Top Ancient Historical Fiction Books

The best Ancient History Fiction includes Circe by Madeline Miller (Audiobook, 13 hours), Daughters of Sparta: A Novel [Paperback], The Shadow of Perseus (Paperback) and many others as mentioned below.

1

Circe by Madeline Miller (Audiobook, 13 hours)

  • Bold retelling of Circe's legendary story.
  • Celebrated #1 New York Times bestseller.
  • Explores themes of power and female strength.
  • Features iconic mythological figures and events.
  • Intimate and epic storytelling style.
  • Available with accompanying PDF in Audible Library.
  • Critically acclaimed across numerous literary platforms.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.83
2

Daughters of Sparta: A Novel [Paperback]

  • Reimagines the legend of Helen and Klytemnestra.
  • Explores themes of love, secrets, and tragedy.
  • Highlights women's voices in mythological history.
  • Depicts life as Spartan princesses in ancient Greece.
  • Examines societal constraints on women’s ambitions.
  • Illustrates the impact of neglect and cruelty.
  • Offers a vivid retelling of the Siege of Troy.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.75
3

The Shadow of Perseus (Paperback)

  • Imaginative retelling of Perseus' myth.
  • Told through three women's perspectives.
  • Highlights Danae, Medusa, and Andromeda's stories.
  • Explores themes of survival and resilience.
  • Challenges traditional hero narratives.
  • Engaging and thought-provoking literary experience.
  • From bestselling author Claire Heywood.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.75
4

The Song of Achilles: A Novel

  • A captivating retelling of Achilles’ legendary story.
  • Inspired by Homer’s classic work, The Iliad.
  • Emotionally charged exploration of love and heroism.
  • Acclaimed debut novel from bestselling author Madeline Miller.
  • Engaging narrative that immerses readers in ancient Greece.
  • Perfect for fans of epic historical fiction.
  • A New York Times Bestseller with critical acclaim.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.99
5

Clan of Cave Bear Audiobook

  • Epic saga of survival and love.
  • Set in the Ice Age era.
  • Follows Ayla, a unique and resilient girl.
  • Explores themes of family and belonging.
  • Richly detailed world-building and storytelling.
  • Conflict arises from cultural differences and acceptance.
  • Nominated as a beloved American novel.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $28.78
6

Circe by Madeline Miller (Paperback, 368 pages)

  • Bold retelling of Circe's story.
  • Explores themes of power and identity.
  • Vivid characters from mythology intersect with Circe's journey.
  • Celebrates female strength and resilience.
  • Page-turning suspense and rich storytelling.
  • #1 New York Times Bestseller.
  • Critically acclaimed by major publications.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.00
7

The Thrice Named Man XVI: Palmyrenian

  • Set in 271 AD, during Rome's decline.
  • Follows Lucius Domitius Aurelianus's epic journey.
  • Emperor battles Queen Zenobia's expanding realm.
  • Intense warfare against numerous enemies unfolds.
  • A tale of survival and determination.
  • Explore themes of loyalty and sacrifice.
  • Part of the thrilling Thrice Named Man series.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.50
8

Clytemnestra: A Novel by Costanza Casati

  • Powerful retelling of Clytemnestra's legendary story.
  • Captivating blend of love, vengeance, and prophecy.
  • For fans of Madeline Miller and Greek mythology.
  • Explores themes of power, infamy, and choices.
  • A haunting depiction of ancient Greek royalty.
  • Vividly portrays Clytemnestra's transformation into a queen.
  • Engaging debut novel filled with emotion and strength.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.92
9

Circle of Days: Ken Follett eBook

  • Masterful storytelling by Ken Follett.
  • Epic tale of Stonehenge's construction.
  • Seft, a gifted flint miner.
  • Joia, a visionary priestess.
  • Conflict among divided tribes unfolds.
  • Love and ambition drive their journey.
  • Historical fiction with rich imagination.
  • Price Range: $16.99
10

Excalibur Historical Action Chronicles eBook

  • Epic retelling of Arthurian legend.
  • Fast-paced action in Dark Age Britain.
  • Crafted by bestselling author Peter Gibbons.
  • Unite Britain against Saxon invaders.
  • Powerful sword Excalibur drives the quest.
  • Vivid characters and intense battles await.
  • A must-read for historical fiction fans.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $4.99
11

The Valley of Horses Audiobook [2 CDs]

  • Engaging sequel to Earth's Children series.
  • Ayla's journey into the prehistoric wilderness.
  • Survival skills learned from the Clan.
  • Unique bond with an orphaned foal.
  • Encounter with a handsome stranger, Jondalar.
  • Themes of love and human connection.
  • Exploration of self-discovery and resilience.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $28.78
12

The Book of Longings (Audiobook)

  • Epic story of a woman's journey in first century.
  • Written by bestselling author Sue Monk Kidd.
  • Explores themes of voice, destiny, and rebellion.
  • Features a unique perspective on Jesus's life.
  • Combines meticulous research with imaginative storytelling.
  • Highlights struggles against societal and cultural constraints.
  • Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2020.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.72
13

Medusa: A Fantasy Novel (eBook) by Nataly Gruender

  • Unique retelling of the Medusa myth.
  • Explores Medusa's life and struggles.
  • Perfect for fans of Madeline Miller.
  • Intimate perspective on a misunderstood villain.
  • Journey through ancient Greece with Medusa.
  • Encounters with mythical figures enhance her story.
  • Confronts fate and her humanity in conflict.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.99
14

Stone Blind: A Novel (Paperback)

  • Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023.
  • Fresh take on the story of Medusa.
  • Explores the consequences of divine punishment.
  • Empathetic retelling of a classic myth.
  • Blends humor and classicism with a modern twist.
  • Highlights women's experiences in mythological narratives.
  • Written by bestselling author Natalie Haynes.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $22.04
15

A Thousand Ships: A Historical Novel

  • National Bestseller and NPR Best Book of the Year.
  • Retelling of the Trojan War from women's perspectives.
  • Focus on women silenced by historical narratives.
  • Explores stories of love, rivalry, and loss.
  • Engaging prose imbued with passion and wit.
  • Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction.
  • A powerful feminist reinterpretation of a classic tale.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.89
16

Mammoth Hunters Audiobook by Jean M. Auel

  • Ayla explores the land of the Mammoth Hunters.
  • She navigates new customs and language challenges.
  • Remarkable hunting and healing skills set her apart.
  • Intense emotional connections with Jondalar and Ranec.
  • Tension rises during the icy winter months.
  • Great mammoth hunt ignites thrilling adventure.
  • Choices shape Ayla's uncertain future ahead.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $30.00
17

Audible Circle of Days [1 Audiobook]

  • Epic tale of Stonehenge's mysterious construction.
  • Seft, a flint miner seeking love and escape.
  • Joia, a priestess with a visionary ambition.
  • Divided tribes struggle amidst drought and conflict.
  • A quest for unity through monumental creation.
  • Explores human resilience and ancient civilization's challenges.
  • Master storyteller Ken Follett captivates with rich narrative.
  • Price Range: $30.70
18

People of the Moon (Historical Fantasy, Book 6)

  • Engaging tale of ancient American clans.
  • Explores survival amidst natural disasters.
  • Characters face betrayal and sacrifice.
  • Richly based on Southwestern archaeology.
  • Epic struggles for power and freedom.
  • Experience the fall of an empire.
  • Written by bestselling authors W. Michael and Kathleen Gear.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.99
  • Color: People of the Moon
19

Audible Ithaca [Digital Download]

  • Daring reimagining of ancient myth.
  • Focuses on women's voices in Ithaca.
  • Powerful storytelling by Claire North.
  • Explores Penelope's struggle for power.
  • A tale of defiance and resilience.
  • Mythological themes with modern perspectives.
  • Engaging narrative of abandoned women’s choices.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.83
20

Lilith: A Dark Fantasy Novel (Paperback)

  • Explores Lilith's struggle for equality and justice.
  • Challenges traditional narratives of creation and gender.
  • Follows Lilith's quest through historical events.
  • Features strong female characters like Jezebel and Norea.
  • Discusses the consequences of a patriarchal society.
  • Emphasizes wisdom gained from the Tree of Knowledge.
  • Encourages readers to rethink gender roles today.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.37
21

The Pharisee's Wife by Janette Oke

  • Historical fiction by bestselling author Janette Oke.
  • Follows a young Jewish woman's perilous journey.
  • Explores themes of destiny and personal control.
  • Features a love story with deep emotional conflicts.
  • Highlights societal expectations in ancient Israel.
  • Includes discussion questions for book clubs.
  • Perfect for fans of biblical and historical fiction.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.38
22

Audible Babylonia [Digital Download]

  • Epic tale of Semiramis's rise to power.
  • Set in the brutal world of ancient Assyria.
  • Explores themes of love, betrayal, and ambition.
  • Follows a captivating myth-based narrative.
  • Engaging characters entangled in a love triangle.
  • Semiramis trains in war and diplomacy.
  • Discover the legacy of Assyria's first female ruler.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.88
23

Lilith: A Novel (Nikki Marmery)

  • Feminist retelling of ancient creation myths.
  • Explores Lilith’s journey from Paradise to empowerment.
  • Richly crafted narrative with lyrical prose.
  • Engages with themes of equality and justice.
  • Features historical figures like Jezebel and Mary Magdalene.
  • Thought-provoking exploration of women's roles in history.
  • Ambitious debut from author Nikki Marmery.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.89
24

Clytemnestra: A Novel by Costanza Casati

  • Powerful retelling of Clytemnestra's story.
  • For fans of Madeline Miller's works.
  • Explores themes of vengeance and acceptance.
  • Set in the captivating world of Ancient Greece.
  • Features a strong, unforgettable female protagonist.
  • Delivers intense emotions and vivid imagery.
  • A must-read for mythology enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.00
25

The Fates: A Mythical Retelling Novel

  • Spellbinding retelling of Greek mythology.
  • Follows the lives of The Fates sisters.
  • Captivating story of love and destiny.
  • Immortal sisters intrigued by mortal lives.
  • Inspired by legends of Atalanta and Meleager.
  • Readers rave about stunning writing and characters.
  • A unique twist on classic mythological tales.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $0.99
26

Clytemnestra: A Tragic Tale [Audible Edition]

  • Introducing the fierce heroine of Ancient Greece.
  • Experience Clytemnestra's journey of vengeance and power.
  • Explore themes of justice, betrayal, and resilience.
  • Retelling blends mythology with modern storytelling elements.
  • Unforgettable character challenges societal expectations and norms.
  • A gripping narrative filled with emotional depth.
  • Perfect for fans of strong female protagonists.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.80
27

Babylonia: A Novel (Costanza Casati, Paperback)

  • Deluxe hardcover edition with stunning printed edges.
  • Luxe gold foil and full-color endpapers featured.
  • Explores the brutal world of Ancient Assyria.
  • Follows Queen Semiramis's captivating rise to power.
  • Weaves myth and history for an immersive experience.
  • Author of the bestselling Clytemnestra returns.
  • A tale of love, betrayal, and ambition.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.81
28

The Lost Page: An Archaeological Thriller

  • Thrilling archaeological quest for lost biblical scroll.
  • Captivating dual narrative set in ancient and modern times.
  • Engaging characters facing imminent danger and tough choices.
  • Explores deep questions about faith and historical truth.
  • Richly detailed settings bring history to life.
  • Written by a scholar with storytelling expertise.
  • A must-read for fans of historical thrillers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $5.99
29

Circle of Days: A Novel [Paperback]

  • Epic historical fiction by Ken Follett.
  • Explores the mystery of Stonehenge's construction.
  • Follows Seft, a skilled flint miner.
  • Centers on love and ambition amidst conflict.
  • Joia, a visionary priestess, leads the way.
  • Unites divided tribes to create a monument.
  • Drought and violence threaten their shared dream.
  • Price Range: $35.00
30

Children of Jocasta: A Novel (eBook)

  • Retelling of Sophocles' Theban plays.
  • Focused on Jocasta and Ismene's perspectives.
  • Explores themes of family dysfunction and tragedy.
  • Combines scholarship with a captivating narrative.
  • Written by bestselling author Natalie Haynes.
  • Highlights often-overlooked female voices in mythology.
  • Gripping account of life in a cursed house.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $5.99