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

Very satisfied customer.

Amazing book with an amazing narrator. I cannot recommend either enough! I’m looking forward to the best one.

Excellent story- well read!

I live this book and the reader does a fantastic job! I could listen over and over again!

wide scope as well as detail of the times

Have enjoyed all the Outlander series. Love the characters, the detail, the setting and the drama.

Brilliant

Davina Porter is a consumate voice actor and brings this great series to life! The plots and sub-plots are intriguing.

Note

At the end of the book the author’s note was super awesome. I love her sense of humor and the explanations of some of the linguistics in the book.

Great Series, but some plot annoyances

I have been listening to this entire series & do enjoy them other than the over the top love confessing (eye rolling) parts between Jamie & Claire. Sorry but guys just don’t talk like that & especially not in the 1700s (and let’s stop making young girls think this is how it is when they get older). There was one part of this book that really irritated me… minor plot spoiler alert here so be warned. Did anyone else find it incredibly frustrating when Jamie “came back from the dead” & when he was told the reason for Claire & John Gray getting married they left out the main reason why it even happened?!?! Seriously?? I was screaming in my head during this part of the book… Grey gave all the minor details & yet not the main reason?? Claire was going to be hanged for treason… ummmm I think that supersedes her & Grey’s grief & whatever other reasons why! Very frustrating & would’ve likely calmed Jamie’s fury… but no, we needed the drama for the book apparently! This was stupid. I’m sorry, but this made me want to stop reading right then & there. I continued reading & the rest of the book was good, but it feels like we should be wrapping it up already.

not enough stars...

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

Once again, Diana Gabaldon proves to be one of our centuries timeless and great writers. Staving in with one of the most beautifully written prologues, she relentlessly pulls at the heartstrings of those who have been painfully waiting, wanting, and sorely longing to adventure again with Claire and Jamie.
Davina Porter's performance is golden. She perpetually amazes me with her astounding skill at all the accents of so many characters. I tend to completely forget that there is just her solo voice.
A hundred-thousand thank yous to the both of you for creating/performing such a classic and beautiful work of fine literature/recording. I cherish them all!

Worth the wait

Would you listen to Written in My Own Heart's Blood again? Why?

These people are my family

What did you like best about this story?

To "catch" up on their lives

Which scene was your favorite?

impossible to choose one

Any additional comments?

Incomparable, is the only word to describe Ms Gabaldon and her cast of characters

My least favorite in the series

I started this book about a year ago. Got bored and left it. Came back this spring and re-listened to the whole thing. It is my least favorite in the series. There is no real problem in the story other than Brianna and Roger and finding their son. Unfortunately, their part of the story is small and there is way too much about the war. The story meanders through time with no real purpose. I loved all of the other books, but this one disappointed.

Worth the wait and worth waiting for Book 9

I spent the year re-reading and re-listening the whole Outlander series, so that everything would be fresh in my mind when Book 8, came out in June. As always, the story grabs you from the beginning, Ms. Gabaldon did not disappoint, and hearing Davina Porter narrate it, is like living inside the story. Unfortunately, it was "too short", but I don;t lose hope and wait for book 9. Although questions are answered, there is plenty of story to tell. I have full confidence in Ms. Gabaldon's imagination.