Historical fiction with epic battles

[Zsinj]

Okay, so far I have a pretty good to-read list going on these action/adventure-oriented historical fiction recommendations from the info I've gathered here and at another forum, but I'm looking for some more action/adventure-oriented historicals based around feudal Japan and China, besides James Clavell, ancient Egypt, besides Wilbur Smith, ancient Arabia, the reign of Vlad Tepes, and possibly ancient Babylon if there is any. Could anybody please help? By the way, I'm currently reading Shogun by James Clavell and it's pretty amazing!

[suupaabaka]

*looks around for Hobbit*

[ArthurFrayn]

I think it's Ficus Fan you should be looking around for.

[suciul]

Okay, so far I have a pretty good to-read list going on these action/adventure-oriented historical fiction recommendations from the info I've gathered here and at another forum, but I'm looking for some more action/adventure-oriented historicals based around feudal Japan and China, besides James Clavell, ancient Egypt, besides Wilbur Smith, ancient Arabia, the reign of Vlad Tepes, and possibly ancient Babylon if there is any. Could anybody please help? By the way, I'm currently reading Shogun by James Clavell and it's pretty amazing!

Try Mika Waltari - The Egyptian (it happens around the time of the pharaoh who tried to introduce monotheism, though it wanders throughout the Mediterranean - the memoirs of Sinuhe a physician and diplomat at the pharaoh court, it has adventures, battles, intrigue, secrets...)

Anything by Waltari is excellent - he wrote 8 historical novel masterpieces, 7 are available in English, only one published posthumously is available only in French; he is the most famous Finnish novelist

I read each at least 3 times, The Roman which is my favorite at least 10 times easily

There are excerpts on Amazon from various of his books, so check them out.

The first page of The Roman (available on Amazon) hooked me forever to his novels many years ago, and I never regretted it.

[Eldanuumea]

I just finished the best one yet....and I've been reading historical fiction for almost half a century!

The Religion, by Tom Willocks. The book may seem like a slow starter for some, but believe me, it is worth the read if you want intense, realistic battle action. The setting is Malta, circa 1560, when the island bastion of the Knights Hospitalers is under seige by Moslem forces.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone who has an interest in the late Renaissance, the Inquisition, Christian-Moslem tensions, and just plain fascinating characters.

[Severn]

Try Mika Waltari - The Egyptian (it happens around the time of the pharaoh who tried to introduce monotheism, though it wanders throughout the Mediterranean - the memoirs of Sinuhe a physician and diplomat at the pharaoh court, it has adventures, battles, intrigue, secrets...)

Anything by Waltari is excellent - he wrote 8 historical novel masterpieces, 7 are available in English, only one published posthumously is available only in French; he is the most famous Finnish novelist

I read each at least 3 times, The Roman which is my favorite at least 10 times easily

There are excerpts on Amazon from various of his books, so check them out.

The first page of The Roman (available on Amazon) hooked me forever to his novels many years ago, and I never regretted it.

I just read an excerpt of Waltari and I'm definitely ordering The Egyptian - the language had me hooked on the first line. Thanks!

[Mock]

I just finished the best one yet....and I've been reading historical fiction for almost half a century!

The Religion, by Tom Willocks. The book may seem like a slow starter for some, but believe me, it is worth the read if you want intense, realistic battle action. The setting is Malta, circa 1560, when the island bastion of the Knights Hospitalers is under seige by Moslem forces.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone who has an interest in the late Renaissance, the Inquisition, Christian-Moslem tensions, and just plain fascinating characters.

I ought to add Angels in Iron, by Nicholas C. Prata, published by ARX (small company). Very intense and realistic—albeit heroic—action, as this novel about the 1565 siege of Malta is JAMMED WITH BATTLES. Very gripping, both suspenseful and emotional, as the few remaining Knights Hospitaller are pitted against the Turkish horde in a desperate hold-the-fort battle.

[theDood]

If you want some historical fiction in Ancient Babylon, the only thing that I have ever found in this setting is The Young Captives, by Erasmus W. Jones published in 1907. It's on project gutenberg.

Its a shame that there hasn't been more historical fiction set in Ancient Persia and Arabia, because I find it to be some great history.

[suciul]

If you want some historical fiction in Ancient Babylon, the only thing that I have ever found in this setting is The Young Captives, by Erasmus W. Jones published in 1907. It's on project gutenberg.

Its a shame that there hasn't been more historical fiction set in Ancient Persia and Arabia, because I find it to be some great history.

Gore Vidal's Creation is the story of Cyrus Spitama, grandson of Zoroaster though half-greek by his mother, childhood friend and companion of great king Xerxes of Thermopyle fame, ambassador of the Persian empire to Athens, India, China...

[theDood]

Yes, I'm aware of Creation, I was just trying to there isn't enough of it.

[Raule]

If you want some historical fiction in Ancient Babylon, the only thing that I have ever found in this setting is The Young Captives, by Erasmus W. Jones published in 1907. It's on project gutenberg.

Its a shame that there hasn't been more historical fiction set in Ancient Persia and Arabia, because I find it to be some great history.

Suciul mentioned Waltari's The Egyptian above. The protagonist of that novel also travels to Mesopotamia (can't remember which city-state) and witnesses the King for a Day ritual. There's a trip to Crete, too, if that interests you.

Has anyone read GJ Whyte Melville's Sarchedon, which I think explores the legend of the Assyrian queen Semiramis? Probably out of print and hard to find, but might be of interest to you.

[Leiali]

I just finished the best one yet....and I've been reading historical fiction for almost half a century!

The Religion, by Tom Willocks. The book may seem like a slow starter for some, but believe me, it is worth the read if you want intense, realistic battle action. The setting is Malta, circa 1560, when the island bastion of the Knights Hospitalers is under seige by Moslem forces.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone who has an interest in the late Renaissance, the Inquisition, Christian-Moslem tensions, and just plain fascinating characters.

Better than Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles which also describes the siege in Malta..Is that possible?!

[FYaTO]

does this happen to anyone else? You start reading a book and then something happens and you set it down for a long time, and want to go back and read it but don't k ow how to start.

I started reading Shogun last summer and got a couple hundred pages in, but then school started and i never had time for it. now i want to finish it, but i feel like the task is too daunting. the book is long, im already 200 pages in but i dont remember much of it. should i reread the 200 pages? i think id get bored. should i try and start from a couple hundred pages in... ugh

[FicusFan]

I have some suggestions, but not sure if they will meet you battle requirements or not. Its not an element that I look for in my books. Most of mine are historical fiction that have some battles or personal/political conflicts, or historical mysteries. I have left out those that seem too much centered around romance, characters, and quests.

Some are older and may be out of print. Some of the older ones may not be politically correct, and may offend with their outdated ideas about other cultures. Reader Beware.

I have included some books that have fantasy elements, if the book seems to be heavily historical.

The books listed are mostly those that have gone into paper, so if there is a book in hardcover in a series, I won't have it yet, and so haven't listed it. Other series are not finished, a few have been stopped, and some I am still searching for (out of print).

Chinese:

Warlord and Fire in Heaven by Malcom Bosse
Deception by Eleanor Cooney
Mandarin and Dynasty by Robert Elegant
A Floating Life, The Adventures of Li Po by Simon Elegant
The Republic of Win by Mo Yan

By Sean Russell (Fantasy, could be Japanese or Chinese)
The Initiate Brother
Gatherer of Clouds

Japanese:

The rest of the Asian Saga by Clavell
Tai-Pan
Gai-Jin
King Rat
Noble House
Whirlwind

Genpei by Kara Dalkey

Tales of the Otori series by Lian Hearn
Across the Nightingale Floor
Grass For His Pillow
Brilliance of the Moon
The Harsh Cry of the Heron

Sugawara Akitada Mysteries by I.J. Parker
Rashomon Gate (#2)
The Hell Screen (#4)
The Dragon Scroll (#1)
Black Arrow (#3)

Sano Ichiro Mystery series by Laura Joh Rowland
Shinju
Bundori
The Way of the Traitor
The Concubine's Tattoo
The Samurai's Wife
Black Lotus
The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria
The Dragon King's Palace
The Perfumed Sleeve
Assassin's Touch


The Tale of Genji by Shikibu Murasaki
Taiko by Eiji Yoshikawa
The Tale of Murasaki by Liza Dalby
Tokaido By Lucia St. Clair Robson

Shogun series by Dov Silverman
The Fall of the Shogun
Tairo

Native Americans:

Kotoya the Witch Woman of Wuuyoq'a Kiihu by Jean Akens
The Forest and The Fort by Hervey Allen
The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter

Incas:

Inca series by A.B. Daniel (translated from French, Pseudonym)
The Puma's Shadow
The Gold of Cuzco
The Light of Machu Picchu

The Incas by Peter Daniels

Aztec:

Feathered Serpent by Colin Falconer

Aztec Series by Garry Jennings
Aztec
Aztec Autumn
Aztec Blood * Some is him, some his wife and agent after his death
Aztec Rage * Not by GJ

Aztec Mystery series by Simon Levack
Demon of the Air
Shadow of the Lords
Aztec: City of Spies *Still only available in the UK

Tibet:

Red Poppies by A. Alai (medieval)

By Eliot Pattison (Modern Day - but might as well be historical)
The Skull Mantra
Water Touching Stone
Bone Mountain
Beautiful Ghosts

Anasazi:

People of the Silence Kathleen O'Neal Gear

Anasazi Mysteries by Kathleen O' Neal Gear
The Visitant
The Summoning God
Bone Walker

By Pressley Kent (Self or Vanity Published)
Running Fox
Anasazi Autumn

Maya:

Blood & Jade, a Mayan Saga by Sally Kohonoski (Self-Published)

Sky Knife mystery series by Marella Sands
Sky Knife
Serpent & Storm

Xibalba Gate by Rob Swigart

Greeks:

The 300 Spartans by John Burke
A Victor of Salamis by William Stearns Davis

Alexander the Great mystery series by Paul (P.C.) Doherty
The House of Death
The Godless Man
The Gates of Hell

Macedonian Series by David Gemmell
Dark Prince
Lion of Macedon

by Tom Holt (not Humorous)
Alexander at the World's End
Olympiad
The Walled Orchard

Alexander series by Valerio Massimo Manfredi
Alexander: Child of a Dream
Alexander: The Sands of Ammon
Alexander: The Ends of The Earth
Spartan

Ancient Greeks by Steven Pressfield
Gates of Fire
Tides of War
Last of the Amazons
The Virtues of War
The Afghan Campaign

Alexander Series by Mary Renault
Fire From Heaven
The Persian Boy
Funeral Games

Stand Alone books by Mary Renault
The Praise Singer
The Last of the Wine
The Mask of Apollo

Theseus Myth series by Mary Renault
The King Must Die
The Bull From the Sea

Murder in Tarsis by John Maddox Roberts
Queen of the Amazons by Judith Tarr

Sea Trader series by Harry Turtledove
Over The Wine Dark Sea
The Gryphon's Skull
The Sacred Land

Latro's Story by Gene Wolfe
Soldier of the Mist
Soldier of Arete

Troy:

Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow by David Gemmell
Homer's Daughter by Robert Graves
The Song of Troy by Colleen McCullough


Greek/Persian:

The Ten Thousandby Michael Curtis Ford
Memnon by Scott Oden
Creation by Gore Vidal

Romans:

A Friend of Caesar by William Stearns Davis

Falco mystery series by Lindsey Davis

Silver Pigs
Shadows in Bronze
Venus in Copper
The Iron Hand of Mars
Poseidon's Gold
Last Act in Palmyra
Time to Depart
A Dying Light in Cordoba
Three Hands in the Fountain
Two for the Lions
One Virgin Too Many
Ode to A Banker
A Body in the Bathouse
Jupiter Myth
The Accusers
Scandal Takes A Holiday
See Delphi and Die

Gods and Legions by Michael Curtis Ford
I, Claudius and Claudius the God, by Robert Graves
Pompeii and Imperium By Robert Harris
A Song for Nero by Tom Holt (not Humorous)

Emperor series by Conn Iggulden (very inaccurate Historically)
Emperor: The Gates of Rome
Emperor: The Death of Kings
Emperor: The Field of Swords
Emperor: The Gods of War

The Tribune by Patrick Larkin
The Last Legion by Valerio Massimo Manfredi

The Masters of Rome series by Colleen McCullough
The First Man in Rome
The Grass Crown
Fortune's Favorites
Caesar's Women
Caesar
The October Horse

SPQR series by John Robert Maddox
SPQR
The Catiline Conspiracy
The Sacrilege
The Temple of the Muses
Saturnalia
Nobody Loves a Centurion
The Tribune's Curse
The River God's Vengeance
The Princess and the Pirates
A Point of Law

Roman Sub Rosa mystery series by Steven Saylor
Roman Blood
Arms of Nemesis
Catilina's Riddle
The Venus Throw
A Murder on the Appian Way
Rubicon
Last Seen in Massilia
A Mist of Prophecies
The Judgment of Caesar

Eagle series by Simon Scarrow
Under the Eagle
The Eagle's Conquest
When the Eagle Hunts
The Eagle and the Wolves

Household Gods by Judith Tarr and Harry Turtledove
Julian by Gore Vidal

Roman Britannia:

Hadrian's Wall by William Dietrich
Warrior Queen by Alan Gold

Boudica Quartet by Manda Scott
Dreaming the Eagle
Dreaming the Bull
Dreaming the Hound
Dreaming the Serpent Spear

The Eagle and the Raven by Pauline Gedge

Carthage:

Pride of Carthage by David Anthony Durham
Carthage by Ross Leckie
The Sword of Hannibal by Terry McCarthy

Carthage VS Rome series by John Maddox Roberts
Hannibal's Children
The Seven Hills

Egyptian / Persian:

Men of Bronze by Scott Oden

Egyptian:

The Hatshepsut Mystery series by Paul (P.C.) Doherty
The Mask of Ra
The Horus Killing
The Anubis Slayings
The Slayers of Seth
The Assassins of Isis

Ankenhaten/Tut Trilogy by Paul (P.C.) Doherty
An Evil Spirit Out of The West
The Season of the Hyaena
The Year of the Cobra

A God Against the Gods / Return to Thebes by Allen Drury
When We Were Gods by Colin Falconer

Semerket the Egyptian Mystery series by Brad Geagley
Year of the Hyenas
Day of the False King (Set in Babylon)

Multiple books and Series by Pauline Gedge

The Hippopotamus Marsh
The Oasis
The Horus Road
The Twelfth Transforming
Child of the Morning
House of Dreams
Lady of the Reeds
House of Illusions

Huy the Scribe Mystery Series by Anton Gill
City of the Horizon
City of Dreams
City of the Dead

Lieutenant Bak Mystery series by Lauren Haney
Flesh of the God
The Right Hand of Amon
A Face Turned Backward
A Vile Justice
A Curse of Silence
A Place of Darkness
A Cruel Deceit
A Path of Shadows

Various books and series by Christian Jacq (translated)
The Tutankhamun Affair
For the Love of Philae
The Empire of Darkness
The War of the Crowns
The Flaming Sword
The Son of Light
The Eternal Temple
The Battle of Kadesh
The Lady of Abu Simbel
Under the Western Acacia
Nefer the Silent
The Wise Woman
Paneb the Ardent
The Place of Truth

Ancient Egyptian series by Naguib Mahfouz
Khufu's Wisdom
Akhenaten: Dweller in Truth
Thebes at War

Lord Meren Mystery series by Lynda Robinson
Murder in the Place of Anubis
Murder at the God's Gate
Murder at the Feast of Rejoicing
Eater of Souls
Drinker of Blood
Slayer of Gods

Ancient/Modern series by Wilbur Smith
The Seventh Scroll
River God
Warlock

Ptolemies Quartet by Duncan Sprott
The House of the Eagle
Ptolemies

Egyptian books by Judith Tarr
Lord of the Two Lands
Pillar of Fire
Throne of Isis
King and Goddess

Hyksos Saga by Judith Tarr
White Mare's Daughter
Lady of Horses
Daughter of Lir
The Shepherd Kings

The Egyptian by Mika Waltari

Parthian:

The Last King (Mithridates) by Michael Curtis Ford

Babylon/Ur:

Gilgamesh by Stephan Grundy
I, The Sun by Janet Morris
Between the Rivers by Harry Turtledove

Indus Valley/ Mohanderjo:

Winter on the Plain of Ghosts by Eileen Kernaghan


Blood of the Goddess series by Kara Dalkey
Goa
Bijapur
Bhagavati

Samarkand:

Samarkand by Amin Maalouf

Europe/Asia:

The Journeyer by Garry Jennings (Marco Polo's wanderings)
The Silk Road by Jeanne Larsen
The Road of Silk by Barbara DysonWilliams

Java/Spice Islands:

Silver Nutmeg by Norah Lofts

Europe:

The House of Niccolo by Dorothy Dunnett
Niccolo Rising
The Spring of the Ram
Race of Scorpions
Scales of Gold
The Unicorn Hunt
To Lie with Lions
Caprice and Rondo
Gemini

The Walking Drum by Louis L'Amour
Byzantium and Patrick by Stephen Lawhead
Agent of Byzantium by Harry Turtledove *
Justinian by H.N Turteltaub *

* Same Person

Catherine Levandeur Mysteries by Sharan Newman
Death Comes as Epiphany
The Devil's Door
The Wandering Arm
Strong as Death
Cursed in Blood
The Difficult Saint
To Wear the White Cloak
The Witch in the Well
Heresy

The Hound and the Falcon by Judith Tarr

Western Roman Empire: Ravenna mysteries by Albert Noyer
The Secundus Papyrus
The Cybelene Conspiracy
The Saint's Day Deaths


England/Wales:

By Edith Pargeter
A Bloody Field by Shrewsbury
The Brothers of Gwynedd Quartet

Various books and series by Sharon Kay Penman

When Christ and His Saints Slept
Time and Chance
The Queen's Man
Cruel as the Grave
Dragon's Lair
Prince of Darkness
The Sunne in Splendour
Here Be Dragons
Falls the Shadow
The Reckoning

King Richard Series by Judith Tarr
Pride of Kings
Devil's Bargain
House of War

The Conqueror by Georgette Heyer
(William The Conqueror)

William the Conqueror series by Judith Tarr
Rite of Conquest
King's Blood

Norman Mystery by Joan Wolf
No Dark Place
The Poisoned Serpent

The Domesday Mysteries by Edward Marston
The Wolves of Savernake
The Ravens of Blackwater

Stonehenge by Bernard Cornwell

Huns:

The Sword Attila by Michael Curtis Ford
Attila's Treasure by Stephan Grundy

Goths:

Raptor by Garry Jennings

Vikings:

The Thrall's Tale by Judith Lindbergh
Gunnar's Daughter by Sigrid Undset
Thunder God by Paul Watkins
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell

Celts:

Various books and series by Llywelyn Morgan
Etruscans
Druids
The Greener Shore
Lion of Ireland
Pride of Lions
The Horse Goddess
Strongbow
Red Branch
Grania
Finn MacCool
The Last Prince of Ireland
Druids
Bard
Brian Boru
The Wind from Hastings
The Isles of the Blest

Druid King by Norman Spinrad
The Etruscan by Mika Waltari

Sister Fidelma Mysteries by Peter Tremayne

Absolution by Murder
Act of Mercy
Our Lady of Darkness

[theDood]

WOWZA! Thats a great list, man.