10 books that combine history and fantasy perfectly

History and fancy These are two genres that have captivated readers for centuries. When these two genres intertwine, the result is a magical mix of real events and fantastical elements, offering both a journey through time and an exploration of the impossible. These books transport readers to historical periods, adding mythical twists that create new worlds where the lines between reality and imagination blur. Here are 10 books that seamlessly blend history and fantasy.

1. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Set in an alternate version of 19th century England during the Napoleonic Wars, ‘Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell’ is a fascinating story about the return of magic to the world. Two magicians, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, practice rival forms of magic in an England where it has long been dormant. The novel combines historical events with rich magical tradition, seamlessly weaving fantastical elements into a believable historical setting, creating an enchanting narrative about the power of magic, ambition and friendship.

2. The Golem and the Genius by Helene Wecker

Set in 1899 New York City, The Golem and the Genie follows two mythical beings from different cultures: a golem from Jewish folklore and a genie from Middle Eastern mythology. When their paths cross, they must navigate the experience of immigration in America while hiding their true identities. Wecker brilliantly blends historical detail with magical realism, using the characters’ struggles to reflect on themes of belonging, identity, and the complexities of the human condition.

3. The King Who Was and Will Be, by TH White

The retelling of the legend of King Arthur, “He Who Was and Will Be King,” is set in medieval times and combines historical elements of Britain with fantasy. T.H. White’s narrative brings to life well-known characters such as Merlin, Arthur, and Lancelot, while exploring deeper themes of leadership, morality, and humanity. The novel combines historical events from the medieval period with the myth and magic of Arthurian legends, making it a timeless tale that seamlessly blends history and fantasy.

4. SA Chakraborty’s Bronze City

‘The City of Brass’ is the first book in the ‘Daevabad Trilogy’, set in 18th century Cairo and a magical world inspired by Middle Eastern folklore. Nahri, a trickster with mysterious abilities, accidentally summons a djinn warrior and finds herself drawn to the magical, hidden city of Daevabad. The book masterfully blends historical details with rich fantasy elements, creating a unique world where politics, history and magic collide in a story of power, destiny and identity.

5. Her Majesty’s Dragon, by Naomi Novik

‘Her Majesty’s Dragon’ is the first installment in the ‘Temeraire’ series, set during the Napoleonic Wars, but with a twist: dragons are used as part of the military forces. Captain Will Laurence forms an unlikely bond with an unlikely dragon, Temeraire, and together they must navigate the war while learning about loyalty, duty, and friendship. Naomi Novik masterfully blends military history with dragon lore, creating a rich alternate history where dragons play a pivotal role in global conflicts.

6. The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro

Set in post-Arthurian Britain, The Buried Giant tells the story of an elderly couple, Axl and Beatrice, as they journey through a landscape filled with fading memories and mythical creatures. Ishiguro masterfully weaves historical elements with a magical, dreamlike atmosphere, using fantasy to explore themes of memory, forgiveness, and love. The novel blends real-world history with myth and allegory, creating a narrative that feels both timeless and otherworldly.

7. The Daughters of Temperance Hobbs by Katherine Howe

In “The Daughters of Temperance Hobbs,” Katherine Howe weaves a tale of history, magic, and family legacy. The book, set in present-day and colonial-era New England, follows Connie Goodwin, a historian who discovers she is descended from a line of witches. As she discovers more about her ancestry, she must use her knowledge of history and magic to save those she loves. Howe’s blending of historical events with magical elements delivers a fluid narrative that is both enchanting and deeply rooted in real-world history.

8. The Poppy War, by RF Kuang

Inspired by the history of 20th-century China, The Poppy War is a fantasy novel that draws on real historical events such as the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Nanjing Massacre, and the Opium Wars. Rin, a war orphan, discovers she has an affinity for shamanic powers and becomes immersed in the horrors of war. RF Kuang blends a rich, fantastical world with brutal historical realities, exploring the complexities of war, power, and survival in a narrative that is both fascinating and heartbreaking.

9. Marie Lu’s Back Kingdom

‘The Kingdom of the Back’ combines the real historical setting of 18th century Europe with a magical fantasy world. The story follows Nannerl Mozart, the older sister of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a talented musician overshadowed by her brother’s genius. As she struggles with her ambitions and limitations in a male-dominated society, Nannerl finds herself drawn into a fantastical world called the Kingdom of the Back. Marie Lu brilliantly blends history with fantasy, exploring themes of creativity, ambition, and the roles of women in history.

10. The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton

Set aboard a 17th-century ship traveling from Batavia to Amsterdam, The Devil and the Dark Water blends historical fiction with supernatural mystery. A detective, a bodyguard, and a governor’s wife must uncover the truth behind the strange and terrifying events occurring on the ship, including whispers of a demon stalking the passengers. Turton’s atmospheric tale combines the intrigue of historical events with dark, fantastical elements, creating a gripping novel that blurs genres and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

These 10 books seamlessly blend the best of history and fantasy, offering readers an experience where the lines between the real and the imaginary are beautifully blurred. Each novel takes historical periods and enriches them with fantastical elements, creating unique worlds where magic, mythology, and historical events co-exist. Whether it’s dragons in the Napoleonic Wars or witches in colonial New England, these stories prove that combining history and fantasy can create narratives that are both captivating and thought-provoking. If you’re looking for a journey that transcends both time and reality, these books are the perfect companions.