Books Like...

'Sunrise in the West' in the series 'Brothers of Gwynedd' by Edith Pargeter (Ellis Peters) is a historical fiction saga set in medieval Wales, chronicling the descendants of Llewellyn the Great, the Brothers of Gwynedd. The story revolves around Prince Llewelyn of Gwynedd during the reign of the Plantagenets in the 1200s. The narrative is narrated in the first person by Samson the clerk, who has an ongoing background romance throughout the book. The author, Edith Pargeter, intricately weaves a tale filled with epic battles, the failure of kings, and historical romance between Prince Llywelyn and his wife Eleanor.

The writing style of Edith Pargeter in 'Sunrise in the West' is praised for its deep historical research and vivid storytelling. The author delves into the depth of the 13th-century Welsh setting, portraying characters and places with great knowledge and insight. Despite the heavy exposition in the first half of the book, the plot eventually emerges, leading to interesting encounters for Samson, making it an engaging read for those interested in Welsh history and medieval fiction.

'Columba' by Nigel Tranter is a historical novel that delves into the life of the Celtic Christian missionary, Columba, set in the 6th century. Tranter's writing style captivates readers with vivid descriptions of Scottish landscapes, adventurous encounters like rock climbing and a Loch Ness Monster sighting, and the contrast between Christian spirituality and Druidic paganism. portrays Columba as a humanized figure, highlighting his journey of abandoning his royal lineage to follow his calling to serve God, which resonates with readers, whether religious or not.

Tranter's meticulous attention to historical detail and his ability to bring historical figures to life make 'Columba' a compelling read. The narrative unfolds with a mix of adventure, spirituality, and a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by Columba in spreading Christianity in Scotland. Despite some readers finding the book slower-paced compared to modern novels, Tranter's storytelling shines through, providing a deeper understanding of Columba's work and the era he lived in.

'When Christ and His Saints Slept' by Sharon Kay Penman is a historical fiction novel that delves into the power struggle between Maude of Anjou and Stephen of Blois for the English throne following the death of King Henry I. The book covers the period from January 1101 to October 1154, portraying the intense conflicts, betrayals, and battles that engulfed England during this tumultuous time. Through vivid storytelling, Penman breathes life into historical characters like Maude, Stephen, Henry II, and Eleanor of Aquitaine, providing a detailed and engaging account of the political battleground that was twelfth-century Europe.

The narrative is rich in historical detail, offering a deep dive into the brutal and violent era of the Plantagenets' founding. Penman's writing style humanizes the characters, presenting their motives and struggles with depth and empathy. The book weaves a complex tapestry of loyalty, betrayal, power, and ambition, drawing readers into a world filled with political intrigue and personal turmoil.

'A Morbid Taste for Bones' in the series 'Chronicles of Brother Cadfael' follows the protagonist Brother Cadfael, a medieval monk and amateur sleuth, as he accompanies a group of monks on a journey to a Welsh village to retrieve the relics of a saint. The local community opposes the relocation of the saint's bones, and when a murder occurs, suspicion falls on the monks. Brother Cadfael takes it upon himself to investigate the murder and unravel the deception surrounding the crime, all while bringing justice to the Welsh village they have invaded.

The plot of the book combines historical fiction with mystery, featuring well-developed characters and intricate descriptions of the medieval setting. The narrative follows Brother Cadfael's intelligent and deft hand in solving the murder mystery, incorporating themes of justice, deception, and the clash between different cultures and beliefs.

'A Column of Fire' by Ken Follett is a historical fiction novel set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the 1500s. The book delves into the intricacies of Elizabethan court life, religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants, and historical events in France, Spain, Scotland, and England. The plot follows characters like Ned Willard and Margery Fitzgerald as they navigate through political and religious turmoil, secret service missions, and personal struggles in a backdrop of historical significance.

"The Evening and the Morning" by Ken Follett is a prequel to his popular novel "The Pillars of the Earth" and is set in England during the Middle Ages, specifically in the year 997 AD. The story follows the lives of three main characters - Edgar, a gifted boatbuilder's son who faces tragedy due to Viking raids, Ragna of Normandy who struggles with her marriage to a British earl, and Brother Aldred, a monk with aspirations of creating a renowned center for education. The novel is described as a completely modern historical fiction with explicit sex, a mix of sweet romance and villainy, and strong, competent female characters, vividly portraying medieval society and ordinary life details.

Follett's storytelling in "The Evening and the Morning" is hailed as masterful, engaging readers with a mix of Vikings, power-hungry family members, slaves, and monks. is praised for its rich historical details, intense plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, and the ability to transport readers into the setting with vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses. The writing style is noted for its ability to evoke the sights, sounds, and emotions of each character, making it an immersive reading experience.

'World Without End' by Ken Follett is a historical fiction novel set in the 14th century, serving as a sequel to 'The Pillars of the Earth.' The book follows the lives of various characters in the town of Kingsbridge, 200 years after the construction of the medieval cathedral. The narrative delves into the challenges faced by the villagers during the outbreak of the plague, exploring themes of ambition, love, greed, revenge, and the role of the church in society. Despite being a lengthy tome, the book intricately weaves together multiple plots and characters, providing insights into the day-to-day struggles and ordeals of individuals living in the 12th century.

In a Dark Wood Wandering: A Novel of the Middle Ages by Hella S. Haasse is a historical fiction novel set during the Hundred Years War between France and England. The book provides a unique perspective of the late 1300s and 1400s from the French side, focusing on the life of Charles, Duke of Orleans. It delves into courtly intrigues, passionate storytelling, and the struggles of historical figures like Charles, Joan of Arc, and other royalty during that tumultuous period. The writing style is described as vivid, rich, and detailed, bringing to life the characters and events of the Middle Ages in France.

'London' by Edward Rutherfurd is a sweeping historical novel that spans over two thousand years of London's history, following the lives of multiple families through various eras such as the Roman invasion, Shakespearean times, The Great Fire, and post-World War II. The book is structured as a series of interconnected short stories, each depicting a different period in London's evolution, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of how the city has transformed over time.

The narrative style of 'London' is praised for its ability to seamlessly weave together fiction and historical facts, offering readers a captivating journey through London's rich and diverse history. Readers appreciate the detailed exploration of different aspects of London life, from the origins of place names to architectural features, providing a well-rounded lesson in the city's history while following the fates of various families across generations.