In this article, we’ll unveil 12 authors similar to Bernard Cornwell, each weaving tales that echo his masterful blend of action, history and humanity.
Whether you’re drawn to the brutal realism of battle, the intricacies of historical intrigue or the compelling journeys of warriors and leaders, these writers deliver stories that will captivate you.
12 Authors Similar to Bernard Cornwell
1. Simon Scarrow
Writing Style & Themes:
Scarrow writes fast-paced military historical fiction often focusing on the grit and camaraderie of soldiers.
His Eagle series set in the Roman Empire shares a similar structure to Cornwell’s Sharpe series following a soldier’s rise through the ranks.
Notable Books/Series:
- Under the Eagle (Eagle series)
- The Gladiator (Eagle series)
- The Revolution Quartet
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His action-packed storytelling and attention to historical accuracy make his books a thrilling read for fans of Cornwell’s military adventures.
Simon Scarrow’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/60636.Simon_Scarrow
2. Conn Iggulden
Writing Style & Themes:
Conn Iggulden blends rich historical detail with gripping storytelling much like Cornwell.
His Emperor series explores Julius Caesar’s rise to power while Conqueror brings the Mongol Empire to life.
Both series offer the same sweeping battle-heavy narratives Cornwell fans enjoy.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Gates of Rome (Emperor series)
- Wolf of the Plains (Conqueror series)
- The Falcon of Sparta
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His books capture the brutality and ambition of history’s greatest warriors delivering high-stakes drama and action.
Conn Iggulden’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/series/list/119121.Conn_Iggulden.html
3. Christian Cameron
Writing Style & Themes:
A master of historical immersion, Cameron meticulously reconstructs ancient warfare much like Cornwell.
His Long War series focuses on Classical Greece, offering vivid battle sequences and deeply developed warrior protagonists.
Notable Books/Series:
- Killer of Men (Long War series)
- Tyrant (Tyrant series)
- The Ill-Made Knight
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His deep historical knowledge and realistic battle scenes create an authentic and engaging reading experience.
Christian Cameron’s Website: https://christiancameronauthor.com
4. David Anthony Durham
Writing Style & Themes:
Durham’s work, particularly The Pride of Carthage, delves into epic military campaigns much like Cornwell’s war-driven narratives.
His writing is both cinematic and historically rich bringing figures like Hannibal to life.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Pride of Carthage
- Acacia (Acacia Trilogy)
- The Risen
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His storytelling balances large-scale battles with intimate character moments making history feel immediate and personal.
David Anthony Durham’s Website: https://davidanthonydurham.com
5. James Clavell
Writing Style & Themes:
Clavell blends history with adventure much like Cornwell.
His Asian Saga novels including Shōgun transport readers to richly detailed historical settings filled with political intrigue, war and cultural clashes.
Notable Books/Series:
- Shōgun
- Tai-Pan
- King Rat
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His novels capture the spirit of exploration, conflict and power struggles with deeply immersive storytelling.
James Clavell’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6417.James_Clavell
6. Michael Livingston
Writing Style & Themes:
Livingston is a historian who crafts compelling fiction grounded in meticulous research.
His works like The Shards of Heaven blend historical events with thrilling narratives much like Cornwell’s war-focused stories.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Shards of Heaven
- The Gates of Hell
- Crecy: Battle of Five Kings
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His ability to bring history to life with action-packed storytelling and deep historical knowledge makes him a great read for Cornwell fans.
Michael Livingston’s Website: https://michaellivingston.com
7. Alexander Kent
Writing Style & Themes:
Kent’s Richard Bolitho series delivers gripping naval historical fiction set during the Napoleonic Wars.
Much like Cornwell’s Sharpe series, his books follow a soldier’s rise through the ranks but only at sea instead of on land.
Notable Books/Series:
- Midshipman Bolitho (Richard Bolitho series)
- Enemy in Sight
- For My Country’s Freedom
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His detailed naval battles and character-driven storytelling offer the same immersive historical experience Cornwell fans love.
Alexander Kent’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/series/41399-richard-bolitho
8. C.S. Forester
Writing Style & Themes:
Forester’s Hornblower series is a cornerstone of naval historical fiction directly influencing Cornwell’s writing.
His protagonist, Horatio Hornblower, shares many traits with Richard Sharpe e.g. rising through the ranks while navigating the dangers of war.
Notable Books/Series:
- Mr. Midshipman Hornblower (Hornblower series)
- Lieutenant Hornblower
- The Commodore
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His thrilling sea battles, strategic maneuvers and character depth make for an engaging and historically rich experience.
C.S. Forester’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/932179.C_S_Forester
9. Steven Pressfield
Writing Style & Themes:
Pressfield specializes in military historical fiction focusing on warrior cultures and legendary battles.
His books such as Gates of Fire share Cornwell’s intense battle realism and deep historical research.
Notable Books/Series:
- Gates of Fire
- Tides of War
- The Afghan Campaign
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His ability to bring ancient warfare to life with action-packed storytelling makes his books hard to put down.
Steven Pressfield’s Website: https://stevenpressfield.com
10. Jack Whyte
Writing Style & Themes:
Whyte’s Camulod Chronicles presents a historically grounded take on the Arthurian legend much like Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles.
His books blend historical realism with the myths that shaped Britain’s past.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Skystone (Camulod Chronicles)
- The Singing Sword
- Uther
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His mix of legend and historical accuracy creates an immersive and believable version of the Arthurian era.
Jack Whyte’s Website: https://www.jackwhyte.com
11. David Gemmell
Writing Style & Themes:
Gemmell’s Troy series reimagines the Trojan War blending history with heroic action.
His books share Cornwell’s emphasis on warrior culture, battle tactics and rich character development.
Notable Books/Series:
- Lord of the Silver Bow (Troy series)
- Shield of Thunder
- Lion of Macedon
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His gripping battles and morally complex heroes make his books a thrilling mix of myth and history.
David Gemmell’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11586.David_Gemmell
12. Harry Sidebottom
Writing Style & Themes:
Sidebottom’s Throne of the Caesars series is packed with political intrigue and military action set in the Roman Empire.
Like Cornwell, he combines fast-paced storytelling with deep historical research.
Notable Books/Series:
- Iron & Rust (Throne of the Caesars series)
- Fire & Sword
- The Last Hour
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His engaging mix of history, action and military strategy makes for an exciting and educational read.
Harry Sidebottom’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/411953.Harry_Sidebottom
Last Word on the Authors Like Bernard Cornwell
If you’re a fan of Bernard Cornwell’s masterful storytelling, you now have a treasure trove of new authors like him to explore.
Writers like Simon Scarrow and Conn Iggulden will keep you on the edge of your seat with their action-packed military tales while Christian Cameron and Harry Sidebottom bring history to life with meticulous research and gripping battles.
If you’re drawn to high-seas adventures, C.S. Forester and Alexander Kent offer thrilling naval warfare much like Cornwell’s land-based battles.
Each of these writers like Bernard Cornwell captures the essence of historical fiction i.e. immersive settings, compelling characters and epic conflicts that transport you to the past.
Whether you’re venturing into ancient Rome, Napoleonic wars or the world of Arthurian legends, these writers ensure the adventure never ends.