This Week in Historical Fiction — Week of July 13, 2026

Most Read Historical Fiction Books This Week

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Published: June 3, 2025

Joan Goodwin, a professor of physics and astronomy, joins NASA’s space shuttle program after a life-altering decision. As she trains with an exceptional group of candidates, Joan discovers transformative love and the trials of human connection amidst her quest to reach the stars.

With intricate character development and emotional depth, Atmosphere is a fast-paced tale that resonates with anyone fascinated by the cosmos.

Stats: 940,333 → 952,923 (+12,590) — Steady performer with this being its 3rd consecutive week at #1. Over the past five weeks, it has maintained high engagement, moving from just under 900,000 ratings to a substantial uptick this week.

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang

Published: August 26, 2025

In this dark academia fantasy, graduate students Alice and Peter must navigate the underworld to save their professor’s soul after a magical accident. Their rivalry turns to reluctant partnership as they confront the unexpected challenges of hellish landscapes and personal demons.

Drawing parallels to classical literature, Katabasis captures the stakes of ambition and the price of academic sacrifice.

Stats: 180,218 → 182,933 (+2,715) — Growth trajectory remains strong, with consistent weekly increases keeping it at #2 for three weeks running. The book's performance reflects a solid following since its release, suggesting engagement with its thematic depth.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab

Published: June 10, 2025

Spanning multiple time periods, this novel intertwines the lives of three women, each grappling with their own thirst for freedom amidst societal constraints. Schwab’s genre-defying narrative explores themes of love, rage, and hunger, inviting readers to experience the lyrical prose and emotional weight of each character’s journey.

The interconnected stories challenge notions of identity and resilience across eras.

Stats: 212,866 → 215,430 (+2,564) — A modest rise that solidifies its spot at #3 this week, indicating steady engagement among readers familiar with Schwab’s work, as it maintains momentum over the course of its fifth week on the chart.

Rising in Historical Fiction

The Unknown by Riley Sager

Published: August 4, 2026

In this thrilling tale, actress Marin Keane investigates a century-old mystery surrounding missing women on a mystical island. As she delves deeper into the enigma alongside her castmates, eerie occurrences hint at a supernatural connection that may be behind the recent disappearances.

The novel combines elements of horror and suspense, engaging readers with its chilling narrative and a historical backdrop.

Stats: 524 → 572 (GROWTH: 9.2%, +48) — Notable rise indicates increasing interest for a debut title that has quickly gained traction, securing its position at #1 in the most changed category.

Tempest by Victoria Aveyard

Published: September 8, 2026

Lady Catrine Rose is torn between her loyalties and her heart amidst brutal high seas battles. As she navigates the treacherous waters of love and betrayal, the stakes heighten with the threat of the Empire looming.

Aveyard’s work promises an epic adventure with strong romantic elements set against a tempestuous historical backdrop.

Stats: 292 → 310 (GROWTH: 6.2%, +18) — An early debut reflecting favorable reception, positioning it firmly as a rising title, showing signs of engagement as it marks its first steps in reader awareness.