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Historical Fiction Books

Step into captivating past worlds with our Historical Fiction collection. From epic sagas to intimate tales, discover narratives that blend well-researched history with imaginative storytelling. Explore stories that make history come alive for every kind of reader.
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Death in Venice and Other Stories - Thryft
David Luke, Thomas Mann  | Vintage Classics

Death in Venice and Other Stories

RM40.57 MYR from RM33.13 MYR Save up to 18%

Goodreads rating: 3.86

RM40.57 MYR from RM33.13 MYR Save up to 18%

In stock: Well Read

"Death in Venice and Other Stories" could captivate you with its rich prose and profound themes. Thomas Mann crafts a narrative that's as much about the internal struggles of the protagonist as it is about the external environment of a decaying Venice. It's an artistic reflection on desire and mortality, bound to leave a lasting impression on anyone intrigued by the complexities of the human heart.
Drowning Ruth - Thryft
Christina Schwarz | Doubleday

Drowning Ruth

RM33.13 MYR from RM18.24 MYR Save up to 46%

Goodreads rating: 3.75

RM33.13 MYR from RM18.24 MYR Save up to 46%

In stock: Very Good

If you enjoy unraveling deep-seated mysteries embedded in historical contexts, "Drowning Ruth" won't disappoint. Christina Schwarz masterfully weaves suspense through decades, immersing you in the rigid social landscapes of early 20th-century Wisconsin. The book offers a gripping exploration of the repercussions of silence and the weight of secrets. It's a haunting narrative that stays with you, perfect for those who appreciate the persistence of the past and its intrusion into the present.
Memories of the Ford Administration
John Updike | Gardners

Memories of the Ford Administration

from RM33.13 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.3

from RM33.13 MYR

In stock: Well Read

If you're keen on political history with a twist of personal narrative, John Updike's "Memories of the Ford Administration" could pique your interest. Updike provides a deep dive into the turbulence of the '70s, yet serves it with a side of intimate confessions and human frailties that could make you reflect on the often blurred lines between our public and private lives. It's a thought-provoking read that combines the political with the personal in a way only Updike can.
Assassins Creed Revelations - Thryft
Oliver Bowden | Penguin Export

Assassins Creed Revelations

RM25.69 MYR from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 56%

Goodreads rating: 4.12

RM25.69 MYR from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 56%

In stock: Well Read

Assassins Creed Revelations is a thrilling adventure that plunges you into the world of Ezio, a master assassin as he battles against Templars to uncover a hidden library in Constantinople. With its historical setting and gripping storyline, this book is perfect for fans of action and adventure who are looking for a page-turning read.
The Palm-Wine Drinkard; and, My Life in the Bush of Ghosts - Thryft
Edward Geoffrey Parrinder, Michael Thelwell, Amos Tutuola  | Grove Press

The Palm-Wine Drinkard; and, My Life in the Bush of Ghosts

RM37.70 MYR from RM29.41 MYR Save up to 30%

Goodreads rating: 3.86

RM37.70 MYR from RM29.41 MYR Save up to 30%

In stock: Well Read

If you're intrigued by the mystical and the mythical, Amos Tutuola's "The Palm-Wine Drinkard" can transport you to otherworldly African landscapes. Its narrative, rich in folkloric charm, offers a unique glimpse into Yoruba tales, making it a compelling read for adventurers at heart who relish in the exploration of cultural depths through literature.
The Last Oracle - A Sigma Force Novel
James Rollins | Orion Books

The Last Oracle - A Sigma Force Novel

from RM33.13 MYR

Goodreads rating: 4.17

from RM33.13 MYR

In stock: Very Good

If you're into books that intertwine history with nail-biting suspense, "The Last Oracle" by James Rollins is a perfect fit. Imagine a plot that mixes ancient prophecies with cutting-edge science—a story where children could hold the key to humanity's future. It's the kind of adventure that keeps you hooked by combining real-world intrigue with explosive, fictional twists. James Rollins is known for satisfying the cravings of readers who miss the likes of Michael Crichton, so give this a shot for your next adrenaline-fueled read.
The Heart of Darkness and Youth
New
Joseph Conrad | Vintage Classics

The Heart of Darkness and Youth

from RM40.57 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.43

from RM40.57 MYR

In stock: Well Read

If you're after a voyage into the psychological depths and the ambiguities of colonialism, "Heart of Darkness" could be a powerful read for you. Conrad's introspective prose weaves darkness, both literal and metaphorical, into a story that challenges and provokes. The novella peels back layers of the human psyche as Marlow's journey mirrors a trek into the soul's murky waters. It's a compact tale but dense with meaning that's likely to linger with you long after the last page.
Time's Arrow, Or, The Nature Of The Offense - Thryft
Martin Amis | Vintage

Time's Arrow, Or, The Nature Of The Offense

RM33.13 MYR from RM18.24 MYR Save up to 46%

Goodreads rating: 3.76

RM33.13 MYR from RM18.24 MYR Save up to 46%

In stock: Well Read

Imagine experiencing life in reverse—this is the unique structure of "Time's Arrow." It's a fascinating, unsettling exploration of morality and history that could resonate with readers who are looking for a novel way to approach heavy, complex subjects. The backward life of a Nazi doctor challenges perceptions and provokes deep thought about guilt and atonement.
The Blood Mirror - Thryft
Brent Weeks | Orbit

The Blood Mirror

RM62.91 MYR from RM29.41 MYR Save up to 53%

Goodreads rating: 4.33

RM62.91 MYR from RM29.41 MYR Save up to 53%

In stock: Well Read

"The Blood Mirror" is a vividly painted epic that winds through the strife of a crumbling empire with a masterful blend of magic and intrigue. If you're hungry for rich world-building with complex characters whose personal demons match the external threats they face, Weeks weaves such a tale with skill. Each twist and revelation promises to grip you, making this perfect for fans of sprawling fantasies where the stakes are as high as the sorcery.
The Sea
John Banville | Picador

The Sea

from RM33.13 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.55

from RM33.13 MYR

In stock: Well Read

"The Sea" might resonate deeply if you've ever found yourself revisiting the past, seeking solace from a current sorrow. Banville's prose is lyrical, with a richness that captures the essence of memory and its impact on the present. As Max grapples with his intimate memories and confronts his long-buried traumas, you'll find the narrative both seductive and disturbing, evoking a poignant sense of nostalgia that's hard to shake off.
The Association of Small Bombs - Thryft
Karan Mahajan | Vintage

The Association of Small Bombs

RM40.44 MYR from RM25.69 MYR Save up to 41%

Goodreads rating: 3.57

RM40.44 MYR from RM25.69 MYR Save up to 41%

In stock: Well Read

This book could be a gem for you if the human side of tragic events intrigues you. Karan Mahajan delves deep into the psyche of terrorism's aftermath, not just on victims, but on the perpetrators as well. The narrative is fearless and empathetic, making "The Association of Small Bombs" a profound read that addresses the complexities of political violence and its far-reaching consequences. It could change the way you perceive the news, empathy, and justice.
Property
Valerie Martin | Abacus

Property

from RM33.13 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.69

from RM33.13 MYR

In stock: Well Read

Valerie Martin's "Property" offers a profound narrative that immerses you in the antebellum South, weaving a story that reveals the harrowing realities of ownership and autonomy. This gripping novel provides insight into the personal and societal chains that bind both owner and owned, delivering an enthralling and resonant experience that will leave you pondering long after the last page. With validation from literary giants like Toni Morrison, it promises substance that could challenge and captivate you in equal measure.
City On Fire - Thryft
Garth Risk Hallberg | Knopf

City On Fire

RM21.96 MYR from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 51%

Goodreads rating: 3.4

RM21.96 MYR from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 51%

In stock: Well Read

This book would be a good read for someone who enjoys epic, sprawling narratives set in vibrant and gritty cities. City On Fire captures the essence of 1970s New York City, painting a vivid picture of the interconnectedness of its inhabitants. With multiple characters and storylines, it weaves together a tapestry of love, art, power, and betrayal. It's a mesmerizing journey that will make you feel like you're wandering the streets of NYC yourself, immersed in its energy and chaos.
The Darkness That Comes Before - The Prince of Nothing
R. Scott Bakker | Orbit

The Darkness That Comes Before - The Prince of Nothing

from RM33.13 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.83

from RM33.13 MYR

In stock: Well Read

If you're aching for a fantasy series that dares to step away from the well-trodden paths of Tolkien-esque worlds, "The Darkness That Comes Before" should be on your shelf. R. Scott Bakker has crafted a narrative so rich and intense, it's like peeling back layers of history atop a realm of magic and forgotten powers. Dive into a complex tale of ambition, betrayal, and the awakening of an ancient evil that might resonate with you long after the last page.
Darkness at Noon
New
Arthur Koestler, Daphne Hardy  | Scribner

Darkness at Noon

from RM33.13 MYR

Goodreads rating: 4.11

from RM33.13 MYR

In stock: Very Good

"Darkness at Noon" dives deep into the chilling reality of living under a totalitarian regime and how it can betray even its most loyal servants. As you navigate through the protagonist's psychological torture, the book forces you to confront the complex layers of political idealism and its often devastating personal cost. It's a poignant exploration for anyone fascinated by political ideologies or the psychological depth of human belief systems, challenging you in ways that go far beyond a simple historical narrative.
Romanitas - Thryft
Sophia McDougall | Orion

Romanitas

from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 38%

Goodreads rating: 3.25

from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 38%

In stock: Very Good

"Romanitas could be a good read for fans of alternate history and political thrillers. The unique concept of a technologically advanced Roman Empire sets it apart, and the use of multiple characters and their intertwining storylines adds to the intrigue and suspense. Sophia McDougall's world-building capabilities are impressive, and readers will be drawn in by the character development and the unfolding plot twists."
Freedom: A Novel of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War
William Safire | Avon Books

Freedom: A Novel of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War

from RM33.13 MYR

Goodreads rating: 4.12

from RM33.13 MYR

In stock: Well Read

If you're a history buff with a penchant for immersive storytelling, "Freedom" should be on your must-read list. William Safire invites you into the intimate chambers of political strategy and onto the chaotic grounds of war with a cinematic touch. You'll appreciate how he breathes life into historical figures, making this pivotal period in American history resonate with the urgency and drama of its time.
The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe
Andrew O'Hagan | Faber & Faber

The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe

from RM33.13 MYR

Goodreads rating: 2.73

from RM33.13 MYR

In stock: Very Good

If the glitz and glam of 20th-century Hollywood, combined with a unique narrative twist sounds intriguing to you, then diving into "The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe" will be a treat. Witnessing events and changes from the perspective of Marilyn Monroe's canine companion offers you a fresh lens on history and celebrity culture, making this book a distinctive read that cleverly blurs the lines between fiction and reality.
Fatherland - Thryft
Robert Harris | Arrow

Fatherland

RM33.13 MYR from RM21.96 MYR Save up to 34%

Goodreads rating: 4.01

RM33.13 MYR from RM21.96 MYR Save up to 34%

In stock: Well Read

If you're intrigued by the "what if" scenarios that tilt history on its axis, "Fatherland" is a compelling blend of historical intrigue and detective noir. Imagine a world where Hitler won, and join detective Xavier March as he unravels a conspiracy with stakes as high as the Reich itself. This novel is not just a murder mystery; it's a thought-provoking trip into an alternate 1960s, bound to grip you with its blend of fact and fiction.
Oh, Play That Thing - The Last Roundup
Roddy Doyle | Vintage Books Usa

Oh, Play That Thing - The Last Roundup

from RM33.13 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.28

from RM33.13 MYR

In stock: Well Read

If you relish historical fiction teeming with wit, Roddy Doyle's "Oh, Play That Thing" will transport you to 1920s America alongside the clever, cheeky Henry Smart. Doyle weaves a captivating narrative blending adventure, crime, and music—jazz becomes Henry's baptism into a new world. A pilgrimage through a vividly drawn era, with a soundtrack by none other than Louis Armstrong, awaits you in these pages.
The Garlic Ballads - A Novel - Thryft

The Garlic Ballads - A Novel

RM29.41 MYR from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 56%

RM29.41 MYR from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 56%

In stock: Well Read

The farmers of Paradise County have been leading a hardscrabble life
unchanged for generations. The Communist government has encouraged them to
plant garlic, but selling the crop is not as simple as they believed.
Warehouses fill up, taxes skyrocket, and government officials maltreat even
those who have traveled for days to sell their harvest. A surplus on the
garlic market ensues, and the farmers must watch in horror as their crops
wither and rot in the fields. Families are destroyed by the random
imprisonment of young and old for supposed crimes against the state. The
prisoners languish in horrifying conditions in their cells, with only their
strength of character and thoughts of their loved ones to save them from
madness. Meanwhile, a blind minstrel incites the masses to take the law
into their own hands, and a riot of apocalyptic proportions follows with
savage and unforgettable consequences. The Garlic Ballads is a powerful
vision of life under the heel of an inflexible and uncaring government. It
is also a delicate story of love between man and woman, father and child,
friend and friend—and the struggle to maintain that love despite
overwhelming obstacles.


Authors: Mo Yan, Howard Goldblatt
Publisher: Arcade
Publication Date: 2012
The Inventor's Secret - Thryft
Andrea Cremer | Speak

The Inventor's Secret

RM33.13 MYR from RM25.69 MYR Save up to 30%

Goodreads rating: 3.63

RM33.13 MYR from RM25.69 MYR Save up to 30%

In stock: Well Read

If you're craving a refreshing twist on the steampunk genre mixed with a dash of alternate history, "The Inventor's Secret" by Andrea Cremer might just be your next favorite read. Diving into this imaginative, nineteenth-century America, you'll follow Charlotte and her allies through a harrowing, action-packed fight for freedom, which becomes even more intriguing with the mysterious newcomer who arrives with ominous secrets. This backdrop of industrial empire gives a gripping context to their struggle, blending adventure with a coming-of-age tale in a world teeming with inventive lore.
The Solomon Effect - Thryft
C.S. Graham | Harper

The Solomon Effect

RM48.02 MYR from RM25.69 MYR Save up to 47%

Goodreads rating: 3.79

RM48.02 MYR from RM25.69 MYR Save up to 47%

In stock: Well Read

"The Solomon Effect" is a tantalizing mix for those drawn to historical intrigue and psychic phenomena. It can hook you with its blend of espionage and supernatural elements woven around a long-lost WWII mystery. If the idea of a race against time to thwart a global disaster, underpinned by dark Nazi plots, excites you, consider this your next page-turner.
Smoke - Thryft
Dan Vyleta | Weidenfeld & Nicholson

Smoke

RM33.13 MYR from RM18.24 MYR Save up to 46%

Goodreads rating: 3.27

RM33.13 MYR from RM18.24 MYR Save up to 46%

In stock: Very Good

"Smoke" could be a fascinating read if you're intrigued by the idea of sin made manifest. Dan Vyleta paints a dark alternative Victorian England where personal vices are visible, altering social dynamics in profound ways. It's a blend of historical atmosphere with a speculative twist, exploring themes of morality and power. The depth with which "Smoke" examines the human condition and our inherent flaws is sure to leave you with much to ponder.
WW III: World in Flames - Thryft
Ian Slater | Fawcett

WW III: World in Flames

RM51.74 MYR from RM33.13 MYR Save up to 39%

Goodreads rating: 3.96

RM51.74 MYR from RM33.13 MYR Save up to 39%

In stock: Well Read

If you're drawn to intense military strategy and the intricate global politics of a world on the brink of destruction, "WWIII: World in Flames" could captivate you. Ian Slater blends detailed military tactics with the stark unpredictability of war, providing a read that feels both authentic and alarmingly plausible. This book might just engulf you in its fiery narrative the way it envisions the world in flames.
Ink and Bone - Thryft
Rachel Caine | New American Library

Ink and Bone

RM25.69 MYR from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 56%

Goodreads rating: 3.97

RM25.69 MYR from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 56%

In stock: Well Read

Ink and Bone is perfect for those who love thrilling tales and rebellions against oppressive regimes. The protagonist Jess Brightwell believes in the value of books, while the Great Library has monopolized knowledge and enforces strict censorship laws. At the same time, the book offers a twist on history, creating an alternate world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived to become a powerful force controlling knowledge. The plot is full of adventure, suspense, and amazing characters, making it a fantastic read for anyone who loves rebellion and fighting for a good cause.
The Film Explainer - Thryft
Gert Hofmann, Michael Hofmann  | Minerva

The Film Explainer

RM33.13 MYR from RM18.24 MYR Save up to 46%

Goodreads rating: 3.57

RM33.13 MYR from RM18.24 MYR Save up to 46%

In stock: Very Good

If you're taken by the charm of old cinemas and the delightfully quirky jobs that came with them, "The Film Explainer" will be a special read for you. It's like peering through a mischievously cracked lens at history, embracing both the laughter and the pathos of a bygone era. Not to mention, it's a sweet ride through the quips and follies of a man wrestling with his time, all embedded in a narrative that's deceptively profound.
Foul Tide's Turning - The Far-Called - Thryft
Stephen Hunt | Gollancz

Foul Tide's Turning - The Far-Called

RM29.41 MYR from RM18.24 MYR Save up to 45%

Goodreads rating: 3.9

RM29.41 MYR from RM18.24 MYR Save up to 45%

In stock: Well Read

If you enjoy epic fantasy with political intrigue and rich world-building, "Foul Tide's Turning" might just be your next great adventure. Stephen Hunt delivers a tale that cleverly navigates the consequences of power and betrayal. The intertwining fates of the Carnehan brothers offer a personal touch to a grand scale conflict, ensuring you're as invested in the characters as you are in the fate of their world.
The Iron Assassin - Thryft
Ed Greenwood | Tor Books

The Iron Assassin

RM29.41 MYR from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 56%

Goodreads rating: 2.65

RM29.41 MYR from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 56%

In stock: Very Good

"The Iron Assassin" is perfect for fans of steampunk and alternate history. The clockwork-enhanced corpse controlled by Jack Straker, the Dread Agent for the Crown, and his allies is a unique and thrilling feature of the book. The fast-paced plot and vivid world-building make for a fun and exciting read that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Terra Nullius - Thryft
Sold out
Claire G. Coleman | Hachette Australia

Terra Nullius

RM28.97 MYR from RM20.30 MYR Save up to 30%

Goodreads rating: 3.76

RM28.97 MYR from RM20.30 MYR Save up to 30%

Out of stock

Recommendation: Terra Nullius is a highly imaginative work that offers a thought-provoking allegory for colonisation and its brutal legacy. Set in a dystopian Australia, the novel depicts an alternate reality in which Indigenous peoples have been violently subjugated by colonisers. With its haunting prose, vivid imagery and strong themes of resistance and survival, it is an urgent and powerful read that offers a deeply unsettling yet important perspective on the ongoing legacy of colonisation. Highly recommended for fans of literary and speculative fiction alike.
The Accusation
Sold out
Bandi, Deborah Smith  | Profile Books

The Accusation

from RM33.13 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.99

from RM33.13 MYR

Out of stock

"The Accusation" isn't just any book—it's a rare glimpse into the ostensibly opaque North Korea, penned by an author risking it all to shine light on their experiences. The narratives here aren't just stories; they're acts of bravery, signals of defiance, and whispers of hope that crossed borders to reach you. It's a read that challenges, educates, and grips you with the raw truth of human endurance under the most watchful eye imaginable.
The Plot Against America
Sold out
Philip Roth | Random House

The Plot Against America

from RM33.13 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.8

from RM33.13 MYR

Out of stock

If alt-history fascinates you, Roth's book will be an engrossing experience. It's not just a "what if" scenario; it's an uneasy journey through an America that could have been, shadowed by anti-Semitism and extremism. Reading this, you might find yourself appreciative of the trajectory history actually took, while being unsettled by the knowledge that the seeds of a darker path were always present.
The Porcupine
Sold out
Julian Barnes | Vintage Books

The Porcupine

from RM33.13 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.44

from RM33.13 MYR

Out of stock

If politics and courtroom dramas intrigue you, "The Porcupine" by Julian Barnes might just be the book you're looking for. Julian Barnes deftly explores the fall of totalitarianism in a gripping narrative that pits old regime against new in a battle of wits and wills. With its concise prose and insightful look at human nature, you're likely to find yourself engrossed in the strategic game between a fallen leader and the embodiment of a new era.
The Massacre of Mankind : Authorised Sequel to The War of the Worlds - Thryft
Sold out
Stephen Baxter | Hachette

The Massacre of Mankind : Authorised Sequel to The War of the Worlds

from RM22.67 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.36

from RM22.67 MYR

Out of stock

This thrilling sequel to The War of the Worlds will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they follow a journalist's journey to survive and report on the new invasion. Stephen Baxter does a great job of expanding on H.G. Wells' vision while staying true to the original story. The Martians' return is a genuinely global event, and the story takes the concept to dizzying new heights. Baxter, with his brilliant scientific mind and vivid writing style, creates a masterpiece that honors the original and will leave readers in awe.
Hystopia - Thryft
Sold out
MEANS DAVID | Faber Et Faber

Hystopia

from RM22.67 MYR

Goodreads rating: 2.93

from RM22.67 MYR

Out of stock

Hystopia would be an intriguing read for those interested in alternate history and dark satirical fiction. David Means weaves a fictional universe that merges history and war fiction, depicting the traumatic aftermath of the Vietnam War on veterans, and the nation as a whole. Means's unparalleled writing skills deliver a unique and visionary novel that effuses with outrageous humor, sensuous registers, and shocking violence. The experience is meant to linger with you long after flipping the final pages, leaving you with vivid recollections of war, memory, and mental hygiene.
Frog Music
Sold out
Emma Donoghue | Back Bay Books

Frog Music

from RM48.02 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.2

from RM48.02 MYR

Out of stock

If you're drawn to the vivid detail of historical settings and enjoy a mystery that's as deep in character as it is in plot, "Frog Music" could be a treat for you. Emma Donoghue masterfully recreates 1876 San Francisco, with its heady mix of danger and survival, while weaving a captivating story of a woman determined to unravel a murder. It's a journey through a city's underbelly, guided by a character both complex and resilient.

Travel Back in Time with Historical Fiction

At Thryft, we invite you to journey through eras gone by with the finest historical fiction. Our selection captures the essence of different times, portraying epoch-defining events and the lives of people who inhabit them. Whether it's ancient history or modern tragedies, our curated collection immerses you in the vast tapestry of human experience. Join us in exploring these rich, vivid histories.