Bernard Cornwell is a name that comes up a lot when people talk about historical fiction. He is the person behind the Sharpe novels, those great stories set during the Napoleonic Wars.
And then there is the series about Uhtred of Bebbanburg, set in Saxon England with battles against Vikings.
If you are someone who reads these books and enjoys the detailed historical settings combined with plenty of action, you might be wondering about authors who offer something similar.
Readers who enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s historical novels might also appreciate Conn Iggulden. His book “Genghis: Birth of an Empire” is the first in an engaging series that brings to life the legendary figure of Genghis Khan.
The story follows Temujin’s early years as he endures hardship and violence after his father’s death. Readers witness his rise from a young outcast to a respected leader among the Mongol people.
Full of action-packed battle scenes and detailed portrayals of tribal society, the novel offers an immersive and powerful historical reading experience.
Patrick O’Brian is an exciting author for anyone who enjoys Bernard Cornwell’s strong sense of history and action. His novel “Master and Commander” introduces Captain Jack Aubrey, an ambitious British naval officer, and Stephen Maturin, an intelligent, secretive surgeon.
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the book follows their adventures at sea, filled with authentic naval battles, political drama, and vivid relationships aboard the ship.
Aubrey’s confident leadership and Maturin’s thoughtful reserve create a dynamic friendship that propels the story forward. O’Brian’s detailed yet approachable storytelling builds a world that’s rich in atmosphere and sharp dialogue.
Anyone who appreciates Cornwell’s blend of military accuracy and captivating characters will find plenty to enjoy in Patrick O’Brian’s writing.
Simon Scarrow is an author known for his historical fiction novels filled with vivid battles and authentic historical detail. Fans of Bernard Cornwell’s action-packed and detailed storytelling often enjoy Scarrow’s series featuring Roman soldiers Macro and Cato.
In “Under the Eagle,” the first book of the Eagle series, Macro is a grizzled centurion. He finds himself partnered with a bright but inexperienced new recruit, Cato.
Assigned to the Roman invasion of Britain, they soon have to navigate tense politics, treacherous battles, and a fierce enemy determined to stop Rome’s advance.
The novel brings to life Roman military tactics, gritty combat scenes, and soldiers’ camaraderie amid hardship and danger.
If you enjoyed the immersive and realistic world-building of Bernard Cornwell’s novels, Simon Scarrow’s portrayal of Roman Britain might be the perfect next choice.
C. S. Forester was a British author known for thrilling historical novels full of action, adventure, and naval warfare. Readers who enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s tales of military exploits and rich historical detail may find Forester’s “Mr. Midshipman Hornblower” appealing.
The book introduces Horatio Hornblower, a young officer in the British Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Throughout this story, Hornblower faces challenging sea battles, tricky moral dilemmas, and the difficulties of leadership at a young age.
Forester vividly portrays shipboard life and naval strategy, building tension in dangerous adventure scenes while allowing readers to experience the growth and mistakes of a compelling hero.
Ken Follett is a master storyteller known for historical accuracy and strong, well-developed characters. Readers who enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s detailed battle scenes and captivating historical drama will appreciate Follett’s work.
In “The Pillars of the Earth,” Follett brings medieval England vividly to life through an epic tale of ambition, betrayal, and the enduring pursuit to build a grand cathedral. The plot spans generations.
It highlights the power struggles, romances, and hardships faced by a diverse cast of characters including stonemasons, monks, and noble families. It’s a detailed and immersive story that offers readers memorable moments and fascinating historical insights.
Steven Pressfield writes historical novels full of vivid battle scenes and rich storytelling, ideal for anyone who enjoys Bernard Cornwell’s work. His book “Gates of Fire” takes readers to ancient Greece during the Persian Wars.
It’s an intense look at the bravery of Spartan warriors as they defend the narrow pass at Thermopylae from Persia’s powerful army.
Through the eyes of Xeones, a Spartan squire who survives to tell the story, Pressfield paints authentic, brutal combat scenes and explores themes of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice.
The story is grounded in real history, showing readers both heroism and humanity under impossible odds. If you’re fascinated by historical conflicts and warrior cultures, Pressfield might be your next great find.
Readers who enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s blend of rich historical detail and fast-paced storytelling may appreciate Robert Harris. Harris has a knack for creating vivid historical thrillers that keep readers turning pages.
His novel “Fatherland” takes place in an alternate 1964, where Nazi Germany won World War II. Detective Xavier March uncovers a conspiracy tied to Germany’s darkest past.
As March digs deeper, the lines between loyalty and truth blur, revealing secrets the regime will do anything to protect. Harris crafts a suspenseful narrative filled with twists, intrigue, and unforgettable characters set against a chilling backdrop of alternate history.
Sharon Kay Penman is an author known for vivid historical novels packed with drama, battle scenes, and complex characters. If you enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s historical adventures, Penman could become a favorite.
Her novel “The Sunne in Splendour” brings alive the turbulent saga of Richard III of England. It portrays Richard not as a villain, but as a compelling, misunderstood king caught amid politics, betrayal, and warfare.
The story follows Richard from childhood through the legendary Wars of the Roses, capturing fierce battles as well as deep personal tragedies. Penman masterfully weaves history with storytelling, making readers feel as if they are right alongside Richard himself.
Readers who enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s vivid blend of historical adventure and sharp storytelling should give George MacDonald Fraser a try.
Fraser’s “Flashman” introduces readers to Harry Flashman, a British soldier known as a coward and a scoundrel who somehow manages to become a decorated Victorian hero.
Sent to Afghanistan during the disastrous retreat from Kabul in 1842, Flashman navigates battlefields and court intrigues with outrageous luck and plenty of humor.
Fraser’s storytelling immerses readers in historical events through the eyes of a charming rascal, offering an unforgettable perspective that’s both entertaining and richly detailed.
Readers who enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s historical adventures might also appreciate Ruth Downie’s vivid portrayal of ancient Rome. Her novel “Medicus” introduces Gaius Petreius Ruso, a Roman army physician stationed in Britannia.
Ruso finds himself reluctantly solving a mystery when he rescues an injured slave woman. As he tries to balance his duties as a doctor with unexpected detective work, he navigates military intrigue, cultural tensions, and personal challenges.
Downie’s authentic setting, memorable characters, and subtle humor create a satisfying read for fans looking for engaging historical fiction.
If you enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s vivid historical adventures and strong characters, Wilbur Smith could be another author worth exploring. Smith plunges readers right into thrilling stories set mostly in Africa, packed with history, action, and memorable characters.
His novel “River God” transports you to ancient Egypt through the eyes of Taita, a gifted slave who serves as advisor, inventor, and loyal friend to the powerful Queen Lostris.
In a world filled with intrigue, betrayal, and warfare, Taita must rely on his ingenuity and courage to protect those he loves amid the rise and fall of empires.
Smith’s storytelling blends historical detail with fast-paced action, making “River God” an entertaining read from start to finish.
David Gemmell was a British author known for gritty, action-packed historical and fantasy adventures that fans of Bernard Cornwell will appreciate. His novel “Legend” is a classic of heroic fantasy, set in the fortress city of Dros Delnoch during a bleak and desperate siege.
With an overwhelming invading force pressing in, the defenders turn their hopes to Druss, a retired warrior whose fame is fading but whose courage remains strong. Gemmell creates vivid battles, memorable heroes, and explores loyalty and sacrifice under impossible odds.
If you enjoy Cornwell’s battles and strong characters, Gemmell’s work offers plenty to experience.
Books by Lindsey Davis bring historical Rome to life with wit, humor and captivating mystery. Her novel “The Silver Pigs” introduces Marcus Didius Falco, a sharp-minded, rough-around-the-edges detective who works the streets of Emperor Vespasian’s Rome.
Falco gets caught up in a deadly conspiracy involving stolen imperial silver and influential political figures. With elaborate historical detail and clever dialogue, Davis crafts a vivid backdrop that Bernard Cornwell fans would surely appreciate.
Davis immerses readers in Rome’s power struggles and plots, while Falco’s investigations reveal secrets hidden at every corner of the empire.
Readers who enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s vivid historical novels might appreciate the works of S.J.A. Turney. Turney’s writing brings ancient eras alive through richly detailed stories and strong, memorable characters.
His historical novel, “Marius’ Mules: The Invasion of Gaul,” follows Marcus Falerius Fronto, a seasoned Roman officer, in Julius Caesar’s army during the Gallic Wars. The book skillfully portrays thrilling battles, army camaraderie, and political tension within Roman ranks.
Marcus Fronto’s journey through the rugged landscape of Gaul sheds a fascinating light on Roman military tactics and the complex struggle for conquest and survival.
Fans of Cornwell’s energetic narration of historic conflicts will find themselves drawn into Turney’s exciting depiction of warfare and adventure in ancient times.
Tim Severin writes adventurous, richly detailed stories that bring the past vividly to life. In his novel “Viking: Odinn’s Child,” he tells the story of Thorgils Leifsson, the son of famed explorer Leif the Lucky.
This book weaves history and legend together into a captivating saga that takes readers across the harsh North Atlantic and into the Viking world of conflict, ambition, and mysticism.
Severin’s writing has the engaging immediacy and dramatic storytelling found in Bernard Cornwell’s books. Anyone who enjoys Cornwell’s battles and historical drama will find plenty to enjoy here too.