A Guide to the Outlander Book Series: How Many Books Are There?

1. Introduction to the Outlander Book Series

The Outlander book series is a popular historical fiction and romance novel series written by author Diana Gabaldon. The series follows the story of Claire Randall, a combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously transported back in time to Scotland in the year 1743. Throughout the series, readers follow Claire’s adventures as she navigates the treacherous world of 18th century Scotland, falls in love with a Scottish warrior named Jamie Fraser, and becomes embroiled in the Jacobite uprising.

The Outlander series has gained a massive following since the first book was published in 1991, and has since been adapted into a hit TV series by the same name. The books have been praised for their intricate plotlines, vivid characterizations, and meticulous attention to historical detail. If you are a fan of historical fiction, romance, or time-travel stories, the Outlander series is definitely worth checking out.

2. How Many Books are in the Outlander Series?

As of 2021, there are currently 9 main books in the Outlander series, with the most recent installment, “Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone,” having been released on November 23, 2021. The series is not yet complete, with author Diana Gabaldon planning to release one more book to conclude the series.

In addition to the main novels, there are also several novellas and short stories that expand upon the world of Outlander, including “Virgins,” “A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows,” and “The Space Between.” There are also several companion books, including “The Outlandish Companion” and “The Outlandish Companion Volume Two,” which provide background information and insights into the characters, settings, and historical events featured in the series.

3. List of Outlander Books in Chronological Order

For readers who are new to the Outlander series, it can be helpful to read the books in chronological order in order to fully understand the characters, events, and historical context of the story. Here is a list of the Outlander books in chronological order:

1. “Outlander” (1991)
2. “Dragonfly in Amber” (1992)
3. “Voyager” (1994)
4. “Drums of Autumn” (1997)
5. “The Fiery Cross” (2001)
6. “A Breath of Snow and Ashes” (2005)
7. “An Echo in the Bone” (2009)
8. “Written in My Own Heart’s Blood” (2014)
9. “Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone” (2021)

It’s important to note that while the books should ideally be read in chronological order, each book also stands on its own as a complete story.

4. Are there any Spin-Offs or Companion Novels?

Yes, there are several spin-off and companion novels that expand upon the world of Outlander and offer additional insights into the characters and events of the series. These include:

1. “The Lord John Series”: A series of novels and novellas that follow the adventures of Lord John Grey, a secondary character in the Outlander series.

2. “The Outlandish Companion”: A comprehensive guide to the Outlander series, featuring character profiles, historical background, and behind-the-scenes insights from the author.

3. “The Outlandish Companion Volume Two”: A second companion guide that covers the later books in the series, featuring new information, interviews, and analysis.

4. “Seven Stones to Stand or Fall”: A collection of novellas and short stories set in the world of Outlander, featuring beloved characters such as Lord John Grey and Jamie Fraser.

5. “A Trail of Fire”: Another collection of novellas and short stories set in the world of Outlander, featuring characters such as Ian Murray and Michael Murray.

Overall, these spin-off and companion novels offer a rich and immersive reading experience for fans of the Outlander series.

5. Tips for Reading the Outlander Book Series in Order

While the Outlander series can be read in any order, it’s recommended to read the books in chronological order in order to fully understand the events, characters, and historical context of the story. Here are some tips for reading the Outlander book series in order:

1. Start with “Outlander”: The first book in the series sets up the story and introduces the characters, making it the ideal starting point for new readers.

2. Read the novellas and short stories in order of publication: While the novellas and short stories can be read at any time, they are best enjoyed in the order in which they were published.

3. Read the companion novels as desired: The companion novels, such as “The Outlandish Companion” and “The Outlandish Companion Volume Two,” can be read at any time, and are a great way to gain additional insights into the world of Outlander.

4. Consider reading the Lord John Series separately: While the Lord John Series is set in the same world as Outlander, it follows a different character and can be read separately from the main series.

By following these tips, readers can fully immerse themselves in the world of Outlander and enjoy the series to its fullest extent.