Best 20 Historical Fiction Series of All Time

Don’t Have Time to Read? Listen to Historical Fiction series Instead!

Key Takeaways: Historical Fiction Series

• Historical fiction lets us live in the past through books.
• It covers real events and emotions from different times.
• This blog showcases the top 20 series from ancient times to the 20th century.
• Each story is a mix of learning as well as adventure.
• They show how people and societies change over time.

Introduction to the Top Historical Fiction Series of All Time

A historical fiction series is just a historical fiction genre with a series of books. It includes fictional characters and history-based fiction stories. In addition, it lets us experience life in times we never knew.

Historical fiction also helps us understand how things were different back then. It makes us feel what people from the past felt. Historical fiction series are unique because of the mix of actual historical events with storytelling. So this creates a colorful blend of history and feelings.

In this blog, we have made a list of the top 20 examples of historical fiction series with stories that take you around the world and through time. We have also added a series from the ancient days all the way to the busy 20th century.

The Top 20 Historical Fiction Series

1. Poldark Series by Winston Graham

Winston Graham’s Poldark historical fiction series starts with “Ross Poldark.” The story begins with him returning from the American War of Independence. He comes there to find his personal world in ruins. Poldark is a historical novel series with more than 12 books. Graham paints a clear picture of the following:

• Cornish society
• Mining life
• The struggles between the classes

With that, he makes history come alive through the saga of the Poldark family. In addition, the Poldark series takes us to Cornwall, where Ross Poldark returns to find everything he loves has changed. The story is about the following:

• His fight to get his life back on track
• Protect those he loves
• Fix his crumbling world

It is a tale of emotions and covers everything, such as:

• Love
• Loss
• Resilience

This is a highly inspirational story for both the readers and authors.

2. The Cousins’ War Series by Philippa Gregory

Philippa Gregory tells the story of the Plantagenets and the early Tudors. The story is from the perspective of the mighty women who were behind the scenes. So this historical fiction series starts with “The White Queen.” Her series covers the Wars of the Roses, a very chaotic time in England’s history. Moreover, this series is an excellent example of the mix of historical research with exciting storytelling.

3. The Century Trilogy by Ken Follett

Ken Follett’s ambitious Century Trilogy starts with “Fall of Giants.” It brings readers to explore the major events of the 20th century across three continents. Through the interconnected lives of five families, Follett creates a story that is as educational as much as it is thrilling. He covers many things, such as:

• Wars
• Revolutions
• The relentless march of progress

This is the best historical fiction series to read if you want to see how the world changed through those hundred years. It is both exciting and educational, as the author puts it in the perspective of the people living in that time.

4. The Last Kingdom Series by Bernard Cornwell

Bernard Cornwell’s series begins with “The Last Kingdom” and takes place during the time of the Vikings. It tells the story of how England came into being. The main character of the story is Uhtred of Bebbanburg. He is a Saxon boy who grows up with the Vikings. Cornwell dives into ideas, such as:

• Where we belong
• Who we are
• How different cultures collide and mix

An example of collusion and mix from the series is of the pagan and Christian cultures. This series is all about the following:

• Adventure
• Figuring out who you are
• Standing up for your home

Uhtred’s story is not just about fighting. It is about understanding as well as bringing together two different worlds.

5. Morland Dynasty Series by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

The Morland Dynasty series by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is an example of an exemplary historical fiction series. Moreover, it takes us on a long journey from the time of the Wars of the Roses all the way to the 20th century. The story is about the Morland family. As well as how they live through big changes in England’s society and politics. The story starts with a book called “The Founding.” The book captures the whole life of the family. In addition, it shows how they handled the ups and downs of history, which included big wars and changes in society.

6. Wolf Hall Series by Hilary Mantel

Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall series is a classical historical fiction book trilogy. It starts with “Wolf Hall” and tells the story of Thomas Cromwell’s rise in King Henry VIII’s court. Mantel’s writing is sharp, and she explains Cromwell’s character in depth. This has earned her a lot of praise and made these books stand out in the historical fiction series genre. Moreover, she shows us the complicated life at Henry VIII’s court through Cromwell’s eyes. These books give a detailed and thoughtful look at how Cromwell deals with tricky politics and helps change England.

7. The Wars of the Roses Series by Conn Iggulden

Conn Iggulden takes us into the heart of the Wars of the Roses with his book “Stormbird.” He fills the story with exciting battle scenes and complex political tricks. The historical fiction series shows us an exciting and chaotic time in England. Iggulden makes you feel like you are right in the middle of all the action. In addition, he makes everything feel real, from big battles to sneaky plans in the corridors of power. Moreover, you get to experience the drama of history in this impeccable historical fiction series as if you were really there.

8. The Kent Family Chronicles by John Jakes

John Jakes’s series starts with “The Bastard.” It takes us through the early days of America. The series is a mix of natural history with a touch of fiction. It follows the story of the Kent family during the Revolutionary War and the following years. This series makes you feel like you are part of the birth of the United States. In addition, this is a fantastic story that shows how the Kent family:

• Finds their way into this new place
• Stands up for freedom

The family also goes through lots of personal ups and downs. All of this occurs with the war and the start of a new country in the background.

9. Courtney Series by Wilbur Smith

Wilbur Smith’s Courtney series spans centuries. It focuses on a family’s adventures in South Africa. The series starts with “When the Lion Feeds.” The series explores the continent’s:

• Colonial history
• Wars
• The quest for fortune and love

It covers a journey to South Africa and the Courtney family’s adventures over centuries. This series covers everything, such as:

• Survival
• Love
• The quest for power

10. Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard

Elizabeth Jane Howard’s series begins with “The Light Years.” It takes us back to the time of World War II. It tells the story of the Cazalet family. The story shows how the war changed their daily lives and shook up society in Britain. This historical fiction series gives insights into how the family had to adapt during a time of changes and challenges.

11. Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset

Sigrid Undset’s Kristin Lavransdatter is a trilogy. It starts with a book called “The Wreath” and takes us to 14th-century Norway. This historical fiction series is about a woman named Kristin Lavransdatter. This series is very famous. The reason is its accuracy in history, which gives a deep insight into what people thought and felt back then. It takes us on an adventure through Kristin’s life. In addition, it shows us what it was like to live in medieval Scandinavia. This series lays down everything from their traditions to their everyday life.

12. Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

Diana Gabaldon’s series starts with “Outlander,” where Claire Randall, a 20th-century nurse, finds herself in 18th-century Scotland. Gabaldon creates a mesmerizing world that has gained a massive following. He has combined different things, such as:

• Historical fiction
• Romance Novel
• Elements of Fantasy

It is an overly amazing story of falling through time from the 20th century to 18th-century Scotland. This series comes among the best fiction series of all time. In addition, it is also one of the best romantic historical fiction series that you can read. It covers many things that make it a must-read, such as:

• History
• Love
• Time travel

13. The Aubrey-Maturin Series by Patrick O’Brian

Patrick O’Brian’s historical fiction series starts with “Master and Commander.” It is set during the Napoleonic Wars. This series is about the adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend Stephen Maturin. His friend is both a doctor and a spy. The series shows what life was like on navy ships very accurately and includes a lot of historical details. It is an amazing story about sea battles. However, this is not all. It is also about the deep friendship between Jack and Stephen and their life at sea.

14. The Asian Saga by James Clavell

James Clavell’s series “The Asian Saga” starts with “Shogun.” It takes you back to the time of samurais in feudal Japan. This series takes you on a journey across centuries and different parts of the world. It shows how Western and Eastern cultures meet and mix. Clavell is an expert at combining exciting stories with real historical events. This historical fiction series is full of adventures. It gives you insights into samurai battles in Japan as well as life as a prisoner of war in Singapore. Furthermore, it all takes place against the backdrop of how different cultures come together and learn from each other.

15. The Pillars of the Earth Series by Ken Follett

With “The Pillars of the Earth,” Ken Follett creates an amazing story set in the 12th century. It focuses on the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, England. The series explores many things, such as:

• Medieval society
• Politics
• Architecture

In this series, you will see the 12th century and witness the building of a magnificent cathedral in England. However, it is not just about construction. This series covers many other things as well, such as:

• Lives
• Love
• Conflicts among the people involved in this monumental project

Authors similar to Ken Follett also appreciate this work and call it one of the best religious historical fiction series.

16. Shardlake Series by C.J. Sansom

The series starts with “Dissolution” and takes place in Tudor, England. It follows Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer with a hunchback. He solves crimes as well as deals with the dangerous politics at King Henry VIII’s court. Sansom mixes a good mystery with real history to tell a gripping story. This historical fiction series is exceptional. Moreover, it uncovers secrets and shows the risky politics of the time. In addition, this brings the Tudor era to life with a mix of mystery and excitement.

17. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

Although it is not exactly a series, however, “The Thorn Birds” is too good not to talk about. This historical fiction story tells about many years in the life of the Cleary family in Australia. It shows us the following:

• The power of love
• The strong connections in a family
• How tough life can be

It is a detailed guide to what people feel and go through over time. All set against the backdrop of Australia’s beautiful landscapes.

18. The Masters of Rome Series by Colleen McCullough

The series begins with “The First Man in Rome.” McCullough takes us back to ancient Rome. She tells the stories of influential people as they rise to power and then fall. Her detailed research and lively way of telling stories make everything feel real, which includes the following:

• Politics
• Battles
• Daily life of ancient Rome

If you want to explore or learn more about the world of ancient Rome, then this is one of the best historical fiction series. It covers everything from the time of the republic to the start of the empire. McCullough does a great job of showing us the real face of Rome, such as:

• The political tricks
• Wars
• Private lives of famous people in Rome

19. The North and South Trilogy by John Jakes

This epic historical fiction series starts with two families in America who are living there. John covers their life before, during, and after the Civil War. This series explains everything in great detail, including how:

• Friends stick together
• People stay loyal
• The war changed the country and the people living there.

You will experience the Civil War from both sides in this extraordinary series. Through this historical series, you will be able to feel the following:

• The deep split
• The harm done
• How the country slowly comes back together

20. The Under Heaven Series by Guy Gavriel Kay

Guy Gavriel’s historical fiction series starts with “Under Heaven.” It is inspired by historical events; however, the settings of the story mirror China during the Tang Dynasty. In addition, there is a twist: it has magic and fantasy mixed in with real history. Guy Gavriel Kay is really good at mixing the past with bits of fantasy. This makes his stories intriguing and fun to read. So, imagine that you step into ancient China with elements of magic and adventure. In that case, this history book series is an absolutely fantastic example for authors and readers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best historical fiction book of all time?

The following are some of the best historical fiction books of all time:

• Memoirs of a Geisha. by Arthur Golden
• Gone with the Wind. by Margaret Mitchell
• The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
• The Book Thief
• A Tale of Two Cities

Is historical fantasy the same as historical fiction?

Historical fantasy is a type of story that blends magic or other fantasy elements with real history, making the story feel both true to life and magical at the same time.

What is the difference between historical fiction and historical drama?

Historical dramas can tell stories of love, adventure, or action. They’re different from historical fiction because they often focus on real events and people, while historical fiction might tell made-up stories set in the past.

Is historical fiction still fiction?

Historical fiction is when a story is made up, but it happens during real events from the past.

Conclusion

This list of the top 20 historical fiction series gives you a wide look at human history. These are some of the best historical fiction book series for adults and others who want to read them as well. So, if you want to learn about the:

• Politics of ancient Rome
• Wild Ocean Battles of the Napoleonic Wars
• Big changes in society in the 20th century

All of these series offer journeys that are both interesting and eye-opening. Moreover, if you want to write a book on history with engaging elements of fiction, then these series can be of great value. Furthermore, if you want a professional to write an ebook on your behalf, then you can contact Authors Breeze. They offer help with different genres, such as:

• Nonfiction book
• Children’s Book
• Poetry Book