957. "Written in my Own Heart’s Blood" by Diana Gabaldon – 5 Stars

Written in my Own Heart’s Blood  by Diana Gabaldon – 5 Stars

Publisher: Delacorte Press

ISBN: 9780440246442

Book 8 in the Outlander Series: A short 813 pages to this one and every page enjoyable. We again got to follow both Jamie & Claire’s family in their time, but we also now have the Roger and Bree family with their time travel adventures. Plus, it doesn’t stop there with more ancestors joining the travelers. Let it suffice to say Jem disappears and suspected to have gone through the Stones. But did he? Roger thought so, so without hesitation jumped time to find him along with an interesting and related kinsman – remember Buck who turned him over to the British to hang? Roger and Bree had collected more details about time travel, but Roger had to make his departure from the present day to seek Jem. So, not everything goes as planned, but he does run into many known relatives back in the 1730’s, Buck’s time. Meanwhile Bree begins studying time travel scientifically though the various Stones’ locations and flips with family to now find Roger. Phew! You’ll have to read to determine the details and outcomes. Let me just say the ending of the book will get you wondering how much they learned when Jamie and Claire hear a “Hallo the House.”

As far as Jamie and Claire, along with Lord John’s relatives and William, the Revolution progresses from Valley Forge and battles around Philadelphia. Of course, Jamie can’t stay out of it and is made a General by Washington. Many new and real individuals become characters in the Fraser’s lives.

We now have on the British side Lord John, William, John’s brother and his uncle who all have key action in this novel. There are some difficult situations between them and the others Rebel families while they have to work together to avoid arrest and capture, requiring joint rescues on both sides of the factions. Never a dull moment. William also lets his personal side avail and makes some interesting decisions and takes some risky actions.

My new favorite character Ian is in love. We met Rachael, the Quaker, previously. Shall we add another family to follow? Fergus’s family and Jenny also contribute a lot to the narrative and action.

I probably said enough. You really want to continue onto this Book 8 and then, along with me, await Book 9. I’m amazed that Ms. Galbadon could devise such a masterpiece and then present it in eight large novels to date and in such an excellent manner. Thanks.

Reviewer: Rich