I was thrilled to get mine in the mail after finishing the first five Outlander books! It's fun to get the behind-the-scenes tour of the books and characters. Can't wait for the next few books to be published!

I stumbled across this book in line at the grocery store and quickly became addicted to the entire Outlander series. I've bought them as gifts for family and friends innumerable times. The attention to detail in all of Ms. Gabaldon's books is eerie - in short it makes you wonder if time travel is indeed possible. Calling these books romance novels is unfair because there is so much more to them than your standard bodice ripper. The characters are complex and believable and the dialogue is intelligent and often humorous. At roughly a 1,000 pages per book it's certainly not light reading for the beach but they're so engrossing you'll likely not notice whether the sun is out or not...

The third in a series of exceptionally well-written time travel, adventure/romance books by the author, it tells a gripping and highly entertaining tale. There are five such novels published to date in what is hoped to be a series of six books. I urge the interested reader to start at the beginning and read each and every one. Do not be daunted by the length. Trust me when I say that you will wish that they were longer; so riveting a story does the author unfold. A masterful storyteller, the author employs the superlative use of historical events and period detail to weave an engaging three dimensional tapestry of timeless love and adventure. While the core of the story is about a love that transcends time, it is, however, much more than that. It is an adventure story that grips the reader from beginning to end and is positively addictive!

The love that spans time is that which twentieth century Englishwoman, Claire Randall, has for eighteenth century Scottish highlands warrior, James Fraser. Those readers who have read the first book in the series, "Outlander", know that in 1945, Claire, a combat nurse during World War II, is reunited with her husband, Frank, after the war. While on a second honeymoon in Scotland, she visited a strange, flat-topped hill, where a forbidding stone circle drew her. Touching one of the stones, she was hurled through a vortex in time and found herself in eighteenth century Scotland, where she met a brave and brawny, red-headed Scot, James Fraser, with whom she fell head over heels in love. Finding herself thrust into the midst of clan warfare and intrigue, she and her beloved 'Jamie' have enough adventures to last a lifetime.

The second book, "Dragonfly in Amber", is a continuation of that story, told from the perspective of the twentieth century United States where Claire, now a doctor, has lived for the past twenty years. Upon the death of her twentieth century husband, Frank, Claire returns to Scotland with her grown, red-headed daughter, Brianna. There, she discloses to Brianna the events of her secret past, as well as the truth of whom Brianna's biological father truly is and of the love that Claire bore him.

While in Scotland, however, Claire discovers something that will forever change her future, as well as her past. You see, for the past twenty years, Claire has mistakenly believed that her beloved 'Jamie' died in the historic battle of Culloden. It was there that the Scottish highlanders bravely fought the English in a misguided attempt to restore Charles Stuart, their bonnie Prince Charlie, to the throne of England, only to be decimated on the battlefield. Those few who survived were branded as Jacobite traitors and imprisoned, and their families disenfranchised. It is this very event that Claire and 'Jamie' had conspired to change, only to fail.

Their story transports the reader from the turmoil of the Scottish highlands to the intrigue of the French Court and regales the reader with the adventures of the two lovers, as they conspire to change the very course of history. It was this valiant attempt that ultimately brought Claire and 'Jamie' to the crossroad that would compel them to part and have Brianna become a denizen of the twentieth century.

In "Voyager", Claire, now realizing that the love of her life and soulmate survived the battle of Culloden, makes the decision to go back in time and find James Fraser, as for the past twenty years her love for him has remained constant. Leaving her daughter, Brianna, she once more hurls herself into the vortex of time to eighteenth century Scotland to begin her search for James Fraser, in hope of being reunited with her 'Jamie'.

This book tells the story of what happened to Claire Randall and James Fraser in those intervening twenty years. It tells of their ultimate reunion and rediscovery. With historical events as a backdrop and an unforgettable cast of characters, it regales the reader with their new adventures, as Claire returns to a still divided, turmoil-ridden Scotland. Reunited with James Fraser, none the worse for wear, they seek to make a life for themselves. As their love comes full circle, they take to the high seas, and their adventures continue. This compelling time travel saga is sure to captivate the reader.

Picking up a single book in this series is like picking up a bag of M&M's. You can't eat just one! After reading 'Outlander', I hungered to know more about Jamie and Claire's life and I am so glad 'Dragonfly in Amber' was there! I loved traveling to France and getting a peek at what life was like at that place in time. I loved meeting Mother Hildegarde, Bouton, and Master Raymond. They are as real to me as Claire and Jamie. And when it was time, I went back to Scotland with the Fraser's with great dread in my heart. They knew what was coming and so did I. The only thing that made it more bearable for me was that there was yet another book to read, 'Voyager'. So I knew that no matter what happened, it wouldn't be the end of either Jamie or Claire! This story could never have been told in one book. Try 'Outlander' first then be prepared to want more. You won't be able to help yourself!

This second action-packed installment in the Outlander series continues the saga of Jamie and Claire Fraser, and is full of historical details. The story begins in 1968, as Claire returns to Scotland with her 20-year old daughter Brianna, hoping to find out what happened to Jamie and his troops after he sent her back through the circle of stones to the 20th century. As Claire reveals the truth of her past to a reluctant Brianna and researcher Roger Wakefield, we are treated to more twists and turns in the adventures with Jamie and Claire. The pair live in France for a while, and later return to Scotland, as they attempt to thwart the return of Bonnie Prince Charles to Scotland and the impending doom he'll bring with the uprising of 1745.

The book is packed with one adventure after another, taking reaaders on an emotional roller coaster ride. Readers searching for a lighthearted romance may be offended by the graphic violence or sexual content. Personally, I couldn't get enough. I stayed up until 3:30 a.m. reading, slept a few hours, and immediately picked it up and started reading it again when I woke up! I can't wait to read Voyager!

And I might add that no amount of therapy will cure you!
I had to go to a conference this past week--a four hour drive from my home. Since my husband drove, this gave me a glorious block of UNINTERUPPTED time to finish DRAGONFLY IN AMBER. I also brought almost a month's worth of unread newspapers and several unopened PEOPLE magazines. In addition, I brought along a newly published and highly acclaimed book of short stories written by one of my former students. My intentions were to finish my book and then catch up on the aforementioned readings. HA! Thankfully, I also packed Gabaldon's third book because no amount of self-control would allow me to read anything but VOYAGER! I have no idea when I'm going to clean my house or do my Christmas shopping (I do still go to work). The only reason I'm writing this review is that I don't want all the books to 'run together'.
DRAGONFLY IN AMBER is the second book of the highly acclaimed Outlander series. Jamie and Claire's adventures continue but the story actually begins at the end. It is 1968 and Claire has returned to Scotland with her 20-year-old daughter, Brianna. The next nearly 1000 pages involve Claire, Brianna, and a young historian named Roger and their attempts to find out what happened to Jamie, the love of Claire's life (and Brianna's father). Most of this novel is about what happens to the young lovers in the two years before Claire escapes back through the rocks in the year 1746.
Gabaldon is an extremely gifted writer. Her character development is so phenomenal that I too, have fallen in love with the red-headed Scottish Highlander. When he says things like: "Oh, Claire, ye do break my heart wi' loving you." or, "Dye think I don't know? It's me that has the easy part now. For if ye feel for me as I do for you--then I am asking you to tear out your heart and live without it." and, " I will find you, (he whispered in my ear). I promise. If I must endure two hundred years of purgatory, two hundred years without you--then that is my punishment, which I have earned for my crimes. For I have lied, and killed, and stolen; betrayed and broken trust. But there is the one thing that shall lie in the balance. When I shall stand before God, I shall have one thing to say, to weigh against the rest. Lord, ye gave me a rare woman, and God! I loved her well,"--it makes me wish I was Claire!
Well, there I go, I'm crying again! Let me go get my Kleenex and continue with VOYAGER. Thank Heaven for carryout!

A lover of historical fiction, adventure books, and books with a time travel theme, I hesitated buying this book, despite the very intriguing sounding plot, because it was labeled as being a romance novel. Still, curiosity won the day, and am I ever glad that it did! This has got to be one of the most engrossing and highly entertaining novels that I have ever read. Surprisingly well written, I was hooked almost immediately.

The novel begins in the year 1945, and the plot revolves around the adventures of Claire Randall, an Englishwoman and combat nurse during World War II, who is reunited with her husband, Frank, after the war. While on a second honeymoon in Scotland, she visits a strange flat topped hill in the highlands of Scotland, where a forbidding stone circle draws her. Touching one of the stones, she is hurled through a vortex in time and finds herself in eighteenth century Scotland.

There, she meets James Fraser, a brave and brawny Scotsman, and finds herself thrust into the midst of clan warfare and intrigue. Finding in Jamie a soulmate, she falls passionately in love, but is conflicted because of the feelings she harbors for the husband she left behind. She goes on, however, to have enough adventures to last a lifetime. What happens to these star crossed lovers in eighteenth century Scotland is riveting.

The author is a master storyteller and her use of historical detail is superlative. Those who love well written, historical fiction will be delighted. The book tells a rip roaring good story and is a veritable page turner. This is the first in a now published series of four books. Having read each and every one, all I can say is... Bravo! I love each and every one of them!

I came across this book by accident, and it turned out to be one of the best books I've read in recent years. Having just read J. Suzanne Frank's "Reflections in the Nile," I came across a review of her book that commended Frank's work as equally satisfying as Gabaldon's. From that review, I decided to buy "Outlander" and quickly became absorbed in this well-crafted tale of history, romance, gallantry, and desire.

Despite it's voluminous size, I read it every night well into the wee hours of the morning as if I could finish it in a day. I was enraptured by the vividly-drawn 18th century characters of Dougal, Collum, Captain Randall and of course...Jaime Frasier and Claire Beauchamp. The detailed intermingling of historical events, time-travel, adventure, and of timeless love blew me away. This book made me cry, hold my breath in suspense, laugh out loud, and share in the escapades of Jaime and Claire as if I were there myself. I felt their pain, triumph, and undying love, and wished I was Claire being comforted by Jaime's strong enbrace.

I was a bit depressed to come to the end of this book, but absolutely elated to find that it was simply the first of a six-part series. I promptly ordered the next three installments and found myself waiting impatiently for them to arrive. I guess I'm lucky that I stumbled onto this remarkable series late in the game...I don't have to wait so long to read each successive novel. I will order the fifth installment when it's released and will likely hold my breath waiting for the sixth. I can't wait to see how the story of Claire and Jaime and their colorful supporting players unravels.

Diana Gabaldon is an extraordinary writer with a penchant for mixing history with romance. If J. Suzanne Frank whetted my appetite for historical romance adventures, Gabaldon certainly sealed my fate as a fan for life.

Outlander, the first in the Outlandish series by Diana Gabaldon, is a book I picked out because I liked its dust jacket. It is time-travel si-fi with a romantic twist. No wonder people have a difficult time deciding what to label Ms. Gabaldon's work. Not exactly science-fiction, not a mystery, not all together adventure, not even a romance, but a wonderful meshing of each. Could it be that such a masterpiece deserves its own category? Perhaps.

From the beginning I was captured and held prisoner by the tale of Claire Randall, her love for her husband Frank, and their attempt to bolster their flagging relationship after WWII. Our heroine is the type of woman we all want to be: smart, wise and always prepared for what might come our way. An experienced combat nurse and amateur botanist is great preparation for her step through the magical standing stones into 18th Century Scotland. Almost immediately (after a confrontation between she and her husband's evil look-alike ancestor) Claire falls into the arms of her true love and soul-mate, Jamie Fraser. Like any human, his flaws are evident. I think the reason he is such a likable sort is that he is so human, much like the heros in novels by Laura Kinsale (one of Diana Gabaldon's favorite writers, by the way).

Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager and Drums of Autumn are each, in their own right, extremely well written with characters so vivid and well defined that the reader begins to feel as if they know them. Scenes are full and rich in historical accuracy. Descriptions and attention to details leave one with a sense of having been there, having touched the fabrics, smelled the scents and tasted the foods of another far away time. Battle scenes are so intense, that you can almost hear the twang and scrape of clashing broadswords, feel the thunder of pounding horse's hooves. Images induced by such talented writing tends to live with the reader long after the last page has been turned.

The last in the series published thus far, Drums of Autumn, has set the stage for more action to come. Claire, Jamie, their daughter Brianna and her love, Roger, are tottering on the brink of the American Revolution. The witch Gellis once told Claire that the reason people are allowed to travel from one time to another is to change events. Who knows, the Brittish may win this time. Lead on, Diana, your fans will follow.

This series by Patricia Finney features Robert Carey, the youngest son of Lord Hundson who in turn is the bastard son of Henry VII and Mary Boleyn, Ann's sister. Carey has landed a position as the Queen's representative at one of the border forts between England and Scotland, at a particularly crucial time, when Elizabeth's heir, James, is king of Scotland, and his succession to the English throne will unify the two countries. Carey's main motive in accepting the position was to get away from creditors in England. And in the first of the series, Carey, began to establish himself as a kind of monarch in his own right in that most politically crucial of geographies. Now less than a year and three books' worth of adventures later, Carey must return home to London at the summons of his father, who is now the Queen's Lord Chamberlain. Carey has to deal with creditors who are stalking him, his father's girlfriend (and once his,) Mistress Bassano, her devoted swain and family servant, the rather unimpressive Will Shakespeare, and the fact that his gullible elder brother Edmund has disappeared in what turns out to be plague infested London, and Hundson's chief enemy, Thomas Heneage, probably has something to do with it. Meanwhile a bunch of counterfeit coins are turning up, and the penalty for counterfeiting is death. And Carey's Scottish man, Seargent Dodd is amusing everyone with his bumpkin ways and accent, while being extremely frustrated by their decadent city ways and lack of recognition for his family rank. It's fun stuff with great characterization and just about the best period resurrection I've ever experienced. But then that's true of all of Finney's work, and here, slick London kind of made me miss the crass and vulgar North.

This book shows evidence of an amazing amount of research into the daily life of Elizabethan London. Perhaps this is, as one reviewer suggests, how Patricia Finney has fun in between her longer Elizabeth I mysteries, but all I can say is she does a lot of hard work too!

Sir Robert Carey was widely though of as the Queen's nephew (the illegitimate grandson of Henry VIII) and Chisholm makes the most of this fact in her mystery, using her hero's physical resemblance to the Queen and his father, Lord Hundson's, temperamental resemblance to Henry VIII to build a complicated tale of revenge, ambition, and murder. A score of minor--but also real!--characters thread through the story: Mistress Bassano (a member of a real family of Jewish musicians at the court), Robert Greene, Christopher Marlowe, and even the balding Will Shakespeare appear.

So many historical mysteries are more about evoking a powerful setting than telling a complicated tale of skulduggery, but with this book you get to have both. The setting and characterization are nearly perfect, and the central mystery pivoting around the consequences surrounding an alchemical experiment gone wrong is not only perfect for the period but darned confusing as well! I highly recommend this book, and the other books in the series. But, read A Famine of Horses (the first in the series) first or you will find yourself a bit lost for the first half.

This is the kind of book that makes life worth living.

Written in a spare yet vivid style, with outstanding dialogue, Plague of Angels features well-known characters from the first three books of Chisholm's series. But, due to a letter from Carey's father, they've had to ride south to London. Readers be encouraged: this is no Renaissance Faire.

Characterization is particularly strong in this volume because it's from the point of view of Sergeant Dodd, the tough, morose, thoroughly engaging Borderer. His viewpoints on London, the aristocracy, and Carey are not only humorous but have a certain ring of truth. I'd always liked Dodd, but in the course of this book he became one of my favorite historical fiction characters of all time. Carey, seen through Dodd's eyes, retains his notable charm and savoir-faire. And Chisholm does something nearly impossible: writes about real historical characters and does it well. Yes, Shakespeare is in this book, and yes, it works.

The plot is an exciting one, of course. Some of the twists aren't quite as well developed as they could be, but between the plague, the Fleet Prison, and our hero facing torture by the bad guys, it's hard to care.

I was particularly impressed here with Chisholm's presentation of Renaissance mentalities. The pure terror evoked by the plague, in an age when diseases were unstoppable and more or less uncurable, is very well described. It's also worth mentioning that, although her protagonists are male, Chisholm does well with female characters, making them realistic products of their time but still strong, interesting individuals.

I was originally prepared to be partially disappointed with this book as a few of the other reviews had left me with the mistaken impression that it didn't deliver. Much to my delight, I LOVED Drums of Autumn! It delivered all of the goods and more. I was also thoroughly taken with the preceeding 3 books in the series.

With Drums, I found enjoyment in Jamie and Claire being comfortably together, secure in their love for one another and settled in their new home. This book, like the other three, was filled with laughter, tears, romance and adversity. It dealt with each characters emotions perhaps even better than in the preceding novels because it took it's time - I for one enjoyed the slower pace (but never, never a boring one). I liked the addition of Brianna and Roger's story as well as John Grey's continued presence in the lives of our hero and heroine. I can't wait to see what happens next - the introduction of Stephen Bonnett as well as Will's reappearance should make for some interesting story plots in the next 2 books!

I have never been so taken with any characters as I have with Jamie and Claire. Diana Gabaldon is a phenomenal writer - she speaks directly to my heart and sense of adventure! I recommend this as well as every book in the Outlander series - 5 stars for all.

I have found these books to be wonderful stories! I was hooked when I first opened "Outlander." I find Claire's modern day sense of humor in rather barbaric (to her way of thinking) situations refreshing, as well as her intelligence. How many other authors would have thought to have her bring penicillin to the 18th century, or better still, try to invent it in the 18th century? Jamie is, what can I say, completely wonderful. Stubborn, yes, macho, true, yet lovable and so compatible with Claire.
I couldn't put any of these books down once I had started them. I have them all in hardback and prominently displayed on my bookshelf with the "Outlandish Companion." I even persuaded my grandmother to read them, and she loved them!
I have to wholeheartedly recommend these books to any reader of historical fiction. You really feel like these characters could have existed, and that you are actually looking at life much the way it was in the 18th century. Keep up the good work, Ms. Gabaldon; I am eagerly awaiting the next book(s) in the series!

The general consensus seems to be that the first 2 books were the best. Diana was more than half way through writing the 2nd book before the first book was published and therefore before any before any comments/critisisms or feedback was recieved (from the greater public).

I read the Drum reviews before reading the book (I was waiting for it to come out in the standard sized paperback here in NZ) therefore was 'forewarned'. I do agree that it was a little superficial compared to the previous books when it came to Claire & Jamie. Perhaps too, because of the excellence of the first books our expectations were too high. Can anyone name a series that is as good at the end as it was at the beginning (except for, perhaps, M*A*S*H).

Jamie and Claire are into the next phase of their relationship - they're now together 'till death do us part' so all the tension of Claire coming and going is not there. So too, has the originality of the situation (for readers) dissapated. We've accepted Claire's 'travelling' as quite normal, whereas that is what hooked us to begin with, wasn't it?

Diana Gabaldon certainly has her work cut out for her!! I look forward to reading her 'non Outlander' books too!!

When I first read Outlander, I finished it in 12 hours. The next 2 within the week...I was hooked! Jamie and Claire wove their way into my heart and imagination with such color and richness that it seems hard to believe that they're just characters in a book...I was thrilled to hear that there are new additions too the series and I'm sure that Ms. Gabladon keeps the amazing standard that she sets with the first three books. Keep it up Diana!!!

I don't think I've ever been so eager to read a book as I was to read Voyager. After being left with the cliffhanger at the end of Dragonfly in Amber, I devoured the third book to find out what happened to Jamie and Claire. This is the most humorous book of the series - both in Gabaldon's exciting saga of our lovers' reunion, and in the way she makes fun of her own genre. I loved the scene where Claire is introduced to the typical bodice-ripping romance novel while working at the hospital - what a great bit of tongue-in-cheek humor! And Jamie and Claire's antics as they try to get some action while on the boat are truly hilarious. While the descriptions of boats and other such historical details were a wee bit much (even for a history major and lover like myself), the story overall carried me past that and into the world of the past like few others have done.

I love Diana Gabaldon. I loved Outlander but was left a bit disappointed by Dragonfly in Amber. But of Voyager? No way. It is satisfying in almost every respect.

What did I love about this book? I loved that a significant part of it explores the lives Claire and Jamie led without each other. You feel sad for them, especially Jamie, who cuts a rather tragic romantic hero. Their reunion scenes were wonderful. I loved how this book covered so many storylines. When I got to the end, I could not believe how Diana Gabaldon had packed it all in!

A really satisfying read. I have two more in the series to go and then like the rest of the Lallybroch universe, I must wait for the next (and sadly final) instalment. This voyage was one hell of a ride.

I bought this book specifically to read the D. Gabaldon chapter, but found that I enjoyed the entire book. The chapter Diana Gabaldon wrote with her son was a very enjoyable short story. I would recommend this book as a light read - especially for women with sons.

I bought the book specifically to read the Diana Gabaldon chapter, but have found that I have enjoyed the entire book. I would recommend it for light reading, especially to women with sons.

Naked Came The Phoenix was a book selection for two of my local reading groups because we were intrigued by its unusual format. Twelve bestselling mystery and suspense author joined together to contribute a chapter to this murder-mystery, soap-opera. The catch? Each other must pick up where the last left off and continue the story using the same cast of characters, all of who get zanier as the story progresses.

The opening chapter written by Nevada Barr sets up the story and, in my opinion, was the driest, dullest entry in the entire book. It's here that the lifeless main characters are introduced (luckily they don't stay that way!). After the recent death of her father, Caroline, wife of a big shot Congressman, agrees to spend some quality bonding time with her difficult mother at a high-end health spa. Caroline's fellow guests at the spa include an aging rock legend, a quirky psychic, a starving model and loads of other oddballs and Hollywood "it" types.

After the sloooow start, JD Robb picks up the tempo in chapter two. She breaths life into Caroline's character by bringing her down to earth in a funny little adventure brought about by hunger. She also adds a hunky pool-boy to the ever growing list of characters and kicks things into high gear by killing off the snooty spa owner!

Things get silly as each character seems to harbor some dirty secret and the murder count becomes ridiculously high as each author adds their own little twists and turns to the story and attempts to pick up where the previous author left off. A friend of mine described the characters as "manic depressives" and she was right on. Each character switches moods and personalities from chapter to chapter which only added to the sense of fun. Eventually, all dangling threads and over-the-top plot twists were neatly brought together by author Laurie King.

I'd read another book like Naked Came The Phoenix for the fun factor alone. But would I read this one again? Umm, probably not.

A senator's wife and her mother go to an exclusive spa to try to relax. They meet several celebrities, which include a model, a movie star and an aging rock star. The spa owner is found murdered in one of the center's mud baths grasping in her dead hands a white thong. Every body in the spa is a suspect and each one has a secret to hide. Nobody came to the spa to relax. They all came because the owner had summoned them and has also been blackmailing some of her clients. Everyone has a motive but it is now time to find out who the murderer (murderers?) are.

I was attracted to this book by two selling points. One, all the proceeds from this book goes to help breast cancer charities; second, except for two of the authors, I had read previous works from the participants and have enjoyed every one. Each author contributes a chapter and then passes it to another author to continue the story. They all did a great job and made it interesting to see how they reacted to some outrageous plot threads put in the story. The story is definitely farfetched but it was fun. I applaud Laurie King for writing a decent final chapter to the mess provided by the other authors. All threads were tied and everybody could breath a sound of relief. I am not claiming this to be great literature but I thought the concept was a good idea and it all goes to a worthy cause.

With the recent death of her father Hamlin Finch from throat cancer, Caroline Blessing decides to help her mother Hilda deal with her grief. Though she knows that reconciling their differences will be impossible because the only way to accomplish that is unconditional surrender. Still Caroline, a cellist and wife of less than one year to a first term Tennessee Congressman, takes her mother to the exclusive Phoenix Spa.

At the spa, Caroline's mother remains her usual obnoxious manipulative self though perhaps acting a bit more bizarre than usual. The owner of the spa Claudia de Vries, her mother's college roommate, behaves even weirder than Hilda does. However, Claudia's behavior becomes moot, as someone murders her. The police and Caroline conduct separate inquiries even while other patrons die.

NAKED CAME THE PHOENIX is an entertaining collaboration from thirteen of the leading female mystery writers on the market today. The story line is fun though the line up of superstars tend to void pronouncements from the previous chapters. Still, the plot seems fresh due to Caroline who is the one consistency throughout the who-done-it. For the most part the authors provided strong entries that help make NAKED CAME THE PHOENIX a likable story. What else would you expect from a who's who consisting of Nevada Barr, J.D. Robb, Nancy Pickard, Lisa Scottoline, Perri O'Shaugnessy, J.A. Jance, Faye Kellerman, Mary Jane Clark, Marcia Talley, Anne Perry, Diana Gabaldon, Val McDermid, and Laurie King.

Harriet Klausner

I was at the bookstore the day this his the shelves, eagerly awaiting the next installment. I read it slowly, savoring every bit. But in all honesty, I walked away somewhat disappointed.
If I'm going to read 1,000 pages, I want something - lots of things - to happen. Outlander was fabulous: the action, adventure and romance rarely stopped. Fiery Cross is very much a slice-of-life book: here's what Jamie and Claire did on Monday, here's what they did on Tuesday, etc. Not as much action and story advancement as I thought, and as we are used to from Diana. Too many story lines that should have been wrapped up are still left hanging, and have been joined by a few other dangling questions. I was frustrated at the end at the lack of Things Happening. I never got a feel for Roger and Brianna's real characters - they seemed to be plot devices at times. Which is rare for Diana's writing. Perhaps Diana has spoiled us with the artistry of the first four books. Perhaps this was rushed to press. Who knows. I'm glad I read it, but I won't reread it any time soon. (I've read the other four several times.) The details were great, as usual, but some of it could have been cut. I learned alot about that time in American history, but I wish the story had gone further. Nevertheless, it was great to be with Jamie and Claire again!

Even though it was written really well, I was disappointed about the lack of plot. I kept reading and reading hoping to get to one and then the book was done. I hope that this was just a way of tying the next book in with the rest of the series. I'm on the third time reading the rest of the books.

M2

In my opinion, Diana Gabaldon continues to enthrall readers with her tales of the Fraser family in this novel of her Outlander series. Once again, her book is filled with intriguing events that put readers through the emotions of fear, rage, sadness, joy, love, and more. The book is well-written and hard to put down once one has started reading it. I look forward to the next book in the series.