Simon Scarrow is best known for historical fiction that combines military action, political tension, and vivid detail. His popular Eagle series plunges readers into the world of ancient Rome, bringing the Roman legions to life through fast-paced, immersive storytelling.
If you enjoy Simon Scarrow’s novels, these authors are well worth exploring next:
Bernard Cornwell is a standout choice for readers who love historical action, especially stories rooted in warfare and military campaigns. His writing is vivid and energetic, with enough historical texture to make every clash feel immediate and real.
His novels often explore loyalty, courage, and the brutal demands placed on soldiers in turbulent times. A strong place to begin is The Last Kingdom, which follows Uhtred, a Saxon warrior caught between the worlds of the Saxons and Vikings in ninth-century England.
Conn Iggulden has a gift for turning major historical events into gripping, character-driven fiction. His novels are energetic, accessible, and full of ambition, conflict, and momentum.
If you like Scarrow’s combination of action and historical sweep, Iggulden should be a natural fit. Try The Gates of Rome, the first in his Emperor series, which traces Julius Caesar’s early life and rise to power.
Ben Kane writes fast-paced historical adventures packed with danger, sacrifice, and battlefield intensity, making him an excellent pick for fans of Scarrow’s Roman settings.
He balances solid research with approachable storytelling and memorable characters. A great entry point is The Forgotten Legion, which follows a band of soldiers facing hardship, violence, and moments of heroism far from home.
Anthony Riches is known for gritty realism and a strong sense of camaraderie among soldiers. Like Scarrow, he writes convincingly about life in the Roman army, with brutal combat, sharp dialogue, and high personal stakes.
You might start with Wounds of Honour, the first in the Empire series, where a disgraced Roman officer searches for redemption amid deadly intrigue and relentless conflict.
Harry Sidebottom blends scholarly historical knowledge with page-turning adventure. His novels are rich in atmosphere and especially strong on Roman politics, strategy, and warfare.
Readers who appreciate Scarrow’s mix of action and historical depth will likely enjoy Sidebottom’s work as well.
Start with Fire in the East, the first book in the Warrior of Rome series, in which a Roman general struggles to defend the empire’s eastern frontier against overwhelming odds.
Douglas Jackson writes vivid historical fiction driven by action, strong characterization, and political tension. Much of his work is set in ancient Rome, making it an appealing next step for Scarrow readers.
One good choice is Hero of Rome, which follows a Roman tribune confronting rebellion, treachery, and danger in Roman Britain.
Robert Fabbri delivers fast-moving stories about power, ambition, and survival in ancient Rome. His novels capture both the spectacle of imperial politics and the pressures of military life.
If that sounds appealing, try Tribune of Rome, the opening novel in his Vespasian series, which follows the future emperor as he rises through Rome’s perilous ranks.
Christian Cameron is a strong recommendation for readers who want historical fiction with authenticity, scale, and hard-hitting battle scenes. His novels often feature capable but complicated protagonists navigating the demands of war and honor.
If you enjoyed Scarrow’s vivid historical settings, consider Killer of Men, set during the Persian Wars. It offers large-scale conflict, compelling characters, and an immersive ancient world.
Giles Kristian excels at immersive storytelling in brutal, high-stakes historical settings. His fiction has a strong sense of atmosphere and often focuses on honor, loyalty, and survival under extreme pressure.
Fans of Scarrow’s battle-heavy fiction may enjoy Raven: Blood Eye, which follows a young warrior drawn into Viking raids and cultural conflict in dark-age Britain.
Steven Saylor approaches ancient Rome from a slightly different angle, combining rich historical detail with suspenseful mystery plots.
Readers who like Scarrow’s Roman backdrop may appreciate Saylor’s careful reconstruction of society, politics, and everyday life, along with the added pull of investigation and intrigue.
A great place to begin is Roman Blood, which introduces Gordianus the Finder as he uncovers the truth behind a dangerous case in republican Rome.
Lindsey Davis is an excellent choice if you enjoy Roman history but want something with a lighter touch. She mixes crime, intrigue, and historical detail with charm, wit, and a vivid sense of place.
Try The Silver Pigs, the first Marcus Didius Falco novel. It’s clever, entertaining, and full of memorable characters who make ancient Rome feel lively and immediate.
M.C. Scott may appeal to Scarrow readers looking for a blend of political danger, historical richness, and strong narrative drive. Her fiction combines careful research with vivid storytelling and well-drawn characters.
A worthwhile place to start is Rome: The Emperor’s Spy, a gripping tale of espionage and political conflict set during Nero’s turbulent reign. Scott handles both action and atmosphere with confidence.
If Scarrow’s depictions of military life are what draw you in most, Wallace Breem is well worth reading. His work has a grimmer, more reflective tone, but it offers the same sense of discipline, danger, and duty under pressure.
Eagle in the Snow is especially recommended. Set in the late Roman Empire, it presents a stark and moving portrait of soldiers defending a fading world against overwhelming threats.
Alfred Duggan is a fine choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction grounded in research but written with style and intelligence. His novels are often marked by crisp prose, dry wit, and sharp insight into human motives.
Family Favourites offers a compelling portrait of Rome through the perspective of Emperor Elagabalus, blending imperial intrigue with keen observation and understated humor.
Readers who enjoy the adventurous side of Simon Scarrow may also find Rosemary Sutcliff deeply rewarding. Her writing is graceful and evocative, with a gift for conveying both landscape and emotion without losing narrative momentum.
A perfect starting point is The Eagle of the Ninth, a classic story about a young Roman officer searching for the truth behind his father’s lost legion. It remains memorable for its atmosphere, heart, and sense of adventure.
