Well, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also a great choice. Set in a 14th - century Italian monastery, it combines mystery, theology, and historical elements. The complex plot and the detailed description of the medieval world make it a very exciting historical fiction book.
One great exciting historical 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 richly detailed setting.
Many of them would likely blend real historical events with fictional characters or storylines. So, you could have a story set during a real war, like the Napoleonic Wars, but the main characters could be fictional people whose lives are intertwined with the events of the war. This creates a more immersive experience for the reader as they get to see the big historical events from a more personal perspective.
Well, 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates is a great pick. It combines historical facts about slavery with a touch of magical realism. The story follows a young slave who discovers he has a special power related to water. It's a powerful exploration of the African - American experience during slavery times. Also, 'Melmoth' by Sarah Perry is interesting. It's inspired by the legend of Melmoth the Wanderer and is set in different historical periods, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of stories.
Well, 'The Thirteenth Tale' had a lot of fans too. It's a gothic - style historical fiction that weaves a complex web of mystery and family secrets. The atmospheric writing and the way it unfolds the story over different time periods really attracted readers.
Well, 'Homegoing' was also very popular. Its multi - generational and multi - cultural story was very engaging. It was able to connect different historical periods and places in a very seamless way, which made it stand out among the other historical fiction books of 2016.
Also, 'Pachinko' was popular. Its multi - generational story of a Korean family was appealing to a wide range of readers. It not only told a great family story but also educated readers about the historical context of Korea under Japanese rule and the experiences of Korean immigrants.
One of the most exciting science fiction books is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a richly detailed universe, complex politics, and fascinating characters. The story of Paul Atreides and his journey in the desert planet Arrakis is full of adventure and intrigue.
One of the most exciting fiction books is 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It has a thrilling plot set in a dystopian world where teenagers are forced to fight to the death. Another exciting one is 'Jurassic Park' by Michael Crichton. The idea of dinosaurs coming back to life is really exciting. Also, 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is full of magic and adventure, which makes it extremely exciting.
One exciting science fiction book is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex and richly detailed universe, with political intrigue, unique ecosystems, and a hero's journey. Another is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It follows a child prodigy in a battle school, exploring themes of war, morality, and leadership. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is also great. It's a hilarious romp through space with absurd characters and situations.