Dragonfly in Amber: A Novel (Outlander)

I doubt that anyone will read my review due to the fact that there are over 1800 reviews already posted. I learned of this series through e-mails from STARZ, one of which included a free look at the first episode. Further, due to the fact that in looking at the reviews on Amazon I was amazed to find over 5000 reviews of the first book. I do not usually like time travel books BUT this is now a series which I would love to have all my acquaintances read just so I have someone with whom to discuss it. I had to read books 2 & 3 straight through before taking time to post this review as I wanted/needed to find out if and how Jamie and Claire were ever reunited after a 20 year separation over and beyond an additional separation of 200 years of time travel. I rate my movies and books by how many tissues I need and I have lost count of tissues used while reading this series of books...am now on number four but agree on the addiction factor stated by others, the swooning over photos of Jamie on STARZ, the love these two, Claire and Jamie, have for each other despite separations and other relationships during their separation with thoughts that the other one was dead. This author is a genius. I have to say, even if others have said it (I did read some but not all the other reviews) that these books are amazing, surprising, and with unique twists and turns connecting threads in various books. For instance: Roger Wakefield turning out to be Geillie Duncan's son born in 1743 - this was a surprise and I have not yet read how he got back to modern day and I am sure this thread is going to turn up in future parts of this series. In Outlander Claire loves & is married to Frank Randall but then when faced with a choice between him and her 18th century husband, chooses the latter. So I was wondering if, in this book, she was going to pick up the relationship with Frank exactly where she left it after falling forward through time, at Jamie's insistence...due to his knowledge of her pregnancy and due to his certainty of his own death in the impending war with the British at Culloden. And just prior to this event again there is a detail that appears in later time, Jamie's release of a young English lad who tries to kill him while he and Claire are camped out in the open. The daughter born to Jamie and Claire is named Brianna after Jamie's father, Brian, but is reared as Frank's daughter and only after his accidental death is Claire released from a promise not to tell Brianna of her biological father while Frank lived. Brianna is not happy nor can she at first accept this. Enter Roger Wakefield whose adopted father helped Frank Randall many times in tracing his ancestors or historical facts needed in his research as a historian. Roger falls for Brianna - but that is another story...to come. He does help Claire in her research and helps bring her and Brianna to the realization that JAMIE DID NOT die at Culloden. Flash forward to the modern day and in learning of Claire's motherhood and then of her entering the world of academia to earn her MD. Her best friend, Dr. Joe Abernathy, is another of those figures, facts of whom turn up in other parts of this long and twisted tale. I found it amusing when she asks him if he thinks she is sexy...wanting to know if Jamie might still find her attractive...if she finds a way to time travel again. There are parts of this story set in France, where, as other have stated, Jamie and Claire have traveled to 1.) Escape possible arrest and execution by the British, again, for him and 2.) To allow healing of Jamie's body and soul and 3.) To attempt to meet and form a close relationship with Bonnie Prince Charles and influence him to not return to Scotland and thus, prevent the fatal battle at Culloden, which Claire knows of from her 20th century knowledge of history. We read of many persons of importance in this saga and we follow Claire's pregnancy, Jamie's physical and psychological torture at the hands of Black Jack Randall, the uses of many flowers and herbs, secret societies, love affairs, religious beliefs and practices, and meet many new characters who will show up again and again over this epic tale. For me this is one of the best series of stories I have ever read. Hard to grasp that this tale will spread over 8 books!

This review is for the entire series. For those who complained it is too long...um, did you not see how long it was before you purchased it? Maybe stick to the 300 page novels of lower quality. For those who complains it has graphic sex....uh, it IS technically classified as romance...and you can skip the sex scenes and not detract from the story. Ok. When my husband first brought this book back with him from Iraq (donated to the USO)and he told me he was reading a historical-fiction/romance/fantasy/time travel book, I teased him. I thought no way could such a book be an actual worthy read. I am a constant reader. I have to always have a book. So, when I was in-between books, I picked up this book just to pass the time. Don't make the same mistake I did..DO NOT be fooled by the genre. Don't make the mistake of thinking that these are typical bodice-ripping Highlander trash-romance...they are not. They are real literature. I do not enjoy romance novels, though I will read one if it is the only reading material available. I have to say that this series of books, though they do contain sex scenes, is NOT romance. They are a complex tale full of an entire cast of well-developed characters. I have been on the discussion boards that center around this series. Most of the women seem to be in love with (at least the idea of) the main male character, Jamie. As proof of how good the story told and the writing in this book is, I need to say that the physical description of him (and some parts of his personality) are a complete turn-off to me. He is pretty much the opposite of what I like. However, you don't need to be attracted to a character to enjoy reading about them and to grow to admire and care about them. The love story between Jamie and Claire is quite inspiring, so much so that my husband and I actually got matching tattoos inspired by the books. These stories are so well-written and in-depth, that I read them aloud to my children (simply not reading the child-inappropriate parts aloud) and all of them, from my 7-year-old daughter to my 18-year-old son, are as captivated as I am. These books weave the tale of well-developed, multifaceted characters, exploring their personal growth, interactions and relationships with one another, their people in their communities, and some well-known historical figures, all within the context of various historical time periods. From Jacobite-era Scotland to pre-revolutionary North Carolina (and many places in between), you will follow a brilliantly-written, gripping saga and you will be a part of a world you won't want to leave.

Again I must repeat myself. ‘Where have you been all of my life?’ I am not even sure if my devotion to the literary world was as great as I thought it was until I begun this series. Yes, what a grand statement you are making Meg (I hear you say), but if I searched into that little place in my heart that holds all of the books I have loved, then I think right now I need to make a whole new room to immortalise Gabaldon. Dragonfly in Amber was an excellent sequel to Outlander. Although from the very first page I was a bit hesitant because I thought ‘oh no. Not a time jump…I really hate time jumps.’ But alas this was short lived as you are then transported back through time to figure out why the beginning part happened in the first place..and it is heart wrenchingly beautiful. At times the book did drag on a bit, and I was a tad bit confused whilst trying to piece together the events both historically accurate with particular characters based on actual people. It felt as though I was back in high school sitting in a history class just waiting for someone to give me a dot point form of years and events. Then again I was also eager for the focus to switch back to Jamie, so I probably wasn’t paying as close attention as I probably should have. Regardless, Gabaldon had done her research. All elements, even the little details about fire places or specific games, were clearly historically referenced. That is dedication to your craft dear readers. Which is why you can seamlessly be transported back in time. She is a flawless writer. I adore Jamie and Claire. They are the absolute definition of soul mate. In the second instalment you get to see them settle into their marriage, but still with that fiery passion we all love to read from Gabaldon. I really loved how their relationship evolved and became so much more, it really built upon the events that happened in such an honest way. Their relationship with Jack Randall just gives me the shivers. And I hate that Gabaldon made me feel pity towards him. He is such a complex character that from a writers point of view you have to admire his depth, but from a person point of view – he really needs to die. I love the complexity and richness of this world. It is very rare that I finish a novel and just think that it was such a joy to read. I am always eager to return to this world, and I just am in awe at it’s brilliance.

Each time I have gone back and read the books, I have discovered new material I had not remembered or understood the first time. The historical timelines and present day situations are believable as much has horrifying. As a nurse, I feel the treatments, the herbal and natural potions were primitive but believable. I have been. Taking the time to do outside research to help me understand the authentic and it has made the enjoyment of the reading even better, plus being able to read thru all volumes of the story now in print. The movie is going to be a help too but I am determined to read the book before the DVD recordings are used for "color". I feel excited, involved and present in the action this time around making it even more exciting and the action level is elevated ,but wonderful when each book was excitedly waited for and read before over the past years! The difference now is the ability to do the extra research to make sure the story I am reading is accurate when the first time I just couldn't waste the pure reading time. You have given your fans a real treasure series and made my reading time before bed each night even more of a gift. Thank you, Thank you. For those that haven't started or only read once, what's the hold up? Each time thru the series adds to the pleasure. I expect to read the series at least once a year for the next five years so I can gift my 3 eldest grandchildren with the wonderful series ( and maybe anther friend or two that I know will love it as much as I but needs a little start getting started due to their age and fear of the length. LOL). Thank you for this never ending gift Ms Gabaldon, from one of you top believers and fans!!!! Your books will remain a treasured part of my library forever. Respectively, CC Myers, M.,Texas

I usually do not care for sequels, whether in novels or films. After reading Diana Gabaldon's wonderful book, "Outlander," I was sure she could not come up with another book to match the first. I was wrong and "Dragonfly In Amber" is an exception to my rule and an exceptional book. Once you begin to read, you will find yourself absorbed immediately and probably forget the novel's length (900+ pages). In fact, you may find yourself wishing it were longer. There are two major storylines here. One takes place in the 18th century. Claire Randall, who had traveled back in time from post WWII Scotland to a Scotland preparing for the restoration of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, (Bonnie Prince Charlie) to the throne, had married James Fraser and confided to him the truth of her time travels. She also told him of the coming disaster of the Battle of Culloden Moor, (1745), and its terrible aftermath for all of Scotland. Together they do everything in their power to halt the inevitable uprising, including move to Paris to become part of the Prince's entourage and perhaps effect a change in history through their relationship with the Jacobites living in France. The relationship developed between Claire and Jamie continues to grow in this book. Their intensely passionate love and close friendship is extremely moving. Although James is a very strong and competent person, Claire with her strength of character, independence, resourcefulness and nursing skills moves adeptly through another time period and is as indispensable to James as he is to her. We travel with both of them, from the Scottish highlands to the pomp of the French court, as they attempt to impact history and continue on together with a love that transcends the boundaries of time. The second and parallel plot takes place in 1968. Culloden is 200 years in the past. James had sent Claire back to the future to keep her and their unborn child safe from Scotland's fate right before the doomed battle and, they both believed, Jamie's inevitable death during the fight. Claire still feels the bitterness of the intrigues, betrayals, murders, treason and violence that were so much a part of her life with James as they fought together to spare Scotland from its future. Twenty years have passed and Claire, now a doctor, and her daughter Brianna, travel to Scotland from Boston. Brianna does not know the truth about her mother's history, before her birth, nor who her real father is. Claire's 20th-century husband is now dead and she is determined to discover what happened to James, their family and friends. He was her soulmate and the only man she ever loved. If there is a chance at all to find her Jamie, or at least discover what happened to him, she is will do it. Once again Ms. Gabaldon deftly portrays 18th century Scotland and France and immerses the reader in another time with her superb historical research and writing style. Her characters, major and minor, complex and simple, grow and develop as you read. Many of them are introduced in "The Outlander," but some remarkable new figures emerge from this novel also. Many of them are bound to capture your heart. I don't know if this book could stand alone without reading "Outlander" first. And since there is so much to gain by reading both books, and continuing on to number three, I don't know why anyone would wish to do so...unless this book is purchased without the knowledge of the prequel. Gabaldon's "Outlander" series is a major epic and this novel is one of the best in the series. It is jam-packed with adventure, accurate historic detail, romance, friendship, and more from a most unusual perspective. Highly recommended! JANA

Love, love, love the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. She is a scientist with great imagination, attention to detail, and beautiful prose - a combination not often found in any writing. This is the 2nd of the Outlander Novels (yes, you need to read Outlander first!). It takes place in France and Scotland in the days leading up to the Jacobite revolution in Scotland with Prince Charles Stuart, aka "Bonnie Prince Charlie." The marriage between Claire and Jamie Frasier from Outlander is fully explored as well as the grim reality of 18th century war, prostitution, politics, pederasty, revenge, city and farm life, hospitals and executions. This historical story is bookended in the 20th century with Claire and her daughter Brianna Randall, returning to Scotland after 20 years in American, and a mystery given to Roger Wakefield to research what happened to the men of Lallybrough after the battle of Culloden. That mystery with all of its questions- how did Claire get home, what happened to Jamie, whose father is Brianna, why did she leave, and why did she return - is not answered until the battle of Culloden in the main part of the 18th century story. The return to the 20th century at the end of the novel sets up the answers and actions for Claire, Brianna, and Roger in next book, Voyager. Gabaldon is one of the best modern writers I've had the privilege to read. Her books, stories, and attention detail bring to life strong characters and historical times in vivid detail. Yes, war is violent, sex can be both loving and brutal, and people often behave in what seem like incomprehensible ways. Her exploration of these themes and times is honest and not exploitive. I never feel like I've been manipulated or tricked, but rather engaged in an amazing journey with Claire, Jamie, Brianna, Roger, Jack Randall, Mary Hawkins, and the many other characters of her imagination and history. Highly recommended.

I’m so glad I decided to read the Outlander series over again. I am enjoying it just as much as I did the first of not better. Dragonfly in Amber is a terrific continuation of the amazing saga begun in Outlander Book 1. This story is deeply intense and filled with passion as the story of Claire and Jamie’s incredible love for each other grows and deepens. This book starts with Claire and her daughter, Brianna, arriving in Inverness, Scotland 1968. At first I was a bit disappointed because I was anxious to read more of what was happening to Jamie and Claire after Culloden, not twenty years later. However, as I am introduced to Roger Wakefield, I soon become fully vested into his story and the growing attraction between him and Brianna and the intricate way all this intertwines. I can’t wait to read more of their story. Claire asks Roger to find out what happened to the men of Broch Tuarach, known locally as Lallybroch, after the battle at Culloden. Roger is fascinated and eager to do the research. When he finds old newspaper articles of his adopted father’s, telling of Claire’s amazing return after having disappeared for three years, he also discovers she returned pregnant. While exploring an old cemetery, they come across Jaime’s grave, and Claire tells Brianna what happened to her on a spring day in 1945. After this, the book tells of what happened to Claire and Jamie and everything that leads up to Culloden. At times, the story is so riveting that if a bit my nails, I would have. This novel is intense, filled with one astounding moment after another, but it is not overdone by any means. Ms. Gabaldon describes the scenes with such detail that at times it took my breath away, leaving me gasping in alarm of what would happen next. I am so impressed with this author’s incredible imagination and ability to write an intricate plot in such a way that it is easy to follow. She weaves in a lot of historical detail with a masterful touch without pulling me out of the story at all. There is such a wide array of characters that at times it can be a bit confusing. That is another reason why I decided to re-read the books, so all the characters can become fresh in my mind. I loved the storyline for Alexander and Mary. I won’t say more, but it explains so much. I want to mention that I am listening to the audio book, narrated by Davina Porter as I read, and Ms. Porter brings all the characters to life in a way that only enriches the story. I highly recommend listening as you read this fantastic saga. I have already started Voyager and I cannot wait to find out more. Happy reading!

After saving Jamie from the clutches of Black Jack Randall, Claire is faced with a tough battle... while she may have saved him bodily from harm, there is now the issue of that body healing the damage, as well as the mental scars that Claire cannot see. She and Jamie head to France, where they find themselves embroiled in the political schemes of Charles Stuart, and Claire reveals to Jamie what is to come, and the battle that all Scots will face at Culloden... and they decide to try and change history, and stop Charles from trying to retake his throne from the English. Claire and Jamie relentlessly pursue this mission, and as they go along, they learn a lot about each other, and themselves that they had not known before. While they will have their own demons to face, they have each other, and will hopefully come out stronger for having faced them together. But the question remains, will Claire and Jamie be able to save their loved ones, as well as a whole country from a period of slaughter, starvation, and suffering? Will they be able to stop the Bonny Prince from trying to reclaim his throne? Once again Ms. Gabaldon has a page turner with Dragonfly in Amber. I do have a warning: When you pick up the book, do not be confused. You are indeed reading the next book in the series. Book 2 starts out in 1968, and since this was the second time I've read the series, I remember before, as well as this time stopping, and thinking; "Wait, this isn't where we left off..." Ms. Gabaldon does explain shortly though, and once again, you will be transported back in time to a love that will break your heart with its tenderness. I all but screamed when this book ended, with the way it ended, but I was super relieved that the next book was out already and I had it on my book shelf so that I could continue the story and see what happened. Jamie and Claire are who I want my husband and I to be everyday. Their love, and how tender and loving they are to each other is how I try to be in my life. I love it. But once again, the romance is only part of the story. The history and background that Ms. Gabaldon weaves will suck you in and leave you gasping for more. Any history buff will be panting with lust at the way she is able to describe the times. This is a great continuation of the series. If you have not yet read this series, you need to do so... it will become your new favorite!