The Renaissance period was a time of great transformation, art, and intellectual awakening. Capturing this era through historical fiction brings to life the vivid characters and events that shaped the world. For those who love rich historical settings combined with gripping narratives, this list of the Top 10 Best Renaissance Historical Fiction Books is sure to inspire your next read. Renaissance Historical Fiction rocks!
Written by: H. A. Smith
H. A. Smith is a lover of Renaissance history and literature, having spent years researching and writing about this fascinating period. She brings her passion for the Renaissance to her reviews, always seeking books that capture the heart of this vibrant era.
10. Daughter of the King (Defying the Crown Book 1)
Author: Kerry Chaput
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5 from 709 ratings
Category: Renaissance Historical Fiction
Kerry Chaput’s Daughter of the King is a captivating story of a young woman’s journey from France to New France, filled with peril and religious turmoil. Set in the 17th century, it vividly captures the trials of Isabelle and the resilience needed to survive in a hostile environment.
Why You’ll Love It: Readers will enjoy Isabelle’s fierce determination and Chaput’s detailed depiction of a little-explored time in history. It’s a deeply personal and gripping tale of survival and faith. For Category: Renaissance Historical Fiction fans.
Fun Fact: The term “Daughters of the King” refers to the hundreds of young women sent by Louis XIV to help colonize New France, where they were expected to marry and start families.
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9. Wolf Hall: A Novel
Author: Hilary Mantel
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2/5 from 21,116 ratings
Category: Renaissance Historical Fiction
In Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel offers a masterful portrayal of Thomas Cromwell’s rise in the volatile court of Henry VIII. Cromwell, a pivotal figure during the Tudor reign, is depicted with remarkable depth and complexity in this critically acclaimed novel.
Why You’ll Love It: Mantel’s ability to breathe life into historical figures makes this a must-read. The intricate political games and Cromwell’s character development are fascinating, making it hard to put down.
Fun Fact: Wolf Hall was the first book in a trilogy that won both the Man Booker Prize and the Costa Book Award.
8. Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles
Author: Peggy Joque Williams
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5 from 154 ratings
Category: Renaissance Historical Fiction
Set in the glittering court of Louis XIV, Courting the Sun tells the story of intrigue, power, and betrayal. The novel provides a vivid glimpse into the opulence and politics of the French court, offering readers a gripping tale filled with historical authenticity.
Why We Chose It: The lush descriptions of Versailles and the intricate political machinations make this a perfect choice for anyone interested in courtly drama and Renaissance splendor.
Fun Fact: Louis XIV’s court at Versailles was renowned for its extravagant entertainments, including elaborate masked balls and theatrical performances.
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7. The Night Portrait: A Novel of World War II and da Vinci’s Italy
Author: Laura Morelli
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5 from 3,028 ratings
Category: Renaissance Historical Fiction
In The Night Portrait, Laura Morelli brings together two distinct historical periods—the Italian Renaissance and World War II—in this thrilling tale centered around Leonardo da Vinci’s painting Lady with an Ermine. The book follows two women from different centuries whose fates intertwine through the painting’s history.
Why You’ll Love It: Morelli’s blend of Renaissance artistry and WWII intrigue makes this a unique and captivating read for fans of both eras.
Fun Fact: The painting at the heart of the story, Lady with an Ermine, was commissioned by the Duke of Milan and is one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most celebrated works.
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6. The Familiar: A Novel
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3/5 from 6,162 ratings
Category: Renaissance Historical Fiction
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is a magical tale set in Renaissance Venice. With her signature world-building, Bardugo intertwines history with fantasy, delivering a story of love, power, and ambition against a richly painted Venetian backdrop.
Why We Chose It: The mix of historical accuracy and fantasy elements make this novel stand out in the Renaissance historical fiction genre. Bardugo’s writing is lush and her characters are unforgettable.
Fun Fact: Bardugo studied at Yale and has a background in history, which is evident in the authenticity of her settings.
5. The House of the Witch: A BRAND NEW Spellbinding Historical Mystery
Author: Clare Marchant
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 from 648 ratings
Category: Renaissance Historical Fiction
Marchant’s The House of the Witch is a thrilling tale of witchcraft, betrayal, and mystery set during the Renaissance. As the protagonist uncovers dark secrets about her family, she must navigate a world where suspicion of witchcraft leads to death.
Why You’ll Love It: This novel offers readers a blend of suspense and historical depth, ideal for those intrigued by the supernatural elements of Renaissance life.
Fun Fact: The persecution of witches in Europe peaked during the Renaissance, with an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 people executed for witchcraft.
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4. The Familiar: A Novel
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3/5 from 6,162 ratings
Category: Renaissance Historical Fiction
Bardugo appears again on this list with The Familiar, where the line between Renaissance history and fantasy blurs. Venice, with its canals and carnivals, is a perfect setting for this novel, which delves into the murky waters of magic and power.
Why We Chose It: The balance between historical reality and Bardugo’s magical touches make this a novel that will enchant lovers of both genres.
Fun Fact: The Venice Carnival, a tradition dating back to the 12th century, plays a significant role in Bardugo’s storytelling.
3. Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen (Six Tudor Queens Book 1)
Author: Alison Weir
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 from 4,743 ratings
Category: Renaissance Historical Fiction
In this powerful novel, Katherine of Aragon, Alison Weir tells the story of Henry VIII’s first wife, Katherine of Aragon. Through extensive research, Weir brings to life the tragedy and strength of a queen who refused to be cast aside by her husband.
Why We Chose It: Weir’s deep understanding of Tudor history makes this novel a fascinating and moving read. It offers a sympathetic look at one of the most tragic figures of the Tudor court.
Fun Fact: Katherine of Aragon was the daughter of the famous Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, and was originally married to Henry’s brother, Arthur.
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2. The Night Portrait: A Novel of World War II and da Vinci’s Italy
Author: Laura Morelli
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5 from 3,028 ratings
Category: Renaissance Historical Fiction
Laura Morelli’s The Night Portrait transports readers between the Renaissance and World War II, creating a dynamic historical fiction that revolves around da Vinci’s famous painting, Lady with an Ermine. The intertwining timelines make for a gripping narrative.
Why You’ll Love It: With its dual timelines and deeply researched historical details, this novel appeals to lovers of both Renaissance art and WWII history. The suspense and intrigue are beautifully balanced with character-driven storytelling.
Fun Fact: Lady with an Ermine is one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous portraits, and it was nearly lost during World War II.
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1. An Age of Winters: A Novel
Author: Gemma Liviero
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0/5 from 721 ratings
Category: Renaissance Historical Fiction
At the top of our list is An Age of Winters by Gemma Liviero. Set in Renaissance Italy, this novel tells the story of a family struggling against the harshness of winter and the political machinations of a powerful, divided city-state. Liviero’s beautiful prose and well-developed characters create a vivid portrait of a time of great change.
Why You’ll Love It: Liviero masterfully weaves together a story of survival, family, and political intrigue, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy richly detailed historical settings.
Fun Fact: The Renaissance period saw not only a resurgence of art and culture but also severe political instability, especially in Italy, where city-states were often at war.
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