best epic historical fiction books

I think 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves is among the top. It gives a fascinating look into the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also excellent. Set in a medieval monastery, it combines mystery, theology, and historical detail. And 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is a great choice too. It delves into the court of Henry VIII, with its power struggles and political machinations.

Well, 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves is excellent epic historical fiction. It gives a fictionalized account of the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. It's full of political intrigue, family drama, and historical details. Then there's 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. This novel is set in a 14th - century Italian monastery and combines mystery, philosophy, and historical context. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also a top pick. It focuses on the life of Thomas Cromwell in 16th - century England, providing a detailed look at the Tudor court and the religious and political upheavals of the time.

Well, they typically have a sweeping narrative. They can span generations and different locations within a historical period. Take 'The Pillars of the Earth' for instance. It follows the lives of multiple characters over many years in 12th - century England. They also often include real historical events and figures, sometimes even making them central to the story. And they usually create a vivid sense of time and place, making the reader feel like they are actually in that historical era.

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.

Well, 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin, although more often considered a fantasy series, has strong science - fiction - like elements in its world - building and complex political plots, and its epic scale is unrivaled. 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin is an important work. It explores gender and culture in a science - fiction setting on a far - off planet. And 'Starship Troopers' by Robert A. Heinlein is a great epic sci - fi. It focuses on a future military and the experiences of soldiers in an interstellar war, with thought - provoking ideas about citizenship and duty.

Some of the best ones are 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has a vast and immersive world filled with different races like hobbits, elves, and dwarves. The story of the One Ring and the Fellowship's journey is epic. Another great one is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. With its complex characters and political intrigue in the fictional world of Westeros, it has captivated readers all over the world. And 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is also highly regarded, following the story of Kvothe, a talented young man with a mysterious past.

One of the best is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic that takes readers on an epic journey through Middle - earth, filled with battles, magic, and a diverse cast of characters. Another great one is 'The Odyssey' by Homer. It follows Odysseus' long and arduous journey home after the Trojan War. And 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin is also excellent, with its complex political intrigue and vast world - building.

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.

'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 can identify the best epic historical fiction by considering the author's research. If the author has clearly done extensive research on the historical period, it shows in the details of the story. For instance, in a novel about the Middle Ages, the descriptions of feudalism, knightly codes, and religious practices should be accurate. Additionally, the ability of the book to transport you to that time period is a sign of a great epic historical fiction. You should feel like you are living in that era as you read. The way the historical events are used to drive the story forward is also important. If the events seem forced or just a backdrop, it's probably not a great example.