Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I found "Drums" quite disappointing in the context of the first books. The plotline has meandered to a slow trickle in places. I have mentioned in my reviews for "Voyager" and "The Fiery Cross" that I have found Diana Galbadon's writing style in her later novels very self-indulgent, and "Drums" had a number of sub-plots that didn't seem to bear relevance to the main story. The character of Brianna doesn't quite gel with me, Diana Galbadon mentioned in her "companion" to the novels (Through the Stones) that she found Brianna a "hard nut to crack" character-wise and I think this shows in the novel - the psyche of this character doesn't come across, and it is difficult to feel sympathy or affection for her. Roger's character is also a little difficult to warm to, compared to those of say Young Ian and Fergus. All in all - stick with the first three books!
Rating: 
Summary: Drums of Autumn
Review: Drums of Autumn tells the next chapter of the Jamie and Claire love story, but it isn't the only love story; Drums of Autumn tells of Brianna Fraser and Roger Wakefield love story. Interwoven with historical facts, careful research, and great writing, Drums of Autumn is the perfect followup of Voyager.
Rating:
Summary: Even more fascinating
Review: Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall are reunited and are carving out a new life for themselves in North Carolina. They build a small cabin with the help of Ian,Jamie's nephew and gain the friendship of a group of Indians.Their daughter,Brianna has found the secret of time travelling through the stones and sets out to find Claire and Jamie,the father she has never met.She is followed by her would be lover,Roger Wakefield who catches up with her in the New World where their love is finally consumated.After Roger leaves to find the gems which will enable them to return to their own time,Brianna is raped by Stephen Bonnet,the pirate who was befriended by Claire and Jamie and who ultimately betrayed them.Because of huge misunderstandings,Jamie sells Roger into slavery with the Mohawk Indians and when Claire and Jamie set out to rescue him,Jamie's nephew Ian is held as a permanent replacement for Roger.In the meantime,Brianna gives birth to a son,not knowing whether he is Rogers or the result of the rape by Stephen Bonnet. Now for No.5
Rating: 
Summary: the story's still interesting, but....
Review: Like many others I waited impatiently for the next installment in this series. When it finally came out I was a little bit disappointed. There's a lot of action in the book, but I thought much of it was rather improbable (but, then again, isn't time travel improbable?).
I'm still a fan, and will wait impatiently for the next book, but I did enjoy the first four books more than "The Fiery Cross."
I just hope we don't have to wait as long for the next installment!!
Rating:
Summary: continued success
Review: With Drums of Autumn, Gabaldon turns the story of Jamie and Claire more toward the future than the past. A New World, new families, new challenges face the Fraser Clan and they meet the new day well. Gabaldon skillfully answers many questions, yet lays new trails for her faithful readers to pick up on as well.The reader would do well to read the Outlander series in order, as many of the references made are about situations, people and events that all intertwine and connect and the unaware reader may find this confusing. Although not mandatory to the understanding of the current book, familarity with the characters and their previous adventures is helpful. As in her previous novels, Diana Gabaldon has struck gold again. The reader should appreciate the length to which she has gone to tell this wonderful story and will look forward to the next in the series with sincere appreciation.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction. Memorable well defined characters.
Rating:
Summary: This is literary fiction at its finest!
Review: I NEVER read romance books, and after Gabaldon's books were recommended to me, I was more than a little leary when the clerk led me down the romance aisle. I'm a writer myself--mostly southern literary fiction--and the way Gabaldon molds her characters and designs the plots prove that these books are not bodice-ripping romances, although Claire's bodice does get ripped several times. All the books are a melding of historical fiction, literary fiction and mainstream. Having Scottish ancestry, I have had my interest piqued regarding Scotland just from reading these books, especially Outlander. The concept of time travel sort of makes one consider the possibility of that occurrence. My great-grandmother was a french immigrant, and although I've never been in a formal french class, I can read french enough to get the main idea and can speak it somewhat. So Gabaldon makes the reader consider the possibilities of supernatural things. The only complaint I have is that there seems to be so many things which happen to Jamie and Claire--one right after the other--which are bad, that I'd like to go along for awhile and see them living a happy family life with somewhat of a twist in plot. Otherwise,these books are destined to become classics!
Rating:
Summary: Better than the third, really ENJOYED this one!
Review: I put off reading this 4th book in the series because I didn't think I'd like enjoy the American scene. I was not happy with the 3rd book. But I so enjoyed DRUMS OF AUTUMN! I can't wait to read the next one. I loved this book, MUCH better than the 3rd. It didn't hold me right away - I wasn't hooked until Jamie & Claire stayed with Aunt Jocasta - but the book seduced me and by the time they set off from River Run, I was reading in the car at lunch, reading through dinner, and devouring the story. The author's description of the American setting enthralled me, as did the goings on of farming, economy, indian relations, etc. Claire and Jamie's scenes together were still the best in the book, but I did enjoy Bree & Roger's relationship toward the end, but still not as much. I LOVED THE ENDING!!! That last chapter really was the perfect end to this wonderful story. Hurray Gabaldon! ...and Thanks.
Rating:
Summary: Hopelessly Addicted!
Review: I picked up DRUMS OF AUTUMN one day in a store, and promptly moved, thus baninshing the book to a box. A few weeks ago, I picked it up and started to read it. I had never read anything by Diana Gabaldon before (yes, I went about it completely backassward), but the way she weaved stories within stories to create a beautiful tapestry absolutely captured me. I loved the entire book! The fact that she writes a story including all the day-to-day events, be they hilarious or heartbreaking, is evidence of a terrific author! It really shouldn't be classified as a romance novel, because it's so much more than that; it's believeable! You can read it and say, "That has happened to me!" or "I always say that!". None of the cheezy tripping through the daisies, and characters who are outrageously perfect crap. I have now read the previous three books, and you really can't put them down! I highly recommmend these books to anyone looking for a whirlwind adventure!
Rating:
Summary: LEAVE THE CURRENT TIME AND TRAVEL BACK
Review: This comment is really based on the four books so far. In my opinion it is one of the best series to date. The content takes you back into differnt times and just by closing your eyes you are there. The writing is terrific! Jamie & Claire are memorable. These books will have you laughing and crying, sitting on the edge of your seat and cozy warm. When I finished this particular book, there was a great span of time before I could get interested in another book.
Keep up the good work Diana, and I look forward to "The Firey Cross" as soon as it is available.
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