Discover inspirational narratives with our top 20 authors like Ken Follett. Dive into historical epics and complex characters that echo Follett’s spellbinding storytelling.

This collection of authors like Ken Follett is perfect for fans of well-crafted Historical fiction. As an industry veteran boasting 50 years of experience, Follett is respected for his meticulous attention to detail, authentic characters, and evocative historical backdrops.

One of Follet’s most notable works, The Pillars of the Earth, reveals the astounding saga of a master mason, Tom Builder, in 12th-century England. As the story of Tom and his family unfolds, readers are enthralled by heroics, appalled by dastardly deeds, made to laugh out loud by sheer audacity, and educated on the hardships of the period across society.

The Kingsbridge Series, World Without End, and the Century trilogy are further evidence of his compelling storytelling prowess that has charmed readers worldwide. 

This skilled Welsh writer’s talent has earned him many honors, including the 1979 Edgar Award for Best Novel and the 2013 Edgar Grand Master Award. Several of Follett’s works have been adapted for TV and film, including The Pillars of the Earth.

With global Book sales of more than 188 million copies, Follett’s success can be attributed to his dedication and passion for history and writing, as he once noted: “The research is the easiest. The outline is the most fun. The first draft is the hardest because every word of the outline has to be fleshed out. The rewrite is very satisfying.”

We think these 20 splendid writers are more than worthy of making a list of authors like Ken Follett and hope you find your next historical fiction from our recommendations.

Interested in exploring more of Ken Follett’s work? Read our selection of the best Ken Follett books!

Best Authors Like Ken Follett Ranked

1. Sharon Kay Penman, 1945 – 2021

Sharon Kay Penman’s novels, chiefly set in England and Wales, showcase her painstaking research. In fact, she spent 12 years on her debut novel, The Sunne in Splendour. The 2008 book paints a sympathetic portrait of Richard III. He was the last Yorkist king of England and reigned from 1483 to 1485.

Another great pick from her stockpile of excellent books is the Welsh Princes’ trilogy, with the first installment being Here Be Dragons. It narrates a unique love story set in 13th-century Wales amidst power and political struggles.

Penman’s ability to reconstruct the Middle Ages authentically sets her apart. The Middle Ages (aka medieval period and Dark Ages) covers the fall of Rome in 476 CE to the start of the Renaissance in the 14th century.

“There’s not a man alive who doesn’t know fear, Dickon. The brave man is the one who has learned to hide it, that’s all.”

Sharon Kay Penman, The Sunne in Splendour

2. Bernard Cornwell, 1944 –

Bernard Cornwell has written about many historical periods. However, his most popular works are the Saxon Stories (The Last Kingdom series, 9th – 10th-century England), which tell the tale of Alfred the Great through the eyes of the warrior Uhtred, and his portrayal of the rogue Richard Sharpe from the Napoleonic Wars (1803 – 1815).

After working briefly as a teacher, Cornwell worked for the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) in Northern Ireland. There, he met and fell in love with an American and, on following her back to the U.S., began his writing career.

Cornwell’s ability to depict the grit and glory of bygone eras is unique. His debut novel, Sharpe’s Eagle, was a tremendous success, inspiring him to pen more books featuring Richard Sharpe. The books, of course, later became a hit series starring Sean Bean.

Much of Cornwell’s work has been adapted for TV, including The Last Kingdom and The Warlord Chronicles.

“But fate, as Merlin always taught us, is inexorable. Life is a jest of the Gods, Merlin liked to claim, and there is no justice. You must learn to laugh, he once told me, or else you’ll just weep yourself to death.”

Bernard Cornwell, The Winter King

3. Elizabeth Chadwick, 1957 –

Elizabeth Chadwick focuses on her love for writing and doesn’t let rejection set her back. When her novel The Wild Hunt was published, she did not expect to bag many accolades. Some of her honors include the Betty Trask Award and multiple Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Parker Pen Award nominations.

Chadwick has a lot to offer to her readers, but the second installment of her William Marshal series, The Greatest Knight, is one of the best. Imagine being in 12th-century England. You’re a penniless knight, and all you have is your ideals. Suddenly, you became King Henry II’s savior, and now you’re tasked with tutoring his son.

The series is the fictionalized life of the “real Lancelot,” William Marshal.

Another notable mention from Chadwick is The Summer Queen. This time, it’s about the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Queen of France (1137 to 1152), then Queen of England (1152 to 1204). Chadwick’s enthusiastic research and entertaining storytelling make her works an excellent choice for historical fiction enthusiasts wanting to explore the medieval era.

“Fight for your lord, fight for his honour, but never forget that you were fighting for yourself too.”

Elizabeth Chadwick, The Greatest Knight

4. Anya Seton, 1904 – 1990

Anya Seton’s books weave historical facts with elements of romance and adventure. Her novels are primarily about female protagonists connected to men who made history, such as in the case of her 1941 book, My Theodosia, a tale of Aaron Burr’s only child from the late 18th and early 19th century.

Seton was lauded for her comprehensive research that brings authenticity to her stories. Among her most notable works is Katherine, highlighting the 14th-century forbidden love between Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt. Another is The Winthrop Woman, a story about Elizabeth Fones, a founder of Greenwich, Connecticut.

Seton also penned gothic romance set in 18th- and 19th-century England. Her Dragonwyck and Foxfire books were turned into films.

“A woman with opinions had better develop a thick skin and a loud voice.”

Anya Seton, The Winthrop Woman

5. Colleen McCullough, 1937 – 2015

Colleen McCullough has sold over 30 million copies, with her writing career taking off with the 1977 novel The Thorn Birds. It’s a sweeping family saga set in the 19th-century Australian outback. Aside from being a bestseller, it also became a popular 1983 TV miniseries.

However, McCullough’s historical prowess best shines in her seven-book collection, the Masters of Rome series.

Set in ancient Rome, these works ingeniously bring the city’s political turmoil to life with superb accuracy. Her exploration of historical periods did not stop at Rome; McCullough’s novel Antony and Cleopatra retells one of history’s most infamous love affairs. Her works stand out for their detail, depth, and precise portrayal of power, ambition, and human nature.

“Luck is here for everyone to seize.”

Colleen McCullough, Caesar

6. Philippa Gregory, 1954 –

Who wouldn’t know about Anne Boleyn and her history-changing decision to seduce King Henry VIII when discussing historical fiction? While many focus on the infamous Anne, Philippa Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl shone the spotlight on her sister, Mary. It inspired a 2003 BBC adaptation and a 2008 Hollywood film starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson.

USA Today calls Gregory “the queen of royal fiction” for her spellbinding depictions of the Tudor period. She has been writing enchanting narratives, marked by robust research and a keen eye for detail, for over 30 years.

Moreover, this British novelist’s Cousins’ War series, beginning with The White Queen, probes the Wars of the Roses. The franchise offers readers a striking portrayal of an era defined by intrigue, power struggles, family feuds, and the indomitable spirit of women.

“A man will always promise to do more than he can do to a woman he cannot understand.”

Philippa Gregory, The White Queen

7. Conn Iggulden, 1971 –

Conn Iggulden is an English teacher turned historical novelist who topped the UK nonfiction and fiction genres simultaneously.

His works immerse readers in harsh realities and the relentless nature of some of the world’s most feared conquerors. They not only serve to entertain but also provide a glimpse into some of history’s most fascinating eras.

What catapulted Iggulden to fame was his Emperor series. This five-book collection recounts Julius Caesar’s life, from his early years to the height of his power. Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment plans to create a movie franchise inspired by the series, starting with the first two books, The Gates of Rome and The Field of Swords. 

Another notable series is Iggulden’s Conqueror franchise, which delves into the leadership of Genghis Khan during the Mongol Conquest.

“I appreciate gold only because of what it brings to me and this is where it’s placed me — on this stairs, with the largest city in the world behind me.”

Conn Iggulden, Emperor The Gates of Rome

8. C.J. Sansom, 1952 –

Renowned British author C.J. Sansom has cemented his reputation as a master of historical mystery, brilliantly combining fact and fiction. His most celebrated work is the seven-book Matthew Shardlake series, set in 16th-century Tudor England. The series commences with Dissolution, a book about Barrister Sharlake solving a murder at a monastery.

The series has gained acclaim for rich, atmospheric historical storytelling. Sansom brings the past alive, seamlessly interweaving political intrigue, complex characters, and gripping mysteries. His work has topped bestseller lists and bagged him awards such as the Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger and Ellis Peters Historical Dagger.

“In worshipping their nationhood men worship themselves and scorn others, and that is no healthy thing.”

C.J. Sansom, Dissolution

9. James Forrester, 1967 –

To separate his fiction-writing persona, the British historian Dr. Ian Mortimer wrote under the pen name James Forrester, which is his middle name. Still, his background shines through his novels’ authentic historical details and dialogue.

He’s most famed for his Clarenceux trilogy set in Elizabethan England (1558 to 1603), a period he has studied extensively. His debut novel, Sacred Treason, is a fascinating exploration of religious and political drama during Queen Elizabeth’s time. His careful attention to the minutiae of the past, combined with his ability to weave creative plots, ensures that his novels are entertaining and highly informative.

Dr. Mortimer has multiple best-selling works of non-fiction that read as well as a fiction novel for anyone particularly interested in the medieval period.

“Justice is a relative concept in all ages. The fourteenth century is no exception.”

James Forrester

10. James A. Michener, 1907 – 1997

James A. Michener was an American author best known for his multi-generational historical novels, often set in exotic locations. A true luminary in his field, Michener won the Pulitzer Prize in 1948 for his debut novel, Tales of the South Pacific. It’s a collection of stories about World War II, which served as the basis for the Broadway musical and later film South Pacific.

Michener did extensive research for his novels, offering readers a realistic feel of the time and place of his books’ settings. However, his characters are only based on historical personalities. Michener’s Centennial, for instance, is a tome (1104 pages, to be exact) with an original protagonist, Dr. Lewis Vernor. It depicts the American West and was later adapted into a 12-episode TV miniseries.

“I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions”

James A. Michener

11. Kristin Hannah, 1960 –

Kristin Hannah is an American author revered for her well-written characters and excellent story endings. She has already penned more than 20 books, but she’s best known for her 2015 novel The Nightingale, which sold over 4.5 million copies. It masterfully depicts the resilience of women during the harsh backdrop of World War II. It became a 2023 movie featuring Dakota and Elle Fanning.

Hannah’s skill in threading intricate plotlines in different time periods and curating relatable characters earned her many awards, such as the RITA, Audie, and Goodreads Choice awards. Another book, Firefly Lane, also made waves and went on to become a Netflix Original series. Grab a Kristin Hannah book if you want to read historical fiction that puts hope and the female spirit at the forefront!

“Perhaps that’s why I find myself looking backward. The past has a clarity I can no longer see in the present.”

Kristin Hannah, The Nightingale

12. Jeffrey Archer, 1940 –

Jeffrey Archer is an acclaimed English author and former politician whose literary works top many bestseller lists. His dedication to his novels makes him a gripping storyteller. To offer his rea