Beautiful Plants For Your Interior
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Did reading the Outlander series change your life?
As cheesy as it sounds, it’s definitely been the case for me. Diana Gabaldon’s writing sucked me in immediately, and I found myself lost in rich, historically based worlds that I’ve yet to surface from.
The experience of reading her novels has catapulted me down the unexpected, yet delightful, path of becoming completely obsessed with the history of the British Isles. The obsession started, of course, with the Scottish Highlands and Jacobites. But as I discovered each of the series listed below, it took on a life of its own and branched off into other geographic areas and time periods.
So with this list, we’re talking about everything from the ancient Celts to the Roman period, the so-called Dark Ages to the Anglo-Saxons, as well as some good ol’ smuggling in the coves of 1800s Cornwall.
So as you’re (not so) patiently awaiting the eventual release of Book 10 in the Outlander saga, stop twiddling your thumbs and read these series, because they’ll also enrich your mind in ways you never imagined!
It all started with Outlander, but who knows where it’ll end?!
1. The Lost Queen by Signe Pike
Up first is what’s possibly my favorite series of all time, which is really saying something. The Lost Queen series takes you to the post-Roman era of Britain and tells the fascinating story of Languoreth, the daughter of a petty king in Cadzow (modern-day Glasgow). This book gives you heart-wrenching romance, epic battles between Britons and invading Saxons, and explores the tension between religions as the spread of Christianity begins to uproot the old ways.
The storylines are phenomenal, but more than that, many of the characters, places, and major events actually happened – noteworthy since it’s pretty difficult to find much written history for this era if you’re trying to research it on your own. (I mean, have you tried reading Y Gododin?!?) Thus these novels illuminate a period of history that is notoriously dark, and Signe Pike generously provides you with enough endnotes and reference materials at the end to make any history-loving heart weep with joy. (And the book is so good that you’ll actually WANT to read the endnotes!!)
I didn’t even get into the compelling case that these books make for a historical Arthur and Merlin, but you’ll just have to read them for yourselves to find out about that.
Book 3 comes out December 3, and I CAN’T WAIT!!!
2. The Circle of Ceridwen by Octavia Randolph
Get ready for an immersion into Anglo-Saxon culture with Octavia Randolph’s Circle of Ceridwen saga. The rich storytelling sucks you in, and the plethora of historical detail makes the Anglo-Saxon period come vibrantly alive.
Ceridwen is the orphaned daughter of a Mercian king who chooses to set out on her own one frosty morning, and the 11 books that follow chronicle the extraordinary events of her life. Filled with Alfred the Great-era history, the characters and events in these books will stay with you long after you’ve finished them!
3. The Poldark Saga by Winston Graham
If you’re a fan of Masterpiece on PBS shows like Downton Abbey, then you’re probably already familiar with the Poldark series. If you’ve yet to read the books though, let this be your call to action.
The 12 books of the Poldark Saga take place on the windswept coast of Cornwall and follow Ross’s rise from a penniless farmer, to occasional smuggler, to prosperous mine-owner, to Member of Parliament. But the real heart of the story, if you ask me, lies with his witty, class-hopping wife Demelza. I’d a-pluck a fair rose for my love, too, Demelza!
Read the books! As you’d expect, they’re even better than the show!
4. The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell
This trilogy is maybe my favorite take on the Authurian legend, because it’s so much more than another take on the Authurian legend. Sure, Arthur and Guinevere feature prominently in the story, but the main character is really a guy named Derfel. Wait, who???
Derfel is an unassuming, likable guy who becomes a gifted warrior and close friend to Arthur. The story is told through Derfel’s eyes, which has the effect of bringing the story down to earth where it feels more real and less legendary. Quite an accomplishment when you’re dealing with arguably the most pervasive legend of all time.
5. The Celtic Rebels series by Melanie Karsak
Is there anyone who doesn’t think Boudica is really cool?
This trilogy is a fanciful take on Boudica’s life, and while much of the story is highly fictionalized by necessity, many of the main characters, places, and events are firmly rooted in the historical record.
What do we really know about Boudica before her infamous rampage against Rome? Pretty much nothing. But thanks to Melanie Karsak, we have at least one highly researched and imaginative version of what her life may have looked like.
6. The Horse Goddess by Morgan Llywelyn
This book is the first of Morgan Llywelyn’s Celtic World series, and while the whole series is great, I had to single this one out on account of it blowing my mind. PSA: If you haven’t read this book, STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING AND READ IT RIGHT NOW.
In this story, we’re taken back to the birth of the Iron Age and the rise of Celtic culture in Central Europe (think Hallstatt culture). Through the story of a girl named Epona, Llywelyn somehow manages to create a masterclass in the Celtic belief system, as well as an origin story for several Celtic deities. There are some mixed reviews on this one, but in my opinion it’s a masterpiece, and I’ve never read anything like it before or since. Even Llywelyn’s other novels haven’t reached the same heights for me as this one.
Maybe it’s because I enjoy trying to discover the cultural origins of EVERYTHING, and that’s what this book does. Or at least it’s one take.
As a bonus, The Crystal Cave saga by Mary Stewart is a classic that deserves an honorable mention. Since I think it would be a real stretch to call the books of this series historical novels (definitely more fantasy), I decided not to give them a spot on the official list, but they’re still a must-read for any Outlander fan!
When done well, historical fiction can be a very powerful thing. Stories have the potential to transport us to other times and places in ways that textbooks never will. As a former history student who never actually cared about history until I started reading really good books, I’m a living testament to that. So I hope you read some of these books, enjoy some good stories, and pick up a bunch of historical knowledge without even trying!
And after you’ve finished with these, make sure you top it off by watching a few episodes of Time Team on YouTube. (You’re welcome!)
Do you know of other historically sound novels with captivating storylines? I’m always on the lookout for new reads, so I’d be thrilled if you shared them in the comments!
– Kendra
Avid reader, aspiring antiquarian
