An Echo in the Bone: Discuss Part Seven here

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Part Seven:  Reap the Whirlwind

85.  Son of a witch

86.  Valley Forge

87.  Severance and reunion

88.  Rather messy

89.  Ink-stained wretch

90.  Armed with diamonds and with steel

91.  Footsteps

92.  Independence Day II

93.  A series of short, sharp shocks

94.  The paths of death

95.  Numbness

96.  Firefly

97.  Nexus

98.  Mischianza

99.  A butterfly in a butcher's yard

100.  Lady in waiting

101.  Redivivus

102.  Bred in the bone

103.  The hour of the wolf

[Kristus412]

All I can say is WOW I just finished the book this  morning and be prepared for several cliff hangers. 

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

All I can say is WOW I just finished the book this  morning and be prepared for several cliff hangers. 

I'm just about to start Part 7.  Some of it could do without, but for most of it ... I'll just say I never knew I could hold my breath that long. 

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

I just finished the book.  I am absolutely reeling.  OMG.  Jem, Roger, Jenny, Willie, Fergus ... talk about cliffhangers, Kristus.  I can't wait another four years for the next one.  Just reading this one, I think I've developed a serious heart condition.

I'll post my thoughts on Parts 6 and 7 later on tonight.  

[Kristus412]

I just finished the book.  I am absolutely reeling.  OMG.  Jem, Roger, Jenny, Willie, Fergus ... talk about cliffhangers, Kristus.  I can't wait another four years for the next one.  Just reading this one, I think I've developed a serious heart condition.

I'll post my thoughts on Parts 6 and 7 later on tonight.  

The next few years are going to be long! Still looking forward to the graphic novel of Outlander she has in the works. The more I think about the cliff hangers the more I think Diana must be getting a kick out of every ones reactions of course I'm sure she at least has an idea of where everything is going. But she writes so well it's hard to speculate what she is thinking.

 

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

The next few years are going to be long! Still looking forward to the graphic novel of Outlander she has in the works. The more I think about the cliff hangers the more I think Diana must be getting a kick out of every ones reactions of course I'm sure she at least has an idea of where everything is going. But she writes so well it's hard to speculate what she is thinking.

After reading Part 7, I know I have more questions than answers.  The graphic novel will be nice, but I want her to work on the last book.  Maybe she'll take pity on us and complete it in two years. 

My thoughts on the last Part follow.

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Obviously, Roger doesn’t trust Buck, and with good reason.  How much of a villain is he going to be?  Time will tell.  Buck probably near fainted when he recognized Roger in the street.

Given the level of superstition in the Highlands, it’s not surprising that Buck thinks Roger is a powerful supernatural being, or that Jenny thinks Claire is one. 

So, Buck noticed that Rob has a thing for Bree.  And of course, she’s not going to tell Roger.  Sheesh.  When will she learn, that Roger is a part of her life?

She also needs to learn that the truth does not always set you free.  Heaven only knows what Buck would do with the info that he’s the son of Dougal MacKenzie.

And what about William?  I know under English common law, he is the legal child of his mother’s husband as long as they were married when he was born.  That’s also true in the U.S.  But could he in all honor live with it?  I don’t think so.  His father, Jamie, is all about honor.  He was raised by John Gray who also has a strong sense of honor.  My answer is no, he couldn’t.  But he’s got to find out.  Too many people have noticed the resemblance and there have been too many close calls.

OMG, Rob Cameron took Jemmy through the stones.  I think my heart stopped when I read that.  I thought that they would send Buck through to find Jemmy since he was going anyway.  But then what?  This is killing me.

Back to Philadelphia where William is finding Denny and Rachel to operate on Henry.  Rachel greeted him a bit too warmly, I thought.  But William has got to know that something is up or Ian wouldn’t have left Rollo with Rachel.  Then the two of them are holding hands through Henry’s surgery.  What to think.  But Denny didn’t get the second ball and Claire is on her way back.  You can bet she’ll be the one to save Henry’s life. 

Rachel knows Ian will come back for Rollo.  Surely she knows he will come back for her.

HAH!!!  Dottie and Denny.  I knew it.  I think Dottie is strong enough to become a Quaker for Denny and stick to it.  They hold a meeting and Rachel asked about Ian.  I don’t think she realized that Rollo coming to her to be petted at that moment was her answer.  But I don’t think Ian can do what Dottie did. 

I’m so glad that Claire was in time to take care of Henri-Christian.  Of course, we knew she was going to run into John. 

So funny that John’s cook’s name is Mrs. Figg.  Makes me think of Arabella Figg from Harry Potter.

Uh, oh, William runs into Arch Bug again.  Don’t you think Ian should have warned Rachel about him?  He did tell her if she loved him, she might die, but didn’t explain it at all.

So, Jenny did go with Jamie.  Wise of him not to propose Jenny lives with him and Claire.  But why Fergus and Marsali?  Marsali isn’t going to want to share her kitchen with Jenny, either.  But she does need the help and if anyone can sort out Germain and the girls, it’s Jenny.

OMG, Rob Cameron is after the gold.  Does he realize that it’s in America?  And they think he might have known Gellie?  Roger is going back with Buck.  My heart is in my throat.

I wish Bree had finished reading Frank’s letter so we would know what he was trying to tell her, but then ... Rob Cameron arrives.  So, he didn’t take Jem back, yet.  And he needs Bree to convince Jem to tell him about the Spaniard.  This is really scary.  And, of course, DG ends the scene right there.  Very upsetting.

It’s fun to see Jenny so excited at speaking French and buying something all on her own.  But the Euterpe leaves without them.  You know there are going to be consequences from that. 

Then John tells Claire the Euterpe is lost with all hands.  We know that Jenny and Jamie aren’t on the ship, but John and Claire don’t know that.  How upsetting. 

We still don’t know what is up with Richardson, but he is after Claire for spying.  John’s only solution is to marry her immediately, for Jamie’s sake.  Big shock.  And even bigger shock, she agrees.  Not for herself, but to protect Marsali and the children.  How ironic is this?

Crying here as William is standing up with Claire and John and it’s as if Jamie is there with them.  Claire is in such despair, it’s breaking my heart, and when she wants to kill herself, I know she can’t.  But I was afraid that she would go back to the future before Jamie could find her. 

Huge, huge shock when Claire and John sleep together, both seeking Jamie in their grief.  I was both appalled and heart-broken.  Will Jamie kill John when he comes back and finds out that they are married?  And worse, that they slept together?  What will he do to Claire?  I like to think they at least found some comfort in each other.

And still, John will not talk about Isobel.  Some mystery there.

I don’t remember that Bree told John about them being time-travelers.  She hinted that they were going very far away and wouldn’t be back, but I didn’t think she told him where they were going.

Back to Jem.  Sounds like Cameron couldn’t go through the rocks.  If he can’t, what does he think he’s going to do?  Perhaps force Jem to tell Bree where the gold is, and then hold him captive until Bree goes through the stones and brings him back the gold. 

But then Jem finds the train and gets on it and pushes it to go faster.  He doesn’t know that the train crosses a time portal.  Will he get thrown back through the portal?  Will he land in the same time as Roger and Buck?  Will he find his way to Lallybroch?  He’s only ... what ... eight years old? 

Had to know that Rollo was following Ian’s scent, but then Arch Bug shows up.  I thought for sure William and the soldiers would catch him, but that old man also seems to have nine lives.  At least now Rachel knows the danger.

I’m sure we’ll see Lt. Col. Tarleton again.  He’s known as “Butcher” Tarleton, for his atrocities against American prisoners.  I’m sure we’ll also meet John Andre and Benedict Arnold again.

It’s amazing how considerate John is of Claire, treating her in every way as a wife.  He even brought her a medical kit, not to mention diamonds and dresses. 

But Arch Bug catches up with Rachel at the print shop.  Ian was headed for the print shop, too, so it didn’t surprise me when he showed up in the nick of time, and Rollo went for Arch.  It did surprise me when he didn’t draw his knife because Rachel didn’t want him to kill Arch.  Thank goodness for the cavalry in the form of William.  Of course, DG didn’t say explicitly that William shot Arch dead, but it certainly seems as if he did.  And Ian will never get any peace unless he saw Arch’s dead body.

I couldn’t believe that Jamie just walked in on Claire and John like that.  No adventures along the way?  It’s a miracle they both didn’t faint from the shock.  Of course, soldiers are hot on Jamie’s heels, including the ninth earl of Ellesmere. 

What a way for William to find out about Jamie.  Facing the inevitable, Jamie tells William that he was the groom, Alex MacKenzie.  I guess it was better than stating the bald truth.  “Luke, I am your father.”  Wait ... wrong drama.  I think this was worse than Bree finding out Jamie was her father.  Bree threw a poker through a window.  William threw a piece of wood.  A Fraser in a temper is a terrible thing. 

He saved Jamie and John so they wouldn’t tell who he was, but at least he saved them. 

John is still confused about Randall-Isaacs and Richardson.  He’s worried about Henry and Mrs. Woodcock and Dottie and Denny.  But over all that, he has to tell Jamie about him and Claire.  Does Jamie know that they thought him dead?  Does he know that they are married?  Turnabout’s fair play, I guess.  He married Laheer thinking Claire was dead, and she came back.  Claire married John thinking Jamie was dead, and then Jamie came back.

And Claire is left to explain everything to William. 

Did Jenny see the resemblance between William and Jamie when she said like father, like son?  Or did Jamie tell her about William on the way to America?

With the British Army leaving Philadelphia, I’m guessing Claire is safe from arrest.  I am worried about Fergus talking with Randall-Isaacs. 

I really loved what Rachel said to Ian about him being her wolf.  “And if thee hunts at night, thee will come home.” “And sleep at thy feet.” <sniffle>  What a great way to end the book.

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Overall, I give this book an A-.  Two reasons for that.  I don't think DG will ever write anything as great as the original Outlander.  Secondly, too much Lord John in his spy persona. 

I also felt the end was a bit rushed.  There could have been more about Jamie's return.  She left a lot dangling that didn't need to dangle.  There were enough loose ends without Leaving Jamie and John staring at each other. 

As usual, DG goes into a lot of detail that she doesn't need to, such as several pages about the surgery to amputate Jamie's finger. 

Even with those few complaints, I think it's the best thing she's written since the first book.  So much going on.  So much to look forward to. 

[Anju No. 469]

I finally finished this - I am really really upset - I thought this was supposed to be the LAST book!  DG is going to keep us in suspense for ever and 4 years is a long time to wait!  ARGHHHHHHH

I agree with some of the unnecessary detail, as in the finger surgery.  I also don't remember Bree telling John about them being time travelers.  I am afraid Jem will be taken through the portal in the tunnel, it may not be as bad since it is underground, also he does not have any gems, I doubt if the other end of the tunnel is open for him to climb through so that will be his only out.  He is close enough to Lollybroch that he might end up there, quien sabe.  I don't think Cameron has any idea of what he is dealing with regarding Bree and the time travel.

After having read John Adams and 1776 I did enjoy the research that DG did regarding the Revolution and am gaining a new appreciation for all the history I hated when in school.  I think she is trying to be fairly accurate.

But Claire does tend to get into some of the damnedest situations, and loses so many things, skirt with gold in the hem, all of her surgery tools (but the knife and scissors do show back up).

I think Jamie will understand Claire and John's marriage since he was supposed to have died on the voyage over.  I also think Marsali will welcome Jenny as being a kinswoman and someone to help with the stress she is under, but will Jenny handle the Revolution and battles as well?

Enough!  I have to go read DC #4 now to help calm myself down    So glad someone else has finished this book as well.

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

I finally finished this - I am really really upset - I thought this was supposed to be the LAST book!  DG is going to keep us in suspense for ever and 4 years is a long time to wait!  ARGHHHHHHH

I knew it wasn't the last.  I think she said the series is going to 1788, which is when the Constitution was ratified.

I agree with some of the unnecessary detail, as in the finger surgery.  I also don't remember Bree telling John about them being time travelers.  I am afraid Jem will be taken through the portal in the tunnel, it may not be as bad since it is underground, also he does not have any gems, I doubt if the other end of the tunnel is open for him to climb through so that will be his only out.  He is close enough to Lollybroch that he might end up there, quien sabe.  I don't think Cameron has any idea of what he is dealing with regarding Bree and the time travel.

Remember what Bree said when she first sensed the portal in the tunnel?  200 years ago, that tunnel wasn't there, and she might have rematerialized inside solid rock.  I really don't think DG will kill of Jem, but the whole situation still has me worried. 

Roger is already in the past.  He might just get there while Jamie is still at Lallybroch.  If Rob threatens Bree with harming Jem (not knowing Jem has escaped), Bree may end up back there, too.  It's possible that all the MacKenzies except for Mandy (Fiona will take care of her, I'm sure) will end up back in the 18th Century.

But Claire does tend to get into some of the damnedest situations, and loses so many things, skirt with gold in the hem, all of her surgery tools (but the knife and scissors do show back up).

Oh, yes.  She's about 61 years old and she leaps from one ship to another, saws through a line, which had to be pretty thick, and then gets into a fight with three sailors, holding them off with her knife. 

I think Jamie will understand Claire and John's marriage since he was supposed to have died on the voyage over.  I also think Marsali will welcome Jenny as being a kinswoman and someone to help with the stress she is under, but will Jenny handle the Revolution and battles as well?

He might understand their marriage, but I don't think he'll understand them sleeping together.  It was an eeeuuuwwww moment for me, but then I could understand their desperation and their grief.  They are two of the people closest to Jamie, and Claire did try to build a personal bridge between them the next morning. 

Enough!  I have to go read DC #4 now to help calm myself down    So glad someone else has finished this book as well.

I know how you feel.  I couldn't sleep the night I finished and then couldn't settle down to decide on something to read for about a day. 

[Shandril19]

Random thoughts:

Re: Lord John and Claire - Somehow I think Jamie will understand.  He may not be thrilled about it, but he'll understand. 

Loved the ending for Rachel and Ian.  Just beautiful.

Loved Bree wanting Frank and finding the letter.   I was actually starting to feel a little bad for him, as it's been quite a while since there was anything but Jamie love.  And while I too adored Fergus' comment about already being the son of a great man and Roger's comment that you don't forget having a dad while remembering Bree's, Frank was certainly a good father.  I look forward to hearing more about what he learned would happen to Bree.

[tlshaw *Padded Cell 511*]

We have to wait how long for the final book!!!!!!!

Anyway, I am glad Jenny if going to America with Jamie. She will be a great help for Marsali, since Fergus will still have to be careful for a while longer.

I wanted to scream at Claire not to marry Lord John, I knew Jamie was still alive! But, I was so impressed the Lord John insisted on marrying Claire to protect her and the children. I did not expect John to sleep with her. Jamie's reaction was so unexpected. When John confesses, Jamie just tilted his head and asked "Why?" I wonder how he will react when he has time to actually think about it.

William has really grown up in this last section, going after Denzell and protecting Rachel from Arch Bug. I am hoping for Ian's peace of mind that Arch really is dead. Rachel's prayer seems to have been answered, Ian did not kill Arch. Rachel's statement to Ian about him being her wolf and that he would come home to her was so sweet. Another Jamie and Claire?

Back in Scotland, Jem is turning out to be so resourceful, I just hope he doesn't go through the stones on the train. I knew Rob was up to no good. How will Roger and Bree and children get back together? Too many loose ends.

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Loved the ending for Rachel and Ian.  Just beautiful.

One of the best parts of the book. 

We have to wait how long for the final book!!!!!!!

Did you see how many other things she's working on?  I'd rather wait for the book on Brian and Ellen.  She needs to finish this series in the next two years.  Some of us worry we might not be around for the end. 

Anyway, I am glad Jenny if going to America with Jamie. She will be a great help for Marsali, since Fergus will still have to be careful for a while longer.

I wish I could remember just what Jenny said when she walked into John's house after William trashed it.  It was a good way to defuse the emotions. 

I wanted to scream at Claire not to marry Lord John, I knew Jamie was still alive! But, I was so impressed the Lord John insisted on marrying Claire to protect her and the children. I did not expect John to sleep with her. Jamie's reaction was so unexpected. When John confesses, Jamie just tilted his head and asked "Why?" I wonder how he will react when he has time to actually think about it.

I was very impressed with John.  He not only married Claire, but he treated her with every respect as his wife. 

The night he and Claire slept together was so compelling.  He said he could not go through another night mourning Jamie alone.  It wasn't sex.  It was solace for them both.  Of course when we got to the second incident, I was eeeeuuuuwww.  However, they did have to come to some kind of arrangement between them because they were married and had to live together.  As far as they knew, it might be for another 20 years.

William has really grown up in this last section, going after Denzell and protecting Rachel from Arch Bug. I am hoping for Ian's peace of mind that Arch really is dead. Rachel's prayer seems to have been answered, Ian did not kill Arch.

That really irritated me.  I had to go back and read it again, hoping that DG would come right out and say that Arch's brains were scattered all over the floor.  Of course she didn't.  Is he dead or is this another cliffhanger?

Rachel's statement to Ian about him being her wolf and that he would come home to her was so sweet. Another Jamie and Claire?

Rachel really understands Ian, and I think she's a match for him.  I wish more time had been devoted to the evolution of their feelings for each other.  When he fell for Emily, it was a thunderbolt ... first love.  This is a more mature love, although no less intense than his love for Emily.  There should have been a few more hints along the way. 

Back in Scotland, Jem is turning out to be so resourceful, I just hope he doesn't go through the stones on the train. I knew Rob was up to no good. How will Roger and Bree and children get back together? Too many loose ends.

Rob just gave me a queasy feeling right from the first.  As for the rest, especially with Jem, I'm trying not to think about it. 

Anybody get bummed out at the vision of Claire with gray hair, glasses, wearing a cap?

[tlshaw *Padded Cell 511*]

I have been thinking, especially, in this book, how much Ian is like Jamie. Denzell made the observation to Rachel that Ian was a bloody man. Rachel knew this, but still loved him, I think she will be his anchor. When Claire found Jamie in Edinburgh, he told her he was a violent man. Both killed when necessary, but it wasn't easy for them and they felt guilty. But both of them also had a woman to love them for who they were.

When Jenny walked in John's house, she said, "Like father, like son... heaven help us." Or something to that effect. I wonder how much she heard and saw.

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

I have been thinking, especially, in this book, how much Ian is like Jamie. Denzell made the observation to Rachel that Ian was a bloody man. Rachel knew this, but still loved him, I think she will be his anchor. When Claire found Jamie in Edinburgh, he told her he was a violent man. Both killed when necessary, but it wasn't easy for them and they felt guilty. But both of them also had a woman to love them for who they were.

Okay, now you made me cry.  How difficult it has to be for both women to love their men. 

Claire was used to war and violence, so in that respect, she could accept Jamie's violent side.  But she did give up an awful lot to be with him. 

Rachel is a Quaker, and even though she will avoid violence whenever possible (praying for Ian not to kill Arch), she can no longer be a Quaker.  She'll never be accepted by another meeting.  You know how difficult it was for her to adjust when she and Denny were ejected from meeting before.  I think being in the middle of a war has helped her to accept Ian for who he is. 

When Jenny walked in John's house, she said, "Like father, like son... heaven help us." Or something to that effect. I wonder how much she heard and saw.

Thanks for that.  I did get a chuckle out of Jenny's observation.   

[tlshaw *Padded Cell 511*]

I was impressed how well Lord John adapted to having a wife. He treated Claire with such respect and care. He bought her clothes and a wonderful set of medical tools. He even apologized to taking her to the ball filled with English soldiers and Tories. I don't think he did all of it just out of his love for Jamie, I think he did it because he truly cared about Claire. William also seemed to accept her easily, calling her "Mother Claire".

Poor Claire is left to talk to William about his fathers, but she is probably to best one to do so. She knows Jamie better than anyone else, so she will be able to read William, and hopefully help him to see why Jamie and John handled things as they did.

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

I was impressed how well Lord John adapted to having a wife. He treated Claire with such respect and care. He bought her clothes and a wonderful set of medical tools. He even apologized to taking her to the ball filled with English soldiers and Tories. I don't think he did all of it just out of his love for Jamie, I think he did it because he truly cared about Claire. William also seemed to accept her easily, calling her "Mother Claire".

Yes, I think his jealousy of Claire kept him from expressing the respect he really felt for her.  Now that Jamie is "gone" he can establish a relationship based on that respect, and probably affection. 

Poor Claire is left to talk to William about his fathers, but she is probably to best one to do so. She knows Jamie better than anyone else, so she will be able to read William, and hopefully help him to see why Jamie and John handled things as they did.

No matter who talked to William, he was going to react badly.  He's no longer who he thought he was, and that's got to be hard for a 20 year old to take.  Yes, Claire was probably the best one to talk to him.  He wasn't ready to listen to anything Jamie or John said to him, because they are the two (especially John) who deceived him into living a lie.

[PraiseGod13]

Gertie warned me.... Gertie told me to hold onto my hat for Part 7.... was I prepared for it then.... no way!!  I think DG was filling the first 6 parts with "accessory stories"..... that were almost boring  and mind-numbing at times.... and then WHAMMO!!  Part 7 about takes our heads off!!  Jem is held captive in the tunnel with the time portal.... NOOOOOO!!!  My first thought was that he doesn't have any kind of gemstone with him to get him safely through.  He's so sensitive to the humming of the stones though, so maybe he'll "sense" the portal like Bree did and be able to avoid it.  We also need Mandy to use her "powers" (whatever they're meant to be) and tell Bree where Jem is being held.  I thought that if Rob Cameron turned out to be yet another time traveler I might have to scream.  We already have quite a large number..... they can't be that plentiful, can they??
     Okay.... all of you know how much I do NOT like LJ.  I don't care how much grief I was in..... how much "adult beverage" I had consumed.... and especially after being with Jamie.... the first sexual encounter with LJ would not have happened.... and, yes, eeuuwweeuuww..... the second encounter would definitely have not happened.  I don't care if I was facing being married to the man for the next 30 years.... we know some of the men he's "been with" in the past.... icky-icky-icky!!  I'd be kind to the man for saving me from arrest.... but I'd show my gratitude by darning his socks and dusting the chandelier.... if William hadn't shattered it while throwing a "Fraser fit".  John's other lovers could take care of his physical needs..... Knowing that he really isn't attracted to women.... curious maybe but not attracted.....as a woman I'd feel like he was just using me as a substitute for the man he can't have.... not happenin'.....
     Am I the only one who isn't positive Arch Bug is dead??  We've had so many surprises with people who keep popping back up unexpectedly..... it did say that William took aim and fired..... but have we seen the autopsy report?  I don't trust DG not to spring him on us yet again.  Ian survived the axe... Rollo survived another close call..... no one officially told us that Arch is finally dead did they??
     I would have thought that first, LJ would have told Jamie that he had married Claire to keep her from being arrested.... and then he could have told Jamie that they did the ugly deed.  The way it's left now.... Jamie knows they had sex but doesn't know they're married.... which makes for a better cliff-hanger..... but doesn't hardly seem how LJ would have presented the information in hopes of avoiding Jamie killing him-HA!!  First the good news Jamie.... I married Claire and saved her hide.... the bad news is that I ravished that hide.
     Okay, I finally like William.  He helped cousin Dottie get her man.... and I do think she'll make it as a Quaker if Denzell wants her to.  He isn't causing any problems with Rachel and Ian.  He took care of Arch (I think) so that Ian didn't have to right in front of Rachel with her yelling, "Don't!".  And, I really liked the whole segment about him finding out who his real father is..... and then his talking with Claire about it afterward.  Of course, he was upset.... and he does have that Fraser blood..... but I was really glad that Jamie ended up being the one to tell him.... with LJ there too.  I actually look forward to more about William in the last book.... and I didn't think I'd be saying that until I read this last part.
     I'm still not sure about Jenny living with Fergus and Marsali but I was definitely glad that she wasn't going to be with Jamie and Claire.  One thing I did think was that Fergus undoubtedly considers her his aunt since he considers Jamie his dad.... and Fergus did spend time with Jamie at Lallybroch so he knows Jenny pretty well.  Plus, Marsali might also consider Jenny her aunt because she called Jamie "Da" from when he was married to Laoghaire.  Jenny is used to a houseful of children (and grandchildren) so being around Fergus' children might be a good thing for her..... and Jenny would be a good influence on the children too.... maybe squelch the pickpocketing ambitions in the boys.
     You know, we started this series with a wonderful love story.... and now, in addition, we have another with Ian and Rachel.  It will be interesting to see what kind of relationship develops with Rachel and Jenny now that Ian's mom has arrived upon the scene.  I know Ian loved Emily so much.... but he had to change his entire life to be with her.  He literally had to "wash out his white man's blood in the river".  I really like that with Rachel, he is loved both for the Fraser/Murray that is in him and also the Mohawk that is now in him also.  I was worried that maybe Ian would still be considered to be married to Emily and he might have to go through something so he's free to marry Rachel.  But, Emily has married someone else.... so evidently that "marriage" is dissolved.  Phew!
     DG needs to focus on this last book for Outlander and then she can move on to her other projects.  I, for one, am "of an age" where time is a consideration.... and I would really hope to live long enough to experience the completion.  Two years would be MUCH better than four...... although four would make the final book release in 2013.... and I am very partial to "13"...... Better yet.... Outlander #8 in 2011..... and the first Master Raymond in 2013!!  Now that sounds excellent!!

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Gertie warned me.... Gertie told me to hold onto my hat for Part 7.... was I prepared for it then.... no way!!  I think DG was filling the first 6 parts with "accessory stories"..... that were almost boring  and mind-numbing at times.... and then WHAMMO!!  Part 7 about takes our heads off!! 

No way I could really prepare you. 

Jem is held captive in the tunnel with the time portal.... NOOOOOO!!!  My first thought was that he doesn't have any kind of gemstone with him to get him safely through.  He's so sensitive to the humming of the stones though, so maybe he'll "sense" the portal like Bree did and be able to avoid it.  We also need Mandy to use her "powers" (whatever they're meant to be) and tell Bree where Jem is being held.  I thought that if Rob Cameron turned out to be yet another time traveler I might have to scream.  We already have quite a large number..... they can't be that plentiful, can they??

Oh, I sure hope you're right and he'll sense the stones in time. 

     Okay.... all of you know how much I do NOT like LJ.  I don't care how much grief I was in..... how much "adult beverage" I had consumed.... and especially after being with Jamie.... the first sexual encounter with LJ would not have happened.... and, yes, eeuuwweeuuww..... the second encounter would definitely have not happened.  I don't care if I was facing being married to the man for the next 30 years.... we know some of the men he's "been with" in the past.... icky-icky-icky!!  I'd be kind to the man for saving me from arrest.... but I'd show my gratitude by darning his socks and dusting the chandelier.... if William hadn't shattered it while throwing a "Fraser fit".  John's other lovers could take care of his physical needs..... Knowing that he really isn't attracted to women.... curious maybe but not attracted.....as a woman I'd feel like he was just using me as a substitute for the man he can't have.... not happenin'.....

I almost slammed the book shut.  What a shocker!!!!

     Am I the only one who isn't positive Arch Bug is dead??  We've had so many surprises with people who keep popping back up unexpectedly..... it did say that William took aim and fired..... but have we seen the autopsy report?  I don't trust DG not to spring him on us yet again.  Ian survived the axe... Rollo survived another close call..... no one officially told us that Arch is finally dead did they??

No, you're not the only one who thinks Arch may not be dead.  I mean, William shot him at practically point blank range, but it was never said where he aimed.  Very unsatisfactory.  I want Claire to say "Yes, he's dead.  Burn 'im."  Then I want Ian to light Arch's funeral pyre with a flaming arrow to Arch's private parts.

     I would have thought that first, LJ would have told Jamie that he had married Claire to keep her from being arrested.... and then he could have told Jamie that they did the ugly deed.  The way it's left now.... Jamie knows they had sex but doesn't know they're married.... which makes for a better cliff-hanger..... but doesn't hardly seem how LJ would have presented the information in hopes of avoiding Jamie killing him-HA!!  First the good news Jamie.... I married Claire and saved her hide.... the bad news is that I ravished that hide.

     

I thought so, too, although LJ was certainly under extreme distress.

     You know, we started this series with a wonderful love story.... and now, in addition, we have another with Ian and Rachel.  It will be interesting to see what kind of relationship develops with Rachel and Jenny now that Ian's mom has arrived upon the scene.  I know Ian loved Emily so much.... but he had to change his entire life to be with her.  He literally had to "wash out his white man's blood in the river".  I really like that with Rachel, he is loved both for the Fraser/Murray that is in him and also the Mohawk that is now in him also.  I was worried that maybe Ian would still be considered to be married to Emily and he might have to go through something so he's free to marry Rachel.  But, Emily has married someone else.... so evidently that "marriage" is dissolved.  Phew!

That's what I wanted to tell you that Teresa said.  What a great ending. 

     DG needs to focus on this last book for Outlander and then she can move on to her other projects.  I, for one, am "of an age" where time is a consideration.... and I would really hope to live long enough to experience the completion.  Two years would be MUCH better than four...... although four would make the final book release in 2013.... and I am very partial to "13"...... Better yet.... Outlander #8 in 2011..... and the first Master Raymond in 2013!!  Now that sounds excellent!!

And I'm older than you, so yes, I like that plan, too. 

When I was reading the Harry Potter series, I was so afraid that I would die before the end, that I made my best friend promise she would sit on my grave and read it to me.  Then I came to my senses and told her she could just play the audio book.   

[PraiseGod13]

Oh, Gertie... you are so wonderful!!  You have me laughing out loud!!  Your idea for Arch Bug's funeral pyre was the very best!!  And I'm sure it could be done "tastefully" in the Mohawk tradition.
     I absolutely loved your idea about enlisting the help of a best friend if we die before the end of the series.  Using the audiobook would give us the good pronunciations too!!  I'm having lunch on Monday with my BFF and we shall have to discuss this!!

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Oh, Gertie... you are so wonderful!!  You have me laughing out loud!!  Your idea for Arch Bug's funeral pyre was the very best!!  And I'm sure it could be done "tastefully" in the Mohawk tradition.

Oh, yes, definitely.  Must be tasteful about torching Ole' Arch where it hurts. 

     I absolutely loved your idea about enlisting the help of a best friend if we die before the end of the series.  Using the audiobook would give us the good pronunciations too!!  I'm having lunch on Monday with my BFF and we shall have to discuss this!!

What are best friends for?   

[k_reader]

Hi Everyone,

I haven't posted here in a while.  I finished Echo 2 weeks ago, that is about 2 weeks after its release.  I'm a HUGE Outlander fan, but was fairly disappointed with this book.  Maybe I'll change my mind on a reread, but, the first 2/3 of the book was Sooo choppy.  I mean, it took me 2 entire weeks to read this, I COULD put it down.  Then, shabang... a whirlwind last 1/3.  I was Not happy with Claire's second encounter with John and felt it was out of character.  John goes into her room to comfort her, and she tells him that she would feel unfaithful if she had sex with him, but instead, "services" him.  I mean, she's the one that needed comfort.  UGH.

I have been reading DG CompuServe blog and Arch Bug is definitively dead, according to the author.  She says its obvious, he was six feet away, plus all the talk after confirms it. 

I just think that Diana got so caught up in this unbelievable writers feat of writing 7 points of view over 2 time periods for 4 different people that she forgot about the reader.  I felt there was too much fluff in the early parts and so much that wasn't said.  How did it feel for Brianna to wear 20th century clothes again?  How did they explain stuff to Jem about his grandparents and what happened to them?  What happened to Fiona?  There was hardly a mention of her. 
Don't get me started on Ian... one minute he is just bouncing around the forests, the next he is in LOVE with Rachael.  I mean, we didn't even see one conversation between the two before he professed his love for her.  We want to feel the sparks! 
I am not a fan of Lord John, but am reading the Brotherhood of the Blade now to see if it will help me warm up to Echo.  I think the anticipation of this book was too much for me, and that may be why I was disappointed.  Unlike some of you, I only discovered this series early this year, so have not had any wait time for new books.

Sally

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Hi Everyone,

I haven't posted here in a while.  I finished Echo 2 weeks ago, that is about 2 weeks after its release.  I'm a HUGE Outlander fan, but was fairly disappointed with this book.  Maybe I'll change my mind on a reread, but, the first 2/3 of the book was Sooo choppy.  I mean, it took me 2 entire weeks to read this, I COULD put it down.  Then, shabang... a whirlwind last 1/3.  I was Not happy with Claire's second encounter with John and felt it was out of character.  John goes into her room to comfort her, and she tells him that she would feel unfaithful if she had sex with him, but instead, "services" him.  I mean, she's the one that needed comfort.  UGH.

UGH about sums it up, although some of us thought eeeuuuwwww covered it pretty well, too. 

I have been reading DG CompuServe blog and Arch Bug is definitively dead, according to the author.  She says its obvious, he was six feet away, plus all the talk after confirms it. 

Oh, thanks.  I feel so much better now.

I just think that Diana got so caught up in this unbelievable writers feat of writing 7 points of view over 2 time periods for 4 different people that she forgot about the reader.  I felt there was too much fluff in the early parts and so much that wasn't said.  How did it feel for Brianna to wear 20th century clothes again?  How did they explain stuff to Jem about his grandparents and what happened to them?  What happened to Fiona?  There was hardly a mention of her. 

There was way too much of too many things in this book.  I don't mind that she pretty much skipped over Fiona. 

Don't get me started on Ian... one minute he is just bouncing around the forests, the next he is in LOVE with Rachael.  I mean, we didn't even see one conversation between the two before he professed his love for her.  We want to feel the sparks! 

I know.  That was a big disappointment for most of us.  I think almost every review mentioned it.

I am not a fan of Lord John, but am reading the Brotherhood of the Blade now to see if it will help me warm up to Echo.

 

Let us know how you like it.

I think the anticipation of this book was too much for me, and that may be why I was disappointed.  Unlike some of you, I only discovered this series early this year, so have not had any wait time for new books.

Sally

There were a lot of reasons to be disappointed in this book.  Too much backing and forthing.  Too many boring characters (LJ and William).  Too many coincidences.  Too many time travelers.  Too many storylines.  Not enough Jamie and Claire. 

I think it will improve on rereading, but there are parts I will definitely skip over. 

[danfan]

Oh boy!  I think that last part had more packed into it that then rest of the book combined!

I'd read to expect some major cliffhangers so I was prepared for much worse. Bad enough though,. How many plots left unresolved? I woke up with them whirling, so for the sake of my mind, I'm summarizing...

Jamie & John are gone. Personally, I think Jamie will be very glad that LJ married Claire to protect her. And when he simply asks why John slept with her, I think it's because he knows there's no physical attraction, and he knows them both well enough to understand there must have been another reason. He doesn't seem to yet know that the other ship sank & they truly believed him dead, beyond "what took you so long, I thought you were dead" type situation.

Claire is married to both of Willie's fathers. And I totally understand the first time they slept together, but what was that 2nd thing all about? I just didn't believe that, to be honest. On the other hand, I think we saw a return of LJ's character finally. He's a good man, I do like him, but boy, DG made him boring for most of the book.

How sweet Willie has been to Claire. But now poor Willie, up in the air with the truth. I think he needs Bree there to help him come to terms with it.
Why does Claire find "Mother Claire" nun-like when Marsali has been saying it for years?

Claire is stuck with Jenny. And what will Jenny make of Claire marrying LJ, when it seemed she'd been finally deciding to accept Claire again?
Now that Jamie has been seen alive, what will the authorities do about Claire, since they were planning to arrest her?

What does Percy really want with Fergus?
What the heck was Richardson all about? I'd forgotten about him until LJ mentioned him again towards the end, worrying about William.

Jem's in a tunnel, manning the train to a timewarp, and where the heck are Roger & Buccie? Rob, what an evil SOB he turned out to be! What can Bree possibly do? Will she end up back through the stones with Mandy? And what about all the letters still to read? Maybe one of them is from Claire saying "By the way, Roger & Buck showed up, followed by you & Rob. Don't trust Rob." and she didn't read it.
Oh and where does that tunnel come out? Bree had shuddered at the thought that 200 years ago there was no tunnel and it would be solid rock.

The family trees are getting way too confusing. If you think about it too hard - marriages, illegitimate children, siblings etc - it makes you dizzy.

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Oh boy!  I think that last part had more packed into it that then rest of the book combined!

I'd read to expect some major cliffhangers so I was prepared for much worse. Bad enough though,. How many plots left unresolved? I woke up with them whirling, so for the sake of my mind, I'm summarizing...

And I could sleep the night I finished for all the head-whirling.

Jamie & John are gone. Personally, I think Jamie will be very glad that LJ married Claire to protect her. And when he simply asks why John slept with her, I think it's because he knows there's no physical attraction, and he knows them both well enough to understand there must have been another reason. He doesn't seem to yet know that the other ship sank & they truly believed him dead, beyond "what took you so long, I thought you were dead" type situation.

How much does Jamie know?  He knew enough to look for Claire at LJ's house, so maybe he's not so surprised at what John said. 

Claire is married to both of Willie's fathers. And I totally understand the first time they slept together, but what was that 2nd thing all about? I just didn't believe that, to be honest. On the other hand, I think we saw a return of LJ's character finally. He's a good man, I do like him, but boy, DG made him boring for most of the book.

Yeah, boring, stuffy, etc. 

How sweet Willie has been to Claire. But now poor Willie, up in the air with the truth. I think he needs Bree there to help him come to terms with it.

Which might happen considering the end of the book. 

Why does Claire find "Mother Claire" nun-like when Marsali has been saying it for years?

I don't know, it might have something to do with the fact that she's now gray-haired, wearing a cap and needing spectacles.  It would be even worse if they started calling her Granny Fraser.

Claire is stuck with Jenny. And what will Jenny make of Claire marrying LJ, when it seemed she'd been finally deciding to accept Claire again?

Who knows with Jenny.  I think she's been very jealous of Claire's relationship with Jamie all along, and Jenny probably thinks that now she's married to LJ, Jamie will boot her out. 

Now that Jamie has been seen alive, what will the authorities do about Claire, since they were planning to arrest her?

That was Richardson.  Now, the authorities are vacating the City, so I don't think anything will happen.

What does Percy really want with Fergus?

Money?  Power?  Both?  I don't know how it will work out, but he seems to be a very slippery character who always comes out ahead.

What the heck was Richardson all about? I'd forgotten about him until LJ mentioned him again towards the end, worrying about William.

And what about Randall-Isaacs?  He just leaves William in Canada and we never know why or what happened to him.  Did DG just throw him in so we would know what happened to Mary Hawkins and her son?

Jem's in a tunnel, manning the train to a timewarp, and where the heck are Roger & Buccie? Rob, what an evil SOB he turned out to be! What can Bree possibly do? Will she end up back through the stones with Mandy? And what about all the letters still to read? Maybe one of them is from Claire saying "By the way, Roger & Buck showed up, followed by you & Rob. Don't trust Rob." and she didn't read it.

Roger and Buck will be in Scotland, so Claire may not know about all this. 

Oh and where does that tunnel come out? Bree had shuddered at the thought that 200 years ago there was no tunnel and it would be solid rock.

The actual portal may be above ground, so Jemmy might come through safely and land at the above ground site. 

The family trees are getting way too confusing. If you think about it too hard - marriages, illegitimate children, siblings etc - it makes you dizzy.

Yes.  Not only that, but it seems that we have to remember even those casual contacts, like Woodcock. 

In another four years, I'll probably have forgotten all the things I didn't like about this book and will just be anxious to find out what happens to Roger, Bree and the kids.