If you enjoy reading books by Patrick O'Brian then you might also like the following authors:
C.S. Forester is well-known for his historical naval adventures, especially the “Horatio Hornblower” series. One of his standout books, “Mr. Midshipman Hornblower,” follows the early career of a young and inexperienced midshipman named Horatio Hornblower.
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the book dives into his early challenges, such as his first command over a captured ship and facing overwhelming odds in daring situations.
Forester’s storytelling brings the world of naval warfare to life with vivid detail, putting readers right aboard the ships. Fans of Patrick O’Brian will likely enjoy Forester’s ability to weave fascinating characters and naval battles together.
Alexander Kent is the pen name of Douglas Reeman, who wrote stories set during the age of sail. His books focus on Richard Bolitho, a British naval officer climbing the ranks while navigating the challenges of war and leadership.
In “To Glory We Steer,” Bolitho takes command of the frigate Phalarope after its previous captain fails. The crew is rebellious and the ship’s reputation has sunk, but Bolitho works to restore discipline and pride.
The story captures the danger of naval battles and the camaraderie that forms under fire, as Bolitho faces enemies at sea and struggles to unite his own crew. Fans of sea warfare and vivid action will likely enjoy this.
Bernard Cornwell is known for historical novels that pull you into vivid worlds full of action and adventure. One of his standout books is “Sharpe’s Eagle,” part of the long-running Sharpe series.
It follows Richard Sharpe, a soldier in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. In this story, Sharpe must capture a French imperial eagle to restore his honor and prove himself to his superiors.
The book takes readers onto the battlefield with gripping duels, tense rivalries, and challenges that test Sharpe’s leadership. The attention to historical detail makes it easy to picture the chaos and strategy involved in war.
Julian Stockwin writes historical naval fiction that immerses readers in the age of sail. His book “Kydd,” the first in the series, introduces Thomas Kydd, a young wig-maker from Guildford, who finds himself press-ganged into the Royal Navy.
The story follows his transformation from an inexperienced landsman to a capable sailor, with vivid depictions of life aboard a warship during the Napoleonic Wars.
Battles, camaraderie, and the dangers of life at sea are explored through Kydd’s eyes, giving readers a taste of the salt air and the roar of cannons. Fans of Patrick O’Brian’s work might find Stockwin’s take on this maritime era to their liking.
Dudley Pope was a British author known for his adventurous naval fiction set during the Age of Sail. If you enjoy Patrick O’Brian, you might want to check out Pope’s book, “Ramage”.
It follows Nicholas Ramage, a young lieutenant in the Royal Navy, as he faces danger and intrigue during the Napoleonic Wars. In this book, Ramage is entrusted with rescuing survivors of a shipwreck while navigating waters patrolled by the French fleet.
The story has bold characters, unexpected twists, and shows life aboard a ship during wartime. Pope’s attention to historical accuracy gives the story a vivid backdrop that feels real and immersive.
Naomi Novik is an author who knows how to weave historical depth into engaging fiction. Her book, “His Majesty’s Dragon,” kicks off the Temeraire series, where historical events are reimagined with dragons as a central piece of military strategy.
In this story, set during the Napoleonic Wars, a British naval captain named Will Laurence finds himself unexpectedly paired with a rare dragon, Temeraire. What follows is a unique bond between man and beast, as they navigate duties, battles, and shifting loyalties.
The world Novik creates feels grounded, with rich details about life during wartime and the added excitement of dragon combat.
Dewey Lambdin is known for his swashbuckling naval adventures set during the age of sail. His series follows Alan Lewrie, a sharp-witted and sometimes roguish naval officer.
In “The King’s Coat,” Lewrie starts as a reluctant midshipman in the British Navy, forced into service after a scandal. As the story unfolds, readers get torpedoes of action and intrigue on the high seas.
Lewrie’s first taste of naval life, from the chaotic battles against American rebels to the harsh discipline aboard a warship, is full of surprises. It’s a great pick for fans of historical naval fiction who enjoy flawed but charismatic characters.
David Donachie writes historical naval adventures packed with danger, sea battles, and vivid characters. If you enjoy Patrick O’Brian, you might like Donachie’s “The Devil’s Own Luck.”
The story follows Harry Ludlow, a privateer captain who gets dragged into a murder mystery aboard a British Navy ship. There’s tension between Harry and his brother, James, as they navigate both the chaos of the investigation and the bigger dangers of life at sea.
Readers get a sense of the gritty reality of naval warfare and life during the Napoleonic era.
Sean Thomas Russell is known for writing historical naval fiction set during the Napoleonic Wars. If you’re a fan of Patrick O’Brian, you might enjoy Russell’s “Under Enemy Colours.” The book follows Lieutenant Charles Hayden, who is half British and half French.
This makes him both an asset and a target for suspicion. He’s assigned to a warship, the HMS Themis, where the officers are bitterly divided, and loyalty is in question. There’s danger not only from the enemy at sea but also from tensions within the ship itself.
The story has battles, espionage, and dilemmas of duty and trust that keep you invested in the characters and their fates.
Richard Woodman is a master of historical naval adventures, and his writing often carries the spirit of life at sea in past centuries.
His book “A King’s Cutter” introduces Nathaniel Drinkwater, a young midshipman swept into the harsh world of the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Tasked with enforcing a blockade, he faces danger from smugglers and treachery within his own ranks.
The story captures the tension of naval battles, the fear of storms, and the weight of duty. It’s a vivid look at the risks and heroics of a sailor’s life during wartime.
Michael Aye is an author known for his historical naval fiction. His book “The Reaper” kicks off the Fighting Anthony’s series. Set during the Age of Sail, it follows Captain Gabriel Anthony, a man driven by duty and loyalty.
In this story, Anthony takes command of a frigate as he faces challenges on both sea and land. The book is packed with battles, tense shipboard moments, and the camaraderie of sailors.
Fans of Patrick O’Brian might find a lot to enjoy in the dynamic relationships and vivid maritime adventures.
Sam Willis is a historian and author who brings maritime history to life with fascinating detail. His book, “The Glorious First of June,” sheds light on a dramatic naval battle during the French Revolutionary Wars.
The story explores the clash between the British and French fleets, where strategies, personalities, and fierce fighting played a crucial role in shaping the outcome.
Willis paints vivid scenes of the chaos and bravery at sea, capturing the spirit of the sailors and the weight of the decisions made by their commanders. Fans of Patrick O’Brian’s sea adventures will find plenty to enjoy in the rich naval history Willis uncovers.
Frederick Marryat was an English author and a naval officer, which gave him firsthand experience to draw from in his sea adventures. His book, “Mr. Midshipman Easy,” tells the story of Jack Easy, a young man with unconventional views on equality.
Jack joins the navy as a midshipman and faces challenges that test his ideals and his courage. The book is full of spirited characters, including Jack’s loyal companion, Mesty, a former slave.
It combines humor and action set against the backdrop of life on a warship during the Napoleonic Wars, offering a vivid and interesting look at naval adventures.
J.D. Davies is an author known for historical naval fiction, set during the 17th century. If you enjoy Patrick O’Brian, you might like his book “Gentleman Captain.”
The story follows Matthew Quinton, a young and inexperienced nobleman recently given command of a warship after a tragic naval disaster. As he takes on his role, Matthew faces life-or-death decisions, political intrigue, and the constant challenge of proving himself to his crew.
The action takes place during the tumultuous era of the Restoration in England, bringing with it secrets and rivalries that shape every element of the tale.
William C. Hammond is an author known for his historical maritime novels set during the Age of Sail. His book, “A Matter of Honor,” is a great pick for readers who enjoy sea adventures filled with naval battles and life aboard ships.
The story follows Richard Cutler, a young American merchant sailor, who gets swept up in the Revolutionary War. Along the way, he interacts with notable historical figures, faces personal trials, and experiences the harsh realities of war at sea.
The book blends maritime action with the drama of family and loyalty, making it an engaging read for fans of Patrick O’Brian’s work.