Ken Follett, a literary virtuoso and one of the most celebrated authors of our time, has enthralled readers with his gripping and intricate narratives that span across different genres. His body of work boasts of many acclaimed novels, including “The Pillars of the Earth,” “World Without End,” and “Eye of the Needle,” each of which is a masterpiece in its own right. With his uncanny ability to weave together historical events, richly developed characters, and thrilling plotlines, Follett has garnered a legion of fans who eagerly anticipate each new release.
However, for those who have devoured every page of his literary opus and crave more, there’s good news. There are numerous other authors whose works bear a striking resemblance to Ken Follett’s style, tone, and subject matter. If you’re a fan of Follett’s captivating writing, then you’re in for a treat. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of literature and explore some of the best authors whose books are sure to satisfy your craving for riveting stories that leave you on the edge of your seat. So, get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey through the pages of some of the most compelling books ever written by authors whose style is similar to Ken Follet’s.
Bernard Cornwell
Bernard Cornwell is a prolific historical fiction author whose works cover a broad range of historical periods, including the Dark Ages, the Napoleonic Wars, and the American Civil War. His books are known for their vivid descriptions of battles and military strategy, as well as their attention to historical detail. If you enjoyed Follett’s epic historical sagas like “The Pillars of the Earth,” then you’ll love Cornwell’s “The Last Kingdom” series, which follows the adventures of Uhtred, a Saxon warrior during the time of King Alfred the Great.
Diana Gabaldon
Diana Gabaldon is the author of the immensely popular “Outlander” series, which follows the time-traveling adventures of Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who finds herself transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland. Like Follett’s works, Gabaldon’s books are epic in scope and feature complex characters and richly detailed historical settings. If you enjoy stories that seamlessly blend historical fact with fiction, then you’ll love the “Outlander” series.
James Michener
James Michener was a prolific writer of historical fiction whose works often spanned multiple generations and covered centuries of history. His books were known for their meticulous attention to historical detail and their sprawling scope. If you enjoyed Follett’s sweeping sagas like “World Without End,” then you’ll love Michener’s “Hawaii,” which tells the story of the Hawaiian Islands from their volcanic origins to modern times.
Philippa Gregory
Philippa Gregory is a prolific historical fiction author who is best known for her books about the Tudor period of English history. Her books are known for their attention to detail and their vivid depictions of life in the 16th century. If you enjoyed Follett’s “The Pillars of the Earth,” then you’ll love Gregory’s “The Other Boleyn Girl,” which tells the story of Mary Boleyn, the lesser-known sister of Anne Boleyn.
Edward Rutherfurd
Edward Rutherfurd is a British author who specializes in epic historical sagas that cover centuries of history. His books are known for their richly detailed historical settings and their ability to transport readers to a different time and place. If you enjoyed Follett’s “The Pillars of the Earth,” then you’ll love Rutherfurd’s “London,” which tells the story of the city from its Roman origins to modern times.
Sara Donati
Sara Donati is the author of the “Into the Wilderness” series, which follows the adventures of Elizabeth Middleton, a woman who moves to the wilderness of upstate New York in the late 18th century. Donati’s books are known for their vivid descriptions of the natural world and their attention to historical detail. If you enjoyed Follett’s “The Pillars of the Earth” and its exploration of medieval life, then you’ll love Donati’s “Into the Wilderness” series.
James Clavell
James Clavell was a British author who wrote several epic historical novels set in Asia. His works are known for their meticulous attention to detail and their ability to transport readers to a different time and place. If you enjoyed Follett’s attention to detail and historical accuracy, then you’ll love Clavell’s “Shogun,” which tells the story of an Englishman who becomes involved in the politics of feudal Japan.
Colleen McCullough
Colleen McCullough was an Australian author who wrote several epic historical novels, including “The Thorn Birds” and “The Masters of Rome” series. Her works are known for their detailed historical settings and their ability to transport readers to a different time and place. If you enjoyed Follett’s “The Pillars of the Earth” and its exploration of the building of a cathedral, then you’ll love McCullough’s “The Thorn Birds,” which tells the story of a family of sheep farmers in Australia.
Jeffrey Archer
Jeffrey Archer is a British author who has written several bestselling novels, including the “Clifton Chronicles” series. Like Follett, Archer’s books are known for their intricate plotting and complex characters. If you enjoyed Follett’s ability to keep you on the edge of your seat with unexpected twists and turns, then you’ll love Archer’s “Kane and Abel,” which tells the story of two men born on the same day on opposite sides of the world whose paths cross in unexpected ways.
Kate Mosse
Kate Mosse is a British author who has written several historical novels set in France, including the “Languedoc Trilogy.” Her books are known for their attention to detail and their ability to transport readers to a different time and place. If you enjoyed Follett’s “The Pillars of the Earth” and its exploration of the building of a cathedral, then you’ll love Mosse’s “Labyrinth,” which tells the story of a woman who discovers a mysterious labyrinth in the south of France.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Ken Follett’s works and are looking for something similar to read, there are plenty of authors out there who share his love of epic historical sagas, intricate plots, and attention to historical detail. Whether you’re interested in medieval England, feudal Japan, or the American frontier, there’s an author out there who has written a book that you’ll love. So why not branch out and discover some new authors and works that will keep you entertained for hours on end?
Have read excellent books from all of them except Gabaldon. I’ve saved her series for retirement so I can read them all straight through. Now retired!
I’ve been thru the entire outsider series over the past 6 years and I’m now reading Gabaldon’s outsider #9 tell it to the bee’s. I have3 enjoyed them all immensely? most of the other as well such as Bernard Cornwells guns of the south series and the invader books too? I love to read and especially when I get into a series and tend to fall in love with the characters. And I can’t forget Michener? the others have been one book wonders which I also have read and enjoyed?