Top 13 Historical Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

By Genre

13 Novels

The expanded historical list adds two entries for a category where web fiction selection is already limited. More slots help cover different historical periods and cultural settings that the shorter list might not fully represent.

Historical web fiction varies in accuracy commitment, so the additional entries might offer different balances between historical authenticity and entertainment. Korean Joseon, Chinese dynasties, and Japanese feudal periods each have distinct feels.

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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
Our Second Master
4.8
(1.0K ratings)
Genre: drama, historical, josei
What would you say is the most valuable thing in this world? A mountain of gold and silver?
First Impressions
"Our Second Master" is a short but powerful historical romance that really took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting to be so emotionally invested in just seven chapters, but the story's impact is undeniable. It's a story about loyalty, redemption, and the quiet strength of ordinary people, and it's definitely earned its high rating. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise. The female lead, often referred to as "Little Monkey," isn't your typical beautiful or exceptionally talented protagonist. Instead, she's an average-looking, self-deprecating servant with a compassionate heart. The ma...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Golden Stage
4.6
(1.0K ratings)
Genre: drama, historical, mature
The notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even force...
First Impressions
"Golden Stage" promised a blend of political intrigue and sweet romance, and after diving in, I can definitely see why it has such a dedicated following. This historical yaoi novel, with its adapted-to-drama-cd status, had me intrigued from the start. Initially, I was a little hesitant. Some mentioned the preface being dense, but I'm glad I pushed through. I was immediately drawn into the complex world of ancient China, and the setup of a forced marriage between "enemies" Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan was compelling. The initial chapters are a bit heavy, but they set the stage well....
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Married Thrice to Salted Fish
4.7
(882 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
At eighteen years old, Lin Qingyu was married as part of a Chong Xi into the Nan’an Hou Mansion, becoming the ill Lu Wancheng’s male wife. On the eve of their wedding, Young Master Hou lay lazily on the bed and said, “Beauty, to be honest, I really don’t want to engage in domestic struggles.
First Impressions
"Married Thrice to Salted Fish" had me hooked from the start with its intriguing premise: a transmigration story where the male lead (ML) is the one hopping bodies, and the male lead (MC) is the original resident. The novel promised a unique take on the genre, and for the most part, it delivered. The initial setup is compelling. We have Lin Qingyu, a cold and calculating doctor, forced into a marriage with the sickly Lu Wancheng, who is secretly the transmigrated Jiang Xing. I was immediately drawn to the dynamic between these two vastly different personalities, and I couldn’t wait to see how ...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
The Job of an Imperial Concubine
4.6
(664 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, historical
To pass as an imperial concubine, one must be professional. Actually, the profession of an imperial concubine is pretty good.
First Impressions
"The Job of an Imperial Concubine" had me intrigued from the start with its premise: treating life in the harem as a career. I dove in expecting a compelling story of palace intrigue, and while I found a lot to enjoy, some aspects held it back from being a complete knockout. The concept is undeniably clever. Zhuang Laoyan, our protagonist, approaches her role with a calculating mind, prioritizing power and luxury within the system. She's intelligent, perhaps even overly so, and this initially drew me in. I was eager to see how she navigated the treacherous waters of the imperial court....
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6
#6 PICK
Mulberry Song
4.7
(698 ratings)
Genre: drama, historical, josei
One leap from the city tower thus fulfills the Marquis of Chang Ye’s triumph in conquering the world, establishing a new era. Yet she only turns into a lonely wisp, accompanying him day and night.
First Impressions
"Mulberry Song" is a short but emotionally charged story that left a lasting impression on me. Diving into this novel was like stepping into a melancholic painting, beautiful yet tinged with sadness. It's a tale of love, loss, and regret set against the backdrop of ancient China, and it definitely isn't a lighthearted read. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a ghost of a woman observing her husband, the emperor, as he grapples with guilt and grief over her death. The idea of seeing his suffering through her eyes was intriguing, and I was curious to see how the author would handle such a...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Qiang Jin Jiu
4.6
(593 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, drama
The six prefectures of Zhongbo were offered to foreign enemies on a silver platter, and Shen Zechuan was taken into custody in the capital, reduced to a drowning dog—loathed and condemned by all. Xiao Chiye followed the scent of the furor and made his way over.
First Impressions
"Qiang Jin Jiu" has been quite the ride, and I can definitely see why it's garnered so much attention. It’s a sprawling historical drama with political intrigue and a central romance that isn’t for the faint of heart. This isn't a light and fluffy read, but a deep dive into a complex world. Initially, I felt a bit overwhelmed. The sheer number of characters and the intricate political landscape were a lot to take in. Several readers have mentioned that the first few chapters require patience as the world-building is dense, but I found that sticking with it was worth the effort. I was quickly d...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Peerless
4.7
(584 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
On the Third-Year of Kaihuang, as the Great Sui unfolds its curtains to welcome the glorious Tang Dynasty in succession to the Northern Dynasty, Yang Jian established a secret agency, the Jiejian Bureau in preparation to unify the world. In a stormy night filled with snow, a convoy of tribute se...
First Impressions
"Peerless" is a web novel that truly lived up to its name. From the moment I started reading, I was drawn into its intricate world of political intrigue, complex characters, and witty banter. It's one of those stories that sticks with you long after you've finished the last page. Honestly, the synopsis was a bit overwhelming at first glance, with all the genres and tags listed. However, once I dove in, I quickly realized the author, Meng Xi Shi, masterfully weaves together action, mystery, comedy, and romance into a cohesive and compelling narrative. The initial mystery surrounding the missing...
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Conclusion

Use this for broader historical coverage or if you've exhausted the top 11. The smaller catalog in this category means extended lists help dedicated readers find more options matching their interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

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

Our Second Master

First Impressions

Golden Stage

First Impressions

Married Thrice to Salted Fish

First Impressions

The Job of an Imperial Concubine

First Impressions

Mulberry Song

First Impressions