Fantastic History


Continuing our historical fiction theme, I'd like to discuss today one of my favorite sub-genres: historical fantasy. To a reader like me, who has held simultaneous lit-crushes on Percy Blakeney from The Scarlet Pimpernel and Faramir from The Lord of the Rings, historical fantasy may just be the best of both worlds: the mystique and to-die-for costumes of ages gone by, and the allure of magic and myth and that other world that always seems to be just around the corner.
I think it is a rare author that has the brain to pull this genre off well; I once wrote a historical-ish fantasy—actually I wrote it three times, and I still haven't got it right. It's sitting in a drawer waiting to be resurrected someday when I am wiser and better at plotting. So I have a deep appreciation for the wonderful writers who are able to put the time into the research historical fiction requires, while putting the heart and creativity into the plotting that fantasy demands.
Recently, there's been a number of books in this genre which I have enjoyed, among them:


Bewitching Season, by Marissa Doyle, a mostly light-hearted story of twin sisters whose magical abilities help Princess Victoria gain her throne;
The Prophecy of the Sisters, by Michelle Zink, which was set in New York State in the early 1800's, and will appeal to those of you who like your fantasy on the creepier side;
my all-time favorite in the genre so far, A Curse Dark as Gold, by Elizabeth C. Bunce, a re-telling of the Rumpelstiltskin story set in the dawn of the industrial revolution—brilliant, brilliant writing.
And if you like this genre as much as I do, you are in luck—because on the 27th of this month (mark your calendars!), The Faerie Ring, by my very talented writing friend Kiki Hamilton is being released! I have yet to read it, so I'll leave you with the Goodreads description to whet your appetite:

Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance, suspense, and danger. 
The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.
Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.
Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…


Kiki will be joining us for an interview on Monday, so check back...
In the meantime, please share your favorite historical fantasy titles in the comments!

Comments

  1. I've had A Curse Dark As Gold on my to-read list for a while now. I remember wanting it at the library awhile ago but all the copies were out, and then I just kept getting out other books. I'll have to move it to the top of my list again!

    Kiki's novel sounds fantastic! Looking forward to her interview. :)

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  2. i never thought of lord of the rings as historical fantasy, just fantasy, but i guess that makes sense. i catch on late to lots of the things:) plotting is a pain, for sure. i have a drawer (actually, a folder on my desktop) full of stories that need better plotting. as you say, much respect to the authors that pull it together and off.

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  3. This is the second time today I've heard about The Faerie Ring. :D

    I haven't read Bewitching Season yet. It's on my list for when I'm in the mood for a historical fantasy. I have read the other one and enjoyed it.

    I too have a book in the "drawer" waiting for me grow wiser about plotting. I've now reached that point (yay!) and will be revisiting it later this fall. :D

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  4. THE FAIRY RING sounds great. I haven't read historical fantasy recently but if you'd like to hear about a historical (non fantasy) title, I finally read ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia and really liked it.

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  5. Ooo! Historical fantasy! Best of both worlds. The Faerie Ring sounds fabulous. And that cover! Oh my do I love that cover.

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  6. I, CORIANDER by Sally Gardner is one of my favorite historical fantasies. It's set in London during Cromwell and involves fairies as well. I also loved CURSE, too.

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