If you enjoy reading novels by Richard Sharpe then you might also like the following authors:
Readers who enjoy the adventures of Richard Sharpe by Bernard Cornwell might want to explore Cornwell’s other exciting historical fiction. A great pick is “The Last Kingdom,” set during England’s Viking age.
The story follows a young noble named Uhtred captured and raised by Danes, who must choose between loyalty to his birth country, England, and the Danes who raised him.
Cornwell crafts vivid battle scenes, sharp political tensions, and a captivating character torn between two worlds. Fans of Sharpe’s military heroics and historical accuracy will appreciate Uhtred’s fierce struggle for identity and survival in a brutal, unpredictable world.
C. S. Forester wrote historical novels filled with military adventure, especially famous for his gripping tales of naval warfare. If you enjoyed Richard Sharpe’s detailed historical battles, Forester’s Horatio Hornblower series may appeal to you.
The first Hornblower novel, “The Happy Return,” follows Captain Horatio Hornblower commanding HMS Lydia. Hornblower faces challenging missions in the dangerous waters of Central America during the Napoleonic Wars.
He struggles with difficult moral decisions, enemy attacks, and burdensome responsibilities while attempting to remain loyal to his country.
Forester masterfully brings aboard the reader into Hornblower’s world with vivid naval battles, well-developed characters, and authentic historical settings.
Patrick O’Brian brings readers into the exciting adventures at sea during the Napoleonic Wars with vivid and authentic naval storytelling.
In his popular book “Master and Commander,” readers meet Jack Aubrey, a charismatic British naval officer newly appointed to command the warship HMS Sophie.
Aubrey strikes an unlikely friendship with Stephen Maturin, a ship’s surgeon and naturalist whose thoughtful approach contrasts sharply with Jack’s bold, decisive nature.
Together they face dangerous naval combat, complex personal relationships, and thrilling tactical challenges across the high seas. Fans of Richard Sharpe’s military exploits and colorful characters may find Patrick O’Brian’s nautical tales equally engaging and satisfying.
Simon Scarrow is a British author best known for vivid historical novels packed with action and well-crafted military scenes. If you enjoyed Bernard Cornwell’s Richard Sharpe series, Scarrow’s “Under the Eagle” might catch your interest.
Set during the Roman invasion of Britain, the story follows soldiers Cato and Macro through fierce battles, army politics, and loyalty tests as they fight for their lives and Rome’s glory. The characters are tough but relatable, and tension builds steadily throughout the book.
Fans who liked Sharpe’s gritty adventures will likely appreciate Scarrow’s skill at pacing, character depth, and authentic historical detail.
Conn Iggulden is an author whose historical novels offer plenty of action and character depth for readers who enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s Richard Sharpe series. His book, “The Gates of Rome”, kicks off the Emperor series set in ancient Rome.
It follows the lives of two young friends, Gaius and Marcus, as they navigate the tough lessons of childhood and rise toward power amid political intrigue and violence.
The story captures battle scenes vividly and portrays the ruthless ambition, loyalty, and courage needed to survive and thrive in Rome’s dangerous world.
Fans of Sharpe’s adventures will definitely appreciate Iggulden’s skill at crafting realistic heroes and tightly woven historical plots.
Readers who enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s Richard Sharpe series might find Alexander Kent an excellent choice. Kent’s historical novels follow the adventures of British naval officer Richard Bolitho through vivid sea battles and dynamic leadership challenges.
In “To Glory We Steer,” Bolitho commands the frigate HMS Phalarope during the American War of Independence. Facing a restive crew, enemy confrontations, and difficult strategy decisions, Bolitho must navigate conflict both on and off the deck.
Kent’s ability to combine authentic naval detail with strong character development creates a series that keeps readers absorbed from the first cannon fire to the final outcome.
Adrian Goldsworthy is an author for those who appreciate action-packed historical novels and vivid military adventures similar to the tales of Richard Sharpe. His book “Vindolanda” is the first in an exciting series set in Roman Britain.
It follows Flavius Ferox, a tough and resourceful centurion assigned to patrol the dangerous frontier near Hadrian’s Wall. Ferox must navigate shifting loyalties, hostile tribal groups, and Roman power struggles.
Goldsworthy seamlessly blends historical accuracy with compelling characters to recreate life on a frontier filled with danger and intrigue. Fans of Sharpe’s tactical prowess and bravery in battle will find Flavius Ferox equally captivating.
Ben Kane is an author who brings ancient historical warfare vividly to life. His novel “The Forgotten Legion” drops readers straight into the brutal and dangerous world of ancient Rome.
The story follows four very different characters—a gladiator, a runaway slave, an Etruscan soothsayer, and her brave young friend—as their lives unexpectedly collide during turbulent political upheaval.
Kane mixes tense, realistic battles with characters you genuinely care about. Fans of Richard Sharpe’s adventurous tales tied to real-life historical events might appreciate Kane’s powerful storytelling and sharp attention to detail.
If you enjoy historical action novels by Bernard Cornwell featuring the bold adventures of soldier Richard Sharpe, you may find Steven Pressfield a great match for your taste.
Pressfield often sets his fiction in vivid, ancient battlefields, filled with the emotion and courage Sharpe fans love. His novel “Gates of Fire” brilliantly portrays the legendary stand of Spartan warriors at Thermopylae through the eyes of Xeones, a Greek boy turned warrior.
The story brings to life the heart-pounding tension, courage, camaraderie, and incredible dedication of soldiers who became legends. It’s a book that captures history and warfare in sharp detail, centered around human strength and sacrifice.
Anthony Riches is a historical fiction author who brings vivid military adventure to life in his novels, especially through his well-known “Empire” series set in ancient Rome.
If you enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s character Richard Sharpe, Riches’ “Wounds of Honour” could be an excellent pick to try next. The story follows Marcus Valerius Aquila, a Roman officer falsely accused of treason against the emperor.
Marcus takes up a new identity and joins an auxiliary unit stationed on Hadrian’s Wall. He faces dangerous duty in Britannia’s harsh frontier, hidden enemies, and the constant risk of discovery.
Riches immerses readers in a richly detailed portrayal of Roman army life, battles, and intrigue. This blend of historical detail, fast action, and compelling characters offers a satisfying read for fans looking for stories similar in style to Sharpe.
Readers who enjoy the historical adventures of Richard Sharpe may find David Donachie’s books equally entertaining. Donachie writes historical fiction with strong naval themes that vividly portray the tension and drama of life at sea.
His novel, “The Devil’s Own Luck,” introduces readers to Harry Ludlow, a former Royal Navy officer turned privateer. The story is set against the turbulent backdrop of the late eighteenth-century war between Britain and Revolutionary France.
Ludlow finds himself accused of murder, caught in a dangerous game of betrayal, intrigue, and naval warfare.
These realistic battle scenes and the spirit of camaraderie among the crew evoke the excitement and authenticity Sharpe fans appreciate, making Donachie’s work a worthy discovery.
Readers who enjoy Richard Sharpe might also appreciate Christian Cameron, an author noted for vivid historical fiction that combines meticulous research and action-packed storytelling.
Cameron’s novel “Killer of Men” is set during the turbulent times of ancient Greece and follows the life of Arimnestos, a young warrior caught up in epic battles against Persians and rival Greeks.
From intense infantry combat to the strategic maneuvers of naval warfare, this book offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping action and careful attention to historical detail.
The author shapes characters who reflect the raw courage, ambition, and rivalry of the ancient world and brings historical events to life in compelling clarity. Fans of Sharpe’s adventures will find Cameron’s narrative equally exciting and immersive.
Readers who enjoy Richard Sharpe’s action-packed historical adventures will find Allan Mallinson a perfect match. Mallinson, a former British Army officer, writes with a deep knowledge of military life blended with authentic historical settings.
In his novel “A Close Run Thing,” readers meet Matthew Hervey, a promising cavalry officer facing his own tests of courage and leadership.
The story unfolds during the chaotic years after Waterloo, as Britain reshapes its army and Hervey navigates tricky politics, personal rivalries, and dramatic charges on the battlefield.
Fans of richly described military maneuvers and strong, believable characters will appreciate Mallinson’s attention to historical detail and skill at delivering exciting battles.
Dewey Lambdin was an American novelist known for lively naval fiction set during the Napoleonic Wars. His series about Alan Lewrie, a roguish young officer, provides plenty of sea adventures, action-packed battles and historical detail.
In “The King’s Coat,” Lewrie enters naval life unwillingly but soon learns to adapt amid battles, storms and tension with superior officers. Lambdin writes with humor and authenticity and provides realistic glimpses into naval strategy and everyday maritime life.
Fans of Richard Sharpe, who enjoy adventurous military tales filled with strong characters and vivid settings, will appreciate Lambdin’s work.
If you enjoy Richard Sharpe’s action-packed historical adventures, you might want to pick up Giles Kristian’s novel “Blood Eye.” Kristian is known for his vivid storytelling and realistic portrayal of historical battles and daily life.
In “Blood Eye,” young Osric’s life is abruptly turned upside down when Viking raiders descend upon his village, pulling him into their fierce and dangerous world.
He must navigate shifting loyalties, form unexpected alliances, and face brutal combat as he discovers his place in this new harsh reality.
Kristian weaves intense battle scenes with captivating characters and authentic details, delivering a rewarding read for fans of historical fiction grounded in real-world events.