About: Jamie and Claire are back in the seventh installment of the Outlander series. They are desperately trying to leave the colonies during the American Revolution, to get back to Scotland so that Jamie can bring his printing press back to America. Of course, nothing goes as planned and the reader gets to meet many historical figures along the journey. Plus we meet up again with Lord Grey.
Descriptive Words: entertaining, war information galore, fast-paced, brutal, heart-thumping.....
Location or characters you met:
- Jamie and Claire: Hands down this is the BEST couple I've ever been introduced to within the pages of a book. I think they're even better than Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth! I love Jamie's masculinity and how he will stop at nothing to keep Claire safe. I am very fond of the way he loves her and lets her know on a daily basis that she makes his life complete. Claire is such a strong woman. She's more than capable of holding her own. I think Gabaldon did a great job of making her resourceful, intelligent, but vulnerable at the same time. She's a character that I've come to love.
- Ian : I'm drawn to him for some reason. It could be that he is raw, wild, and dangerous. But tucked deep inside of his heart there is a part of him that yearns to love, be loved, and to have a family to call his own.
- America: Even though war is not pretty there is something electric about this time period. Imagine all of the people banding together for freedom. Even though they know there will be losses of life, hardships to endure, and unimaginable terror nothing will stop them from attaining LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS!
- I actually enjoy Gabaldon's chunksters and even though there are a lot of facts and descriptions, I honestly feel that it only adds to the richness of her stories.
- I really liked the chapters that brought us to the current day and featured Brianna and Roger. Those were actually some of my favorite parts.
- Learning more about William, Jamie's son. He is very interesting to me and I felt that Lord Grey really loved him and thought of him as his own child. I hope to read a more about this young man in her next book.
- The last 200 pages flew and then when I was done I wanted to cry! So much happens and then we're left hanging..until book 8 which probably won't come out for at least two long agonizing years. This will however give me time to read my newly acquired, The Outlandish Companion. I will also use this time to get caught up with Lord Grey.
- At times I will admit that I felt lost. I had to reread a few pages again. This was mostly during the battle scenes or anywhere the troops were introduced. I think a map would've been helpful for this book.
- Too much time spent on the British side of the war.
- Characters that I wasn't sure if I should pay attention to or not. Will they show up in the next book? Why are they here and what do they have to add to the story????
Recommend? This would be a resounding YES! But I absolutely insist that you must read from the very beginning. Trust me..you need each book because Gabaldon is a master storyteller and weaver. Stories from a few books ago find their way into this one and having that background information is crucial to your overall enjoyment!
My Rating: 5/5
Thank you to TLC for asking me to be a part of this book tour.
Check out the other tour stops HERE.
About Diana Gabaldon
Diana Gabaldon is the New York Times bestselling author of the wildly popular Outlander novels–Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, Drums of Autumn, The Fiery Cross, and A Breath of Snow and Ashes (for which she won a Quill Award and the Corine International Book Prize)–and one work of nonfiction, The Outlandish Companion, as well as the bestselling series featuring Lord John Grey, a character she introduced in Voyager. She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Connect with Diana:
On her Website
On Facebook
Great review! I havent read this but think it sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Staci! Nice to know I can look forward to reading it - I've only read the first book (really liked it)!
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhhhhhhhhhh she lives in my town!!! Sounds like a great book!!!! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteThe thought of the books before me is so daunting, so many, so big!
ReplyDeleteShe has such rabid fans, and I keep thinking I have to start on one of her series!
ReplyDeleteYou fessed up about Penny, so it's only fair that I do the same about Gabaldon - I haven't read any. I have only heard/read good things about this series, and I haven't spent any time looking in depth, but I fear that it isn't for me. Your thoughts are very encouraging, though.
ReplyDeleteI have got to begin this series again. I keep meaning to read it in its entirety and then look what happens - other books!! I've read OUTLANDER twice and stopped each time. Maybe this next year is the year. I could classify it as fantasy couldn't I? With my new resolve to read more fantasy?
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Staci! I love this series - I haven't got to this part of it yet though - I still have a couple of books to read in between. Maybe I should start over again (any excuse)!
ReplyDeleteI've been gone for a few days, so I'm probably late for the party, but I love the new look!
ReplyDeleteI know everyone loves Gabaldon's writing, but I'm totally intimidated by it!
Your glowing review has me missing Jamie and Claire! *Sigh* I like your idea of reading the Companion. Of course, we can read The Exile (graphic Outlander)! Have you read Diana's excerpts from the next novel?
ReplyDeleteI don't know why I haven't read this author (or this series). It sounds like I really should, though.
ReplyDeleteVery tempting!
I want to read this series at some point. It sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great, great review, Staci! I like the format. And I like your new banner.
ReplyDeleteGlad it was great. I'm still on The Fiery Cross. I use the Outlander Companion as a reminder of all that's happened before each new book :)
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how many people I know who love her books. Then they follow up with 'you wouldn't like them'. So I haven't even tried.
ReplyDeleteI love historical fiction. I might have to give the first book a try (assuming you should read them in order).
Great review!
wow, better than Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I've got to read this one.
ReplyDeleteI know I really need to read this series - and I will one of these days.
ReplyDeleteI love the new header and the other changes you've made.
I love the Outlander series too and I love, love, love Jamie and Claire but I still have this one to read. I know I just have to bite the bullet and commit to reading it ... soon LOL
ReplyDelete