Vika's Historical Fiction Review: An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon

An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon (Outlander #7)

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Synopsis from Goodreads
The Seventh Outlander novel from #1 National Bestselling author Diana Gabaldon.

Jamie Fraser, erstwhile Jacobite and reluctant rebel, knows three things about the American rebellion: the Americans will win, unlikely as that seems in 1778; being on the winning side is no guarantee of survival; and he’d rather die than face his illegitimate son — a young lieutenant in the British Army — across the barrel of a gun. Fraser’s time-travelling wife, Claire, also knows a couple of things: that the Americans will win, but that the ultimate price of victory is a mystery. What she does believe is that the price won’t include Jamie’s life or happiness — not if she has anything to say.

Claire’s grown daughter Brianna, and her husband, Roger, watch the unfolding of Brianna’s parents’ history — a past that may be sneaking up behind their own family.
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8.5/10

***

What can I say? Another epic installment draws to a close and there is still no end in sight. Outlander is one of those series that can go on forever. These books are an emotional rollercoaster ride. They are epic and adventurous, romantic and overly dramatic, suspenseful, with a touch of magic and historically embedded. They might be full of contradictions, convenient coincidences, and plagued with continuity issues, yet I can’t stop reading them. I love them and hate them at the same time, and I can’t wait to read more…



Indeed, Diana Gabaldon is a gifted writer and has masterfully crafted these novels, along with one of the most devoted fan bases, who love and support all things Outlander. Am I one of them? Perhaps not, but I am a fan nonetheless, even if a reluctant one. I’ve gotten on an Outlander bandwagon about a year ago (finally!) and haven’t been able to look back since! I’ve listened to 7 unabridged novels (mostly back-to-back), narrated by the talented Davina Porter, whom I initially assessed as not fitting my perception of Claire, and who’s since become the indistinguishable voice of some of my favorite characters. So if you ever need an epic audiobook suggestion, look no further.

Outlander novels are definitely worth the attention (or at least a curious perusal), but they are not for everyone. So, if you’ve stuck around thus far (we are on book 7 after all), you are a fan, you’ve made the commitment. And I’ll spare you the every detail of the book if you haven’t read it, but trust me that there are plenty of new adventures, new and old characters, incredible and unexpected turns of events, love, passion, romance, war, and more.

Claire, Jamie, and young Ian continue on as American Revolution gains momentum, Lord John and William are a big presence, newcomers Denny and Rachael Hunter add and interesting dynamic, while Brianna and Roger are trying to rebuild their lives back in the 20th century, except that past is never too far away, (as well as your relatives apparently. In fact, I was thinking that Outlander can be a perfect example of the six degrees of separation theory, Jamie Fraser edition, if you will. Cause bloody everyone is related to each other, continents and centuries notwithstanding, but I digress).

At the end, I couldn’t help but find myself engrossed with this story, my curiosity replenished and me, once again, eagerly awaiting the next installment. So, if you’ve never read this series, do start at the beginning, and if you’ve stuck around this long…

“Fuirich agus chi thu.”
“What?” He stared at me.
“Gaelic,” I said, with a small, deep twinge. “It means ‘Wait and see.’”

***

Что можно сказать? Еще один замечательный роман в эпическом цикле Странники (Книга 7) от талантливой Дианы Гэбэлдон закончился, но конца все еще не видно, и клубок историй запутывается все больше и больше. Я честно не могу не восхититься талантом писательницы, которая на протяжение уже более 20 лет дарит нам такие замечательные, исторически насыщенные, эпические романы. Сама, я начала читать эту серию в начале прошлого года, и вот недавно закончила 7-мой роман, и теперь с нетерпением жду следующего выпуска.

Эти книги - аттракцион эмоций; тут и эпос, и приключения, романтика и драма, легкий оттенок магии и фантастики, и конечно же богатая и насыщенная история. Но и не без грехов конечно: удобные совпадения, противоречия, и нестыковки случаются и тут. Все равно, бросить читать не возможно. Этот мир захватывает, и я вновь и вновь тянусь за новой книгой.

Я - поклонница Странников, и всегда рада рекомендовать эту серию, но, признаюсь, что она не всем придется по вкусу. Так что, если вы тоже достигли этой точки фанатства, ну или хотя бы осилили первую пару книг, спешу вас уверить, что захватывающие приключения, новые и старые персонажи, невероятные и неожиданные повороты событий всё ещё ждут вас впереди! А также любовь, страсть, романтика, война, и многое другое.

Читайте, рекомендую!