Illusion

Technically, this is an alternate-world book rather than alternate history. Still, I may be forgiven for including it in this list because it so closely parallels the events of the French Revolution. So, it almost seems like it could have actually happened… if magic existed in the world.

I love the main character’s journey. She starts out as a somewhat unlikeable and privileged woman and is brought low in life, only to emerge as a better and stronger person afterward. I think it’s a journey perhaps many of us take—we have the security of our childhood crushed by the expectations… show more.

In this world inspired by the French Revolution, we witness the start of the revolution, the fall of the monarchy, and the reign of terror that follows, all through the eyes of Eliste vo Derivalle, a young noblewoman who starts out the book highly prejudiced against non-nobles and slowly learns humility by the end of the novel.

Having grown up immensely privileged, Eliste lacks useful skills and is constantly dependent on others. Her entitlement for the majority of the novel makes her difficult to warm to, but she's not an inherently bad person: She's clever, resilient, spirited, and treats her… show more.