Best Medieval Historical Fiction Books of 2025

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a classic novel set in the Jazz Age on Long Island. Narrator Nick Carraway's encounters with the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and his obsession with reuniting with his former lover, Daisy Buchanan, form the plot. Fitzgerald's youthful romance with socialite Ginevra King and the lively parties he attended on Long Island's North Shore in 1922 motivated the novel. The Great Gatsby is a literary masterpiece and a contender for the title of the Great American Novel. A Best Seller Classic that belongs on everyone's library shelf.

Lapvona is a gripping medieval historical fiction novel by Ottessa Moshfegh. The story follows Marek, an abused and delusional shepherd boy, who finds himself at the center of a power struggle in his village. The novel explores themes of faith, deception, murder, abuse, and the supernatural. Moshfegh's vivid descriptions and unique characters make this book a must-read for fans of the genre. Overall, Lapvona is a spellbinding and thrilling novel that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

This medieval historical fiction book, Solomon's Crown, explores the love story between two rival kings, Philip of France and Richard the Lionheart, who must choose between their grand ambitions and their desire for each other. The New York Times Book Review calls it "sumptuous" and "absolutely captivating." The author weaves a tale of royal intrigue and betrayal, reimagining the lives of two real-life kings ensnared by an impossible choice. The book is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction and romance.

The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco is an enthralling medieval murder mystery that won the Premio Strega and the Prix Médicis Etranger awards. The story is set in 1327, where Benedictines in a wealthy Italian abbey are suspected of heresy, and Brother William of Baskerville arrives to investigate. However, his mission is overshadowed by seven bizarre deaths, turning him into a detective. The book is a brilliant masterpiece with many cunning passages and secret chambers. Eco's use of logic, theology, empirical insights, wry humor, and ferocious curiosity makes this book one of a kind.

The Scarlet Letter: The Original 1850 Edition by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a historical fiction novel set in Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony during the years 1642 to 1649. The novel tells the story of Hester Prynne, who conceives a daughter through an affair and then struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity. The book explores themes of legalism, sin, and guilt, and its characters are haunted by the weight of unacknowledged sin. This classic novel is a must-read for anyone interested in American literature and its unique qualities.

Essex Dogs: A Novel is a historical fiction debut by the New York Times bestselling historian, Johnathan Jones. The book is set during the Hundred Years' War and tells the story of ten men who call themselves the Essex Dogs. Led by a battle-scarred captain, the group heads towards Crécy, knowing that they are off to fight a battle that will shape the very fabric of human lives. Jones delivers an impeccably researched, violent, and bloody novel that re-conceives medieval military history as a swashbuckling Hollywood movie. Essex Dogs is a highly recommended read for fans of Bernard Cornwell or Ken Follett.

The thirteenth book in Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Tales series, War Lord: A Novel, is a worthy conclusion to the epic story of England's making. The last kingdom, Northumbria, is under attack from all sides, and Lord Uhtred of Bebbanburg is the only man standing in the way. As he prepares for his ultimate fate, Uhtred faces his greatest ever battle, torn between loyalty and sworn oaths. Cornwell's vivid writing brings the battles to life like no one else, making it a must-read for military historical fiction fans. War Lord is an excellent book that readers will undoubtedly enjoy from start to finish.

Matrix: A Novel by Lauren Groff is a feminist and sensual reimagining of the life of Marie de France, the 17-year-old prioress of an impoverished abbey in England. Groff's writing is an electric exhibition of her talent, drawing readers into the world of medieval life and religious ecstasy. The book has been hailed as a masterpiece by critics and was a finalist for the 2021 National Book Award for Fiction. The book is a must-read for those who enjoy historical fiction and want to experience an exhilarating journey through the eyes of a remarkable character.

Soul Scepter: Time Marauders is a thrilling medieval historical fiction book that follows 16-year-old Will Donovan as he discovers his family’s connection to a mysterious scepter capable of changing the past. Alongside a girl named Celeste, they time-travel to medieval England while being hunted by modern men seeking power. The stakes grow higher as Will races against time to avert disaster, all while navigating the perils of 1345 and his growing feelings for Celeste. Overall, Soul Scepter: Time Marauders is a unique and captivating read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell is the first book in The Arthur Books series, a fresh and compelling retelling of the mythic saga of King Arthur. The story begins in Dark Age Britain, where Arthur has been banished and Merlin has disappeared, and a child-king sits unprotected on the throne. As Arthur returns to this desperate land, he fights to keep a flicker of civilization alive in a barbaric world. The Winter King is a modern political thriller, and though the emphasis on battles and politics may disappoint some fantasy readers, it is an absorbing and unique read that downplays the magic that enlivens the traditional stories.