What are the best - known recommended historical fiction books?

'Viking Fire' by Justin Hill is also popular. It's a story that involves Viking raids and the power struggles among different Viking groups. It has a great deal of action and adventure, while also showing the cultural aspects of the Vikings, like their art, their language, and their honor code.

A very good one is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, it's a huge epic that shows different aspects of Russian society at that time, with many characters going through various adventures. 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is set during the French Revolution and has elements of adventure as it shows the chaos and danger of that era. Also, 'The Wind in the Willows' has a certain charm as a historical fiction adventure, set in the English countryside and following the adventures of its animal characters.

I would say 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens has some Christian elements in it and is set in a historical context. 'Ben - Hur: A Tale of the Christ' is an amazing book that combines a great story with the story of Christ. 'The Mark of the Lion' series by Francine Rivers is really good. It focuses on the early Christian community in Rome and the challenges they faced.

Another one could be 'Theodoric: The Visigothic King in Fiction'. This book may explore his relationships, his military campaigns, and his impact on the Visigothic culture. It might use fictional elements like dialogues and personal stories to bring the historical figure to life in a more engaging way. By reading it, you can get a sense of what life was like in that era under his leadership.

One great historical fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's set in 12th - century England and vividly depicts the building of a cathedral. The characters are well - developed, and it gives a great sense of the time period, including the politics, social structure, and the daily lives of people from different classes.

Some of the best known fiction books include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in 19th - century England through the relationship of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which tackles racial injustice in the American South. And of course, 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien, a high - fantasy epic with a richly detailed world and an epic quest.

'The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock' by Imogen Hermes Gowar is also a notable 2018 historical fiction. It combines elements of the Georgian London setting with the magical idea of a mermaid. The story delves into the society of that era, exploring themes like class, gender, and the power of rumors while also having an element of the fantastical.

One great 2019 historical fiction is 'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett. It tells a story of family, love, and loss over decades, set in a grand old house. Another is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood which is a continuation of the dystopian world she created in 'The Handmaid's Tale' but also has historical elements. And 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates is a powerful story about slavery and the Underground Railroad, with a touch of magical realism.

For historical fiction, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a great choice. It gives an in - depth look at racial inequality in the American South during the 1930s through the eyes of a young girl. The story is both heart - warming and thought - provoking.

I highly recommend 'The Underground Railroad'. It's not only a great work of historical fiction but also a powerful exploration of race in America. The way Colson Whitehead uses the concept of the railroad is both imaginative and thought - provoking.