5 Books to Read if You Love ‘Outlander’

With the eighth and final season of the blockbuster series Outlander premiering in March 2026, diehard fans will no doubt experience severe withdrawal when the final episode concludes — a phenomenon that has previously and affectionately been coined “droughtlander.” Although this time, there’s no cure in awaiting another season.

Meanwhile, fans of the Outlander book series are eagerly anticipating author Diana Gabaldon’s final installment, A Blessing For A Warrior Going Out. With no official release date yet, it’s safe to say fans can at least read the book after the TV show’s finale.

But what happens when the last chapter closes on that, too?

Gabaldon is known for her descriptive and immersive novels. Rest assured, there are many books that match her talent, character development, lush stories, exciting history, and more.

Here are five under the radar historical fiction books we recommend to read if you love Outlander — books, series, or both!– that will hopefully ease the heartache of saying goodbye to Gabaldon’s beloved characters and her settings filled with expertly researched details and touches of magical realism.

 1. Queen Hereafter

Queen Hereafter by Isabelle Schuler is perfect for fans whose favorite aspect of Outlander is the Scottish setting. This book follows Gruoch’s journey as she becomes Lady Macbeth. It’s at once an origin story and a sweeping saga of early medieval Scotland.

Gruoch is the granddaughter of kings, Druids, and Picts. Queen Hereafter begins with her childhood, and it follows her as she grows into a strong, (and strong-willed) ambitious woman, determined to fulfill her grandmother’s prophecy that one day she will be queen no matter the cost.

This novel has a touch of magical realism, but it’s the book’s ties to the mystical and misty Scottish highlands, with its castles and lochs, that make it the most similar to Outlander.

Plus, Gruoch is a strong female character, not unlike Claire Fraser, Brianna MacKenzie, or even Geillis Duncan. The romance in Queen Hereafter, between Gruoch and Macbethad, is a delightful and tender slow burn. Separated for years, their reunion is bittersweet and their future bright.

These two are real historical figures as well, just like many of Outlander’s characters. That blend of history and fiction, realism and magical realism, makes for a delicious read to really savor.

Marketed as a retelling of Lady Macbeth, this book is so much more. Shakespeare’s play hardly factors into the plot at all, though some eagle-eyed readers will recognize small Easter eggs peppered throughout the story. It’s an entertaining romp through various Scottish lands and kingdoms that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

2. The Lost Queen

The Lost Queen is a great fit for those who enjoy the magical realism of Outlander. Our main character, Languoreth, is a heroine reminiscent of Brianna — and they’re both temperamental and fiery redheads.

Another novel taking place in Scotland, this time it’s a retelling of the Arthurian legends, with a bit of a twist. Languoreth is the twin sister of Lailoken, otherwise known as the wizard, or druid in this case, Merlin. It explores the Scottish roots of the King Arthur legends beautifully.

The Lost Queen is the first in a series, with each book better than the last. Though this one has Languoreth front and center, other characters are granted POVs in the other books, just like in the Outlander series. Each has a distinct voice.

A well-researched piece of historical fiction, this novel takes place in sixth century Scotland. Languoreth marries the son of a Christian king, though she is a daughter of the Old Way, and her true love is a warrior who fights with the Pendragon army. She wants to do what is best for her people, but she also wants to keep the Old Ways alive.

Throughout this book and series, battles are fought and won, children are lost and reunited, magic is practiced and banished, and hearts are broken and mended. Its well-crafted world building lends itself to a truly epic series of novels.

This is the King Arthur story as never seen before. An original version of these myths like no others, The Lost Queen will entertain Outlander fans who love the Scottish setting, complex characters, heart-pounding battle sequences, and more.

As a bonus, The Lost Queen has been optioned for a television series; here’s hoping it will help fill that droughtlander void!

3. Cold Mountain

If the beautiful and lush North Carolina backcountry is your favorite setting throughout the course of Outlander, Cold Mountain is the perfect companion read. At once a romance novel and a unique retelling of the Odyssey, the writing and language are both haunting and stunning.

A truly atmospheric read taking place during the Civil War, Cold Mountain details Confederate soldier Inman’s long trek home to his love, Ada, whose story of survival is also well told. These two are a bit stiff and awkward compared to the likes of Jamie and Claire, but theirs is still a tender and sweet romance.

In Drums of Autumn, the fourth Outlander novel, Roger MacKenzie experiences a grueling journey, which is reflected in Inman’s long walk home in this novel. The women they love serve as the motivation for these two strong characters, as well as the promise of home and homecoming.

The rich descriptions of the North Carolina mountains, forests, and valleys echo Diana Gabaldon’s writing as well. Given that much of the Outlander series takes place here as much as Scotland, Cold Mountain brings this setting to life, too. There is a unique blend of nature and magic to be found in the misty mountains of the Carolinas, a concept both authors understand and convey.

More of an American fable than strictly historical fiction, this book is beautiful and deserves a spot on every reader’s bookshelf.

4. Madame Tussaud

Outlander’s second book and season spend a considerable amount of time in France, and Madame Tussaud is the book to read if this is your favorite part of the series.

Though Madame Tussaud takes place during the French Revolution, some 40 years after the events of Dragonfly in Amber, the costumes, the drama, and the intriguing characters are all found here, too.

Our heroine, Marie Grosholtz, has mastered the art of wax sculpting and has made wax figures for the likes of Thomas Jefferson and more. One day, the French royal family visits her wax museum, and the king’s sister invites Marie to Versailles as a royal tutor of wax sculpting.

The descriptions of palace life are opulent and Marie’s daily life has turned glamorous, though turmoil is looming. Soon, Marie is forced to make death masks of beheaded aristocrats, and her loyalties are tested.

Tense, grounded, and richly detailed, Madame Tussaud gives the origin story of this famous artist against the backdrop of the French Revolution. Again featuring a strong female protagonist and budding love story, this novel is historical fiction at its finest.

Outlander fans will appreciate the French setting, drama, and increasing unease as the Revolution blooms bloody. History is brought to life here as only the talented Michelle Moran can conjure.

5. The Traitor’s Wife

For conspiracy, secrets, and political intrigue, it doesn’t get any better than The Traitor’s Wife, originally published as The Wolves of Andover.

Sharp, unflinching, and carefully layered, this novel is rich. It could be read time and again, with readers no doubt catching new details each time.

In main characters Thomas and Martha, there is a true slow burn romance, with pining and quiet yet powerful devotion. It’s a love to rival even Jamie and Claire’s.

This novel doesn’t just focus on Thomas and Martha’s love story, however. It’s complete with adventure, villains, heroes, and oh-so-much true to life history.

Thomas Carrier is long suspected of regicide; he helped kill the previous king of England before immigrating to America in the 1600s. There are those in England who would have him killed for his supposed crimes, and this book serves as a historical romance as well as historical thriller as bad men journey to the colonies to try and capture Thomas.

The Traitor’s Wife is filled with real-life historical figures and events. Taking place in colonial America before the events of the American Revolution, Outlander fans will relate to the rich descriptions of daily life and hard living on a rural farmstead.

Thomas is a hero reminiscent of Jamie Fraser, and Martha is much to be admired for her spirit and strength, like Claire. The magic of Voyager comes alive here, especially through the sea journey depicted in this novel.