Best 8 Excellent Historical Fiction Books of 2025

Explore our favorite selections of excellent historical fiction books, perfect for transporting readers through time with captivating stories.
The Other Boleyn Girl coverAll the Light We Cannot See coverThe Nightingale cover

Ah, excellent historical fiction books! They sweep us off our feet, transport us through time, and make history come alive. We spent many nights sifting through pages, searching for the tales that captivate the mind and tickle the funny bone. Our selection focuses on stories rich in atmosphere, intriguing characters, and gripping narratives. We made sure to include a mix of love, war, and intrigue that captures the essence of the past. Prepare to get lost in these marvelous stories that have left us both enlightened and entertained!

On this list:

8 The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

The Other Boleyn Girl cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2001
  • Pages: 664

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If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to live in the shadow of a doomed Queen, this book is for you. We couldn’t put it down!

7 All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

All the Light We Cannot See cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2014
  • Pages: 531

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A blind French girl and a German boy in an occupied France during WWII make this book a unique and compelling read.

6 The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 562

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Two sisters in wartime France face danger and heartbreak. This emotionally gripping tale is an ode to the power of female resilience.

5 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 584

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Death narrates this story of a young girl’s love for books in Nazi Germany. It’s both haunting and beautiful—definitively unforgettable!

4 Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

Wolf Hall cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 604

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Tudor England comes alive in this tale of Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power. It’s historical intrigue at its finest!

3 The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

The Pillars of the Earth cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1989
  • Pages: 973

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Set in the 12th century, this epic tale of building a cathedral is rich in historical detail and human struggle.

2 The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

The Underground Railroad cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 320

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A Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, this novel reimagines the Underground Railroad as a literal railway, offering a powerful narrative and new perspectives.

1 A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A Tale of Two Cities cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1859
  • Pages: 489

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With its memorable opening line and unforgettable characters, this novel remains a classic tale of love, sacrifice, and chaos during the French Revolution. It’s the best because it blends history with timelessness and an emotional depth that resonates with readers of ages. Dickens’s storytelling keeps the pages turning and the heart racing. Whether it’s the intriguing plot or the compelling characters, this book is the quintessential historical fiction novel.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!