Why Wilbur Smith fans love historical adventure
If you’re a fan of Wilbur Smith, you know the thrill of stepping into a story where the stakes are high, the landscapes are vast, and the characters face danger, love, and betrayal in equal measure.
Here are ten novels — and a few series — that capture that same magic.
The Sunbird — Wilbur Smith
Let’s start with the man himself. The Sunbird is one of Smith’s lesser-known gems, but it’s a perfect mix of archaeological mystery, African history, and high adventure. If you’ve read all the Courtneys and Ballantynes, this is worth tracking down.
The Pillars of the Earth — Ken Follett
Epic in scale and rich in historical detail, Follett’s medieval masterpiece has all the hallmarks of a great adventure: dangerous rivalries, sweeping romances, and the relentless march of history shaping every decision.
Emperor: The Gates of Rome — Conn Iggulden
Few writers can match Iggulden for sheer battle-scene energy. This series opener plunges you into Julius Caesar’s youth, mixing political intrigue with sword-clashing action.
Shōgun — James Clavell
A masterclass in immersing readers in an alien culture, Shōgun takes you to 17th-century Japan, where a stranded English pilot navigates deadly politics, unfamiliar customs, and shifting loyalties.
Tai-Pan — James Clavell
Another Clavell epic, this time set during the founding of Hong Kong. Packed with treachery, typhoons, and trade wars, it’s as tense as any Wilbur Smith novel.
An Ambush of Tigers — Colin Falconer
Set in 18th-century India at the height of imperial rivalry, this novel follows a reluctant adventurer caught between warring empires, desperate to survive in a land of danger and opportunity. Fans of Wilbur Smith will feel right at home here, with the added flavour of India’s spice-scented ports, battlefields, and jungles.
Caravans — James A. Michener
Adventure through Afghanistan in the years before modern conflict. Michener’s skill at blending history, landscape, and character will resonate with any Wilbur Smith fan.
The Afghan — Frederick Forsyth
While more modern in setting, Forsyth’s taut storytelling and deep geopolitical knowledge give this novel a relentless, page-turning quality.
River of Smoke — Amitav Ghosh
The second in Ghosh’s Ibis trilogy, this 19th-century maritime adventure follows traders, opium dealers, and sailors across the Indian Ocean.
Aztec — Gary Jennings
Vast, violent, and deeply researched, this sprawling novel plunges you into the Aztec world just before the Spanish conquest.
Why These Books Capture the Spirit of Wilbur Smith’s Work
The books all share the same key ingredients:
- Immersive settings — from African savannahs to Asian battlefields.
- High stakes — personal survival, empire-building, love, and betrayal.
- Relentless pacing — the story never stops moving.
So if you love meticulous research, strong characters and stories that could only happen in their historical moment, dive in!
