Imagine history brought to life, not like a dusty textbook, but like a juicy story told by a friend. That’s what Kate Quinn books are all about. Her characters aren’t just names on a page, they’re people you can practically hear laughing, crying, and fighting for what they believe in.
Whether you’re a sucker for ancient Rome’s gladiatorial battles, the dramatic power struggles of the Borgias, or the hidden speakeasies of 1920s Chicago, Kate’s got a story that’ll whisk you away. Each of her books is like a magic portal to a different era, full of love, loss, daring adventures, and enough twists and turns to leave you wanting more.
But Kate Quinn books don’t just offer a historical escape; in her writings, she weaves in themes that resonate with today’s world. Her heroines are strong, intelligent women defying expectations and carving their own paths. They face challenges that transcend time—prejudice, betrayal, and the fight for power—making their stories all the more relatable and inspiring.
So, if you are ready to embark on a thrilling adventure with Kate Quinn books and unlock hidden secrets, unravel conspiracies, and fall in love with characters who will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Dive in because we’re about to explore the depths of history, celebrate the power of women, and lose ourselves in stories that will ignite your imagination!
Contents
- 1 Standalone Novels:
- 1.1 The Alice Network (2017)
- 1.2 The Huntress (2019)
- 1.3 The Diamond Eye (2022)
- 1.4 Mistress of Rome (2010)
- 1.5 Daughters of Rome (2011)
- 1.6 Ribbons of Scarlet: A Novel of the Borgias (2013)
- 1.7 The Serpent and the Pearl (2015)
- 1.8 Empress of the Seven Hills (2016)
- 1.9 Lady of the Eternal City (2018)
- 1.10 A Day of Fire: a novel of Pompeii (79 AD) (2020)
- 1.11 The Phoenix Crown (2023)
- 1.12 Smoke Signal (2014)
- 2 Empress of Rome Series:
- 3 Borgia Chronicles Series:
- 4 Mythverse Series:
- 5 Other:
- 6 Conclusion
Standalone Novels:
The Alice Network (2017)
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
- Description: During World War I, a young American woman named Eve Gardiner becomes a spy working for the British Secret Service in France. She is tasked with finding a missing network of female spies, and her journey leads her to uncover a dangerous truth about her own family history.
The Huntress (2019)
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
- Description: Set in the 1940s, this novel follows Nina Mark, a young British woman whose life is shattered when her sister is murdered in France. Nina vows to find her sister’s killer, and her investigation takes her deep into the dark secrets of wartime Paris.
The Diamond Eye (2022)
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Spy Thriller
- Description: During World War II, a young American woman named Julia Garland joins the British Secret Service and becomes a codebreaker at Bletchley Park. She soon discovers that she is tasked with uncovering a Soviet spy within the organisation, and her mission puts her in grave danger.
Mistress of Rome (2010)
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
- Description: Set in ancient Rome, this novel tells the story of Gaia, a young woman who is forced to become a courtesan to survive. She soon finds herself entangled in the dangerous world of Roman politics and power, and must use her wit and cunning to navigate her way through a treacherous society.
Daughters of Rome (2011)
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
- Description: This sequel to Mistress of Rome follows Gaia’s daughters, Livia and Julia, as they navigate their own paths in ancient Rome. Livia is determined to become a powerful politician, while Julia dreams of a different life. The sisters must confront their own desires and societal expectations as they fight for their place in the world.
Ribbons of Scarlet: A Novel of the Borgias (2013)
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
- Description: This novel tells the story of Lucrezia Borgia, a young woman who is caught in the middle of the powerful and ruthless Borgia family during the Italian Renaissance. Lucrezia must use her intelligence and cunning to survive in a world dominated by men, and her choices will have far-reaching consequences.
The Serpent and the Pearl (2015)
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
- Description: This novel is set in 15th-century Venice and tells the story of Isabella, a young woman who is forced to marry a powerful merchant. Isabella soon discovers that her husband has a dark secret, and she must find a way to protect herself and her family from his dangerous enemies.
Empress of the Seven Hills (2016)
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
- Description: This is the third book in the Empress of Rome series and tells the story of Livia Drusa, the wife of the first Roman emperor, Augustus. Livia is a cunning and ambitious woman who plays a crucial role in her husband’s rise to power. However, she must also navigate the dangers of the Roman court and protect her own interests.
Lady of the Eternal City (2018)
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
- Description: This is the final book in the Empress of Rome series and tells the story of Flavia, the daughter of the emperor Titus. Flavia is a strong and independent woman who defies the expectations of Roman society. She must fight for her place in the world and protect her family from those who seek to harm them.
A Day of Fire: a novel of Pompeii (79 AD) (2020)
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Disaster
- Description: This novel tells the story of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and its devastating impact on the city of Pompeii. Through the eyes of several characters, the novel explores themes of love, loss, survival, and the power of nature.
The Phoenix Crown (2023)
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery
- Description: Set in San Francisco during the devastating earthquake of 1906, the story follows two women, Gemma, an aspiring opera singer, and Suling, a Chinese laundress, whose lives are intertwined by a mysterious artefact – the Phoenix Crown, a legendary relic stolen from China. Their paths collide as they navigate the chaos of the disaster and unravel the secrets surrounding the crown, leading them on a thrilling journey across continents.
Smoke Signal (2014)
- Genre: Thriller, Suspense
- Description: This novel follows the story of Erin, a young woman who discovers a hidden message in a smoke signal while hiking in the Montana wilderness. The message leads her down a dangerous path as she investigates a conspiracy involving government secrets and a deadly plot.
Empress of Rome Series:
Mistress of Rome (2010):
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
- Description: Thea, a Jewish slave girl, rises through the ranks of Roman society to become the mistress of Emperor Domitian. She navigates political intrigue, danger, and forbidden love while fighting for her survival and freedom.
Daughters of Rome (2011):
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
- Description: Livia and Julia, Thea’s daughters, navigate their own paths in a turbulent era. Livia aspires to political power, while Julia seeks a life beyond societal expectations. Both confront the legacy of their mother and the dangers of Roman politics.
Empress of the Seven Hills (2016):
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
- Description: Livia Drusa, ambitious wife of the future emperor Augustus, plays a pivotal role in his rise to power. She manipulates, strategizes, and sacrifices to secure her place and influence the fate of Rome.
The Three Fates (2015) (novella):
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Description: This novella offers a glimpse into the lives of three women during the fall of the Roman Republic: a Vestal Virgin, a gladiator’s wife, and a senator’s daughter. Each faces a personal crisis as their world crumbles around them.
Lady of the Eternal City (2018):
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
- Description: Flavia, daughter of Emperor Titus, defies societal norms and seeks an independent life. She faces challenges from her family and the Roman court while navigating love, loss, and the legacy of her father’s reign.
Borgia Chronicles Series:
The Serpent and the Pearl (2015):
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
- Description: In 1492 Venice, vivacious Giulia Farnese is tricked into becoming a concubine for the ruthless and charismatic Cardinal Borgia. She must navigate the dangerous world of the Borgias alongside her two trusted companions, a cynical bodyguard and a fiery cook with secrets of her own.
The Lion and the Rose (2014):
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Suspense
- Description: The Borgias tighten their grip on Rome, leaving a trail of blood and betrayals. Giulia and her companions navigate the treacherous court, facing new enemies and uncovering shocking secrets about the Borgia family’s rise to power.
Mythverse Series:
A Song of War (2018):
- Genre: Historical Fantasy, Mythological Fiction
- Description: Set in Ancient Greece, this novel follows two sisters, one a warrior queen and the other a seeress, as they fight for their kingdom against a brutal Trojan invasion. They must rely on their strength, cunning, and the power of the ancient gods to achieve victory.
A Year of Ravens (2019):
- Genre: Historical Fantasy, Mythological Fiction
- Description: Following the events of A Song of War, the victorious sisters must rebuild their kingdom and face new threats. As whispers of betrayal and dark magic arise, they must rely on their bond and the guidance of the ravens to protect their people and themselves.
Other:
The Briar Club (2012):
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery
- Description: Set in 1920s Chicago, this novel tells the story of Amelia, a young woman who joins a secret society called the Briar Club. The club investigates unsolved murders and empowers women to challenge societal norms. However, Amelia soon discovers that the club’s secrets are deeper and more dangerous than she ever imagined.
Conclusion
So history buffs and girl-power enthusiasts, make space on your bookshelves! This was just a glimpse into the incredible world of Kate Quinn books, where the past explodes with intrigue, romance, and fearless women who rewrite the rules. The saga of ancient Rome with a twist, 1920s Chicago roaring with adventure, and heroines who don’t just rock the boat, they captain the whole darn fleet, are all waiting to be stocked up in your library!
Remember, these Kate Quinn books are more than just history lessons—they’re immersive adventures packed with secrets, swoon-worthy moments, and heroines who will inspire you to chase your own dreams.
So, which of these Kate Quinn books are you reading next?
