When historical fiction and fantasy fiction collide you get historical fantasy! Basically, a recognizable historical setting with fantastical, usually magical, elements and a whole new world to explore. Here are my six favorite historical fantasy recommendations from across the historical fantasy subgenres.

6.Historical Fantasy

Simply put, historical fantasy is a fantastical alternate history, a “what if” possibility. One example of “what if magic was real in Victorian London” can be found in

The Riftmagic Saga by E.E. Holmes

Magic is real but feared. The magic-using Riftborn are the servants of the non-magical Dignus. But rebellion is in the air in this alternative Victorian London. Begin the trilogy with What the Lady’s Maid Knew.

Prefer Regency to Victorian?

5. Regency Historical Fantasy

The Regency period covers the late Georgian period to the Victorian period, between 1795 and 1837. The Regency is named after the Regency of George, Prince of Wales, who governed as ‘Regent’ in England between 1811 to 1820. Often England-centric, a wider worldview of this timeline can be found in

The Extraordinaries series by Melissa McShane

Travel an alternate history Regency-era world and meet eight women making a name for themselves with powerful magical talents. Start the series with Burning Bright

Add more romance? Sure thing.

4. Regency Romantasy

Romantasy is the portmanteau of Romance and Fantasy. Add the Regency period and your historical fiction will have a focus on romance and fantasy in the Regency era. If you’re looking for an older protagonist, choose

Matronly Misadventures series by Rosalie Oaks 

A gothic cozy mystery series in a magical version of Regency England starring midlife protagonist Lady Avely. This new series starts with Lady Avely’s Guide to Truth and Magic

You can try the series for free when you sign up to Rosalie’s mailing list and receive the prequel A Pendant for Trouble.

Make it spooky?

3. Gaslamp Romantasy

A gaslamp is a lamp burning illuminating gas. Stay with me, folks. This technology was used during the Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian period. So, Gaslamp Romantasy is a romantic fantasy during these historic periods. A final touch: some supernatural element. If it’s ghosts you want, read

The Hesitant Mediums series by Belinda Kroll

Loosely connected cozy romantic fantasies set in Victorian England about the women who see ghosts (reluctantly) and the men who love them. The first book in the series is Haunting Miss Trentwood.

More mystery?

2. Historical Fantasy Mystery

See historical fantasy. Now add a mystery or three! Sleuth your way through mysteries with magical elements set in a world we recognize, like the

Glass and Steele series by C.J. Archer

In Victorian England, India Steele has lost everything and nobody she knows will employ her. Poor and alone, she takes employment with a mysterious American, Matthew Glass, whose strange watch rejuvenates him when ill. Is he the outlaw known as the Dark Rider? The series needs to be read in order, so start with The Watchmaker’s Daughter.

Want more worlds or historical settings in the same series?

1. Multi World Historical Fantasy Mystery

Some books or series defy specification. If you’re not satisfied with just one historical setting or just one fantastical element in your fantasy mystery, try

The Planar Pages series by D. Hale Rambo

Intrepid investigator Fiona Thorne follows the clues wherever they lead. Whether that’s unraveling conspiracies in an Elizabethan-like kingdom, outwitting sly panthers on Roman seas, or navigating intrigues in a Venetian realm of secretive fae. The series must be read in order, starting with Between the Lines.

Try the series for free. I’ll send you the prequel Hidden Words when you sign up for my newsletter,

What flavor of historical fantasy fiction is your favorite? Can you recommend a stand-alone historical fantasy novel? Comment below!