Books Like...
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell is a historical fiction novel set in ninth-century Britain during the Danish invasion. The story follows Uhtred, a young Saxon boy who is captured and raised by Danes, navigating the complexities of loyalty and identity. Through vivid battle scenes and detailed historical context, the book paints a picture of a tumultuous time in English history, focusing on the clash between Saxons and Danes. The narrative is driven by Uhtred's transformation from a boy to a warrior, exploring themes of destiny, loyalty, and the struggle between paganism and Christianity.
If you liked The Last Kingdom, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
"The Winter King" by Bernard Cornwell is a reimagining of the Arthurian legend set in Dark Ages Britain. The story is narrated through the eyes of Derfel Cadarn, a warrior who fought alongside Arthur. The book explores themes of duty, courage, and the struggle between Britain's ancient paganism and the rise of Christianity. Cornwell weaves a tale of battles, political intrigue, and the clash of different spiritual forces, providing a fresh perspective on familiar characters like Arthur, Lancelot, and Merlin.
The writing style in "The Winter King" is described as engaging, with lush descriptions of landscapes and battle scenes that immerse the reader in the story. Cornwell's historical fiction writing is praised for its believability and attention to detail, making the reader feel like a voyeur witnessing the destinies of the characters unfold. The book offers a different take on the Arthurian legend, stripping away mythical elements to focus on the gritty reality of Dark Ages Britain.
ONCE UPON A TIME, in a land that was called Britain, these things happened. Bishop Sansum, whom God must bless above all the saints living and dead, says these memories should be cast into the bottoml... - #2
Set in India during the British conquest and occupation, young and illiterate Private Richard Sharpe must pose as a deserter to rescue a spy from the ruthless Tippoo of Mysore. If he's caught, he'll be fed to the tigers. In this first story, Sharp is a private who is thinking of deserting in 1799 India, where the British Army is about to lay siege to the city of Seringapatam. The book is an incredibly exciting yarn, made better by historically correct facts and a focus on the complex and rich history of the British Army and East India Company's conquest.
He thought about vultures a lot, and he had a lot of time to think because he was a soldier, a private, and so the army insisted on doing a lot of his thinking for him. The army decided when he woke u... - #3
'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is a dense and satisfying novel that brings to life the character of Thomas Cromwell amidst the fall of Wolsey and the rise of the Boleyns. The book delves deep into personal and political world-building, exploring mythologies of the Reformation and the complexities of 16th-century England. Mantel expertly crafts a meticulously researched story surrounding Cromwell, portraying him with care and attention to detail.
Felled, dazed, silent, he has fallen; knocked full length on the cobbles of the yard. His head turns sideways; his eyes are turned towards the gate, as if someone might arrive to help him out. One blo... - #4
'The Long Ships' by Frans G. Bengtsson is an epic Viking adventure tale following the life of Red Orm, a Dane who embarks on a journey filled with plunder, battles, exploration, and cultural encounters. The book is set in the 10th century and portrays the Viking way of life, including violence, religion, family dynamics, and the spread of Christianity. Through Orm's adventures, readers are taken on a thrilling ride across Europe, witnessing his transformation from a young captive to a respected Viking chieftain.
The narrative of 'The Long Ships' is written in a distinctive, dry style reminiscent of the Nordic Sagas, with a focus on action, dialogue, and historical accuracy. The author, Bengtsson, skillfully weaves together elements of humor, adventure, and historical detail, creating a vivid and engaging portrayal of Viking society. The book is divided into episodic parts, each contributing to the overarching story of Orm's life, filled with battles, treasure hunts, conversions to Christianity, and encounters with different cultures, providing a comprehensive view of the Viking Age.
ALONG the coast the people lived together in villages, partly to be sure of food, that they might not depend entirely on the luck of their own catch, and partly for greater security; for ships roundin... - #5
'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is a historical novel set in medieval England, following the lives of various characters intertwined through the construction of a cathedral in the town of Kingsbridge. The narrative spans over decades, exploring themes of ambition, power, politics, love, and betrayal during the 12th century. The book delves into the challenges faced by individuals from different social backgrounds, including monks, nobles, and peasants, as they navigate through the turbulent times of the Middle Ages.
The storytelling in 'The Pillars of the Earth' is characterized by its epic scope, rich historical detail, and intricate character development. Readers are drawn into a world filled with vivid descriptions of life in medieval England, emphasizing the struggles and triumphs of the central characters involved in the monumental task of building a cathedral. The novel weaves together elements of suspense, drama, romance, and political intrigue, offering a captivating portrayal of a bygone era and the enduring human spirit that drives individuals to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams.
The walls were already three feet high and rising fast. The two masons Tom had engaged were working steadily in the sunshine, their trowels going scrape, slap and then tap, tap while their laborer swe... - #6
'Genghis: Birth of an Empire' in the series 'Conqueror' by Conn Iggulden follows the story of Temujin, later to become Genghis Khan, as he rises to power from a small boy to a leader. The narrative vividly depicts the harsh Mongolian plains and the unity of tribes under Genghis Khan's leadership, showcasing his strategic prowess and cunning in uniting the tribes. captures the historical foundation and growth of the Mongol empire, providing personal insights into inspirational characters and breathtaking storylines.
Conn Iggulden's writing style in 'Genghis: Birth of an Empire' combines historical accuracy with fictional elements, creating a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the events from Genghis Khan's life. portrays Genghis Khan's conquests, battles, and the harsh environment of the Mongolian plains in a lifelike and spellbinding fashion, keeping readers gripped from start to finish.
- #7
'Master and Commander' by Patrick O'Brian is the first book in the Aubrey & Maturin series, set in the British Navy during the early 19th century. The story follows Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend, ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin, as they navigate naval warfare, battles, and adventures in the Age of Sail. The writing style is rich in historical detail, particularly focusing on nautical terminology, naval battles, and life aboard a warship, providing an authentic portrayal of the era.
The plot of 'Master and Commander' revolves around the friendship between Aubrey and Maturin, their interactions, and their respective roles on the ship. The book offers a mix of action-packed sequences, character development, and insights into the dynamics of naval life during the Napoleonic era. While some readers appreciate the historical accuracy and detailed descriptions, others find the heavy focus on nautical terms and lack of a clear overarching plot challenging to engage with.
The music-room in the Governor's House at Port Mahon, a tall, handsome, pillared octagon, was filled with the triumphant first movement of Locatelli's C major quartet. The players, Italians pinned aga... - #8
Bernard Cornwell's 'The Archer's Tale' is the first installment in 'The Grail Quest' series, following the journey of Thomas of Hookton, an English archer, during the 100 Years War. After witnessing the destruction of his village and the theft of a sacred relic, Thomas embarks on a quest for vengeance and discovery. The book vividly portrays medieval life, battles, and the personal growth of the main character, set against a backdrop of historical accuracy and detailed descriptions of warfare.
The plot unfolds with Thomas evolving from a simple archer to a key player in the English army, engaging in battles in France and ultimately leading to the epic Battle of Crecy. Bernard Cornwell's writing style immerses readers in the brutal realities of war, skillfully blending fiction with historical events, creating a compelling narrative that captures the essence of the 14th century and the life of an archer during that tumultuous period.
The Blackbird was a woman who fought from the town walls every time the army made an assault. She was young, had black hair, wore a black cloak and shot a crossbow. In the first assault, when Will Ske... - #9
'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a medieval murder mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery where Brother William of Baskerville investigates charges of heresy as monks begin to die one by one. The book delves into the complexities of religious factions, beliefs, and conflicts during a time of political and religious unrest, with a central mystery surrounding rare parchments in the library. Eco's writing style combines elements of historical fiction, mystery, and intellectual discourse, exploring themes of doubt, belief, signs, meaning, and ambiguity.
ON AUGUST 16, 1968, I WAS HANDED A BOOK WRITTEN BY A CERTAIN Abbé Vallet, Le Manuscrit de Dom Adson de Melk, traduit en français d’après l’édition de Dom J. Mabillon (Aux Presses de l’Abbaye de la Sou... - #10
'The Game of Kings' by Dorothy Dunnett is a historical fiction novel set in the 16th century, primarily focusing on the adventures of the complex and enigmatic protagonist, Francis Crawford of Lymond. The book introduces readers to a world filled with war, betrayal, romance, and adventure, set against the backdrop of a meticulously researched historical setting. Through intricate plot threads and rich wordplay, the author paints a vivid picture of a Renaissance world where characters navigate through real stakes, dangers, and intricate political intrigues.
The narrative style of 'The Game of Kings' is described as dense, packed with classical and time-specific references, vernacular, and 16th-century wordplay. The story unfolds with elements of mystery and crime, as readers follow Lymond's journey to clear his tarnished reputation while encountering a diverse cast of characters and engaging in witty and erudite dialogues. Despite the initial challenges in getting into the book, readers find themselves immersed in a world filled with action, intrigue, and well-developed characters that keep them engaged throughout the story.
First of ye chekker sail be macioune maidAnd sync efter of ye proper movingOf every man in ordour to his kingAnd as the chekker schawis us yis forneRicht so it mayc the kinrik and the crowne,The wand ...