Diana Gabaldon has absolutely done it again. I have now read the entire series two times and loved it even more the second time around. The characters are briliantly written and the story is breathtaking. Throughout the series, I have laughed, cried, screamed, thown the book at the wall, mourned and dreamed about the story. Yes, this book leaves you on several cliffhangers, and I personally cannot wait for book No. 8 in order to find out what happens to all my favorite characters.

This is the seventh book in the Outlander series, consisting of historical adventure laced with romance and time travel, one which I had eagerly awaited and was not disappointed as the stories within unfolded. Each time I pick up any book of the series it is like seeing old friends after a long absence to catch up on past news.

There were several secondary characters to make their reappearance: Lord John Grey (whom I particularly enjoy reading about despite his predilections); Ian Murray (Jamie's nephew) and his wolf-dog, Rollo; Fergus Fraser (Jamie's adopted son from France); William Ellesmere (Ransom) (Jamie's illegitimate son and stepson of Lord John Grey); Harold Grey (Lord John's brother); Archie Bug; Jem and Mandy MacKenzie (children of Brianna and Roger MacKenzie); Jenny Fraser Murray (Jamie's sister) and her husband Ian Murray; Laoghaire Fraser and her daughters (Jamie's ex-wife-complicated with a history); and William Buccleigh MacKenzie.

Several new delightful characters were introduced: Denzell Hunter, a physician, and his sister, Rachel, Quakers; Henry Grey (Harold Grey's son); and not so delightful, Robert Cameron,

Historical figures Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea), Benedict Arnold, Benjamin Franklin,and Major John André made brief appearances.

Jamie Fraser, Jacobite, laird and 18th century Scotsman, has decided his participation in the American rebellion for independence is best suited with his printing press, and with Claire returns to Scotland to get it. Their journey is fraught with pirates, privateers, sidelined to assist the American rebels at Fort Ticonderaga before continuing across the Atlantic to Edinburgh.

There are love triangles, battle scenes, vengeance, comeuppance, reconciliation, deceptions, surgical procedures, visits to Quebec City, secrets, conspiracies, confessions, betrayal, greed, and surprise marriages between unlikely partners. The thoroughly researched historical medical descriptions and in-depth look into the early days of the Colonies with their desire for independence from British rule have kept me well entertained.

Ms Gabaldon has provided several cliffhangers plus a particularly excellent twist at the end to keep readers anxiously awaiting the next in the series.

There are multiple POVs meshed in with the numerous subplots, but were relatively easy to keep up with. This is a book that could be read on its own as hints from the past are included as explanations throughout. Many of the preceding books are not true stand alone books. I had begun with the third book, Voyageur, on the recommendation from a friend to read the passages about sailing, and once I was finished it I went out and bought the first book. I haven't looked back since.

all her books in this series is fantastic

I am a big fan of the outlander series so you can imagine how excited I was when I picked up An echo in the bone. I couldn't wait to buy it and start reading it and I tell you this book took me FOREVER to finish.

I don't know what it was with this book that I didn't like; it was just too long with too many details . I only started getting into it after 200 pages in. It took forever for the action to start.

But because I am a fan of the series I was patient of course since I have invested interest in the characters and the story and I did enjoy it but not as much as I did with the other 6 books.

I even saw a woman on the train who approached me while I was reading the book and said: " I love the series I read all six books but I am having a hard time getting into this one so I put it aside and started reading something else" I told her that it did take me a while to get into it.

Also the ending I felt it was left with too many loose ends, I understand that Diana wants to write the 8th book but come on, at least tie some of those loose ends!

All in all I think loyal fans will read it because you have to have read the previous six books to enjoy this one.