Books matching: historical fiction and fantasy
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Dactyl Hill Squad' by Daniel Jose Older is an alternate history adventure set during the Civil War era in New York City, featuring a group of orphans of color who are recruited by the Vigilance Committee to spy on the Kidnapping Club in order to save other orphans from being sold into slavery down South. The story follows Magdalys Roca, who discovers her ability to communicate with prehistoric creatures and embarks on a journey filled with action, historical events, and dinosaurs, blending genres like historical fiction, fantasy, and realistic elements.
The narrative of 'Dactyl Hill Squad' is described as beautiful, engaging, and intense, with a mix of humor and emotional moments that make it both uplifting and hopeful. delves into social issues of the era and today, while also providing a fun and entertaining storyline that appeals to both children and adults, incorporating elements of real history of New York City with a touch of magic and imagination through the addition of dinosaurs.
- #2
Save:'Mirror Mirror' by Gregory Maguire is a retelling of the classic fairy tale Snow White, set in 16th-century Italy with Lucretia Borgia playing the role of the evil stepmother. The book combines elements of magic and history, blending the fantastical with real-life historical personalities like the Borgias. The story follows a dark, gritty, and more realistic version of the Snow White tale, incorporating political intrigue, supernatural events, and a unique twist on the traditional characters.
The writing style in 'Mirror Mirror' is described as rich, inventive, and at times dense by readers. Gregory Maguire's prose is praised for being unique and creative, with a focus on detail and historical references. The book is noted for its dark and morbid tone, engaging storytelling, and the author's ability to weave fantasy elements with real historical events seamlessly.
LONG, LONG AGO, in the winter-time, when the snowflakes were falling like little white feathers from the sky, a beautiful Queen sat beside her window, which was framed in black ebony, and stitched. As... - #3
Save:Dodger is a young man of the streets in early Victorian London who unexpectedly becomes a hero when he rescues a young woman from trouble. The story follows Dodger's journey through different social strata, encountering historical and fictional characters like Charles Dickens, Benjamin Disraeli, and Sweeney Todd. The book is a mix of historical fiction and fantasy, with humor and heartwarming moments intertwined with harrowing and touching scenes.
THE RAIN POURED down on London so hard that it seemed that it was dancing spray, every raindrop contending with its fellow for supremacy in the air and waiting to splash down. It was a deluge. The dra... - #4
Save:The Soul Thief by Cecelia Holland is a historical fiction novel set in Viking Yorvik and Dark Ages western Europe, featuring a departure from the author's usual style with a significant fantasy mystical thread. The story follows the main character, Corban Loosestrife, as he embarks on a quest to recover his kidnapped sister Mav, leading him through various challenges and obstacles in a harsh and intriguing Viking world. The book captures the essence of life during the 9th century, incorporating elements of telepathy, historical events, and intricate character relationships.
- #5
Save:'The Serpent Garden' by Judith Merkle Riley is a historical novel set during the reign of Henry VIII in England, with scenes also taking place in France. The story follows the protagonist, Susanna Dallet, a talented and strong-willed court painter who finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and adventure after her husband's untimely death. As she navigates the complexities of the Tudor court, including working for Cardinal Wolsey and accompanying Mary Tudor to France for her marriage to the King, Susanna must also contend with supernatural elements involving angels, demons, and a secret manuscript sought after by the Priory of Sion.
The book is characterized by its witty historical fiction with a touch of fantasy, incorporating themes of art, romance, court politics, and mystery. The plot unfolds through a series of interconnected storylines, including Susanna's artistic endeavors, her interactions with historical figures, and her involvement in a Da Vinci Code-like conspiracy. The narrative is enriched by detailed descriptions of painting techniques and historical context, offering readers a blend of entertainment and education.
- #6
Save:In "In Pursuit of the Green Lion," the second book in the Margaret of Ashbury series by Judith Merkle Riley, readers follow Margaret's journey to rescue her husband, who has been captured in France. The story is filled with elements of adventure, alchemy, and the search for the Philosopher's Stone, all set against the backdrop of the 14th century. The book weaves together themes of loyalty, deception, and female empowerment, creating an engaging narrative that keeps the story moving at a fast pace.
The author's writing style is praised for its ability to bring the characters to life and transport readers to the medieval era. With a mix of humor, historical detail, and a touch of fantasy, Judith Merkle Riley crafts a story that is both entertaining and informative. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, blending elements of spirituality, alchemy, and the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society, making it a captivating read for fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike.
(Also, see 97 recommendations for the series Margaret of Ashbury ) - #7
Save:Set in 17th century England during the time of the witch trials, 'The Minister's Daughter' by Julie Hearn follows the story of Nell, a merrybegot and granddaughter of a healer, who is accused of witchcraft by the minister's daughters to conceal a pregnancy scandal. The book seamlessly weaves together historical events, magical realism, and the persecution of innocent women during a time of hysteria and fear. The narrative alternates between the confession of Patience Madden and flashbacks to the events leading up to the accusations, showcasing the clash between old knowledge and new beliefs in a society governed by ignorance and superstition.
The author, Julie Hearn, skillfully combines elements of fantasy, historical fiction, and supernatural occurrences to create a compelling story of betrayal, persecution, and resilience. Through the character of Nell, readers are immersed in a world where the line between reality and magic blurs, as she navigates the treacherous accusations of witchcraft and the struggle for survival in a society plagued by fear and deceit.
I never meant it to end the way it did. Grace might have done, but not me. Grace was fifteen, as artful as a snake, and already on the slippery slope to Hell. But I, Patience Madden, could have stoppe... - #8
Save:'Tomorrow' by Damian Dibben is an extraordinary book that follows the journey of an immortal dog named Tomorrow and his loyal companion Valentyne through centuries of history. The story is a mix of romance, mysticism, science, and philosophy, all narrated through the eyes of Tomorrow, a very loyal and moral dog. The book explores themes of loyalty, friendship, unconditional love, and the desire to be of service to others.
The writing style in 'Tomorrow' is described as exquisite, captivating, and rich in detail. Readers are drawn into the story through the author's command of the English language, the vivid descriptions of historical events, and the unique perspective of the immortal dog narrator. The book offers a unique blend of genres, making it a page-turner that is both engrossing and thought-provoking.
It began, this journey of many lifetimes, in an ordinary way: he and I went to pick oysters on the shore. He loved them more than any other food, loved the ritual of unlocking abrasive shells to disco... - #9
Save:The book, 'The Horse Goddess' by Morgan Llywelyn, is a captivating story that delves into the world of Celtic mythology and deities. It follows the life of Epona, the ancient Celtic Horse Goddess, as she embarks on a journey filled with adventure, love, and magic. The plot revolves around Epona's rebellion against her predetermined fate, her escape with the warrior Khazak, and their encounters with mystical beings like shape-shifting shamans and giant ghostly wolves. The writing style in the book is praised for its historical accuracy, fast-paced narrative, and rich descriptions of Celtic life, beliefs, and landscapes.
In the lodge of the lord of the tribe, Toutorix, the Invincible Boar, Epona waited for the representatives of the spirits to come for her. Since sunrise she had carried a knot in her belly, but she re... - #10
Save:'The Stress of Her Regard' by Tim Powers is a dense and intricate work that defies easy categorization, blending elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and vampire lore. The plot revolves around the 19th-century poets Byron, Shelley, and Keats battling ancient vampire succubus creatures known as the Nephilim. The book weaves together historical facts, the works of the poets, folklore, mythology, and early 19th-century scientific knowledge into a cohesive and imaginative narrative. Through lyrical language and well-conceived imagery, Powers creates a literary epic of scope and grandeur set against the backdrop of European and Middle Eastern mythology.
“Lucy,” the barmaid was saying in an emphatic whisper as she led the two men around the foot of the oak stairway, “which I’d think you could remember by now—and keep your damned voice down until we ge...
