What Historical Fiction are you reading?

[Talysia]

As part of my sort-of resolution to read more books in different genres, I've picked up Dissolution by C.J. Sansom, and I'm already really enjoying it. I bought the remaining three books for my mum's birthday and Christmas last year after she read the first one (she loved them - so much so that she couldn't believe how fast she finished them), so with her recommendation I'm giving this a try. I'm glad I did.

[Allegra]

Originally Posted by Cayleb

Hi Moontraveler, yes, Robert Harris is worth reading. I didn't enjoy Imperium as much as some of his books, but Pompeii is very good in my opinion. Don't forget some of his other books such as Fatherland (an odd twist comes to light at one point) and Archangel.

Cayleb

Pompeii and Fatherland are the next ones of Harris I'm going to dig into. I'd read only The Ghost and enjoyed his writing very much.

[murphy]

Originally Posted by Talysia

As part of my sort-of resolution to read more books in different genres, I've picked up Dissolution by C.J. Sansom, and I'm already really enjoying it. I bought the remaining three books for my mum's birthday and Christmas last year after she read the first one (she loved them - so much so that she couldn't believe how fast she finished them), so with her recommendation I'm giving this a try. I'm glad I did.

Have you read any of Sharon Kay Penman's medieval mysteries? There is a series that is pretty good. It starts with The Queen's Man and takes place during the time of Richard I.

[Talysia]

I haven't, but thanks for the tip! I'll keep my eyes open for it - always open to new suggestions.

[Riselka]

If you like C.J. Sansom's Matthew Shardlake series, then I'd recommend you try Robert McCammon's Matthew Corbett series - Speaks The Nightbird, The Queen Of Bedlam, and Mister Slaughter.

I'd also recommend James McGee's Matthew Hawkwood series - Ratcatcher, Resurrectionist, and Rapscallion, with a fourth, Rebellion, coming out later this year.

Funny how they all feature a character named Matthew.

[Talysia]

Thanks! I've made a note of both of these authors, and I'm going to have a look for their books the next time I'm out. This has been a great day for finding good book recommendations!

[nj1]

I finished Vlad by CC Humphreys late last night. It was a fascinating story really, if part of what Vlad supposedly did is true then he was a remarkable man. OK the impaling was a bit much, but in those times of tough justice it was the tool he used to bring justice to a lawless land, what i didn't know was that Bram Stoker actually knew practically nothing of the man himself, apparently he got Vlad's name and the impaling tales from a friend who had travelled through the area.

I am now reading THE BURNING LAND by Bernard Cornwell, book 5 of his saxon series, I've enjoyed all the previous books so have been looking forward to this one.

[Lady of Winterfell]

I picked up Steven Pressfields Gates of Fire due to all the great reviews it has gotten here around the Chrons.

[nj1]

Originally Posted by Lady of Winterfell

I picked up Steven Pressfields Gates of Fire due to all the great reviews it has gotten here around the Chrons.

I hope you enjoy it, it's a little descriptive at the start but once Xeones (sp?) story starts, its very good. Pressfield gives a god insight into the lives of the Spartans and the harshness of thier society.
If you do enjoy it I would recommend his Alexander book and I have also been told that Tides of War is also very good although i haven't read it yet

[svalbard]

Originally Posted by Lady of Winterfell

I picked up Steven Pressfields Gates of Fire due to all the great reviews it has gotten here around the Chrons.

I hope you enjoy it. For me it is one of the best historical fiction books in the genre. Of all his other books about Greece I found Tides of War to be his best.

[alexx7]

I don't know if this counts but has anyone read the Rule of Four? Sort of more Da Vinci code, but it deals with a take on history. It's about the mystery of hypnerotomachia poliphili. Yes, it is an insanely long name.

[murphy]

Originally Posted by alexx7

I don't know if this counts but has anyone read the Rule of Four? Sort of more Da Vinci code, but it deals with a take on history. It's about the mystery of hypnerotomachia poliphili. Yes, it is an insanely long name.

What is it?

[Dreadfulfaery]

Im not sure if its been mentioned but James McGees Matthew Hawkwood series Ratcatcher, Resurrectionist and Rapscallion are all very good. A fourth is due sometime this year

[GrownUp]

I read 'The Name of the Rose' recently. Might have been the translation, but I found it really tough going.

[Talysia]

Just picked up Rory Clements' Martyr in a charity shop. I'd heard that it was a good read for fans of CJ Sansom's Shardlake series, so it looks like it could be interesting.