Must-Read Historical Fiction for a Fresh Start in 2026

What is a better way to start 2026 than with a few amazing historical fiction books to read? That is why I will be sharing three historical fiction books to read in 2026. This will start your 2026 reading journey on a good note. Keep reading to find out which books made the list!

Many people might speculate that historical fiction is my favorite genre but that is not the case. I love fantasy novels but I also just enjoy amazing and well written books. And what I have found is that historical fiction books are some of the best written books out there.

My list of favorite novels is dominated by historical fiction novels. They incorporate history, beautiful storytelling, and many lessons that I take to heart. The great part about historical fiction books is that you will also learn about historical events. Even if the book is fictional, the authors base it off true events or a real setting.

And the three books I chose do just that. They will take you to different places and inform you. I can’t imagine any better historical fiction books to start of this year right. You can see the full list below!

Must-Read Historical Fiction for a Fresh Start in 2026

• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
• The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah 
• The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Demon Copperhead

In 2025, I made it my mission to read Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. It was the winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize along with Trust by Hernan Diaz. It also ended up winning the Women’s Prize for Fiction. With these two prestigious accolades, I knew I had to read this novel.

The story follows Damon Fields, better known as Demon, and his single mother. They live in a trailer home in Lee, County, located in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. Demon’s life is difficult takes a turn for the worse when his mom starts dating a guy who abuses Demon. 

Things go from bad to worse and Demon tries to make the best of his situation as he tries to survive and overcome his situation. The novel is a retelling of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens in the 21^st century and is a must read for anyone that enjoyed the classic novel.

The Great Alone

Many people will now know how Kristin Hannah is because of the success of her 2024 novel The Women. But she has been an incredible author for a long time. And one novel that everyone needs to read by her is The Great Alone.

The novel follows the Allbrights family as they move to Alaska. Ernst, the husband, wants to start fresh with his wife Cora and daughter Leni. But his demons follow him to his new home and as they wither the Alaska winter, Ernst fragile mental state deteriorates. Cora and Lena have to somehow survive the winter and Ernst on their own.

Hannah uses Alaska perfectly to convey the storm that is Ernst in this novel. Even if never have been to Alaska, we are given a vivid picture and the harsh reality for newcomers.

This is an amazing and powerful novel and it is no surprise that Hannah found the success she has. She is one of my favorite authors and her writing style is one of one. If you love great writing and beautifully written sentences, then you will love Kristin Hannah.

The Song of Achilles

If you love Greek mythology, then you will love any book written by Circe Miller. She is an expert when it comes to Greek mythology and her novels are fantastic. The one we will be focusing on here though is The Song of Achilles.

It is a retelling of the story of Achilles, “the best of all the Greeks”, through the point of view of Patroclus, a banished prince. They fall in love and try to outrun fate that tells the fall of Achilles in the Trojan War.

Even if you don’t know much Greek mythology, you will enjoy this fantastic novel. Miller does an amazing job of fleshing out characters like Patroclus and Achilles. From the first page, you will be hooked in this novel. And for some, the ending will not be a surprise but you will enjoy the journey and how the novel gets there.

Conclusion

What I love about historical fiction novels is how different they are from one another. Unlike most genres, the setting of a historical fiction novel is completely different. It really does feel like you are traveling to another country or even world.

All three of these historical fiction novels are incredible and very different from each other. Demon Copperhead was one of the best books I read in 2025 and I still can’t stop thinking about it. Kristin Hannah became a household name over the past two years. But her old novels like The Great Alone are must reads for all of her fans.

And if you love Greek mythology and great storytelling, then you have to read The Song of Achilles. These are our picks for three historical fiction books to read in 2026. They are our first three picks but they are the first of many to come. Until next time, happy reading!

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