If you enjoy reading books by Gary Jennings then you might also like the following authors:
Ken Follett is known for his historical novels that often mix rich settings with dramatic stories.
One of his standout works, “Pillars of the Earth,” takes readers to medieval England, where the building of a cathedral in the town of Kingsbridge affects the lives of everyone around it.
The story ties together the ambitions of noble families, the struggles of builders, and the conflicts within the church. If you enjoy detailed storytelling that digs into history, Follett might be a great choice.
James Clavell was a storyteller who had a talent for creating rich historical settings. His novel “Shōgun” is a fascinating tale set in 17th-century Japan.
The story follows an English sailor named John Blackthorne who gets shipwrecked and pulled into a world full of samurai, political intrigue, and unfamiliar customs.
As Blackthorne struggles to survive in this new land, he becomes caught in the plans of a powerful warlord, Toranaga. The book deals with culture clashes and power struggles in a way that feels vivid and tangible, and it’s hard not to get swept up in the drama.
Fans of Gary Jennings’ detailed historical fiction might enjoy how Clavell brings the past to life.
Wilbur Smith was a master of adventure stories, often setting his tales in Africa, where he paints vivid pictures of the land and its history. In his book “River God,” he takes readers to ancient Egypt.
The story follows Taita, a slave with a brilliant mind, who becomes deeply involved in the lives of Pharaohs and their court. There’s betrayal, war, and survival woven into the narrative, all seen through Taita’s observant eyes.
Smith creates unforgettable characters who face danger and struggle for power in a richly described world.
Umberto Eco was an Italian novelist and scholar who created stories full of history, mystery, and complex characters. One of his most famous works, “The Name of the Rose,” is set in a 14th-century monastery.
The book follows William of Baskerville, a sharp-minded friar, as he investigates a series of strange deaths among the monks. As William uncovers clues, the story explores themes of faith, knowledge, and power.
The setting feels vivid and detailed, offering a deep sense of the medieval world. Fans of Gary Jennings’ ability to blend history with storytelling might enjoy Eco’s approach to weaving a rich narrative into historical settings.
Bernard Cornwell writes historical fiction that throws you right into the chaos and life of the past. One of his standout books is “The Last Kingdom,” which takes place in 9th-century England.
It follows Uhtred, a young Saxon noble captured by Danes and raised as one of their own. The story explores his struggle to choose between the culture he grew up with and the land of his birth.
With battles, shifting loyalties, and richly drawn characters, Cornwell brings this turbulent time to life. Fans of Gary Jennings might find his writing equally engaging.
Conn Iggulden is an author known for historical fiction that brings the past to life with vivid detail and strong characters. One of his books, “Genghis: Birth of an Empire,” dives into the early life of Genghis Khan.
The story follows Temüjin, a boy cast out from his tribe after his father’s death. Through sheer determination and clever strategy, he survives the brutal steppe. From forging alliances to battles against enemies, the book shows how he rises to unite the Mongol clans.
It captures the grit and ambition of a figure who shaped history. If you enjoy historical novels that immerse you in harsh yet fascinating worlds, this book may pull you in.
Colleen McCullough was an Australian author known for creating vivid historical settings and unforgettable characters. One of her most famous works is “The Thorn Birds,” which tells the story of the Cleary family in the Australian Outback.
It spans decades, focusing on the complex love between Meggie Cleary and a priest named Ralph de Bricassart. The novel explores family conflicts and personal ambitions against a backdrop of harsh landscapes and changing fortunes.
Fans of intricate historical fiction will likely enjoy McCullough’s ability to pull readers into another time and place.
Steven Pressfield is an author who often writes about historical events with rich detail and strong characters. His book, “Gates of Fire,” takes readers into the world of ancient Sparta. It tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae through the eyes of a servant who survives.
The book captures the discipline of Spartan life and the bond among soldiers. Readers learn what made the three hundred warriors stand their ground against the Persian army. It feels vivid and real, with moments that stay in your mind long after finishing the book.
Patrick O’Brian is best known for his series of historical novels set during the Napoleonic Wars. His books follow the adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey of the Royal Navy and his friend, Stephen Maturin, a ship’s surgeon and spy.
In “Master and Commander,” the first book in the series, Jack is given command of a small warship, HMS Sophie. The story weaves through life at sea, naval battles, and the growing friendship between Jack and Stephen.
The details of shipboard life and the dynamic between the two main characters stand out. O’Brian’s ability to immerse readers in the world of the Royal Navy is unmatched.
Noah Gordon was a talented author who wrote historical novels rich with detail and vibrant settings. One of his best-known works, “The Physician,” follows the journey of Rob Cole, a young man in 11th-century England.
After losing his parents, he discovers his gift for sensing when someone is near death. Determined to become a healer, he travels across Europe to Persia to study medicine under the legendary Ibn Sina.
The story paints a vivid picture of medieval medicine, culture, and the incredible lengths one man will go to follow his passion. If you liked Gary Jennings’ immersive storytelling, you might find Gordon’s work equally engaging.
Dorothy Dunnett is a master of historical fiction, known for creating intricate plots set against richly described historical backdrops. One of her standout works, “The Game of Kings,” begins the famous Lymond Chronicles.
The story follows Francis Crawford of Lymond, a brilliant and unpredictable outlaw accused of treason, as he moves through 16th-century Scotland. There’s political intrigue, clever dialogue, and moments where you’re never quite sure who to trust.
It’s a story full of twists, with a hero who is as sharp as he is enigmatic. Fans of Gary Jennings might appreciate how Dunnett combines historical detail with bold, resourceful characters.
Santiago Posteguillo is a Spanish author known for his vivid historical novels. One of his most famous works, “Africanus: The Son of the Consul,” dives into the life of Publius Cornelius Scipio, the Roman general who would go on to defeat Hannibal in the Second Punic War.
The story follows Publius from his youth, growing up in a politically ambitious family, to his early battles and the challenges he faces in Rome’s political arena. It’s filled with the intrigue and danger of ancient Rome, along with stirring scenes of warfare.
Fans of epic historical fiction will relish the way the characters and conflicts from history are brought to life.
Cecelia Holland is known for her historical fiction, where she brings the past to life with vivid characters and settings.
In her novel “The Great Maria,” the story follows Maria, a strong-willed woman in 11th-century Norman Italy, as she navigates marriage, power struggles, and survival in a brutal time.
The book captures the raw challenges of medieval life while focusing on Maria’s sharp mind and determination. If you enjoy historical epics with rich details, her work might be a perfect fit.
Clive Cussler is known for his adventure-packed novels, blending real history with action. One of his standout books, “Sahara,” follows Dirk Pitt, a daring hero who uncovers a mysterious shipwreck in the Sahara Desert.
The story ties the lost ship to a modern environmental disaster, creating an exciting chase to find answers before time runs out.
Packed with discoveries, threats from dangerous adversaries, and a race across harsh landscapes, it has the same rich and adventurous feel found in Gary Jennings’ works.
Michael Shaara wrote historical fiction that brings to life pivotal moments in history. His novel “The Killer Angels” focuses on the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War.
The story shows the thoughts and experiences of key figures, like Robert E. Lee and Joshua Chamberlain, giving readers a close look at the decisions and emotions of the battlefield.
Shaara’s writing flows in a way that makes the events feel personal and immediate, creating a vivid sense of the time and place.