C. S. Forester was a British novelist famous for vivid nautical adventures. He created the beloved naval hero Horatio Hornblower in novels like The African Queen and Mr. Midshipman Hornblower.
If you enjoy reading books by C. S. Forester then you might also like the following authors:
Patrick O’Brian is an author worth discovering if you enjoy C. S. Forester’s naval adventures. His novel, Master and Commander, introduces Captain Jack Aubrey, a spirited British naval officer during the Napoleonic Wars.
Aubrey teams up with Stephen Maturin, a thoughtful and skilled surgeon who becomes his trusted friend. Together they sail on HMS Sophie, navigating fierce battles, coping with stormy seas, and wrestling with complex shipboard dynamics.
Their friendship unfolds with humor and authenticity while the crew tackle difficult odds and thrilling challenges on the open ocean. O’Brian paints a vivid picture of life at sea, full of rich historical detail and engaging, believable characters.
If you liked Forester’s Horatio Hornblower, you’ll likely become absorbed in Aubrey’s lively sea adventures and Maturin’s intelligence and charm.
If you enjoy C. S. Forester’s naval adventures set in the Napoleonic Wars, you may also appreciate Alexander Kent’s engaging series featuring his memorable main character, Richard Bolitho.
Kent’s book To Glory We Steer introduces Bolitho as he takes command of the frigate HMS Phalarope during the American War of Independence. Bolitho faces turbulent seas, complex crew dynamics, and heated battles against resilient enemies.
The story weaves vivid, authentic maritime detail into dramatic naval clashes and offers insight into Bolitho’s personal struggles and triumphs at sea.
Fans of Forester’s Horatio Hornblower novels will likely be drawn to Kent’s realistic portrayal of naval life, vigorous storytelling style, and carefully drawn characters who must overcome danger at every turn.
Readers who enjoyed the naval adventures created by C. S. Forester will probably appreciate Dudley Pope’s exciting historical sea fiction.
Pope’s book Ramage introduces readers to Nicholas Ramage, a young naval lieutenant thrust into command when his captain is incapacitated during battle.
Ramage faces daunting challenges on the high seas, such as fierce naval combat and the delicate political games among his crew.
Pope presents the harsh realities of naval warfare and captures the excitement of sailing ships, lively battles, and detailed descriptions of life aboard a British frigate.
This blend of vivid storytelling and historical accuracy makes Pope’s series an engaging read for anyone who appreciates maritime adventures set during the days of sail and cannon.
Readers who enjoy C. S. Forester’s exciting naval battles and finely crafted historical settings will appreciate Bernard Cornwell. Cornwell excels at placing readers directly into vivid, engaging historical scenes.
His novel Sharpe’s Eagle tells the story of Richard Sharpe, a tough English soldier who rises from the ranks during the Napoleonic Wars.
Sharpe must lead his men on a daring mission into enemy territory to capture a French imperial standard—a bold feat that could earn him glory or ruin his career.
Filled with intense battlefield action, clever military strategy, and memorable characters, Sharpe’s Eagle captures the bravery and drama that fans of Forester will certainly enjoy.
Dewey Lambdin is an author known for his Alan Lewrie naval adventure series set during the Age of Sail, perfect for readers who enjoy the stories created by C. S. Forester.
One of his notable novels, The King’s Coat, introduces the charming yet roguish Alan Lewrie, a reluctant young sailor forced into naval service by his scheming family.
Lewrie’s adventures begin with a tough training regime, followed by exciting combat at sea, all while he tries to navigate navy life and his own mischievous tendencies.
The book skillfully blends historical details, lively sea battles, and humor, giving readers a vivid taste of life aboard a British warship.
Julian Stockwin is a British author known for vivid naval historical fiction, especially his highly praised Thomas Kydd series.
If you enjoyed the nautical adventures of Horatio Hornblower by C. S. Forester, Stockwin offers another exciting journey into life at sea during the Napoleonic era.
One book to look out for is Kydd, which follows young wig-maker Thomas Kydd who is unexpectedly pressed into service aboard a British naval ship in the late 18th century. Kydd begins as a raw recruit, unsure and inexperienced, but steadily transforms into a capable sailor.
The book captures everyday shipboard life with precision, portraying battles, friendships at sea, and struggles against harsh naval discipline.
Readers who appreciated Hornblower’s transformation from timid midshipman to seasoned commander will find Thomas Kydd’s journey equally compelling and authentic.
Readers who enjoy C. S. Forester’s naval adventures will likely appreciate Showell Styles. Styles is known for lively historical fiction set at sea and in rugged mountain terrains.
His book Midshipman Quinn follows young Septimus Quinn, an ambitious midshipman in the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Quinn faces danger, complicated friendships, and extreme challenges aboard his ship, HMS Althea.
Styles brings to life naval tactics, daring escapades at sea, and the intensity of maritime warfare, all through the perspective of a determined sailor. Fans of Forester’s Horatio Hornblower will find Septimus Quinn equally courageous, smart, and intriguing.
Richard Woodman is an author readers of C. S. Forester’s naval adventure stories will really appreciate.
His series featuring Nathaniel Drinkwater, a smart and courageous British officer, showcases thrilling naval battles, strategic maneuvers, and compelling, realistic character portrayals.
In An Eye of the Fleet, Drinkwater serves aboard the frigate H.M.S. Cyclops during the American War of Independence. Through tense engagements, unpredictable seas, and the personal trials he faces, Drinkwater emerges as an officer readers genuinely root for.
Woodman’s authentic depiction of naval life makes An Eye of the Fleet an ideal choice for any fan who enjoys Forester’s Horatio Hornblower adventures.
Alistair MacLean was a Scottish novelist known for creating suspenseful tales set during wartime or tense espionage situations. Fans of C. S. Forester might enjoy MacLean’s thriller The Guns of Navarone.
The novel tells the story of a small group of commandos sent on a daring mission during World War II. They must infiltrate a heavily fortified island in enemy territory.
Their goal is to destroy massive German guns positioned high upon the cliffs that threaten Allied ships in the Aegean Sea. MacLean skillfully combines action, adventure, and tight plotting to keep readers eagerly turning pages to the end.
Hammond Innes was a British author known for adventurous thrillers set against vividly described landscapes and rugged seas. If you’re a fan of C. S. Forester’s seafaring adventures, Innes might be a perfect fit.
His novel The Wreck of the Mary Deare follows John Sands, a sailor who stumbles onto a seemingly abandoned freighter drifting mysteriously in the English Channel.
When Sands boards the Mary Deare, he realizes the ship holds dangerous secrets concerning its lost crew and suspicious cargo. Innes builds suspense steadily, immerses you in maritime intrigue, and introduces compelling conflicts at sea.
If you enjoyed Forester’s gripping naval tales, you’ll likely find Hammond Innes equally exciting.
Readers who enjoy C. S. Forester’s stories of adventure and drama at sea might also appreciate the novels of Nevil Shute. Shute, known for his strong storytelling and realistic characters, often sets his plots against tense historical backgrounds.
In his novel A Town Like Alice, he tells the inspiring story of Jean Paget, a young Englishwoman captured by the Japanese army during World War II.
Forced into a grueling march through Malaya with other women and children, Jean endures hardships yet never loses her determination and compassion.
After the war, her courage takes her to Australia, where she faces a journey equally demanding but filled with hope, resilience, and unexpected love. Shute’s thoughtful portrayal of strength and humanity during tough times makes this story memorable and satisfying.
James Clavell was a British-American author celebrated for his historical fiction set in Asia. If you enjoy stories of naval adventure and historical drama by authors like C. S. Forester, then try Clavell’s novel Shōgun.
It immerses readers in 17th-century Japan through the eyes of John Blackthorne, an English navigator shipwrecked on Japan’s coast. The book explores themes of honor, political power struggles, and the clash between East and West.
Blackthorne must navigate deadly samurai politics and intrigues at court, all while trying to survive—and perhaps thrive—in a land entirely foreign to his own.
It’s an absorbing historical epic that vividly brings the samurai world alive, and it’s sure to appeal to those who enjoy bold adventures and rich historical detail.
Herman Wouk was an American author known for vivid historical fiction that brings pivotal moments of World War II to life. His book The Caine Mutiny follows the crew aboard the USS Caine, a warship in the Pacific theater.
When Lieutenant Commander Queeg takes over as captain, the men endure increasingly strange rules, questionable judgments, and heightened tension at sea.
The situation eventually escalates into accusations of mutiny and a gripping trial that questions authority and duty under immense pressure.
Fans of C. S. Forester who enjoyed the naval battles and moral dilemmas of Horatio Hornblower will find Herman Wouk’s portrayal of sea life during wartime equally engaging and insightful.
Nicholas Monsarrat was a British novelist known for his vivid and authentic portrayal of life at sea, particularly during World War II. Readers who enjoy C.S. Forester’s naval adventures may appreciate Monsarrat’s writing style and realistic storytelling.
His novel The Cruel Sea is probably his best-known book. It follows the crew of a British corvette escort ship tasked with protecting merchant convoys during the Battle of the Atlantic.
Monsarrat closely examines the demands placed on ordinary sailors and officers, their struggles against storms, enemy submarines, and constant danger.
Through tense encounters, human courage, and harsh decisions, the story places you right on deck alongside these sailors and their constant fight for survival.
Max Hennessy was a British novelist who specialized in historical and military adventure fiction, perfect for readers who enjoy authors like C.S. Forester.
His book The Lion at Sea follows naval officer Kelly Maguire through the tense and dangerous battles of World War I. Maguire is courageous and determined, commanding ships amid fierce naval engagements and espionage missions.
The story moves swiftly through sea battles, personal struggles, and the challenges Maguire faces in wartime Britain. For fans of Forester’s Hornblower series, Hennessy brings a similarly vivid blend of action, historical authenticity, and human drama.