If you’re looking to add something new to your mix of historical fiction reads, consider checking out alternate history. A broad genre, alternate history uses historical events and contexts to reimagine what the world would be like if events had turned out differently.
You may be a seasoned expert on the genre, or perhaps you’re looking to dip your toes in for the first time. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, this list is full of gripping recommendations to add to your TBR.
Here are our ten best alternate history books.
10. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
While perhaps best known for his runaway YA dystopian hit series Uglies (which was recently adapted for Netflix), Scott Westerfeld has written across a broad range of genres, and his alternate history book Leviathan stands out.
It tells the story of Prince Aleksander, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, as he flees the chaos of losing support from his potential future subjects.
Against the backdrop of the looming First World War, he teams up with an unlikely ally: a commoner disguised as a boy to serve in the British Air Service.
Why we recommend it: I liked how this book played with gender roles and expression.
9. 11/22/63 by Stephen King
Stephen King is just as famous for his novels as his presence on X (formerly Twitter). But what you may not know is that King has written far beyond the horror novels he’s famous for.
11/22/63 is an alternate history novel that explores the assassination of John F. Kennedy. When a teacher stumbles across a time portal, he does everything in his power to thwart the attempt on Kennedy’s life.
What he doesn’t realize, however, is that playing with the past changes the present in ways he can’t even imagine.
Why we recommend it: I loved the moral questions in this book, as well as the blending of suspense and alternate history.
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8. Fatherland by Robert Harris
This alternate history novel imagines a world in which Nazi Germany won World War II. Set in 1964, it follows a German detective who uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to upend the seemingly peaceful state of the Nazi government.
Will he be able to speak his voice before being silenced?
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed this book’s thriller elements and the profound treatment of Naziism.
7. The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson
Robinson is widely considered one of the greatest living science fiction writers. His Mars trilogy inspired a generation to take up a new interest in space. (The Mars rover is constantly uncovering new mysteries on the red planet!
This alternate-history novel takes place in a world where the Black Death killed nearly all of Europe’s population. As a result, the Islamic world and other Eastern cultures have become the dominant influence in the world.
While the characters move through this world, readers are left with deep questions about culture, and what it means to possess influence.
Why we recommend it: I loved the detailed world-building in this book, as well as the premise.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter6. The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
Set in the 1950s, this alternative history book is part of a robust tradition of space colony novels by authors like Andy Weir.
Elma York is a “Lady Astronaut” fighting for recognition in a male-dominated field after a meteor landing rapidly accelerates space exploration.
Why we recommend it: I loved the social themes and writing style in this book.
5. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Colson Whitehead is a force to be reckoned with. His novel The Nickel Boys was recently adapted for the screen, but this alternate history book is arguably his finest work.
In it, the Underground Railroad in the slavery-era US is reimagined as a literal network of rail tracks. Cora, the main character, travels along the path in search of freedom.
Why we recommend it: I appreciated the profound ideas in this book and the beautiful prose.
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4. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
This alternate history novel seamlessly blends historical fiction and fantasy in 19th-century England. Two magicians develop their powers, albeit with different ideas of how to use them for – or against – England.
Why we recommend it: I liked the character development and world-building in this alternate history book.
3. The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon
Decades after the collapse of Israel in 1948, this historical fiction novel imagines a world where a significant Jewish settlement was instead started in Alaska.
After a murder rocks their community, one detective begins to uncover profound secrets that threaten the very existence of their community.
Why we recommend it: I love the prose and setting in this book. A great winter read.
RelatedThe 10 Best Historical Fiction Books for Young Adults
2. His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik
Novik’s alternate history novel is set during the Napoleonic Wars. The difference? Dragons are used in military strategy and combat.
As Captain Laurence of the British Royal Navy begins to bond with a young dragon hatchling, the two find themselves in the center of Britain’s defense against Napoleon’s army.
Why we recommend it: I liked the original premise of this alternate-history novel.
1. The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
One of our favorite WW2 alternative history books, Philip K. Dick’s novel is a masterpiece. Imagining a world in which the Axis powers won World War II, it considers an occupied America through a spine-tingling and nail-biting plot.
Why we recommend it: I loved the themes of identity and politics in this book, as well as the character development.
These are the ten best alternative history books to add to your TBR. With new works being published all the time, you’re sure not to want new alternate reading material, but we hope this list has helped you feel inspired in your next read.
Did we miss an alternate history book that you love? Let us know in the comments.
As always, happy reading!
