Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
This week’s theme is Books Set in Another Time (These can be historical, futuristic, alternate universes, or even in a world where you’re not sure when it takes place you just know it’s not right now.)
Nowadays, I primarily read and review Science Fiction and Fantasy novels, but even when I was a young girl, I enjoyed reading historical fiction, like the often traumatic Dear America and The Royal Diaries novels. So I wanted to try and shine a light on some of these novels I’ve read as an adult. George R. R. Martin himself said that fantasy and historical fiction are “cousins,” so maybe that’s why I used to enjoy reading historical fiction so much. After all, reading about times long past can often scratch the same itch as fantasy novels, especially if it has a little magic, paranormal, or alternate universes thrown in.
The books
1. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
It’s been years since I’ve read this book, but I’ve never forgotten how much I loved it (even if I’ve forgotten most of the details). The novel follows Chava, a golem, and Ahmad, a jinni, in NYC in 1899.
2. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
This novel follows a young girl in 1972 as she takes up the mantle of the search for Dracula. This is another one I read years ago and have never forgotten.
3. The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
All is not as it appears on the peaceful and isolated island where Carlota grows up with her father. Set in nineteenth century Mexico.
4. The Lost Queen by Signe Pike
Takes place in sixth century Scotland and markets itself as Outlander meets King Arthur. While I didn’t think this comparison was entirely warranted, it was still a very interesting read.
5. A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
Takes place in a fictional world, which feels Victorian, and has plenty of rules for proper ladies.
6. The Smoke Thief by Shana Abe
Takes place in an alternate 1751 England and follows a jewel thief named Rue who harbors a secret way bigger than the gems she steals.
7. Shōgun by James Clavell
I read this book way back in high school, but I found it absolutely riveting. Shōgun takes place during feudal Japan, at the dawn of the Edo period. This novel is recently experiencing a resurgence thanks to the new Emmy award winning mini-series based on it.
8. The Romanov Empress by C.W. Gortner
I definitely went through a Princess Anastasia phase as a little girl thanks to the animated movie. As an adult, I still can’t resist reading about the Romanovs every once in awhile. This novel is all about the mother of Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarina Maria Feodorovna, also known as Minnie.
9. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet
This novel is set in 12th century England and follows the building of a grand cathedral. If you ever choose to read an epic historical fiction, this is the one to read.
10. In His Majesty’s Service by Naomi Novik
This book asks what the Napoleonic wars would have been like with aerial dragon units involved.
Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? And if so, what do you look for in those types of novels?
Great list! I’ve read The Smoke Thief and have several of the others on my TBR. I focused on historical SFF (and mysteries) this week, too!
Thank you! ☺️ Oh, awesome, I’ll check it out!!
I’ve only read The Historian and The Daughter of Doctor Moreau but great list! I love historical fiction and need to add more of it to my reading list.
Thank you! I hope you found some on there to interest you ☺️ I hope to get back into the habit of reading more historical fiction again myself.
I remember reading Shogun a long time ago too! Fun list, I also love fantasy books set in the past.
Me too! I love a good Victorian-esque setting 🤭
I blame my anxiety on the Dear America series, hahaha. I loved them but geez.
😂😂 that’s so relatable. They were such a double edged sword
The Pillars of the Earth was such a good read.
I agree! I need to go back and reread it one of these days.