10 Reviews: Best Royalty Fiction Books for Adults (Apr 2024)

Alison Weir, a popular novelist and renowned historian takes on Henry VIII’s most notorious wife, Anne Boleyn, in the second of her six-book series on the Tudor Queens. As depicted in Weir’s novel A Kings Obsession, a young woman’s flamboyant life and sudden death dramatically impacted the royal court of England. Anne Boleyn’s three-dimensional character study combines meticulous research with elegant prose to reveal a fascinating side of the historical figure that has been mostly obscured in previous biographies.

"Lots of detail on the life of Anne Boleyn. Makes you feel as though you knew her and how she came to the tragic end she did."

by Cat Lady

Discover what it was like to be Cleopatra’s sibling in Emily Holleman’s historical fiction novel set in Ancient Egypt, 51 BC. Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy’s turbulent struggle for control of Egypt’s kingdom is detailed in The Drowning King. This is the second book in her A Fall of Egypt trilogy, along with Arsinoe, Cleopatra’s sister caught in the middle. The Drowning King is a gripping tale of family, power, loyalty, and love that can make you reconsider your desire to rule.

"Fascinating story about a fascinating time. Well written."

by Dana Ecelberger

The Enemies of Versailles is the concluding volume in Sally Christie’s addictive The Mistresses of Versailles trilogy. These chronicles are the captivating story of Jeaneea Becu. She is a stunning young French woman who ascends from the dark streets of Paris to the bed of King Louis XV. This gripping story will change the way you think about 18th-century royalty because it is set against a backdrop of political upheaval and an impending revolution.

"Good series---each one told from the perspective of a different mistress of Louis XV."

by pianofingers

Try a good old-fashioned romance book with an aristocrat as the main character if you enjoy reading about monarchy but don’t need the blood, guts, and glory. Enter Emma Chase’s provocative and entertaining book Royally Matched. It is about a handsome but reckless king-to-be who exploits a reality TV dating program to meet his future wife. You will be left wishing you would find a prince or princess of your own after reading this passionate contemporary fairy tale.

"A witty, charming and sweet romance. I enjoyed going on this journey with Henry and Sarah."

by A.Fernandez

In Philippa Gregory’s most recent Tudor story, Three Sisters, Three Queens, aristocracy is added to the complexity of sisterhood. This story of queens is a richly historical fictionalized account of the complicated lives and relationships of Mary Tudor, Margaret Tudor, and Katherine of Aragon. It contains all the elements that make reading about royalty so addicting. This is including murder, intrigue, romance, danger, betrayal, and much more.

"I love Philippa Gregory books, I have them all. If you love history then you'll love her, she makes it really pop and come alive"

by Dri Daigle

Evelyn Skye returns readers to the intrigue, mystery, and perfection at the center of her fictional Russian kingdom in the eagerly awaited sequel to her best-selling The Crown’s Game. In a world where revolution and magic lurk around every corner, The Crown’s Fate is a dark and imaginative story that continues the adventures of Pasha, Nikolai, and Vika. Although the game may be done, the war has only begun.

"This is a really fun series; love how the historical elements were blended with magic and fantasy to create a completely new world filled with complicated but believable relationships."

by Bethany Robison

In her book, “First of the Tudors,” Joanna Hickson provides readers with a perspective of the Tudors that is seldom written about. It is about Jasper, the son of Queen Catherine, and her second husband, Owen. This engaging story will shed new light on the lengthy and intricate history of England’s monarchy. The story is told in the form of a novel that spans the decades prior to the war of the Roses and beyond.

"This is my first taste of this author and I'm a fan. I feel like I'm right there with the characters and the details written by the author of the time period are exquisite."

by mystery lover

Nero, Rome’s ancient bad boy ruler, is the subject of Margaret George’s historical fiction expertise. The Confessions of Young Nero tells the story of a young Nero. He is constantly threatened or controlled by everyone he comes into contact with. Notably by his mother, in Julius Caesar’s imperial dynasty. For the first time in his life, Nero can be seen learning how to hide from his enemies and seize power one bite at a time as he grows older.

"This book offers much new information about Nero whose reputation was trashed by subsequent emperors in an effort to burnish their own. Book one of a planned two book series."

by James E. Hunter

If you like the PBS Masterpiece drama Victoria, you may enjoy the book by Victoria’s creator and author Daisy Goodwin. This is a captivating tale about the love and life of one of England’s most famous monarchs. She is Queen Victoria and it was inspired by the young queen’s actual diaries. It gives the monarch fresh life and takes readers to the most private aspects of the monarch they have always admired but never really knew. Victoria is a must-read if you enjoy reading about British aristocracy.

"Fans of the PBS series "Victoria" will enjoy this book. It contains more detail than the series, but is a very engaging read."

by Bonnie L.

The breathtaking conclusion of the Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy provides readers with the opportunity to witness their heroine make one more struggle against the oppression of her husband, King Henry II. The Autumn Throne once again brings to life some of history’s most intriguing figures, and it also weaves a great story about romance, devotion, ambition, and diplomacy that is much better than anything you studied in history.

"A brilliant and moving conclusion to the Trilogy. Eleanor was a respected force in both the French and English courts. She guided kings and shaped history."

by Mac