If you enjoy reading books by Edward Rutherfurd then you might also like the following authors:
Ken Follett is an author who brings history alive through vivid storytelling and captivating characters. If you’re a fan of Edward Rutherfurd’s expansive historical novels, Follett offers similar depth in his classic, “The Pillars of the Earth.”
Set in 12th-century England during a time marked by civil war, religious conflicts, and the intense ambition to build a grand cathedral, this book follows the lives of a skilled stone mason, a resourceful noblewoman, and an ambitious priest.
The detailed setting, complex personalities, and struggles for power and survival make it easy to get lost in Follett’s vivid medieval world.
James Michener is an author you’ll enjoy if historical fiction with vivid characters and epic storytelling appeals to you. His novels take readers through long journeys across time, geography, cultures, and families.
In “Hawaii,” Michener captures the creation of the islands and follows their settlement by Polynesian explorers, missionaries from New England, and immigrant groups arriving from Asia.
Through generations of interconnected families, he shows how cultures meet, clash, and merge to shape the islands we see today. Michener brings history to life, combining careful research and storytelling that keeps readers absorbed until the final page.
Diana Gabaldon is an author readers of Edward Rutherfurd might appreciate for her well-researched historical novels. Her acclaimed book, “Outlander,” follows Claire Randall, a British nurse from 1945.
Claire accidentally travels back in time to 18th-century Scotland, where she finds herself caught up in struggles between Highland clans and British rule. As Claire adapts to life in the past, she meets Jamie Fraser, a young warrior with whom she becomes deeply connected.
Gabaldon captivates the reader with vivid historical detail, authentic characters, and an engaging love story set against the backdrop of political turmoil.
Readers who enjoy the historical novels of Edward Rutherfurd might find Sharon Kay Penman’s books equally captivating. Penman brings history vividly to life with careful research and engaging storytelling.
Her novel “The Sunne in Splendour” explores England’s Wars of the Roses through the eyes of Richard III. Rather than portraying him as a villain, Penman offers a more sympathetic look at his life, his struggles, and the complex motives behind his actions.
Her characters are richly developed, and the detailed narrative will transport you directly into the turmoil of medieval England.
Books by Philippa Gregory bring history to life with vivid clarity. If you enjoy Edward Rutherfurd’s sweeping historical narratives, then Gregory’s novels may resonate with you.
Her book “The Other Boleyn Girl” takes us back to Tudor England, to the intense rivalry between sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn. Gregory explores their ambition and jealousy, the turbulence of court life, and the heavy price of royal favor.
The story is told through Mary’s eyes and offers a fresh glimpse into a well-known era, full of drama, passion, and betrayal. Philippa Gregory’s ability to weave historical facts seamlessly into an engaging narrative makes her books especially appealing.
Readers who enjoy Edward Rutherfurd’s expansive historical family sagas may also appreciate Colleen McCullough. Her novel “The Thorn Birds” spans several generations of the Cleary family, set against the vivid backdrop of Australian sheep stations and the vast Outback.
At the heart of the story stands Meggie Cleary, whose life takes unexpected turns with both joy and heartbreak. McCullough weaves romance, family drama, and the challenges of rural life into a narrative that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Bernard Cornwell is a historical fiction author known for vivid storytelling and well-drawn characters that transport readers to different eras. If you’ve enjoyed Edward Rutherfurd’s novels, Cornwell’s “The Last Kingdom” might captivate you as well.
Set in 9th-century England, it follows young Uhtred of Bebbanburg, heir to a Saxon kingdom. After he becomes a captive of Vikings, Uhtred must navigate loyalties between his Saxon heritage and the Norse culture that raised him.
Packed with battles, political intrigue, and deep historical detail, the novel makes a fascinating read for anyone interested in England’s past and the clash of civilizations that defined it.
Conn Iggulden is an author who brings history to life through vivid storytelling and deeply engaging characters. His books blend historical detail with dramatic narrative, perfect for readers who enjoy Edward Rutherfurd’s sprawling historical sagas.
In “Genghis: Birth of an Empire,” Iggulden takes readers to the harsh steppes of Mongolia. This novel introduces Temujin, the fierce young warrior destined to become the legendary Genghis Khan.
The story follows Temujin through early hardships and bloody tribal feuds, as he fights to reclaim his family’s honor. Iggulden paints a gripping portrait of ancient Mongolia and the ruthless battles that shaped one of history’s greatest conquerors.
Wilbur Smith is a popular author whose novels often explore historical adventures, family sagas, and epic quests. Readers who appreciate Edward Rutherfurd’s sweeping historical storytelling and richly-drawn characters will find similar pleasure in Smith’s work.
For example, his novel “River God” takes place in ancient Egypt and follows Taita, an intelligent and resourceful slave, who navigates through love, war, and palace intrigue while serving the Pharaoh.
Smith vividly depicts Egyptian life, religion, and politics, pulling the reader deep into a turbulent and fascinating era. Those drawn to intricate historical stories with strong characters and dramatic plots will find Smith’s novels highly engaging and satisfying.
Jean M. Auel is an author known for historical fiction that vividly brings prehistoric times to life. Her detailed research creates powerful storytelling, making the distant past very real.
In her book “The Clan of the Cave Bear,” readers are introduced to Ayla, a young Cro-Magnon girl orphaned by an earthquake. Ayla finds herself taken in by a group of Neanderthals called the Clan, where her unusual features and abilities mark her as different.
The story weaves together Ayla’s struggles, survival, and courage as she learns the Clan’s ways and tries to find where she belongs in this prehistoric world.
Fans of Edward Rutherfurd’s detailed, sweeping historical sagas may find a similar appeal in Auel’s rich portrayal of human history and culture.
Books by Hilary Mantel offer deep immersion into historical worlds rich with drama and authenticity. Her novel “Wolf Hall” brings Tudor England vividly to life through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, a brilliant and ambitious advisor to Henry VIII.
Mantel captures the complexities of court intrigue, political turmoil, and personal ambition with clarity and subtlety. Readers witness Cromwell’s deft maneuvering through a landscape filled with powerful rivalries and shifting loyalties.
Mantel’s carefully researched details and realistic portrayals make this era feel immediate and alive.
Those who enjoyed Edward Rutherfurd’s broad historical tapestries and nuanced characters will find themselves equally drawn to Mantel’s absorbing narrative and compelling depiction of power and human nature.
Dorothy Dunnett was a master storyteller who skillfully recreated historical eras, much as Edward Rutherfurd does in his expansive novels. Her book “The Game of Kings” is the first in the celebrated Lymond Chronicles series.
It vividly portrays political intrigue and high-stakes drama set in 16th-century Scotland and Europe. The story follows Francis Crawford of Lymond, a clever and enigmatic nobleman whose return from exile sparks rumors and suspicion.
As rivalries intensify and alliances shift, readers experience a richly detailed landscape filled with court politics, family secrets, and sharp dialogue.
Dorothy Dunnett’s precise historical detail and carefully crafted plots offer readers an authentic and engaging journey into the past.
“Sarum” (one of Rutherfurd’s own works, akin to his style) If you enjoyed Edward Rutherfurd’s “Sarum,” with its sweeping tale that follows generations of families from prehistoric times to modern-day Salisbury, you’ll appreciate Ken Follett’s “The Pillars of the Earth.”
Follett brings medieval England alive through the struggles and dreams of a diverse cast of characters in a town called Kingsbridge.
He captures the human stories behind the construction of a magnificent cathedral, just as Rutherfurd weaves personal narratives into the grand tapestry of historical events in “Sarum.”
Both novels richly depict the ambitions, betrayals, and courage of people shaped by their historical eras, making history feel personal and real.
Readers who enjoyed Edward Rutherfurd will find a lot to appreciate in Minette Walters’ atmospheric and suspenseful storytelling. Walters crafts intense psychological mysteries driven by complex characters and dark secrets.
Her novel “The Sculptress” introduces Olive Martin, a reclusive woman convicted of brutally murdering her mother and sister. Journalist Rosalind Leigh takes on Olive’s story and soon uncovers troubling details that may challenge the official version of events.
As Rosalind searches deeper into Olive’s past, she confronts unsettling truths about crime, guilt, and society’s rush to judgment.
Walters builds sharp suspense and reveals hidden layers beneath characters who at first seem straightforward, giving readers plenty to think about up to the final page.
Readers who enjoy Edward Rutherfurd’s historical narratives might find C.J. Sansom equally appealing. Sansom specializes in historical novels rich in detail and atmosphere. His book “Dissolution” is set in 16th-century England.
The plot follows lawyer Matthew Shardlake as he investigates a brutal murder at a monastery during Henry VIII’s reign. The suspense builds steadily, layered with vivid period detail and strong characters.
Sansom skillfully portrays the tensions of the Reformation and the ambitions of people caught in turbulent times. For anyone intrigued by historical settings and intricate mysteries, Sansom provides a satisfying read.