Historical Fiction Books, Essays, and Recommendations by Paul Jariabek on Historical Fiction of Paul Jariabek

Sic Parvis Magna Sample Chapter—Going On Delivery

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the opening scene of Sic Parvis Magna, young Francis Drake leaves his family’s farm on an ordinary errand and walks into a Tavistock darkening with rumor, alarm bells, and the first signs of the Western Rebellion.

The boy will run.

The man will cross oceans, challenge the power of Spain, and alter the course of English history.

Sic Parvis Magna Sample Chapter—The Heretic

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I’m thrilled to share this early glimpse into my historical fiction novel. Please keep in mind that while this chapter is nearly complete, it may still include minor typos or be changed slightly before release. Your early interest means a great deal—thank you for taking this journey with me. If you enjoyed the read, please consider subscribing to my updates and posting about this on your social media.

Sic Parvis Magna Sample Chapter—Family Dinner

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sic Parvis Magna Sample Chapter—Escape from Tavistock

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

When an angry mob comes for the Drake family at night, Francis is swept into a hurried escape from Crowndale with little more than memories of what was lost.

Sic Parvis Magna Sample Chapter—First Impressions of Plymouth

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sic Parvis Magna Sample Chapter—History of Hawkins

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sic Parvis Magna Sample Chapter—Francis Sees Hawkins's Affairs

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sic Parvis Magna Sample Chapter—Life at Plymouth

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sic Parvis Magna Sample Chapter—Sailing in Plymouth Sound

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sic Parvis Magna Sample Chapter—Good News

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Who and What's real in the Historical Fiction Novel Sic Parvis Magna

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Read about some of the research that went into the creation of the historical fiction novel Sic Parvis Magna, from the people that fill the pages of the book to the places where it is set.

Which Anna Karenina quote best explains Tolstoy's idea of "light and shadow"?

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

“All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow.”

How does Karenin's "to love those one hates is impossible" reveal his character?

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

“Love those that hate you, but to love those one hates is impossible.”

Why does Rebecca say she refuses to sell herself for coin in The Blade of Milan?

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

“I don’t have two grossi to my name, and I refuse to sell myself for coin ever again.”

Which Anna Karenina Quote Captures Oblonsky's Love of Life?

Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

“I don’t count life as life without love.”

What the Oblonskys' House Quote Reveals in Anna Karenina

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

“Everything was in confusion in the Oblonskys’ house.”

Why does Anna Karenina begin with "Happy families are all alike"?

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

Book Review: Eight Pointed Cross by Marthese Fenech

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this historical fiction book review of Eight Pointed Cross by Marthese Fenech, I look at a sixteenth-century Malta caught between the Ottoman world and the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of Saint John. The novel follows ordinary families living under corsair raids, social inequality, and competing religious powers. It stands out as a memorable work of historical fiction because of how it explores power, survival, and moral complexity.

What does "The world is a bigger place than the stews" mean in The Blade of Milan?

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

“The world is a bigger place than the stews. It would be a shame to die here.”

Sic Parvis Magna Draft 3 Update

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A quick update of Draft 3 of Sic Parvis Magna—the origin story of the future Sir Francis Drake, and Book 1 in my Adventures of Francis Drake historical fiction series. Read below for more information about the book and for the link for more information.

Book Review: Poinsettia Girl by Jennifer Wizbowski

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Jennifer Wizbowski’s Poinsettia Girl is a historical fiction novel set in 18th-century Venice, inspired by the real singer and composer Agata de la Pietà. If you enjoy historical fiction and want a quiet and thoughtful book, you’ll enjoy this story about resilience and finding your voice.

My October 2025 Newsletter is available

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I am pleased to restart the publication of my historical fiction newsletters.

The Blade of Milan by Warren Basla: A Historical Fiction Review

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 21:39:02 -0700

Warren Basla’s The Blade of Milan is a gritty medieval historical fiction novel set in 13th-century Milan, following Rebecca Guarna from exploitation to becoming an assassin.

Thank you for re-confirming your subscription!

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Thank you for re-confirming your subscription!

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey: The Last Knight of a Dead Age

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

My upcoming historical fiction short story, A Fool’s Errand, is set in the summer of 1544. As the English cannons thundered against the walls of Montreuil-sur-Mer, the drama and death of the external conflict masked the head-on collision of two visions of duty and honor—between the romantic chivalry and the harsh realities of a Tudor war. The principal tragic antagonist of the story is the brilliant and volatile Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, whose virtues, twisted by pride and circumstance, nearly destroyed him and catalyzed another man’s awakening.

Sic Parvis Magna Update and Tudor War Story News (Sept 2025)

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The September 2025 edition of the Historical Fiction Newsletter shares updates on my Tudor-era projects, including progress on the Adventures of Francis Drake novel Sic Parvis Magna and the launch of a new short story, A Fool’s Errand, set during the Siege of Montreuil. You’ll also find a historical fiction book recommendation about the epic Siege of Malta.

A Tudor Character Sketch: Gregory Trelawney

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Gregory Trelawney, a fictional younger son of a Tudor gentry family, takes center stage in an historical fiction short story set during the 1544 Siege of Montreuil. The story explores themes of honor, mortality, and loyalty in the brutal reality of Henry VIII’s last campaign. Alongside historical figures like the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Surrey, Trelawney confronts both the folly of command and the cost of survival. His journey becomes not just a tale of battle, but of how war strips away illusion and forces a reckoning with purpose.

Historical Fiction Guest Post Submission Guidelines

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

These historical fictoin guest post guidelines outline the vision, submission process, and standards for contributing historical fiction content to jariabek.com. They detail accepted content types, rights and licensing terms, editorial requirements, and responsibilities. The page explains how to query, what happens after acceptance, and contributor responsibilities post-publication.

How I Converted My WordPress Author Website to Hugo

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

For historical fiction authors, a well-structured, fast, and secure website can help reach more readers and showcase their work

Learn More about the Historical Fiction Novel Sic Parvis Magna

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sic Parvis Magna is a historical fiction novel set in the early years of Francis Drake, an ship’s boy during the perilous world of Tudor-era seafaring. Against a backdrop of religious upheaval and maritime danger, young Drake must navigate stormy seas, moral dilemmas, and ruthless enemies to find his place in a world on the brink of transformation. Richly detailed, complex characters and a coming-of-age arc that mirrors England’s rise as a naval power, this is a gripping tale for fans of high-seas adventures.

Get a Free Copy of Historical Fiction Short Story Retribution

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Join My Historical Fiction Network

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

If you are writing historical fiction, or are working in the industry as a publicist, agent, illustrator, editor or audio talent, I’d love to meet you.

Best Historical Fiction Books: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Why Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina (1878) remains one of the defining historical novels: love, adultery, conscience, and social judgment in imperial Russia, read closely.

Best Historical Fiction Books: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Why Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace (1869) remains a defining historical novel: five families, the 1812 invasion of Russia, and Tolstoy’s quiet argument against the way history is told.

Tolstoy's War: The Chill of Napoleon's False Shadow

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time. His epic novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina are masterpieces of realist fiction that explore the depths of human nature, society, and moral philosophy.

Historical Fiction Novel Nova Albion Adventure By Paul Jariabek

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In 1577, Francis Drake leads a voyage cloaked in deception—its true aim hidden even from his captains. Hunted by Spain across two oceans, Drake battles storms, mutiny, and Spanish warships to strike deep into the Pacific and push north in search of the fabled Northern Passage. The mission’s outcome will ignite England’s imperial ambitions and earn Drake a place in history as Spain’s most feared enemy.

Memento Mori in Tudor England: Death, Faith, and Drake

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Death haunted Tudor England. Explore how memento mori, Francis Drake’s dangerous voyages, and religious fear shape the conflict in my historical fiction novel Sic Parvis Magna.

Historical Fiction Novel First Blood By Paul Jariabek

Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Stung by Spanish Vice Roy’s betrayal at San Juan de Ulúa, the young captain Francis Drake swears vengeance—at any cost—on no less than a king. First Blood follows his rise from ruin to revenge, as he strikes at Spain’s golden lifeline through the Isthmus of Panama and creates the fiery legend of El Draque.

Accessibility Statement for Historical Fiction of Paul Jariabek

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

My commitment to digital accessibility for my readers.

The Last Song - Historical Flash Fiction

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the opulent and treacherous court of Henry VIII, a low-born musician Mark Smeaton strums a defiant, treasonous melody…

1555 Philip and Mary Shillings

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Few artifacts capture the complex political and religious landscape of 16th-century England as vividly as the Philip and Mary shilling. Issued during the reign of Mary I of England and her husband, Philip II of Spain, these coins are a reminder of religious upheaval and intense power struggles that marked Francis Drake’s passage into adulthood.

Who Was Francis Drake? The Legend Behind Sic Parvis Magna

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Discover the real Francis Drake behind the legend — a man of daring voyages, ruthless ambition, and moral complexity. This in-depth historical fiction profile explores Drake’s rise from humble beginnings to privateer, circumnavigator, and Spanish nemesis. His life inspires the adventures in my historical fiction novel Sic Parvis Magna, where Tudor politics, personal ambition, and the harsh realities of the Age of Discovery collide. Dive into Drake’s world of high-seas adventure, betrayal, and shifting loyalties that helped shape England’s naval empire.

Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel The Order by Peter Portelli

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Peter Portelli’s The Order offers a gripping, unvarnished retelling of the Great Siege of Malta. With sharp character portrayals and a spotlight on the often-overlooked role of the Maltese, this historical fiction novel challenges heroic myths and exposes the brutal cost of war. Read more to explore how power, pride, and sacrifice collide in one of history’s most dramatic sieges.

Mystery Book Review: Vicar Brekonridge by Richard Helms

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A review of Vicar Brekonridge, a gripping historical mystery novel that retells the real-life M’Naughten trial—a turning point in British legal history. Set in the period of real political unrest and radical ideas, this story blends criminal intrigue with 19th-century social upheaval which challenged the meaning of justice.

Classic McKenzie River Dory Drift Boat For Sale

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This classic Wooden McKenzie River Fishing Drift Boat (River Dory) For Sale. The Thinker’s Whim was hand-built 2008 to Robert Fletcher’s plans for a classic McKenzie River Drift Boat and guaranteed to catch fish (and looks) in style!

Villain Sketch: Pirate Captain Guy Alfonse Guichenot

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Discover the historical fiction villain Captain Guichenot from Sic Parvis Magna. This behind-the-scenes character sketch reveals how the ruthless 16th-century privateer was originally crafted to challenge Francis Drake, embodying the brutal world of early modern piracy. Explore the creative process, historical details, and psychology that shaped this dark figure from the novel.

Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel Ben's Bones by Robert Gioconda

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this richly layered historical fiction novel, Joseph Gioconda explores the dawn of modern medicine through the eyes of William Hewson, a real-life anatomist caught between scientific discovery and moral sacrifice. Set in 1750s London, Ben’s Bones intertwines medical breakthroughs, personal ambition, and ethical dilemmas—perfect for fans of historical fiction vividly grounded in true events.

Historical Fiction Villain Sketch of James Reynard

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Historical fiction thrives on complex characters shaped by real events. In this exclusive character sketch from Sic Parvis Magna, explore the troubled past of James Reynard—a fictional villain born amid the brutal upheavals of Tudor England. Inspired by history, Reynard’s personal tragedy, betrayal, and violent path offer a gripping portrait of survival, ambition, and revenge in a world torn by religious and political turmoil.

Sic Parvis Magna Meaning: Francis Drake's Motto Explained

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this post, I look at how the phrase became linked to Drake, what it suggests about his rise, and why it became the title of my Tudor-era historical fiction novel.

St. Elmo's Fire by Oliver Theakston: Historical Fiction Review

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:23:52 -0700

Oliver Theakston’s St. Elmo’s Fire is a maritime historical fiction novel about Magellan’s 1519 voyage in search of a westward route to the Spice Islands. It is a sober, thoughtful story of ambition, violence, mutiny, and empire, with strong period detail and an unsentimental view of Magellan’s command. Readers interested in Magellan, Elcano, sea voyages, and exploration will find it a worthwhile read.

Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel Trust and Treason by JR Tomlin

Sat, 05 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this gripping work of historical fiction, JR Tomlin brings 14th-century Scotland to life through the eyes of Sir Archibald Douglas, a warrior torn between loyalty, betrayal, and survival. Set amid the fallout of Neville’s Cross and the ravages of the Black Plague, Trust and Treason immerses readers in a vivid world of political intrigue and personal sacrifice. A must-read for fans of medieval historical fiction seeking rich atmosphere and emotional stakes.

Fantasy Book Review: Alchemy Thief by R A Denny

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

A reader’s review of The Alchemy Thief, a richly layered historical fiction novel with elements of time travel and historical fantasy. Follow Peri, a modern college student, as she’s thrust into 17th-century New England and Morocco, crossing paths with pirates, Puritans, and more. Fans of immersive historical fiction and character-driven fantasy will find much to enjoy in this well-researched story.

AI-Generated Illustrations for Historical Fiction: A Visual Experiment

Sat, 18 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this visual experiment, I explore how AI-generated illustrations can support the worldbuilding of historical fiction. Using prompts inspired by 16th-century sailing, piracy, and Sir Francis Drake, I tested how well an image generation model interprets historical themes. The results range from surreal abstractions to surprisingly accurate graphics. While hardly final covers, the images offer inspiration and serve as creative aids for artists.

Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel Wall of Tears by David Kerr

Thu, 19 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In Wall of Tears, David Kerr weaves Holocaust legacy, biblical allegory, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into a powerful tale of love, loss, and forgiveness. Rich with emotional depth and historical resonance, this novel offers a rare lens into generational trauma and cultural reconciliation—making it a must-read for fans of the best historical fiction books.

Historical Fiction Novel Sic Parvis Magna Update: 80k words!

Sun, 15 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

I am pleased to announce that the manuscript of the historical novel Sic Parvis Magna, the start-of-series of the Adventures of Francis Drake just crossed 80k words.

Historical Fiction Short Story Retribution By Paul Jariabek

Thu, 05 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The historical fiction short story Retribution follows a young Francis Drake in 1557 as he volunteers for a daring cut-out raid to reclaim the captured English ship Lionheart from French privateers. Drake is still uncertain of his future but finds clarity and resolve through this early brush with conflict and risk. The story explores his formative years under the patronage of the powerful Hawkins family, setting the stage for his transformation into one of England’s most feared naval commanders. Retribution is set between the series opener Sic Parvis Magna and the upcoming novel First Blood

Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel Airy Nothing by Clarissa Pattern

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this vivid and moving historical YA novel set in Elizabethan England, a lonely, effeminate boy named John escapes abuse and seeks magic and belonging in Shakespearean London. Along the way, he forms an unexpected friendship with a streetwise pickpocket and discovers his place in the world through theatre. This is a tender, richly detailed coming-of-age story that explores identity, resilience, and the transformative power of art. A highly recommended read for fans of historical fiction and LGBTQ+ narratives.

Researching Francis Drake's Ship the Tiger

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What kind of ship did Francis Drake first sail on? In this behind-the-scenes post about the research that went into writing Sic Parvis Magna, I explore the real historical vessels—like the Gresham Ship, and the Newport Ship—that helped shape my portrayal of Drake’s early years at sea on a armed merchantman the Tiger. From piracy to trade this post is a deep dive into the ships that helped to forge a legend.

Young Francis Drake: From Tavistock Farm Boy to Pirate

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This is not a full biography of Francis Drake. It is a historical fiction character study of young Francis Drake: the boy from Tavistock, shaped by rebellion, exile, Protestant conviction, maritime ambition, and the example of the Hawkins family.

Book Review: The Heretic Wind by Judith Arnopp

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Step into the mind of “Bloody” Mary Tudor in this quiet historical fiction novel that challenges everything you thought you knew. Judith Arnopp’s The Heretic Wind offers a deeply human portrayal of one of England’s most controversial queens, weaving personal struggle with political turmoil in Tudor England. A must-read for historical fiction fans seeking understand the woman behind the myth.

The Art in Retribution: Illustrating Francis Drake

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

A historical fiction book allows the reader to experience what it could have been like “back then.” Vivid descriptions are one way to start this experience for the reader. Theme-appropriate artwork is another. Read about the artwork in the historical fiction short story Retribution.

Opening Scene of the Historical Fiction Short Story Retribution

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I’m thrilled to share the first scene of the historical fiction short story Retribution. Your interest means a great deal—thank you for taking this journey with me. If you enjoyed the read, please consider reviewing Retribution on Amazon or goodreads, subscribing to my updates and posting about this on your social media.

Announcement: Retribution Historical Short Story Released

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Release announcement of Retribution, a short story in the historical fiction series Adventures of Francis Drake.

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Wed, 21 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

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Best Historical Fiction Books

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

I’ve divided this list into two sections that reflect how I think about best historical fiction. The first features my favorite classical masters, generally writing before 1900. I segment these out because the experience of reading them—their language, point-of-view, and the actions of the characters—allows for full immersion, truly removing us from our modern world. The second list showcases modern voices from 1900 onward, who’ve brought fresh perspectives to historical storytelling. These books have shaped my perspective as well, though not necessarily through moving me to a time long past.

Historical Fiction of Paul Jariabek

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Step aboard the blood-soaked decks of an Elizabethan ship where Francis Drake’s exploits shaped the birth of the English naval empire. Stroll through the seedier parts of the London waterfront. Experience the personal devastation wrought by Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Historical Fiction Series Adventures of Francis Drake by Paul Jariabek

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

What circumstances and conditions create someone like Sir Francis Drake? What motivates him to risk his life in faraway seas and lands? Was it ambition, lust for power and riches? Or was it personal hate and vengefulness against a foe?