Anya Seton was a historical fiction novelist who wrote vivid stories set in various periods. Her popular novels include Katherine and Dragonwyck, known for rich plots and engaging characters.
If you enjoy reading books by Anya Seton then you might also like the following authors:
Readers who enjoy Anya Seton’s historical novels may find Jean Plaidy’s work equally appealing. Jean Plaidy was a prolific author known for richly detailed and historically accurate novels set in royal courts and turbulent times.
Her book The Lady in the Tower recounts the dramatic life of Anne Boleyn, the controversial second wife of King Henry VIII. Plaidy vividly portrays Anne’s ambitious rise to power, the intrigues of England’s royal court, and the perilous events that led to her tragic downfall.
The novel is full of fascinating historical figures, courtly politics, and emotional depth, making it a great choice for Seton fans looking for their next historical read.
Books by Philippa Gregory often take readers into vivid historical periods with strong, memorable characters, perfect for fans of Anya Seton. Gregory’s novel The Other Boleyn Girl centers on Mary Boleyn, sister to Anne Boleyn, the queen remembered for her tragic fate.
Mary narrates a fascinating and often tense tale of rivalry and ambition within the Tudor court. The story unfolds in a world of intrigue, romance, and betrayal, where Mary must navigate family and power struggles under the shadow of her ambitious family.
Gregory portrays history through compelling personal drama that makes her novels enjoyable for anyone who appreciates Anya Seton’s smooth blend of history and storytelling.
Books by Sharon Kay Penman often capture readers who love vivid historical fiction like Anya Seton’s novels. Penman’s Here Be Dragons is a detailed, emotional journey into medieval Wales.
The story follows Joanna, the spirited daughter of England’s King John, who must navigate marriage to Llewelyn, a powerful Welsh prince determined to unite his country.
Their relationship becomes complicated by conflicting loyalties, tensions of war, and the intense rivalry between England and Wales. Penman’s writing brings historical figures to life. She skillfully blends romance, politics, and personal drama.
Readers who enjoy Seton’s historical storytelling, detailed characters, and authentic settings may also find Penman’s novels deeply satisfying.
Margaret George is an author who brings historical figures vividly to life through richly detailed novels. Readers who enjoy Anya Seton’s carefully researched historical fiction may also appreciate George’s novel The Memoirs of Cleopatra.
In this expansive tale, Cleopatra shares her personal reflections from her youth in Egypt to her fateful relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
George paints ancient Alexandria with vivid detail, and gives depth and humanity to the powerful queen known mostly through myths and legends.
Readers are transported deep into Cleopatra’s personal world of romance, intrigue, betrayal, and ambition in a memorable journey through history.
If you enjoy Anya Seton’s vivid historical novels, Elizabeth Chadwick might be exactly the author you’re looking for. Chadwick’s writing brings medieval history to life through richly drawn characters and captivating stories.
Her novel The Greatest Knight introduces readers to William Marshal, an extraordinary knight who rises from obscurity to serve kings and queens, navigating conflict and loyalty in a turbulent England.
His courage on the tournament field and his unwavering honor at royal courts offer a compelling glimpse into what it meant to be truly noble in the twelfth century.
Fans of Seton’s historical depth and engaging characters will find themselves equally at home in Chadwick’s portrayal of the medieval world.
Readers who enjoy Anya Seton’s detailed historical novels may also find pleasure in the works of Norah Lofts. Lofts brings English history to vivid life through her engaging characters and believable storytelling.
Her novel The King’s Pleasure follows the life of Katherine of Aragon from her youthful marriage to Prince Arthur to her complicated and emotional relationship with King Henry VIII.
The story gives readers an up-close look at Katherine’s struggle as wife, queen, and mother within the intense politics of the English court. Lofts skillfully takes readers into royal chambers, cathedral halls, and the private troubles of Katherine herself.
Those who appreciate strong historical heroines and immersive narrative will likely be hooked by this thoughtful retelling of a well-known historical figure’s personal trials.
Readers who enjoy Anya Seton’s vivid historical storytelling may appreciate Thomas B. Costain, a novelist known for bringing the past vibrantly to life. His book The Black Rose takes readers on a fascinating journey set in 13th-century England.
We follow Walter of Gurnie, the illegitimate son of a nobleman, who must leave England and travel through Asia in search of fortune and purpose. Alongside him is Tristram, a charismatic archer whose sharp wit adds life to their adventures.
The novel includes exciting elements of danger, romance, and exploration, offering readers a colorful look at distant lands and medieval culture.
Fans of historical fiction with rich characters and lively settings are likely to find Costain’s storytelling rewarding and enjoyable.
Readers who enjoy Anya Seton’s rich historical storytelling may appreciate Bernard Cornwell’s vivid novels filled with adventure and historical realism. Cornwell is known for bringing the past to life through engaging characters and well-researched narratives.
One of his standout books, The Last Kingdom, introduces readers to Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon noble kidnapped and raised by Danish Vikings. As Uhtred grows up between two worlds, loyalty and identity collide amid ruthless battles for land and power.
Cornwell skillfully mixes actual historical events with fictional drama, creating a story packed with intrigue, betrayal, and action. Fans of Anya Seton’s immersive historical settings and complex characters will find plenty to enjoy in Cornwell’s captivating tales.
Readers who enjoy Anya Seton’s well-researched historical novels full of vivid characters and rich settings might also appreciate the works of Ken Follett. Follett is known for detailed storytelling and captivating plotlines set against critical moments in history.
His book The Pillars of the Earth offers readers a fascinating look at medieval England through the story of the building of a magnificent cathedral.
The novel follows the lives of Tom Builder, a passionate and determined stonemason, and Aliena, a resourceful noblewoman faced with hardship, who both become unexpectedly bound together.
Through their stories, Follett paints a rich portrait of ambition, conflict, love, and the spiritual devotion of an era.
Books by Edward Rutherfurd offer historical sagas filled with vivid characters and immersive storytelling, making him a great pick for fans of Anya Seton. Take Sarum, for example.
This novel traces the story of five families over thousands of years, set around Salisbury Plain in England.
Through these interwoven family stories, the book brings history to life—from ancient times through Roman conquest, medieval dramas, plagues, and the building of Salisbury Cathedral. Rutherfurd is a master at blending detailed research with engaging fiction.
Readers who loved Seton’s historical depth and character-driven novels may find themselves equally captivated by Sarum.
If you enjoy Anya Seton’s vibrant historical novels, Alison Weir might become another favorite author for you. Alison Weir brings England’s past to life with meticulous research and vivid storytelling. Her book Innocent Traitor revolves around the tragic figure Lady Jane Grey.
Jane, a young woman entangled in royal power struggles, finds herself reluctantly thrust onto the throne due to the ambitions of her family. Weir captures Jane’s inner struggles, personal desires, and the dangerous politics surrounding her short reign.
Through her compelling portrayal, Weir immerses readers deeply in Tudor intrigue, rivalry, and suspense.
Books by Conn Iggulden are ideal for readers who enjoyed Anya Seton’s historical novels filled with vivid characters and authentic settings. His novel Stormbird is the first entry in the Wars of the Roses series.
It portrays an England on the brink of civil war, featuring strong characters like Margaret of Anjou, who must navigate a royal marriage amid turbulent political struggles, alliances, betrayals, and rivalries.
Iggulden skillfully crafts history into stories that bring the past alive by spotlighting personal dramas set against sweeping historical events.
Readers who love Seton’s blend of rich detail and dramatic storytelling will appreciate how Conn Iggulden captures both well-known historical figures and lesser-known individuals swept up in compelling stories of ambition and intrigue.
If you enjoy Anya Seton’s vivid historical fiction, Cecelia Holland might be another author to explore. Holland is known for meticulous research and authentic settings that transport readers to compelling historical moments.
Her novel Great Maria tells the story of a woman navigating power, marriage, and ambition in medieval Italy. Maria, strong-willed and intelligent, finds her life intertwined with political alliances and battles for influence in a vividly portrayed medieval world.
Holland brings history alive through complex characters whose decisions shape their destiny amid turbulent times.
Books by Dorothy Dunnett are terrific choices if you’re a fan of Anya Seton’s historical novels. Dunnett’s writing brings the past vividly to life with rich storytelling and complex characters.
A great starting point would be The Game of Kings, the first book in her Lymond Chronicles. Set in 16th century Scotland, the story follows Francis Crawford of Lymond, a charismatic nobleman who returns home under suspicion of treason.
Accused, pursued and shrouded in mystery, Lymond navigates intrigue, politics, and family secrets, while readers are swept into a colorful blend of drama, wit, and vivid historical detail.
If you appreciate Seton’s attention to authenticity and strong protagonists, Dorothy Dunnett’s novels might also capture your imagination.
Taylor Caldwell was a popular novelist known for vivid storytelling and skillful blend of history and drama. If you’re into Anya Seton’s historical novels, Caldwell could be a great find.
Her book Captains and the Kings follows the journey of Joseph Francis Xavier Armagh, an Irish immigrant who rises from poverty to build a powerful dynasty in America.
Set against the backdrop of political intrigue, personal ambition, and family drama, the story paints a fascinating picture of the American Dream in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Caldwell captures the period details and interpersonal conflicts with depth and clarity, making it easy to feel absorbed in Joseph’s struggle and success.