For me, this is very solidly the best book in the series since the first (I think the first book is still unparalleled, but this is a fabulous read regardless). It's as though Gabaldon heard my reservations and critiques of the previous books and set out to resolve them all in this book (this, of course, didn't actually happen, as I'm reading the book years after its initial publication).

I cannot overstate how desperately I wish Outlander books 2-5 were written like this one. Gabaldon does a great job of navigating history with needle-eye accuracy while refraining from literary trauma porn. This allows the brilliant characters, brilliant writing, and brilliant storybuilding/telling to fully shine. I was even able to tolerate Roger Mac (by far my least favorite main character of the entire series thus far). Part twelve (the final part of the book) was a beautiful, thrilling conclusion that had me wildly vacillating between literal tears,  whoops of joy, and astonished gasps. Can't wait to get my hands on the seventh book. :)

EDIT: I did come back and knock .25 stars off my original score (4 stars to 3.75 stars) due to the

SA of Claire

.  I think this was the best Diana Gabaldon has handled

SA

since the first book, but it was still wanting. I adore this book, but the inclusion of yet another

SA

had me seriously considering abandoning the series altogether.