Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of books like Outlander with our curated list of stories that echo the spirit of Diana Gabaldon’s beloved series
Ever since Diana Gabaldon introduced her fascinating romance series in 1991, thousands of readers and fellow authors have fallen for its undeniable allure. Gabaldon’s mesmerizing tale follows the adventures of Claire Randall, an army nurse in World War II, who unexpectedly finds herself transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland. Trouble seems to be following the time-travelling Sassenach (Outlander in Gaelic) everywhere she runs, but there is one man that just make it all worth it. Jamie Fraser.
Alongside Claire, Outlander fans have fallen in love with the charming Jamie, a Highland rebel with a heart of gold—one of the main Outlander characters. With over 25 million copies sold across 40 countries, the nine-part series has captured the hearts of countless romantics—as it did ours, solidifying Gabaldon’s literary reputation and earning her the esteemed RITA Award for Best Romance.
How could it not?
If you have finished the beloved series or binge-watched the Starz adaptation, and now you find yourself yearning for more, check out the following list of recommendations with the best books that will certainly cure your Outlander withdrawal!
Set in sixth-century Scotland, the story follows Languoreth, a queen-to-be, torn between the ancient traditions of her ancestors and the changing landscape of her time. As Scotland faces the rise of Christianity and the encroachment of the Anglo-Saxons, Languoreth discovers love with a warrior named Maelgwn, even as she is betrothed to Rhydderch, the son of the High King. She embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with violence, political intrigue, and the struggle to preserve the old ways and secure the survival of her kingdom.
Pike’s dedication to research is evident in her work. While the majority of the story is fictional, the characters and events are deeply rooted in historical foundations, creating a captivating blend of fantasy and history that truly makes this series stand out! Her writing is a true delight, as she skillfully describes the realms of ancient Scotland with an enchanting and inspiring touch.
The Lost Queen series, originally planned as a trilogy, has now expanded to become a longer journey, with the third book scheduled for release in September 2024 and a fourth book to follow.
If you love the folklore and the majestic beauty of the Scottish Highlands in the Outlander series, then we promise that this story will not disappoint you.
In Deveraux’s A Knight in Shining Armor, we follow the intertwining paths of Dougless Montgomery, a modern-day woman, and Nicholas Stafford, a tragic 16th-century knight who is inexplicably transported in her timeline as he awaits his wrongful execution.
As their extraordinary love story unfolds, it challenges the very concept of time itself, much like Outlander. With her masterful storytelling and meticulous attention to historical detail, Deveraux immerses readers in a captivating world where love can transcend centuries.
A Knight in Shining Armor is a tale of love, destiny, and the enduring power of true connection. If you are a fan of gallant warriors and time travel romance then this novel is an absolute must-read!
The Time Traveler’s Wife is a beautiful, unconventional love story that defies the constraints of time as we know it.
The story follows the relationship between Henry and Clare. Henry possesses a genetic disorder that causes him to travel through time involuntarily, while Clare lives a relatively ordinary life—this could happen to anyone, right?
Their lives intertwine, and the couple has to navigate the challenges of Henry’s disappearances and reappearances, which occur at various points in his own timeline. Their paths first cross when Clare is a young girl and Henry, from the future, visits her.
The novel is an exploration of love, fate, free will, and the profound impact that time can have on a relationship. Niffenegger’s prose and immersive storytelling create a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of love and the enduring connection between two individuals, even when time itself is against them.
The Time Traveler’s Wife was adapted into a movie in 2009, starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams. In 2021 the novel was adapted again into a TV show.
https://www.penguin.com.au/books/into-the-wilderness-9780857989772
‘Weaving a tapestry of fact and fiction, Sara Donati's epic novel sweeps us into another time and place...and into the heart of a forbidden affair between an unconventional Englishwoman and an American frontiersman.’
Set in the wilderness of 18th-century America, this story revolves around Elizabeth Middleton, an English schoolteacher who ventures from her refined background to the wilderness of upstate New York. Her father plans for her to marry the local doctor, but instead of following his will, Elizabeth runs away with Nathaniel Bonner, a man with deep connections to the Mohawk people, whose family could be destroyed by the local village.
Reviewers have praised Donati’s ability to craft complex, compelling characters that experience personal growth as they navigate the challenges of the wilderness.
Against the background of a nation on the brink of revolution, Into the Wilderness explores themes of devotion, strength, and the pursuit of freedom, drawing readers into an enthralling narrative that captures the spirit of true adventure.
If you enjoyed following Claire’s adventures through the Scottish Highlands, then you are going to fall in love with Elizabeth’s journey.
Susanna Kearsley’s The Rose Garden is an imaginative combination of historical fiction, romance, and the supernatural.
Set in idyllic Cornwall, it follows Eva Ward, who returns to the house she used to spend her summers in as a child, to spread her dead sister’s ashes to the place she loved most.
Through mysterious circumstances, Eva finds herself at Trelowarth three hundred years in the past, facing the residents of the time. As she slips between the present and the past, Eva becomes entangled in a centuries-old mystery surrounding an enigmatic man named Daniel Butler.
Through Kearsleys’s wonderfully descriptive writing, readers are transported to both modern-day and historical Cornwall. The story explores themes of healing and self-discovery.
The Rose Garden has gained the praise of many readers for its relatable characters and seamless blending of genres. It is a delightful read that leaves a lasting impression and makes us wish Susanna Kearsley would break her rule of writing stand-alone books and give us a sequel!
A Discovery of Witches is the first novel of the All Souls series, by Deborah Harkness that masterfully blends fantasy, history, and romance together.
The story revolves around Diana Bishop, a historian who stumbles upon a bewitched manuscript in Oxford Bodleian Library. As Diana delves into the secrets of the mysterious book, she becomes entangled in a world of supernatural beings, including vampires and daemons.
Alongside Matthew Clairmont, a charismatic vampire, and geneticist, Diana embarks on a journey to unravel the secrets of her own ancestry and the magical world she is drawn into.
Harkness’s storytelling and intricate world-building make “A Discovery of Witches” an entertaining and unforgettable read.
A Discovery of Witches is followed by Shadow of Night (2012) and completed with the third novel in the series The Book of Life (2014). Three seasons of a television adaptation of the trilogy were acquired by Sky One and were broadcast in 2018, 2021, and 2022.
The Bronze Horseman is a three-part historical romance series set in the midst of the Second World War.
The story follows Tatiana Metanova, a young woman living in war-torn Leningrad, and Alexander Belov, a soldier of the Red Army. When their paths cross, a forbidden passion ignites between them, defying the circumstances around them. As the city faces the horrors of war, Tatiana and Alexander must navigate the complexities of their relationship and find strength in each other.
Simons beautifully captures the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of one of history’s darkest chapters. The Bronze Horseman is an emotionally gripping and unforgettable tale of love, sacrifice, and the indomitable will to survive.
If you loved the heartbreaking love story of Clair and Jamie then you are about to fall head over heels with these two tragicly beautiful characters.
Poldark is a historical fiction series set in the late 18th century. The storyline follows Ross Poldark, a British Army officer who returns to his home in Cornwall after serving in the American War of Independence.
The story explores the challenges Ross faces as he tries to rebuild his life. The series delves into themes of love, class division, social turmoil, and the general struggles of the working class during a time of economic and social shift.
The Poldark books have been adapted into several successful television series.
The series consists of 12 romance novels. The first seven books are set in the 18th century, concluding in 1799. The remaining five are concerned with the early years of the 19th century and the lives of the descendants of the previous novels' main characters.
If you think George R Martin is taking too long to finish his beloved series, think again. Graham wrote the first four Poldark novels during the 1940s and 1950s and then he resumed the series in 1973. Can you imagine having to wait twenty years for the continuation of your favorite story?
The Cousins’ War is a series of historical fiction novels set in 15th-century England. This series explores the complicated, dramatic events surrounding the Wars of Roses, a power battle between the rival houses of York and Lancaster.
The series focuses on the lives of key historical figures, primarily powerful women who played influential roles during that turbulent period. Through their perspectives, Gregory explores themes of ambition, treachery, love, and loyalty while emphasizing the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated world.
This marvelous story follows Madeline Gracechurch, a socially awkward young woman who invents a fictional Scottish sweetheart, Logan MacKenzie, to avoid London’s high society.
To Madeline’s immense surprise, soon after, a war hero by the same name shows up on her doorstep, eager to claim her as his bride.
Madeline must navigate the consequences of her lie while simultaneously dealing with her growing attraction to the dashing Scotsman. Set against the background of the early 19th century, the story explores themes of love, identity, and the power of storytelling itself. It offers a charming blend of humor and steamy romance that will certainly keep you entertained!
A masterfully written historical fiction novel that intertwines two narratives, spanning different time periods and exploring the all-consuming power of love.
In the 1930s, Lorraine Kindred lives in Clear Lake, Iowa, a vibrant vacation destination. Lorraine’s life takes an unexpected turn when she falls in love with a Czech immigrant named Josef. Their romance blossoms against the forces of a changing world as the onset of the Second World War tragically shutters their happiness.
In the present day, in 1980, Marilyn sets on a journey to uncover her mother’s past.
The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the lasting impacts of war.
The story of this beloved historical fiction novel also follows two parallel narratives; one is set in the present day, and one is set in the early 18th century.
Author Carrie McClelland travels to Scotland to write a novel based on her ancestor’s involvement in the Jacobite rising in 1708. As Carrie immerses herself in the history and the atmospheric setting of Slains Castle, she discovers her ability to channel the memories of her ancestor, Sophia Paterson.
The Winter Sea is a captivating combination of genres; romance, historical fiction, and mystery all at once!
But you don’t have to just listen to our accounts about Kearsley’s amazing writing. You can see the opinions of the masters of the genre instead:
“I’ve loved every one of Susanna’s books! She has bedrock research and a butterfly’s delicate touch with characters—sure recipe for historical fiction that pulls you in and won’t let go!”- Diana Gabaldon
"Susanna Kearsley's obvious love of history is infectious... The Winter Sea is an acknowledgment that so many of us are haunted by the deeds of our ancestors, perhaps literally…’- Gail Anderson-Dargatz, international bestselling author of A Recipe for Bees
Finally, if you simply need more of Jamie, Clanlands is a travel-adventure book written by actors Sam Heughan (!) and Graham McTavish, best known for their roles in the adaptation of the Outlander.
The book follows the duo as they embark on an epic road trip through the Scottish Highlands exploring the history, folklore, traditions, and heritage of Scotland’s clans.
As they travel the breathtaking landscapes, the two friends share anecdotes, personal insights, and a deep appreciation of their Scottish roots. Through their witty banter, they create an immensely entertaining account of their journey that every fan of the Outlander series for sure will enjoy!
As we hope that our suggestions will help you cure your “Outlander” withdrawal (we know they cured ours!), we are sure that you love historical fiction just as much as we do! If you’d like to find information on more amazing Historical Fiction books—as well as anything historical fiction, you can subscribe to our blog here.
The Outlander book series is a combination of historical fiction, romance, and time travel. The story follows Claire Randall, a 1945 English nurse who mysteriously travels back to 1743 Scotland. Amidst the Jacobite rising, she meets and falls in love with Jamie Fraser, a Scottish warrior. The series explores their connection and the challenges they face across various historical events.
The Outlander books contain explicit sexual content, including steamy and intimate scenes. The romantic relationship between the main characters is a central part of the series, and their passionate encounters are described in detail throughout the books.
The author of the Outlander series is Diana Gabaldon.
The Vanished Days by Susana Kearsley is a great choice.
The Highland Guard series by Monica McCarthy is set in medieval Scotland and focuses on a group of warriors known as the Highland Guard. The books contain romance, action, and historical elements similar to Outlander.
For more romantic stories set in historical settings, you can read here.
First and foremost, Nina is a reader; she devours literature with gusto, from classic novels to contemporary poetry to graphic novels and everything in between. She believes that within each story, there's a universe waiting to be explored, and loves exploring with company. She's often found sharing her perspective on characters, plot twists, and literary themes with friends. When her friends get tired of listening to her ranting, she writes blog posts sharing her explorations with the other bookworms of the internet. In recent years she has developed an inexplicable addiction to matcha lattes, but has asked us not to talk about that.
