We have compiled a list of the best Bernard Cornwell Books for all fans of historical fiction. No one creates a hero protagonist like Cornwell! Prepare for swashbuckling galore!

British author Bernard Cornwell has been writing historical fiction for many years, so compiling a list of the best Bernard Cornwell books was an easy task. Yet surprisingly, he began his career as a writer to remain in the U.S. with his then-love and now-wife, Judy.

Table of Contents

Top Bernard Cornwell’s Books To Read

1. Sharpe’s Rifles

As you would imagine, our list includes a few offerings from the Sharpe series, and we start rather unusually with a book requested by the producers of the Sharpe TV series, [Sharpe’s Rifles](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DIKTIN4? tag=work089-20).

This book was the first episode of the TV series, but despite its unorthodox conception, it is still distinctly on brand as a Cornwell novel.

At the beginning of the televised story, Richard Sharpe saves the life of Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington. Sharpe is a ranker, an enlisted or conscripted man, who has achieved the rank of Sergeant.

In return for the good deed, Wellesley awards Sharpe a field promotion to the rank of Lieutenant. At the time, rankers are not considered worthy of commissions, and Sharpe’s elevated status earns him much rebuke for the remainder of his career.

The book focuses on Sharpe taking command of the 95th Rifle Brigade; however, they do not welcome their new leader…at first! The story introduces several key characters and sees our hero finding his feet as a leader and, ultimately, winning the respect of the 95th.

“He might not be a born officer, but by God he was a born soldier. He was the son of a whore, bereft of God, but a God-damned soldier.”

― Bernard Cornwell, Sharpe’s Rifles

2. Sharpe’s Eagle

In Sharpe’s Eagle, the first book Cornwell wrote in the series, Sharpe is gaining a reputation as a fine but somewhat maverick officer.

The book introduces Colonel Henry Simmerson who features in several subsequent novels. Simmerson is an arrogant fool who purchased his commission but neglected to procure leadership skills or military expertise.

Simmerson loses the regiment’s colors, bringing shame upon them. In response, Sharpe redeems the honor of the regiment by capturing a golden Imperial Eagle, the most valued prize in the French Army. It is an achievement that will bring him further renown.

“It wasn’t a battle, it was just murder.”

― Bernard Cornwell, Sharpe’s Eagle

3. Sharpe’s Tiger

[Sharpe’s Tiger](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060932309? tag=work089-20) is the first of Sharpe’s Indian adventures and features his nemesis, Obadiah Hakeswill, played by the charismatic Pete Postlethwaite in the TV dramatization.

The book is based on a true series of events leading up to the siege of Seringapatum in 1799. The sinister Tippoo Sultan makes for a formidable enemy, but Hakeswill, as always, presents our hero with his biggest challenge.

“Obadiah Hakeswill had never been concerned by such enmity. Power did not lie in being liked, but in being feared.”

― Bernard Cornwell, Sharpe’s Tiger

4. Warlord Chronicles, The Winter King

The Warlord Chronicles only comprises three books, but they are all so good we could not choose. So, we have included the trilogy in this roundup.

The first offering, The Winter King, introduces our main character and narrator for the journey, Derfel Cadarn. A heathen and scholar of Merlin who aspires to fight for Arthur. As the story commences, Derfel resides at Ynys Wydryn (Glastonbury Tor) with Merlin, Nimue, Morgan, and a host of other orphans and misfits.

Mordred, the heir to the kingdom of Domnonia and son of High King Uther, has been slain, and all hopes lie with his pregnant wife, Norwenna. Numerous stories and legends describe this period of history. In the Warlord Chronicles, Cornwell expertly fuses pagan rituals and history with magic and myth, making this the quintessential work of fiction for this era.

“But fate, as Merlin always taught us, is inexorable. Life is a jest of the Gods, Merlin liked to claim, and there is no justice. You must learn to laugh, he once told me, or else you’ll just weep yourself to death.”

― Bernard Cornwell, The Winter King

5. Warlord Chronicles, Enemy of God

In the second book in the series, Arthur, now warlord of Dumnonia, has united his forces against the invading Saxons. Merlin begins a quest to search for a relic he believes will summon the old Gods and ensure their victory against the Saxons once and for all.

Derfel, with the help of Merlin, has stolen the lady betrothed to Lacelot and settled down in Lindinis to raise a family and act as foster parents to the boy King of Domnonia, Mordred. In [Enemy of God](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0312187149? tag=work089-20), Cornwell expands on the characters we have come to know, love and fear.

“Do you really think men and women thanked you for bringing them peace? They just became bored with your peace and so brewed their own trouble to fill the boredom. Men don’t want peace, Arthur, they want distraction from tedium.”

― Bernard Cornwell, Enemy of God

6. Warlord Chronicles, Excalibur

Last but not least in the Warlord Chronicles is Excalibur*. *

While Arthur has successfully shut down an uprising led by Lancelot, the win leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. Although he’s weak after the battle and a betrayal from Guinevere, the Saxons show no sign of relenting.

Arthur’s not going down without a fight and sets out to win back Guinevere and vanquish his enemies once and for all. With a new heir to face off against and magic working against him, he may have bitten off more than he can chew.

This is a fitting end to the trilogy. The are some epic fight scenes to look forward to, while the more emotional elements of the tale will tug at the heartstrings of loyal Cornwell fans.

“Only a fool wants war, but once a war starts then it cannot be fought half-heartedly. It cannot even be fought with regret, but must be waged with a savage joy in defeating the enemy, and it is that savage joy that inspires our bards to write their greatest songs about love and war.”

― Bernard Cornwell, Excalibur

7. Stonehenge

[Stonehenge](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0006513867? tag=work089-20) is a standalone novel. In essence, it paints a fictional narrative, inspired by diligent research, about how Stonehenge came to be.

Set in 2000 BC, it centers on the three sons of the chief, Ratharryn. After a mysterious stranger carrying a great wealth in gold passes away at Ratharryn’s temple, the brothers must decide what to do with the treasure.

Although the brothers are divided by their aspirations, they begin to erect the monument. Doing so reveals what each of them is made of. Stonehengeis a fascinating glimpse into what life during the Bronze Age may have been like, but the compelling narrative keeps the novel from feeling like a protracted history lesson.

”The gods talk by signs. It may be a leaf falling in summer, the cry of a dying beast or the ripple of wind on calm water.”

Bernard Cornwell, Stonehenge

8. Fools and Mortals

Fools and Mortals is a fictionalized tale of the life of Richard Shakespeare, the younger brother of playwright William Shakespeare. When Richard is 14, he follows his brother to London to escape his apprenticeship with a cruel carpenter. William begrudgingly assists his brother by helping him train to become an actor.

However, as the years go by, he’s disillusioned by his poor pay and the fact that he’s always cast as female characters. He looks for a job in a rival theatre but is conflicted when they will only offer him work in exchange for stealing his brother’s plays. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Richard when the Romeo & Julietmanuscript vanishes.

Fools and Mortalsis a delight for Shakespeare fans and historical fiction readers alike. The family’s characterization is captivating, and the gritty Elizabethan setting adds to the tale’s darker tones.

“Everything’s bigger, better, or worse in London. That’s just the way of it.”

Bernard Cornwell, Fools and Mortals

9. The Fort

Readers can experience the Penobscot Expedition through [The Fort](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062010875? tag=work089-20), which took place during the American War of Independence in the late 1700s.

The story follows the British redcoats while they’re trying to establish a seafront fort in Boston. They’re interrupted by an uprising and struggle to hold off American patriots trying to be rid of them.

Not only is The Forta fascinating retelling of this historical event, albeit with some fictionalized details, but it also illustrates how times of trouble can reveal people’s true characters.

“Boston would learn of McLean’s presence, and Boston would want to scour this place free of redcoats.”

Bernard Cornwell, The Fort

10. Redcoat

Speaking of the American War of Independence, Redcoat takes place in Philadephia during the same time period.

It follows Private Sam Gilpin, who joined the army after his brother promised riches and esteem. Sam watches as war brings out the best and worst in others, and betrayal and deception unfold around him.

After his brother is killed, he finds himself conflicted between following his duty or his conscience. Although the protagonist is a British soldier, as the title suggests, readers get a glimpse into both sides.

The character progression is mostly what drives Redcoatas we see the emotional impact of war on Sam and other characters.

“The sun would rise to bring the steamy, breath-stealing heat of the full day; yet even now, in the night’s small hours, there was a close, stifling warmth that made the mean sweat beneath their thick woollen coats. Red coats.”

Bernard Cornwell, Redcoat

11. Agincourt

[Agincourt](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0061578908? tag=work089-20), also known as*Azincourt**, tells of the battle of the same name, which took place in the 1400s during the Hundred Years War.

It follows how the English army miraculously beat the French despite being outnumbered. Readers experience the conflict alongside the characters and read about the aftermath.

Agincourtis an intriguing look back at the Middle Ages and the brutality of war. As always with Cornwell, the action scenes paired with the deep insights into the characters and their experience of war make for a captivating read. It’s a seamless blend of fact and fiction that’s difficult to put down.

‘I’m telling you that God is on the side of whoever wins, Hook.”

― Bernard Cornwell, Agnicourt

12. A Crowning Mercy

A Crowning Mercy is a welcome departure from Cornwell’s typical war stories. Although it takes place during the English Civil War, it is, first and foremost, a love story.

Cornwell penned it with his wife, Judy, who went by the pen name Susannah Kells. It follows a young girl, Dorcas, who prefers to go by the name Campion. All she has to remember her father by is a locket with a seal engraved in it. Only three other such seals exist, and when they’re united, whoever owns them will come into great power.

After falling for a mysterious stranger, she sets out in the hopes of finding him and the truth behind the seal.

A Crowning Mercyis beautifully written. While the romantic elements take center stage, there is still enough history infused for this work to feel familiar to seasoned Cornwell fans.

“She had been walled in all her life, and the result had been that she dreamed of the wild world outside, seeing it as a place of laughter and happiness, and now, suddenly, this emissary from beyond the wall had broken in and found her.”

Bernard Cornwell & Susannah Kells, A Crowning Mercy

13. Fallen Angels, A Crowning Mercy 2

[Fallen Angels](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0008298467? tag=work089-20) is a sequel to*A Crowning Mercy**, although it takes place an unspecified number of decades into the future, when the characters of the original tale have passed away.

It sees the Lazender family in trouble as their castle is under siege, and a secret group known only as The Fallen Angels is eyeing their fortune. Campion, named after the protagonist from the first novel, is left to defend their home and legacy.

Fallen Angelsis an intriguing follow-up to*A Crowning Mercy**. It’s much less romantic and is more in line with a traditional Cornwell work, as there are strong themes of deception throughout. With that said, fans of the first novel believe it’s a worthy sequel.

“Death’s kingdom is the night. When the church bell strikes the small hours, when the owls hunt, when the land is black with night; death reigns.”

Bernard Cornwell & Susannah Kells, Fallen Angels

14. Gallows Thief

Gallows Thief sees multi-war veteran Rider Sandman’s life fall apart after he’s no longer in active combat. When the government offers him a role in the investigation of a murder, he accepts out of desperation.

Once on the job, he begins to realize the primary suspect isn’t guilty. Not wanting an innocent man to be put to death, he’s determined to get to the bottom of things and uncovers a slew of corruption in the process.

It’s a perfect fusion of historical fiction and mystery that will keep readers hooked.

“He was not conventionally handsome–his face was too rugged for that– but there was a capability and kindness in his expression that made him memorable.”

Bernard Cornwell, Gallows Thief

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes great historical fiction?

Great historical fiction combines accurate historical detail with compelling storytelling. It should transport readers to another time while telling engaging stories about characters who feel authentic to their period while remaining relatable to modern readers.

How accurate does historical fiction need to be?

Historical fiction should be reasonably accurate in its major historical details, but authors can take creative liberties with minor elements and character interactions. The key is maintaining the feel and authenticity of the period while telling a good story.

Why read historical fiction?

Historical fiction offers entertainment while educating readers about different time periods and cultures. It can provide insights into how people lived, thought, and experienced major historical events, making history more accessible and engaging.

What are the best historical fiction books?

The best historical fiction books include ‘The Pillars of the Earth’ by Ken Follett, ‘Wolf Hall’ by Hilary Mantel, ‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak, and ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ by Anthony Doerr. These books excel at both historical accuracy and storytelling.

15. Wildtrack

Although Wildtrack is more of a thriller, some small elements of historical fiction allow it to fit effortlessly into Cornwell’s collection. The protagonist, Nick Sandman, is a Falklands War veteran. The story gives readers a glimpse into the lives of injured soldiers after the war.

After his ex-wife leaves him with nothing and his father is imprisoned, Sandman has nothing to rely on except his boat, Sycorax, and even that is failing him. Out of desperation, he’s forced to strike a deal with Tony Bannister, a shady TV star.

Sandman must join the crew of Bannister’s Wildtrack ship to fend off his enemies, and he quickly wonders if turning to the celebrity was a wise decision. Wildtrack is enough of a deviation from the norm to be refreshing for seasoned fans but familiar enough to still feel like a Cornwell book.

“There had been a time when I would bring that far sun sweetly down to the dawn’s horizon, mastering it with the miracle of a sexton’s mirror.”

Bernard Cornwell, Wildtrack