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Summary: The best series I have ever read!
Review: I think this book and the rest of the series were fantastic! They were easily the best books I've ever read - and I'm an avid reader. I laughed out loud while reading (something I very seldom ever do). I cried during some of the passages. These books were so real, I felt as though the characters were my very best friends after the first book. The author's descriptions were so vivid, you could almost see what she was talking about. She didn't repeat events over and over when she was talking about something else - she trusted you to know what she was referring to. One event didn't last for several pages; she described something fully and moved onto something else. There was something different happening all the time; this book and the series were anything but boring. The book was over way too fast and the series could have had many more books in it. It was just over way too soon! I hope the next book is ready soon. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes to read - no matter what category.
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Summary: A wonderful book written by an excellent author.
Review: Diana Gabaldon is a captivating author. I have re-read her books many times and enjoy them more each time. They take place primarily over 200 years ago, but somehow seem extremely real. I actually felt that I became part of the story, and would recommend it to anyone!
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Summary: Most Enjoyable
Review: I have read all four books of this series and look forward to the two new additions rumored in the works. At least a half dozen of my fellow employees have read them as well. It surprised me to read one particularly negative review that ranted as if these were not fictional books but actual people to be shunned\judged for their actions. I shouldn't think anything that fellow could write would hold anyones interest.
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Summary: Another Winner
Review: Every one of the books in this series is a winner. Voyager is especially good. The story moves along at a brisk pace, never lagging, as is often the case in books of this length. At one point in this story, two of the characters are discussing a book they both read which was of considerable length. One of the characters, wondering if the book could have been shortened, says, "Each character is most carefully considered, and all the incidents chosen seem necessary to the story". This could also be said of Ms. Gabaldon's books. Each is a long, satisfying, wonderful read.
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Summary: I'm a Jamie junkie, now.
Review: An instructor at my college suggested these novels after the death of my grandmother, something to "take my mind off of everything." Did they ever!! I've only read the first two, but I'm hunting down "Voyager" as we speak. If you need an escape, run, don't walk, and pick up these novels. They are excellent diversions, and wonderfully told stories. Jamie sounds like a man to die, or travel through time, for.
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Summary: I read Voyager while recovering from the birth of my son
Review: Perhaps all the stitches in my nether regions kept me from enjoying this book but somehow I don't think so. As the Chinaman says, 'boom-boom all night' Claire reaches for a bar of soap, and Jamie, mesmerized by her soft looking skin, whispers, you must use polmolive. Jamie is a man posessed of such raw animal attractiveness any woman with half an ovary would be on her knees before him. Come swimming in my gene pool Claire cries with lusty fevor burning her insides like hot volcanic lava. Alas, as the seeds of their union begin to grow, Claire is whisked away into her own century (20). There, she gives birth (ouch!) to a lovely girl, and spends her time searching, searching for a way to return to her beloved Jamie. Who, in the meantime, has been propositioned by homosexuals, virgins, and sheep. Burning his red candle but for one woman, Claire, he manfully refuses each offer, except the virgin, oh-yeah, and the other lady who meets him outside his cave during his Captain and the Caveman days. Claire discovers Jamie is still alive after surviving the indignities of masturbation in chains while imprisoned and makes plans to return to him in his present time. Leaving kith and kin to dysfunction on their own, Claire returns to Jamie's homestead. I will end my sarcastic diatribe at this point to allow you the full pleasure of Claire and Jamie's passionate reunion. This novel is yet another poor attempt for the object, the woman Claire, to feel validated by the pulsing primal testostorone of a real man, Jamie. If you enjoy romance novels for the pure fantasy aspect(the woman's version of pornography-don't tell your hubby who you're really thinking about ,) then voyager will be a smash hit. However, if you, like myself, enjoy reading for the mental work out, then don't buy or even borrow a copy.
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Summary: Outlander still the Best of the Series
Review: Having just completed all three books in the series, I still feel Outlander was the most original of the series. The plot line in Voyager seemed to stop and start. It feels like the story was written in chunks, instead of in one long narrative line. Much of the story almost feels like filler to stretch out the story until the next installment. I contrast this with Outlander where there was a definite flow and direction to the story. The first book seemed like a self contained story and it seemed very well researched. Voyager by contrast did not give me as a strong of sense of a specific time and place, which is one of the pleasures of reading historical novels. I am sure Gabaldon is on a schedule to crank out each title by a certain date. I think she and her readers would be better served if she slowed down a little and gave more thought to the outline and historical facts in her books. That said, I still will of course read the Drums of Autumn. For a fast and entertaining read, Gabaldon definitely has the historical formula down pact.
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Summary: The Best of the Best!!
Review: I first became a fan of Diana Gabaldon's a couple of years ago- "Outlander" was recommended by several people. Initially, it seemed to drag a bit and was somehow so terribly BRITISH! But then Claire was thrown back into time, and I was caught. One thing I love is a tragic romance. The "Outlander" series has everything to offer an avid reader like myself; swashbuckling action, lushly drawn characters, eternal love, and an attention to detail that isn't often seen in historical novels. (Don't think historical ROMANCES, a wonderful category that has gotten a bad reputation because of a few rotten apples- every section of the bookstore has poorly written novels!) Now, "Voyager" has become my favourite so far. I actually cried when Jamie and Claire were reunited- which was fitting, I suppose, since I cried when they were separated. The idea of two people coming together against all odds after a lifetime apart ... I gotta say I love it.
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Summary: ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!!!
Review: The Diana Gabaldon series was the first Time Travel books that I have read. Typically I turn my nose up at books of such length. I borrowed the first book and 1/3 of the way through went out and bought all four in the series. My attention was captured from the first page. I couldn't put them down!!! The way history, romance and suspense is all woven together is just awesome! I felt as though I was right there with Claire and Jamie in all their adventures. This is definitely a must read for everyone!!!!!! I can't wait for the next book to come out!! Thumbs up to Diana Gabaldon on a teriffic series!!!!!!!
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Summary: Ties up loose ends, but story weakens in the end!
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed the first two, and hungrily started on the third. Not really disappointed in the beginning as I enjoyed reading about what happened. However, as one reviewer above mentioned, I fear the story is becoming like Jean Auel's books. The need to churn out more has necessitated the author to slack off on plots of substance. Have been dying to read the fourth; considered buying the fourth now instead of waiting for paperback, but now am unsure. Will it be a waste of money?
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