Ken Follett is a renowned historical fiction author who captivates readers with vivid storytelling. He is well-known for The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End, epic novels set in medieval England.
If you enjoy reading books by Ken Follett then you might also like the following authors:
Books by Edward Rutherfurd carry readers through generations of characters, cities, and pivotal historical events. Fans of Ken Follett’s sprawling historical sagas will appreciate Rutherfurd’s approach to storytelling and his attention to historical detail.
In Sarum, Rutherfurd presents the history of England through the stories of ordinary families living around Salisbury.
From Stone Age hunters and Roman occupiers to medieval masons building the iconic Salisbury Cathedral, the narrative builds around relatable characters whose personal dramas mirror the major historical shifts around them.
His books mesh individual lives with significant moments in history, offering a vivid picture of the eras they inhabit.
Readers who enjoy Ken Follett’s blend of historical drama, richly developed characters, and vivid storytelling may also appreciate James Clavell. Clavell’s novel Shōgun immerses readers in 17th-century Japan, a land of samurai warfare and political intrigue.
The story follows John Blackthorne, an English navigator shipwrecked on Japanese shores. Blackthorne must quickly adapt to survive in a complex culture filled with intimidating challenges and shifting alliances.
As he becomes entangled in local power struggles, readers experience both high-stakes battles and quieter, insightful encounters.
Clavell brings history to life with memorable characters, sharp dialogues, and an absorbing narrative that draws you into an entirely different world.
Bernard Cornwell is a British author who specializes in historical fiction filled with vivid characters, dramatic battles, and meticulous historical detail.
Readers who enjoy Ken Follett’s strong storytelling and rich historical settings often find Cornwell’s books equally rewarding. One notable example is The Last Kingdom, the first book in his popular Saxon Stories series.
It follows the life of Uhtred, a young Saxon nobleman captured and raised by Danish Vikings in 9th-century England. Torn between his loyalties to his Danish family and his Saxon heritage, Uhtred sets out on a dangerous path of revenge, warfare, and shifting allegiances.
Cornwell masterfully portrays the tension and chaos of the period through Uhtred’s perspective, creating a story with plenty of action and political intrigue.
Readers who enjoy Ken Follett’s detailed historical storytelling might also appreciate Herman Wouk. Wouk is well-known for novels that skillfully combine history, drama, and strong characterization.
His book The Winds of War follows the Henry family, an American naval family caught up in events leading to World War II. The novel spans several countries, providing vivid depictions of historical figures and major global turning points.
Wouk mixes personal lives and historical facts expertly, making the reader invest emotionally in each character’s journey throughout the turbulent period.
Books by James A. Michener offer epic historical journeys filled with vivid characters and rich settings. If you enjoy Ken Follett’s sweeping narratives, Michener’s The Source might catch your interest.
This novel traces the history of a fictional archaeological dig site in Israel called Makor. Through compelling stories of different civilizations, Michener provides a detailed look at human culture, religion, and conflict.
From ancient times to modern day, each artifact uncovered reveals the lives and struggles of those who lived there before. The story is vast yet personal, giving readers a sense of human connection across time.
Wilbur Smith is an author known for historical adventure novels set in vivid landscapes, particularly in Africa. If you enjoy Ken Follett’s combination of history, adventure, and well-drawn characters, then Smith’s books might catch your interest.
One novel to check out is River God. Set in ancient Egypt, it follows the brilliant slave and advisor Taita. Taita navigates royal intrigues, forbidden loves, brutal warfare, and dangerous journeys along the Nile.
Smith takes readers into the heart of ancient Egyptian society, rich with detail, drama, and memorable adventures.
If you enjoy Ken Follett’s historical sagas, you might appreciate Conn Iggulden. Iggulden weaves historical detail with vivid storytelling in his book The Gates of Rome.
This novel centers on young Julius Caesar and his companion Marcus, exploring their early lives filled with adventure, politics, and fierce rivalry. The author paints an intense picture of ancient Rome while bringing to life the ambitions and struggles of its future emperor.
Through memorable battles, tense political maneuvers, and strong friendships tested by circumstance, Iggulden delivers a story that unites drama with historical accuracy.
Readers who enjoy Ken Follett’s vivid historical storytelling might appreciate Sharon Kay Penman’s novels. Penman is known for thorough historical research and believable characters that truly come alive.
Her book, The Sunne in Splendour, brings readers to fifteenth-century England, during the bitter rivalry of the Wars of the Roses. The novel follows Richard III as he rises to power amid political betrayal and family conflicts.
Through Penman’s detailed writing, readers experience battles, personal tragedies, and shifting loyalties, all seen from multiple perspectives. Those drawn into Follett’s dramatic tales of historical conflict may find Penman’s storytelling equally engaging and richly detailed.
Books by Robert Harris often combine historical accuracy with fast-paced storytelling. If you enjoy Ken Follett’s way of bringing history to life, you might find Harris’s novel Fatherland appealing. It’s set in a chilling alternate 1964, where Nazi Germany won World War II.
Detective Xavier March stumbles upon a conspiracy linked to sinister secrets. The story is suspenseful and believable, and Harris carefully builds a world filled with realistic detail and intriguing characters.
Harris’s novels are known for suspense, historical depth, and plots that keep readers guessing until the last page.
Books by Frederick Forsyth often feature thrilling espionage, political drama, and tightly woven plots, perfect for fans of Ken Follett’s historical suspense novels. Forsyth is known for his realistic and meticulously researched storytelling.
One of his most famous novels, The Day of the Jackal, follows a calculated assassin known only as 'The Jackal,' hired to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle.
The narrative captures both sides of the chase: the calm precision of an assassin dedicated to his mission and the frantic rush of intelligence agencies racing against time to uncover the plot.
Forsyth creates tension through sharp details, clever plot twists, and precise character portrayals, making this novel an absorbing reading experience for those who appreciate Follett’s style of suspenseful, history-based storytelling.
John Jakes is an author readers of Ken Follett might enjoy. He is especially good at historical fiction full of drama, complex characters, and precise period detail. His novel North and South brings the turbulent era before the American Civil War vividly to life.
It follows two families from opposite ends of the country—the prosperous industrial Hazards from Pennsylvania and the slave-owning Mains from South Carolina—as their friendship is challenged by political conflict, personal loyalties, and romance.
The story captures the emotional struggles of characters caught between family ties and the conflicts dividing an entire nation.
Noah Gordon is an American author known for historical novels full of rich detail and engaging storytelling. If you enjoy Ken Follett’s sweeping historical tales, Gordon’s The Physician might interest you.
Set in the 11th century, the story follows Rob Cole, a young English orphan who dreams of becoming a healer. Driven by remarkable talent and curiosity, Rob travels from medieval England to Persia.
There, in the legendary city of Isfahan, he studies medicine under an eminent physician and navigates challenges of foreign cultures and forbidden knowledge.
Gordon vividly captures the clash of religions, the wonder of scientific discovery, and Rob’s inner struggle between personal ambition and ethical dilemmas. The journey Rob undertakes is more than geographical, exploring deep questions of belief, dedication, and courage.
If you like intricate historical plots, vivid characters, and absorbing storytelling, Noah Gordon might become a favorite.
Books by Jeffrey Archer often appeal to readers who enjoy the detailed historical plots and strong characters found in Ken Follett’s novels. Archer is known for his storytelling skills and the ability to build suspense around vivid characters and events.
One excellent example is Kane and Abel, which follows the lives of two men born on the same day but worlds apart—one from poverty in Poland, the other from privilege in America. Their stories cross paths repeatedly over decades.
The novel delivers drama, rivalry, ambition, and surprising turns of fate, keeping readers absorbed in a complex saga about power and personal destiny.
Readers who enjoy Ken Follett’s style will appreciate Jack Higgins, an author known for fast-paced thrillers filled with danger and intrigue. One of his best-known books, The Eagle Has Landed, offers a tense fictional tale set during World War II.
It follows an audacious German plot to kidnap Winston Churchill by dropping elite commandos into an English village.
Higgins blends historical backdrop with suspenseful storytelling, delivering fascinating characters and unpredictable twists that hold your attention until the very end. Fans of espionage and war-themed narratives will find much to enjoy in Higgins’ work.
Readers who enjoy Ken Follett’s blend of suspense, espionage, and intricate storytelling will likely find Robert Ludlum equally captivating. Ludlum’s novels often feature complex plots, shadowy organizations, and thrilling action.
In The Bourne Identity, a man is found unconscious in the Mediterranean Sea with bullet wounds and amnesia. As he pieces together his identity, he discovers dangerous abilities and a hidden past that puts him at the heart of an international conspiracy.
The story moves across European cities, delivering tense scenes, surprising revelations, and memorable characters who blur the line between friend and enemy. Fans of Follett’s detailed narratives and intense pacing may find Ludlum’s style a perfect match.