If you’re on the lookout for authors similar to James Rollins, you’re in for a treat.
These talented writers craft gripping tales full of high-stakes adventure, historical puzzles and intricate conspiracies that keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Whether you’re uncovering ancient secrets or chasing down elusive treasures, each author brings something unique to the table while capturing that same pulse-pounding excitement Rollins fans crave.
Here’s a list of 12 authors who share a passion for thrilling action-packed narratives.
12 Authors Similar to James Rollins
1. Steve Berry
Writing Style & Themes:
Berry masterfully blends historical conspiracies with pulse-pounding action just like Rollins.
His legal background adds depth to his intricate plots, just as Rollins’ scientific expertise enhances his storytelling.
Expect lost secrets, cryptic puzzles and global stakes.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Templar Legacy (Cotton Malone #1)
- The Venetian Betrayal (Cotton Malone #3)
- The Jefferson Key (Cotton Malone #7)
- The Kaiser’s Web (Cotton Malone #16)
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Berry’s books unravel hidden histories with thrilling intensity.
Fans of Rollins will love the mix of real-world mysteries, heart-racing chases and well-researched historical intrigue.
Steve Berry’s Website: https://steveberry.org
2. Clive Cussler
Writing Style & Themes:
A legend in adventure fiction, Clive Cussler’s novels mix daring heroics, historical artifacts and relentless action.
His globe-trotting escapades mirror Rollins’ high-stakes storytelling, while his deep-sea and treasure-hunting themes add a unique twist.
Notable Books/Series:
- Sahara (Dirk Pitt #11)
- Raise the Titanic! (Dirk Pitt #4)
- The Mediterranean Caper (Dirk Pitt #2)
- The NUMA Files (co-written with various authors)
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Cussler’s books offer pure escapism i.e. thrilling quests, larger-than-life heroes and jaw-dropping discoveries.
Clive Cussler’s Website: https://www.cusslerbooks.com
3. Dan Brown
Writing Style & Themes:
Dan Brown crafts fast-paced thrillers packed with ancient symbols, secret societies and high-stakes chases.
Like Rollins, he masterfully blends real-world history with pulse-pounding action, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon #2)
- Angels & Demons (Robert Langdon #1)
- The Lost Symbol (Robert Langdon #3)
- Origin (Robert Langdon #5)
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Brown’s intricate puzzles and historical mysteries create an irresistible mix of intellect and adrenaline.
Dan Brown’s Website: https://danbrown.com
4. Matthew Reilly
Writing Style & Themes:
Reilly’s stories are packed with ancient relics, military operations and non-stop suspense like a Hollywood blockbuster. Perfect for fans of Rollins’ adrenaline-fueled narratives.
Notable Books/Series:
- Seven Deadly Wonders (Jack West Jr. #1)
- The Six Sacred Stones (Jack West Jr. #2)
- Ice Station (Shane Schofield #1)
- The Tournament (standalone historical thriller)
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Explosions, secret societies and edge-of-your-seat action, Reilly’s books are designed to keep your heart racing.
Matthew Reilly’s Website: https://matthewreilly.com
5. Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
Writing Style & Themes:
This duo blends science, history and supernatural intrigue into gripping thrillers.
Their books, particularly the Pendergast series, feature mysterious artifacts, scientific anomalies and eerie suspense, akin to Rollins’ mix of fact and fiction.
Notable Books/Series:
- Relic (Pendergast #1)
- Cabinet of Curiosities (Pendergast #3)
- Thunderhead (standalone)
- The Ice Limit (standalone)
Why Readers Will Love Them:
With cinematic storytelling and deep scientific elements, their books offer the same mix of intellect and adventure that makes Rollins’ novels so compelling.
Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child’s Website: https://www.prestonchild.com
6. Boyd Morrison
Writing Style & Themes:
Morrison writes action-packed thrillers rooted in real-world science and history.
His books mix ancient enigmas, modern technology and intense adventure, making them a natural fit for Rollins fans.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Ark (Tyler Locke #1)
- The Vault (Tyler Locke #2)
- The Roswell Conspiracy (standalone)
- The Loch Ness Legacy (standalone)
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Morrison’s books strike a perfect balance between brainy problem-solving and breakneck action.
If you love Rollins’ blend of intellect and excitement, Morrison’s thrillers are worth diving into.
Boyd Morrison’s Website: https://boydmorrison.com
7. Jeremy Robinson
Writing Style & Themes:
Robinson blends action, science fiction and mythology into fast-paced thrillers.
His stories often feature cryptids, genetic experiments and government conspiracies, similar to Rollins’ mix of real-world science and speculative adventure.
Notable Books/Series:
- Island 731 (standalone)
- Project Nemesis (Nemesis Saga #1)
- The Didymus Contingency (standalone time-travel thriller)
- The Sentinel (co-written with Kane Gilmour)
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Robinson’s novels push the boundaries of science and the supernatural while delivering non-stop action.
If you enjoy Rollins’ mix of fact-based storytelling with a sci-fi edge, he’s a great pick.
Jeremy Robinson’s Website: https://bewareofmonsters.com
8. Andy McDermott
Writing Style & Themes:
McDermott delivers globe-spanning archaeological adventures with explosive action.
His books feature daring treasure hunts, ancient mysteries and cinematic pacing, reminiscent of Rollins’ Sigma Force series.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Hunt for Atlantis (Nina Wilde & Eddie Chase #1)
- The Tomb of Hercules (Nina Wilde & Eddie Chase #2)
- The Sacred Vault (Nina Wilde & Eddie Chase #6)
- The Spear of Atlantis (Nina Wilde & Eddie Chase #14)
Why Readers Will Love Him:
McDermott’s books feel like action movies in print – they are filled with humor and breathtaking adventure.
If you love Rollins’ fast-paced style, you’ll enjoy McDermott’s thrill rides.
Andy McDermott’s Website: https://www.andy-mcdermott.com
9. Chris Kuzneski
Writing Style & Themes:
Kuzneski’s books mix historical conspiracies, lost treasures and intense action.
His Payne & Jones series features an ex-Special Forces duo uncovering ancient mysteries, similar to Rollins’ mix of military prowess and historical intrigue.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Lost Throne (Payne & Jones #3)
- The Prophecy (Payne & Jones #5)
- The Forbidden Tomb (The Hunters #2)
- The Prisoner’s Gold (The Hunters #3)
Why Readers Will Love Him:
With witty banter, breakneck pacing and gripping historical mysteries, Kuzneski’s books offer the same mix of adventure and intrigue that make Rollins’ stories so exciting.
Chris Kuzneski’s Website: https://chriskuzneski.com
10. Jack Du Brul
Writing Style & Themes:
Du Brul combines historical secrets, high-tech weaponry and relentless pacing.
His Philip Mercer series, like Rollins’ Sigma Force books, blends science, history and action-packed adventure.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Medusa Stone (Philip Mercer #2)
- Pandora’s Curse (Philip Mercer #4)
- River of Ruin (Philip Mercer #5)
- The Lightning Stones (Philip Mercer #8)
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Du Brul’s mix of scientific intrigue and nonstop action makes his novels a perfect fit for fans of Rollins’ fast-moving and research-heavy thrillers.
Jack Du Brul’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2828239.Jack_Du_Brul
11. David Gibbins
Writing Style & Themes:
Gibbins’ novels dive deep into underwater archaeology, ancient civilizations and lost treasures.
His Jack Howard series shares Rollins’ passion for history-driven action and meticulous research.
Notable Books/Series:
- Atlantis (Jack Howard #1)
- The Lost Tomb (Jack Howard #5)
- Testament (Jack Howard #9)
- The Sword of Attila (Jack Howard #10)
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Gibbins’ books offer a fascinating mix of real archaeology, thrilling discoveries and globe-spanning adventure, perfect for those who enjoy Rollins’ blend of fact and fiction.
David Gibbins’ Website: https://www.davidgibbins.com
12. Will Adams
Writing Style & Themes:
Adams’ thrillers weave together history, mythology and adventure.
His Daniel Knox series features daring archaeologists uncovering ancient secrets, much like Rollins’ mix of lost civilizations and modern action.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Alexander Cipher (Daniel Knox #1)
- The Exodus Quest (Daniel Knox #2)
- The Eden Legacy (Daniel Knox #4)
- City of the Lost (standalone)
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Adams’ books are fast-paced and history-rich, filled with gripping discoveries and relentless excitement, ideal for fans of Rollins’ archaeological thrillers.
Will Adams’ Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/562621.Will_Adams
Last Word on the Authors Like James Rollins
As you dive into the works of the above writers like James Rollins, you’ll find an exciting world of thrilling adventures and complex mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
From Clive Cussler’s daring treasure hunts to Dan Brown’s mind-bending historical puzzles and Matthew Reilly’s explosive action, these authors offer something for every fan of Rollins’ unique style.
Whether you’re exploring ancient tombs with Boyd Morrison or uncovering underwater secrets with David Gibbins, each of these authors brings their own flavor to the genre.
So, if you’re craving more high-octane adventures and historical intrigue, these authors similar to James Rollins are sure to satisfy your literary thirst.