How to read Diana Gabaldon’s books in order
Are you interested in reading the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon? Here is what you need to know about the reading order.
Outlander series order
The Outlander series was written by Diana Gabaldon, and it is a historical fantasy series. The primary focus of the series is on Claire Randall, who is a 20th-century nurse who ends up in the 18th century.
The story is set in 18th-century Scotland (the Highlands), and it is a historical fiction series with elements of fantasy. The series currently has nine novels, but Diana Gabaldon said that there will be another one. Gabaldon said that Jamie McCrimmon from Doctor Who inspired her to write a story set in Jacobite Scotland.
It is also worth mentioning that Starz made an adaptation of the series, and there are six seasons.
Outlander “Cross Stitch” (UK version)
The first novel that started the series is called Outlander, and it was published in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand as Cross Stitch. It was published in 1991, and it starts around World War II.
This historical fantasy includes elements of other genres, such as romance and adventure, and it became an instant hit.
Dragonfly in Amber
Dragonfly in Amber is the second Outlander novel, and it was published in 1992. The story continues following the time-traveling nurse and her new adventures. The other main character besides Claire is Jamie Fraser. And the two try to change history.
Voyager
Voyager was published in 1993, and it is the third installment of the Outlander series. The story starts with the Battle of Culloden in 1746, as Jamie is gravely wounded. Claire and her daughter Brianna Randall continue learning about the past and life of Jamie Fraser as Claire continues traveling back and forth through time.
Drums of Autumn
Drums of Autumn continues the story of Claire and her husband Jamie as they start a new life in American colonies. They left Scotland in the previous book, and there is a whole world waiting for them. But there are also challenges they will have to face together.
The Fiery Cross
In the fifth installment of the series, The Fiery Cross, Claire, and her husband are getting closer and closer to the American Revolution. Jamie is called to put down the first signs of rebellion in North Carolina. The country is on the edge of war.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes
As the political unrest continues in the sixth book of the Outlander series, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, Jamie and Claire are facing even more challenges. And while the couple tries to live peacefully, it seems that it might not be as possible as they hoped. Jamie is forced to choose between his loyalty to the crown and following the new-found hope for freedom.
An Echo in the Bone
The story of the seventh novel, An Echo in the Bone, is a direct continuation of A Breath of Snow and Ashes, and it follows Claire and Jamie, as well as their daughter Brianna and her husband, Roger MacKenzie.
Written in My Own Heart’s Blood
Written in My Own Heart’s Blood was published in 2014, which is five years after An Echo in the Bone. The story includes several events that happened in real life, such as the Battle of Monmouth and the evacuation of Philadelphia.
Go Tell the Bees That I’m Gone
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone was published in 2021, and it is the ninth novel in the series. The problems with Jamie and Claire continue. They are separated for twenty years, and they have to look for ways to find each other.
And once they finally reunite, they face a whole new world of problems and challenges.
Book 10 (untitled)
While Diana Gabaldon announced that there will be another book in the Outlander series, there are not enough details about it. She said that she started working on it, but fans will need to wait a bit more to get a title and release date.
Outlander novellas
If you are interested in the story and all the events revolving around Claire and Jamie, you will be delighted to know that there are a few novellas you can check out as well. Additionally, it will give you something to read while you wait for the tenth book.
The Exile: An Outlander Graphic Novel (2010)
The Exile: An Outlander Graphic Novel is an adaptation of the first third of the first book. It covers the events that are at the beginning of Outlander, and it was written by Diana Gabaldon. The graphic novel was published in 2010.
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows (2012)
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows was originally published in 2010, and it is available in several anthologies. The story is set in WWII, and it follows Jerry and Dolly, who are Roger MacKenzie Wakefield’s parents. More importantly, it is a tale of Jerry’s discovery of standing stones.
The Space Between (2012)
The Space Between is a novella that appeared in the anthology called The Mad Scientist’s Guide to World Dominion, in A Trail of Fire, and in Seven Stones to Stand or Fall. It follows Jamie’s step-daughter Joan MacKimmie and Michael Murray.
Virgins (2013)
Virgins originally appeared in Dangerous Women, an anthology edited by George R.R. Martin, but it was published as a stand-alone novel later on. The story is set in France in 1740, and it follows Jamie Fraser and Ian Murray as they become mercenaries.
A Fugitive Green (2022)
A Fugitive Green was published in Seven Stones to Stand or Fall, and it is a story about Hal Grey and his future wife, Minerva. Hal Grey is Lord John Grey’s brother, and it is one of the newest stories in the Outlander series.
Outlander collections
One of the best ways to explore short stories is by checking one of the two Outlander collections.
A Trail of Fire (2012)
A Trail of Fire (Four Outlander Tales) includes four stories in the Outlander series, and they are The Custom of the Army, Lord John and a Plague of Zombies, A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows, and The Space Between.
Seven Stones to Stand or Fall (2017)
Seven Stones to Stand or Fall is the newer collection, and it includes all stories from A Trail of Fire, as well as three additional stories. These stories are Virgins, A Fugitive Green, and Besieged.
Lord John Grey series
The Lord John Grey series focuses on John Grey, and it includes a number of novels you can read. These are:
- Lord John and the Hellfire Club (1998)
- Lord John and the Private Matter (2003)
- Lord John and the Succubus (2003)
- Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade (2007)
- Lord John and the Haunted Soldier (2007)
- Lord John and the Hand of Devils (2008)
- The Custom of the Army (2010)
- The Scottish Prisoner (2011)
- Lord John and the Plague of Zombies (2011)
- Besieged (2017)
Some of these already appeared in Seven Stones to Stand or Fall, while others are novels. There are also collections of stories, such as Lord John and the Hand of Devils.
Other books
Author Diana Gabaldon wrote additional books in the Outlander book series.
Non-fiction books
The first companion was revised and published again as The Outlandish Companion (Volume One) in 2015, to follow The Outlandish Companion (Volume Two).
Anthologies
If you are interested in checking anthologies, there are a couple of options you can check out.
- Songs of Love and Death (2010)
- A Trail of Fire (2012)
- The Mad Scientist’s Guide to World Domination (2013)
- Dangerous Women (2013)
- Seven Stones to Stand or Fall (2017)
- MatchUp (2017)
Of course, some stories appear in multiple anthologies, and they are often written by numerous authors. But if you want to get all the stories from the Outlander series, the best option is to get Seven Stones to Stand or Fall since it includes everything.
Audiobooks
One of many ways to explore the story of Claire and Jamie is to listen to audiobooks. This will allow you to go through the stories with ease, and you can save so much time.
Listen to Diana Gabaldon’s books on Speechify
Speechify is one of the best audiobook platforms you can find, and it will allow you to listen to the most popular writers and famous stories, including the latest titles. The app is available across multiple platforms, and it’s easy to use.
You can listen to your favorite stories and explore the unique world of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. And that is just the beginning. With over 70,000 audiobooks across various genres, you’ll never run out of audiobook options. Sign up for Speechify Audiobooks today and listen to the complete Outlander series and so much more.
FAQ
Is there going to be a 10th Outlander book?
Yes. Diana Gabaldon already announced that there will be a tenth book in the Outlander series, and she started working on it, but there is no release date yet.
How many main Outlander books are there?
Currently, there are nine published books in the series, and the tenth one is on the way.
Is book 9 the last of the Outlander series?
No, Diana Gabaldon is working on the tenth book in the series, and it will be the conclusion of the story.