My Top Priority Historical Fiction TBR | Some of the Best Books & Series in the Genre?

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

That thumbnail is god-tier status Theo!

[@RekindledReader]

HAHAHA thanks, Matt! Thought you might appreciate it! Ζήτω η Ελλάς!

[@safinan8008]

Enjoy all ur reads! Some interesting book list!! Happy reading to you!! 🎬🎥🦋

[@RekindledReader]

Thank you!!!

[@TallGuyReads]

Awesome video, Theo! Man I really want to read both Lion (the new book) and Conquerer series…let me know if you’re starting it anytime soon! Kyle has me soooo hyped for Gemmell’s Troy trilogy! Very very excited for the Shogun readalong next year…I’ve wanted to read it for years lol Great list man! So many great-sounding books on here!

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks, man! Yeah so many good ones to try. Shogun will be sick!

[@teamnottstv8458]

Woah woah where and when is this Shogun read a long???

[@Jane-w]

Added to TBR ✅ Added to TBR ✅ Added to TBR ✅ This was a great list - I have no idea how you'll prioritise which one to pick up next as you've sold me on all of them.

[@RekindledReader]

Omg this makes me so happy haha! I don't know either but at least it's a fun pile to have!

[@Johanna_reads]

Fantastic TBR, Theo! Hope you enjoy all of these. I am so hooked into Enemy of God right now. I literally squealed out loud after a particular section. I might become a big historical fiction fan if you get my on board for more!

[@RekindledReader]

I'm so happy to hear this! Thanks, Joahnna :) I can't wait to hopefully read more historical fiction alongside you. It'll be fun!

[@RedFuryBooks]

SOLID LIST! Cornwell, Igguden, Eco, Clavell, Kristian... some of the best here! I've read quite a few but a lot of these are on my TBR as well. This is a great TBR of some of the great authors from the genre. Oh, epic thumbnail too!

[@RekindledReader]

Haha thanks, Josh :)

[@GeekofMordor]

Igguden makes shit up. Don't recommend his work.

[@CircesBooked]

There are so many great recommendations here! I really love the historical fiction genre. I need to check out Bernard Cornwell's books. Surprisingly haven't picked those up so thanks for the reminder 😅

[@RekindledReader]

Ah thanks!! Yeah I'm super excited to dive deeper into the genre! Easy for Fantasy fans to get hooked!

[@AFictionalEscapist]

Awesome list! I’ve added a couple to my historical fiction TBR!

[@RekindledReader]

❤️🙌🏻

[@Wanderwilderreading]

I haven't spent much time in the historical fiction genre and I'm honestly overwhelmed by how much is out there because while I think I'd probably enjoy a lot of these stories, it just feels like a lot to add another genre to my neverending TBR. Can't wait to see your thoughts on these books so that I know which ones are worth it!

[@RekindledReader]

I shared the same sentiment, but I've always wanted to try. Definitely overwhelming though, and I never thought it could come close to matching the enjoyment I have with Fantasy. But here we are! I am definitely going to make sure when I talk about these books to let Fantasy readers know what they might enjoy about them!

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Hope you get around to a lot of these, especially Gates of Fire :). I really need to read Shogun! Happy reading! Will

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks so much, Will! I can't wait for that one!

[@thebookishgnome4062]

Absolutely loved the thumbnail! Love this list and can't wait to hear your takes on all of them.

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks, Nathan!!!!

[@esmayrosalyne]

Super solid list!! Most of these are on my radar as well, so I am eager to hear your thoughts on them 🤩 I loved Hellmouth (which I picked up on your rec), so I am also very excited to read more by Giles Kristian now. And Alex also sold me on the Cicero trilogy. Hope these will all be hits for you! Happy reading 🥰

[@RJGibson7]

Great list dude! I’m doing falcon of Sparta on audio at the moment and having a great time with it! I really want to read the Cicero trilogy, a historical fiction thriller sounds amazing at the moment!

[@RekindledReader]

Allen told me he's doing a read-along for it even of the year or beginning of next, so stay tuned!

[@JAKandtheBookStack]

This is so interesting, I’m glad you put this together because I wouldn’t have heard of these!

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks! I hope you try some of them sometime!

[@covertocovercal1038]

Great video, Theo! Like always buddy. Very interesting topic and I’ve enjoyed history growing up and this may influence me to check some of them out. Keep up the great work buddy. 👍🏻📚

[@Paromita_M]

A great thumbnail. Recently finished Warlord Chronicles and liked it. I'm interested in historical fiction (though generally bad at it😄) but our TBRs are very different - mainly because I tend to prefer character-based political intrigue. One author we do have overlap with: Umberto Eco. Absolute erudition personified. The Name Of The Rose is a great novel. I've also read Foucault's Pendulum and The Prague Cemetery is on my TBR. A series I would recommend if you like ASOIAF by GRRM is The Accursed Kings by Maurice Druon blurbed by GRRM as the 'original GOT'. It is 6 books though so maybe later. Happy reading!

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks so much! I actually just put The Accursed Kings on my tbr!

[@BaldBookTuber]

Awesome video my dude - some overlap between our lists, and some stuff I will need to check out!

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks!! Yeah definitely, I'm excited to work my way through these.

[@72mje]

Some of these were already on my TBR, but I did add a few new ones. I'll be reading Cornwell's The Grail Quest trilogy soon, really looking forward to that. Great video!

[@RekindledReader]

👌🏻🙌🏻

[@binglamb2176]

Wow! What a solid line-up. I have or have read many of these. My journey is almost the opposite of yours in that historical fiction has always been my go to but I am beginning to test the waters of fantasy. Have fun reading these great books!

[@RekindledReader]

That's awesome, thanks for watching, Bing!! Are there any that you would highly recommend that I didn't mention here? Or any authors in particular that I should consider moving up my priority list?

[@binglamb2176]

@@RekindledReader If you find you enjoy dense, mostly accurate historical fiction, I would check out Sharon Kay Penman. Her book, The Sunne in Splendour, is focused on Richard III. It's more character driven than action but the Battle of Bosworth Field is well represented. She also has a 5 book series about the Plantagenets.

[@RekindledReader]

@@binglamb2176 wow, thanks for this!

[@bonniek5]

Great list Theo! I really need to get more historical fiction under my belt. Always too many books, not enough time!

[@RekindledReader]

Yup always the case haha

[@jasonrstacy]

You have some interesting one listed. I need to get some more historical fiction into my rotation.

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks, Jason!! Yeah my goal is to fit one of these in here and there. It makes for a great change of pace, and goes nicely alongside true Fantasy in my opinion!

[@joshyaks]

That's a gorgeous Shogun cover!

[@RekindledReader]

RIGHT?!?!

[@rumpelRAINS]

Great video Theo!

[@RekindledReader]

THANKS!!!

[@derekgreen7319]

Conn iggulden is great! Bernard Cornwell is my favorite author!

[@RekindledReader]

Can’t wait to read more historical fiction, Cornwell in particular

[@diyasarkar5157]

Great video! So many of these I've been meaning to get to!

[@RekindledReader]

👌🏻🙌🏻

[@elainedejong2806]

What a lot of excellent recs! I’m going to definitely pick some of these up - maybe start with Bernard Cornwell

[@RekindledReader]

Yes!! If you haven't read The Warlord Chronicles, pick the first book up, The Winter King :) The audio is incredible.

[@elainedejong2806]

@@RekindledReader I have The Winter King in my stash - I’ll start here

[@RekindledReader]

@@elainedejong2806 YYYYAAAAA

[@alynam82]

Hey Theo, I can safely say that about 90% of the books mentioned here are high up on my TBR as I've been on a historical kick this past year. I've been binge buying Conn Iggulden and a name that came up recommended from Amazon was Ben Kane, who writes primarily Roman battle fiction, but I got his Lionheart (as in King Richard) trilogy. I read the first one last month, and it was such a good time, I can't wait to continue. I also purchased the Cicero trilogy, so I wouldn't mind joining ya, if you do a read-along on the discord. Also, I'm currently on a book called The Reckoning, which features Edward I and his War with Wales. This is book #3 of the Welsh Prince trilogy by Sharon Kay Penman. This is a really, really good series. It spans about 100 years, and the first book really dived into the mind of King John. An awesome character study. Anyways, fantastic video! I can't wait to see these reads as content on the channel.

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks so much for this, Anthony!! I appreciate the input and recommendations, I'll have to add some of these to my list. I'll keep you posted on the Cicero trilogy because I think I'll be joining a read-along with Allen, more info to come. Thanks so much for watching and the thoughtful comment!

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

I got miles Cameron’s chivalry books and just picked up warlord chronicles and the grail quest books from Bernard Cornwell

[@RekindledReader]

Niiiice

[@BookishChas]

Awesome video Theo! I’m really happy you made this, because I needed some other options to explore. I avoided historical fiction for the longest time because it didn’t really appeal to me. Even after Winter King, I wasn’t convinced it was for me, but then I read Enemy of God lol. Now I’m very curious for what else is out there. I have heard really good things about both Giles Kristian and Christian Cameron. This video was so helpful.

[@RekindledReader]

This makes me so happy to hear! Thank you so much for watching and the kind words 🙂 I'm glad it provided any insight or help at all.

[@bookmeridian]

Funny I was just about to write that I've been wanting to get to Eco and was going to recommend him. Baudolino looks awesome. Always wanted to start with Name of the Rose but might have to start with Baudolino since I have a signed copy. Great video dude, I definitely want to get into historical fiction

[@RekindledReader]

That's awesome Nick! Thanks for watching. Yeah I would definitely start with the one you have a signed copy of! Super jealous! Haha.

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

Awesome vid! We have carbon-copy tbr's it seems but you did manage to add one series onto mine that I wasn't aware of (Imperium, which would be great to try out something set in Rome). I just got into historical fiction recently with the first bunch of Cornwell's Sharpe books, and those Rupert Farley audiobooks are simply spectacular -- check out my first and only book review so far on my channel for more on those. I can't wait to get to Cornwell's other stuff, Iggulden, Kristian, Pressfield, and Cameron now that I've discovered how much I like this genre! I studied a lot of ancient Greek history in college and spent a semester traveling around Greece (including a stop in Sparta, which is just a gorgeous place) -- so I think I'll especially love diving into some of the books set there.

[@RekindledReader]

Wow this is awesome!!! Thanks for hanging out, Ben! Jealous of your travels haha. I also can't wait to try some of these!

[@BooksandCrafts]

Exciting TBR!! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on these books 😊 I really want to read more historical fiction. I used to love this genre, especially books by Ken Follett, have you read anything from him? Lancelot and Shogun sound great, adding them to my tbr!

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks so much! So I almost added Pillars of the Earth to this list. I didn't because I hear mixed things and I know it's a chunker and technically part of a series? I'm still not sure where I'd land with Fillet even though some people I trust adore his books. He's one that I'll check out for sure, but probably not before most of these ones. If I do, what would you recommend by him???

[@curtjarrell9710]

The Name of the Rose is also part of my TBR.

[@RekindledReader]

Nice! Obviously I've heard it's awesome!

[@RekindledReader]

And I just picked up a used copy of it for seven bucks in mint condition! So I got to read it at some point now lol

[@angelamccollister]

I love historical fiction. My favorite HF author is Sharon Kay Penman. Her Plantagenet series is so good. I also like Michael Livingston's work. After reading an ARC by Livingston last year a publisher sent me a finished copy of The Widow Queen by Elzbieta Cherezinska. It is viking era told from a Polish perspective. Book 2 is supposed to be published in English later this year. It was really cool to learn about that era in and around Poland since I knew nothing before. I picked up the 2nd book of a Conn Igulden series about the Wars of the Roses at a used bookstore last year. I need to find the rest of the series. I mostly read about dark ages to middle ages Europe and the Middle East. I should branch out to BCE Greek and Roman books too. I have Bernard Cornwell on my wishlist. Especially his Arthurian series. Giles Christian is also on my wishlist. I have so many Gemmel books but haven't yet read them.

[@RekindledReader]

Awesome, lots of good ones to choose from haha

[@angelamccollister]

@@RekindledReader Oops, I just realized I put Michael a Livingston on here but he actually writes historical non-fiction. Other than the Origins of WoT that is due to come later this year.

[@LiamsLyceum]

David Gemmell is a legend. The next historical fiction I’m planning (since I hardly do that) is “I, the Sun” by Janet Morris. It’s about Suppiluliumas of the Hittites, sounds amazing, and Morris is an A+ author.

[@RekindledReader]

Oooh I'll have to check these out. Thank you!!

[@jennthebookwyrm5484]

Geez...did you not think I had enough to read??? Lol...sounds like a really good list and I'm interested. When I was younger, a friend picked up a historical fiction book for me and it was the first I'd ever read. It was a historical romance about the ward of Sir Thomas More and she was also a handmaid of Queen Catherine as King Henry VIII was putting her aside. I don't know the name of the book anymore and it's an older book and hard to find. I don't remember the romance so much...I remember the history and it really lit a fire under me to know more about King Henry VIII, so much so that I picked up an autobiography of him, when I was a teen who normally red romances. Historical fiction can be so transportive...looking forward to your takes on some of these. They've also now been added to my tbr...and I blame you! lol

[@RekindledReader]

HAHAHA I love that you're adding some of these!! You're right, like I had no idea how amazing hist fic could be. So good!

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

Great list!! I like some historical fiction now and then. I've got Name of the Rose sitting over here. I read it when you do and we can chat in the discord if you'd like.

[@RekindledReader]

Sounds awesome!!

[@thatsci-firogue]

Gates of Fire quickly become one of my favourite books. I'd be surprised if it didn't click for you. I understand, I love the show and I've loved the two books I've read of Last Kingdom but I've heard they can get quite repetitive so I've heard a lot of readers advice against binge reading them.

[@RekindledReader]

I can't wait, Gates of Fire is nice and short so I should be able to fit that in. I'll read The Saxon Stories eventually but not too close to the show, maybe in a few years when I get an itch. There's so much else to try from Cornwell! I forgot to mention it, but I thought the Grail Quest books might be another good option. Thanks for watching!!!

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@RekindledReader I hope you like Grail Quest better than I did lol

[@RekindledReader]

@@thatsci-firogue yeah I heard it is hit or miss. Probably wouldn't prioritize it, but it's there when I need some Bernie hahaha.

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@RekindledReader yeah I think I posted on one of your wrap ups complaining about it lol Tbf I really liked the first two books for the most part.

[@NerdPatrik]

I really love Tyrant, I appreciate the smaller scale compared to some other historical fiction I’ve read. It feels more personal and the stakes are high for the people involved. Did you ever get to it?

[@RekindledReader]

@@NerdPatrik I haven’t, actually! This came up in conversation recently, so I’m probably shuffling plans to accommodate some more hist fic. I think number 1 on my list has to be the Cicero trilogy.

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

David Gemmell is awesome let me know when you start lion of macediona I’ll buddy read it with you

[@RekindledReader]

Siiiick 👌🏻

[@reddawg19]

Ken follett. Pillars of the earth. Nuff said.

[@RekindledReader]

Yeah, I mentioned in a few comments why I left that one off the list, BUT I will definitely be checking it out. It's a chunker and I heard it can be a little slow but very well done. I think I'd tackle a few on this list and see about fitting that one in as well. Thanks for the input and for watching!

[@teamnottstv8458]

This video freaked me out a little bit… My first historical fiction book/series was the Bernard Cornwell Arthur series. I read that earlier this year. Coincidence? Sure. Lots of people read it this year. After reading the Arthur series I decided to start picking up other historical fiction books. I looked into Conn Iggulden and the Ghengis series. Still just a coincidence. Right? I then read Hellmouth by Giles Kristian and so picked up the Sigurd series…. Now it just seems weird. Guess which author I then picked up? Yup. DAVID GEMMEL. Now it’s just weird. I’ve also been itching for some more Bernard Cornwell and didn’t want to go right into the Uhtred series because of the length. So I picked up the Grail Quest series which is actually slightly tied in with Agincourt. So Grail Quest series happens, then a book called 1356 happens shortly after which is another standalone but set during the same war. Agincourt is then the following stand-alone set in the same ear but years later. If you’re interested, we are doing a read along for the Grail Quest later in the year over at Mikes discord channel. Got quite a few (16ish I think) people involved! So yeah, pretty cool to see someone else going through a very similar historic fiction journey!

[@RekindledReader]

WOW. THIS IS CRAZY. I saw that Mike was going to jump in with Grail Quest and I wasn't quite sure about that one or if I should do that one before any of the other ones I mentioned. There's so many books in so little time! But you know what if there's a read along, I might have to see about joining cuz I know I'll read it eventually lol. Very cool overlap here and I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment!

[@teamnottstv8458]

@@RekindledReader I don’t think Mike is joining in on the read along as we’re starting book 1 October and he’s booked up with spook fest but still a lot of us doing it. We’re only doing 1 book a month if that helps sway you to join! Came across your channel thanks to the video you guys did together picking your TBRs. Loving the content and excited to watch your historical fiction journey unfold :D

[@RekindledReader]

@@teamnottstv8458 thanks so much!!!

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

Man con iggulden is one I really want to get to

[@RekindledReader]

Yaaassss

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

@@RekindledReader he did a bunch of blurbs for robin hobb which is how I learned about him

[@RekindledReader]

@@AndrewsWizardlyReads ooooh interesting!

[@RekindledReader]

TIMESTAMPS 0:00 | Intro 1:30 | Conn Iggulden 4:40 | Giles Kristian 6:43 | David Gemmell 7:59 | Bernard Cornwell 9:39 | James Clavelle 11:12 | Steven Pressfield - Gates of Fire 11:52 | Robert Harris - Cicero Trilogy 13:32 | Umberto Eco - The Name of the Rose 14:15 | Christian Cameron 15:13 | Wrap Up

[@joshyaks]

I think you have to write a chapter title next to the "0:00" for the chapters to show up in the video.

[@RekindledReader]

@@joshyaks THANK YOU!

[@farhad_s]

Gates of Fire is absolutely the next book you have to read, given your Spartan connections. My book of the year so far. Shogun is one I'm really looking forward to, if you guys ever organise a readalong, would love to join.

[@RekindledReader]

I think Alex is organizing one for Shogun next year. Not sure. We will sort it out in the Discord I'm sure. Maybe ask him! Gates of Fire is short and sweet. I might have to fit that in asap

[@Ritchiiee]

No Ken Follet? 😅

[@RekindledReader]

I almost put Pillars of the Earth on here, but I wasn't sure exactly where I'd land with him. I've heard some mixed things but I definitely want to try him at some point. I just don't think I'd prioritize him over the authors in this list because they're more what I enjoy lately, but I'm 100% going to give him a shot! Is there a particular book you'd recommend? Or would you recommend starting with Pillars like most people?

[@Ritchiiee]

@@RekindledReader I still have to start on his works as well, but I can't find a video about historical fiction without hearing his name 😂 I'm going to start with Pillars as that seems to be the most recommended book

[@JavierCardenasZurita]

@@RekindledReader i began with pillars of the earth and couldn’t stop, read all 4 books in the kingsbridge series and then moved on to the century trilogy as well, his thrillers are also good, I liked The man of St. Petersburg a lot.

[@GeekofMordor]

Conn Iggulden doesnt know jack about history. Worst mainstream historical fiction author

[@RekindledReader]

Oh that’s an interesting take - I enjoyed one of his books but haven’t continued with some others I wanted to read. Thanks for the input! Is there an author you’d recommend above all others?? 🙏🏻

[@Yuuzhanvon]

Conn is the worst. Knows very little factual history

[@RekindledReader]

Yeah I’ve heard mixed things. I do like his writing style. I plan to read is Ghengis Khan series which does get good reviews. We will see :) I’m ok with the fiction part of historical fiction.