If you enjoy reading books by Edward Rutherfurd then you might also like the following authors:
Ken Follett writes historical fiction that sweeps across eras and brings the past to life. One of his most famous works, “The Pillars of the Earth,” is set in medieval England.
It follows the lives of ordinary people and ambitious builders as they strive to construct a cathedral. The story is filled with ambition, betrayal, and the struggle for power, all while ordinary folk fight to survive in a harsh world.
Fans of Edward Rutherfurd’s detail-focused historical sagas would likely enjoy Follett’s deeply immersive storytelling.
James Michener is an author known for creating sweeping, historical epics that span generations. His novel “Hawaii” explores the history of the islands, starting with their volcanic creation and moving through centuries of cultural change.
The story follows missionaries, native Hawaiians, and immigrants whose lives intertwine over time. Through its characters, the book shows how cultures collide, adapt, and transform.
If you’re drawn to detailed, historical storytelling, Michener’s style might feel familiar and immersive.
Diana Gabaldon is the author of the “Outlander” series, a blend of historical fiction, romance, and adventure. The story begins with “Outlander,” where Claire Randall, a British World War II nurse, stumbles through a set of standing stones in Scotland and is transported to 1743.
There, she finds herself caught between two worlds and meets the charismatic Highland warrior Jamie Fraser. The book captures the tension of Jacobite Scotland, with vivid characters and rich historical detail.
Fans of Edward Rutherfurd’s work might enjoy Gabaldon’s ability to weave personal lives into historical moments.
Sharon Kay Penman is a historical fiction author who focuses on medieval England and Wales. One of her standout works is “Here Be Dragons,” which tells the story of King John of England and his turbulent relationship with his illegitimate daughter, Joanna.
The book captures Joanna’s life as she is married off to Llewelyn the Great, Prince of Wales, blending political alliances with personal struggles.
The narrative brings to life the conflicts between the English crown and Welsh princes, immersing you in a vividly portrayed medieval world. If you enjoy storytelling rooted in history, this might be a great book to explore.
Philippa Gregory writes historical fiction that brings past centuries to life with vivid characters and rich settings. One of her well-loved books is “The Other Boleyn Girl.”
It tells the story of Mary Boleyn, sister to Anne Boleyn, who catches the attention of King Henry VIII before Anne rises to power. The book explores ambition, family loyalty, and the danger of being too close to the throne.
Gregory’s storytelling blends history with drama, offering a look at the Tudor court through Mary’s eyes. Fans of Edward Rutherfurd, who enjoy seeing historical events through personal stories, might appreciate her work.
Colleen McCullough is an Australian author known for her deep storytelling and attention to historical detail. One of her standout works is “The Thorn Birds”. This sweeping family saga is set in the vast landscapes of the Australian Outback.
It follows the Cleary family, whose lives are tied to the sprawling sheep station of Drogheda. The story explores their struggles, secrets, and ambitions over decades.
A key thread in the narrative is the forbidden connection between Meggie Cleary and a conflicted priest, Father Ralph de Bricassart, which plays out against the rugged beauty of rural Australia. McCullough’s descriptions and rich characters make the world unforgettable.
Bernard Cornwell is well-known for his historical fiction, often setting his stories against dramatic moments in history. One of his standout works is “The Last Kingdom,” the first book in his Saxon Stories series.
It follows Uhtred, a young English nobleman captured by Vikings, who finds himself torn between the world he was born into and the one he was raised in. The book is full of battles, betrayals, and shifting loyalties, bringing 9th-century England to life.
Cornwell’s attention to historical detail makes his characters and settings feel real. If you enjoy Edward Rutherfurd’s exploration of history through engaging characters, you might enjoy this too.
Conn Iggulden is known for writing historical fiction that dives into rich periods of history with vivid detail and strong narratives. One of his books, “Genghis: Birth of an Empire,” tells the story of Temujin, the boy who would grow up to become Genghis Khan.
The book begins with his life on the harsh Mongolian steppes, showing his early struggles against betrayal, loss, and survival in a world ruled by rival tribes.
It follows his rise, capturing the transformation of a young outcast into a leader who unites his people under one banner. The story is full of battles, leadership, and the raw fight for survival.
Wilbur Smith is known for creating adventure-packed sagas often set in Africa, where the landscapes and history play a big role. One of his popular books, “River God,” is part of his Ancient Egypt series.
It follows Taita, a clever slave, as he navigates palace intrigues, wars, and betrayals in ancient Egypt. The story weaves together the struggles for power and the everyday lives of the characters in a vivid and immersive way.
If you enjoy historical fiction that brings a distant past to life, this could be a great fit.
Jean M. Auel is known for her series “Earth’s Children,” which takes readers back to prehistoric times. In the first book, “The Clan of the Cave Bear,” she tells the story of Ayla, a young girl orphaned after an earthquake.
She is taken in by a group of Neanderthals, who see her as different and have mixed feelings about her presence. Ayla struggles to fit into their strict customs but also uncovers her own unique skills and intelligence, which sets her apart.
The book captures a world filled with survival, cultural clashes, and the resilience of the human spirit. Fans of Edward Rutherfurd’s detailed historical settings may enjoy how Auel brings ancient times to life.
Hilary Mantel is an author who brings history to life with vivid characters and detailed settings. Her book “Wolf Hall” focuses on Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in the court of Henry VIII.
The story follows Cromwell’s rise to power as he navigates political dangers and shifting allegiances. The book introduces readers to a world where survival depends on wit and strategy, and its rich depiction of Tudor England will captivate fans of historical fiction.
Dorothy Dunnett is a historical fiction author known for crafting richly detailed worlds filled with intrigue and vivid characters. One of her standout works is “King Hereafter,” a novel that reimagines the life of Macbeth.
In this story, Dunnett portrays Macbeth not as the brutal tyrant from Shakespeare but as a complex and ambitious leader navigating the volatile politics of 11th-century Scotland and beyond.
The novel brings medieval Europe to life, highlighting alliances, rivalries, and the struggle for power, all set against a backdrop of cultural and religious change. Fans of historical sagas that weave real events and fictional drama may find this book fascinating.
Edward Rutherfurd’s books are historical epics that span centuries and weave together the lives of generations. “Sarum” is one of his best-known works, tracing the history of the Salisbury Plain from the Ice Age to modern times.
The story follows families through pivotal moments, like the construction of Stonehenge and the building of Salisbury Cathedral. Each chapter brings new characters whose lives show how events change over time, giving readers a sweeping look at history through personal stories.
Minette Walters is known for her ability to bring history to life with richly detailed settings and gripping stories. One of her notable works, “The Last Hours,” takes place during the Black Death in 1348.
The story follows Lady Anne, a woman who defies societal norms to protect her people from the plague, isolating her estate to keep it safe. As fear and superstition brew among the villagers, tensions rise, and secrets come to light.
Walters paints a vivid picture of the hardships and resilience of the time, drawing the reader into a world filled with danger, loyalty, and survival. Fans of Edward Rutherfurd might enjoy how she blends historical events with deeply human stories.
C.J. Sansom writes historical fiction that draws you right into the past. One of his most well-known books, “Dissolution,” is set in Tudor England during the reign of Henry VIII.
It follows Matthew Shardlake, a hunchbacked lawyer, as he investigates a murder at a remote monastery. The story weaves through the political and religious turmoil of the time, capturing the tension as monasteries are being dismantled across the country.
Sansom creates a vivid and atmospheric world where danger and deception lurk everywhere. Fans of Edward Rutherfurd may enjoy the rich historical details and sense of stepping into another era.