Outlander Books in Order
I fell in love with the Diana Gabaldon books 11 years ago and have been reading them religiously ever since. With the launch of the last book in the Outlander series almost here, and the Starz series of the Outlander book series coming to an end, I thought it was the perfect time to give a complete guide to the Outlander books in order.
If you are not familiar with Outlander, it is an epic historical fiction series that begins when a woman named Claire is transported. 200 years in the past by touching a standing stone in Scotland. She is transported from post-WWII England into the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Since the publication of the first book in 1991 Outlander fans have been waiting for the conclusion of the series. And let me tell you, these are loyal fans. The original book in the Outlander series was published 34 years ago! Outlander has become a world of its own. Gabaldon describes her books in three categories: the big, enormous books (the main books in the series); the shorter, less indescribable novels (historical mysteries); and the bulges (shorter novellas).
Below, you will find a list of the big, enourmous books from the Outlander series in order along with reviews of the books. If you are looking for a list of the chronological order of all the main books, novellas, and short stories, I have that list as well.
List of 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)
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Reviews of The Big, Enormous Outlander Books in Order
Before you read the Outlander book series order list below, know that if you have yet to read past the first book in this epic series by Diana Gabaldon, we recommend that you do not read the book descriptions so that you don’t spoil the saga.
Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 1991
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Outlander Series Book 1 of 9
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This epic story begins in 1945 when Claire Randall and her husband take a second honeymoon to the Scottish Highlands to celebrate being reunited after the war. When Claire touches one of the standing stones, she is transported to 1743.
This is when the real story begins. In order to stay safe as an English woman in Scotland, Clare must depend on Jamie Frasier for protection. Soon Clare finds herself living in a world she has only read about in history books and torn between two men that she loves. In addition to being a brilliant fiction that is rich in historical details, it is an epic love story as well. For me, this is magical realism at its finest.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, sexual assault, sexual violence
Why Kirsten loves it
How do I love Outlander? I cannot count the ways. There is a reason this is one of my favorite books of all time. I am a huge reader of historical fiction and this one checks all the boxes for me. The characters are rich, the plot is complex without being overly complicated and the epic love story make it almost perfect in my eyes.
Why Jackie loves it
Even though I am not a huge historical fiction connoisseur, I could not put this book down. Even at 640 pages, I did not want it to end and immediately picked up the next book in the series. I love the touch of magical realism that transported Clare back in time 200 years and Gabaldon’s story telling made the characters jump off the page.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Ultimate List of Historical Fiction/ Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Magical Realism Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
Dragonfly in Amber
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 2006
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Outlander Book 2
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The second book in the Outlander series starts 20 years in the future with Claire and her Daughter Brianna on vacation in Scotland together. This is where we are first introduced to Roger Wakefield, we do not know how Claire returned to her time or when.
Then the story returns back to Paris in 1744. Here, Claire and Jamie develop relationships with people in the court of King Louis the XV, including Charles Stuart. This story takes us all the way to the Battle of Culloden, where Claire assumes Jamie died while she returns to Craig na Dun to return to her time. She is pregnant with Brianna.
Trigger Warnings
TV Show has flashbacks to PTSD moments that are touched up in the book.
Why Jackie loves it
The book is fast-paced considering how long it is, and kept me on my toes. I loved how the book started with Brianna grown up.
Voyager
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 1993
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Outlander Book 3
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range:
Plot
In 1968, With the help of Brianna and Roger Wakefield, Claire discovers that Jamie Frasier may not have died in the battle of Culloden. Even though Claire is torn between her love for Brianna, she finally takes herself back to 1746 to try to find Jamie.
The remainder of the third book in the Outlander series takes place during Claire and Jamie’s trip from Scotland to the Caribbean!! I was fascinated by the detailed descriptions of the treacheries of life at sea during the 1700s.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Assault/ Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
If you are reading the Outlander series in order (as we strongly suggest you do), then you will not want to miss the EPIC third book. This might be my favorite book in the series, other than the first book.
If you are looking for the inside scoop on what travel was really like back then, this sailing novel is for you. But it also gives an unflinching look at the harsh realities of sugar plantations during this time.
Find this book in: Outlander Books in Order / Boat Books and Sailing Novels
Drums of Autumn
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 1996
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Outlander Book 4
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I mean…does it get any better than Jamie Fraser? I think not. The fourth book in the Outlander series, sees our main characters making a new life for themselves as Scottish immigrants in a pre-Revoluntary War America in the colony of North Carolina.
We see them try to fit in and our country’s unfortunate history with the Native American people. Back in the 20th Century, Brianna is not more curious than ever about the father she has never met.
When she discovers information that threatens both Jamie’s and Claire’s lives, she sets out to travel back in time to save her mother. Roger Wakefield, who has been helping Bree gather information decides to follow after her.
Trigger Warnings
Violence, Assault
Why Jackie loves it
I love that we see Jamie, Claire and Bree together! I always hoped Jamie would get to meet his daughter one day.
The Fiery Cross
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 2001
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Outlander Book 5
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The Drums of Autumn is the fifth book in the Outlander series. Here, Claire and Jamie are living on Frasier’s Ridge in North Carolina. They prepare for the wedding of Bree and Rodger MacKenzie, and the Baptism of their son Jem. Soon, they receive a letter from the governor telling them to form a militia.
This book is jam-packed with side stories and new characters but the highlights include Jocasta’s wedding to Duncan, the reappearance of Stephan Bonnet, and the development of the character of Young Ian.
Trigger Warnings
Violence, Child Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved the addition of so many fun characters in this book. You do not want to miss this next book if you are reading the Outlander series in order.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 2005
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Outlander Book 6
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Breath of Snow and Ashes picks up right where we ended off in Fiery Cross. Claire and Jamie are still located on Fraser’s Ridge where Clare is making a name for herself as a healer…not always in a good way. Suspicions of witchcraft are following Clare once more.
Jamie is torn between loyalty to the British and the hope for an independent America. Roger, Brianna, and Claire all know how the war turns out!
Trigger Warnings
Loss of a child, suicide
Why Kirsten loves it
I am totally invested in these books and I need to see what happens next!
An Echo in the Bone
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 2009
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Outlander Book
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
So much happened in this 7th book from the Outlander series. With the American Revolution looming on the horizon, Brianna, Roger, Jem, and Mandy are safe in the 20th century at Lallybrach. There, they are reading letters written by Claire. They are trying to determine the fate of their family in the war.
In the past, Claire and Jamie make a plan to return to Scotland to see Jenny, Ian, and their children. When they arrive, they once again meet Laoghaire and finally reach an agreement with her.
Trigger Warnings
War, sexual violence
Why Jackie loves it
There are so many twists and turns in this installment of the Outlander series, I do not want to spoil it but, you will not want to miss the ending of this one.
Written in My Own Heart’s Blood
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 2014
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Outlander Book 8
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
We are now in 1778 when France declares war on Great Britain who are then formed to leave Philadelphia with George Washington in pursuit of victory. When Jamie returns home after being presumed dead in a shipwreck, he finds that Clare has married Lord John Grey! William has also discovered that he is Jamie’s illegitimate son and Young Ian wants to marry a Quaker Girl.
In this book, Lord John Grey is captured, Jamie joins Washington’s army and there is the Battle of Monmouth.
Trigger Warnings
Violence
Why Kirsten loves it
Once again, the ending of this book will leave you in shock and wanting to dive right into the next book in the Outlander series.
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Outlander Book 9
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is currently the last book in the Outlander series. If you are reading the Outlander series in order, you may want to savor this one because the next, and last, book in the series will not be out for a few more years. It currently does not even have a name.
Claire and Jamie have finally been reunited with their children and grandchildren on Frasier’s Ridge but that does not mean that there isn’t tension and turmoil in North Carolina. The American Revolution is coming closer to Fraser’s Ridge and Claire and Jamie have everything to lose.
Trigger Warnings
violence
Why Kirsten loves it
I had to take my time with this one because I knew it was the last for a while. That was not too hard considering it is over 900 pages. But, well worth it!
Outlander Merch
Expert Tip
Gabaldon has been writing the outlander series for the last 34 years. It is no surprise that each book takes her multiple years, considering how much research goes into each book and how long the books are. Book one was the shortest at just over 600 pages. Each book is getting longer, with book #9 topping 900 pages. Should you read the Outlander books in order? Definitely. But here are a few thoughts on that.
- Outlander is one of the rare series that has been written over DECADES. This amount of time in between books leaves plenty of time to explore other books in between or while you are waiting for the last book.
- Gabaldon has written numerous other books that are Outlander adjacent. Meaning, there are short stories and novellas with characters in the Outlander world. If you have read the first nine book, consider picking up one of these.
- Starz has a fantastic adaptation of the series. The final season premiers on March 6, 2026. This will be book 9 and book 10!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Outlander books are there?
Currently, there are 9 published books in the Outlander series. There are also numerous novellas and companion books, as well as a graphic novel! Book ten will be the last book in the series and is not expected for another few years! After all, the first book was published more than 34 years ago.
Do you need to read the Outlander Series in Order?
Yes! You absolutely must read the Outlander books in order. These books do an amazing job of moving through history with complex timelines, characters, and stories. You will miss a lot and be very confused if you do not read this series in order.
Gabaldon herself says that the main books in the Outlander book series should be read in order. However, the shorter novells may be read in any order or as standalone books
What are some good series similar to the Outlander series?
If you love the romance aspect of Outlander, try:
Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton Books in Order: Complete Guide to 20 Books
For more books similar to Outlander try:
Books like Outlander for Fans of the Hit Series
Are the Outlander Book Series Historically Accurate
Yes! The Outlander book series is very historically accurate. While Jamie Fraser, Clare Randall, and the other main characters are made up, all key dates and historical figures are accurate.
Which is better: The Outlander book or the show?
In most cases, we would definitely say the book is better. And while there is no way the show can include all key moments and characters, the Outlander Show on Starz is excellent. The casting for the show is so perfect that I now picture Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan as Claire and Jamie. If you have not seen the show, what are you waiting for?!
Related Content
Epilogue
Did you read the Outlander book series in order?
Outlander Books in Order Reading List
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