The historical fantasy genre brings together historical fiction and the magic of fantasy. Some of my favorite books happen to fall under this genre – probably because the combination can make for such unique, enchanting storytelling! If you’re a fan of this genre too (or if you’re new to it), here are some must-read historical fantasy books to check out.
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What is historical fantasy?
The historical fantasy genre features novels set during a particular time period in history, but with magical or fantastical elements.
These stories tend to be somewhat more realistic than typical fantasy, but often less realistic than magical realism.
If you’re already a fantasy reader, historical fantasy is a perfect sub-genre to try! And if you love historical fiction but haven’t read much fantasy, this would be a great place to start. 🙂
Captivating Historical Fantasy Novels
And now, here are some popular and well-loved historical fantasy books, including some of my favorites!
These novels are set during a wide range of historical time periods (and places), and some have more magical elements than others. But they all have incredibly creative premises, and lots of rave reviews.
So, feel free to peruse this list and pick whichever book jumps out at you the most!
(You might also love these cozy fantasy books or Gothic fantasy novels! Also, be sure to check out these unique genre-bending novels.)
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab
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This enchanting novel follows a young woman living in the early 1700s. She makes a bargain to live forever, while being doomed to be alone, forgotten by anyone she ever crosses paths with.
Until one day, after hundreds of years, she comes across a man in a bookstore who remembers her name.
It’s an exquisite story, with everything I love most about reading captured in one book. Highly recommended!
The Bear and The Nightingale by Katherine Arden
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This historical fantasy story is inspired by Russian folklore, and is especially perfect for winter!
It’s set in snowy medieval Russia, about a girl named Vasilisa who must take risks to protect her family and village from a dark threat when misfortunate strikes.
This is the first book in the popular Winternight trilogy, and was nominated for numerous literary awards.
For more fantasy romance novels, check out these must-read romantasy books for adults!
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
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If you love pirates and want to read about a swashbuckling, magical adventure on the high seas, this is a perfect choice!
It’s about a notorious pirate who decides to take on one last job that promises glory and riches.
But soon, she finds there’s much more to the job than she thought – and much more at stake.
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
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Set in New York City during the turn of the century (early 1900s), two mythical creatures from different cultures – a golem and a djinn – cross paths and form a friendship.
And, if you love this book, there’s also a sequel called The Hidden Palace to enjoy!
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
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This beautiful story follows a magical circus called the Le Cirque des R̻ves, which pops up out of nowhere to enchant its audience Рbut only at night.
We follow two competing magicians – Celia and Marco – as they hone their craft in preparation for a fateful finale.
They are drawn together and can’t help but fall in love, without realizing that only one of them can be left standing at the end of their inevitable battle.
This novel is woven with lyrical prose and magical storytelling, and is set in England during the Victorian era. I loved it!
The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden
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From the author of The Bear and the Nightingale comes a new historical fantasy about a combat nurse during World War I.
When Laura Iven returns home after serving as a combat nurse, she’s devastated to hear her brother Freddie was killed in the war.
But something isn’t adding up, so she returns to Belgium as a volunteer nurse to follow the strange, eerie rumors she’s heard.
Publication date: February 13th, 2024
Babel by R.F. Kuang
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This epic historical fantasy novel (set in the early 1800s) follows a group of students at Oxford University’s (fictional) Royal Institute of Translation—also known as Babel, a center for translation and magic.
There, a young trainee finds himself at a crossroads between the pursuit of vast knowledge, and a secret society aiming to cut off Britain’s immense power and stop its thirst for imperial expansion.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
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January Scaller is the lonely ward of a wealthy man, living in a vast estate (during the early 1900s) that’s filled with strange trinkets.
One day, she comes across a peculiar book – and she’s inexplicably drawn to what’s inside. Because it’s not just a story, but a doorway to somewhere else.
The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
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Set in China in 1908, The Fox Wife explores the folk mythology of fox spirits who are believed to transform themselves into beautiful humans in order to lead people to their deaths.
When a woman’s body is found in the snow – her death swirling with rumors about the fox gods – a detective is called to investigate.
Meanwhile, a cursed family believes they are about to lose their eldest son, until a mysterious woman arrives. It seems her arrival may have turned their luck around – but can she be trusted?
Publication date: February 13th, 2024
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
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Set in the late 1800s and steeped in ancient magic, this story follows a young Bolivian-Argentinian woman who inherits a massive fortune when her parents die.
She travels to Cairo to find out what truly happened to her parents – and finds out there’s much more to the story than she was told.
(For fans of The Mummy and Death on the Nile!)
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
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Leigh Bardugo’s newest novel is set during the Spanish Golden Age (and the Inquisition).
A young servant woman working at a shabby house in Madrid is discovered to have magical powers – and is forced to use those powers to raise the family’s social status.
But soon, she attracts the attention of someone dangerous – and she’ll need the help of an immortal ‘familiar’ if she has any hope of surviving.
Publication date: April 9th, 2024
His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik
This historical fantasy story reimagines the Napoleonic wars – with dragon riders and aerial battles.
The captain of a ship discovers an unhatched dragon egg, completely changing the course of his life.
The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan
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Imagine a combination of Rebecca and The House of the Spirits, but set in a crumbling Gothic mansion on the coast of South Africa.
A woman named Sana and her father move into the mansion, looking for a new start after a tragedy.
But Sana can’t help but investigate the house’s multitude of strange curiosities – including the locked door in the East Wing, where a djinn waits in the shadows.
The Once and Future Witches
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This historical fantasy novel, set in the late 1800s, is about a trio of sisters – all witches – who join the suffragist group of New Salem to fight for women’s rights.
They’re determined to bring back long-forgotten magic to fight for all the women who’ve never had a voice in society. But soon, danger comes knocking.
Here are more enchanting witchy fiction books!
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
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This wholesome genre-mashup combines cozy fantasy and regency historical romance for a story that’s described as Bridgerton meets Howl’s Moving Castle.
A faerie-cursed young woman without the ability to feel fear or embarrassment attempts to get through a season of high society unscathed. But of course, things don’t go according to plan.
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
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Set in a version of Paris in the late 1800s, this genre-bending fantasy novel follows a disparate crew of characters as they set out on a mission to uncover an ancient artifact.
(Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows!).
Do you have a favorite historical fantasy book? Feel free to share any recommendations you have!