Kevin Crossley-Holland is a respected British author known for his historical fiction and retellings of myths and legends. His acclaimed series, Arthur: The Seeing Stone, creatively blends history with Arthurian legends, capturing the interest of readers of all ages.
If you enjoy reading books by Kevin Crossley-Holland then you might also like the following authors:
Rosemary Sutcliff creates vivid historical fiction that brings ancient Britain to life. Her writing makes distant eras feel accessible and familiar, filled with adventure, loyalty, and courage.
If you enjoyed Kevin Crossley-Holland's tales of mythology and medieval life, you'll likely love Sutcliff's rich storytelling in The Eagle of the Ninth.
It follows a young Roman soldier searching for his father's lost legion in British territory, blending history and adventure seamlessly.
Alan Garner weaves folklore and legend into everyday life, mixing the ordinary with the magical. Like Crossley-Holland, Garner's novels draw on old myths, grounding them in realistic British landscapes and believable characters.
You might enjoy his book The Owl Service, which reimagines an ancient Welsh legend through the lives of three young people in modern Wales. It's atmospheric, mysterious, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Susan Cooper skillfully merges fantasy with history, capturing the timeless struggle between good and evil. Fans of Crossley-Holland's historical myth-based stories will likely appreciate Cooper's exciting and thoughtful approach.
Her series The Dark Is Rising stands out, especially the novel by the same name. It centers on a boy discovering his connection to an ancient magical struggle during Christmastime in rural England.
T. H. White is known for his inventive retellings of classic Arthurian legends. His approachable writing combines gentle humor and deep insights about humanity—qualities you'll find appealing if you're a fan of Crossley-Holland's thoughtful storytelling.
White's best-known book, The Once and Future King, brings the tales of King Arthur, Merlin, and Camelot to vibrant life. He explores themes of power, justice, and growing up in ways that feel fresh and relevant.
Neil Gaiman writes stories that effortlessly blend modern settings with mythological and magical elements. His imaginative style often combines the mystical with the mundane.
If Crossley-Holland's combination of folklore, history, and storytelling appeals to you, you'll probably also enjoy Gaiman's novel The Graveyard Book.
It's an intriguing and tender story about a boy raised by ghosts in a cemetery, full of memorable characters and heartfelt narratives of growth and belonging.
If you love Kevin Crossley-Holland's immersive retellings and fascination with myth, you'll find a home in J.R.R. Tolkien's works. Tolkien built detailed worlds infused with mythology, language, and adventure.
His book The Hobbit tells the tale of Bilbo Baggins, who embarks on an unexpected journey to reclaim a treasure guarded by a dragon, capturing the wonder and magic of classic myth and adventure.
Ursula K. Le Guin combined wisdom and imagination in stories full of complex characters and rich worlds. She explored meaningful themes like identity, loyalty, and power.
One great example is A Wizard of Earthsea, the story of a talented young wizard named Ged who must confront a dark force he himself unleashed, echoing the depth and humanity you find in Crossley-Holland's tales.
Roger Lancelyn Green had a talent for retelling classic myths and legends in clear, engaging prose aimed at younger readers.
His book King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table captures the excitement and timeless appeal of Arthurian legend in a way readers of Kevin Crossley-Holland's Arthurian series may especially enjoy.
If you're drawn to Crossley-Holland's blend of myth and coming-of-age storytelling, Lloyd Alexander's work may speak to you.
Alexander's series starting with The Book of Three tells the tale of Taran, a young assistant pig-keeper who becomes involved in exciting adventures drawn heavily from Welsh mythology.
Alexander blends humor, heart, and memorable characters to explore friendship, courage, and growth.
Bernard Cornwell brings history vividly to life in energetic narratives. His style is fast-paced and engaging, with a strong sense of place and action-driven storytelling.
In The Winter King, Cornwell retells the story of King Arthur rooted in historical realism, warfare, and intrigue—perfect for readers who appreciate Crossley-Holland's grounded yet lyrical approach to legend.
Mary Stewart offers stories filled with magic, myth, and vivid historical settings. Her writing often weaves legend and history together in a smooth and engaging style.
In The Crystal Cave, Stewart reimagines Merlin's early life, blending Arthurian legend and historical detail into a fascinating story of magic and destiny.
Seamus Heaney writes poetry that draws heavily on legend, history, and folklore. His poems connect the modern world to ancient stories, often exploring Irish heritage and landscape.
In his translation of Beowulf, Heaney refreshes the famous Anglo-Saxon epic, telling the ancient tale in vivid language that feels personal and immediate.
C. S. Lewis is known for his imaginative storytelling and thoughtful exploration of moral and spiritual themes. He often uses mythology, legend, and magical worlds to discuss larger truths about life and morality.
In his well-loved book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, he transports readers through a wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia filled with adventure and deeper meanings.
Patricia A. McKillip crafts lyrical fantasy novels that blend myth, magic, and vivid imagery. Her books often feel dreamlike, exploring themes of identity, transformation, and the power of storytelling itself.
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld shows McKillip's poetic style and her ability to create a mythical world where both enchantment and human emotion thrive side by side.
Nicola Griffith writes novels that blend historical detail, mythic imagination, and richly developed characters. Her style is clear yet evocative, focusing deeply on the inner journeys of her characters as they navigate their worlds.
In Hild, she vividly brings to life the early medieval era, exploring the youth of Saint Hilda of Whitby in a narrative that feels realistic yet richly atmospheric.