A "Shrek"-Like Town, Haitian Revolution, '70s Rock N Roll, And 9 More Books Set In The Past You'll Want To Read

If you thought "historical fiction" just means old war novels, think again.

1. Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine

One World

Release date: June 7

A non-linear epic following five generations of an Indigenous Chicano family, set in the American West. Luz "Little Light" Lopez has been left to navigate 1930s Denver on her own after her brother is run out of town by a white mob. When she begins having visions of her family's past — the joy and the devastation — she realizes she's the only person who can keep this history alive. With twists and turns, this is a tender novel that's never boring.

Get it from Bookshop or from your local indie bookstore via Indiebound. You can also try the audiobook version through Libro.fm.

2. Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh

Penguin Press

Release date: June 21

This is a bizarrely addicting novel about the struggles of residents of a medieval town called Lapvona. There's Marek, the abused and isolated young boy. Ina, the ancient and wise nursemaid to the entire town. Jude, Marek's father and cruel to everyone but his lambs. And Villiam, the cartoonish and depraved lord and governor. As their lives collide amidst death, natural disasters, and love, Moshfegh brilliantly skewers feverish religion, capitalist greed, and human nature itself. A twisted read that you can't look away from.

Get it from Bookshop or from your local indie bookstore via Indiebound. You can also try the audiobook version through Libro.fm.

3. The Scent of Burnt Flowers by Blitz Bazawule

Ballantine Books

Release date: June 28

When a violent, racist attack against them leaves Melvin and his wife Bernadette with blood on their hands, they flee to Ghana in hopes of escaping the FBI agent on their trail. Disguised as a pastor and his wife, they seek out Melvin's old friend who happens to be the country's president. On the journey, they meet Kwesi Kwayson, a musician with whom Bernadette has an immediate spark. The three must combat their jealousy, lust, and secrets as the country crumbles around them. A powerful collision of the American civil rights movement and postcolonial West Africa.

Get it from Bookshop or from your local indie bookstore via Indiebound. You can also try the audiobook version through Libro.fm.

4. A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin

Pamela Dorman Books

Release date: July 12

Kitty Talbot needs a husband — fast. Saddled with her father's massive debts, she only has one season to save her family from ruin. Armed with her wit and ambition, she heads down to London's debutante battlefield. But Lord Radcliffe, who sees through Kitty's plan, is determined to foil everything for her. That is, if their scorching rivalry doesn't turn into something else first. A fun and biting historical romance that isn't afraid to put its leading lady first.

Get it from Bookshop or from your local indie bookstore via Indiebound. You can also try the audiobook version through Libro.fm.

5. Groupies by Sarah Priscus

William Morrow

Release date: July 12

After her mother dies, Faun Novak grabs her polaroid camera and hops on a bus to LA, hoping to get a taste of the 1970s rock 'n' roll scene. Luckily, her old friend Josie is now a model, muse, and girlfriend to Cal Holiday, lead singer of mega band Holiday Sun. Faun becomes obsessed with photographing her new life of glamorous parties while also becoming close with the band's gang of groupies. As the summer spins out of control, Faun sees just how dark her new lifestyle can get in this biting and mesmerizing look into fame, media, and friendship.

Get it from Bookshop or from your local indie bookstore via Indiebound. You can also try the audiobook version through Libro.fm.

6. Sister Mother Warrior by Vanessa Riley

William Morrow & Company

Release date: July 12

Taking place during the Haitian Revolution, this bold and striking novel follows two very different women as a country fights for freedom. Gran Toya was known as a fierce warrior in West Africa, but after being betrayed and sold into slavery, she ends up on a sugar plantation in Saint Dominique. Marie-Claire Bonheur is a free woman of color — thanks to her grandfather's whiteness — who has dedicated her life to helping those oppressed by society. When she falls in love with an enslaved man, the lives of these women collide amidst revolution. 

Get it from Bookshop or from your local indie bookstore via Indiebound. You can also try the audiobook version through Libro.fm.

7. Dark Earth by Rebecca Stott

Random House

Release date: July 19

A dazzling blend of history and fantasy, this novel is set in Britain's Dark Ages and follows sisters Isla and Blue as they navigate the dangers of being women in this turbulent time. After their father dies, the sisters must escape their island home — and the local warlord hellbent on enslaving them — to the Ghost City, where they discover a group of rebel women. But this new community won't be enough to fend off enemies — they'll also have to learn how to fight back.

Get it from Bookshop or from your local indie bookstore via Indiebound. You can also try the audiobook version through Libro.fm.

8. The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Del Rey

Release date: July 19

A zany and feminist retelling of the classic The Island of Doctor Moreau, Moreno-Garcia fuses sci-fi with historical fiction. Carlota Moreau, despite growing up sheltered in 19th century Mexico, knows people think her father is either a genius...or a madman. It might be because of the "hybrids" that live on the estate: half-human, half-animal monsters created by Dr. Moreau and his assistant, Montgomery Laughton. When the charming son of a patron unexpectedly arrives, it sets off a domino effect of secrets, questions, and passion.

Get it from Bookshop or from your local indie bookstore via Indiebound. You can also try the audiobook version through Libro.fm.

9. The Wild Hunt by Emma Seckel

Tin House Books

Release date: August 2

On the island where Leigh Welles grew up, there are three rules: mind your business, don't bring up the war, and be wary of the October slaugh. These bird-like horrors haunt the island, blacking out the sky and rumored to carry the souls of the dead. When a boy disappears, Leigh, newly moved home from the Scottish mainland after her father's death, and Iain, a young widower desperate to escape the past, team up to dig up the island's dark secrets...and a few of their own.

Get it from Bookshop or from your local indie bookstore via Indiebound. You can also try the audiobook version through Libro.fm.

10. Bronze Drum by Phong Nguyen

Grand Central Publishing

Release date: August 9

Based on the true story of two sisters who founded an army of women in order to bring down the Han Chinese rulers of Vietnam and unite their country. Trung Trac and Trung Nhi couldn't be more different: one is cunning and disciplined, while the other is a passionate free spirit. But both of their lives are ruled by strict, oppressive laws and, as tension in Vietnam boils over, both women will have to decide how to free themselves and their people in this sweeping novel.

Get it from Bookshop or from your local indie bookstore via Indiebound. You can also try the audiobook version through Libro.fm.

11. Babel, or The Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution by R.F. Kuang

Harper Voyager

Release date: August 23

A book as hefty and complex as its title, this daunting novel is perfect for fans of dark academia. Orphan Robin Swift has spent years preparing for his acceptance into Oxford's Royal Institute of Translation, or Babel for short. The British Empire uses the magical translations done here to expand their conquests, something Robin — a Chinese boy raised in Britain — struggles with, despite his love of the work. When war between Britain and China brews, Robin will have to decide which side he's going to take. 

Get it from Bookshop or from your local indie bookstore via Indiebound. You can also try the audiobook version through Libro.fm.

12. Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Ballantine Books

Release date: August 30

TJR is also back with the fourth book in the literary universe she's built. Carrie Soto — who we met in Malibu Rising — has retired from her tennis career after smashing records, earning trophies, and not making any friends along the way. Now, at thirty-seven, she watches as a newcomer steals her legacy. When Carrie announces she's coming out of retirement for one last season, the world is stunned. But to win it all back, she'll have to return to training under her father, who's taken her rival — and former flame — Bowe Huntley under his wing. This is an epic story about bravery, endurance, but also the power of vulnerability.

Get it from Bookshop or from your local indie bookstore via Indiebound. You can also try the audiobook version through Libro.fm.