Rating: 
Summary: LACKING MAGIC, BUT ENTERTAINING
Review: When I read the first 3 books in the series I became so entrenched in the story that it stayed with me for days. "Drums" doesn't have the same pull, there is no passion between Claire and Jamie. They say the right words but we don't feel the internal flip flops, the gut wrenching emotion that kept us desperately seeking more, more! A lot of missed opportunity too: it's a major scene when Brianna finally finds Jamie but did she have to find him relieving himself under a tree?! Could have been a great moment in the book but it fell flat.
Unfortunately too, Brianna comes across as spoiled and churlish, having rages against Jamie and Roger while she, herself, made the bad decisions that had nasty consequences.
John Gray steals the story...hope to see a lot more of him.
I say to Ms. Gabaldon. "You are a phenomenally talented writer who has delivered us from the mundane and we are eternally grateful...bring back the magic!! Can't wait for Book # 5 but I DREAD reaching the end of the series."
Rating: 
Summary: Truly the best of the series
Review: To me this was a book about fatherhood. I was absolutely touched to the heart by the story and depth of character development. I am stunned that some people have not found this to be Ms. Gabaldon's greatest achievement thus far. I attribute some of this reaction to the fact that reader's who have fallen in love with a character may not like to see them change. But Jamie and Claire have developed as souls before our eyes in this amazing series. We've seen Jamie grow from a young and innocent young man into a mature and concerned father. (Well, sometimes he's mature and sometimes he's a typical, stuborn Scottish dad!) And I love the story of Bree and Roger. These two converging plot lines demonstrate Ms. Gabaldon's tremendous talent. I really enjoyed her exploration of the theme of fatherhood.
Rating:
Summary: Timelessly Emotional
Review: I received Outlander as a gift a year ago. I read it without puting it down, and was done the next day. I had never read book that looked so deeply into someone's soul. Gabaldon's characters are incredibly real. It sparked my interest like no other book. (Especially about Scotland.) I have read other romance books that were good, but this one is by far the best. I say this because this book made the relationship real. They fought, situations going on around the effected them, and they truly seemed real. I begged for the next two books for my birthday, (I'm only 15) and was elated when I got them . I read them greedily, and was pleased the way the characters did not change, and how beautifully the story of Claire and Jaime was unfolding. In the scene of Drums of Autumn where Young Ian must say good-bye to his family forever, I cried. The book has an emotional foothold with me. I both thank and commend Gabaldon, on her four literary master-pieces. (in my opinion) I await the next two books impatiently.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, looking forward to the next one!!
Review: 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!!
Rating:
Summary: Good, but not her best
Review: Having devoured the first three Outlander books, I couldn't wait for Drums. I did enjoy this book, mostly because I can't get enough of Jamie and Claire, but something was missing. The characters weren't true to themselves. It is true that they, and their relationship, have matured, yet, they aren't characteristically the same. This book was very superficial, whereas the others were very in depth. The newness of Jamie and Claire's renewed relationship is hardly felt. Most disappointing of all is Jamie's introduction to his daughter. This child meant everything to him. He sacrificed himself, and the love of his life to save her, yet all he can say when he meets her is, "You're huge!" I had builr this scene up so much in my own mind, that all I can say is---how anticlimatic!! Despite it's faults, I have remained a devout Outlander fan, and eagerly anticipate the upcoming books. My only request, PLEASE don't let Jamie die!! I couldn't deal with that!
Rating:
Summary: Great story!! Cannot wait for the next installment !!!
Review: The story of Jamie & Claire grabbed hold of me from the very beginning! My daughter & I read them all cover to cover & try to decide which movie stars would be best to portray them (so far--no one is big enough, strong enough, or handsome enough to be Jamie. We kind of see a young Katherine Hepburn as Claire. The stories just keep getting better and better. I would love to see Jamie go with Claire to the 20th Century! Maybe Ms. Gabaldon can find them another route than thru the "dreaded stones". I can't rave enough about these books--they're all total page turners
Rating: 
Summary: Sleeper
Review: The first book of Diana Galbaldon I read was Dragonfly in Amber. What a great story. I then went back and read Outlander. I could hardly wait for Voyager and eagerly anticipated Drums of Autumn. The first two books held me spellbound for hours. I would read before going to sleep, dream of Jamie and Claire, and arise early to begin the drama again. Diana Gabaldon has the ability to draw her readers into the story and bring characters to live. Voyager was not as great as the first two books and Drums of Autumn was a disappointment. The story of Briana and Roger was great to explore - could have been been more in depth. I believe it would have been in better sequence to develop their lives in the past without the complication of Jamie and Claire. Afterall, they are very dynamic characters and overshadow all present. At the end, the two groups could meet which would lead into the 5th book of the series. Fergus which was so prevelent in the last two books was only mildly mentioned in this book. It was a bit disjointed. Hopefully, the 5th book of the series will be a while in coming and allow Ms Gabaldon the opportunity to layout the book in her normal fashion. Don't be in a hurry to "Get another book on the market." Good things come to those that wait
Rating:
Summary: Just okay.
Review: I had long sworn off romance novels. One day out of boredom, I was browsing the romance section at the bookstore and picked up Outlander. I ended up sitting on the floor to read more and then ended up buying the book. Books Two and Three affected me the same way. I couldn't wait to get home from work, get dinner for the family, and then sit and read more about Claire and Jamie (especially Jamie!) My husband kept asking me what I was reading and why I was smiling so much! The fourth book I have not even finished. I have no interest in picking it up. Though I wanted to see Jamie and Claire's story continue and didn't want to give the characters up, I think I'd rather go back and reread the first three books than buy books 5 and 6. Diana Gabaldon is an extremely gifted writer, but I think she should have stopped after three. I personally do not want to see Jamie die or read about them at 70 or 80 years of age! As to a movie? Given Jamie's personality and looks, there is no actor on this earth who could fill his shoes!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best series around!
Review: I read this series from page 1 of Outlander to the last page of Drums of Autumn. The series is excellent. It includes romance, adventure, and historical fiction. Have you ever considered a similar work for children? Teachers are always looking for good books to use in the classroom. Keep up the great work. I can't wait for number 5!!
Rating:
Summary: It was a letdown, but...
Review: I devoured her other 3 books - they were exciting, romantic, very different reading and I could not wait for the final chapter, Drums of Autumn. But, it left me wanting something else. It was very predictable and I was able to put it down and not pick it back up for days. The other 3 books I could not put down; I read every spare moment I had because they were so good. I felt this particular novel was hurried. Everyone waited so long for the final book...maybe she got tired of writing. It was a "have to" read book...you just had to know what became of all the characters you learned to love in the other 3 books. For Jamie I would have traveled back in time also! Will there be another book
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