Historical Fictionistas discussion

I'm looking for some recommendations. Historical Fiction is my favorite Genre and I have come to enjoy series of books that extend through one or more generations.

Recently, I have read Jack Whytes Camaloud series, which I enjoyed immensely.

Currently I'm reading the Kent Family Chronicles by John Jakes.

I don't enjoy historical fiction that focuses on Romance. My mother in law suggested I read the Outlander series. I read the first one. Although it was well written it contained far too much romance.

My tasts are eclectic so I am open to suggestions!

I haven't read it yet, but I hear The Pillars of the Earth series is pretty epic and spans several generations.

Have you tried Bernard Cornwell or James Clavell?

James Clavell wrote novels primarily about Hong Kong and Japan, Tai-Pan; Gai-Jin; Noble House and the Struan Family, but the family also branched out to Iran in Whirlwind. A descendant of one of the characters in Shōgun makes an appearance in Noble House as does a character (based on Clavell)from his first novel King Rat. It's not exactly a linear family chronicle, but there are family lines that can be followed. There are romances in the books, but they are definitely secondary. Shogun is probably the best, but I liked Tai Pan and Noble House almost as well. If you haven't read any of his books, I'd suggest starting with Shogun. It's a classic in historical fiction.

Jackie wrote: "I haven't read it yet, but I hear The Pillars of the Earth series is pretty epic and spans several generations.

Have you tried Bernard Cornwell or James Clavell?"

.Jackie,
We must have been typing at the same time. You, being quick and concise, beat me to the punch!

I have read the The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. I enjoyed them very much. I have not read Bernard Cornwell or James Clavell. I do find books dealing with different Asian cultures to be interesting. I will have to look up some of Clavell's novels. Thank you for the note regarding romance :) I don't mind it as a secondary plot line.

Has anyone read the Genghis: Birth of an Empire and the other books in the series by Conn Iggulden. I must admit I enjoy series that involve some aspects of war or violence. I'm afraid that may make me sound stereotypically male :)

Tim wrote: "Has anyone read the Genghis: Birth of an Empire and the other books in the series by Conn Iggulden. I must admit I enjoy series that involve some aspects of war or violence. I'm afraid that may m..."

I also like my historicals to involve war&violence and no romance. I guess that makes me a atypical girl:)
Something medieval would be perfect for you. There is a group here at Goodreads that focuses on exactly that sort of thing. This is a link for their list of recommended reading:

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/24...

Only their mods can add books, so you can be sure there is no lovey-dove stuff in there.

Thank you atypical female Kris!

It's neither a series nor exactly generations, but Christian Cameron's God of War is an 800-pager on Alexander, and what I liked most about it is how his father and his father's set were seen as old guard by Alexander and his friends, who wanted to go further, do more than they. There was a real sense of excitement to the 'we're young, we're better, we're going to conquer Persia' feeling.

Try the Poldark series by Winston Graham. Set in Cornwall, the novels extend from the end of the American Revolution to the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars. Very entertaining and beautifully written. Start with this one.

Thanks Harold, I have added it to my "To Read" list.

Quite long, and with only a very little romance, is Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome series, starting with The First Man in Rome.

Have you also read Follett's Fall of Giants and Winter of the World? They cover WWI and WWII and are every bit as good as Pillars of the Earth, in my opinion. The Kent series is one of the reasons I love historical fiction to this day :-) Have you also read Jakes' Civil War series?

R.Delderfield produce family sagas that stretched from the 1800's through the 1900's - he died in 1972 I think (born 1912)
http://www.ebook3000.com/God-Is-an-En...

Try this as a free e-book download - it is the first book in a set of three (I think it was three, could be four)

Tim wrote: "Has anyone read the Genghis: Birth of an Empire and the other books in the series by Conn Iggulden. I must admit I enjoy series that involve some aspects of war or violence. I'm afraid that may m..."

I recently read this series and thought all 5 books were amazing. I love Mongolian culture and history and would highly recommend these books to anyone interested in Mongolia, historical fiction, or military fiction. I believe that most people have no idea how significantly Chinggis Khan (Genghis)affected world history and this book helps bring that aspect to light.

Have you read any of Edward Rutherfurd books, his books on Ireland and England are suppose to be well written and they are all pretty long. He also has a book about Paris and one about Russia and there is one about New York if you are looking for American History.

I am still trying to work my way through World Without End, might have to leave my kindle at home to actually do it. (I have a paperback copy)

Have you heard anything about the The Mongoliad: Book One, I am not really sure if you would categorized this as fantasy or HF. But since you liked the other book about Genghis Khan, it might be something you like

Tim wrote: "I'm looking for some recommendations. Historical Fiction is my favorite Genre and I have come to enjoy series of books that extend through one or more generations.

Recently, I have read Jack Whyt..."

I'm with you about Gabaldon's books. I could deal with the romance but not the wordiness. I thought that each of her books could be cut down by 300 pages at least.

I also enjoyed The Kent Family saga. Sorry I gave these books away.

I am now reading The Morland Dynasty books by Cynthia Harrod Eagles which take place in England. So far there are 22 books, I think.

You might also enjoy Ken Follett's new series which begins with Fall of Giants or Jeffrey Archer's series
which begins with Only Time Will Tell.

Enjoy a bit of mystery which begins in England shortly after WWI and features a fab heorine, read Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear. Maisie Dobbs is the first book in the series.

Colleen McCullough
Alex Haley
Edward Rutherfurd

Ok - if we're talking about individual epic books I would recommend:

Katherine by Anya Seton
Green Darkness by Anya Seton
Desiree by AnneMarie Selinko
As the Crow Flies by Ken Follett
Winds of War by Herman Wouk
The Source by James Michener
War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk
Cashelmara by Susan Howatch
Penmarric by Susan Howatch
Wheels of Fortune by Susan Howatch

The last 3 titles while not a series is a modern day telling of various Kings of England and their progenies. I think one of them is Henry IV.

And I just thought of two other series which I loved - The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
Angelique by Golon

Tim wrote: "Has anyone read the Genghis: Birth of an Empire and the other books in the series by Conn Iggulden. I must admit I enjoy series that involve some aspects of war or violence. I'm afraid that may m..."

I've read the first 2 so far and really enjoyed them. (does that make me an atypical girl as well?) The were recommended to me by a bloke who wasn't actually sure if I'd enjoy them or not. I can also endorse the Masters of Rome series recommendation, tho they are incredibly word-dense. Never use a sentence of description when a page and a half will do...

You folks are great. Lots of good looking recommendations.

Tim wrote: "I have read the The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. I enjoyed them very much. I have not read Bernard Cornwell or James Clavell. I do find books dealing with different Asian cultures..."

I really enjoyed Pillar sof the Earth and World Without End too, but, like Gabaldon's novels, I thought a bit too wordy...

Harold wrote: "Try the Poldark series by Winston Graham. Set in Cornwall, the novels extend from the end of the American Revolution to the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars. Very entertaining and beautifully wr..."

I heartily agree on the Poldark series: memorable characters, vivid descriptions of 18th century Cornwall. I have the second book in the series on my desk right now.Demelza

I enjoyed the Camulod Chronicles as well. A Roman theme book would be Harry Sidebottom's Warrior of Rome series. It has five books so far in it. Fire in the East

I am still working through the Kent Chronicles by Mr. Jakes, but I did really like his Civil War Saga.

Stephen Lawhead's Hood andThe Iron Lance are the start of two different series. The first obviously for Robin Hood and the other for Crusades.

These two books are on my list of the top five books I have ever read.

Dorothy Dunnett

Dorothy Dunnetts (who passed away in 2001) wrote two series of historical fiction: One series is THE LYMOND CHRONICLES and the other is HOUSE OF NICCOLO. They are set in the 15th and 16th centuries and range all over Europe and the Mediterranean while being anchored in Scotland. Excellent, fascinating, intricate, adventuroous, mysterious, ... GREAT reading! They are NOT light reading.

I really enjoyed Sam Barone's series on the development of ancient civilization along the Mesopotamia.

Dawn of Empire
Empire Rising
Conflict of Empires
Eskkar & Trella
Battle for Empire

I have Dawn of Empire on m TBR list. I am glad it gets another thumbs up from another person.

I see there is a kindle for Sam Barone's book. I will have to check it out.

Damn, my TBR list just got a little longer :P

Marina wrote: "There's also The Accursed Kings Series by Maurice Druon, starting with , about the last of the Capetian dynasty in medieval France."

I read this series years ago, in Romanian - I am so glad to hear it's been finally translated into English, can't wait to re-read it!

I have read "Dawn of Empire" but have not yet gotten the rest of the series. Love the story so far. I am awaiting these to be available in Nook format.

Misou wrote: "I really enjoyed Sam Barone's series on the development of ancient civilization along the Mesopotamia.

Dawn of Empire
Empire Rising
Conflict of Empires
Eskkar & Trella
Battle for Empire"

Marina wrote: "There's also The Accursed Kings Series by Maurice Druon, starting with , about the last of the Capetian dynasty in medieval France."

This series may prove difficult to find. I see the first two have recent English releases but not so with the later volumes. It does look to be interesting.

Dana wrote: "

These two books are on my list of the top five books I have ever read."

Dana, I'm interested in what it was that you liked so much about Vlad: The last Confession. I read it but was disappointed. I had a hard time grasping the jump to the atrocities he committed. I did not think Vlad's character was well fleshed out.

I loved The Balkan Trilogy by Olivia Manning...really gritty, interesting exploration of WWII from the Balkan angle.

There's also Nigel Tranter's The Bruce Trilogy: Steps to the Empty Throne, Path of the Hero King & Price of the King's Peace. It has been a few years since I read it, but it was an epic saga of Robert the Bruce. Very enjoyable.

Can I suggest my own 'Leonora' trilogy, which focuses on the role of women during World War 1? Start with 'Daughters of War'. You might also like my 'Follies' quartet about four young entertainers who apply their various skills to keep up morale and defeat the enemy during World War ll. Begin with 'Now Is The Hour'. Hilary Green