Rating: 
Summary: Much More than Romance
Review: I love these romance books more than any other because of the time travel, action, and historical information. Diana writes so vividly that I even felt as though I was in Scotland or later in early America. First of all, make sure that you read the first book, Outlander, and make sure to read the books in order. If you like even the first two books, then you will continue to enjoy the rest of the series and look forward to each one. I have heard some people complain about Drums of Autumn, but I found it as enthralling as the rest. The book may look long, but you won't be able to put it down.
Rating:
Summary: Drums of Autumn
Review: Great book, well packaged & timely delivery! Thanks!
Rating: 
Summary: Jack Randall saved this series...
Review: ... and his absence killed it. When I read the first book in this series, A Dragonfly in Amber, I was happily suprised that it wasn't a run-of-the-mill, formulaic romance. The characters were shockingly three-dimensional and the antagonist was, well, a bad guy with a face behind the black moustache, so to speak. Well, sequels have been disappointing, not least Drums of Autumn. Brianna has the personality of a paperdoll compared to her mother, and unfortunately a great deal of the book revolves around her. Likewise, her love interest is only slightly more charismatic. In summary, don't miss the first book of this series but don't bother with the rest.
Rating:
Summary: Once you start . . . you can't stop!
Review: This book is amazing . . Once you pick it up - you won't beable to put it down - it draws you in and makes you forget about everything else but what's happening inside the story. You feel as if you are there - with the charatures! It's a wonderful series!
Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: I really love Drums of Autumn. Of the first four books in the Gabaldon series, this is my second favorite, easily (nothing can touch Outlander, of course). I loved getting to know Roger better, and cried and worried about him all through the book.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful journey though colonial America w/ the Frasers
Review: The story: Jamie and Claire are together and must carve out a life for themselves in America. After reviewing their options they decide to settle in North Carolina. Here they must struggle to set up shelter for themselves and a few of their friends / family. Word spread of Claire's skill with medicine, and she becomes a well known healer. Jamie is happy with their small but prosperous settlement, but bothered by Claire's tales of the unrest that will follow in the "American Revolution."
Brianna and Roger are just beginning their lives together, and then Brianna finds a news clipping that tells of Jamie and Claire's death. Brianna is torn between her love for Roger and the thought that she might be able to prevent her parent's death. This book was simply great! As much as I love the setting of Scotland, it is so wonderful to see Jamie and Claire come to America and make a new start. Jamie is now an older and wiser man. But, that does not mean that he does not make mistakes. OH MAN, does he make a whopper of a mistake in this book!
If you have read they other reviews for this series, by now you know how much I love these books. The story line kind of stalled with the 3rd book, but this book picks the pace up once again. Jamie is the stuff that dreams are made of! This saga is destined to become a classic. JBogue
paper-and-lace
Specializing in paranormal romance and fiction.
Rating:
Summary: HOW DOES GABALDON KEEP WRITING THESE PAGE TURNERS?
Review: I am starting to get a little sad at the prospect of soon finishing these books! What will I do with my life? I do know that I will really miss these characters.
I agree with many of the previous reviewers about Brianna (even 30 years ago girls were being 'sent off' to have illegitimate babies)--I can't imagine what reactions would have been 200 years ago. Wouldn't Jocasta have kept her hidden? And why didn't she tell people that she was 'handfasted' when her pregnancy was discovered? It's also ironic that Claire is always saying that Brianna is stubborn just like Jamie. Claire is pretty stubborn herself! I did enjoy Roger and Brianna's story though.
I disagree with previous reviewers about DRUMS OF AUTUMN needing a villain. Bonnet is extremely dastardly, isn't he? Frankly I'm glad Black Jack is gone!
I loved this novel as much as the first three. The writing is exceptionally beautiful and as we have grown accustomed, the plot is compelling. As usual, something is happening on every page and I enjoyed the fact that Jamie and Claire have settled down (sort of!). The last few pages of this 'bonnie tale' are so poignant and touching that I was moved to many tears!
I have learned so much about Scottish and Colonial history; this is a historical novel with large doses of romance, adventure, and fantasy to boot. And best of all is the love story of Jamie and Claire: "Your face is my heart, Sassenach," he said softly, "and love of you is my soul." Or, "And when my body shall cease, my soul will still be yours Claire--I swear by my hope of heaven, I will not be parted from you." And, "You are my courage, as I am your conscience," he whispered. "You are my heart--and I your compassion. We are neither of us whole, alone. Do ye not know that, Sassenach?"
I recommend these books to anyone who loves to read; they will touch your heart as they have mine!
Rating: 
Summary: Still going strong....
Review: "Drums of Autumn" was a fantastic book...though at times sad... I can tell you that in order to apprecaite this story, you MUST read it as part of a series. While I enjoyed getting to know Roger and Brianna better, I have to admit that a part of me mourns the youth of Jamie and Claire..all of those years that they lost!!! Well, at least theyre together now...another thing that got to me was the decision that young Ian comes to in this book..however I cant deny that it was completely in his character to do as he did....anyways, if you love the "Outlander" series as much as I do..then you really MUST read this book...I think youll be glad you did.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining, but...
Review: I loved the first three book in this series, with the first two being particularly special to me. But I have to say, this installment just isn't as good, and it's all the fault of Brianna. What was Gabaldon thinking?
Brianna is supposed to be an historian, but she runs around Colonial America saying things like, "I don't need a father for my baby!" and insisting on wearing pants, as if she has no idea what kinds of real-life consequences awaited illegitimate children and unfeminine women at that time. Anyone who knows anything about that time, as an historian would be expected to do, would know that it wasn't the 1960's, but Brianna just blithely goes along, not caring what the consequences may be. I was so irritated with her I almost gave up on the book several times.
Luckily I didn't, because it is a very good story otherwise, and I particularly like Roger Wakefield, although I couldn't understand why he would be in love with someone as irresponsible as Brianna. John Gray is indeed a great character, and Claire and Jaime, while maybe not as exciting as they once were, are still a great couple.
A solid read, but needs less of the daughter and more of her parents. I also want them to go back to Scotland.
Rating:
Summary: Another winner
Review: Diana Gabaldon's Scots romances are unparalleled. In this 4th book, she shows her ability to keep aging characters strong and interesting and introduces new blood to the plot lines. The character studies remain the strength of her book, although Clare's daughter comes off a little stupid in this one. Diana trades the Highlands for Colonial America giving a fresh glimpse into pre-revolutionary war pioneer life.
|
