Can you recommend some 'dark ages historical fiction books'?

Well, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is an excellent 'dark ages historical fiction'. It combines mystery and historical details. The story is set in an Italian abbey in the 14th century. The characters are well - drawn and the exploration of medieval religious and intellectual life is fascinating. There's also 'The Saxon Tales' series by Bernard Cornwell which follows the story of Uhtred during the Viking age, full of battles and political intrigue.

The characters in 'dark ages historical fiction books' tend to be complex. They are shaped by the harsh environment and the values of the time. Honor, loyalty, and survival are important themes. Men were often warriors, and women had specific roles within the family and society. These books also tend to explore the spread of Christianity and how it clashed with pagan beliefs in the Dark Ages.

Well, 'Gone with the Wind' can be considered a sort of dark historical fiction. It shows the harshness of the Civil War era in the United States. 'I, Claudius' is also a good one. It's set in ancient Rome and is full of political intrigue, murder, and power struggles, painting a rather dark picture of that historical period. Then there's 'The Name of the Rose' which is set in a medieval monastery and involves mystery and dark secrets.

Sure. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is an excellent one. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, with complex characters and a richly detailed setting. Another great work is 'Ivanhoe' by Walter Scott, which gives a great portrayal of medieval England during the time of Richard the Lionheart. And 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also very popular, full of mystery and set in a 14th - century Italian abbey.

For beginners, 'The Doomsday Book' by Connie Willis is a great start. It combines time - travel with the Dark Ages. A modern historian travels back to the 14th century during the Black Death. It's an easy - to - read and engaging way to get a sense of the period. Another good one is 'Catherine, Called Birdy' by Karen Cushman. It's a young - adult novel set in 13th - century England during the Dark Ages. It gives a simple yet vivid picture of the life of a girl in that time, with details about the manor life, family, and social norms.

The 'Ecclesiastical History of the English People' by Bede is a great one. It gives insights into the early history of England during the Dark Ages. Another is 'The Song of Roland', which tells a story of a heroic knight. It shows the values and the military culture of that time.

One great 'dark and gritty historical fiction' book is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It is set in a medieval monastery and involves complex mysteries, dark secrets, and a very gritty portrayal of the times, including religious intrigue and the harsh living conditions.

One great piece of Dark Ages historical fiction is 'The Saxon Tales' by Bernard Cornwell. It vividly portrays the life during the Dark Ages in England, with detailed descriptions of battles, political intrigue, and the daily lives of the Saxons and Vikings. Another is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, which, while set in a medieval abbey during a time that was part of the Dark Ages, offers a complex mystery filled with religious and philosophical themes. Also, 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is set in 12th - century England, showing the building of a cathedral against the backdrop of the Dark Ages - like social and political situation, with a rich tapestry of characters from different classes.

Power struggles are a common theme. In the dark ages, different groups were vying for control, like nobles, the church, and emerging kingdoms. Another theme is the role of religion. It was a dominant force, influencing people's lives and decisions. Also, survival. People had to deal with harsh living conditions, wars, and diseases.

'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White is also excellent. It reimagines the Arthurian legends set in the Dark Ages. It delves into themes of chivalry, power, and the human condition, with well - developed characters and a richly detailed world.