Three Historical Fiction Novels You Need to Read!

Here at Books of Brilliance, we’re constantly on the hunt for unforgettable stories—and this time, we’re shining a spotlight on historical fiction. We’ve recently added three standout historical fiction novels that fans of the genre absolutely need to read. These are the kinds of books that transport you to another time, immerse you in rich detail, and make it impossible to stop turning pages. Keep reading to discover the three historical fiction novels we loved—and why they deserve a top spot on your reading list.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of finishing an incredible book and immediately wanting to tell everyone about it. The tricky part, though, is finding that next great read. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where we come in. If you’re looking to build a to-read list you’ll actually be excited about, you’re in the right place—and trust us, these three books belong right at the top.

When I’m in a reading slump or craving something truly immersive, I almost always turn to historical fiction. Few genres blend storytelling and atmosphere so seamlessly. A great historical novel doesn’t just tell a story—it drops you into another era, introduces you to unforgettable characters, and makes the past feel vividly alive. It’s no surprise that some of my all-time favorite books live in this genre.

Every novel on this list delivers in a big way. Each one is beautifully written, widely loved, and impactful enough to have earned a television adaptation within the past decade. And as we all know, no matter how good the show is, the book always goes deeper. Scroll down to see the full list of the three historical fiction novels you should be reading next.

Historical Fiction Novels You Need to Read

• Shōgun by James Clavell
• A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles 
• Pachinko by Min Jin Lee 

Shōgun

I came across Shogun by James Crowell on the daily Amazon deals list and my curiosity led me to add it to my reading list. With nothing else to read at that time, I dived right into the nove. I am glad because I ended up devouring both book in the series within a few days.

The novel follows John Blackthorne and the crew of Erasmus as they find themselves on the shores of Japan. They are instantly imprisoned and their ship full of weapons may change the course of Japan and who rules over this island that England is eager to discover.

Blackthorne is forced to learn a new culture and language and has to play along with his new “friends” if he ever wants to return to England. What follows is an adventure novel unlike anything else. Even if you know nothing about Japan, the novel will make you feel like you also washed on the shores of Japan, taking it all in just like the crew of Erasmus.

A Gentleman in Moscow

A novel that has stayed with me for over a decade is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. This was one of the most beautifully written novels I have read and I still can’t stop raving about it. The story follows Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov as he is sentenced to house arrest for the rest.

What follows is one of the best novels written in the 21st century. The Count is one of my favorite literary characters and his wit and personality make this a must read for all fans of historical fiction novels. You would think little would happen when a character is under house arrest but you’d be very wrong.

Pachinko

For the longest time, I have avoided writing a book review for Pachinko by Min Jin Lee because I knew I wasn’t up for the task. Few novels are so good that I feel like my writing won’t do them justice. It is a double-edged sword because by not sharing the novel, I am not giving it my approval to my readers.

This was one of the most powerful novels I have ever read and one everyone should read at least once in their lives. Min Jin Lee tells a tale following two sisters and their offspring as they face one crisis after another. But what shines throughout the novel is the power of love, sacrifice, and how one choice can reshape the future.

Conclusion

I have been lucky to come across these three amazing historical fiction novels. They all transported me to different parts of the world and broaden my horizons. They were also three well written novels that I am glad I came across.

Each of the three books on this list were amazing reads and while Shōgun isn’t as great as the latter two novels, it is still a great read. There are still a bunch of weeks left and these novels are ones you will love and hopefully they help you reach your reading goal. Until next time, happy reading!

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