Books matching: historical britain setting
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- #1
Save:A thoughtful and nuanced reimagining of Mordred's tale - especially recommended for Arthurian fans who love character-driven stories, but those attached to the earlier books' magic and energy may find it less enchanting.
"The Wicked Day" by Mary Stewart is the final installment in her Arthurian saga, focusing on the life and perspective of Mordred, Arthur's illegitimate son and nephew. The story follows Mordred's journey from his upbringing as a fisherman's son to his realization of his destiny as Arthur's bane, as foretold by Merlin. The narrative delves into Mordred's internal struggles, ambitions, and conflicts with his mother, Morgause, as he navigates his loyalty to Arthur amidst the looming fate that awaits him. Mary Stewart's writing style is noted for its lyrical prose, vivid descriptions of landscape and wildlife, and the creation of a complex and fascinating character in Mordred, who is portrayed as intelligent, ambitious, and honor-bound, offering a unique perspective on the traditional villainous portrayal of Mordred in Arthurian legends.
“Merlin is dead.” It was no more than a whisper, and the man who breathed it was barely at arm's length from the woman, his wife, but the walls of the cottage's single room seemed to catch and throw t... - #2
Save:Entertaining, well-researched, and ideal for fans of British mysteries - this is a light yet enlightening history of our centuries-old love affair with murder, perfect for mystery readers and true crime fans alike.
'A Very British Murder' by Lucy Worsley explores the history of murder in the British imagination, tracing the development of crime writing and real-life crime detection in England. Worsley delves into famous murders in England, the birth of detective fiction, and the cultural fascination with murder mysteries. offers insights into how real crimes inspired fictional stories, from Gothic novels and penny dreadfuls to the Golden Age of detective fiction.
UNTIL THE END of the eighteenth century, people’s attitudes towards murder had been very different. Of course, the crime of killing had existed. But Judith Flanders writes that in the year 1810, out o...2013•320 pages - #3
Save:A fascinating deep dive into King Arthur’s possible real-life origins - rich with research but best suited for serious legend-seekers or dedicated history fans.
'The Discovery of King Arthur' by Geoffrey Ashe is a scholarly exploration of the Arthurian legend. It presents a vast amount of scholarship on the subject, offering a reasoned argument for a historical Arthur and an association with a 5th-century British king named Riothamus. Ashe's logical dating of the years of Arthur's life and leadership, supported by alternate references, is considered a significant contribution to the understanding of the Arthurian saga. delves into the history of King Arthur's upbringing and explains why he may not have been a single person but rather a mix of several other kings.
1985•249 pages - #4
Save:A thoughtful, tender, and deeply human romance that stands out for its authentic characters and refreshing historical setting. Not your typical Regency, but a heartfelt delight for readers who love their love stories layered with realism and social nuance.
"Sweet Disorder" by Rose Lerner is a captivating read that delves into the world of Regency era election customs and political shenanigans. The story follows the widow Phoebe Sparks, who finds herself courted by both the Tories and the Whigs not for her vote, but for her hand in marriage to a man who would then become a freeman and gain the right to vote. Through a backdrop of detailed election processes, the plot unfolds to showcase a unique romance between Phoebe and Nick, a war hero with self-doubt and family burdens. The author, Rose Lerner, skillfully weaves together themes of love, family dynamics, societal expectations, and sibling relationships, creating a rich and engaging narrative that explores the lengths people would go to win an election and find love.
Phoebe sat at the foot of her bed, her elbows propped on the deal table she’d placed under the window. She was supposed to be writing her next Improving Tale for Young People. But the shingled wall an...2014•385 pages - #5
Save:A fresh, witty take on Regency romance - with mature characters, real stakes, and plenty of heart. Ideal for fans of marriage-of-convenience stories who want something both smart and swoony.
'In for a Penny' by Rose Lerner is a Regency romance novel that follows the story of Penelope Brown, a wealthy businessman's daughter, who enters a marriage of convenience with Lord Nevinstoke to help him pay off his debts. As they navigate their arrangement, they start developing genuine feelings for each other while dealing with societal prejudices, estate management issues, and class divides. The book is praised for its likable and believably flawed characters, engaging plot, and the seamless integration of serious issues into the story without feeling preachy.
“Thirkell, you know what happened the last time we went to one of the Ambersleighs’ do’s.” Lord Nevinstoke winced at the sound of a badly tuned piano from inside the town house. How had he let Thirkel...2010•351 pages - #6
Save:A smart, bookish spin on Regency romance - slow to start but ultimately satisfying, especially for those who appreciate unusual plots and nuanced characters.
'The Wild Marquis' by Miranda Neville is a historical romance novel set in the Regency era, centered around a bookshop, auctions, and characters afflicted with bibliomania. The story follows Juliana, a rare book seller and shopkeeper, who meets the Marquis of Chase, Cain, a disreputable rake with a heart of gold. Their relationship blossoms amidst mysteries, murders, and a power imbalance, as they navigate class differences and a growing attraction. The plot unfolds with a mix of romance, intrigue, and humor, set against a backdrop of the world of bibliophiles and the challenges of a male-dominated society.
The writing style of Miranda Neville in 'The Wild Marquis' is praised for its unique story, well-developed characters, and excellent research. The book stands out for its originality in combining elements of romance, mystery, and historical fiction, offering readers a refreshing take on Regency romance with a serious tone and engaging plot beyond the traditional Dukes and dances romps commonly found in the genre.
It was the most beautiful illuminated manuscript ever created. At least that’s what Mr. Sotheby’s catalogue said. The catalogue also opined that the Burgundy Book of Hours was the most precious object...February 2010•382 pages - #7
Save:A Curious History of Sex is seriously well-researched and wickedly funny - a must for anyone who loves quirky history, doesn’t mind a bit of sass, and isn’t squeamish about NSFW topics.
'A Curious History of Sex' by Kate Lister is a non-fiction book that delves into the history of sex with a mix of humor, wit, and thorough research. The author presents various aspects of sexuality throughout history, challenging societal norms and providing insight into different cultural perspectives. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the history of contraception to societal views on gender and sexuality, all presented in an engaging and informative manner.
The truth is that I should not have used ‘whore’ in the Whores of Yore website; it’s not my word, and if you’re not a sex worker, it’s not yours either. It’s a term of abuse that sex workers hear ever...February 2020•416 pages - #8
Save:'The Duke's Counterfeit Wife' by Louise Allen is a Regency romance set on the East Anglian coast, featuring a haughty duke, a tough heroine, and a growing romance between the leading characters. The story revolves around Sarah, a headstrong merchant's daughter who, after facing misfortune, finds herself on a coastal ship with a cold and arrogant fellow passenger, Nicholas, the Duke of Severton. As they clash and eventually work together to solve mysteries involving pirates and smugglers, their initial antagonism turns into a friendly partnership, leading to a romantic relationship filled with action, danger, and unexpected twists. The writing style is described as well-written and easy to follow, with attention to detail that immerses readers in the characters' predicaments and adventures.
November 2021•274 pages - #9
Save:An emotionally rich, steamy, and refreshingly realistic historical romance that shines a spotlight on the lives and hearts of servants. If you’re tired of lords and ladies, give this one a try!
'Listen to the Moon' by Rose Lerner is a historical romance novel that delves into the lives of the servant class, focusing on the characters of Sukey Grimes, a poor maid, and John Toogood, a polished man of the world. The book portrays a marriage of convenience between the two characters, exploring their emotional baggage, relationship dynamics, and struggles with age gap and past traumas. The writing style is described as realistic, with meticulous research and attention to detail in historical settings, providing a refreshing change from typical aristocratic romances.
Sukey Grimes, maid-of-all-work, gave the chipped mantel a last pass with her duster. Empty of furniture, the two attic rooms looked nearly a decent size. But on a rainy day like this, nothing could hi...January 2016•330 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lively St. Lemeston ) - #10
Save:A clever, character-driven historical mystery with loads of wit and heart - perfect for readers who like their sleuthing with a side of ancient Roman culture and comedy. Not the pacey whodunit for all, but fans of quirky detectives in quirky times should give it a try.
'Medicus' by Ruth Downie is a historical mystery set in Roman Britain. The story follows Gaius Petreius Ruso, a Roman army physician stationed in Britannia, who becomes entangled in investigating the murders of local prostitutes in Chester. Alongside his newly acquired slave, Tilla, Ruso navigates through the challenges of his work, personal life, and the mystery unfolding around him. The writing style blends historic detail with humor, creating a well-drawn world that feels believable and engaging for the readers.
The plot of 'Medicus' unfolds as Ruso faces challenges with the hospital administrator, financial troubles, and personal relationships, all while trying to uncover the truth behind the murders in Chester. The book provides insights into the life and struggles of Romans in ancient Britannia, offering a mix of mystery, humor, and historical detail. Despite some opinions mentioning slow pacing and lack of depth in certain characters, the overall narrative showcases a blend of intriguing plotlines and well-developed protagonists set against the backdrop of Roman-occupied Britain.
SOMEONE HAD WASHED the mud off the body, but as Gaius Petreius Ruso unwrapped the sheet, there was still a distinct smell of river water. The assistant wrinkled his nose as he approached with the reco...2006•437 pages
