The 10 Must-Read Historical Fantasy Books with Supernatural Mysteries
Book RaiderThere's something deliciously addictive about historical fantasy books, isn't there? The blend of eras gone by, people in poofy dresses, blokes in steel armour, occult mysteries, and a dash of the supernatural really hit a unique spot. It's like sitting in your history class daydreaming of ghosts, witches and, let's be real, a less gruesome version of the bubonic plague.
Speaking of witches, if you've had your fill of 'whodunit' murder mysteries and yearn for something a bit more "I suspect it was a spectre in the study with a curse," you'll want to stick around. We're stepping out of reality and back in time with our list of historical fantasy books embracing the glam of different eras and interweaving tales of supernatural mysteries. Buckle up, our magical time machine is about to depart.
Sorcerer to the Crown
by Zen Cho
Why Sorcerer to the Crown is on this list: This book is a perfect fit for our list as it elegantly combines historical fantasy with a tantalising supernatural mystery. It delves into an enchanting world of magic and mayhem, set against the backdrop of historical England.
Sorcerer to the Crown follows the story of Zacharias Wythe, England's first African Sorcerer Royal. He has a heap of problems: from a dangerous magical decline in England, a malicious plot threatening his life, to trying to grapple with a controversial new magical student – Prunella. As he investigates these mysterious happenings, the story unfurls into an enticing mystery wrapped in a shroud of historical supernatural texture.
What readers like: Readers love the book's charming and witty portrayal of characters, and the adept way it combines elements of historical fiction and high fantasy. Fans also rave about Cho's deft touch in addressing complex themes like race and social class. And let's not forget about the griffins, familiars, and other magical creatures, which are like the cherry on top of this twisted sundae of a novel.
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The House of Shattered Wings
by Aliette de Bodard
Why The House of Shattered Wings is on this list: Weaving together history, the supernatural, and a good mystery, this book ticks all the boxes. Set in an otherworldly Paris, The House of Shattered Wings morphs history into an enchanting palette of magic and mystery, making it an undeniable choice for our list. Oh, and did we mention it has a hefty dose of otherworldly intrigue too?
Taking a lush, historical backdrop, The House of Shattered Wings throws in angels, warlocks, and a healthy dose of sinister happenings. Set in a post-apocalyptic Paris, it spirals around the mystery of a deadly curse hitting an ancient House, leaving a trail of fallen bodies. The story follows three intriguing characters: a disgraced immortal, a naive fallen angel, and a man with a dire past as they try to unravel the devastating secrets before the House crumbles.
What readers like: Readers loved the book's richly descriptive settings and vibrant, well-rounded characters. Plus, with its complex, intertwining plot lines, it's sure to keep anyone hooked. The powerful storytelling, mixing historical grandeur with dark fantasy elements, has drawn heaps of praise. And let's not forget about the mystery. Readers got a real kick out of piecing together the puzzle, right down to the shocking climax.
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The City of Brass
by S. A. Chakraborty
Why The City of Brass is on this list: Weaving a mesmerizing tale that seamlessly blends history with the surreal, this book takes you on a journey into a world where ancient cities, djinn, and magic exist, and thrilling supernatural mysteries need to be unraveled.
Welcome to the city of Brass, a city steeped in ancient magic and intriguing folklore. Nahri, a cunning Cairo con woman, accidently summons a djinn warrior during one of her schemes. She's soon whisked away to an enchanting world that she'd always assumed was a figment of myth and legends, yet here it is, as real as the Cairo she left behind. Plenty of twists, turns, magic, and mayhem await her and you, dear reader, in the gilded streets of Brass.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the seductive pull of the lore and the expertly woven, intricate plot. The engaging characters and addictive narrative guarantees that you won't be able to put this one down. They're also big fans of the complex leads whose decisions are far from black and white, just like the magic that swirls around them.
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The Watchmaker of Filigree Street
by Natasha Pulley
Why The Watchmaker of Filigree Street is on this list: This book is a killer mix of historical fantasy and supernatural mystery served with a side of steampunk. You can almost smell the Victorian London fog as you follow the journey of Thaniel and his mystic watchmaker friend, Keita.
Facing a plot that could put London in danger, humble telegraphist Thaniel comes across a gold pocket watch that saves his life. His search for answers leads him to the mysterious, emotionally complex Keita Mori, a watchmaker whose creations seem to have a mind of their own, giving the story quite the supernatural twist. All the while, you're submerged in a beautifully painted picture of 1880s London among inventors, socialites and radicals.
What readers like: Readers love the unexpected relationship between Thaniel and Keita that keeps you guessing until the end. Above all, the charming Katsu, the mechanical octopus with a solid personality and a penchant for socks, steals everyone's heart. If you love a beautifully written book that skillfully blends history, fantasy, and mystery, then this title should top your must-read list.
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Dread Nation
by Justina Ireland
Why Dread Nation is on this list: Dread Nation ticks all the boxes for any historical fantasy lover with a itch for the supernatural mystery. It’s got that sweet mixture of history and fantasy, wrapped up in a mystery as deep as the night is dark.
The book sets the stage in an alternate history where the Civil War is interrupted by a zombie outbreak. Sounds cool, right? Just wait. Our hero, Jane McKeene, is training to be an Attendant, a protector of the rich and powerful. She learns not just how to dispatch the undead, but also how to navigate a world full of racism, political machinations, and innumerable dark secrets. Jane’s biting humour and razor-sharp intellect get her through situations even crazier than trying to eat soup with a fork.
What readers like: Readers are flipping their pancakes over this book. They rave about Jane, a protagonist with the courage of a lion and the wit of a comedian. Many praise the expert way Ireland weaves together the historical and supernatural elements without stretching believability. The mystery at the heart of the story is as intricate as a spider's web, capturing readers' interest till the very end.
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A Master of Djinn
by P. Djèlí Clark
Why A Master of Djinn is on this list: A Master of Djinn unearths a perfect blend of historical and fantasy elements, delivering a gripping supernatural mystery that will keep you turning pages. Midnight teas – watch out!
Picture this: an alternate Cairo in 1912, powered by magical mysteries and steampunk technology. Add an impossibly sharp detective Fatma el-Sha’arawi from the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities, who's about to have the worst Monday ever. A secret brotherhood ostensibly awakens a mystic force, a self-proclaimed 'djinn,' causing chaos and, well, not very nice things. Every breadcrumb leads Fatma down a winding road of sorcery, ancient artifacts, and life-threatening hullabaloos.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the immersive and vivid world-building, combined with a captivating plot. Our leading lady, Fatma, is charming, fiercely intelligent, and unafraid to strut in a dapper gentleman's suit. The narrative is humorously witty, full of pretty cool magical shenanigans, and serves up a hearty slice of whodunit mystery. It's like your favorite detective show but with a fantasy twist – and more powerful female characters (sorry, Sherlock!)
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Empire of Sand
by Tasha Suri
Why Empire of Sand is on this list: Dig into this sumptuous feast of historical fantasy, complete with mouthwatering supernatural mysteries. Empire of Sand is a tasteful mix of these genres, with a sprinkle of romantic threads aiming to please all your reading senses.
Find yourself in a world inspired by the history and culture of Mughal India, where magic and the supernatural are woven into every fabric of society. Mehr, our undeterred heroine, is the illegitimate daughter of an imperial governor and an exiled Amrithi mother - a people shrouded in mystery and imbued with the power to command the desert spirits. The Empire, desiring the power it foresees in Mehr, forces her hand to enter a marriage destined to control her abilities. Amidst sandstorms, political intrigues, and mystical forces, Mehr must unravel the secrets of the Empire and her heritage, but not without paying a price.
What readers like: Fans of the book relish the potent and unique magic system, besides soaking in the meticulously crafted setting. The cultural vibrancy of the novel mixed with a engaging plot holds readers in its grip. Mehr as a resilient and relatable protagonist adds depth and resonance, earning the book a constant embrace by readers that fancy multi-layered characters and tricky supernatural mysteries wrapped in the rich tapestry of history.
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The City We Became
by N. K. Jemisin
Why The City We Became is on this list: With its vibrant blend of present-day New York with unheard of magical beings, The City We Became is a feast for those who like a mix of reality, fantasy, and enigmatic mysteries. Unfolding in one of history’s most iconic cities, this stories presents a refreshing, supernatural take on historic lore.
Imagine if cities could come to life - as in, literally take human form. That's exactly the offbeat premise of The City We Became. Five New Yorkers must come together to defend their city against a primordial evil that is trying to invade and dominate it. In the process, they discover their own unique magical powers and navigate historic elements that have taken an entirely new, fabulous twist. It's a wild ride in the city that never sleeps, where every alley might just have a mystical secret to tell.
What readers like: Readers were captivated by the brilliant way Jemisin weaves together fantasy and reality. The love letter to New York City it presents is unparalleled, letting avid bookworms see the city in ways they never have before. Passionately characterized, it’s the perfect blend of magic and real-world grittiness. The anthropomorphized city concept is a cherry on the cake for those who enjoy out-of-the-box fantasy. Last but not least, who can dislike the challenge of unraveling a captivating, uncanny mystery?
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City of Stairs
by Robert Jackson Bennett
Why City of Stairs is on this list: City of Stairs is a masterful concoction of historical fantasy mixed with supernatural mysteries. With a world that's like 19th century Earth but where gods are real and a storyline riddled with supernatural enigma, it's a history lesson with an otherworldly twist.
In 'City of Stairs', the divine entities once held power but are now dead. Impossible miracles are revisiting the city of Bulikov and the erudite, secret agent Shara Divani has to untangle the mystery behind them. The task, however, isn't just answering who is behind the miracles, but what happens when divine intervention plays a piece in history. It's a whirlwind adventure of miracles, gods, and a lot of hidden truths.
What readers like: Readers adore the fascinating blend of history and fantasy, totally dig Bennett's intricate world-building, and love the way the mystery unfolds. Shara Divani, the headstrong protagonist, is a hit with readers who enjoy characters who are smart and don't back down. They also like Bennett's prose - it's like the guy's managed to make 'word magic' an actual thing.
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Kingdom of the Wicked
by Kerri Maniscalco
Why Kingdom of the Wicked is on this list: Kingdom of the Wicked sews together the threads of history, fantasy, and supernatural mystery, culminating in a chilling tale that would give even an iron-clad detective goosebumps.
Step into the shoes of Emilia, a strega fighting for justice in a world marred by death, secrets, and betrayal. When her twin sister is murdered, a vengeful Emilia summons a demon prince tasked with helping her catch the killer. However, the deeper she goes, the nearer she is to unveiling the truth about her own identity and the dark secrets hidden in the underbelly of her Sicilian hometown. Ancient curses, forbidden romance, powers beyond understanding – this book has it all.
What readers like: Readers rave about the dark, atmospheric storytelling that shrouds you like a foggy Sicilian night, the intricate plot twists that keep you second guessing, and the blend of rich historical elements with a dash of horror. Being almost like Sherlock Holmes but with demons and magic, Kerri Maniscalco's exploring and navigating through historical, supernatural crime scenes will indeed keep your heart thumping and pages turning.
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