Top 10 Historical Fiction Reads Ever

Welcome to the channel today as we show our favourite historical fiction books of all time... Truth & Courage!
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
01:40 - 10 Ed
03:00 - 10 Will
04:31 - 9 Ed
05:36 - 9 Will
07:33 - 8 Ed
09:19 - 8 Will
11:45 - 7 Ed
14:32 - 7 Will
17:43 - 6 Ed
20:07 - 6 Will
22:21 - 5 Ed
25:03 - 5 Will
27:34 - 4 Ed
30:12 - 4 Will
33:15 - 3 Ed
37:04 - 3 Will
41:27 - 2 Ed
43:48 - 2 Will
46:08 - Honourable Mentions
54:48 1 Ed
59:09 1 Will
#historicalfiction #bestbooks #booktube #thebrothersgwynne

[@stever8147]

Fantastic video guys. I've added a few of these to the TBR. Love the historical fiction content. Keep 'em coming!!

[@roseNthorn]

I liked the longer video version! Some of my favorite historical fiction is Alaska by James Michener, Paris: The Novel by Edward Rutherford, Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, Pillars of the Earth, and thanks to you guys, Lonesome Dove ❤

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Thanks so much for watching! So glad you love Lonesome Dove too. Ed

[@jeremyfee]

I saw the thumbnail and thought "I hope Pillars of the Earth is in this video" LOL. Truth and courage!

[@thebrothersgwynne]

😂 Maybe one day! Ed

[@todreed1]

Thank you for doing this video. Bernard Cornwell was the first historical fiction that I ever read and spoiled me. I have also become a huge fan of Conn Igguldon (particularly his Kahn series), Giles Kristian and Robert Low. Thank you for giving me new ideas for other authors to read

[@GaryBoal]

Great video, really enjoyed the longer format. So many great books listed there. The Warlord Chronicles are outstanding. Definitely Bernard Cornwell at his very best.

[@khod3337]

Brilliant list fellas warlord chronicles is the gear! Another load of books for the tbr.

[@angelaroberts-757]

Great show! You have given me several books to add to my ever growing TBR!

[@thebrothersgwynne]

That's our job 😊 Ed

[@fantasyfanatic6038]

An hour with the Brothers? Yes please!

[@thebrothersgwynne]

I’m glad it isn’t too painful! Ed

[@harryo6231]

It is painful... I made it 2.40 mins in before, ditching to buy a book.. back now for more

[@jorgemedina8083]

Thanks for making this video, brothers! I’ll definitely check out historical fiction and westerns from this list!

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Thanks for watching! Ed

[@wpsam52]

You guys constantly do damage to my TBR. Great recommendations!

[@RedFuryBooks]

I'm glad I finally got to this video! Some great recommendations. Gates of Fire and Boudica are moving to the top of the TBR!

[@rue1629]

Think I might have to get hold of a copy of Essex Dogs soon... The more I hear about it the more certain I am I'll love it... The Wolf Hall trilogy was incredible too - I'd highly, highly recommend it and I think Bring up the Bodies might have been my favourite of the three, so you've got a treat in store when you get to the next one... I think it's particularly impressive because (pretty much) everyone knows what happened to Anne Boleyn... so the reader knows how the book is going to end... and yet it is SO compelling, SO hard to put down... Absolutely loved it!

[@GypsyRoSesx]

Hi guys, thank you for the lists!! I love seeing what other people’s favourite books are and Historical Fiction is such a magnificent genre :) I just finished the Claudius series (I, Claudius etc)-highly recommend!

[@andymorrall]

If you like Claudius stories, try my story of his reign 'The Druid and the Elephant'. Hope you like it.

[@jasonsmith6757]

Not sure if you guys have read it or not but one of my favorites is The Long Ships by Frans Bengtsson. You follow Red Orm from the time he was abducted in Denmark as a child and forced to join a Viking crew, to his time in Moorish Spain, then to becoming a Christian after spending time in Ireland with monks, to going back to Scandinavia a rich man but having to fend off blood feuds over his land. It is a wonderfully fun tale that I never hear anyone reading.

[@VanillaJayy]

Until I started watching you guys, I had never read anything even really close to historical fiction. Based on your recommendations I've torn through Essex Dogs, Song of Achilles, Lancelot, and am waiting on the Winter king to show up. I always thought I was too much of an idiot to understand or enjoy it. Thank you guys. Thank you so much. You have made it so accessible and enjoyable to jump in and even discuss it with some on the discord. Thank you guys from the bottom of my heart.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

That’s an awesome list there! Thanks so much for watching and trusting us, Jarred. Here’s to many more recommendations! Ed

[@lorenericksen5075]

Great summaries of books I hope to pick up soon. Thanks for the mention of Larry McMurtry and the fact he wrote Brokeback Mountain. I feel still strongly impacted by the movie version and Lonesome Dove had the one and only scene where I laughed out loud.

[@schuylerkrizay6192]

Just discovered your channel. Always looking for new historical fiction. I have read so many of the authors you've included but I will certainly be adding Giles Christian and Dan Jones to my TBR shelf. I think its really cool that you ask your audience for recommendations too, and while I wasnt surprised at certain omissions as this is highly subjective. There are a few authors who I must mention and implore you to read. First and foremost, the criminally underrated Patrick O'Brian. Born in England and a writing career spanning over SIXTY FIVE years. Any list of the top historical fiction that doesnt include O'Brian simply needs to be amended. His "magnus opus" would be the Aubrey - Maturin series. Its 2 main characters are both archetypal and unique. The dichotomy between the two primary players in the novels are: Jack Aubrey hefty, convivial and handsome navy captain during the ear of Lord Nelson, Stephen Maturin is the sort of enthusiastic, woolly-headed scientific prone to dissecting orphan cadavers in the garden shed or carrying a bottled Arabian dormouse in his pistol holster. He is the ships doctor who moonlights as an intelligence officer for the admiralty. What sets his novels apart from the rest is their total and utter completeness. Like any GREAT book the dialogue is simply suberb. O'Brian uses location, plot, characters highly moral quandaries. There is the political maneuvering, plotting, scheming. There are fantastic rollicking adventures, and with it being a (largely) nautical series this has some pitfalls but he manages to make them strong points. The books benefit from a wide array of setting and locales, cultures and religions. India during the british raj. Off the shores of France. Amongst the carribean. African port's you name it. Each book does not just end with a great battle, they are not NEARLY so formulaic, rather look at the entire 21 novel tome as one great story, 2 great characters with all there strengths and pitfalls. O'Brian also manages to encapsulate and transport the reader to the era so thoroughly that you really get a sense for life during those times. I was hesitant to get into historical fiction which seemed to have a rather narrow sub-set being nautical in the setting / plots but I am glad this didnt dissuade me and hopefully you will see why. Colleen McCullough 7 book series of roman empire / republic is superb. The First man in Rome is book 1 and an absolute classic. very well researched. she is like Conn Iggulden meets Hilary Mantel. More "literary" than iggulden but still has all the great adventure an action. Sharon Kay Penman Writes about the Plantagenates, the "welsh princes" and other English / Norman history. Again the them is very well researched. Excellent characters, so much plotting and scheming. great dialogue and prose to boot.

[@AnithaGadeReads]

Warlord Chronicles and Wolf Hall are already on my tbr. Checking out these other books. Thanks for these recommendations, guys.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Thank you for watching Anitha! Ed

[@RekindledReader]

I can’t wait to get to some of these that have been on my list for a while :) Appreciate the list, boys!

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Thanks for watching! Ed

[@Vinlander95]

Would love a video about Arthurian myth fiction - novels that are based around the stories of Camelot, King Arthur, and other figures from the legends. Examples such as: Warlord Chronicles by Cornwell, The Once and Future King by T.H. White, Lancelot by Giles Kristian, etc.

[@heidi6281]

T. Butler, fellow booktuber/ author Brian Lee Durfee did this exact video called “King Arthur- The Best Arthurian Novels-Series” I think he has some series that are different than the ones you have already listed like the Camulod Chronicles by Jack Whyte.

[@bookswithzara]

This has come at the perfect time as. I’m getting back into historical fiction. Thanks both!

[@bookswithzara]

Ok the good news is most of these are on my list haha. Great video!!

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Thanks for watching Zara! Ed

[@jan2bratt]

Just bought Ride the Wind based on your recommendation, looking forward to reading it. I have not seen it but they made a TV show of The Son starring Pierce Brosnan. I always enjoy hearing your book thoughts.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Hope you love Ride The Wind! I watched The Son and for the most part enjoyed it, though it was incredibly different to the book. Ed

[@tyrson4331]

Ride the Wind it’s such a deep story. One of my all time favourites, and I don’t read westerns

[@adrianac3258]

As a historical fiction lover I do appreciate this video !... My favorite historical fiction is Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar it is about the roman emperor Hadrian and his reflections when he is close to dying , it is very contemplative and character driven with some epic moments , probably you will like it .

[@icitlalistardust9060]

It is a masterpiece ! You can also read by the same writer « L’œuvre au noir » (The black work ?), à story about an alchimist in the Middle Ages.

[@garyobrien3585]

Such a brilliant video gentlemen. So many incredible recommendations. Massive fan of Giles Kristian. Lancelot is one of my favourite books. And of course, Boudica is right up there with it thanks to ye. Must check out Robert Low.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Cheers Gary! Robert Low is definitely a good name to pop on your list. Ed

[@esmayrosalyne]

Will at the end of the video: "Let us know if you are going to pick any of these up" Me: * stares nervously at my TBR that just exploded * 👀😰 Thanks so much for all these recs guys! And an hour-long video.. what a TREAT!! The Wolf Den trilogy, Gates of Fire, True Grit, Essex Dogs, Lancelot and Boudica are definitely on my list to check out, they all sound soooo good!! And I want to re-read The Winter King and then binge out Warlord in one go soon, I've heard nothing but amazing things about the sequels! Brilliant video friends 🤩

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

My go to channel for historical fiction never fails to deliver! Cheers, gents!

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Thanks for watching Philip! Ed

[@safinan8008]

Happy reading to you both! 😊

[@thebrothersgwynne]

You too Safina! Ed

[@vampirebait20]

I completely agree with everything said about the Boudica series. Interesting point, one of the reasons the battle descriptions are so good is she spent time as a Dark Ages battle re-enactor.

[@andymorrall]

If you like Boudica stories, try my story of her revolt, 'The Druid and the Elephant'. Hope you like it.

[@katsbooknook9957]

Long short videos we will watch them, Great more historical fiction to add to my tbr 😁

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Thanks Kat! You're awesome. Ed

[@nahid9533]

So many of these are on my tbr, I have so much to look forward to! Historical fiction is possibly my favorite genre, next to fantasy.

[@nahid9533]

Guess I need to start Boudica now lol

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Please do! Ed

[@cs-ke1by]

Bernard Cornwell is honestly my favourite writer of all time. Been into him since I started reading the last kingdom in year 5, and I just can't get enough of his characters. Seriously underrated character crafter in the scape of modern literature in my opinion.

[@shnafaruq1313]

I have never heard of any of the books mentioned in this video. You got yourself a new subscriber. 😁

[@thebrothersgwynne]

What a legend! Ed

[@moonbot7613]

The Warlord chronicles is amazing. I’m currently reading Enemy of God and already know this will be a top trilogy of all time for me.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

You have the best to come! Ed

[@owenreaperreviews3417]

I would love to see MikesBookReviews react to Giles Kristian, he is one of the best historical fiction writers out there and his prose is unmatched. Maybe you guys could recommend him to Mike lol

[@stuart1346]

Awesome stuff I’d have put Igulldens wolf of the plains and Sharpes sword in there too. Plus Terribilita by Ben Whyckoff shore which is very unknown deffo worth checking out

[@thebrothersgwynne]

I haven’t heard of Whyckoff but I’ll check him out! Ed

[@Johanna_reads]

Ed's number 1 pick was my number 3 favorite read of 2022, and Will's number 1 pick was my number 2 favorite read of 2022. I probably could've easily switched that order on a different day. I just finished Shogun and loved the ending. Have you two read Augustus by John Williams? I cannot recommend that book to you two more! 😊

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Similar taste, Johanna! So glad you loved Shogun! I love Williams’ writing so I’ll be picking Augustus up in the next few months. Ed

[@andrewmccormack4526]

Very interesting guys, thank you. The Arthurian Saga was common throughout your presentation so just wondering if you have read Jack Whyte's Skystone saga. Nine book series that skillfully tells the Arthruian legend through the lens of a retired roman legate living in his fortified villa (Camulod) at the onset of the dark ages. Interested to hear what you thought of it. If you have not read it, absolutely recommend it.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Not yet but we'd love to! Ed

[@bbfire700]

PSA if you have a audible subscription, then blood meridian is free if you wanted to check that out. Also if you are looking into the warlord chronicles (you should) then I would absolutely recommend the audiobook narrated by Jonathan Keeble. Fantastic books with a great narration.

[@moonbot7613]

Yep, I did that and No Country For Old Men as well.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Blood Meridian is brilliant on audio. Translates really well. Ed

[@Abuamina001]

In a similar vein I can recommend the books "Hadji Murat" by Leo Tolstoy, "Death and the Dervish" by Mese Selimovic, and “My Name is Red” by Orhan Pamuk.

[@benja6902]

You are mistaken sir. Annie Proulx wrote Brokeback Mountain. Good video - lots of great suggestions and reminders of books I've read in the distant past.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

He wrote the screenplay! Thanks Benja Ed

[@tracejefferson3169]

Thank you, have just bought Boudicca 1 and Essex Dogs 😊

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Hope you love them both! Ed

[@C.S.Brulevent]

No! No, no, no, no... NOOOO! What have you guys done to my TBR ?! (Great video. Thanks.)

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Sorry, not sorry! Ed

[@alynam82]

You mention that you're always looking for his-fic recommendations, so here's a couple of my own favorites: James Michener's Centennial (an epic saga taking place in Colorado, USA-- spans prehistory to 1970s) Cameron Judd's Tennessee Frontier trilogy. This would feed the western fix for you, Ed Joe R. Lansdale - A Fine Dark Line (1950s coming of age) and Paradise Sky ( dark yet humorous western, Deadwood South Dakota) John Jakes (writes a lot of American history, like California Gold, or my favorite Civil War trilogy North and South)

[@thebrothersgwynne]

This is all right up my street, thanks mate! Ed

[@icitlalistardust9060]

An instance of finger post - by Ian Pears - set in 17th century England….. absolutely brilliant : the writing,the structure of the book, and above everything The Story ! The Dream of Scipio - same writer is also one of my favorite The série written by C.J.Samson that take place under Henry the VIII England I don’t know if it as been translated in English but Van Gulik wrote a serie of who-done-it inspired by « the investigations of the juge Ti ». It’s set in Tang Dynasty China ….an it’s amazing !

[@Connor_Forsythe]

A lot of great books as always! Sometimes I think I need to stop listening to your videos, I just keep writing down books to buy! Was there a hint, are you watching Yellowstone? I haven't heard you talk about Christian Cameron's books in a while, I thought Tom Swan might find his way in the list.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Hahaha sorry mate. Watched Yellowstone and loved it all! Have you seen it yet? Yeah that’s true I haven’t read much of his for quite a while now! Too many good books. Ed

[@Connor_Forsythe]

@@thebrothersgwynne Haha it's all good! They're always great reads! I've been hooked on Yellowstone since I first saw it, can't wait for it to return in the Summer. Have you seen the spin off shows? 1883 was great. Hell on wheels is another shout I think you'll enjoy!

[@roxieswonderousworld]

For the Giles Kristian books can you read the Sigurd trilogy before the Raven books since Sigurd is a prequel? Just curious if I should go publication order or not for those Viking books.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Yes you definitely can. Ed

[@mbyte84]

Alexander: God of War by Christian Cameron! The Son is my favorite western.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

I have God of War somewhere. Need to dig it out soon. The Son is amazing isn’t it. Ed

[@benisthebest4115]

I have a couple credits on audible was looking for something to spend my credits on cheers lads

[@tarquinmidwinter2056]

Some interesting recommendations here. I already love Larry McMurtry, Bernard Cornwell and Cormack McCarthy, so perhaps I'll like some of the others too. The best historical novel, in fact the best novel of any genre that I've ever read is Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset. This novel recreates a specific time and place - Norway in the high middle ages - better than any other, and is sooooo atmospheric. The main characters are not historical figures, though some of the tangential ones are, as is the general backdrop of the events depicted. The book makes no concessions to modern times (it was written in the 1920s) but really gets into the mindset and social mores of 14th century Norway, so although Kristin is a strong character don't expect her to be a kick-ass feminist. It may not be up your street as there are no battles, in fact very little violence at all; it's more of a romance/family saga. But if you're into character driven fiction and historical authenticity, then this book has it all.

[@cullenloftus5783]

Ben Kane and Anthony riches are both worth reading for historical fiction, the lost legion series by Ben Kane is amazing

[@Jason80001]

Hello brothers gwynne, do you guys by chance have any recommendations for Historical Fiction set in ancient Egypt?

[@linjicakonikon7666]

No top 10 list of Historical Fiction can dare to exclude Gary Jennings quadrilogy: Aztec, Journeyor, Raptor, and Spangle. Brilliant writing of four completely different periods in history

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Haven't read them yet so can't stick them on the list! Ed

[@arnolito2361]

Man that little girl got on my nerves in True Grit 😂. Rooster was that guy tho. Imma have to check out The Son next. Thanks for the recommendations as always.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Whaaaat I thought she was great! Hope you enjoy The Son mate. Ed

[@taymosa]

Hi I know this question probably comes up 50 times per video, but could anyone tell me what those beautiful looking books in the extreme upper left corner are? Thank you so much ❤

[@cullenloftus5783]

Have a look at David gemmell the lion of Macedon thats a very good book thats a merge of historical fiction with light fantasy with like mythology and seers etc

[@szaggasd]

The Accursed Kings Series, by Maurice Druon Golden fleece, I, Claudius and Claudius the God, by Robert Graves

[@andymorrall]

If you like Claudius stories, try my story of his reign 'The Druid and the Elephant'. Hope you like it.

[@Speed202]

Ed....can you all project the title and or the author on the screen of the book when it's presented?...or, when you hold it up, make sure your fingers don't block the title and or author. It was hard to see Ride the Wind. Sometimes in your excitement to present the book, you go right into talking about it without ever saying the author or title. In this case, it was at the very end and I almost missed it. Cheers. Keep up the good work!

[@nancyhamer1141]

Very much appreciate your suggestions, but allow me to make a suggestion. For those of us a little hard of hearing could you please not cover up the front of the books with your hands so we can read the titles and authors' names. Thanks so much for your enthusiasm!

[@leighmarsden623]

Great video guys, listening whilst playing some online Chess. Currently listening to The Winter King & reading We Are the Dead! Lancelot, what a coward .. Must read Lonesome Dove next.

[@bbfire700]

Thoughts on Keeble as a narrator? I feel like he is perfect for Cornwell's type of writing, but that might just be me.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Thanks for watching / listening Leigh! Great mix there. Lancelot is such a git. Ed

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Keeble is class. Ed

[@derekgreen7319]

You guys should read butcher's crossing if you like a great Western!

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Loooove that book! Ed

[@captainnolan5062]

Telling Shogun from the "white man's perspective" is the point of the book. It is a "fish out of water" story.

[@playermartin286]

King Arthur came a lot didn’t he?

[@thebrothersgwynne]

😂😂😢

[@ZadokthePriest11]

Wolf Hall series tho pretty epic

[@marys32333]

Wouldn't anything about Arthurianmatters be fantasy rather than historical fiction!?

[@coachmanlane6765]

It seems to me that most if not all the books you recommend are based on war

[@jeanmarieboucherit7376]

Boudica Is such à boring book. I began full of enthusiasm but then on page 53 I suddenly realised it was one of those long winded books with no plot and I put it down.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Wrong! Ed

[@vampirebait20]

Should have kept reading lol or at least google who boudica was because it’s a hell of a story

[@andymorrall]

If you want an action-packed version of Boudica's story, try my novel 'The Druid and the Elephant'. Hope you like it.

[@frankie3010]

Warlord Chronicles are NOT an Arthurian Legends story.

[@alexbento261]

They are perhaps not Arthurian legends in the exact sense of the word, but they are a retelling/culmination of many of the Arthurian tales from a historically informed perspective. I guess the distinction here comes in the intention of Cornwell to tell the story in a different way, basing it on the reality of what we know of the individuals of the British Isles in the 6th century rather than in the fantasy-like setting that is common for Arthurian legends.

[@frankie3010]

@@alexbento261 so not an Arthurian legend. Good to clear that up.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

I'd be interested to hear why you think that :). In my opinion they may not conform to the typical Arthurian Legend, but it is still the tale of Arthur. More specifically, Bernard Cornwell was inspired by many of the older texts dating before Geoffrey of Monmouth, Malory and Chrétien de Troyes. It is shown from the historical fiction lens rather than the 'legend', which has many fantastical components. But what remains is a slightly different take on familiar Arthurian tales that I love.

[@alexbento261]

@@frankie3010 I would certainly still call it an Arthurian legend, but I see your perspective. To each their own

[@frankie3010]

@@thebrothersgwynne Arthurian legends are fairytales. They have no realism whatsoever anywhere near them, which is why it's so compelling. It's a profoundly Christian story concerning themes like chivalry and nobility and perservering against the odds for what is right. Cornwell is an atheist that fanboys over the savagery of the barbarian tribes, peoples that couldn't be more opposed to the ideal of an Arthurian knight. A story with a lead character named Arthur who only gets where he is because some pagan shamans and barbarians chanted over bones for his victory only wears the skin of an Arthurian tale, but it is not and never could be. You can like it for being a good story(which it is not), but it has about as much in common with the Morte d'Arthur as Thousand and one night