12 Authors Like Ken Follett for Fans of Historical Fiction

Are you searching for your next great read but want something that captures the same magic as Ken Follett’s works? Then you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, we’ll look at 12 authors like Ken Follett, each offering their own unique take on history, intrigue and adventure.

By the end, you’ll have a carefully curated list of novels that echo the depth, excitement and immersive storytelling that Follett’s fans love.

12 Authors Like Ken Follett

1. Sharon Kay Penman

Writing Style & Themes:
Sharon Kay Penman excels in detailed medieval settings and epic storytelling, creating strong multi-dimensional characters. 

Her rich historical accuracy and emotional depth are similar to Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Sunne in Splendour
• Here Be Dragons
• Falls the Shadow
• The Reckoning

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Fans of historical fiction will appreciate Penman’s captivating tales of political intrigue, romance and tragedy, set in intricately researched medieval worlds, much like Follett’s immersive narratives.

Sharon Kay Penman’s Website: https://www.sharonkaypenman.com

2. Bernard Cornwell

Writing Style & Themes:
Bernard Cornwell is renowned for his action-packed historical narratives, rich military detail and immersive storytelling. 

His pacing and meticulous research mirror Ken Follett’s approach in Pillars of the Earth.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Last Kingdom
• Harlequin
• The Winter King
• Agincourt

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Cornwell’s vivid battle scenes and complex characters transport readers to pivotal historical moments, offering an experience akin to Follett’s epic tales.​

Bernard Cornwell’s Website: https://www.bernardcornwell.net

3. Elizabeth Chadwick

Writing Style & Themes:
Elizabeth Chadwick specializes in medieval England, crafting narratives with strong female protagonists and exceptional historical accuracy, reminiscent of Follett’s depth in Pillars of the Earth.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Greatest Knight
• The Summer Queen
• The Falcon and the Snowman
• The Irish Princess

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Chadwick’s storytelling weaves romance, political intrigue and historical richness, providing an immersive experience for fans of Follett’s work.​

Elizabeth Chadwick’s Website: https://www.elizabethchadwick.com

4. Anya Seton

Writing Style & Themes:
Anya Seton combines romantic historical plots with adventurous narratives, drawing readers into compelling stories that echo the early works of Ken Follett.​

Notable Books/Series:

• Katherine
• The Winthrop Woman
• My Theodosia
• The Hearth and Eagle

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Seton’s novels offer rich historical settings and passionate tales, capturing the essence of Follett’s storytelling in his earlier works.​

Anya Seton’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18930.Anya_Seton 

5. Colleen McCullough

Writing Style & Themes:
Colleen McCullough’s family sagas are deeply rooted in historical context, focusing on character-driven plots with intricate details, akin to Follett’s Century Trilogy.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Thorn Birds
• Masters of Rome
• The First Man in Rome
• The October Horse

Why Readers Will Love Her:
McCullough’s expansive storytelling and complex characters provide a rich reading experience for those who appreciate Follett’s depth and breadth.​

Colleen McCullough’s Website: https://www.colleenmccullough.com

6. Philippa Gregory

Writing Style & Themes:
Philippa Gregory delves into detailed Tudor histories with character-driven plots and extensive research, drawing parallels to Follett’s immersive narratives.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Other Boleyn Girl
• The White Queen
• The Red Queen
• The King’s Curse

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Gregory’s exploration of historical figures and events through compelling storytelling offers an engaging experience for fans of Follett’s work.​

Philippa Gregory’s Website: https://www.philippagregory.com

7. James Michener

Writing Style & Themes:
James Michener is renowned for his epic multi-generational sagas that span extensive historical periods and diverse cultures, much like Ken Follett’s broad narratives in Pillars of the Earth.​

Notable Books/Series:

• Hawaii
• Centennial
• The Source
• Texas
• Alaska

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Michener’s immersive storytelling and meticulous research offer expansive historical perspectives, providing a reading experience akin to Follett’s grand storytelling.​

James Michener’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7995.James_A_Michener 

8. John Altman

Writing Style & Themes:
John Altman specializes in WWII thrillers, delivering intricate plots and suspenseful narratives that echo Ken Follett’s spy novels.​

Notable Books/Series:

• A Gathering of Spies
• The English Assassin
• The Traitor’s Mark

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Altman’s compelling espionage tales set against rich historical backdrops offer the suspense and depth that fans of Follett’s spy fiction cherish.​

John Altman’s Website: https://www.johnaltman.net 

9. Tom Clancy

Writing Style & Themes:
Tom Clancy is celebrated for his research-intensive techno-thrillers, presenting complex narratives that mirror Ken Follett’s detailed storytelling.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Hunt for Red October
• Red Rabbit
• The Sum of All Fears
• Patriot Games
• Clear and Present Danger

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Clancy’s intricate plots and authentic military insights provide a thrilling experience, akin to the depth found in Follett’s works.​

Tom Clancy’s Website: https://www.tomclancy.com

10. Frederick Forsyth

Writing Style & Themes:
Frederick Forsyth’s realistic espionage narratives and detailed plotting align with Ken Follett’s suspenseful storytelling.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Day of the Jackal
• The Fist of God
• The Odessa File
• The Devil’s Alternative

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Forsyth’s masterful blend of fact and fiction in espionage tales offers the suspense and authenticity that fans of Follett’s thrillers appreciate.​

Frederick Forsyth’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/36714.Frederick_Forsyth 

11. Jack Higgins

Writing Style & Themes:
Jack Higgins crafts action-packed thrillers with historical settings, delivering fast-paced narratives reminiscent of Ken Follett’s dynamic scenes.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Eagle Has Landed
• A Fine Night for Dying
• The Death Trade
• The Killing Ground

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Higgins’ gripping plots and historical depth provide the excitement and immersion that fans of Follett’s action sequences seek.​

Jack Higgins’ Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19706.Jack_Higgins 

12. Daniel Silva

Writing Style & Themes:
Daniel Silva’s spy thrillers intertwine art and history, featuring intricate plots that echo Ken Follett’s blend of history and intrigue.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The English Spy
• The Order
• The Black Widow
• The Messenger

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Daniel Silva’s sophisticated narratives and rich historical contexts offer the depth and complexity that fans of Follett’s storytelling cherish.​

Daniel Silva’s Website: https://www.danielsilvabooks.com

Final Word on the Above Authors Similar to Ken Follett

If you’re a fan of Ken Follett’s epic storytelling, rich historical detail and complex characters, you’ll find no shortage of captivating reads among these authors like him.

From Bernard Cornwell’s action-packed Saxon Stories to Sharon Kay Penman’s sweeping medieval sagas in The Sunne in Splendour, these writers like Ken Follett bring their unique twists to the world of historical fiction.

Whether it’s the multi-generational tales of James Michener or the thrilling espionage of Frederick Forsyth, there’s something for everyone who loves the depth and excitement that Follett’s novels offer.

By exploring the works of these talented authors like Ken Follett, you’ll discover a wealth of stories that continue to captivate, entertain and immerse you in history.