If you enjoy reading novels by Colleen McCullough then you might also like the following authors:
Ken Follett is a British author known for historical novels filled with vivid characters and impressive storytelling. If you enjoyed Colleen McCullough’s detailed historical fiction, Follett’s book “The Pillars of the Earth” may catch your interest.
The story follows the building of a cathedral in 12th-century England amid wars, church politics, and personal rivalries.
The characters’ lives intertwine closely with historical events, and Follett’s clear, approachable style portrays the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
The novel skillfully combines themes of love, ambition, and conflict set against a detailed medieval backdrop.
Readers who enjoy the detailed historical worlds created by Colleen McCullough might also appreciate author Margaret George. George is known for her rich historical biographies and vivid storytelling.
Her novel “The Memoirs of Cleopatra” brings to life the captivating story of Egypt’s legendary queen. Through Cleopatra’s own words, the book offers an intimate look at her rise to power, her alliances with Rome, and her dramatic personal life.
Readers can experience her intelligence, ambition, and the complexities of ruling Egypt at a turning point in history. George’s portrayal makes Cleopatra relatable and real, expanding beyond the familiar images and myths.
If you enjoy historical fiction by Colleen McCullough, you might also appreciate Philippa Gregory. Gregory is famous for stories set in medieval and Tudor England, filled with royal intrigues and vivid personalities from history.
Her book “The Other Boleyn Girl” focuses on the life of Mary Boleyn, sister to the infamous Anne Boleyn.
Through Mary’s eyes, Gregory portrays passion, rivalry, and ambition amongst the powerful Boleyn family, as they navigate their dangerous rise to prominence at the court of Henry VIII.
The reader witnesses complex family dynamics alongside the politics of power and desire, resulting in a captivating drama that breathes life into historical figures.
Readers who enjoy the rich historical dramas of Colleen McCullough might find Edward Rutherfurd equally engaging. His novel “Sarum” spans thousands of years, following generations of five families in the area around Stonehenge and Salisbury, England.
Readers experience the evolution of this ancient land through the lives of its inhabitants, from prehistoric tribal struggles and Roman invasions to medieval cathedral building and modern conflicts.
Each family faces personal dramas and historic events, bringing the vast sweep of history vividly to life through relatable characters and detailed storytelling.
For those who appreciate history woven into human stories across generations, “Sarum” provides an expansive and absorbing read.
If you enjoy Colleen McCullough’s immersive historical sagas, you might appreciate Diana Gabaldon’s richly detailed storytelling. Gabaldon combines history, romance, and a touch of adventure masterfully.
Her novel “Outlander” introduces Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who mysteriously finds herself transported back to 18th-century Scotland. She is thrown into the turmoil of clans and rebellions. Claire soon crosses paths with Jamie Fraser, a charismatic young Highlander.
Their evolving bond intertwines with tense historical events, personal dramas, and suspicions around Claire’s unusual presence. The story moves across landscapes and eras, bringing history alive through vivid characters and emotional depth.
Gabaldon’s well-crafted narrative and authentic historical setting offer an absorbing experience for readers who value McCullough’s depth and storytelling skill.
Books by Sharon Kay Penman offer rich historical fiction with vivid characters and accurate storytelling. If you enjoyed Colleen McCullough’s “The First Man in Rome,” you might like Penman’s “The Sunne in Splendour.”
This novel brings to life England’s Wars of the Roses through the eyes of Richard III. The author shows Richard as a complex figure with ambitions and loyalties often at odds. Penman paints a realistic picture of medieval politics, tangled family ties and battles for power.
She focuses on characters and emotions, which makes historical events personal and engaging. Her detailed portrayal of Richard—his struggles, strengths and losses—captures your attention from the beginning.
Sarah Dunant is a skilled historical novelist who paints lively scenes of Renaissance Italy through stories rich in atmosphere and emotion.
Her novel “The Birth of Venus” follows Alessandra Cecchi, a talented young woman whose artistic ambitions clash with the strict rules of 15th-century Florence.
As Alessandra navigates family pressures, passion, and secret desires, the city’s beauty and chaos unfold vividly around her. Dunant brings Florence to life with colorful details, intriguing relationships, and a heroine who struggles between tradition and freedom.
Readers drawn to Colleen McCullough’s strong characters and detailed historical storytelling will surely find Sarah Dunant’s novels equally satisfying.
Readers who enjoy historical novels by Colleen McCullough may appreciate Elizabeth Chadwick. Chadwick writes vivid historical fiction set primarily in medieval England.
Her novel “The Greatest Knight” brings to life the incredible story of William Marshal, a figure known as one of England’s greatest knights. Marshal rises from humble beginnings and navigates royal intrigue, tournaments, and the complexities of courtly life.
Chadwick portrays William Marshal’s honor, bravery, and loyalty in a way that transports readers right into the heart of the medieval world. Her attention to historical detail creates an atmosphere and characters readers might find equally absorbing as in McCullough’s work.
Taylor Caldwell was a bestselling novelist known for rich historical storytelling and vivid, human characters. Her novel “Dear and Glorious Physician” follows the life of Saint Luke, from his humble beginnings to his renowned role as a doctor and gospel author.
Caldwell brings the first century Mediterranean to life. Through her pages readers witness Luke’s travels, struggles, tragedies, and inspirations as he seeks meaning in service and faith.
Those who enjoy Colleen McCullough’s historically detailed narratives and deep character portrayals may find Caldwell’s insightful exploration of a fascinating historical figure equally captivating.
Anya Seton was an American writer known best for her vivid and carefully researched historical novels. Readers who enjoyed Colleen McCullough’s style in “The Thorn Birds” will likely appreciate Seton’s “Katherine.”
This novel beautifully brings to life Katherine Swynford, a fascinating woman from the medieval era who becomes the mistress and later the wife of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.
Seton crafted rich historical details and powerful, multi-layered characters into a story that feels both authentic and emotional.
This memorable story explores love, power, and ambition in fourteenth-century England, offering readers a moving portrayal of real historical figures.
Jean Auel is an author whose novels often appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction like Colleen McCullough’s works. Her novel “The Clan of the Cave Bear” takes readers back to prehistoric Europe during the Ice Age.
The story follows Ayla, a young girl separated from her people after an earthquake. She is rescued by a clan of Neanderthals who raise her despite their many differences.
Ayla faces challenges adapting to their culture, and she grows into a resourceful, resilient young woman determined to survive. The story explores human relationships, survival, and cultural tensions in fascinating ways.
Susan Howatch is a British author known for dramatic family sagas and historical novels packed with vivid characters and rich storytelling.
Readers who enjoy Colleen McCullough’s detailed historical settings and strong, complex characters might appreciate Howatch’s novel “Penmarric.”
Set in Cornwall from the late 19th to the early 20th century, “Penmarric” follows the passionate, troubled Castallack family through generations of rivalry, betrayal, and hidden secrets.
Inspired by the story of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, the plot maps out personal struggles against a backdrop of shifting fortunes. The relationships, emotional depth, and historical echoes make “Penmarric” a memorable read.
Dorothy Dunnett was a Scottish writer whose novels vividly depict historical eras with exceptional detail and powerful storytelling. If you enjoyed Colleen McCullough’s vivid portrayal of ancient Rome, Dunnett’s “The Game of Kings” might equally capture your interest.
Set in 16th-century Scotland, it introduces readers to the complex world of nobleman Francis Crawford of Lymond. Returning from exile to his homeland, Crawford becomes embroiled in dangerous political rivalries, daring adventures, and hidden mysteries.
The story blends historical events, cultural detail, and a charismatic main character whose intentions remain intriguing to the end. Dunnett brings historical Scotland to life with the same depth and excitement that readers of historical fiction love.
Books by Beatriz Williams often mix historical drama with fascinating characters and layers of family secrets. If you enjoyed Colleen McCullough’s narratives filled with family sagas, you might appreciate Williams’ style.
In “A Hundred Summers,” Williams explores friendship, romantic tension, and scandal in an exclusive 1930s beach community.
The story switches between two time periods, revealing Lily Dane’s complicated past relationship with handsome college sweetheart Nick Greenwald and her entangled friendship with spirited socialite Budgie Byrne.
As a shocking storm sweeps through in the climax, long-hidden secrets surface and emotions run high.
Williams paints vivid historical settings with engaging characters readers grow attached to, perfect for anyone who likes deep, absorbing novels about love, betrayal, and redemption.
Irene Nemirovsky was a talented novelist born in Ukraine who wrote vivid and emotionally charged stories about human relationships, conflict, and the complexities of life during wartime.
If you enjoyed Colleen McCullough’s focus on historical drama and detailed portrayal of family dynamics, Nemirovsky’s “Suite Française” may resonate strongly with you.
The novel follows several French families as they navigate the chaos and hardships brought by the German occupation in World War II. Nemirovsky beautifully captures the tensions, desires, and moral dilemmas people face when their world turns upside down.
The different characters’ paths overlap unexpectedly, revealing their underlying humanity and shared struggles during a turbulent historical period.