Bibliography of all My Medieval Reads/Want to Reads

Are you someone interested in the medieval time period? Perhaps you just enjoy medieval fantasy or want to read about a particular time or event in medieval history. This post, which I hope to update every so often, is featuring both fiction and non-fiction books which I’ve both read and want-to-read. They will be organized by Read and Want-to-Read as well as Non-Fiction and Fiction, with the Fiction category having the sub-categories of Fantasy and Historical.

If any of these books catch your interest, click on the title to add them to your Goodreads list! I hope to update this list yearly, so continue coming back as I find more medieval books to add and review on the blog!

A disclaimer on my Want-To-Read list: As much as I am able, I have researched the books and don’t believe there is questionable content in them; however as I have not yet read them, I cannot say for certain. Thus, if you are familiar with one and discovered questionable content within it, please leave a note in the comments for me and others to keep in mind.

Updated: 02/10/26

~ Currently Reading ~

Non-Fiction:

Domesday Book

An actual census held by William the Conquerer and taken in 1086.

The Wars of the Roses by Alison Weir

A history covering the time in England known as the Wars of the Roses.

Fiction:

Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory

The original great compilation of legends concerning King Arthur and his knights. Includes almost all the classic stories including the Quest for the Holy Grail and the downfall of the Round Table.

~ Read ~

Non-Fiction:

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Kings & Queens of Britain by Charles Phillips

A basic overview of Britain’s kings and queens and a great resource for anyone looking to ease their way into medieval history. You can read my review here.

John Wycliffe: Herald of the Reformation by Ellen Caughey

A biography on the great medieval reformer, John Wycliffe.

The Illustrated History of Knights and the Golden Age of Chivalry by Charles Phillips

Another great overview of knights and chivalry in the Medieval era without getting too heavy or bogged down with details. You can read my review here.

The Wars of the Roses by Dan Jones

An awesome overview of The Wars of the Roses from beginning to end.

Summer of Blood by Dan Jones

This easy-to-read and enjoyable book focuses on the Rebellion of 1381, otherwise known as Wat Tyler’s rebellion. You can read my review here.

Warwick the Kingmaker: Politics, Power, and Fame during the Wars of the Roses by A. J. Pollard

A biography of Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, otherwise known as Warwick the Kingmaker.

Fiction:

Historical

To Birmingham Castle by Alicia Willis

This book focuses on the lives of fictional characters living in a historical medieval setting in England. Read my review here.

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott

A classic tale set in the time of Richard the Lionhearted of England and stressing the struggle between Norman and Saxon, Christian and Jew. Read my review here.

The Princess Adelina by Julie Sutter

Based off a true story, this Esther-esque novel is set in 8th century Germany and is perfect for young and old readers alike.

Dearer than Life by Emma Leslie

Set in the 1360s, this tale follows a medieval family who support the teachings of Wycliffe and navigate the tumultuous times in which they live. Read my review here to learn more about this book.

Theobold the Iron-Hearted by Ebenezer Thompson Baird

This wonderful children’s story focuses on two enemy knights and how they come to love their enemies. Check out my review here!

Rising to the Challenge by Alicia Willis

This third-in-a-trilogy stand-alone focuses on a young nobleman who must hide his identity for his safety in medieval England.

Before the Dawn by Emma Leslie

In yet another Wycliffe based tale, the main character sets off to combat the Hersey of Lollardy, but is surprised by what he hears. John Huss also features.

In Freedom’s Cause by G. A. Henty

This historical fiction focuses on the First Scottish War of Independence from the Scottish point of view. G. A. Henty also has several other historical novels set in the medieval time period, and those of which I’ve read include A Knight of the White Cross (focusing on the Knights Hospitallers and their stand at the siege of Rhodes), At Agincourt (focusing on the famous battle of Agincourt in 1415), The Lion of St. Mark (set in Venice in the fourteenth century) and St. George for England (set during the early part of the Hundred’s Years War).

Fantasy

Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione by Chuck Black

This medieval fantasy has a wonderful Christian allegory woven throughout and is written for middle graders, but also is able to be enjoyed by those of all ages. Read my review here!

Sir Knight of the Splendid Way by W. E Cule

Knights meet John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress in this awesome medieval allegory. Read my review here.

The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

This book is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty and the start of a medieval fairytale retelling series which is clean, fun, and best enjoyed by middle graders and young adults. The subsequent novels in the series which I have also read are The Merchant’s Daughter (Beauty and the Beast), The Fairest Beauty (Snow White), The Captive Maiden (Cinderella), The Princess Spy (The Frog Prince), and The Golden Braid (Rapunzel).

The Legends of King Arthur and His Knights by Paul Vincent

This modernized and slightly abridged retelling of Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur is an awesome entry point for anyone looking for a place to start delving into the legends. There is also a free podcast which can be found on Apple or online, if one would rather listen to the audio version.

This manga has a somewhat whimsical medieval setting possessing a fun and mostly clean slice-of-life story. Read my review of volumes 1 and 9 here and here respectively.

The Snow White with the Red Hair series by Sorata Akiduki

A cute little slice of life manga set in a medieval-like setting.

The King’s Knight by Matthew Blythe

Yet another wonderful medieval allegory, except with more fantastical elements! Check out my review here to see more about it!

Enamored by Jody Hedlund

An Arthurian inspired fantasy romance, of which I like to clarify that the sword mentioned is not Excalibur, but the Sword in the Stone. Read my review here.

The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen

This fast-paced non-magical medieval adventure is fun for all ages and has great twists and turns which will keep one reading late into the night.

Sir Malcolm and the Missing Prince by Sidney Baldwin

This wonderful old tale is one of my personal favorites and teaches great character in a fantasy medieval setting. You can read my review here.

The Traitor’s Kiss by Erin Beaty

This young adult romantasy is filled with political intrigue, battles, and romance. Also, a matchmaker. Check out my review here for content warnings.

Rise of the Vicious Princess by C. J Redwine

Another fun fantasy novel chock full of medieval political intrigue between fantasy creatures. Check out my review here!

Tales of the Kingdom by David Mains

A cute allegorical medieval story for children, similar to Pilgrim’s Progress.

The Knight Captain is the New Princess-to-Be Vol. 1-2 by Yasuko Yamaru

This manga centers on a fake engagement between a crown prince and his childhood best friend and bodyguard who has to navigate court life pretending to be his fiancée. Read my review of Volumes 1 and 2 here and here.

A Dance of Silver and Shadow by Melanie Cellier

This is yet another medieval fairytale retelling series, with this novel retelling the story of the Twelve Dancing Princess. You can read my review here. Other fairytale retellings I’ve read by this author include The Princess Game (Sleeping Beauty), A Tale of Beauty and Beast (Beauty and the Beast), and A Crown of Snow and Ice (The Snow Queen).

Oath of the Brotherhood by C. E Laureano

You can easily see the medieval Scottish inspiration in the setting of this Christian romantic fantasy novel. You can read my review of it here.

The Peasant Queen by Aston Dorow

This fantasy retelling of Esther is an excellent romance between a married couple, my review of which you can read here.

Heir of Light by Jill Williamson and Niki Florica

I was honored to help launch this book by reviewing it here on the blog (which you can read here), and I loved the medieval vibes, the fantasy elements, and the fact that it was Christian!

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer

This YA Romantasy novel is one of my all time favorite books and has great elements like political intrigue, assassins, rebellions, and secret identities. It was also partially inspired by Robin Hood!

Disclaimer: This book is the first in a trilogy. However, I am not recommending the second or third books in the series due to the second book being a cliff-hanger book and the third book having LBGTQ+ representation, which I, as a Christian, am not comfortable with reading. However, the first book is great, without any of that junk, and can be read as a stand alone, so I still recommend it! 

The Thief’s Keeper by Kyrie Wang

A really cute YA novella set at the time after William the Conqueror’s Harrying of the North, focusing on a runaway thrall (slave) and a sick orphan girl trying to return a English thane’s toddler son to his family.

---

~ Want-to-Read ~

Non-Fiction:

Daily Life in Medieval Europe by Jeffery Forgeng

A book introducing medieval life in Europe to readers, complete with examples, games, recipes, and music!

The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis: How Great Books Shaped a Great Mind by Jason Baxter

This non-fiction book focuses on several of the sources C.S Lewis found inspiration in, especially in medieval literature, Scripture, and ancient mythology.

An Illustrated History of the Crusades and Crusader Knights by Charles Phillips

An encyclopedia focusing on the crusades.

Medieval Messenger by Paul Dowswell

A collection of medieval facts presented in a humorous newspaper-like way.

Crècy: Battle of Five Kings and Agincourt: Battle of the Scarred King by Michael Livingston

These books focus on the battles of Crècy and Agincourt respectively.

A History Hit Guide to Medieval England by Matthew Lewis

A guide written by History Hit’s Gone Medieval podcast host Matt Lewis.

The Wars of the Roses in 100 Facts by Matthew Lewis

A bit-sized overview of the Wars of the Roses conflict.

The Eagle and the Hart by Helen Castor

A narrative on the lives and relationships of Richard II and his usurper cousin, Henry IV.

The Plantagenets by Dan Jones

An overview of the Plantagenet line of British kings.

The Templars by Dan Jones

A book focusing on the famous and titular Knights Templar.

Powers and Thrones by Dan Jones

A wider view of the medieval world as a whole, not just Britain.

Henry V by Dan Jones

A biography on the titular king.

House of Lilies by Justine Firnhaber-Baker

A history of the kings of France in the medieval times.

The Survival of the Princes in the Tower: Murder, Mystery, and Myth by Matthew Lewis

A book on one of Britain’s most popular cold cases.

Blood and Roses: The Paston Family and the Wars of the Roses by Helen Castor

This biography follows the lives of the historical Paston family who’s letters actually survived to modern day!

Warwick the Kingmaker by Michael Hicks

A biography on the titular Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick.

Warwick the Kingmaker by Paul Murray Kendall

Yes, I’ve got multiple biographies of this guy on my to-read list. He happens to be my favorite historical person at the moment, so I’m excited to learn more about him.

An Author’s Research Notes on Medieval England by T. L. Clark

This book looks very helpful for writers (like me!) who are interested in writing medieval life realistically, but who sometimes get overwhelmed by research.

The Wars of the Roses by John Watts

Yet another study on the Wars of the Roses.

Sceptred Isle by Helen Carr

A history of the 14th Century in England, covering Edward II’s deposition, the Black Death, and the beginning of the Hundred Years’ War, among other topics.

Two Houses, Two Kingdoms by Catherine Hanley

A history of England and France from 1100-1300.

The White Ship by Charles Spencer

A book focusing on the White Ship Disaster and how it brought about a succession crisis and the time in British history known as the Anarchy.

Fiction:

Historical

Dìlseachd – A Stolen Crown by Cheyenne van Langevelde

A story about the Danes invading Scotland and a Scottish woman who faces execution and finds friendship with two chief’s sons.

Evermore by Jody Hedlund

This historical romance takes place in Anglo-Saxon England and focuses on a princess who doesn’t know she is one.

Court of Swans by Melanie Dickerson

Set in 1381 in England, a sister determines to rescue her seven brothers who were wrongly arrested for supposedly murdering their father.

Knight’s Fee by Rosemary Sutcliff

A story following a boy’s rise from dog-boy to knight.

Blood Feud by Rosemary Sutcliff

A story following a young man who fights a blood feud against the family who killed his father.

The Pretender by Jo Harkin

A historical novel on Lambert Simnel, the pretender to the throne who claimed to be the young Earl of Warwick.

The Archer’s Tale by Bernard Cornwell

A story about an archer during the Hundred Years War.

Edwin: High King of Britain by Edoardo Albert

A story on the Anglo-Saxon king Edwin and his embrace of Christianity.

Valorous by Tamara Leigh

This follows an English knight trainer and a French lady who wants him to train a boy set against the backdrop of the Hundred Years War.

Loyalty by Matthew Lewis

A story about Richard III.

The Kingmaker’s Daughter by Philippa Gregory

I’m very excited to try this historical fiction novel focusing on Queen Anne Neville!

Warwick – The Man Behind the Wars of the Roses by Tony Riches

This historical fiction follows the titular character, Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick through the Wars of the Roses.

Kingdom of Love by Tracie Peterson

This is a collection of three historical romance novels about women living in medieval England.

Son of Mercia by M. J. Porter

A novel set in Anglo-Saxon England about the warring kingdom of Mercia fighting against her enemies.

The Blackest Time by Ken Tentarelli

A novel set in Italy during the first outbreak of the Black Death.

Fantasy

Dare by Tricia Mingerink

This fantasy novel about tested loyalties, a tyrant king, and dangerous resistance, has been highly recommended to me.

A Journey to Unshakeable Faith & A Journey to Abiding Forgiveness by Sydney Witbeck

These books follow a princess forced to leave her home for her safety when her kingdom is in distress.

The Squire’s Tale by Gerald Morris

An Arthurian story following a boy who becomes squire to Sir Gawain.

Once I Knew by Victoria Lynn

A young girl stumbles upon a soldier who is a part of the force which is oppressing her people, but he has lost his memories. As she cares for him, his memories start to return.

Grail by Stephen Lawhead

A retelling of the Arthurian Grail Quest.

Entwined by Jody Hedlund

The sequel to Enamored.

Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court by Chuck Black

The sequel to Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione.

The Goose Girl by Savannah Hale

This is a retelling of my second favorite fairytale.

The Prince Warriors by Pricilla Shirer

This is a Christian MG series where kids get tasked with fighting enemies of a country named Ahoratos.

Return of the Vengeful Queen by C. J. Redwine

The Sequel to Rise of the Vicious Princess.

Waking Beauty by Sarah Morin

A unique-looking Sleeping Beauty retelling.

The Light of Eidon by Karen Hancock

Looks like a fantasy retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph.

The Love of a Princess by Aston Dorow

The sequel to The Peasant Queen.

Ranger of Kings by C. J. R Isely

This follows a young knight-in-training who stumbles upon a clan of traitors to the crown.

Theft of Swords by Michael Sullivan

This fantasy follows a knight and a thief who team up after being framed for a king’s murder.

Hood by Stephen Lawhead

A retelling of Robin Hood.

A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner

A story about an heir to the throne who disappears and the two friends who hope to find him.

The Tournament’s Price by Given Hoffman

Follows a young knight undefeated on the jousting field and his struggles with leadership.

Dauntless by Dina Sleiman

A retelling of Robin Hood, but if Robin Hood was a girl.

The Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series by Melanie Cellier

More fairytale retellings set in the same world as the others I’ve read.

Sir Morien: The Legend of a Knight of the Round Table by Holly Black

A cute picture book retelling of an Arthurian knight.

Squire of Truth by Jill Williamson

This novel is the first in a series focusing on a squire to a future king and a songstress who try to solve a murder while composing song and falling in love.

Kingdom’s Dawn by Chuck Black

A MG allegorical fantasy novel focusing on retelling events from the Bible.

---

Have you read any of these books? Did you add any to your to-read list? Do you have some medieval titles I should read which aren’t listed? Let me know in the comments below! ~ Kay Adelin