[1] First published and released in the United States on September 22, 2009,[2] the novel continues the adventures of Claire and Jamie in the 18th century, as well as their daughter, Brianna MacKenzie and her husband, Roger MacKenzie, who returned to the 20th century at the end of the previous book, A Breath of Snow and Ashes.

Roger's ancestor William Buchleigh "Buck" MacKenzie shows up at Lallybroch, having accidentally gone through the stones at Craigh na Dun in 1778.

Young Ian feels guilty for killing Mrs. Bug; Arch vows to take his revenge when he has "someone worth losing."

Before they can leave America, they become involved in the Revolutionary War; Jamie accidentally shoots the hat off William's head at Saratoga.

Claire agrees to return to America to treat Henri-Christian, stipulating that Laoghaire marry her lover, stop taking alimony from Jamie, and help Joan become a nun.

Lord John's niece Dottie has come to America as well, in love with Rachel's brother, a Quaker physician named Denzell Hunter.

Claire receives a letter from Jamie that Ian Sr. has died and Jenny has decided to leave Lallybroch.

Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp Randall Fraser - Main female character around whom the series revolves.

She is forced to marry James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser (Jamie), whom she eventually falls in love with.

She marries Roger and they have two children: a son, Jeremiah, known as "Jemmy" and a daughter, Amanda Claire MacKenzie (Mandy).

Returned to the 20th century at the end of A Breath of Snow and Ashes due to baby Amanda's heart condition.

Roger MacKenzie Wakefield - One-time Oxford professor and historian, folksinger, minister and Gaelic teacher.

Twentieth century descendant of Geillis Duncan and Dougal MacKenzie, Great-nephew and adopted son of Rev.

At the end of A Breath of Snow and Ashes, takes his family back to the 20th century to get medical help for baby Amanda's heart condition.

Jeremiah "Jemmy" Alexander Ian Fraser MacKenzie - Roger and Brianna's son, born in 18th century colonial North Carolina, and who, like his parents, granny Claire, and sister Amanda, can time-travel.

Older sister of James Fraser and mother of Jamie, Maggie, Katherine, Michael, Janet, and Ian.

Perseverance "Percy" Wainwright Beauchamp - English spy married into a French noble family.

Rachel Hunter - Quaker nurse assisting her brother serving in the Revolutionary American Army.