What are some great epic historical fiction novels?

One great epic historical fantasy novel is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is set in a fictional Middle - earth that has a rich history. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. It has complex characters and a vast, detailed world full of political intrigue and magic. Also, 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is an excellent choice. It tells the story of Kvothe, a young man with extraordinary talents in a world filled with mystery and danger.

Some excellent epic historical fiction novels include 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It gives an insider's view of the Roman Empire, filled with political intrigue and family drama. 'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough is another good one. It spans generations in Australia, exploring themes of love, family, and the harsh Australian outback. And 'The Far Pavilions' by M. M. Kaye is a great read. It's set in India during the British Raj and has adventure, romance, and a lot of historical detail.

Some notable epic world historical fictions include 'Century Trilogy' by Ken Follett. This series spans the major events of the 20th century, covering World War I, World War II, and the Cold War, showing how different families around the world are affected. 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is set during the French Revolution and portrays the social unrest and the struggle between different classes in both London and Paris. 'The Alexandria Quartet' by Lawrence Durrell is also a great work that gives a rich and complex view of Alexandria in the early 20th century.

One of the well - known epic western fiction novels is 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It's a sweeping tale of a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. Another is 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister, which helped to define the western genre. And 'Riders of the Purple Sage' by Zane Grey is also a classic in this genre, with its tales of adventure and the wild west.

One great fiction epic novel is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has a vast and detailed world filled with different races, languages, and cultures. Another is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy which offers a sweeping view of Russian society during the Napoleonic era. And 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is also an epic that delves deep into themes of obsession and the power of nature.

What makes these novels great is their ability to transport readers to different historical periods. For example, in 'War and Peace', Tolstoy's detailed descriptions of battles and social life in Russia during the Napoleonic Wars make it feel like you're there. 'Gone with the Wind' does the same for the American South during the Civil War, with its portrayal of plantation life and the struggles of the people.

Some great epic reads in historical fiction include 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It gives a detailed look into the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is also excellent. It tells the story of building a cathedral in 12th - century England, with a lot of political, social, and personal dramas. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is about Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII, presenting a complex and engaging historical narrative.

One of the great epic novels is 'The Iliad' by Homer. It tells the story of the Trojan War and is filled with heroic deeds, battles, and complex characters. Another is 'The Odyssey', also by Homer, which follows Odysseus' long journey home after the war. 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes is a great epic as well. It humorously explores the adventures of a deluded knight and his sidekick Sancho Panza.

One of the great 2018 historical fiction novels is 'The Great Alone' by Kristin Hannah. It's set in Alaska and explores themes of family, survival, and the harshness of the wilderness in a historical context. Another is 'Circe' by Madeline Miller, which retells the story of the witch Circe from Greek mythology in a beautifully written historical fiction way. And 'Educated' by Tara Westover, though it's more of a memoir with strong historical elements, it gives a unique look at a life in a strict and isolated community in the past.

Another is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's set in 12th - century England. This novel details the building of a cathedral, while also exploring the social, political, and religious aspects of that time period. There are complex characters and a rich tapestry of events that bring the Middle Ages to life.