Diana Gabaldon writes the Fiction historical romance novel series Outlander. Ten novels were planned in the series, nine of which have already been published and the last in progress.
The first novel in the series was Outlander, published in 1980; the ninth novel, ‘Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone,’ was published in 2021.
In the book series Diana featured a 20th-century British nurse, Claire Randall. She went to 18th-century Scotland via time travel, which made her life adventurous.
She dwells in a romance with Highland warrior Jamie Fraser. As of 2021, over 50 million copies of the series have been sold.
The New York Times Best Sellers Books also has a TV adaptation that premiered on Starz in 2014 and is now available on almost all streaming platforms. However, the show has made many changes to the books.
Outlander Books In Order
| Outlander | 1991 |
| Dragonfly in Amber | 1992 |
| Voyager | 1993 |
| Drums of Autumn | 1996 |
| The Fiery Cross | 2001 |
| A Breath of Snow and Ashes | 2005 |
| An Echo in the Bone | 2009 |
| Written in My Own Heart’s Blood | 2014 |
| Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone | 2021 |
| Untitled | TBA |
Apart from the above, there are some spin-off novellas of Outlander also available; they are as follows:
- Virgins (2013)
- A Fugitive Green (2017)
- The Space Between (2012)
- A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows (2012)
If you want to read them all in order, you can follow the order below to read the Outlander book series.
- Virgins
- Outlander
- Dragonfly in Amber
- A Fugitive Green
- Voyager
- Drums of Autumn
- The Fiery Cross
- A Breath of Snow and Ashes
- An Echo in the Bone
- The Space Between
- Written in My Own Heart’s Blood
- A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows
- Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone
Note: You can also read the novellas before starting the main series, skip the novellas, or focus on the main series. The books shown in the table above are the main novels of the Outlander series.
Virgins (Novella)
In the Outlander prequel novella Virgins, young Jamie Fraser mourns his father’s death and recovers from injuries inflicted by the English. He joins a group of mercenaries in France and reunites with his friend Ian Murray.
Both Jamie and Ian are avoiding Scotland for different reasons, and despite opportunities, they are still virgins. Their lives get complicated when Dr. Hasdi hires them to escort his daughter, Rebekah, and an old Torah to Paris. Jamie and Ian are attracted to Rebekah, but they don’t realize their danger until it’s too late.
Outlander (Book 1)
In 1945, a combat nurse, Claire Randall, returns from World War II and goes on a second honeymoon with her husband. But when she walks through an ancient stone circle in Scotland, she’s suddenly transported back to 1743.
In this dangerous era of war and clan conflicts, Claire, now called a Sassenach or “outlander,” finds herself entangled in the politics and passions of the Scottish Highlands. She meets James Fraser, a brave young warrior, who ignites a powerful love within her, causing her to question her loyalty and desires amidst the turmoil of two different worlds and two different men.
Dragonfly in Amber (Book 2)
From the writer of Outlander comes another exciting story set in 18th-century Scotland.
After twenty years of keeping secrets, Claire Randall returns to Scotland with her grown daughter. She plans to reveal a stunning truth about ancient standing stones, a timeless love, and James Fraser, a brave Scottish warrior.
Now, Claire’s daughter, Brianna, faces challenges as they journey through Paris’ court intrigue and race to prevent a rebellion in the Highlands. It’s a fight to save the man Claire loves and the child they share.
A Fugitive Green (Novella)
Minnie Rennie and her father run a business dealing in rare books and letters, but they also dabble in forgery and blackmail.
On a trip from Paris to London to find her long-lost mother, Minnie’s plans are interrupted when she meets Harold Grey, Earl of Melton.
Hal, as he’s known, is an outcast grieving the loss of his wife and unborn child, as well as grappling with the aftermath of her infidelity and his subsequent duel with her lover.
Despite their troubled pasts, Minnie and Hal are drawn to each other. When Minnie is asked to steal incriminating letters from Hal, she’s torn between fascination and empathy for a man she’s just met.
Voyager (Book 3)
Claire Randall’s passionate encounter with Jamie Fraser happened long ago, as she traveled back in time two decades earlier. Bearing his child, Claire believed Jamie died in battle. But when she discovers he survived, she’s torn between returning to him and staying with their daughter in her own era.
As time and space come full circle, Claire must confront the passion and pain awaiting her, the deadly intrigues in a divided Scotland, and the daring voyage into the unknown that could reunite or doom her timeless love.
Drums of Autumn (Book 4)
Diana Gabaldon continues the story of Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser from her previous novels. Claire goes back in time to find Jamie, leaving her daughter Brianna behind. Brianna, wanting to save her parents, follows Claire’s footsteps into the past.
However, changing history is risky, and Brianna faces challenges that could separate her from her family forever. Will she succeed in reuniting her family or get stuck in the past?
The Fiery Cross (Book 5)
It’s 1771, and Jamie Fraser’s wife, Claire, warns him that war is on the horizon. Despite his reluctance, Jamie must trust her because Claire possesses a special gift: the ability to see the future due to her time-traveling abilities.
In the past, Claire’s foresight has saved them from danger, but now it presents a daunting challenge. Her knowledge of the impending revolution could guide them safely through the turbulent times ahead—or it could spark a catastrophe that destroys everything they hold dear.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Book 6)
Jamie Fraser and his wife Claire continue their remarkable journey amidst the tumultuous events of the 18th century. Set in 1772, as the American Revolution looms, unrest gripped the colonies. In Boston, violence erupts, and in the forests of North Carolina, cabins blaze.
Amidst this chaos, the governor tasks Jamie with uniting the backcountry to protect the colony for the King. However, Claire knows that the revolution will lead to independence in three years, leaving loyalists like Jamie either dead or exiled.
An Echo in the Bone (Book 7)
Book 7 of the Outlander series continues the story of Jamie and Claire during the American Revolution. Jamie worries about fighting against his son, who’s on the British side. Claire hopes to keep Jamie safe, while their daughter Brianna watches from the future, wondering how the past will affect her.
The Space Between (Short Story)
Joan’s on her way to becoming a nun in Paris. But it’s not about religion; she hears scary voices and sees who’s going to die! The nunnery seems like a safe place to hide. Her grumpy travel buddy, Michael, is recently widowed but can’t help but like Joan.
Things get complicated when a mysterious time traveler gets wind of Joan and her connection to a powerful woman. Now Michael has to fight to protect Joan, the girl who stole his heart.
Written in My Own Heart’s Blood (Book 8)
ISet in 1778, The American Revolution is heating up, but for Claire Fraser, things are even crazier. Her long-lost husband, Jamie, is back from the dead! He’s unhappy to learn she married his best friend in his absence.
Meanwhile, drama unfolds for their families: Jamie’s nephew has a crush on his new cousin (who’s about to marry someone else!), and Lord John Grey’s son is stunned to discover his real dad is Jamie! It’s a whirlwind of love, betrayal, and family secrets for Claire and Jamie.
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows (Novella)
This eBook by Diana Gabaldon tells the story of Roger MacKenzie Wakefield’s parents for the first time. Roger thought his mom died in a bombing during World War II, and his dad, a pilot, died in a fight. But in “A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows,” Roger finds out there’s more to the story.
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone (Book 9)
Jamie and Claire Fraser finally reunited with their family after 20 years apart. But trouble is brewing again – the American Revolution is about to start. War will reach Fraser’s Ridge and tear the family apart. Will they survive this new danger?
What is the Age Rating for Outlander Books?
The Outlander book is suitable for readers aged 16 and up. Along with the content, the author’s writing style also makes this book suitable for children of 16 years or older. Younger teens find it difficult to understand.
Some may find this book suitable for adults only.
Outlander Parents Guide: Content Guide
- Use of strong language at multiple parts of the series.
- Many swearing, insults, or other words are considered rude or offensive.
- Sex scenes are described; some are moderate, and some are detailed.
- The book contains explicit sexual content.
- It also includes descriptive love scenes, bared body parts, moaning, thrusting, and discussion of infidelity.
- Some detailed violence is also in the book.
- This book is set in 1745 and depicts a realistic and gritty portrayal of that time. Violence and hardship were more common.
Main Characters in Outlander Books
- Claire Fraser: A nurse from the 1940s who ends up in 1740s Scotland. She’s married but falls in love with Jamie Fraser. She’s good at healing and knows a lot about plants.
- Jamie Fraser: A Scottish man from the past. He’s smart, funny, and falls in love with Claire. He’s also a leader in his clan.
- Frank Randall: Claire’s husband from the 20th century who loves history. He was a spy during World War II.
- Black Jack Randall: A mean British soldier from the past who causes trouble for Jamie and Claire.
- Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser: Jamie’s loyal godfather.
- Colum MacKenzie: A Scottish clan leader who helps Claire and Jamie.
- Dougal MacKenzie: Colum’s brother, a warrior and Jamie’s guardian.
- Geillis Duncan: She knows about healing with plants and is accused of being a witch.
- Roger MacKenzie: Claire and Jamie’s son-in-law.
- Fergus Fraser: A French orphan adopted by Claire and Jamie.
- Lord John Grey: A soldier who becomes friends with Jamie.
- Brianna MacKenzie: Claire and Jamie’s daughter who learns about her past and travels back in time.
- Young Ian: Jamie and Claire’s nephew.
- Marsali MacKimmie Fraser: Married to Fergus.
- William Ransom: He’s secretly Jamie’s son.
- Stephen Bonnet: A pirate Claire and Jamie meet.
- Jocasta MacKenzie Cameron: Jamie’s aunt.
Outlander Family Tree (Novel)
https://content.randomhouse.com/assets/9780440246442
About the Author
Diana Gabaldon
Diana Gabaldon is a well-known American author, best known for “Outlander” series of novels. Her books are unique blends of historical fiction, romance, and adventure. Gabaldon’s work has been praised by critics and readers alike. She has received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Glasgow for her contributions to Scottish literature. (Official Website: http://www.dianagabaldon.com/)