Tuesday 2 February 2016

Historical Settings I love | Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is: Top Ten Historical Settings You Love/ Ten Historical Settings You'd Love To See or Top Futuristic Books You Love/Ten Futuristic Societies I'd Love To Read in Books. I'm a history major, so of course I had to choose *drums rolls* Ten Historical Settings I Love!


I will split it through the four time periods - btw Prehistory doesn't count because they weren't writing OMG. And I have no interest in this era, sorry! I'll try to mention books that are set in this era, but if I don't, it's because I only read that kind of books in French!

ANCIENT HISTORY


Ancient Egypt

I think I've never read historical fiction in English set in Ancient Egypt, so I need recommendations, guys! I read loads of it in French though, when I was younger. I love learning about this culture. Pharaohs! Gods! Pyramids! OMG it's so great.


Ancient Greece

I think I haven't read any books in English like that either, but I have one on my TBR, I just need to get to it! I'm fascinated by ancient cuture in general and since I have a class about Ancient Greece, I'm all about it lately.

Books: Legacy of Kings by Eleanor Herman


Ancient Rome

Did you know I studied Latin like a crazy person for two years? Yes that's something I did for school. But strangely, we didn't learn a lot about Roman culture, which makes me sad. Nevertheless, I've been to Roma six years ago and I loved visiting all the ancient places!

MIDDLE AGES


Vikings

I have a confession for this one: I've never read a book set in Vikings era *sobs*. But I love Vikings and had a class on that subject once. And the TV show is amazing, are you excited about it coming back, btw?So yeah... If you've read books about Vikings, give me some recs. *grabby hands*


Time of Eleanor of Aquitaine (12th century)

I love Middle Ages, but I found there are not enough YA novels that are set here, which makes me so sad. Please writers, do something about it! So, I love 12th century, because so many things: Crusades, Robin Hood and the amazing Eleanor of Aquitaine. She's such a strong and independent woman for her time!

Books: Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen, Into the Dim by Janet B. Taylor

EARLY MODERN PERIOD


Renaissance

This is such a rich time in terms of art. Weirdly, I'm not a big fan of that time period in France (because François 1st is such an idiot, ugh) but Italy and England are so interesting at that time! I haven't read a lot of books set there though, so give me recs if you have some ;)

Books: Da Vinci's Tiger by L.M Elliott, The Tudor Court by Philippa Gregory


Reign of Louis XIV of France

I won't recommend books in English, because when English authors try with Louis XIV... It's often ridiculous. Trust me, it's my favourite time period. I went to Versailles three times already and I'm never tired to go there! :)


Regency England

This time period is also fascinating. So much court politics and pretty dresses and Jane Austen novels (even though I've only read Northanger Abbey, don't hit me!)

Books: The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman, Jane Austen's novels


LATE MODERN PERIOD


Victorian Era

Since I read The Infernal Devices, I became obsessed with that era. Looking at these images brings back all the feels. And the image with Douglas Booth is like a Wessa moment, right? I think I need to reread... Soon.

Books: The Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare, Gemma Doyle by Libba Bray, These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas


Roaring Twenties

I'm not a big fan of the 20th century, because so many wars. I know a lot of people love reading WWII fiction, but I'm not really passionate about that. I do, sometimes, but it's because a lot of historical fiction is set there. Anyway. The Roaring Twenties are a fun period to read about, because it involves the Prohibition and a lot of dancing. Also, The Great Gastby is one of my favourite classics, I think. I love the atmosphere!

Books: The Diviners by Libba Bray, The Great Gatsby by Francis Scott Fitzgerald, A Criminal Magic by Lee Kelly

Do you love historical fiction? Which era do you love to read about? 
Tell me about your favourite books in that genre down below.

20 comments:

  1. I love historical and dystopia though I read more dystopia. My favorite reads are hunger games, cinder chronicles, between the shades of grey.
    My TTT

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    1. I used to read more dystopia, but I got tired of them at some point, because they're so similar. There are still some series I'm reading, but only because of their unique concepts :)

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  2. Pharaoh: The Boy who Conquered the Nile by Jackie French is the first historical novel set in Ancient Egypt that comes to mind! I haven't read it - but I've read Jackie French's other novels, and they are PHENOMENAL :D If you get around to it, you'll have to tell me what you think :)
    AND SAME WITH THE VIKINGS - Jackie French wrote They Came on Viking Ships, and it's set in the Vikings kind of area - I liked it when I was younger!! :D

    Anyways, onto modern era stuff! I'm not a huge fan of the World War books either but I'd love to read more about the Roaring Twenties as well! I've only read The Great Gatsby on that list - and it made me fall in love with the whole era haha xD I'll have to check out The Diviners :D

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    1. It seems like an author I should keep in mind then! I opened a document to write down all the recommendations I received through this post ;)

      I loved the Diviners, but I was disappointed by its sequel, Lair of Dreams, so well, I don't know what I'll think of the next book in the series (but they're taking so long to get them released, ugh). It's a big book though, but for the first one, it was worth the read :) I still need to watch the Great Gatsby movie, I haven't got around yet :o

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  3. I love this post!! It is so pretty :) I also am obsessed with ancient Greece... if you like this era, The Song of Achilles is a great book that is set there! Victorian England (and especially the Infernal Devices :) ) is also another favorite of mine. I can't believe I forgot to put that trilogy on my list!
    here's my TTT!

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    1. Everyone is in love with The Song of Achilles, so I think I really need to read this one! I can't wait to read the continuation of the Infernal Devices, with the characters' children, even if I have no idea when it will be released :o

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  4. You want books about Vikings? You want Bernard Cornwell. :-D He has a running series set during the Viking invasions of England that begins with [The Last Kingdom]. They're virtually all politics and war, but Cornwell is a brilliant writer at conveying drama. I love his dialogue. His series inspired a far inferior BBC production, "The Last Kingdom".


    If you're really interested in ancient Greece, you might like Steven Pressfield's "Gates of Fire", about the battle of Thermopylae.

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    1. Thank you for all the recommendations, I'll have some books to read, thanks to you! :) I've heard about Bernard Cornwell before, but haven't read any of his books yet, it's about time I start. I won't watch the TV show then ;) The book you talked about for ancient Greece also seems really interesting :)

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  5. Your list is so well-thought out, I love it! I am not a huge fan of historical fiction, but I do love Ancient Greece :)

    My TTT.

    Also, feel free to check out our giveaway.

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    1. I love historical fiction, but it's even better with fantasy elements, let's be real ;)

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  6. You've picked so many amazing historical settings! I'd love to read more books set in a lot of these times too. I really want more books set in Ancient Egypt, I haven't read too many and that's my favourite historical setting!

    Here's my TTT post if you want to check it out.

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    1. Books set in Ancient times are so fascinating. I wish more authors wrote about those eras :)

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  7. Great list! I love the Victorian era too...so much repression and mystery. 😝

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    1. Yes! Yesterday I was watching a video and heard about a book that was a Jack the Ripper retelling and it got me SO excited! :D

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  8. For a Viking book, check out God's Daughter by Heather Day Gilbert.

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  9. Love Ancient Greece!
    My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2016/02/02/top-ten-tuesday-42/

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  10. I would so love a Viking book also!

    http://videoclimbersvariations.blogspot.com/2016/02/top-ten-tuesday-ten-favorite-historical.html

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