What makes a great ancient times novel?

Top 19 Ancient Times Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

19 Novels

Ancient times settings let authors explore historical contexts without modern conveniences. Court politics, martial traditions, and social hierarchies shaped pre-modern life differently than today. The best entries use that context meaningfully.

I've looked for entries where the historical setting actually matters. The ancient context should shape conflicts and character options.

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1
TOP PICK
Heaven Official’s Blessing
4.7
(3.0K ratings)
Genre: drama, mystery, romance
Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was the Crown Prince of the Xian Le kingdom. He was loved by his citizens and was considered the darling of the world.
First Impressions
"Heaven Official's Blessing" is quite a ride, a sprawling xianxia novel that's clearly captured the hearts of many, even inspiring an anime adaptation. Diving into this world of gods, demons, and intricate relationships, I can see why it’s become so popular, but I also noticed some recurring concerns that held it back from being a perfect read for me. The story immediately throws you into the chaotic world of Xie Lian, a god who's ascended (and descended) multiple times. His initial assignment and subsequent meeting with the mysterious Hua Cheng sets the stage for a grand adventure filled with...
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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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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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4
EDITORS CHOICE
Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know
4.7
(1.5K ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, romance
In a Mary-Sue novel, the readers all liked the Devil Venerable, the second male lead who devoted himself whole-heartedly to the female lead. However the female lead only loved the male lead who ab*sed her physically and mentally.
First Impressions
This novel was quite the ride! It's a xianxia with a strong comedic bent and a refreshing take on familiar tropes. I found myself thoroughly entertained, and it's easy to see why it has such a high rating. Initially, the story felt a little slow as it set the stage, but that didn't last long. The premise is intriguing: our protagonist, the Devil Venerable Wenren E, discovers a book detailing a future where he's a supporting character in a trashy romance. His reaction? Utter confusion and a determination to understand why the characters are acting so…illogically. I was immediately hooked by his...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Ascending, Do Not Disturb
4.7
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, fantasy
You think too much, cultivation is not like this… When Kong Hou steps on the path to cultivation, she learns that all xianxia stories are full of lies. A relaxed cultivation story.
First Impressions
"Ascending, Do Not Disturb" is a breath of fresh air in the Xianxia genre, and I found myself utterly charmed by its unique blend of adventure, comedy, and heartwarming slice-of-life elements. It's a story that left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling, even if it wasn't perfect. Right from the start, I was drawn in by the protagonist, Kong Hou. She's a delightful character – a former princess with a sunny disposition and a love for cultivation novels. Her carefree attitude is infectious, and I immediately wanted to root for her as she embarked on her journey. The initial chapters are well-translated...
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6
#6 PICK
Mistakenly Saving the Villain
4.6
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: drama, mature, psychological
Professor System has issued a mission: to rescue the gentle, kind and tragic protagonist shou of the novel “The Exceptional Furnace”. Song ‘Scholar-Tyrant’ Qingshi: “Don’t worry, Professor!
First Impressions
"Mistakenly Saving the Villain" is quite the rollercoaster, and I’m honestly still processing everything. This novel dives deep into some heavy themes, and while it’s not always an easy read, it’s definitely a memorable one. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise – a transmigration story where the MC accidentally saves the villain instead of the intended target. This setup felt like a refreshing twist on familiar tropes. However, I also approached it with caution, given the mature themes and potential for triggering content....
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7
#7 PICK
Spring Trees and Sunset Clouds
4.5
(973 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, mystery
ExR’s summary: An average, ordinary university student had his first life burned away in a painful death from a fire, causing him to transmigrate into a prince of another universe. However, never did he expected that his younger brother, who he fiercely protected and ultimately brought to the th...
First Impressions
"Spring Trees and Sunset Clouds" promised a heartwarming escape, and for the most part, it delivered. This novel offers a blend of slice-of-life, romance, and a touch of mystery, all set in an ancient-times-esque world. I found myself drawn into the protagonist's journey of healing and self-discovery, even if the road wasn't always smooth. Initially, I was captivated by the story's premise: a man, broken by betrayal and trauma, finding himself in a seemingly idyllic village. The early chapters focused on his integration into this new community, and I appreciated the slow, deliberate pace. It f...
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#8 PICK
Chronicles of Primordial Wars
4.5
(1.0K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, martial arts
Shao Xuan joins a friend in his expedition to a recently discovered archaeological cave. After he picks up an ordinary looking stone he is teleported to a different world and wakes up in the body of a small orphan child.
First Impressions
"Chronicles of Primordial Wars" is a web novel that took me by surprise. With a solid 4.5/5 rating and a slew of glowing reviews, I had high expectations going in, and for the most part, it delivered. It's a unique blend of action, adventure, and xuanhuan set in a primordial world, and the story's originality is definitely one of its strongest points. Initially, the pacing is slow. The story eases you into this ancient, tribal setting. We follow our protagonist as he adapts to life in the body of a young orphan in this harsh, Stone Age world. It's a far cry from the typical cultivation novel, ...
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#9 PICK
I Really Am a Slag Shou!
4.5
(772 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
Chi Zhao binds with the slag shou system, and if he succeeds in his missions, he will be rewarded. But who said life is easy!
First Impressions
"I Really Am a Slag Shou!" is a completed quick transmigration novel that I finally got around to reading. It's a rollercoaster of comedy, drama, and romance, all wrapped up in a package that, while not perfect, proved to be quite enjoyable. The premise is certainly intriguing: an MC tasked with playing the role of a "slag shou" (a scummy love interest) in various worlds to torment the ML. The catch? He's too kind-hearted to actually pull it off. This immediately sets the stage for humorous situations and a system driven to the brink of madness. I found myself chuckling early on at the MC's at...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
Beloved Husband
4.5
(464 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, fantasy
Yan Jing Ze encountered an accident while escaping with his lover, was accidentally parasitized, and was involved in reincarnations. He was lost in reincarnation and almost couldn’t wake up, but if he doesn’t wake up again, his dear will be doomed!
First Impressions
"Beloved Husband" is quite the ride, a web novel that blends multiple genres into a series of interconnected stories. I went in expecting a standard quick transmigration (QT) novel, but what I found was a mixed bag of fluffy sweetness and, at times, repetitive tropes. Still, I ultimately found myself charmed by the devoted love between the main characters. The premise is simple: the MC transmigrates into different worlds, often as a scummy character, falls instantly in love with the ML, and then dedicates himself to making things right. The amnesia element is a core feature, with the MC regain...
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11
#11 PICK
Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect
4.5
(551 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
A cultivation story about how a declining sect is restored by a narcissist, troublemaker, meanie, idiot, and wimpy kid.
First Impressions
"Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect" is a web novel that I found to be quite captivating, although it had some minor issues that kept it from being a perfect read for me. It's a story that explores the meaning of family, love, and the pursuit of immortality, all wrapped up in a xianxia package. At first, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The synopsis didn't quite prepare me for the depth and complexity of the story. I was quickly drawn into the lives of the five disciples of the Fuyao Sect, each with their own unique personalities and flaws. Their interactions felt genuine, like a ...
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Conclusion

Ancient times novels appeal if you like fantasy grounded in historical sensibilities. These picks deliver settings that shape stories meaningfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best ancient times novels combine compelling storytelling with well-executed ancient times elements that enhance the reader experience.

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

Heaven Official’s Blessing

First Impressions

To Be A Virtuous Wife

First Impressions

Eight Treasures Trousseau

First Impressions

Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know

First Impressions

Ascending, Do Not Disturb

First Impressions

Mistakenly Saving the Villain

First Impressions

Spring Trees and Sunset Clouds

First Impressions

Chronicles of Primordial Wars

First Impressions

I Really Am a Slag Shou!

First Impressions