Best Fantasy Historical Series (2026): 4 Picks Compared

Readers who love sweeping stories set in real pasts keep asking for the best fantasy historical series to start next. We compared four series picks by listed reading age, series position, page count and the description, so you can match the series to the reader.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Red Queen Collection by Aveyard	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
2	The Lost Apothecary by Penner	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Shadowed Forest by Gear	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Spellweaver by Crawford	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Red Queen Collection by Aveyard

Victoria Aveyard·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Suits a reader who wants four connected fantasy books in one digital collection, with a listed reading age of 13 years and up.

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Pros

• Collects all four books of the Red Queen series in one digital collection.
• The listing states the publisher, HarperCollins, and the publication date of October 9, 2018.
• A reading age of 13 years and up is stated, which helps match the book to a reader.

Cons

• No page count is stated for the collection.
• No grade level is stated alongside the reading age.
• Each book's details are Not stated beyond the series description.

2

The Lost Apothecary by Penner

Sarah Penner·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A secret apothecary in eighteenth-century London sells poisons to women, suiting readers who want historical mystery over fantasy.

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Pros

• A historical setting built around a secret network of women
• 352 pages with a publication date of February 22, 2022
• A present-day storyline runs alongside the historical one

Cons

• Historical mystery rather than fantasy, so magic fans may skip it
• The description names poisons and murders, a mature theme
• No series position is stated, though a sequel is mentioned

3

Shadowed Forest by Gear

W. Michael Gear·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Suits a reader already into The Peacemaker's Tale who wants its second book, a historical fantasy the description sets among Native American protagonists.

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Pros

• The listing names the series position: Book 2 of 8 in The Peacemaker's Tale.
• A recent publication date of May 7, 2024 is stated.
• The description lays out the premise of the second book.

Cons

• It is Book 2 of 8, so a new reader needs the first book too.
• No reading age or grade level is stated.
• No page count is stated.

4

Spellweaver by Crawford

Ann Crawford·9.4/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Suits a reader who wants a short standalone historical fantasy set in a Scottish village.

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Pros

• Page count is stated: 140 pages.
• The publication date of July 16, 2018 is stated.
• The description sets the premise: a young woman with healing hands and quiet visions.

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated.
• The description mentions a witch hunter and betrayal, so preview it for a younger reader.
• No publisher is stated.

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More picks to compare

• Domna by PainterSuits readers who want a full serialized fantasy series with mythological world-building.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 22 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. One listing states a reading age; none states a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best fantasy historical series

Start with book one, not the middle

Series order matters. Shadowed Forest is Book 2 of 8 in The Peacemaker’s Tale, so a new reader needs the first book before this one.

Use the reading age to match the reader

Only the Red Queen listing states a reading age: 13 years and up. The others state no reading age or grade level, so read the description for themes.

Count the commitment: box set or single volume

A box set covers more ground: the Red Queen listing collects all four books in one digital collection, while Spellweaver is a single 140-page novel. Readers who want a finished story can also browse our completed fantasy series, and fans of the past will like our viking historical fiction list.

Before you buy

• Check the series number: Shadowed Forest is Book 2 of 8, so get the first book first.
• Read the description for themes: Spellweaver mentions a witch hunter and betrayal.
• Compare formats: the Red Queen listing is a four-book digital collection with a stated reading age of 13 years and up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I start a fantasy historical series?

Start with the first book. The Shadowed Forest listing here is Book 2 of 8, so check the series number and buy the opening book first.

What age suits these fantasy historical series?

Only one listing states a reading age: the Red Queen listing gives 13 years and up. The rest state no reading age or grade level.

Is there a complete series in this list?

The Red Queen listing collects all four books in one digital collection, and Domna, in the more options, is described as the complete series in one volume.

Still deciding? Our top pickRed Queen Collection by Aveyard

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Related lists

See every Fantasy and Romantasy list and all Fiction lists.

More lists: fantasy books, fantasy series, completed series, viking historical fiction.