As we hurtle toward the end of 2024, what better way to celebrate than to look back on the year that was? And, in the world of alternate history books, it’s been an especially good one.
With releases from beloved authors including the iconic Susanna Clarke and the ever-amazing Neal Stephenson, your TBR list has never looked so good.
To make the search easier, we’ve combed through the amazing alternate history books of this last year to bring you our ten favorites. Here are the ten best alternate history books released in 2024.
10. Shadows of the Past by Eric Goebelbecker
This gripping alternate history novel is absolutely addictive. The first installment in the Great War of the Worlds is set in the year 1915. Twenty years before, Martians invaded Earth, leaving behind a treasure trove of advanced weapons far beyond humanity’s comprehension.
With the planet on the brink of war, can humankind survive?
Other books in the series:
- Clouds in the Future
Why we recommend it: I was blown away by the thought-provoking premise of this alternate-history novel.
9. The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands by Sarah Brooks
Sarah Brook’s latest alternate history novel has been getting rave reviews, and if you haven’t read it yet, you’ll soon see why: her writing is breathtaking.
A group of passengers embark on the Trans-Siberian Express on their journey across the perilous Wastelands. But there’s something wrong: the last time the train made this journey, there was an accident which no one can seem to remember. Can Weiwei, a lifelong train traveler, discover the mistake before it happens again?
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the characterization and female relationships in this alternate-history novel.
RelatedBinge-Worthy Historical Fiction Books of the Last Decade
8. A Dark and Subtle Light by Mark Hodder
In this gripping alternate-history novel, Machiavelli is reimagined as an immortal and the unlikely protector of humankind.
As he travels through time, Machiavelli is tasked with combatting every evil from corruption to misery. Can he save the planet before it’s too late?
Why we recommend it: I was surprised by the premise of this novel and delighted by the detailed writing.
7. The Great When by Alan Moore
One of the best living authors out there, Alan Moore has been writing alternate history books for a long time. His latest, The Great When, is a welcome addition to the canon.
It explores the adventures of young Dennis Knuckleyard, a bookshop employee who discovers a book that shouldn’t exist. In this book about reading, Dennis embarks on a wild quest to defy danger and death in an alternate London.
Why we recommend it: I loved the playful prose in this delightful alternate-history novel.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter6. Westfallen by Ann and Ben Brashares
You probably know Ann Brashares for her bestselling Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. But what you might not know is that she and her brother Ben have just published a new alternate history book imagining a world in which Germany won World War II. The results are chilling, and absolutely worth a read.
Why we recommend it: I appreciated the accessible, fast-paced writing style.
RelatedBeyond The History Books: 10 Most Gripping Alternate History Books
5. The Naturalist Society by Carrie Vaughn
This magical alternate history novel is one of my favorite reads from 2024. It tells the story of a young widow named Beth who discovers she has magical powers in an alternate nineteenth-century world. Can she harness her powers for good?
Why we recommend it: I loved the elements of magical realism in this alternate history book!
4. The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke
This newly-published alternate history book follows a teenage girl named Merowdis who discovers she can speak to nature, including animals and trees.
Need I say more?
Why we recommend it: I absolutely adored the premise and prose of this delightfully magical alternate-history novel.
RelatedThe Forgotten Book That Invented Alternate History In America
3. Polostan by Neal Stephenson
One of our favorite writers, Neal Stephenson has hit it out of the park again with his new alternate history novel Polostan.
Tracing plotlines from a post-revolution Leningrad to a wild, cowboy-run Montana, this novel follows a young girl named Aurora who is thrust into international espionage during the Great Depression.
Why we recommend it: I loved the character development and the intricate world-building in this alternate-history book.
2. Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik
This newly released collection of short stories is one of our favorite alternate history books of 2024. It follows different characters and plots from ancient Rome into the present day, depicting an exciting and uplifting world where you can be anything you want to become, no matter where (or when) you come from.
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the way Novik tied together these brief and beautiful short stories to create one cohesive worldview.
1. The Ballad of Smallhope And Pennyroyal by Jodi Taylor
If there’s only one alternate history book released in 2024 that you should read, it’s this one. Part-time-travel novel, part adventure, part science-fiction, Jodi Taylor’s latest book has everything.
It follows a team of outlandish and extravagant bounty hunters, unbound by space and time. Yeah. You’re going to love it.
Why we recommend it: I couldn’t put this book down. Witty, hilarious, and heartwarming, it was the perfect read to pick me up!
These are the ten best alternate history books released in 2024. What have you been reading? Do you have any recommendations for our TBR list? Let us know in the comments!
As always, happy reading.
