Hellfire

Rating:
Summary: Lord John Grey at his best
Review: A Warning to the Outlandish series readers: THIS DOES NOT HAVE JAMIE OR CLAIRE IN IT.

This is a stand alone story about one of the secondary characters in the Outlandish series. I picked it up because I, like many others, was anxiously awaiting the arrival of book number five. While it is not about either Jamie or Claire, it shows John Grey in a way that he has not been shown before. In this story, he is the main character, and as such provides an extremely strong storyline. For me, it was wonderful to see a seconday character getting a story of his own. I only hope that she will write one about Roger...

Rating:
Summary: Hold on Gabaldon fans......
Review: If you're one of those fans like I am that is anxiously awaiting the Fiery Cross, you may be tempted to pick up this little story, as I did. It does contain all of the wonderfullly discriptive and detail oriented talent that Gabaldon is known for. Though Lord John Grey is an interesting character in the Outlander series, his position and references to Jamie Fraser (from the series) are completely lost in this little story. They only work to suck the series fan in. A new reader woudn't have a clue. Though mystery for Gabaldon may be a new venture and it could be developed into something special, there seemed to be too many characters and settings in this story. It was hard to follow and understand, let alone get wrapped up in the mystery plot of the story. The reader is dragged into the "cult" group at the end before he understands what is even taking place. It seems to belong in a much longer book that Gabaldon just didn't have time to finish. Not for the Outlander series fan looking for a fix. Wait for Fiery Cross.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Side-line to the OUTLANDER novels
Review: Personally, Lord John Grey has always been one of my favorite secondary characters in the OUTLANDER novels, and I'm thrilled to see him in a story of his own. The story is short--only 23 pages--but packs a real punch. As always with Gabaldon's writing, you feel as though you're living right alongside the characters. The territory in this story ranges from an exclusive London gentleman's club to the notorious "Hellfire" club, deep in the English countryside. The emotional territory is even more vivid than the physical, with the skilful intertwining of Lord John's personal life and private feelings with the danger and secrecy of London politics and secret depravity. A real winner, and I hope to see more of Lord John--either in the next OUTLANDER novel, or on his own!