Best Top Historical Fiction Novels Reviewed 2025: 5 Picks

Uncover secrets with our top historical fiction novels, from glamorous courts to gritty trenches. These books transport readers through time.
The Nightingale coverThe Book Thief coverAll the Light We Cannot See cover

Embarking on a journey through time has never been more thrilling than with our selection of top historical fiction novels. We seek stories that pull us into the past with vivid detail and captivating characters. It’s not just about getting the historical facts right, but about weaving tales that make us feel the heartbeat of another era. Our chosen novels offer a mix of heart-wrenching drama, intrigue, and epic adventures that promise to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good story, these books are guaranteed to satisfy your literary cravings.

On this list:

5 The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 440

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We loved how this novel centers on two sisters in France during WWII. It skillfully shows their struggle, resistance, and the pain of war. It grabs your heart and doesn’t let go.

4 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 552

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We were drawn to its unique narrator, Death. Set in Nazi Germany, it tells the tale of a girl who steals books. It’s a touching and unique perspective on a tragic time.

3 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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This novel is stunning in its poetic writing. We followed a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France. It’s a masterful weaving of human connection and war.

2 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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The epic tale sets in the Middle Ages, with the building of a cathedral. We admired the rich detail and complex plots. It’s like a medieval soap opera, without the cliffhanger endings!

1 Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

Wolf Hall cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 608

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Wolf Hall takes the crown as our top pick. Why? We can’t resist its detailed depiction of Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power in Henry VIII’s court. Mantel’s rich style and in-depth research bring this historical figure to life with such authenticity. The intrigue, the power struggles, and the human side of history are all here. It’s not just history, it’s a fresh take that makes the past feel alive and relevant. The mix of drama and historical accuracy creates a spellbinding read that stays with you for days. If you love historical fiction, this is the one to read.

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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!