Book Review: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

 

Title: Dragonfly in Amber

Author: Diana Gabaldon

Series/Standalone: Outlander Series (Book #2)

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adult

Pages: 752

Publisher: Anchor Canada

Year Published: 1992

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "Roger Wakefield stood in the center of the room, feeling surrounded."

"From the author of Outlander... a magnificent epic that once again sweeps us back in time to the drama and passion of 18th-century Scotland...

For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland's majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones... about a love that transcends the boundaries of time... and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the danger of his...

Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire's spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart... in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising... and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves..."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This book took me far too long to read, between starting it, stopping, picking up the audiobook, and then finishing via the physical book. That being said I still really enjoyed most of the content of this book. The first portion of this story drags a bit because it doesn't pick up where you left off originally. So it takes a bit of getting used to, reading about different characters in a different times. That being said, I still love our characters and the way they interact together. There are scenes that I didn't love, just due to their content matter, but I understand why they were part of the plot. And the cliffhanger really got me. As soon as I get the audiobook for the next installment, I will also be reading it physically to be able to complete the huge tomes quickly.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Series/Standalone: Outlander Series (Book #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction, Romance
Pages: 627
Publisher: Anchor Publishing Canada
Year Published: 2001
Format: Paperback (Own It)
First Line: "People disappear all the time."

"Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another. In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon-- when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach-- an 'outlander'-- in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord... 1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire's destiny is soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidden Castle Leoch. She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life... and shatter her heart. For here, Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire... and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives"

My Rating: 5/5

Since I've joined the bookish community there has always been a buzz around the Outlander Series.  I'll agree with those who do not appreciate aspects of this storyline and it is problematic. There are also points where this story made me feel slightly uncomfortable. Strong alert for rape, sexual assault and physical abuse. That being said, in the time period where this takes place, this is not exactly surprising. That being said I loved the grit and the dark aspects of the storyline along with the many characters. After finishing this book I can not wait for more and plan to continue the series throughout the year.
Certainly a new favorite.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

This might be a very rambly spoiler because I loved this book! I'd heard so much hype about this series in the book community and I certainly understand why. I also understand why it's a problematic read, but I rated for my enjoyment of the storyline and enjoyment I felt throughout reading the story. So that's why this book got a whole 5/5 stars. I really enjoyed how this book is more than a romance, it shows different aspects of historical fiction (life in the Highlands, war, justice, etc). It also speaks about abuse, assault and a varied other assortment. That being said, the first book always does come back to romance, which I appreciated. Normally I'm not someone who loves romances, but this one took me by storm and I can't wait to continue the series.

Characters:
Claire: I really enjoyed her perspective a woman of her own right coming into a world where woman certainly isn't taken seriously. I liked that she used her knowledge to help heal those around her and take care of those she could. That being said, she was little quick to forget about Frank and her past life. I also didn't appreciate how fast she forgave Jamie for serving "justice" in the inn. That being said we have to take the time period into account. I loved her stubbornness and her willingness to stand her ground.

Jamie: I really loved him. Right from the start. And I know that's the point but he is someone who cares for those around him. A man who has suffered for choices he has made and is trying to better now. That being said, he is a little too willing to sacrifice himself for others. I hope that their romance continues and I wouldn't be surprised if his shock from the prison returned.

Frank: He was just kind of alright. He didn't really seem to care that much for Claire and was more interested in his past than her. I also just didn't feel like we got to know him that well, I'm wondering if that will change throughout the series.

Randall: I'm curious about his past. For example, "Who is Alex?" "Was he always horrible?" I think with his relation to Frank it would be extremely hard for Claire to go back and see Frank the same way. I also was surprised at his extent of his villain. 

Column: I wonder about him and whether he will reappear in the future. To live such a painful life in a time where there isn't anything that could be done for him broke my heart.

Dougal: Again, why are you so willing to assault people? I understand that he was doing certain things for his brother, but other things made little to no sense to me. I also hated how he treated Claire when he was with her alone. Just creepy. I also assumed he was a lot younger before I googled the cast for the series.

Jenny: I really loved her. She was willing to give anyone a piece of her mind and was willing to fight for her own. I loved her and her attitude. She was stronger than so many women I've seen throughout novels.

Ian: He seems like a good man and I wonder about his family in the coming war and famine.

Geillis: She kind of reminded me of a villain near the end. She was a good friend to Claire but she was willing to be a Jacobite knowing the result of the war. I also wonder when she went through the stones. 


Moments to Remember:
Pg. 309
"'Why, what's the matter wi' the poor child?' she demanded of Jamie. 'Has she had an accident o' some sort?'
'No, it's only she's married to me,' he said, 'though if ye care to call it an accident, ye may.'"

Pg. 562
"'Sassenach,' he said against my shoulder, a moment later.
'Mm?'
'Who in God's name is John Wayne?'
'You are,' I said. 'Go to sleep.'

Final Line: "And the world was all around us, new with possibility."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny