If you enjoy reading books by John Jakes then you might also like the following authors:
Jeff Shaara writes historical novels that bring past events to life with vivid details and memorable characters. In “Gods and Generals,” he focuses on the years leading up to the Civil War and explores the lives of figures like Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.
The book captures the human side of war, showing how personal beliefs and decisions shaped history. If you enjoy John Jakes and his sweeping tales of America’s past, Shaara’s work is worth checking out.
James Michener is known for writing sweeping historical novels that explore different cultures and periods in rich detail. One of his spotlight works, “Hawaii,” tells the story of the islands from their volcanic creation to the modern era.
The book introduces readers to Polynesian seafarers braving the open ocean to find new land, missionaries striving to bring their faith to the islands, and immigrants seeking a better life.
The characters are deeply tied to the history they’re part of, and the narrative spans generations, which makes the changes in culture, struggles, and triumphs feel truly alive.
Bernard Cornwell is known for historical novels that pull you into vivid past settings. If you liked John Jakes, you might enjoy Cornwell’s “The Last Kingdom.” Set in 9th-century England, it follows Uhtred, a Saxon boy captured by Vikings and raised as one of them.
As he grows, Uhtred finds himself torn between the world of the Danes and his Saxon heritage, all while war and betrayal shape his life. The story is rich with battles and the tension of shifting loyalties, making it hard to put down.
Ken Follett is a master of historical fiction, bringing rich characters and vivid settings to life.
One of his most famous books, “The Pillars of the Earth,” takes readers to 12th-century England and centers on the building of a grand cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge.
Through the lives of a stonemason, a monk, and a noblewoman, the story explores ambition, sacrifice, and the struggles of ordinary people during a time of war and political turmoil. It’s the kind of book that immerses you in a past world, full of drama and unforgettable moments.
Edward Rutherfurd is known for his sweeping historical novels that explore the lives of families across generations. His book “Sarum” moves through thousands of years of English history, starting in prehistoric times and unfolding through Roman, medieval, and modern eras.
The story focuses on the people of Salisbury, tracing their struggles, triumphs, and connections to the land where the city and its iconic cathedral rise. It’s a blend of personal stories that tie into the broader events of history.
Herman Wouk was a master storyteller who wrote captivating historical novels. One of his most famous works, “The Winds of War,” takes readers into the lives of the Henry family as they navigate the turbulence of World War II.
The story follows Victor “Pug” Henry, a naval officer, as he witnesses events leading up to the war and interacts with key political figures. Wouk brings history to life through personal struggles, international conflicts, and the ripples these create in family dynamics.
The mix of historical events and deeply human stories makes Wouk’s writing unforgettable.
Gore Vidal was an author with a knack for weaving history into fiction, creating stories rich with political drama and power struggles. One of his standout works is “Burr,” a novel about Aaron Burr, one of the more controversial figures in American history.
The story follows a young journalist who interviews the aging Burr, uncovering scandal, ambition, and intrigue surrounding figures like Jefferson and Hamilton.
It paints a sharp, sometimes biting portrait of the early days of America, making it perfect for readers who enjoy historical storytelling with vivid characters.
Howard Fast wrote engaging historical novels with strong characters and vivid settings. One of his well-known books, “Spartacus,” tells the story of a Thracian gladiator who leads a slave revolt against the Roman Empire.
It captures the harshness of slavery and the courage of those who fight for freedom. The story follows Spartacus as he gathers an army of escaped slaves, challenging the might of Rome.
Fast weaves in betrayal, loyalty, and the cost of rebellion, creating a powerful tale rooted in history.
Shelby Foote is a storyteller with a strong sense of history, known for his narrative approach to writing about the past. His book “Shiloh” is a vivid account of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles, told through the eyes of different characters who were there.
The book captures the fear, chaos, and human cost of war. Each character’s perspective adds layers to the story, making you feel what it might have been like to be caught in that brutal moment in history.
Colleen McCullough was an Australian author known for her rich storytelling and memorable characters. One of her most famous works, “The Thorn Birds,” is a family saga set in the Australian Outback.
It follows the Cleary family over decades, centering on Meggie Cleary and her forbidden love for a Catholic priest, Father Ralph de Bricassart. The novel weaves together themes of ambition, sacrifice, and love, all against the harsh and beautiful backdrop of rural Australia.
The personal struggles and dramatic twists make it a story that stays with you long after you read it.
Penelope Williamson is an author who writes historical romances filled with vivid settings and deep characters. One of her well-loved novels, “The Outsider,” tells the story of Rachel, a sheltered Amish widow who crosses paths with a wounded gunslinger named Johnny.
Their worlds couldn’t be more different, yet a connection forms that challenges beliefs and loyalties. The book paints a clear picture of life on the frontier and the struggles between faith, love, and survival.
Fans of sweeping historical sagas like those by John Jakes might find Williamson’s work a perfect companion.
Sara Donati is the pen name of Rosina Lippi, a writer who creates historical fiction with vivid settings and rich characters. One of her well-known books is “Into the Wilderness,” which kicks off a series.
It’s set in late 18th-century New York and follows Elizabeth Middleton, a spinster from England who moves to a remote village. There, she meets Nathaniel Bonner, a frontiersman with strong ties to the Mohawk people.
Their lives intertwine amidst land disputes, cultural differences, and the push of settlers into Native lands. Donati paints a picture of life on the edge of the untamed American frontier, with moments of tension, love, and resilience.
Philippa Gregory is well-known for her historical novels that bring the past to life with vivid characters and dramatic turns.
In her book “The Other Boleyn Girl,” she tells the story of Mary Boleyn, who becomes caught up in the dangerous ambitions of her family as they push her into King Henry VIII’s court.
The novel follows her rise as the king’s mistress and her struggles with loyalty, love, and betrayal. It’s an engaging look at the Tudors, full of power plays and human emotion.
Diana Gabaldon is the author of the “Outlander” series, a blend of historical fiction, romance, and adventure. In “Outlander,” Claire Randall, a former World War II nurse, is unexpectedly transported from 1945 to 1743 Scotland after touching a set of ancient standing stones.
She finds herself caught between two lives as she navigates the dangerous world of clan rivalry and meets Jamie Fraser, a Highland warrior. The book explores themes of love, loyalty, and survival in a time of political unrest.
Fans of historical sagas with rich settings may find it hard to put down.
Taylor Caldwell was a writer known for her historical novels filled with family drama, ambition, and power struggles. One of her standout works, “Dynasty of Death,” is set in the 19th century and tells the story of two families who rise to control a weapons empire.
The book follows brothers who are torn apart by greed and the cost of their ambitions. It’s a sweeping story with generations of conflict and characters shaped by the choices they make. Fans of John Jakes might enjoy the rich historical settings and complicated family dynamics.