Written in My Own Heart's Blood

Outlander, Book 8

By: Diana Gabaldon

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 45 hrs

Publisher's summary

In her now classic novel Outlander, Diana Gabaldon told the story of Claire Randall, an English ex-combat nurse who walks through a stone circle in the Scottish Highlands in 1946, and disappears… into 1743. The story unfolded from there in seven best-selling novels, and CNN has called it "a grand adventure written on a canvas that probes the heart, weighs the soul and measures the human spirit across [centuries]." Now the story continues in Written in My Own Heart's Blood.

It is 1778: France declares war on Great Britain, the British army leaves Philadelphia, and George Washington's troops leave Valley Forge in pursuit. At this moment, Jamie Fraser returns from a presumed watery grave to discover that his best friend has married his wife; his illegitimate son has discovered (to his horror) who his father really is; and his beloved nephew, Ian, wants to marry a Quaker. Meanwhile, Jamie's wife, Claire, and his sister, Jenny, are busy picking up the pieces.

The Frasers can only be thankful that their daughter Brianna and her family are safe in 20th-century Scotland. Or not. In fact, Brianna is searching for her own son, who was kidnapped by a man determined to learn her family's secrets. Her husband, Roger, has ventured into the past in search of the missing boy - never suspecting that the object of his quest has not left the present. Now, with Roger out of the way, the kidnapper can focus on his true target: Brianna herself.

Written in My Own Heart's Blood is the brilliant next chapter in a masterpiece of the imagination unlike any other.

©2014 Diana Gabaldon (P)2014 Recorded Books

A great read...or listen.

As with all the other Diana Gabaldon books narrated so skillfully by Davina Porter, I really enjoyed all the twists and turns. The ending was satisfying with enough hints to look forward to the next novel.

A great "read" - all the detail you're expecting

What did you love best about Written in My Own Heart's Blood?

Diana brings us up to date on all the characters we've come to know and love in the series - gives each of them their time at the forefront - even cleverly brings Brianna and family back to the past, so they're all ready at the end of it, so we're waiting with a gasp and a grin for the NEXT great book! Great ending for the book, Diana - won't spoil it for those who haven't got there yet - but loved it!

What did you like best about this story?

Claire and Jamey are both getting older, but are still vital and so in love with each other.

What does Davina Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Davina Porter has all the accents down pat, is able to adjust her voice so ably that we can see the conversations as well as hear them.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The last moment - now, don't go peeking - it'll ruin it for you!

Any additional comments?

Just waiting for the next book ....

And the saga continues...

I love the Outlander series, and there were many plot lines in this eighth novel that I enjoyed. However, the flow of the story felt disjointed many times - to me, it was due to the excessive chapters devoted to the American Revolution detailing Jamie and the Grey's role in it and the sparse chapters devoted to Roger and Brianna MacKenzie's story line.
This was the first Outlander book that I have listened to (I devoured the first 7 novels with my eyes) and I thoroughly enjoyed Davina Porter's narration; she was able to enhance the personality and portrayal of each major character through her versatile and nuanced voice.

Can't get enough

This series has been holding my rapt attention from Book One thru to Eight.
I hope Book nine is ready or I don't know what I will do!

Not the Best, But Stll Wonderful

Don't get me wrong, I ADORE the Outlander series! I say "Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ" all the time. But this book in the series fell just a tad short for me.
Maybe it was the boring historical battle details, maybe it was the forgettable supporting characters, but I can only give it four stars instead of five.
Nevertheless, this isn't going to stop me from being a rabid Outlander fan And I'm enthralled watching the Starz series! It's awesome!
Davina Porter IS Claire and every other character as far as I'm concerned. She is absolutely AMAZING!

Yes, Virginia, there is penicillin

There's a point in this book relating to roquefort cheese where you just have to say: "C'mon, Diana, I know this is fiction but really!" Well, folks, I just HAD to go look it up and the fungus in roquefort cheese actually IS penicillium roqueforti. I should not have doubted Claire's encyclopedia medical knowledge! Just had to write to let all of you other skeptically minded geeks out there know this.

This book, like all of the series for those of us who are died-in-the-wool fans, is wonderful. Davina Porter has become the embodiment of Claire Frasier for me as for many others who've listened to all of these books on audio. Nothing more needs to be said except that I agree with all the other stellar reviews posted here.

I love the Outlander Series

If you could sum up Written in My Own Heart's Blood in three words, what would they be?

A Wonderful Saga

Have you listened to any of Davina Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I love Davina Porter! She is the MOST talented voice of all. The only close competion are the performances that have multiple readers.......

Any additional comments?

I love Jamie and Claire, they are true hero's. Sometimes it is hard to witness all the tough times (like real life), but then Jamie or Claire will sum it up in the most meaningful way. Diana Gabaldon paints the story in vivid descriptive colors. I always feel like I am an active observer (I just can't believe everyone doesn't just love these books). The author is very true to the historical times. *Like a lot of the other reviewers have mentioned it is much better if you have read the previous books. This is the reason I gave the story 4 stars instead of 5.

AMAZING AS ALWAYS!

I absolutely love this story! And Davina Porter is the absolute best voice performer!! highly recommend!

5 stars are not enough

This book provides continued reasons for this author's position as my co-favorite (with Andrew M. Greeley) author. This Adam and Eve story detailed through these books.

This narrator's skill is a perfect match.

My one complaint is that the next book isn't yet available.

good every single time

I read these books over and over. Diana Gabaldon is genius and the books have gotten me through some very rough times in n the lady 20 years