Read History not Historical Fiction
In my opinion, historical fiction has done more damage to history than bad historians. And yet, it has managed to make the subject more popular by presenting it in a story format. History, otherwise, is a collection of stories stitched together. The key difference is that a historian must consult many sources on the same topic, then weave them together to provide a cohesive narrative, along with proper citations.
This latter process is more methodical, comparatively accurate, and allows the reader to visualize events without bias. History enables the reader to form an identity for their heroes, whether good or bad. By presenting facts logically and also presenting counter-arguments, a reader can create a comprehensive image of the period they are studying. A good history book is devoid of any opinions; the opinions should come from the reader alone.
Historical fiction, on the other hand, often reeks of internal bias. Simon Scarrow, while writing a fiction series on Napoleon, portrayed him as a petty tyrant, attributing his skills to luck and branding his army as plunderers, while presenting Wellington as a natural leader with a more sophisticated army. This couldn't be further from the truth when you read actual history, where Wellington himself applauds Napoleon as the greatest military general. A writer can cite any source and twist it to suit their bias, presenting it in a way that influences your beliefs. This sets a dangerous precedent.
The fallacy of historical fiction lies with the writer, not the sources. If the writer is enamored with the person they are writing about, the result will be an entertaining yet biased piece of historical fiction. The "Masters of Rome" series by Colleen McCullough is a testament to this. She dedicated almost two decades to researching the early days of the Roman Empire.
In today’s age, it is important to vet our sources. It is safer to read a history book that cites its sources so you can be a better judge. Reviews are not enough because they often focus on entertainment value. If one is looking for entertaining yet accurate reading, historical fiction is not the way to go. If you still choose to read historical fiction, research the author first.
If you are a history enthusiast, there is no point in reading historical fiction. There are many good historians who have dedicated their lives to research. Read them.
History exists so we can learn from it. Learn from the greatest who walked before us. Historical fiction is cheap entertainment that reduces great figures to pulp fiction heroes.