A great medieval historical fiction book is 'Katherine' by Anya Seton. It tells the story of Katherine Swynford, who was the mistress and later the third wife of John of Gaunt in the 14th century. It gives a detailed look at the court life and social mores of that time. 'The Mists of Avalon' by Marion Zimmer Bradley is another. This book reimagines the Arthurian legend from the perspective of the women in the story, set in a medieval - like time period with magic, politics, and complex relationships. 'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White is a classic take on the King Arthur legend, which is deeply rooted in medieval concepts of knighthood, honor, and kingdom - building.
One great historical fiction medieval book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, filled with complex characters and political intrigue.
There's 'The Other Boleyn Girl' by Philippa Gregory. It's about the Boleyn family during the Tudor period in England, which is a very well - known era in medieval history. This book explores the relationships and power struggles within the family and at the court.
Bernard Cornwell's 'The Warlord Chronicles' is also well - liked. It follows the story of Arthur in a semi - historical way, bringing the chaos and heroism of the Dark Ages to life. There are great battles and political intrigues.
One popular one is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It combines a complex mystery set in a medieval monastery with in - depth historical and philosophical elements.
One characteristic is the detailed portrayal of the medieval setting. This includes descriptions of castles, villages, and the natural landscape. For example, in 'The Pillars of the Earth', Ken Follett painstakingly describes the construction of a cathedral, which gives readers a sense of the architecture and engineering of the time. Another characteristic is the presence of complex characters. These characters often have to navigate the strict social hierarchies of the medieval period. In 'Ivanhoe', the characters are caught up in the power struggles between the Normans and the Saxons. Also, themes like chivalry, honor, and religion are common. In 'The Name of the Rose', the religious debates and the mystery within the abbey are central to the story.
One great French medieval historical fiction is 'The Hunchback of Notre - Dame' by Victor Hugo. It vividly depicts the life in medieval Paris around the famous cathedral.
One great work is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in the 12th - century England, with complex characters and a rich tapestry of medieval life.
One great clean historical 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 rich historical details and engaging characters. Another is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott. It takes place during the time of the Crusades and is full of knights, battles, and courtly love. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also a good choice. It combines mystery and historical elements set in a medieval monastery.
One popular medieval fiction book is 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer. It offers a vivid collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims in medieval England. Another is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott, which is set in 12th - century England during the time of Richard the Lionheart and features knights, tournaments, and political intrigue. 'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White is also well - known. It retells the Arthurian legend in a more modern and accessible way.
A good medieval historical fiction book is 'The Book of Negroes' by Lawrence Hill. It's set during the 18th - century but has strong connections to the medieval slave trade roots. It follows the life of Aminata Diallo, a young African girl who is captured and sold into slavery. Another great one is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It's set in the court of Henry VIII in the 16th - century, but the Tudor period has many medieval remnants in terms of culture and society. It focuses on Thomas Cromwell's rise to power. 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer, although written in the medieval period itself, can also be considered a form of historical fiction. It gives a wonderful snapshot of different types of people and their stories in medieval England.