Starting your journey into historical fiction can feel overwhelming. With thousands of books spanning every time period from Ancient Rome to the Cold War, where do you even begin? The good news is that historical fiction is one of the most accessible and rewarding genres once you know how to approach it.
That’s why we will walk you through everything you need to know as a beginner, from choosing your first book to building your reading skills in the genre. Whether you’re a lifelong reader trying something new or someone looking to make reading more engaging, historical fiction offers an incredible gateway to both entertainment and learning.
Why Historical Fiction Is Perfect for Beginners
If you’re new to reading for pleasure or trying to get back into books after a break, historical fiction has several advantages that make it an excellent starting point.
Built-In Context and Structure
Unlike pure fantasy or experimental literary fiction, historical fiction grounds itself in real history. You already have some familiarity with the world and time period, which makes it easier to orient yourself in the story. When you read about World War II or Tudor England, you bring existing knowledge (even if it’s limited) that helps you follow along.
Educational Without Feeling Like Homework
Historical fiction teaches you about different eras, cultures, and events while keeping you entertained. You’re learning history through compelling stories rather than textbooks, which makes the information stick better and feel more meaningful.
Wide Variety of Styles and Subgenres
Don’t like military battles? Try historical romance or mystery. Not interested in European history? Explore Asian, African, or Middle Eastern settings. The genre offers something for every taste, which means you’re almost certain to find books you love.
Series That Let You Get Comfortable
Many historical fiction novels come in series, allowing you to spend time with familiar characters across multiple books. Once you find a series you enjoy, you have a ready-made reading list that requires no additional decision-making.
How to Choose Your First Historical Fiction Book
To make sure you’ll enjoy your first historical fiction experience, select a book that aligns with your interests and reading level. Here’s how to make that choice.
Start With a Time Period That Interests You
Think about history classes, documentaries, or movies you’ve enjoyed. Were you fascinated by Ancient Rome? Curious about the Vikings? Moved by World War II stories? Beginning with a time period that already captures your imagination makes the reading experience more engaging.
Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with the period; good historical fiction provides all the necessary context. In fact, some readers prefer starting with eras they know little about because everything feels fresh and surprising.
Consider Your Preferred Reading Style
Historical fiction comes in many flavors. Ask yourself what kind of reading experience you want:
Fast-paced action and adventure? Try military historical fiction or Viking sagas, which often feature battles and conquests.
Character-focused emotional stories? Look for historical fiction with strong character development, family sagas, or historical romance.
Mystery and suspense? Historical mysteries combine the appeal of detective stories with period settings.
Sweeping epics? Multi-generational sagas or long series that follow characters through decades of history.
Literary and thoughtful? Award-winning historical fiction often emphasizes beautiful prose and deep themes alongside historical accuracy.
Don’t Start With the Most Challenging Books
Some historical fiction novels are dense, complex, or require a significant amount of historical knowledge to fully appreciate. As a beginner, it’s okay to save these for later. Start with books that are:
- Clearly written and accessible
- Not overly long (under 500 pages to start)
- Highly rated and popular (lots of readers have enjoyed them)
- Recently published (contemporary writing styles are often easier to follow)
You can always work up to more challenging books like Hilary Mantel’s “Wolf Hall” or Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” once you’ve built confidence in the genre.
Best Historical Fiction Books for Beginners
Here are some excellent entry points into historical fiction, organized by time period and style. These books are accessible, engaging, and representative of what makes the genre special.
Ancient World
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller – A beautifully written retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of Achilles’ companion Patroclus. Emotionally powerful and accessible, even if you don’t know Greek mythology well.
“Pompeii” by Robert Harris – A gripping thriller set in the days before Mount Vesuvius erupts. Fast-paced, suspenseful, and requires no prior knowledge of Roman history.
Medieval Period
“The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett – An epic tale of cathedral building in 12th-century England. Long but compelling, with accessible writing and a page-turning plot that makes medieval history come alive.
“The Last Kingdom” by Bernard Cornwell – Viking-age England through the eyes of a Saxon raised by Danes. Action-packed and fast-paced, perfect for those who want adventure and battles.
Tudor England
“The Other Boleyn Girl” by Philippa Gregory – The story of Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary. Engaging, scandalous, and a great introduction to Tudor court intrigue that doesn’t feel intimidating.
“Dissolution” by C.J. Sansom – A mystery set during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. Combines a historical setting with a detective story structure that keeps you turning pages.
19th Century
“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr – Set during World War II, following a blind French girl and a German boy. Beautifully written, deeply moving, and relatively short compared to many historical novels.
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah – Two sisters in Nazi-occupied France during WWII. Emotional, accessible, and perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories.
World War II
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak – Narrated by Death, this novel tells the story of a young girl in Nazi Germany. A unique narrative voice and deeply touching, yet without being overly complex.
“Code Name Verity” by Elizabeth Wein – A gripping story of friendship and espionage during WWII. A young adult novel, yet sophisticated enough for adult readers, and incredibly well-crafted.
Tips for Reading Historical Fiction
If you’re new to the genre, once you’ve chosen your first book, these strategies will help you get the most out of the reading experience.
Don’t Worry About Knowing Every Historical Detail
You don’t need to be a history expert to enjoy historical fiction. Good authors provide context within the story. If you encounter unfamiliar terms, people, or events, continue reading; the meaning usually becomes clear from the context. You can always look things up later if you’re curious.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust to the Setting
The first 50-100 pages of historical fiction often involve worldbuilding and establishing the time period. This can feel slower than modern-set novels. Stick with it. Once you’re oriented in the world, the story typically picks up momentum.
Keep a Simple Timeline in Mind
It helps to have a basic sense of when events are happening. If you’re reading about Tudor England, note that this is set in the 1500s. If it’s World War II, that spans the years 1939-1945. This basic framework helps you place references and understand the historical context.
Watch Related Movies or Documentaries (Optional)
We can all agree that books are generally better than movies/series 99% of the time, but some readers enjoy watching a documentary or movie about the time period before or after reading about it. This can enhance your understanding and make the historical context more vivid. However, this is completely optional; the book should stand on its own.
Don’t Get Hung Up on Accuracy
Remember that historical fiction is fiction first, history second. Authors take creative liberties with dialogue, compress timelines, and imagine scenes that weren’t recorded. As a beginner, focus on enjoying the story rather than fact-checking every detail.
Try Audiobooks for Difficult Names and Pronunciations
Historical fiction often includes unfamiliar names of people and places. Audiobooks can be helpful because the narrator handles pronunciation for you, making it easier to follow along and remember who’s who.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Starting with Books That Are Too Advanced
Some historical novels are intentionally challenging, using archaic language, complex political plotlines, or assuming significant historical knowledge. Books like “Wolf Hall” or “The Name of the Rose” are masterpieces, but they may not be the best starting points for readers. Save these for when you’ve built more reading stamina and familiarity with the genre.
Giving Up Too Quickly
Historical fiction often requires a greater investment of time and effort up front than contemporary fiction. If you’re not hooked by page 50, that doesn’t necessarily mean the book isn’t for you. Try reading to at least page 100 before deciding to abandon it.
Sticking with One Author or Time Period Too Long
While series are great for building confidence, make sure to occasionally branch out. Reading only Bernard Cornwell’s medieval battles or only WWII novels limits your experience of what historical fiction has to offer. Experiment with different periods, regions, and styles.
Being Too Concerned About Reading Order
Many historical fiction series can be read out of order, especially if each book is relatively self-contained. While publication or chronological order is often ideal, don’t let the “wrong” reading order stop you from starting a series that interests you.
Building Your Historical Fiction Reading Skills
As you read more historical fiction, you’ll naturally develop skills that make the experience richer and easier.
You’ll Build Historical Context
Your first book about Ancient Rome requires more mental work because everything is new. Your fifth Roman novel draws on accumulated knowledge you already understand: the Senate, legions, and social hierarchy. Each book builds on the last, making future reading easier.
You’ll Recognize Patterns and Connections
Historical events connect across time. Reading about Tudor England helps you understand the English Civil War novels you read later. Books about the Roman Republic shed light on the events that led up to its fall. This interconnected understanding deepens your appreciation of history.
You’ll Develop Preferences
After reading several historical novels, you’ll discover what you love. Perhaps it’s military strategy, perhaps it’s court intrigue, perhaps it’s ordinary people navigating extraordinary times. These preferences guide your future reading choices.
You’ll Get Faster at Orientation
The first time you read historical fiction, adjusting to the period takes effort. With practice, you’ll become more adept at quickly orienting yourself, picking up on social cues, understanding complex political contexts, and following intricate plots with greater ease.
Series vs. Standalone Books: Which to Start With?
Both approaches have advantages for newcomers.
Starting with a Series
Advantages:
- Once you like the first book, you have built-in recommendations
- Characters and settings become familiar, reducing cognitive load
- You can really immerse yourself in a time period
- Reading order guides makes decision-making easy
Good beginner series:
- The Last Kingdom series (Bernard Cornwell) – Viking-age England
- Outlander series (Diana Gabaldon) – Time-travel historical romance
- Kingsbridge series (Ken Follett) – Medieval England
Starting with Standalone Books
Advantages:
- No commitment beyond one book
- More variety in time periods and styles
- Often more tightly plotted with complete arcs
- Easier to sample different authors
Good standalone beginner’s books:
- “All the Light We Cannot See” (Anthony Doerr)
- “The Book Thief” (Markus Zusak)
- “The Song of Achilles” (Madeline Miller)
How to Find Your Next Historical Fiction Book
Once you’ve finished your first book, here’s how to find more you’ll enjoy.
Read More by the Same Author
If you loved your first historical fiction book, the easiest next step is reading more by the same author. Authors tend to have consistent writing styles, pacing, and approaches to history.
Explore the Same Time Period
If the era fascinated you more than the specific author, seek out other books set in the same period. This lets you deepen your knowledge of that historical moment while experiencing different perspectives.
Find “Read-Alike” Recommendations
Search for “books like [title you enjoyed]” to find similar recommendations. Goodreads, Amazon, and historical fiction websites (such as Historical Shelf) provide these comparisons.
Follow Award Winners
Major literary awards often recognize excellent historical fiction:
- Booker Prize
- Walter Scott Prize
- Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
While award winners sometimes skew toward more literary novels, they’re generally well-crafted and worth exploring.
Join Reading Communities
Online communities on Goodreads, Reddit, or Facebook groups, or even book clubs near you, dedicated to historical fiction, can provide personalized recommendations based on what you’ve enjoyed.
What to Do If You’re Not Enjoying Your First Book
Not every book works for every reader, and that’s okay.
Give It 100 Pages
Historical fiction often takes time to build momentum. Try reaching the 100-page mark before deciding it’s not for you.
Try a Different Time Period
If Viking battles bore you, try Tudor court intrigue. If medieval Europe feels distant, try WWII novels with more familiar contexts.
Switch to a Different Writing Style
Some historical fiction is densely written and literary, while other books are plot-driven and fast-paced. If one style isn’t working, try the opposite approach.
Consider the Format
Some readers find historical fiction easier in audio format because narrators handle pronunciation and can bring the period to life through voice acting.
Don’t Give Up on the Genre
One or two books you didn’t enjoy don’t mean historical fiction isn’t for you. The genre is so broad that there’s almost certainly something that will click with you; you just haven’t found it yet.
Building Your Historical Fiction Library
As you discover what you love, you’ll naturally start building a collection of favorites and planning future reads.
Create a Reading List
Keep a simple list (digital or physical) of historical fiction books you want to read. Add to it whenever you encounter interesting recommendations.
Explore Different Formats
Physical books, ebooks, and audiobooks each have advantages for historical fiction. Try all three to see what works best for you.
Reread Favorites
Unlike mysteries, where the surprise is everything, historical fiction often rewards rereading. You notice details you missed, appreciate the craft more, and find new layers of meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know history to enjoy historical fiction?
No. Good historical fiction provides all the necessary context. You’ll learn as you read, and any prior knowledge is a bonus, not a requirement.
Should I read historical fiction in chronological order of history?
Not necessarily. Read based on your interests rather than following history’s timeline. However, some readers enjoy moving chronologically through different eras as a way to build a progressive understanding of history.
Is historical fiction accurate?
It varies. Most authors research carefully, but they take creative liberties with dialogue, timelines, and unrecorded details. Fiction comes first, enjoy the story while understanding it’s not a textbook.
What’s the difference between historical fiction and historical romance?
Historical romance focuses primarily on the romantic relationship, with the historical setting as backdrop. Historical fiction may include romance, but it’s not the central plot driver.
Are historical fiction series better for beginners?
Series can be great for beginners because once you find one you like, you have ready-made next reads. However, standalone books allow you to sample a wider variety. Both approaches work—choose based on your reading personality.
How long does it take to “get into” historical fiction?
Most readers need 2-3 books to really feel comfortable with the genre. The first book requires the most adjustment as you learn how to read historical fiction. By your third book, you’ll feel much more at ease.
What if the language feels too old-fashioned?
Start with recently published historical fiction. Modern authors write in contemporary English while capturing the period flavor. Avoid books that try to fully replicate archaic speech until you’re more experienced.
Your Historical Fiction Journey Starts Now
The beauty of historical fiction lies in its endless exploration of the past. At every time period, in every culture, and for every major event in human history, inspiring novels await discovery. As a beginner, you’re at the start of a reading journey that can last a lifetime.
Don’t overthink your first choice. Pick a book that sounds interesting, give it a fair chance, and adjust your approach based on what you learn about your preferences. Some books will transport you completely, while others might not click, and that’s perfectly normal.
The most important thing is to start. Choose your first historical fiction book, settle in, and let yourself be transported to another time and place. You might just discover your new favorite genre.
Ready to dive deeper? Explore our complete guides to the best historical fiction books by time period, author profiles with complete bibliographies, and series reading orders to help you navigate this rich and rewarding genre.
