This post contains affiliate links that earn us a commission at no cost to you. This helps to support the work of The Bookish Bulletin.
Some of the historical fiction books that have touched me the most are ones set during wartime. They have a way of bringing history to life through the people who experienced it: the women working behind the scenes, the families separated by conflict, the resistance fighters risking everything, and the ordinary people trying to carry on when the world around them is falling apart. They show history through different perspectives.
These are important stories to share and know so here, I've gathered a collection of novels published in 2025 and 2026 that bring different periods of conflict to life. You’ll find stories taking place in World War II, during the Korean and Vietnam wars, as well as novels exploring the lasting effects of wartime experiences.
New historical fiction books set during wartime
What is wartime historical fiction?
Wartime historical fiction is a type of historical novel set during a real military conflict or shaped by the experiences of people who lived through one. These books combine historical settings and events with fictional characters, personal relationships and imagined experiences.
Some focus on soldiers and journalists reporting from the front lines, while others follow civilians, spies, resistance fighters and families trying to survive under occupation. Many also explore the aftermath of war, including displacement, grief, family separation and the secrets people carry for decades.
Here are some of the most popular types of wartime historical fiction:
World War II historical fiction: Novels about the Blitz, Nazi-occupied Europe, the resistance, the Holocaust, the Eastern Front and life on the home front.
Historical fiction about women in wartime: Stories about female spies, pilots, journalists, soldiers, codebreakers and resistance members.
Korean War historical fiction: Novels about families, civilians and soldiers caught up in the Korean War.
Vietnam War historical fiction: Stories about the soldiers, journalists and civilians whose lives were shaped by the Vietnam War.
Wartime resistance and espionage novels: Stories about secret missions, intelligence work, underground networks and people risking their lives to fight an occupying force.
Post-war historical fiction: Novels about the aftermath of conflict, including displaced families, lost loved ones, buried secrets and the long-term effects of war.
I hope my list helps you discover some great wartime fiction. Enjoy!
Looking for more books?
Continue discovering your next read:
📅 Upcoming fiction books of 2026
📚 New fiction releases this week
Looking for more book suggestions?
Based on the true story of an all-female aviation bombing unit called the Night Witches, from the author of the bestselling Daughters of the Occupation
Four fearless women take to the skies in the Soviet Union's only all-female bomber regiment, risking everything to prove they belong in one of WWII's deadliest battles.
Read my review
AMAZON
BOOKSHOP.ORG
LIBRO.FM