Season 5 of Outlander may be in production, but it’s a long time until we see Jamie and Claire again, with the ninth book in the series still underway. See below for our favourite series and books with the perfect blend of fantasy, history and romance to see you through the ‘Droughtlander’.

A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin

This list would be incomplete without reference to Game of Thrones. Originally published in 1997, this series took the world by storm with the debut of the HBO series in 2011. A glorious tale of treachery, treason, war, and of course, dragons, and set in a fantasy world reminiscent of medieval England, this series has been described by some as The West Wing – with dragons.

Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

When Griet becomes a maid in the Dutch painter Vermeer’s household, she thinks she knows her role. But she soon becomes part of Vermeer’s world and his work, and their growing intimacy spreads tension and deception in the fracturing household. This international bestseller is a vivid portrayal of the secret story behind one of the most enigmatic and famous portraits in history. Perfect for Philippa Gregory fans.

A Winter’s Promise (The Mirror Visitor, Book 1) by Christelle Dabos (translated by Hildegarde Serle)

Long ago, the world ruptured. It now exists as several floating Arks, each unique. Ophelia lives on Anima, where objects have souls, and hides two powers: the ability to read the past of objects, and the ability to travel through mirrors. This bestselling French fantasy hit would appeal to fans of Phillip Pullman, J.K Rowling and Neil Gaiman. The second instalment will be out at the end of the month, so keep an eye out.

Children of Earth and Sky by Guy Gavriel Kay

From the small coastal town of Senjan, notorious for its pirates, a young woman sets out to find vengeance for her lost family. The bestselling author of The Fionavar Tapestry weaves a world inspired by the conflicts and dramas of Renaissance Europe. With compelling characters and rich world-building, Guy Gavriel Kay builds a story well worth settling in with.

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

Long since a staple on many a booklist, this rich portrayal of an isolated seventeenth-century country town under quarantine during the plague years will appeal to all history fans. Blending fear and fanaticism with themes of love and learning, and with a female protagonist with a determination to rival Claire Fraser’s, Year of Wonders is a fascinating portrayal of England’s last great plague.

The Poldark series by Winston Graham

As grand, sweeping historical series are your thing, then you can’t go wrong with the Poldark series. Set in Cornwall and spanning the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, this is a British family saga on a large scale. Beginning with the return home of weary soldier Ross Poldark from a war in America, and spanning the subsequent generations of his family, Winston Graham’s Poldark is a richly detailed series with themes of romance, family and class all at play.

Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series

Beginning with The Colour of Magic, the Discworld series has an enormous fan base and has truly worked its way into the fantasy halls of fame. Pratchett’s writing is wry and witty, and the world he has crafted in Discworld is well worth the length of the series.

The Song of the Kendra series by Ilka Tampke

Set in Iron-Age Britain on the cusp of Roman invasion, this series is an evocative imagining of ancient British history that will delight lovers of The Mists of Avalon and Game of Thrones. Featuring a ruthless and enigmatic heroine, Ailia, The Song of the Kendra series evokes Arthurian legend and Celtic mythology.