historical fiction – Page 88 – What Cathy Read Next…

The start of a new year means it’s time to sign up for some reading challenges. I’ve decided to take part again in the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Marg at The Intrepid Reader. As well as indulging my love of historical fiction, I like sharing reviews and recommendations with other fans of the genre every month. And Marg also compiles fascinating statistics about the books read by participants each month.

You can find full details of the 2024 challenge here, including where to post your reviews each month, but the main idea is to choose one of six different reading levels to aim for:

20th Century Reader – 2 books
Victorian Reader – 5 books
Renaissance Reader – 10 books
Medieval – 15 books
Ancient History – 25 books
Prehistoric – 50+ books

By my reckoning I read 67 historical fiction novels in 2023 which makes me officially ‘Prehistoric’. Given historical fiction is my favourite genre, I’m going to aim for Prehistoric level again in 2024. I already have my eye on some of the books in my TBR pile (see below). If you enjoy historical fiction or would just like to read more of the genre, why not join me and sign up?

The When Are You Reading? Challenge was hosted again this year by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It involves reading a book set in each of twelve time periods. Determining what year a book belongs in is the decision of the participant. On the whole, the rule is to choose a year where the largest part of the action occurs or the most important event.

I’m pleased to say I’ve managed to read a book to fit each of the time periods, although it was a close run thing with the last one. Links from the book title will take you to my review.

If you love historical fiction but often find yourself sticking to one or two favourite time periods, or if you’re keen to read more historical fiction in 2024, look out for the sign-up post for next year’s challenge.

Pre-1200: Bellatrix by Simon Turney