How do you determine trending novels?

Top 11 Trending Historical Novels of 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

By Genre

11 Novels

Historical trending captures novels set in past eras gaining readers currently. The category is smaller in web fiction than in traditional publishing, so trending here reflects dedicated reader interest. Current 2026 trends show interest in Korean historical romance and Chinese dynasty settings.

Trending historical often correlates with new translations of popular works reaching English-speaking audiences. Some entries are newly discovered; others are established novels experiencing renewed discussion.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage
4.6
(2.7K ratings)
Genre: fantasy, historical, josei
Shen Miao, the Di daughter of a military family, was pure, quiet, gentle, and gracious. Because of her foolish love for Prince Ding, she forced her way into becoming his wife.
First Impressions
"The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage" is a web novel that I found myself thoroughly engrossed in, despite a few reservations. It's a complex tale of revenge, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance, all set against the backdrop of ancient China. From the start, I was drawn in by the premise. Shen Miao, a former empress reborn into her younger self, is determined to rewrite her tragic past. It's a familiar setup, but the execution felt fresh. I was immediately invested in her journey and eager to see how she would use her knowledge to dismantle her enemies....
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
To Be A Virtuous Wife
4.5
(1.8K ratings)
Genre: adult, drama, fantasy
As a virtuous wife, does it include tolerating his cousin, enduring his concubines, bearing his mother? If you will not let me live freely, why would I let you live in satisfaction?
First Impressions
"To Be A Virtuous Wife" initially caught my eye with its intriguing premise: a modern woman transmigrating into the body of an ancient Chinese noblewoman. I was curious to see how she'd navigate the complexities of court life and a potentially loveless marriage. After diving in, I found myself with mixed feelings, landing somewhere between captivated and slightly underwhelmed. The novel throws you right into the thick of things, with Qu Qing Ju waking up as a Wang Fei, a princess consort. I immediately appreciated the slice-of-life feel, focusing on the day-to-day management of the household, ...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Eight Treasures Trousseau
4.5
(1.4K ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, historical
Everyone in the City of Jing thinks that bestowment of marriage between Xian Junwang and the daughter of the Yi’an Marquis House is to insert a fresh flower into manure. Xian Junwang was that fresh flower and the Di daughter of Yi’an Marquis House was that manure that was not liked.
First Impressions
"Eight Treasures Trousseau" has been quite the journey, and I've come away with some mixed, yet ultimately positive, feelings. This novel, set in a fascinating ancient China-esque backdrop, weaves a tale of political intrigue, arranged marriage, and a touch of the supernatural. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a modern-day actress reincarnated as a beautiful, but seemingly apathetic, noble wife. It's a familiar trope, but the promise of a lazy, yet secretly capable, protagonist was intriguing. I found myself curious to see how this character would navigate the complexities of court li...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Transmigrator Meets Reincarnator
4.2
(1.3K ratings)
Genre: drama, historical, josei
All Chu Lian had done was to read a book where the female lead had cheated on her wonderful husband. While wondering why, before she knew it, she was waking up in the body of that very same female lead!
First Impressions
"Transmigrator Meets Reincarnator" promised a fun twist on familiar tropes, and for a while, it delivered. The premise – a modern woman transmigrating into a novel where the male lead is a reincarnated version of her cheating husband – is undeniably intriguing. I dove in hoping for a delightful blend of romance, drama, and perhaps a little revenge. Initially, I was charmed by Chu Lian, our transmigrator. She's practical, business-minded, and not afraid to use her modern knowledge to improve her life in ancient China. The early chapters, focused on her food-related endeavors, were especially en...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
The Disabled Tyrant’s Pet Palm Fish [Transmigration]
4.5
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, historical
One day, Li Yu transmigrated into a fish. Furthermore, this fish even had a master.
First Impressions
"The Disabled Tyrant’s Pet Palm Fish [Transmigration]" is quite the title, isn't it? It certainly piqued my interest, and after diving in, I can see why it's garnered such a dedicated following. This novel is a blend of historical fantasy, romance, and comedy, promising a lighthearted escape into a world where a modern soul transmigrates into… well, a palm-sized fish. Initially, the premise seemed a bit out there, even for a transmigration story! I was curious to see how the author would pull off a romance between a disabled tyrant and a fish. But I was quickly charmed by the cute and fluffy a...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Heroic Death System
4.3
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, fantasy
“I curse you to never die in peace! ” Thus, Shang Ke started a never-ending cycle of constantly throwing away his miserable life.
First Impressions
"Heroic Death System" is quite the rollercoaster! With its blend of action, comedy, fantasy, and a healthy dose of tragedy, I went in expecting a wild ride, and I wasn't disappointed. This novel definitely has its strengths, but it's also not without its flaws, leaving me with mixed feelings overall. The premise immediately grabbed me: a protagonist, Shang Ke, forced to transmigrate to different worlds with the mission of dying heroically. The tragedy tag is definitely earned. I found myself quickly invested in each arc, curious to see how Shang Ke would navigate the challenges and ultimately ...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Thousand Autumns
4.5
(1.0K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
Yan Wushi had walked a path full of blood and corpses. He did not believe in the good nature of humanity.
First Impressions
"Thousand Autumns" has been quite the ride! Diving into this wuxia world felt like stepping into a meticulously crafted tapestry of ancient China, martial arts, and complex characters. I found myself completely absorbed in Shen Qiao's journey, and even though the romance took a backseat for much of the story, I was invested in the overall narrative. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a kind-hearted MC, and Shen Qiao definitely delivered. He's not your typical overpowered protagonist; instead, he's a strong, principled character who faces betrayal and hardship with unwavering resolve. ...
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Conclusion

Use this for discovering current historical fiction buzz in web novels. The smaller category size means trending status here can shift quickly with translation activity. The main historical list offers more stable recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

We track reading activity, new additions to reading lists, and engagement metrics to identify novels gaining momentum in 2026.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

First Impressions

To Be A Virtuous Wife

First Impressions

Eight Treasures Trousseau

First Impressions

Transmigrator Meets Reincarnator

First Impressions

The Disabled Tyrant’s Pet Palm Fish [Transmigration]

First Impressions