After reading the first novel of this acclaimed series, you won't have any problem wondering why readers all over the world are eagerly anticipating the publication of a fifth novel in this series in November of 2001. Each novel can be read alone, it should be added, as a coherent, exciting historical adventure.

Claire Randall, the series' robust and passionate heroine, has returned to England, given birth to a daughter, Brianna, and is again visiting the Scottish Highlands. Frank has died and Claire has finally accepted this passing, though a poignant grief is ever-present concerning the absence of Jamie Fraser in her contemporary world.

So we return, as Claire narrates her tale, to the world of conflict between the Scottish Highlanders and the British over the return of Charles Stuart to the throne of England. This particular novel can be divided into two parts. First we arrive in Paris where Charles temporarily resides, attempting to gather funds and troops to mount his formidable campaign. Decadence and intrigue fill Claire and Jamie's days as they agree to represent Charles while secretly attempting to thwart what they know is a doomed historical event.

During their active but secret efforts, Jamie emerges as a talented, popular, but frustrated diplomat, and Claire hones her healing gifts at a local hospital. Misguided, but determined politicians who pass their days in political plotting and sensual satiation, mystical and mysterious herbalists, men and women whose morals seem stringent but whose actual practices wreak havoc, a surprising but poignantly sad pregnancy, dedicated and fierce soldiers and servants, revenge for enemies who brutalize and attempt to destroy those obstructing their goals, betrayal by family and supposed friends, noble acts of valor and more fill these pages with a pulse-pounding pace.

Just when one expects a predictable end to each scene, Gabaldon continues to surprise and exhilarate the reader with new twists and turns. Will Jamie live or die? What is Claire to do as part of events she knows will probably horrifically fail?

Diana Gabaldon has again proven that historical fiction is alive and well, proving anew the avid and soon-to-be-fulfilled expectations of so many delighted readers everywhere.