If you enjoy reading books by Jean M. Auel then you might also like the following authors:
Margaret George is an author known for her richly detailed historical novels that bring iconic figures to life. In her book “The Memoirs of Cleopatra,” she takes readers into the world of ancient Egypt through Cleopatra’s eyes.
The story follows her life from her rise to power to her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The vivid settings and personal moments make Cleopatra feel real, as if you’re stepping into history with her.
Fans of immersive storytelling with a strong focus on historical accuracy might find her work captivating.
Wilbur Smith is known for writing stories filled with adventure and rich historical settings. One of his popular books, “River God,” is set in ancient Egypt and follows the life of Taita, a slave with extraordinary skills.
Through his perspective, readers experience a world of danger, betrayal, and ambition as he serves the beautiful Lostris, who is in love with a bold soldier named Tanus. The story takes you through battles, forbidden love, and the struggles of a kingdom facing chaos.
If you enjoy immersive historical worlds and strong characters, this could be a great pick.
Sara Donati is the pen name of Rosina Lippi, an author whose historical fiction captures the untamed spirit of early America. Her book “Into the Wilderness” opens in 1792, when Elizabeth Middleton moves from England to a small village in New York.
She quickly finds herself at odds with her new surroundings and crosses paths with Nathaniel Bonner, a man deeply connected to the land and its people. The story brings together themes of survival, love, and the clash between cultures.
Fans of Jean M. Auel’s ability to transport readers to vivid places with rich details might enjoy the immersive world Donati creates.
Diana Gabaldon is known for the “Outlander” series, a blend of historical fiction and time travel. The first book, “Outlander,” follows Claire Randall, a nurse who touches a stone in Scotland and finds herself transported from 1945 to 1743.
There, she becomes entangled in the lives of Scottish Highlanders and meets Jamie Fraser, a young warrior whose loyalty and courage lead to a deep connection with Claire. The story weaves historical events with personal struggles, capturing life in 18th-century Scotland.
Fans of Jean M. Auel’s rich historical settings and strong characters may enjoy Gabaldon’s detailed storytelling.
Edward Rutherfurd writes historical novels that explore the lives of characters across generations. His book, “Sarum,” tells the story of the Salisbury region in England, beginning in the prehistoric era and continuing through Roman times, the Middle Ages, and beyond.
It focuses on families and how their fates intertwine with major historical events, like the building of Stonehenge and the struggles of medieval England. Readers who enjoy detailed histories and deeply connected lineages may find his work absorbing.
Mary Renault is known for her historical novels that bring ancient worlds to life with vivid detail. In her book “The King Must Die,” she reimagines the story of Theseus, the legendary hero of Greek mythology.
The book follows Theseus from his boyhood in Troizen to his journey to Crete, where he faces danger in the palace of Knossos. The depiction of the Cretan bull-leaping rituals and the harsh realities of life in that era create a rich backdrop for the story.
Renault mixes mythology with history in a way that feels real and immersive.
Sharon Kay Penman is known for historical fiction that brings the past to life with vivid characters and rich storytelling. One of her standout novels, “When Christ and His Saints Slept,” dives into the chaos of 12th-century England during a time known as The Anarchy.
The story follows Empress Matilda and King Stephen as they fight for the throne after Henry I’s death. It’s packed with political intrigue, personal betrayal, and moments that show how power affects families and kingdoms.
Fans of immersive historical settings should give her work a look.
Colleen McCullough is an author known for creating rich characters and vivid historical settings. Her novel “The Thorn Birds” is a sweeping family saga set in the Australian Outback.
It follows the Cleary family over decades, centering on the bond between Meggie Cleary and a priest, Father Ralph de Bricassart. The story explores themes of forbidden love, loyalty, and ambition.
The backdrop of rugged farmland and the challenges of harsh weather add to the depth of the story. Readers drawn to complex relationships and earthy landscapes may find this book hard to put down.
Robin Hobb is a writer known for creating vivid worlds and deeply human characters. In “Assassin’s Apprentice,” we meet Fitz, the illegitimate son of a prince, who is abandoned at court and caught in the center of royal politics.
He’s trained as a royal assassin and faces challenges that test his loyalty and identity. The bond he shares with animals, especially his wolf, adds layers to his journey and makes the story feel alive.
Hobb’s storytelling draws you in with her attention to emotions and relationships, making the world feel real and unforgettable.
James Michener was a writer known for creating expansive and richly detailed novels that explore history and culture through generations of characters. One of his books, “The Covenant”, takes readers to South Africa.
It weaves the story of people from different backgrounds, from ancient tribes to Dutch settlers, as they navigate a land filled with challenges and change. The book dives deep into historical events, showing how they shaped the lives of families across centuries.
It blends history with personal struggles, offering an engaging look at the impact of time and place on human lives.
Michelle Paver is an author known for writing vivid, historically rooted stories. Her book “Wolf Brother” is part of the “Chronicles of Ancient Darkness” series, set thousands of years ago in a world of hunter-gatherers.
It follows a boy named Torak, who finds himself alone after a bear kills his father. Guided by a wolf cub and their bond, Torak uncovers secrets about his past while navigating forests, clans, and dangers.
The way she builds the world and its traditions feels natural and alive, pulling readers into a prehistoric setting that’s both fascinating and haunting.
Anya Seton was an author known for creating richly detailed historical novels. One of her most famous works is “Katherine,” a story set in 14th-century England.
It follows Katherine Swynford’s life, starting as a commoner and eventually becoming the mistress and later the wife of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.
The book brings the medieval world to life and explores themes of love, ambition, and the challenges of societal expectations. Fans of Jean M. Auel might enjoy Seton’s knack for embedding characters in vividly drawn historical settings.
Linda Lay Shuler wrote historical fiction that often explored the lives and cultures of ancient civilizations. Her book, “She Who Remembers,” tells the story of Kwani, a young woman with an extraordinary gift in a world shaped by rituals and traditions.
Cast out from her tribe, she embarks on a journey of survival and self-discovery. The story dives into the spiritual practices and challenges of prehistoric Native American peoples, weaving in fascinating details about their way of life and beliefs.
Fans of Jean M. Auel will likely appreciate the rich historical detail and vivid storytelling in Shuler’s work.
Sue Harrison is an author known for writing detailed historical novels set in prehistoric times. Her book “Mother Earth, Father Sky” tells the story of Chagak, a young woman from an ancient Aleutian tribe.
After a violent attack destroys her village, she is left to survive on her own in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The novel explores her journey to find safety and rebuild her life, highlighting her resilience and resourcefulness.
Harrison’s storytelling brings to life the customs, landscapes, and struggles of early indigenous people, which may remind readers of the world-building in Jean M. Auel’s “Earth’s Children” series.
Juliet Marillier writes historical fantasy with a strong focus on folklore and ancient cultures. Her book “Daughter of the Forest,” the first in the Sevenwaters series, is inspired by the fairy tale of the six swans.
It follows Sorcha, the youngest child of a noble family, who must break a curse placed on her brothers. To save them, she faces trials that test her willpower and courage.
The story feels grounded in a richly imagined medieval setting, while its characters and struggles give it a timeless quality. Fans of Jean M. Auel’s detailed worlds and resilient characters may find themselves drawn to Marillier’s stories.