Written in My Own Heart's Blood: Outlander, Book 8

TJM

Hello the House!

"First of all, let me say that the Outlander series is a saga, a time-traveling saga, a historical saga, a romantic saga, a generational saga but a saga in the broadest sense. This, the eighth and the latest book published (one being written and one promised) is huge in scope dealing mainly with the American Revolution and the part the Frasers and the Greys played in it. But that is essentially too simplistic because nothing Diana writes is simple since concurrent to the that time, Bree, Roger, Jem and Mandy are in the present time trying to make a life for themselves and running into difficulties because of their unique abilities. Most of American Revolution takes place in and around Philadelphia which was occupied in turns by the British and the Continentals. There is great detail about what life was like under each occupying army and how Claire, in particular, used her skills to survive. Fergus and Marsili found themselves by turns under suspicion or welcomed depending on the occupation. Lord John Grey is forced to marry Claire when it's thought that Jamie perished at sea returning from Scotland and she's accused of carrying information for the Rebels. Claire uses her skills as a surgeon to save Lord Grey's brother and his son from death, skills unknown in that time. She also goes to Valley Forge and works with Dr. Denzel Hunter to save wounded Continental soldiers and they each teach one another surgical skills. Ian serves as a scout for the army and meets Denzel's sister, Rachel, falls in love with her but she's a Quaker and may not be able to marry a man who's both a Highlander and a Mohawk. When Jamie returns to Philadelphia, his bastard son from Hellwater, William who looks just like Jamie walks in and discovers his natural father, doesn't take it well since he is a duke by default and leaves. The scene moves to the Battles of Saratoga and Monmonth with Jamie being conscripted as a general and Claire again using her skills as a surgeon until she's seriously wounded and nearly dies except for Denzel Hunter whom she tell how to save her before her surgery. Meanwhile in the present time, Bree gets a job at hyro plant as a supervisor while facing a lot of prejudice from her male employees, especially one of them. Roger also starts working at a church as a choir director. Jem discovers an old man living in the broch who is actually Roger's ancestor. When Jem is kidnapped by the man threatening Bree, Roger and Brock go back in time looking for them but Jem has escaped his kidnapper and has hidden out in the dam. Now the two parallel stories begin to converge through various adventures until the two families are reunited on the Ridge. I was born in Philadelphia and grew up in York, PA which claims to be the First Capitol of the United States as the Article of Confederation where signed there when the Second Continental Congress met there while the British held Philadelphia; they predate the Constitution. This story really interested me because of the vivid detail of life during that time. The main characters of the story are as vivid as always: Jamie, Claire, Roger, Bree, Ian, Fergus, Marsili, Jenny, Jem, Mandy, Lord John Grey, William; their lives are so interesting and you can't help becoming part of them. The famous people from the Revolution were also interesting to discover "in the flesh" so to speak rather than dry words on a page in a history book. The descriptions of the battle were sometimes hard to follow but then I imagine battles aren't normally linear. What will I do now for my Jamie and Claire fix!!!!!!!! ["

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July 9, 2017 Verified Purchase

CBR

AMAZING

"This book was AUH-MAZING. “I have loved others, and I do love many, Sassenach—but you alone hold all my heart, whole in your hands,” he said softly. “And you know that. “ I feel free and yet, I don’t have a clue what to do with my life after this incredible journey! I’m beyond attached to all these amazing characters as if they were my family. I loved all of them, even the ones that got on my last nerve and believe me, there were a few of those! Written in My Own Heart’s Blood took me on a whirlwind adventure because I was whisked away from 1778 Philadelphia to 1980 Scotland and then back to 1738 Scotland!!! There are so many twists and turns, ones that I didn’t even see coming and I love the element of surprise. There are a lot of POV changes in this particular installment and normally I am not a fan of that but it worked so well and I think it has to do with Diana Gabaldon’s ability to do it effortlessly. As always, I enjoyed Claire’s medical procedures and as complex as they are I understood every scene from start to finish. And that’s not to say there isn’t a gross factor involved because there is. *shudders* Claire and Jamie moved me to tears so many times and I feel as though I know them intimately. They’ve been through so much but their relationship has stood the test of time. But they weren’t the only couple I loved. Rachel and Ian…I adore them. *sigh* Ian still remains my favorite supporting character. He’s part Mohawk and always a Highlander! Don’t even get me started on Bree and Roger because that whole bit was crazy, as in crazy good! There are so many amazing characters with their own powerful stories that I can’t even begin to write about all of them. To say that it’s just a romance is to pigeonhole this series in to a particular category. While there is a beautiful love story, it’s also about war, history and time travel. It’s everything and more. “Ye lost your parents young, mo nighean donn, and wandered about the world, rootless. Ye loved Frank”- his mouth compressed for an instant, but I thought he was unconscious of it-“and of course you love Brianna and Roger Mac and the weans… but, Sassenach- I am the true home of your heart, and I know that.” DG delivered an installment that is out of this world but the series as a whole is EPIC. ["

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November 15, 2014 Verified Purchase

Andrea T

Everything I Hoped For

""Then I was flying down the hill, with Jamie just before me, arms flung wide, the two of us flyng together on that same wind." I am a glass case of emotion. MOBY was EVERYTHING I'd hoped for.(five minutes after finishing) This book was truly everything I'd hoped for. I have so many feelings swirling around in my head and heart, yet I'm struggling with the words. Partially because I've totally fashed it out with my reading buddies. But mostly because it's a book that has so much emotion, plot, characters, etc., that it's a bit overwhelming. In the very best of ways. Jamie and Claire are headed to battle again. Neither wants to do this, they both long for a peaceful life on the Ridge surrounded by each other, family and friends. But they also know and understand (sometimes grudgingly) that they are each meant for a cause: his to be a leader; hers as a healer. It's...sad, or ironic, that many who've only read Outlander, or only focused on one section of Outlander, or just heard someone's opinion, believe Jamie to be a domineering or abusive man. NO. This is a marriage of equals, of two passionate, strong-willed people who love and understand each other. Hold one another in the highest regard. Who've been married for thirty-five years now (including that heartbreaking time-travel issue), and have evolved. Deepened. It's so lovely to be a part of their thoughts and conversations. I feel smarter for having a virtual seat at the table. As for everything else in MOBY? (I know. It's shocking that there's more than Jamie and Claire ) That would be a big, fat YES. I loved Roger and Bree's story arc. It had suspense and heart-tugging moments and served them well as a couple. It drives my reading partners-in-crime batty, but I loved Young Ian and Rachel's time, as well. I'm so happy to see Ian finally happy, that I'm not even bothered by the "thee" and "thou". And I love seeing Dottie, who is very much Hal's daughter, as she lives as a Friend. She and Denzel are cute. I love having significant Fergus and Marsali time. Along with their kidlets. That's all I feel emotionally capable of saying about them now. Hal and LJG were excellent here. Especially John, as he deals with Jamie's anger at him, trying to make his way back to safety, and most importantly, his dealings with William. Cue the WILLIE FEELS!! Besides Jamie and Claire coupledom,my favorite part of MOBY was William. After losing his damn mind and destroying the house, William is very much lost in this book. Angry, confused, despondent, searching. William has a big journey in this book, and it's not just navigating the colonies during a war. Through his own adventures, taking on burdens, rescuing those in need, we very much see William as Jamie Fraser's son. He sees it in the physical form. That can't be denied. But slowly...slowly, William begins to see Jamie not as a scottish criminal-turned-groom, but as a man much-admired by those around him. A good man. Someone to turn to. William's tentative discovery of Jamie Fraser was a JOY. I loved the ending of MOBY. It was full of joy and renewal. And the last page? Fantastic. I dropped my book in a puddle of happy, happy tears. Always ready for more, but perfectly content. ["

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November 12, 2014 Verified Purchase

A. Ferguson

Gabaldon still has it with this latest installment of the Outlander series!

"**4 ½ stars** From start to finish, I read all eight of Gabaldon massive Outlander books in less than two months. They are THAT good. Gabaldon shows she still has it as evident from reading her latest book, Written In My Own Heart’s Blood. This being the 8th (and final book to date) of the Outlander’s series that I’ve read and reviewed, I’ve come to know and expect certain things from author, Diana Gabaldon’s writing. Save for the first book, all encompass a sweeping scope of characters and story. The heart and soul of Outlander is the heroine of the series, WWII English nurse, Claire Randall, who, on a second honeymoon with her husband, Frank, is unwittingly thrown back 200 years in history to the time of the second Jacobite rebellion in Scotland (that having occurred in the 1st novel). The original Outlander is so well-written and engrossing that the reader is immediately hooked. I’ve written in prior reviews -- Claire Randall is one of the most compelling characters in modern literature. The strength & likeability of her character alone is the basis and reason for the enduring popularity of this series (as well as the inspiration for the Starz’s television adaptation). From the second book on, I’ve often felt it would have been more appropriate to provide two reviews of each of the Outlander books – one that revolves around Claire & her Highlander love interest, Jamie Fraser, and the other – about the story/stories that don’t. I’ve been fascinated by the characters of Claire & Jamie, and the writing and plot that involve them. When the story is Claire’s, the Outlander series is about near to what I would consider a five star rating as any I’ve ever read. But, when Gabaldon takes large pieces of her novels to focus on other characters is when I’ve always found myself disappointed. When other, less interesting characters take the focus is when I think the series has suffered. The biggest culprit to my annoyance in this area has always been Claire’s & Jamie’s daughter, Brianna. Despite my effort to like her, I couldn’t bring myself to be interested in her story & plot. Brianna is described as a female version of Jamie, but whereas Jamie comes across the page as a substantive character, Brianna comes across as a one dimensional bore. She and her husband, Roger, appear as interlopers; twentieth century characters that seem out of place in the eighteenth century world Gabaldon had otherwise richly created. The bright side to that reality in Written In My Own Heart’s Blood is: (1) Brianna’s & Roger’s stories tend to take an overall backseat in this book, and (2) the Brianna & Roger subplots don’t interfere with the more interesting plot involving Claire & Jamie. Gabaldon builds interest like few authors I’ve read. She pulls you in mostly through Claire’s first person account and dialogue. Of the eight books, Echo in the Bone (#7) was my least favorite, mostly due to the fact that Claire & Jamie were relegated to supporting roles in the story. Thankfully, Gabaldon reversed course and brought Claire & Jamie back to the front and center of the tale in Written In My Own Heart’s Blood. At the start, Claire believes Jamie to be dead. The reader knows otherwise, but that fact doesn’t slow the suspense of what she knows will be coming next – a thrilling journey into the American Revolution. I didn’t even mind when pages were devoted to Lord John Gray and Jamie’s son, William. What was annoying was the Brianna & Roger saga. It seemed the book at times was being pulled in too many directions – Brianna in the twentieth century, fighting off a would-be kidnapper and rapist (leaving one to wonder…”Again?!”) & Roger, who willingly goes back in time in search of their son whom he believes was kidnapped and dragged through the stones. Roger’s plot is somewhat more interesting as he’s propelled back to the time before Jamie & Claire meet, but I couldn’t escape the feeling that Gabaldon’s choice to do this was more distracting than entertaining in nature. This would have been interesting if I hadn’t been frustrated with being torn away from the eighteenth century action already occurring, with Jamie & Claire story preparing to participate in the American Revolution. I couldn’t help wanting to rush through those pages just so I could get back to what I felt was THE interesting story. I read each of Gabaldon’s tomes back to back, making it seem to me like one big novel. This didn’t hurt, but doing so made me realize that Gabaldon still has some loose ends she has yet to tie-up (some of which are untied from earlier books in the series. One of the bigger ones for me is the question of Tom Christie’s character. He was enticingly brought back into the fold to disappear as quickly as he re-appeared). I’m recommending the Outlander series to all my friends, or at least anyone who enjoys a great, rollicking read into the past. This series has history, adventure, and romance, with a bit of fantasy all wrapped-up into each book. While each could certainly be read on its own, the series is best when the novels are read in sequence (otherwise, the reader may be confused by certain characters or circumstances). If you’re the type of reader prone to like historical romance with a strong, likeable female lead character, then Outlander is for you. Don’t shy away from the romance part of the series. These are not your fluff, Harlequin variety of books. The story is much deeper than that, and more compelling by their nature. You’ll actually learn something from these books and not mind while you’re in the process of gaining that education. Now that I’ve read all 8 books, in order from most liked to least, here is my rating (with two books tied for 3rd): 1. Outlander (#1) 2. Voyager (#3) 3. TIE -- A Breath of Snow & Ashes (#6) -- Written in My Own Heart’s Blood (#8) 4. Dragonfly in Amber (#2) 5. Drums of Autumn (#4) 6. The Fiery Cross (#5) 7. An Echo In The Bone (#7) ["

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November 3, 2014 Verified Purchase

PhDBlonde

Wonderful read as always, I missed Jamie and Claire

"I don't understand what all the stramash is about on this book. It was well executed, and more importantly, I didn't have to re-read the entire series just to jog my memory. Ms. Gabldon did a nice job of reaching back into previous scenes to weave them into the current plot. For those who insist that the book is too long, I don't understand that statement when all of the large books, with the exception of the original Outlander, are in the 800-900 page range. I'd venture to say that with the 'all you can eat' plan of Kindle Unlimited, that many readers have been conditioned to fiction that intends to generate short books and more revenue--all of which are in the 300 page range. In fact, this book was a bargain at $11-12 on Kindle, just because it is about $4.00 / 300 pages. Unlike self-publishing authors, and those who are cranking out books every three months, there were no typographical errors in this, that I could see--at least in English. For those who quibble about archaic spelling, a dictionary is somewhat helpful. Interestingly, before reading this book, I read the reviews. Someone complained about the letter in the desk--it was a complaint along the lines of being too supernatural. Er...well, let's see. It's a time travel series, so we are already suspending reality. While the device of the letter showing up for Bree might be a bit clunky, it still worked. After all, we'd hate to lose Roger. I could not believe, nor suspend belief, that anyone would complain about the level of detail. Ms. Gabaldon explains in the "Outlandish Companion" that she dives into the deep level of detail to help put the reader right into the action. While she could write that Tench Bledsoe's amputation was grisly and gory, the level of detail is enough at least to provide some idea of the difficulty of the procedure. I for one am grateful for modern facilities. Further, if you've been to Philly, you don't need a description of Elfreth's Alley, it still stands, and Chestnut, and Locust Streets remain reasonably in tact. The Customs house still stands on Second Street. Things like this, according to the Companion, need not be detailed so much as many of use will have at least seen photos, if not visited the area. As to the length of the series, I understand those concerns. The series began with Outlander in 1991, according to my first edition book plate; that's 24 years. Ms. Gabaldon, clearly states that she doesn't adhere to some of the historical time lines as much as some would like. In fact, from the time that Jamie and Claire where in Paris to the current state of the Revolution, apparently 34 years have past. I am advocating for literary license on this one. I too wonder when Jamie and Claire will sail off into the sunset happily ever after, but in MYOHB, they have done just that. No, we don't know what happened to Bree and Roger and their kids when they left Brian Fraser behind, but they are reunited with family. Everyone has gone home to the Ridge and the Grey's are somewhat close. The Revolutionary War will be completed in 2-3 years. Everyone is rebuilding and reconnecting. I could leave the story here, but I'd rather see one more installation. Regarding the time between books, well, I imagine that slogging through all the history and getting some of the detail correct (people do complain) takes up some time. Moreover, when I do research, it's easy to get caught up in smaller trivia along the way, and that may be more interesting than the original material we go in search of. I'm glad that Ms. Gabaldon has not lowered her standards to cranking out books every three months. She clearly states that she research for four years (and most likely has a life in there too) and then that would mean the final drafts, proofs, and edits would take about a year. Lucky her, I have to do my own editing. I find this book well-written, witty, and very entertaining and very moving. If you've not looked into the abyss and realized how much of your life does not count in the great scheme of things, Ms. Gabaldon captured that very well. There were some parts where I wish there had been MORE detail, but I realize that after all, even for Ms. Gabaldon, there must be a page limit! In the end, I'll finish on this. I'm glad that Claire, who is in her 70s now and Jamie who would be 60-ish, are still have a good go between the sheets. ["

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August 3, 2014 Verified Purchase