Historical Fiction Book Reviews

Discover thoughtful, engaging historical fiction book reviews that spotlight unforgettable characters, vivid settings, and dramatic turns across centuries.

As both a historical fiction reader and author, I read and genuinely enjoy every book featured here, and I don’t publish reviews of books I wouldn’t personally recommend.

My tastes range widely across the genre—from political intrigue and wartime drama to intimate character studies and sweeping epics. While my own current work explores Tudor-period naval adventure with Francis Drake and the spirit of Sic Parvis Magna, I find inspiration across centuries and continents.

Whether you’re drawn to ancient Rome, medieval courts, Revolutionary battlefields, or colonial frontiers, you’ll find reviews here that highlight the emotional stakes, historical depth, and storytelling craft of each novel. These aren’t just summaries—they’re reflections on what makes historical fiction transportive, powerful, and worth your time.

Explore the reviews below and discover your next great read—because history deserves to be experienced.

Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel The Order by Peter Portelli

An intense historical fiction novel about the Great Siege of Malta, flawed leaders, and Maltese resilience.

Summary of The Historical Fiction Novel The Order Believing an attack against Malta to be a matter of “when,” Jean Parisot de Valette, the newly elected Grand Master of the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, sets about the fortifications of the island and its …...

Cover for historical mystery novel The Vicar Brekonridge by Richard Helms

Book Review: Historical Mystery Novel Vicar Brekonridge by Richard Helms

Discover a powerful historical mystery novel that unravels the true story behind a political murder, an insanity plea, and a trial that changed history.

Summary of Vikar Brekonridge by Richard Helms The historical mystery novel Vicar Brekonridge by veteran author Richard Helms recreates the murder trial of Daniel M’Naughten, who pled insanity and whose trial defined legal precedence for over 100 years. If you enjoy historical fiction that …...

Cover for historical fiction novel Ben's Bones by Joseph Gioconda

Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel Ben's Bones by Robert Gioconda

In 1750s London, science and morality collide inside a medical school. Read this gripping tale of anatomy, ambition, and the cost of discovery.

Cover for historical fiction novel Trust and Treason by JR Tomlin

Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel Trust and Treason by JR Tomlin

This gripping Historical Fiction novel plunges you into war-torn medieval Scotland, where loyalty is tested and one warrior must defy betrayal to save a nation.

Cover for historical fiction novel The Alchemy Thief by RA Denny

Book Review: Historical Fiction Fantasy Novel Alchemy Thief by R A Denny

A time-traveling historical fiction novel blending Puritan New England, Moroccan pirates, and fantasy—perfect for historical fiction fans.

Book cover of Wall of Tears by David Kerr – a historical fiction novel about forgiveness, identity, and conflict.

Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel Wall of Tears by David Kerr

A fantastic piece of Historical Fiction blending Holocaust legacy, forbidden love, and biblical echoes in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Read the review.

Cover for historical fiction novel Airy Nothing by Clarissa Pattern

Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel Airy Nothing by Clarissa Pattern

A tender historical fiction YA novel set in Tudor England—Airy Nothing follows John, a gay teen who finds hope, theatre, and love.

Cover of The Heretic Wind by Judith Arnopp – Historical Fiction novel about Mary Tudor, Tudor England, and the emotional legacy of Bloody Mary

Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel The Heretic Wind by Judith Arnopp

Discover a Tudor queen's torment in The Heretic Wind, a Historical Fiction novel that imparts emotion and huanting depth to "Bloody" Mary Tudor.