Rating: 
Summary: Doesn't quite live up to expectations
Review: [....] to a certain extent this is indeed a very good book. It is historically accurate (inaccuracy is my pet peeve), the characters are well defined, and there is all the excitement of romance in the wilds of Scotland. Jamie is indeed a male character that we could all fall in love with. So it is with all these things that I write this review with some trepidation, well aware that I am suggesting that a book which is very dear to lots of people's hearts is less than wonderful.Lets get started. Firstly, Ms Gabaldon uses a tried and tested plot device that never ceases to annoy me. Our heroine Claire, fesity and intelligent though she is, finds herself time and time again in life threatening situations, and lo and behold she is rescued by the gallant Jamie in the nick of time. This is exciting once, but it wears a bit thin after a while, and after a time we begin to wonder at Claire's stupidity. It also means that any suspense generated by our herione's situation is dulled by the fact that we know that the handsome hero will be there any moment. Secondly, Ms Gabaldon seems determined to inflict all manner of injuries and tortures on our hero Jamie. Now Claire is a nurse - a healer, and I can understand what a powerful thing it is in a romance story for the heroine to nurse the handsome and ailing hero back to health and true love. But I really think it is done to death in this book (excuse the pun), and the final torture scenes are graphic in a way that is entirely unneccessary for this type of romance. Indeed by the time Jamie and Claire had recovered from this dreadful assault (as I knew they would) I was beginning to lose interest in their story. If I want horror I will read a horror story. Alas I found by the end of the book that I was disinterested in their on-going story, and was pleased that the book could be read by itself. I must stress that I consider in many ways that this is a mighty good read, and it is certainly different to many of the bodice rippers that fill our bookshelves. But I was disappointed that even a first class romance can mar itself with the usual cliches. Read it and enjoy, but be aware of its flaws.
Rating: 
Summary: Romance, Yet Not Romance
Review: I think it is a shame that this book is categorized as a "romance" novel. Romance novels are not given much respect in the book world, and this one deserves respect. It is original, intelligent, well-written, and well-researched. Claire is not your typical romance novel heroine. The time-travel aspects were made as believable as possible. The romance was touching and real. I liked Voyager, Dragonfly in Amber and Drums of Autumn, also, but Outlander is by far the best of the four. I hope that Cross of Fire is a bit more like Outlander than like Drums of Autumn. Read them all, though, if you like your romance with a bit of wit and intelligence.
Rating: 
Summary: If you want to escape well and truly, this is the book
Review: Since September 11th, my reading tastes have changed somewhat in that, when I'm not reading the newspaper, I want to totally escape from this troubled world into a place that can't be touched by all this. I had read this series before and realized it was the perfect set to read again. And I'm not disappointed on the second reading. The characters of Jamie and Claire are some of best I've ever encountered in books of this genre, and Gabaldon's research seems to have been thorough and loving. For once, you have 18th-century characters with actual body odors (witness Claire's wedding dress). But that's what makes them all the more endearing. Trying to escape as I have? This is your book!
Rating:
Summary: Well Written, an excellent read!
Review: It has been a long time since I have read anything so well written and researched - thankyou Ms Gabaldon for enriching my life. For those who have not read any of Ms Gabaldon's books, you are in for a treat. Even if time-travel is not your thing, you would be remiss to not read her books. They are well written, well researched, and told with eye for detail. This author knows what she is doing, and is not to be confused with the other romance fluff she is often found alongside in bookstores. If you thirst for the best, then this high caliber series is for you. I highly reccommend Outlander, and the other books in the series.
Rating: 
Summary: Borrow this from the Library first
Review: I would suggest that you would borrow this book from the library, read a few chapters, then if you like it you may consider buying it and especially so before buying the sequels ahead of time. I bought all four books because of the rave reviews you see before you who gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. I thought these books would be another Pride & Prejudice or Gone With The Wind (which are the only books I consider 5 stars) but am sadly mistaken. If I had not bought all the books I would not feel as if I had to read them. I am on Outlander and it is very, very slow and boring and I have to force myself to read it. I am on page 100 and have no intrest in it at all; I'm hoping it will get better. This book is an obvious first for the author having used corny and awkward use of words and predictible characters. Just borrow from the library first, and then if you like them, buy them, but if you don't, you will not be in my situation of having to force yourself to read them!! This book does NOT deserve to be in the same class as Gone With The Wind or Pride & Predjudice.
Rating:
Summary: Unlike anything else you'll ever read.
Review: The Outlander series contains the first books I've ever purchased. (I love the library.) I stumbled onto the reviews a couple years ago and took a chance and ordered all 4 in paperback. Diana Gabaldon is such a great storyteller, and as you read, you really come to KNOW these characters. I have since purchased (again) the entire series (including Outlandish Companion) in hardcover. (And am anxiously awaiting the publication of Fiery Cross.) These books are wonderful treasures, and I've convinced as many friends as possible to participate in Jamie and Claire's adventures. Don't be afraid of the length of these books...they are beyond worth it.
Rating:
Summary: You Don't Have To Be A Romance Reader To Love It!
Review: I DON'T, and I mean DON'T, read romance. I work at a public library and read all sorts of genre (except romance). I'm constantly advising people on what to try. "If you like -so-and-so-, you will enjoy -so-and-so-." Well, after giving so much advice to everyone, a person is prone to have to receive some from time to time. Gabaldon was one such advised reading. I always put it off, because it's catagorized as romance in our library. After a year of suggestions on reading it, I finally picked up "Outlander." What a surprise! This is some of the best writting I have encountered. Yes, there is romance, but much more action, adventure, heart warming, sad, "It Can't Be True!" and "You mean I'm already finished!?" I plan to put Gabaldon on the top of my suggestion authors from now on.
Rating:
Summary: A pur "chef d'oeuvre"
Review: Well, I was in a down after reading 2 wonderful books from a French-Canadian autor (Marie Laberge, books:Gabrielle and Adélaïde). So, I went to the library and asked to have something to read, as good as Marie Laberge. So, they suggested me Outlander and all the others books from Diana Gabaldon. I started Outlander. It took me about 150 pages to enter inside the story and been totally addicted about Jamie and Claire. And about Scotland. After one mount, I read all the 4 books and I cant wait reading the 5th one. Diana Gabaldon is an autor with a lot of wisdom. I learned a lot inside her books. I especially liked the melting pot of romance, historical, magical side, erotism, clues, and the fact that we travel all around the world with that unique couple. And well, that Jamie is the man. I was a little bit sceptic when I got that suggestion. I looked at the book and was thinking that it was a kind of "Danielle Steel" story. But NO! So, if you have some doubts when you will see the book, dont keep those doubts. You will live a very, very special experience with Jamie and Claire. Enjoy your reading all.
Rating:
Summary: Books to be read again and again
Review: What more can I say about a book where there are already over 600 reviews posted? I guess I could tell how the books have an almost cult-like following. They have spawned numerous websites and e-mail lists, and even a companion volume (which I also highly recommend). They have inspired more than one person to visit Scotland to see the historical sites first-hand. It's impossible to make comparisons of this book to others pretty much impossible to categorize. It crosses genres and crosses genders. Jamie and Claire have become so "real" for so many people; and for good reason. The way Gabaldon writes it makes the reader feel part of a "real" experience. I know that sounds corny, but when you read the books you'll know what I mean. To paraphrase an old TV commercial, "I bet you can't read just one." These books are nearly impossible to find in used bookstores because people hang on to them to read again and again. I not only own all four books and the companion in first edition (all autographed now, I might add), but I also own extra copies to loan to friends. And I have made more than one Gabaldon convert. As romantic as the story is, there is graphic violence as well; these books are not for the faint of heart. I truly believe anyone who reads OUTLANDER and the subsequent books, will be very glad they did and will find their life richer because of them.
Rating:
Summary: Difficult to get into, well worth the read!!
Review: Beware of what you think...this is not your *typical* Romance book. It is intellectual, challenging (to follow all the characters), and funny!! Diana Gabaldon has written a terrific first book in a series. It was a bit difficult for me to get into, but hearing so many of my friends rant and rave about Outlander, I just had to see what the fuss was about! After 100 pages or so I was hooked - and promptly bought Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums of Autumn (books 2, 3, and 4 - the only ones printed as of yet - in the series of 6). Gabaldon's characters are believable, interesting, inspiring, and fun. I wanted to devour the book, yet never have it end. The time travel is a fascinating twist. Her interest in medicine is how she (and Jamie!) survive. Their outlook and common sense is what keeps it interesting and fun. I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who likes to read!
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