As the ninth installment in the Outlander series, the novel continues the saga and adventure of the Frasers in the eighteenth century. Each of the books entails historical events that define the course of Claire and Jamie’s lives as they attempt to alter or maintain history. In this installment, the American Revolutionary War is at its peak with the conflict and violence spreading across the colonies. Unlike the other novels, the members of the families finally reunite at Fraser’s Ridge where they plan to lead a quiet life. However, the past of the main characters finds them as they prepare to confront the oncoming war at their home ground.
In the previous installment in the series Written in My Own Heart's Blood, the narrative ends with Frasers and the Mackenzies living together at the Ridge. During their search for each other before the reunification, certain secrets and truths are revealed including William’s parentage. Their future becomes uncertain when the war that Jamie resigned from draws closer to their communities. A rift develops between the people as the loyalists and rebels support the efforts of their preferred side. While the rebels aim to reject the British endeavors to control the colonies the loyalists manage to terrorize their strongholds. Meanwhile, Brianna, her husband Roger, and two children adapt to life in the eighteenth century which is completely different from their original period. They accept the changes as Roger pursues his ministry in the church while Brianna copes with the reality of his family.
The narrative also includes the important character in the series, Lord John Grey, whose storyline continues in this installment. His encounter with Jamie as a young soldier connects him to the family since he later has a marriage of convenience with Claire. The book delves into the unresolved tensions and relationships of the family members and friends with the war for independence in the backdrop.
