who had the best favorite timeline in the book.
