Meet New Books

Books Like...

'The Valley of the Kings' by Cecelia Holland is a historical fiction novel that revolves around the story of Howard Carter and the events leading up to the death of Tutankhamun. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on Carter's expedition in the early 20th century, while the second part delves into ancient Egypt during Tutankhamun's reign. combines these two distinct stories under one title, exploring the challenges faced by Carter during his search for Tutankhamun's tomb and providing a glimpse into the life in ancient Egypt.

If you liked The Valley of the Kings, here are the top 95 books to read next:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 95 
  1. #1

    Jerusalem by Cecelia Holland
    Save:

    'Jerusalem' by Cecelia Holland is a historical novel set in the medieval kingdom of Jerusalem during the Crusades. The story revolves around Rannulf Fitzwilliam, a Templar knight with a mysterious past who struggles with internal conflicts. The novel delves into the clash between European and Islamic cultures, as well as the challenges faced by characters like Princess Sibylla and King Baldwin. The writing style is described as immersive, with detailed settings that transport the reader to the Holy Land in the 1180s, showcasing the struggles and battles faced by the Templars and the residents of Jerusalem and Damascus.

    Rannulf slid down over its crupper to the ground. The other knight kept to his saddle; with a half-spoken oath he slammed his spurred heels savagely into the horse’s flanks. The beast gave a long wear...

  2. #2

    Gentlemen of the Road by Michael Chabon
    Save:

    Gentlemen of the Road by Michael Chabon is a swashbuckling adventure story set in the 10th century, following two Jewish bandits, Amram and Zelikman, as they navigate through the Khazar Empire while trying to protect a young prince. The book captures the essence of the time and place with its magical storytelling and richly colored narrative, incorporating elements of historical fantasy and pulp adventures. Chabon's writing style is described as intelligent, fun, and subtly characterized, offering a unique perspective on adventure stories with a Jewish heritage twist.

    For numberless years a myna had astounded travelers to the caravansary with its ability to spew indecencies in ten languages, and before the fight broke out everyone assumed the old blue-tongued devil...

  3. #3

    Ironfire by David Ball
    Save:

    "Ironfire" by David Ball is a historical novel set in the 16th century Mediterranean, primarily focused around Malta and culminating in the Siege of Malta. The story follows the intertwined lives of three main characters - a brother and sister from Malta and a French knight - as they navigate through the conflicts between Christianity and Islam during the era. The book is praised for its detailed descriptions of locations like Malta, Istanbul, and France, as well as for blending fictional and real-life characters seamlessly into a family saga about home and belonging.

    The writing style of "Ironfire" is commended for its ability to transport readers to the 16th century, immersing them in the intricacies of the novel. The author, David Ball, is lauded for his thorough research and creative storytelling that brings to life the historical events of the time, such as the Siege of Malta, in a captivating and engaging manner.

    They didn’t see the dead sentry hanging upside down on the watchtower. It was Bartholomeo, an older boy who lived on their own street, his throat cut deep as he slept, cut from ear to ear. His blood h...

  4. #4

    The Belt of Gold by Cecelia Holland
    Save:

    'The Belt of Gold' by Cecelia Holland is a historical novel set in Constantinople in AD 802. The story follows Frankish warrior Hagen, who becomes entangled in a power struggle between Empress Irene and pretender to the throne John Cerulis. The plot is described as complex and poisonous, involving court officials, spies, diplomats, and charioteers. The book is praised for its vivid depiction of Byzantine Constantinople and its engaging portrayal of characters with varied ambitions and fears. The narrative weaves together multiple plotlines that ultimately converge under the manipulative Empress Irene.

    Shimon gave her a long meditative stare. He had the long sad face of his people, deeply graven with lines, and although he never raised his voice it made her quail a little to risk his anger. But if s...

  5. #5

    Empires of Sand by David Ball
    Save:

    Empires of Sand by David Ball is a historical adventure fiction novel set in the 19th century, dividing its narrative between Paris and the Sahara during the Franco-Prussian War. The book follows French protagonists through a tale of action, love, and cultural narrative, immersing readers in a world of intrigue, deception, and forbidden love on an exotic stage. The writing style is described as old-school adventure with a vibe reminiscent of stories like Indiana Jones, focusing on detailed historical events and rich character development.

    “The children! Hold fire!” It was too late. The gun roared and kicked back against the huntsman’s shoulder. It was a long shot, a hundred and fifty meters or more. He had almost not seen the boar, nea...

  6. #6

    The Covenant by James A. Michener
    Save:

    'The Covenant' by James A. Michener is a sweeping historical fiction novel that covers the history of South Africa over 500 years, starting from the early San peoples to the era of apartheid. The book follows the stories of several families - one Dutch Afrikaner, one English, and one native - providing a fictional account of the founding of South Africa through well-researched storytelling. The writing style of Michener presents the history of South Africa through different time periods with extremely interesting characters, giving readers a comprehensive introduction to the country's complex past.

    While these narcotic names infected him with their sweet poison he stayed on deck and watched the moon tiptoe across the waves of an ocean he still could not comprehend, and grudgingly he admitted tha...

  7. #7
    River God
    Book 1 in the series:Ancient Egypt

    River God - Ancient Egypt by Wilbur Smith
    Save:

    'River God' by Wilbur Smith is set in ancient Egypt and tells the story through the eyes of a talented slave named Taita. The plot focuses on the forbidden love between a young girl and boy amidst an invasion of Egypt, leading to a tale of true love and the challenges faced to protect it. The writing style is described as accessible and engaging, with a mix of romance, adventure, and action that brings ancient Egypt to life vividly.

    The Nile that flows through this story has both of us in her thrall. We have spent days of delight voyaging together upon her waters and idling upon her banks. As we are, so is she a creature of this ...

  8. #8

    Caravans by James A. Michener
    Save:

    "Caravans" by James A. Michener is a captivating tale set in post-WW2 Afghanistan, following the journey of a young American diplomat, Mark Miller, as he searches for a missing American woman named Ellen who has married an Afghan. The book provides a vivid depiction of the diverse cultures and complex history of Afghanistan, offering insights into the political landscape and social dynamics of the region. Through engaging characters and a fast-paced narrative, the story unfolds as a mix of adventure, romance, and exploration of personal and cultural identities.

    On a bleak wintry morning some years ago I was summoned to the office of our naval attaché at the American embassy in Kabul. Captain Verbruggen looked at me with an air of frustration and growled, “Da...

  9. #9

    Russka: the Novel of Russia by Edward Rutherfurd
    Save:

    "Russka: the Novel of Russia" by Edward Rutherfurd is a sweeping historical novel that spans 1800 years of Russian history, following the lives of multiple families through different eras. The book starts with the people of the Steppes, then delves into the periods of the Tatars, Ivan the Terrible, the Cossacks, Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Tsar Nicholas, and the Revolution. The narrative weaves together personal stories with major historical events, offering a vivid portrayal of Russia's past and the resilience of its people.

    The book is structured as a saga of six families, providing a comprehensive view of Russian history from ancient times until the 1990s. Readers are taken on a journey through the turbulent events that shaped Russia, from the early periods of history to the developments leading up to the collapse of the Soviet Union. With lifelike characters and intricate period details, Edward Rutherfurd brings the history of Russia to life in a captivating and engaging manner, offering a rich tapestry of passion, loss, and the enduring spirit of the Russian people.

    Like horsemen they came from the east with their billowing white canopies, from who knew what endless steppes – sweeping majestically over the little collection of huts by the river’s edge and continu...

  10. #10

    The Egyptian by Mika Waltari
    Save:

    'The Egyptian' by Mika Waltari is a historical novel set in ancient Egypt, mainly during the reign of the pharaoh Akhenaton. The story follows Sinuhe, a physician who rises to become an advisor and friend to pharaohs and kings. Through Sinuhe's travels from Egypt to various other regions, including Syria, Babylon, Hattusa, and Crete, the novel paints a timeless human story of ideologies, religion, and the brutal reality of human civilization. The narrative delves into the themes of change, decision-making, and the personal and broader implications of historical events, set against a backdrop of ancient Egypt's political and religious turmoil.

    The writing style of 'The Egyptian' is described as dark, atmospheric, educational, and livened by humor. The novel is praised for its epic sweep, philosophy, and good writing based on sound research, capturing the essence of life in ancient Egypt. Waltari's intelligent guesses and detailed descriptions provide a rich and immersive reading experience, offering insights into how ideologies and religion shape a nation and its people. The story is narrated in the first person by Sinuhe, providing a unique perspective on the historical events and personal struggles during a pivotal point in Egypt's history.

    I, Sinuhe, the son of Senmut and of his wife Kipa, write this. I do not write it to the glory of the gods in the land of Kem, for I am weary of gods, nor to the glory of the Pharaohs, for I am weary o...

Page 1 of 10Next Page