Is It Historical Fiction? Let’s Talk About That

Every now and then, someone asks: “Wait, isn’t The Harbinger magical realism? How does that make it historical fiction?”

Here’s the answer: It’s both.

Yes, The Harbinger is grounded in the mystical and the metaphysical. It explores dreams, intuitive knowing, and the subtle magic that lives in everyday moments. But the historical elements are just as important to the story, and they’re not just window dressing.

Half the narrative takes place in 16th-century England, during the summer of 1563. This wasn’t just any moment in time; it was a period steeped in tension, transition and danger, particularly for women who didn’t fit into neat societal boxes. From the language and customs to the references to plagues and parish life, this thread of the story draws on real historical research to build an authentic world.

In fact, several events and laws referenced in the book are rooted in actual history. The Witchcraft Act of 1563, passed in Scotland, marked a significant shift in how accusations of witchcraft were handled, turning suspicion into a legal threat. Just a few years prior, the Battle of Glasgow in 1560 underscored the religious and political upheaval stirring across the British Isles. These tensions form the backdrop for Ann’s timeline and ground the fictional elements in a world that truly existed.

Historical fiction doesn’t have to be all grand battles or royal courts. Sometimes, it’s about the quiet lives that never made the history books. It’s about what it meant to be a young woman in a time of suspicion and silence, about how secrets could costs lives, and how friendship might be the only safety net.

So, is it historical fiction?

Absolutely. It’s also a little bit magical. And it’s always centered on connection, choice and the threads that ties us across time.

If you love fiction that weaves the past and present into something richer, The Harbinger might be just what your bookshelf has been waiting for.