World War II was a significant event in the history of the world. It completely changed the dynamics of battles, modified military strategies, laid the foundation of modern warfare, and transformed the global order entirely. Unsettled issues from World War I, hunger for power, arms advancement, and economic restrictions were some of the reasons that ignited the fire of the Second World War. The Second World War was very different from the First World War, for it was more advanced in terms of weaponry aircraft, aircraft carriers, tanks, and radars.
It involved the United States, all of Europe, much of Asia, Japan, and Italy. Bombing on a massive scale, genocide, destruction, starvation, and even nuclear weapons were used in World War II which changed the global power structure. With the loss of 75-80 million human lives, World War II was truly a dark and devastating era.
But this dark time of history also had its stories, some heart-breaking, and some inspiring. Many stories of war were about ordinary people, whose lives were impacted and transformed as a result of World War II. Literature is full of those stories.
Many fiction writers have written about World War II, some about the destruction of the war, some about the power of hope even in the midst of chaos.
Before that, do you exactly know what is Historical Fiction? Read Here: What is Considered Historical Fiction?
List of the WWII Historical Fiction Books in 2025
So, if you are a fan of war stories, and military history with vivid details of battlefields, realistic emotions, and heartbreaking and inspiring stories of the 20th century, then this list of best World War II historical fiction books in 2025 is a true treat for WWII Historical Fiction Books enthusiasts!!
1. Born Again – Sandra Salinas Newton
On the top of historical fiction books, we have “Born Again.” As the name suggests, the book follows the life of Malcolm Murray, who is being reborn as a punishment for his horrible sins. After being reincarnated multiple times, he is reborn as Josef Goebbels, holding the important position of Propaganda Minister the Nazi party. An interesting blend of a complicated era and fiction, Born Again really stands at the top of the list, making the best historical fiction books of this year.
2. The Book of Lost Names – Kristin Harmel
This interesting book is a real roller-coaster ride of emotions. In the midst of Nazi oppression, Eva is on a mission to protect the Jewish children from the unjust killing by the Nazis. Eva must risk her life to keep the book a secret which contains the real identities of the Jewish children she has saved. This book is really crucial and Eva must make some hard choices for the safety of the Jewish kids. This New York Times bestseller is an interesting addition to the WWII historical fiction books.
3. Code Name Verity – Elizabeth Wein
This is a story of loyalty, betrayal, and survival. WWII is full of stories of harsh truths of war, Code Name Verity is one of them. A war prisoner faced with the cruelties of captivity which takes a toll on her psychological and physical well-being. This book is packed with emotions making it a must-read in historical fiction books 2025 category.
4. The Silver Sword – Ian Serraillier
This book portrays how the war impacted the lives of ordinary people, people were forced to leave their homes and families, starved and deprived of food only with the hope of a better tomorrow. The Silver Sword is about the hope that kept four starved children alive in the midst of the war. The Silver Sword is one of those WWII historical fiction books, which will give you goosebumps all over your body.
5. The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah
The next one on the list of WWII Fiction Books 2025, is The Nightingale. Many people lost their loved ones because of the war, many got separated from their families and never reunited, and some reunited. The Nightingale is a heartbreaking story of two sisters, who got separated in the French-German war. Each with the hope of reuniting with her sister is on a journey filled with tears and thorns.
6. Sarah’s Key – Tatiana de Rosnay
Another one of the realistic WWII historical fiction books is Sarah’s Key. This book goes beyond the range of emotions a human can feel. Sarah left behind her brother locked in the cupboard with the hope of reuniting with him after being arrested with the entire family by the French Police. Deep characters and their deep emotions make Sarah’s Key stand out in WWII historical fiction books.
7. The Zookeeper’s Wife – Diane Ackerman
Among the best World War II historical fiction books, The Zookeeper’s wife is an inspiring tale of courage and resilience. Strong-willed characters like Jan and Antonina Zabinski risk their lives to save hundreds of other lives. The Zookeeper’s Wife is a true tale of courage making this book one of the best in the genre of WWII Fiction Books 2025.
8. Flags of Our Fathers – James Bradley
Another notable mention among the best World War II historical fiction books is the Flags of Our Fathers. This story is a tale of glory and honor, inspiring the readers to honor the sacrifices our fathers made for the honor of the United States. Packed with emotions, heartbreaks, and inspiring characters, Flags Of Our Fathers is one of the real heart-touching WWII historical fiction books.
9. Beneath a Scarlet Sky – Mark Sullivan
War not only changes the landscape of the affected area, but it also changes the people or at times change is the only thing that can guarantee survival. Among the historical fiction books 2025, Beneath a Scarlet Sky follows the life of Pino who is bound to make really tough choices in order to survive the devastating realities of life making Beneath a Scarlet Sky one of the best World War II Historical fiction books in 2025.
10. Ghost Soldiers – Hampton Sides
Among the best World War II historical fiction books, Ghost Soldiers has one of the most realistic and gruesome details of the war sending chills down your spine. This tale of survival and rescue is guaranteed to make you sit on the edge of your seats as you read this best World War II historical fiction book.
11. The Paris Library – Janet Skeslien Charles
WWII Historical Fiction Books often take place in the midst of destruction, tanks, bombing, and killings, The Paris Library talks about two book lovers in the center of war. This unusual entry among the WWII historical fiction books, The Paris Library is a truly unique one.
12. Slaughterhouse-Five – Kurt Vonnegut
This is a unique one on among the WWII historical fiction books because a barber’s assistant, Billy, is taking refuge in the middle of the deadly WWII. How will Billy survive or will he survive?
Packed with fear, terror, and emotions of war, Slaughterhouse-Five is a real addition to historical fiction books in 2025.
