An Echo in the Bone

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I love the Outlander series I think the first three books were the best and the last couple of the series have not been as successful. However I think she did redeem herself in this latest offering. While not up to the storytelling of Outlander or Dragonfly in Amber I think she is moving back in the right direction. Her books can get very tied up in the history of the era sometimes to the detriment of the story. In this latest book she gets back into the story of Jamie and Claire who are facing the beginnings of the revolutionary war. Claire, being from the 20th century, knows what is coming and tries to decide how best to use the knowledge that she posses. Brianna and Roger are back in the 20th century living in the family home Lallybroch and trying to adjust to modern life after living in the 18th century for so long. Roger, with the loss of his voice through the terrible injury he sustained in the last book is left without a clear idea of what he wants to do. He was once a great singer and musician an now has to find a new identity. We also get the story of Jaimie's illegitimate son William, who has been raised by Jamie's good friend, Lord John Grey without knowledge of who he really is. He has no idea that he is the son of a scottish rebel he believes he is the son of an earl that died the night he was born. William is in the English army, a part of General Gages forces.

Gabaldon has such a gift at storytelling and makes you love each and every character. I loved her introduction of Benedict Arnold into the story and how she is able to weave those real characters from history into the world of Jaimie and Claire. The love between Jaimie and Claire continues to grow and you truly love these two and read deep into the night to find out how they will survive their latest adventure.

I love these books and re-read the series at least once a year. There are some love scenes in the books and once you start the series you will not be able to put it down. These are hefty books over 700 pages for each.