If you enjoy reading books by Bernard Cornwell then you might also like the following authors:
Conn Iggulden is a historical fiction author known for transporting readers to vivid eras in history. If you’ve enjoyed Bernard Cornwell’s work, you might want to check out Iggulden’s “Genghis: Birth of an Empire.”
It tells the story of a young Temujin’s brutal rise from an outcast boy to a leader who unites the Mongol tribes against all odds. The story captures his harsh early life, where betrayal and survival shape him into a man capable of leading warriors across the steppe.
It’s a tale of resilience, loyalty, and ambition, all set against the backdrop of a raw and untamed world.
Patrick O’Brian is best known for his series of historical naval novels set during the Napoleonic Wars. One standout is “Master and Commander,” which kicks off the adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey and ship’s surgeon Stephen Maturin.
The story follows Aubrey’s first command of the HMS Sophie, where he faces challenges at sea, from fierce naval battles to political tensions with rival captains. Maturin, a physician and naturalist, brings a fascinating dynamic as he navigates his role aboard the ship.
The book captures life at sea with vivid detail, while the bond between Aubrey and Maturin adds depth to this tale of loyalty and danger.
Simon Scarrow writes historical fiction packed with action and sharp details. His book, “Under the Eagle,” kicks off a series about two Roman soldiers, Macro and Cato, as they navigate life in the Roman army.
The story follows their mission in Britain, where they face brutal battles, political schemes, and the harsh realities of military life. The bond between the seasoned officer Macro and the younger, inexperienced Cato drives the story forward.
Their friendship, set against the grit and danger of the ancient world, makes it hard to put the book down.
C. S. Forester is known for bringing naval warfare to life through the adventures of Horatio Hornblower. In his book “Mr. Midshipman Hornblower,” readers follow the young Hornblower as he begins his naval career in the late 18th century.
This book explores his early challenges, including facing his fear during duels and grappling with life aboard a British warship. The story doesn’t shy away from showing the harshness of the sea or the enemies he encounters.
It’s full of action and moments where Hornblower’s cleverness helps him out of tight spots, even when everything seems set against him.
Ken Follett is known for creating historical novels filled with action and rich detail. One of his standout books, “The Pillars of the Earth,” takes place in 12th-century England and follows the lives of several characters connected to the building of a cathedral.
There’s Tom, a mason with big dreams, and Aliena, a noblewoman fighting to reclaim her family’s position. The story weaves through war, betrayal, and ambition, all while showing the enormous struggles and accomplishments behind the construction of such a grand structure.
It’s packed with fascinating characters and a setting that feels alive. Fans of Bernard Cornwell might enjoy how Follett brings history to life through intense personal stories.
Steven Pressfield writes stories that bring historical settings to life with vivid characters and action-packed plots. One of his best-known books, “Gates of Fire,” takes readers into the world of the ancient Spartans.
It tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae through the eyes of a survivor, a slave named Xeones. The book captures the courage of the three hundred Spartans who made their stand against the Persian army.
There’s grit, honor, and the bonds of brotherhood throughout the narrative, with moments that leave a lasting impression, like the intense training of Spartan warriors and the heartbreaking sacrifices they make.
If you enjoy historical fiction with strong attention to military life and combat, “Gates of Fire” might catch your interest.
Robert Harris is an author known for creating historical thrillers that blend real events with fictional twists. One of his standout works is “Pompeii,” a vivid story set in the days leading up to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
The book follows a young engineer named Attilius, sent to fix a malfunctioning aqueduct near the doomed city. As he uncovers signs of sabotage and corruption, he begins to suspect that something far greater is about to happen.
Harris paints a picture of life in ancient Rome while building tension toward the inevitable disaster. If you enjoy history woven with personal conflicts and dramatic stakes, this might be one to explore.
Sharon Kay Penman was an exceptional historical fiction writer who brought the medieval world to life with vivid characters and rich storytelling.
One of her best-loved works, “The Sunne in Splendour,” focuses on the life of Richard III, exploring his rise and fall during the Wars of the Roses. The novel captures the political betrayals and fierce loyalties of the time.
Richard is portrayed not as the villain of Shakespeare’s play but as a complex and honorable figure trying to navigate treacherous alliances and family struggles.
The battles, betrayals, and personal tragedies feel real without being overwhelming, making history leap off the page.
George MacDonald Fraser is best known for his “Flashman” series, where he crafts the adventures of Harry Flashman, a cowardly yet oddly fortunate Victorian officer who stumbles his way into historical events.
In “Flashman,” the first book of the series, Flashman recounts his exploits through his memoirs, taking readers from school expulsions to his involvement in the British Army.
Flashman survives battles, dupes those around him, and lands himself in precarious situations while brushing shoulders with real historical figures.
His knack for self-preservation makes him both amusing and unpredictable, a character you can’t quite trust but can’t look away from either. The mix of humor and historical settings makes Fraser’s work stand out.
Ruth Downie is an author known for her historical mysteries set in Roman Britain, blending vivid historical detail with intriguing characters. Her series follows Gaius Petreius Ruso, a Roman army medic who keeps finding himself tangled in dangerous situations.
In “Medicus,” the first book, Ruso is stationed in the remote province of Britannia. When a local barmaid is found dead and another woman disappears, he’s pulled into a world of secrecy and corruption.
The mix of Roman military life, a bleak frontier town, and stubborn natives makes for an engaging setting. Ruso’s dry humor and knack for getting into trouble add an extra layer of entertainment.
Wilbur Smith is a master of historical adventure, known for weaving action-packed stories with rich historical settings. One of his standout novels is “River God.”
Set in ancient Egypt, it follows Taita, a brilliant slave with unmatched wit and knowledge, as he navigates the courts of Pharaohs and the chaos of war. The story dives into Egyptian culture, political intrigue, and battles, all seen through the eyes of Taita.
Fans of Bernard Cornwell’s gripping historical narratives might enjoy Smith’s ability to bring the past to life with vivid detail and larger-than-life characters.
David Gemmell wrote epic fantasy with a raw, action-heavy style that feels grounded in a harsh and realistic world. His book, “Legend,” tells the story of a legendary warrior named Druss, now old and worn, who is called back to defend a fortress against impossible odds.
Druss, once feared across the land for his skill in battle, faces not just external enemies but also his own fading strength. The siege at Dros Delnoch draws in figures like a young, reluctant hero seeking purpose and soldiers fighting to the last for a cause they believe in.
The battles are intense, and the characters show both bravery and flaws. It’s the kind of story that gets you attached to the people living in this dangerous world.
Lindsey Davis is a historical fiction author known for her engaging mysteries set in ancient Rome. One of her popular books, “The Silver Pigs,” introduces readers to Marcus Didius Falco, a Roman informer who gets wrapped up in dangerous schemes.
In this story, Falco crosses paths with Helena Justina, a senator’s daughter, while investigating the theft of silver ingots. The plot twists through conspiracy and politics, taking readers from the bustling streets of Rome to Britain.
Davis brings the ancient world to life with sharp dialogue and vivid details.
S.J.A. Turney is known for writing historical fiction that brings the past to life with vivid detail and action-packed storytelling. One of his books, “The Thief’s Tale,” is set in 15th-century Constantinople.
It follows two thieves, Parmenio and Gregoras, as they take on a dangerous mission involving secret documents that could change the fate of the city. With betrayal, danger, and a vivid sense of the time period, this story pulls you into a world filled with shadows and tension.
Fans of historical adventure will appreciate the atmosphere and high-stakes drama.
Tim Severin was a historian and adventurer who brought history to life through his books. In “The Viking Trilogy,” he tells the story of Thorgils, a young boy raised in Iceland who is swept up in the world of Norse exploration.
The book follows his journey across the seas, meeting fascinating leaders and warriors, and navigating the brutal realities of Viking life. Fans of Bernard Cornwell would enjoy Severin’s rich focus on historical detail and the sense of being right there in the action.