What are some good Medieval period fiction books?

One good medieval fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, with complex characters and a detailed look at medieval society. Another is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott, which is set during the time of Richard the Lionheart and has exciting adventures and knights. Also, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is great. It combines a mystery set in a medieval monastery with deep philosophical and historical insights.

One of the best is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's a complex mystery set in a medieval monastery, filled with in - depth historical details, philosophical debates, and a captivating plot. Another great one is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott, which gives a vivid picture of medieval England with knights, jousts, and the clash of Saxons and Normans. Also, 'Ken Follett's 'The Pillars of the Earth' is excellent. It follows the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages and includes a wide range of characters from different social strata, showing the political, religious, and social dynamics of the time.

One great medieval science fiction book is 'The Man in the High Castle' by Philip K. Dick. It presents an alternate history where the Axis powers won World War II, with elements that blend medieval-like power structures and science fiction concepts like alternative timelines. Another is 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' which has a post - apocalyptic setting with a strong influence from medieval religious and cultural elements in its society building. There's also 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons, which features a complex and richly detailed universe that has elements of both medieval and science - fiction themes, such as a pilgrimage with characters from different backgrounds and time periods.

Well, 'The Castle in the Attic' is a really interesting medieval - themed kids' fiction. It involves a boy who discovers a magical castle in his attic. 'The Door in the Wall' is also a good one. It shows the life of a young boy in medieval times dealing with challenges like illness and war. And don't forget 'Catherine, Called Birdy' which gives a great look into the life of a girl in medieval England through her diary entries.

One great medieval war fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral during a time of war and political turmoil in medieval England. Another is 'Bernard Cornwell's 'The Last Kingdom' series. It follows the adventures of Uhtred, a Saxon nobleman, in the midst of the Viking invasions. Also, 'Game of Thrones' by George R.R. Martin, although it has a broader fantasy element, contains many elements of medieval - style warfare and power struggles among kingdoms.

I'd recommend 'Le Morte d'Arthur'. It's the classic Arthurian tales, full of knights, ladies, and quests. 'The Canterbury Tales' is also wonderful. You get to see different characters from medieval society tell their stories. And 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' is a fun read, with a modern man in a medieval world, which leads to all sorts of interesting situations.

A good one is 'A Knight's Tale' which is also a movie but the book is great. It shows the life of a young squire who dreams of becoming a knight. It has elements of jousting, courtly love, and the hierarchical society of medieval times. Then there's 'The Mists of Avalon' by Marion Zimmer Bradley. This book gives a different perspective on the Arthurian legend, focusing on the female characters and the pagan and Christian elements in medieval Britain. And don't forget 'Katherine' by Anya Seton. It's a historical romance set in 14th - century England and follows the love story of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt.

Another notable work is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. Set in the early Roman Empire which was part of the broader early medieval period in a sense. It offers a fictionalized account of the life of Claudius, filled with court drama, power struggles, and historical details that bring the era to life.

Look for books that are set in a particular medieval region, like medieval France or England. For example, if you search for 'medieval France fiction', you might find books about the Hundred Years' War or the court of Louis XIV. You can also explore books by authors who are known for writing historical fiction, such as Philippa Gregory. Her books often have elements of the medieval period, especially those set in the Tudor era which has strong medieval roots.

Medieval castle fiction usually showcases elaborate architecture, heroic quests, and maybe even some supernatural elements. It might focus on the power struggles within the castle or the adventures of characters trying to protect or conquer it. The descriptions of the castles' interiors and exteriors add a lot of atmosphere to the tales.