I enjoy books which are set in medieval or ancient time peroids. I have read Manda Scott's Boudica's series and Jules Watson's set in Celtic Scotland. Also read a bit of Bernard Cornwall. Now looking for similar books and series. I like a bit of romance and mythical themes. I'm not overly keen on time travel books.I have also tried The Dark Mirror by Juliet Marillier but couldn't get into it. Any sugguestions would be helpful!

Try "Here be Dragons" by Sharon Penman - set in medieval Wales with a definate romantic element. If you like this but want something with a little more sunstance, try "The Brothers of Gwynedd" by Edith Pargeter. This carries on the story set in "Here be Dragons" only a generation later in the time of Edward I.

You should definately try Masters of Rome series, excellent and informative historical fiction

You could try:-

The Whale Road - by Robert Low. Story revolves around the crew of a Viking ship who are hired to search for the sword that is thought to have killed the 'White Christ.' Everything you would expect from the Vikings. Very well researched.

The Genghis Khan Trilogy - by Conn Iggulden. Start with 'Wolf of the Plains'. Wonderfully written - you can really get your teeth into this story. Historically accurate as well. Iggulden has also written the Emperor Series - set in Ancient Rome.

My personal favourite is the Aubrey/Maturin stories by Patrick O'Brian. Twenty books in the series and they have never been surpassed. Yes, they are set in the era you don't want - but give them try -(if you haven't already). Start with Master and Commander and allow yourself to be swept into a world that has disappeared; to revel in the masterful story-telling and to become engrossed in the cracking stories and fantastic characterisations.

Try Whisky in the Jar by Alexander Tait... Set in 1700s in scotland and present day... really well written and funny at times. I loved it.

Do you like Edwardian and the roaring 20's? No 1 Chesterfield Square is set ifrom 1900 to 1925, a fascinating saga which really brings the period to life vividly. Might be too "modern" for you but worth taking a look at perhaps? I loved it.

you could try The green branch trilogy by edith pargeter. The mistletoe & sword by Anya seaton.

Do you like fiction set in ancient Egypt? If so try Michelle Moran's books...I love them. x

Oh also the Clan of the Cave Bear stories by Jean M Auel....fantastic.

If you can get into 1660s England, try An Instance of the Fingerpost. A beautiful book. If you fancy the mythical and fantasy, try Magician (Riftwar saga). (I agree with Lily the Pink about Master and Commander.)

I can highly recommend the outlander series by Diana Gabaldon (starting with Cross Stitch). They are packed full of romance. There is a little bit of time travel (but it's certainly not the main theme - it only happens once in the first book). I was recommended these myself and really didn't think I'd like them. I was proved wrong! The first one is by far the best. It had me gripped. Give them a go!

Charlene x

The Heaven Tree - Edith Pargeter

Try Katherine by Anya Seton - lovely book. You might like her others too.

Also Jean Plaidy's Plantagenant, Tudor, Stuart series.
Norah Lofts books.
Nigel Tranter writes medieval Scottish histories.
Hannah Howell writes medieval Scottish romances.
Mary Stewart - Merlin/Arthur trilogy.

I haven't read these, so not quite a recommendation. There's a series by Ariana Franklin, which is set in the 12th C. called 'Mistress of the Art of Death' that might be worth looking at. I think they're mysteries. I have read the historical fiction she writes under another name 'Diana Norman', and really enjoyed those books, but I can't remember any that fall into the time period you're looking for.

Hi there

My book (Decision Most Deadly) is a historical fiction set in 1641, the year before the English Civil War, so mixes the turmoil and political intrigue with the domestic side of one fictional man's family life. The plot is centred on the actual events of the time and Sir Charles Berkeley (the main character) has his life turned upside down as he is drawn into the struggle. He is forced to tackle the question 'King or Parliament?' even though he wants to stay out of it, having just been married.
Other characters in the book are King Charles I, John Pym, the Earl of Holland etc.

The first chapter and reviews are on my site along with reviews and more information about the period.

Thanks
Mark

I found C J Samson's Shardlake series set in Tudor times very absorbing, also Robyn Young's Crusade series was very good.

Have you tried the Ellis Pargeter books about Brother Cadfael, these are set in the 12th Century during the first english civil war. They may be out of print but the local library is sure to have them.

sorry forgot to mention LIndsey Davis' books set in Ancient Rome about Didius Falco, starting with the Silver Pigs.

Try Hangman Blind (The Abbess of Maux Mystery Book 1), set during the reign of Richard 11. It's a sort of female Brother Cafael with historical events of the period included.

I agree with the other replies, Diana Gabeldon books and Mistress of Death are both very good but even better is A Vision of Light by Judith Merkle Riley. That book is the first of a three book 'Margaret of Avebury' series. She has other books as well, The Serpent Garden, The Oracle Glass and Master of all Desires that were good but not as good as her Margaret series.

Try looking at some of the "Tagged" books, there's sure to be something suitable.

Click on Customer Communities above and then you have a choice between Historicals/ Historical novels (3 categories in total - can't remember what the 3rd is). Click on one e.g. historicals (you can look at them all one after the other). It will then come up with a listing of "Tagged" books i.e. books that readers have said fitted that category. There are browsing arrows.

Another 3 for you:

Company of Liars - Karen Maitland (14C - in tradition of the Canterbury Tales)
The White Horse - Jules Watson (79AD - Alba (Scotland))
The Endless Exile - Mary Lancaster (11thC)

Bernard Cornwell's series is hard to beat, along with the Hornblower series. Did you read the Flashman novels? Cornwell is a big fan of those as are a lot of people. For something a bit different you could try S M Stirlings The Peshawar Lancers.

The author of the Cadfael books is Ellis PETERS.

Phillippa Gregory is worth a look for the Boleyn books. Generally I agree with the other suggestions, especially Bernard Cornwell.

Hi, What about Ken Folletts Pillars of the Earth set in the Middle Ages /12th Century.
Check the reviews here on Amazon, there are many. I have it in my to be read pile but haven't got round to it yet. I ordered it after hearing so much about it, a lot of people seem to be suprised they liked it so it may be worth a go!.
Furny x