Historical Fantasy Books
Historical fantasy books combine the two of my favorite book genres: historical fiction and fantasy. Books are the only real way to delve into the past, but these books have something extra special. I wanted to make a list of my absolute favorite books in the genres.
What better way to add a little spark to our lives than to add a little fantasy? This list has everything from historical fantasy set in medieval times and Victorian England to time travel books and WWII historical fantasy novels.
The Best
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Historical Fantasy book set in Ancient Greece
The Odyssey by Home- Jump to Section
The Best Medieval Historical Fantasy Book
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory- Jump to Section
Best Napolenic Era Historical Fantasy Book
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke- Jump to Section
Best Victorian Era Historical Fantasy Book
The Rose Garden- Jump to Section
The Best WWII Historical Fantasy Book
The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman- Jump to Section
The Best Historical Fantasy Book set in Scotland
A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross- Jump to Section
The Best Historical Fantasy Book set in the US
The Philosopher’s Flight by Tom Miller – Jump to Section
The Best Alternate History Historical Fantasy Book
Life After Life by KAte Atkinson- Jump to Section
The Best Litarary Historical Fantasy Book
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Historical Fantasy Books Set in Ancient Greece
Plot
This is the classic tale of Odysseus’s struggle to leave the Trojan War and return to his beloved wife, Penelope, and his homeland of Ithaca. Homer’s original tale has spawned countless retellings, movie adaptations, and literary scholars. From epic monsters to vengeful gods this book is filled with iconic legends and stories within stories.
Why Kirsten loves it
There is a reason this boat book is one of my favorite books of all time. I find this classic tale to be so entertaining. It’s a classic for a reason. Odysseus’s struggle to get home to his family is truly epic. Those Greeks sure knew what they were doing.
Find this book in: Literary Classics / Long Books / Boat Books / Greek Mythology / Kirsten’s Favorite Books / Best Books in Translation
A Thousand Ships
Author: Natalie Haynes
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I loved this take on the traditional Greek stories surrounding the Trojan War. They are all told by the women in the mythology which is certainly a perspective that doesn’t get much play. From Amazonian warriors to Queens like Penelope, each of the famous female figures in Greek mythology gets their own moment in the son in this epic tale.
Why Kirsten loves it
Penelope’s chapters in particular had me laughing out loud. I highly recommend this classic retelling to Greek mythology lovers and lovers of adult fantasy books.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings / Classic Book Retellings / Best Books of 2021Â / Historical Fantasy Books
Circe
Author: Madeline Miller
Year: 2018
Genre: Mythology
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Circe, the nymph, is a footnote in mythology and gets overshadowed in The Odyssey. She does not possess power like the other goddesses but she does have witchcraft. Zeus has banished her to a deserted island where she meets many characters from mythology, and in particular, the book The Odyssey”. It was fascinating to see this goddess get her moment in the sun. I can’t believe I knew so little about her before this story.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
The Odyssey is one of my all-time favorite books and I think I read Du’Laires Book of Greek Myths more than any other book when I was in middle school. I ADORED Circe because it has all my favorite things about Greek mythology but for adults!
Why Jackie loves it
I am not a huge mythology buff like Kirsten is so I loved this book without ever reading the Odyssey. I will pause so you can gasp. It is true, I have never read the Odyssey and loved this book for Miller’s fantastic storytelling ability.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology / Books Set at the Beach / Classic Book Retellings / Best Books 2018 / Adult Fantasy Novels / Mythology Books / Historical Fantasy Books
Medieval Historical Fantasy Books
The White Queen
Author: Philippa Gregory
Year: 2009
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Now a Starz Original Series
Book 2 of 15: The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The White Queen is one of my favorite Philippa Gregory novels, revolving around Elizabeth Woodville and her relationship with the King of England. I love the magical elements of this book as Elizabeth and her mother were said to be witches.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a really wonderful story. I learned so much about the tumultuous history of Britain. Also of note, Elizabeth was the mother of the boys in the tower which this book covers as well. If you love biographical novels, Philippa Gregory has written more than a dozen for you to read.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction / Best Witch Books / Books with Colors in the Title / Historical Fantasy Books
The Lost Queen
Author: Signe Pike
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Book 1 of 3 in The Lost Queen
Age Range: 18+
Plot
If you love Outlander, The Mists of Avalon, or The Clan of the Cave Bear, then you will love this pick from royal reads. Set in Britain/ Scotland when Christianity is poised to become the religion of the country, a future queen who swore to the old ways is learning how to balance the needs of her people and her religion with the role she’s expected to play.
Meanwhile, her twin brother is training to be the man history knows as Merlin. The first in a new trilogy about Arthurian legend.
This book is a perfect pick for a list of books like A Discovery of Witches or a list of books like Outlander. If you love books set in Scotland, this book is a must-read.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love historical fiction books and I also love stories about King Arthur. This series is perfect for me, especially because it also takes place in Scotland. This is a triple win in my books.
Why Jackie loves it
When I first got this book, I wasn’t sure that I was going to like it. I had a very difficult time reading it since I could not pronounce any of the names. As soon as I started listening to this book, I was immediately drawn into the story. If you love historical fiction or historical fantasy, I would highly suggest listening to this series.
Find this book in: Best Books About Scotland / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / The Best Witch Books / Books like Outlander / Mythology Books / Historical Fantasy Books / Royal Fantasy Books
The Mists of Avalon by
Author: Marion Zimmer Bradley
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Locus Award Winner
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is a fairy tale retelling of the story of King Arthur, featuring the Lady of the Lake, Paganism vs. Christianity, and an epic struggle for power.
Merlin and the Lady of the Lake practice pagan witchcraft, as they try to keep the old ways alive against the new religion gaining popularity, the choices they make for Arthur’s kingdom inspire the tale we know so well.
The mini-series adaptation of this adult fantasy book is wonderful too and well worth the watch!
Why Kirsten loves it
This was my first high fantasy book series, which I routinely think about. I read it in middle school (which I absolutely shouldn’t have) and devoured this tome in days. It captivated my imagination unlike anything I had ever read before.
Find this book in: Books Set in Cornwall / Fairy Tale Retellings / Lake Books / Witch Books / Historical Fantasy Books / Royal Fantasy Books
Napoleonic Era Historical Fantasy Books
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell
Author: Susanna Clarke
Year: 2000
Genre:
More info: World Fantasy Award Winner, 2005
Hugo Award Winner, 2005
Locus Award Winner, 2005
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This book. So many people recommended it to me because of my love for Harry Potter. The writing style was Victorian, which fit the book’s time period but felt hard to read at times. The story, however, is full, complex and epic. If you love witch books, this is a must-read.
In nineteenth-century England, people believed that magic had disappeared until Mr. Norrell revealed his powers. He then takes Jonathan Strange as a student. But when Strange is drawn to darker magic, the two men develop a rivalry that can change history.
Why Kirsten likes it
There are so many things that I liked about this book- from the writing to the time period and the complex plot. I can see why it is a best-seller and award winner. For me, the story was a bit too complex and heavy to be considered a favorite. However, I still consider it a must-read for fantasy lovers.
Find this book in: The Best Witch Books / Historical Fantasy Books
His Majesty’s Dragon
Author: Naomi Novik
Year: 2006
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Temeraire Book 1 of 9
Age Range:14+
Plot
Captain Laurence is serving in the British Navy when his ship captures a French ship with a dragon egg. Knowing that the dragon must receive its master immediately, Capt. Laurence becomes that master.
Suddenly, Laurence and the dragon, Temeraire, find themselves in the Aerial Corps trying to defeat Napoleon and his army. This epic historical fantasy series is a must-read and perfect if you are looking for books like Fourth Wing.
Why Jackie loves it
I cannot believe that I had not heard of this epic series by Naomi Novik. I love her most recent books and stumbled upon this series after hearing someone talk about it. I love the historical fiction feel of this book. Other than the addition ff dragons, it feels like it could have happened
Find this book in: The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Dragon Books for Adults / Historical Fantasy Books
Historical Fantasy Books set in Victorian England
The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley
Author: Susanna Kearsley
Year: 2011
Genre: Magical Realism
Age Range: 16+
Plot
After Eva’s sister dies, she heads back to Cornwall England to find peace and rest. What she discovers is more than she expects when she finds herself inexplicably back in time. She finds herself falling in love with Daniel Butler, a man who lived in the eighteenth century.
As her heart begins to feel again, can she find a way to heal her broken heart and find love? Can she live between two times? This is a wonderful time travel romance book that you will want to read again and again.
Why Kirsten loves it
I read this book set in Cornwall in only a few days because I loved it so much. This is another book that I read this month that is the perfect pick for books like Outlander.
Why Jackie loves it
This historical romance book was such a quick read for me because I loved the plot and characters. I felt invested in Eva’s story and wanted her to get a happy ending.
Find this book in: Books Like Outlander / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Time Travel Romance Books / The Best Historical Romance Novels / Books With Flowers in the Title / Historical Fantasy Books / Fiction Books About Gardens and Gardening
The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Year: 2011
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The scene has been set for a magical competition between the pupils of two very powerful magicians. The stage: The Night Circus. The pupils, a man & a woman, are unsure of the rules, unsure of how to win, or when the competition will end.
As the competition continues, the opponents fall in love – a situation that only complicates their predicament. They are never quite sure of the rules or how to win.
Why Jackie loves it
Every word captivated me from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down. The story was magical- both literally and figuratively and the descriptions are so vivid. This is one of my all-time favorite books. I have read this book a few times and each time, I get something different from the story.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is magic in a way that I never imagined it before. The story has twists and surprises that left me wondering how I didn’t see what was right there all along.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of all Time / The Best Carnival and Circus Books / Cozy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
Find more like this: Books Like the Night Circus
Plot
When an almost drowned child is found in the river, three separate families lay claim to her. This story is filled with drama, love, and loss. The story is compelling, but the writing is spectacular and it is a magical realism book that is a must-read.
Trigger Warnings
Child death, Kidnapping
Why Kirsten loves it
Diane Setterfield has been a must-read author for me since I first read The Thirteenth Tale. Her latest was just as captivating, with a bit of magic and mystery mixed in.
Find this book in: Historical Fantasy Books / Magical Realism Books
Darker Shade of Magic
Author: V.E. Schwab
Year: 2015
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Shades of Magic #1
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
In this historical fantasy, travel between parallel Londons is possible by powerful magicians known as Antari. Kell is one of the last Antari who lives in Red London and who serves as an ambassador. He is also a smuggler.
When Kell is robbed by Delilah, a pickpocket and petty thief, he is forced to bring her on an adventure she always dreamed of despite the life of deadly peril.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Assault
Why Jackie loves it
This is London like you have never imagined it before. The characters, while flat at first, begin to have more depth as the story continues. I think this adult fantasy novel is slowly becoming a classic.
WWII Historical Fantasy Books
The World That We Knew
Author: Alice Hoffman
Year: 2019
Genre: Magical realism
More info: Longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal
Age Range: 16+
Plot
During WWII, in Germany, Hanni Kohn knows that she must do something to save her 12-year-old daughter from the Nazis. In desperation, she seeks out someone who can make a Golem take her daughter to safety.
Instead of the Rabbi, his daughter Ettie helps Hanni and creates a golden named Ava. The lives of the three women are forever intertwined. This beautiful story is about love, life, and friendship. It was simultaneously uplifting and heartbreaking.
Why Jackie loves it
The subject of WWII is an extremely difficult topic especially when it involves the lives of children. This book spoke to me as a person but also as a Jewish mother. It asks the question of what a mother would give and do to save her children. Hoffman was able to take this subject and give it a small magical twist. In doing so, she turns the unimaginable into a fantastical story of resilience.
Find this book in: Alice Hoffman Books in Order / Best Books about WWII / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Historical Fantasy Books
Bellewether
Author: Susanna Kearsley
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This book is told from multiple characters perspectives across two different time periods. There is a romance in each time period that do not fully develop until closer to the end. Instead, the present-day focus in on Charley trying to learn about Lydia  Wilde. Lydia is a girl who grew up in the historic home-turned-museum, of which Charley is now the curator. Charley is determined to find out the truth behind Lydia’s star-crossed love – a French soldier being held captive by the Wilde family.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adore Susanna Kearsley’s historical fiction stories and this book combines the perfect touch of magic with romance and history.
The Listeners
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Year: 2025
Genre: Literary Historical Magical Realism
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
It’s 1942 and June Porter Hudson is the general manager of the Avallon Hotel in West Virginia, but everything changes when the family who owns the hotel makes a deal with the state department. Now, the hotel takes in captured Axis diplomats and suspected spies while the various countries negotiate for their safe return.
Tasked with keeping the hotel running while tensions rise, she must convince her staff to serve enemies of war. As FBI Agent Tucker Minnick listens for secrets, June faces a dangerous choice that could put everything at risk. Meanwhile, the literal undercurrent of the hotel, the sweetwater, is a magical stream that feeds off the emotions of those who interact with it. June needs to figure out how to keep the sweetwater balanced as well as her guests.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
The subtle magical realism of the sweetwater helps to heighten the tension of the already elevated stakes of the story. Read the author’s note where it’s clear the incredible amount of research Stiefvater did for this story and the wonderful way she incorporated real historical events into the novel.
The dynamics of the hotel guests, the love triangle, the sweetwater, and the incredible characters all combined to create a narrative unlike any other.
Find this book in: Historical Fantasy / Hotel Novels / Best Fantasy Books of 2025
Historical Fantasy Books Set in Scotland
A River Enchanted
Author: Rebecca Ross
Year: 2022
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Elements of Cadence, book 1 of 2
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Rebecca Ross’s historical fantasy books are sweeping magical stories. This particular one is about the Island of Cadence and its warring inhabitants. It’s also a love story between Jack, a bard who can sing to the elements, and Adaira, the heiress of the East.
The story slowly builds but ends on a cliffhanger, which concludes in the second book of the duology. The story is perfect for fans of books like Outlander because it’s inspired by Scotland. This is one of my favorite books on the list of adult fantasy novels and books set in Scotland.
Trigger Warnings
Kidnapping
Why Kirsten loves it
I love fantasy romance novels and the fact that it is inspired by Scotland makes this high on my list of favorite adult fantasy novels as well. Ross weaves a brilliant and beautiful story
Find this book in: Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Books like Outlander / Historical Fantasy Books /Best Books About Scotland / Fantasy Duology Books
Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 1991
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Outlander Series Book 1 of 9
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This epic story begins in 1945 when Claire Randall and her husband take a second honeymoon to the Scottish Highlands to celebrate being reunited after the war. When Claire touches one of the standing stones, she is transported to 1743.
This is when the real story begins. In order to stay safe as an English woman in Scotland, Clare must depend on Jamie Frasier for protection. Soon Clare finds herself living in a world she has only read about in history books and torn between two men that she loves. In addition to being a brilliant fiction that is rich in historical details, it is an epic love story as well. For me, this is magical realism at its finest.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, sexual assault, sexual violence
Why Kirsten loves it
How do I love Outlander? I cannot count the ways. There is a reason this is one of my favorite books of all time. I am a huge reader of historical fiction and this one checks all the boxes for me. The characters are rich, the plot is complex without being overly complicated and the epic love story make it almost perfect in my eyes.
Why Jackie loves it
Even though I am not a huge historical fiction connoisseur, I could not put this book down. Even at 640 pages, I did not want it to end and immediately picked up the next book in the series. I love the touch of magical realism that transported Clare back in time 200 years and Gabaldon’s story telling made the characters jump off the page.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Ultimate List of Historical Fiction/ Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Magical Realism Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
Historical Fantasy Books Set in the US
Philosopher’s Flight
Author: Tom Miller
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: The Philosopher’s Series #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This historical fantasy takes place in WWI era US. Woman have abilities that most men do not have. They can fly and manipulate the elements. Robert is one of the few men that can practice empirical philosophy. He has always wanted to join the US Sigilry Corps’ Rescue and Evacuation Department, an elite team of flying medics.
Trigger Warnings
Religious Bigotry, War
Why Jackie loves it
I loved reading it although it is really not what I expected. It has the feel of an historical fiction but, with an obvious fantasy element as well. With a touch of romance and a thrill as well, this book is so unique.
The Golem and the Jinni
Author: Helene Wecker
Year: 2013
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Golem and the Jinni #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Chava arrives in New York in 1899. She is a Golem whose master has died on the voyage. When. Rabbi recognizes her for the creature that she is, he takes her in. Ahmed is a Jinni who is in Manhattan but is still not free. When Amed and Chava meet, they fall in love.
Why Jackie loves it
This historical fantasy combines fables from two cultures into one magical read. It left me feeling hopeful, with a smile on my face.
Find this book in: Mythology Books / Books Set in New York / Historical Fantasy Books
Alternate Reality Historical Fantasy Books
Plot
Ursula Todd is born one night in 1910 and died before taking her first breath. She is born again on the same snowy night in 1910 and so the story continues.
Ursula lives her life over and over and hopes that she can get it right and change her story. As she grows, she grapples with family life and WWII.
Why Kirsten loves it
This masterful work by Kate Atkinson is a family drama, historical fiction, and magical realism all rolled into one fantastic book. This unique story is one of the best books I’ve ever read.
Why Jackie loves it
The story is so unique and Atkinson’s writing is wonderful. This story felt fresh, even when watching Ursula live her life over and over again. The story gives such a fresh glimpse of WWII but is also a story about family.
Find this book in: Best WWII Books / Books Like the Time Traveler’s Wife / Magical Realism / Time Loop Books / British Books / Historical Fantasy Books
The White Octopus Hotel
Author: Alexandra Bell
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This dual-timeline story takes place at a gorgeous hotel in the Swiss Alps, where Eve Shaw, an art appraiser in 2015, is visiting after meeting Max Everly, a man who shares the same name as her favorite composer, born over 100 years earlier.
When she arrives at the White Octopus Hotel, Eve is thrown back in time to 1935 as she tries to undo a mistake from her past, avoid falling in love with Max, and head back to her own time.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, War, Grief
Why Kirsten loves it
This fantastic novel was steeped in such creative magic that I could vividly picture everything. The Art Deco hotel would have been a treat on it’s own, but adding in the magical paintings, objects, and others items really made it immersive. I was swept away by this charming story.
Find this book in: Hotel Novels / Historical Fantasy Books / Books Like the Night Circus / Best Books of 2025
Plot
This historical fantasy book was brilliantly researched and had an amazing premise in which Jake Epping steps into a time hole to stop the assassination of Kennedy. Every time he leaves history, time resets itself. Each time something does not go right, he can reset the clock by stepping out of the hole no matter how much time has passed while he was in the past.
Sound confusing? King is a brilliant writer who can make transitions between the past and present seamless. His attention to detail in this whopper of a book is unmatched.
Why Jackie likes it
The historic details in this book were immaculate but, as much as everyone loved this book, I thought that it was much too long. You have to be prepared for almost 900 pages. The beginning and the end of the book were outstanding.
Find this book in: Historical Fantasy Books / Time Loop Books / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Books Set in the 1960s / Books Set in Maine / The Best Long Books / Books with Numbers in the Title
Literary Historical Fantasy Books
The Underground Railroad
Author: Colson Whitehead
Year: 2016
Genre: Literary Historical Fiction
More info: August 2016 Oprah Book Club Pick, Pulitzer Prize winner, New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The story is about Cora and Caesar, two run-away slaves in the South who run away to the underground railroad which, in this book, is an actual railroad. Each stop along the way is reminiscent of a different place in history and it is interlaced with actual ads placed for runaway slaves. This book is profound and beautiful and a must-read.
Trigger Warnings
Slavery
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this book, and it was one of the first reviews we did on the blog. I love how this book examined the underground railroad with a touch of magical realism. If you are looking for thought-provoking books, look no further.
Find this book in: Thought-provoking Books / Best Historical Fiction Books / Magical Realism Books / Best Oprah’s Book Club Books / Historical Fantasy Books
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter
Author: Seth Grahame-Smith
Year: 2010
Genre:Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Age Range:15+
Plot
In this book, US history is subtly changed to include vampires in politics and also having a major role in the Civil War. The changes and mentions of different historical figures as vampires are just enough that it could be plausible (if vampires were actually a thing). This book is NOT a romantic vampire trilogy but rather, a dark revision of history.
Why Jackie loves it
I liked this vampire book where Abraham Lincoln’s history is changed and the deaths that surround him are at the hands of the vampires.Â
Find this book in: Vampire Books / Historical Fantasy Books
Beloved
Author: Toni Morrison
Year: 1987
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Pulitzer Prize Winner, New York Times Bestseller,
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Beloved, which is based on the true story of a runaway slave, haunted me while I was reading it. Set just after the Civil War, the story is about a formerly enslaved family whose home is haunted by an angry spirit. The family believes the spirit is the deceased child of Sethe, a nameless baby whose tomb says “Beloved”. The harrowing memories of her life before freedom haunt Sethe, too as Morrison examines the horrors of slavery.
Trigger Warnings
Slavery, Child Death
Why Kirsten loves it
HOW HAVE I NEVER READ TONI MORRISON BEFORE? I swear I thought I had read this book, but after reading The Toni Morrison Book Club, I realized I hadn’t. When my library hold finally came up for this one, I was so excited to read it. Morrison is easily one of the most gifted writers I’ve ever read.
Find this book in: Magical Realism Books / Best Classic Books / Books about Motherhood / Ghost Books / Historical Fantasy Books
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Author: Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Year: 1967
Genre: Magical Realism
More info: January 2004 Oprah Book Club Pick
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This multi-generational family saga is about the Buendiá family and their hometown, the magical Maconda. It’s a comedy, a tragedy, and it looks at the rise and fall of the town’s founding family.
For the record, I read this book BEFORE Oprah picked it! We spent a semester learning about this family saga in high school. Each person was assigned a symbol to report on throughout the book each week.
Mine was goldfish -part of the symbolism of amnesia and the duality between amnesia and nostalgia. Yep. I still remember the lesson. Maybe the teaching contributed, but this remains one of my favorite books ever.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love this family saga. The writing is brilliant and so is the symbolism. This is not an easy read but it is worth every minute.
Find this book in: Kirsten’s Favorites / Magical Realism Books / Classic Books / Amnesia Books / Best Oprah’s Book Club Books / Best Books in Translation / Historical Fantasy Books
More Historical Fantasy Books
Expert Tip
There are as many historical fantasy books as there are subgenres of historical fiction. Choosing your next book can be difficult, but I have some suggestions to help you choose a book that you would love to read.
- What is your favorite subgenre of historical fiction? Choose a book from that time or choose a book set somewhere that you love.
- Consider how much fantasy you are looking for. These books have a range, from a world filled with magic to magical realism, which is only a small amount. You can look at all the descriptions to get an idea of the plot and decide if the book is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is historical fantasy?
Historical fantasy books are a subgenre of fiction. Most of the books in this category are magical realism books. These are books that take place in the past but include some magical elements. The alternate history fantasy books are books that will include the most fantasy elements of all the books on the list.
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Epilogue
Do you like historical fantasy books? Which are your favorites?
