An Echo in the Bone

Outlander, Book 7

By: Diana Gabaldon

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Diana Gabaldon's immensely popular Outlander saga soars to new heights with this seventh novel, which takes listeners on a breathtaking journey to 1777 America.

Jamie Fraser knows from his time-traveling wife Claire that, no matter how unlikely it seems, America will win the Revolutionary War. But that truth offers little solace, since Jamie realizes he might find himself pointing a weapon directly at his own son - a young officer in the British army.

And Jamie isn't the only one with a tormented soul - for Claire may know who wins the conflict, but she certainly doesn't know whether or not her beloved Jamie survives.

Epic in scope and featuring a colorful cast that includes many legendary figures - including hero-turned-traitor Benedict Arnold and bawdy statesman Benjamin Franklin - An Echo in the Bone is a thrill from start to finish.

©2009 Diana Gabaldon (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

When Last We Saw Them...

It has been five years since "An Echo in the Bone" was published, and the long awaited Volume 8 is finally imminent (June 2014). Although readers are now five years older, the forthcoming "Written in My Own Heart's Blood" will apparently pick up the story on the same day (well at least one of the same days) "Echo" ended.

I started listening to this series four years ago and listened to them all in sequence (along with the Lord John Grey books--and a lot other books in between). I just recently finished "Echo," so I guess I timed it right. I can't imagine how frustrating it's been for fans of the series who read "Echo" when it came out to have had all those cliffhangers hanging all this time. You've probably re-read the book in anticipation of the new one; it's certainly a good idea to do so.

After three books set claustrophobically in frontier North Carolina and stories centered almost exclusively on Jamie, Claire, Roger, and Brianna, in "Echo" we *finally* get off of Fraser's Ridge--with a vengeance! If almost nothing happened in "Fiery Cross" and the action was slow (and mostly depressing) in "Snow and Ashes," then "An Echo in the Bone" seems determined to make up for it. Not only do characters from previous books (notably Ian, Lord John, and William) now take center stage right along with J,C,R&B, we are suddenly world and time travelers again. The action covers much of the American east coast, has great scenes in Scotland (in TWO story lines, 200 years apart!), and for kicks throws in several scenes in London and France. We meet historical characters, including Benedict Arnold and a naked Ben Franklin. Even Rollo the Wolfhound gets featured actor status.

The mind reels and the plot jumps can be hard to follow, but I enjoyed "An Echo in the Bone." I'm especially grateful for the action-packed pace after the previous two snoozers. I think you do need to have read "The Brotherhood of the Blade" in the Lord John series to fully appreciate "Echo," but that should not be a hardship; in my opinion, "Brotherhood" is, all things considered, Diana Gabaldon's best novel to date. And I'm glad I won't have to wait five years to find out what happened in Philadelphia that day.

So wonderful!

I really like this new addition to the Outlander series. I find I am making time to listen to it by putting off "more important" daily tasks.

I really like the narration by Davina Porter. I think a book of this length has to have a very engaging and very competent reader, and Davina pulls this off superbly.

Beyond all this, I marvel that Ms. Gabaldon can keep on creating this wonderful series.

Didn't want it to end!!

Can't wait to start the next book. Bit sad that it will be the last in the series!

Gabaldon portrays real and really strong marriages

Ive listened to the whole series on audiobook (had to listen to one abridged) and love it! No one could be in all the places at the pivotal moments in history the way the Frasers/Mackenzies are. But, their relationships are inspiring and this is a great way to learn history. Porter's voices and accents bring the characters and their words to life. (I was glad for her help with the Gaelic.)

Wonderful, Left Me Wanting More!

The latest novel in the Outlander series was full of historical detail and kept me guessing with all the plot twists. Young Ian and William play a larger role in this book than previously. Jamie and Claire and well as Roger and Brianna make up the major characters. The conclusion definitely left me wanting more!
Davina Porter's narration is second to none.