Dragonfly In Amber (Outlander, Book 2)

FINAL DECISION: I ended up liking this one better than OUTLANDER itself. The story seemed tighter, the relationship between Claire and Jamie more complex and although there is plenty of death and pain in this book, it felt more civilized after the events of the first book. And I ended up in tears for most of the end of this book. THE STORY: After the events of OUTLANDER, Jaime and Claire have fled to France. There they will try to prevent the coming battle of Culloden in order to prevent the destruction of the Highlanders culture. Their scheme requires them to participate in Eighteenth Century French court politics and intrigues with Bonnie Prince Charlie and the King of France. There are still repercussions from Jamie's torture and rape at the end of OUTLANDER. Intrigues, danger and the past threaten to tear Jamie and Claire apart even at the point where they share joy at the coming of their child. OPINION: I liked OUTLANDER, but I liked DRAGONFLY IN AMBER more. OUTLANDER was about Jamie and Claire discovering one another and falling in love. This book is about letting their love and marriage mature. In OUTLANDER Jamie and Claire ran the gauntlet of danger. This book is a slow burn. Things are quieter, more outwardly civilized and yet even more complicated and dangerous. Politics, society and intrigue take up the majority of this book. For those readers who read OUTLANDER but don't know more about the series, they will be surprised by the beginning of this book. (I don't want to give it away, but it is a clever story device to begin the narrative there instead of being strictly chronological). The book feels fresh and different after OUTLANDER. The characters have grown and changed (not always for the good) and there are lots of new characters to get to know. Old friends and enemies also have returned so there is a good reason to review the events of OUTLANDER if you haven't read it in a while. Jamie is more remote in this book after the events with Jack Randall in OUTLANDER. He is still struggling with the aftermath and the pressures of trying to save the entire Highlands. Being involved in the political intrigue means that he and Claire spend less time together and thus immense pressure is placed on their relationship. Claire is also struggling to find her role in this new situation. The new life in the Court of France has new conflicts and restrictions upon this twentieth century woman. She has to use her imperfect knowledge of the past to help avoid Culloden while know knowing whether such a thing is possible. She is also struggling with her relationship with Jamie. She gave up her entire life to be with him and now she has to deal with those consequences. On a more philosophical point, the book also investigates the idea of changing the past. Is it even possible for Jamie and Claire to change the events that lead to Culloden or does everything they do actually cause that event to happen? Can the past be changed at all? These are universal themes in time travel stories and this book examines those issues with complexity and subtlety. Even better, there are no real answers. I began reading OUTLANDER when the television series started because I always want to read the books first and I began reading this one in preparation for Season 2. I don't know if I have been influenced by the series, but I felt that this book went more quickly and the events were clearer, the characters more defined and the outcome more devastating. I cried through the end of the book because it was incredibly well written and sad. At the end of this book, I desperately wanted to begin VOYAGER (book 3) to find out what happens. WORTH MENTIONING: This book ends on a cliffhanger. CONNECTED BOOKS: DRAGONFLY IN AMBER is the second book in the Outlander series. It can be read as a standalone, but why do that. Read OUTLANDER first to really appreciate DRAGONFLY IN AMBER. STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

Just be forewarned that once you start this series, you can't stop. But wait, this is a review for book 2 so you probably already know that! In fact, you're probably not even wasting precious time to read any of these reviews and are already glued to this 2nd book. Why am I wasting precious time writing this review when book 3 is impatiently waiting?! I don't know!!! **panic starts to creep in** If you're reading the Kindle version, I'd highly recommend purchasing the Audible companion as well so you can switch back and forth and maximize your time wrapped up in this beautifully woven story. One word of advice though, if you get the Audible version and listen to it through your car stereo while driving, don't do what I did.... Don't be so engrossed in the story that you forget your windows are down at a red light, in dense traffic, with plenty of others with their windows down, while the book is at one of the steamy scenes between Jamie and Claire, and you're sitting there behind the wheel, alone in your car, smiling like a fool, 😏 blissfully unaware of all the stares until you're jolted out of your reverie by all the honking.

I am a victim of Outlander addiction, both the TV show and the books. I'm mystified about what it is that is so compelling about these huge tomes but never in my fairly long life have novels grabbed me so intensely. This is the second of 8 published so far. It's a wonderful, densely detailed, imaginative story with epic characters. At times it rambles and is overly wordy but it's important to read every line because you never know what's going to crop up in the next book. The language is so rich that sometimes I have to take a few days break from the linguistic decadence. Gabaldon is truly a force of nature...an inspired writing machine. I fell down this rabbit hole in January, have read 5 of the 8 books and have already read the first two twice. Warning: these books are addictive. You could be entering a world beyond your control!

Slow start. I was hoping the pacing would pick up after the beginning section, but it kept a pretty steady pace throughout the entire novel. The flow wasn’t bad, it just drug with too many details that didn’t add in any way to the storyline; could have easily been cut by a huge percentage and still come away with the same basic principles - A lot of tangential subplots. With that said, the writing is stellar! I’m glad I read it for that fact alone. I had the most highlights in this book than any before it at 808!!! The flow, choice of phrases, and unique expressions are eloquently written. Descriptive, evocative writing help create the world for Claire and Jamie in such a way that carries the reader along the journey rather than looking at it through a window. The story was enticing enough to stay with it, but I found myself easily putting it down. It wasn’t as nail biting and gripping as Outlander, for sure. However, I definitely plan to read Voyager once I’ve mentally prepared to take on another massive tome because I love Claire and Jamie’s relationship.

Imagine being blasted to the year 1939. Hitler is ravaging Europe, the allies are enabling...and you know what's going to happen. What do you do to avert this global train wreck? This dilemma visits Claire Randall, along with her husband Jamie Fraser, as they attempt to manipulate the French Court to prevent Charles Stuart from invading Scotland--to the ultimate destruction of the Scottish clans at Culloden in 1745--in Diana Gabaldon's spellbinding sequel to her epic debut novel 'Outlander': DRAGONFLY IN AMBER. In this sequel Gabaldon employs a terrific "hooking" device: (*SPOILER ALERT!*) Middle-aged Claire, in 1968 Scotland, informs her 20-year-old daughter Brianna, that Frank Randall is not her biological father--but 18th Century Highlander outlaw James Fraser, is. And as evidence, she outlines the events of DRAGONFLY IN AMBER, as Claire and Jamie--assisted by Murtagh and pick-pocket Fergus--operate behind the scenes in Paris to thwart the Stuart's claim to the English throne--and avoid the disaster of Culloden. In the process, we're introduced to a colorful ensemble of characters, including the ever-serving Mother Hildegarde, the mysterious Master Raymond, the scowling, menacing Comte St. Germain...even Louis himself, a shallow scoundrel of a monarch. Claire and Jamie do their best to derail Bonnie Prince Charlie in his efforts to reclaim his father's throne, yet history will not be denied. Gabaldon's story leads the characters back to Scotland in the throes of the 1745 Rebellion...and to inevitably interact with the evil Captain Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall. 'Outlander' was magnificent in its depiction of brutal life in 18th Century Scotland, yet in DRAGONFLY IN AMBER Gabaldon has truly formed her stride. Her prose is elegant, witty, and forceful, while she draws exceptional images of the characters she creates. The reader will find him/herself immersed in her story, while 900+ pages evaporate. Is DRAGONFLY IN AMBER the best of the 'Outlander' series? Time will tell. ~D. Mikels, Esq.

I am continuing to thoroughly enjoy these books. All of the characters are excellent, especially the leads, Jamie and Claire. The prose is well written and often beautiful, and there is plenty of action and romance--enough to please pretty much any reader. Ms. Gabaldon calls this "historical fiction" and there is plenty of evidence to back up her claim. Her research and detail are excellent. However, her stories often border on being "Bodice Rippers", or at the very least well-written romance novels. I'm usually not a fan of these, but Ms. Gabaldon so deftly weaves in historical intrigue I can't complain. My only complaint is I am NOT a fan of switching POVs. It takes me out of the story and makes me feel I'm just reading a story and not experiencing it. As a device I think it calls attention to itself, and as such, should be avoided. Plus, Claire is such a wonderful storyteller that anytime someone else takes over I feel cheated. Other than that, I would highly recommend this series.

Diana Gabaldon said in the introduction that this book was difficult to write, I guess technically speaking. Be that as it may, she did a superb job of it. This is the second book in the series, but I have watched up through season 4 of the Outlander show. I know some of what is going to happen, but that doesn’t take away from the pleasure of reading these books in the least. The emotional lives of the characters, the love between Jamie and Claire, the vivid descriptions that incorporate all the senses, the way all the story lines weave together... these are some of the elements that make this book a masterpiece. I read the book club questions at the end, and I particularly love the discussion of the significance of the title, Dragonfly in Amber. It’s a creature stuck in time, like the characters, and it’s a metaphor for the preservation of Jamie and Claire’s love through time.

Just as fantastic as the first in the series. It helps that the Starz show also keeps pretty true to the novels with a few minor exceptions. While rich in description and language, the book is an easy read which is useful at nearly a thousand pages. With Diana Gabaldon's series you get your fix of romance, as well as fantastic historical and war fiction, science and medicine, travel, a bit of sci-fi, as well as a great dose of feminism with Claire's role(s). The author really mixes all these literary genres quite well into one remarkable series that is hard to detach from. At times you find yourself frustrated with how many pickles these characters find themselves in on a regular basis, but that's why it's fiction. Just go with it and enjoy.

Not sure if some of these negative reviews I've read are by real or paid debunkers. The story is quite good and I have been noticing things in the books that never made it on-screen in the Starz adaptation. That's a plus for me as I didn't start reading them until after watching the first two seasons of the show. I am working on Voyager now, but decided to leave my review on DOA when I saw all the naysayers, some of whom sound like they didn't even read the whole book. It amazes me that people do that, if you don't have anything nice to say...some readers don't have the stamina to read a big series or appreciate that there are ebbs and flows, as the story builds. No one's life is non-stop action. I liked the book, while it's presented a little differently than the show timeline, the differences made me want to really read it rather than skim things I'd already watched. Can't wait to keep working through them all.

I started Outlander watching the TV show; so since there is a long wait to another season I'm now reading the books. There are some slight differences between the show and the book, some I think the show did a better job. I didn't like how the book started and the way Claire just dropped in on Roger right after his adopted father died. I also didn't like Brianna's dialogue . She seemed more like a 12 year old speaking than a 20 year old young woman. I think the show did a better job at changing the introduction there. Much of the story is in Paris like the show was and I thought it very boring to read. I didn't care to read about all the politics and scheming. It also gets frustrating the way Diane writes Claire's inner monologue describing every literal minute detail of every single place, scenic view or room she is in. It takes 10 pages just to describe the setting of every scene before getting to the point of conversations and things happening. I found myself skimming and skipping through many chapters because it was just too frustrating to read and not much is really happening. The book doesn't get good until the last chapters leading up to the final battle at Culloden and Claire going back through the stones. For me, the book could have been condensed by half given the content. It was difficult to keep interested. I hope book 3 is better; if not it will be my last read of this series.

FINAL DECISION: I ended up liking this one better than OUTLANDER itself. The story seemed tighter, the relationship between Claire and Jamie more complex and although there is plenty of death and pain in this book, it felt more civilized after the events of the first book. And I ended up in tears for most of the end of this book. THE STORY: After the events of OUTLANDER, Jaime and Claire have fled to France. There they will try to prevent the coming battle of Culloden in order to prevent the destruction of the Highlanders culture. Their scheme requires them to participate in Eighteenth Century French court politics and intrigues with Bonnie Prince Charlie and the King of France. There are still repercussions from Jamie's torture and rape at the end of OUTLANDER. Intrigues, danger and the past threaten to tear Jamie and Claire apart even at the point where they share joy at the coming of their child. OPINION: I liked OUTLANDER, but I liked DRAGONFLY IN AMBER more. OUTLANDER was about Jamie and Claire discovering one another and falling in love. This book is about letting their love and marriage mature. In OUTLANDER Jamie and Claire ran the gauntlet of danger. This book is a slow burn. Things are quieter, more outwardly civilized and yet even more complicated and dangerous. Politics, society and intrigue take up the majority of this book. For those readers who read OUTLANDER but don't know more about the series, they will be surprised by the beginning of this book. (I don't want to give it away, but it is a clever story device to begin the narrative there instead of being strictly chronological). The book feels fresh and different after OUTLANDER. The characters have grown and changed (not always for the good) and there are lots of new characters to get to know. Old friends and enemies also have returned so there is a good reason to review the events of OUTLANDER if you haven't read it in a while. Jamie is more remote in this book after the events with Jack Randall in OUTLANDER. He is still struggling with the aftermath and the pressures of trying to save the entire Highlands. Being involved in the political intrigue means that he and Claire spend less time together and thus immense pressure is placed on their relationship. Claire is also struggling to find her role in this new situation. The new life in the Court of France has new conflicts and restrictions upon this twentieth century woman. She has to use her imperfect knowledge of the past to help avoid Culloden while know knowing whether such a thing is possible. She is also struggling with her relationship with Jamie. She gave up her entire life to be with him and now she has to deal with those consequences. On a more philosophical point, the book also investigates the idea of changing the past. Is it even possible for Jamie and Claire to change the events that lead to Culloden or does everything they do actually cause that event to happen? Can the past be changed at all? These are universal themes in time travel stories and this book examines those issues with complexity and subtlety. Even better, there are no real answers. I began reading OUTLANDER when the television series started because I always want to read the books first and I began reading this one in preparation for Season 2. I don't know if I have been influenced by the series, but I felt that this book went more quickly and the events were clearer, the characters more defined and the outcome more devastating. I cried through the end of the book because it was incredibly well written and sad. At the end of this book, I desperately wanted to begin VOYAGER (book 3) to find out what happens. WORTH MENTIONING: This book ends on a cliffhanger. CONNECTED BOOKS: DRAGONFLY IN AMBER is the second book in the Outlander series. It can be read as a standalone, but why do that. Read OUTLANDER first to really appreciate DRAGONFLY IN AMBER. STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

Just be forewarned that once you start this series, you can't stop. But wait, this is a review for book 2 so you probably already know that! In fact, you're probably not even wasting precious time to read any of these reviews and are already glued to this 2nd book. Why am I wasting precious time writing this review when book 3 is impatiently waiting?! I don't know!!! **panic starts to creep in** If you're reading the Kindle version, I'd highly recommend purchasing the Audible companion as well so you can switch back and forth and maximize your time wrapped up in this beautifully woven story. One word of advice though, if you get the Audible version and listen to it through your car stereo while driving, don't do what I did.... Don't be so engrossed in the story that you forget your windows are down at a red light, in dense traffic, with plenty of others with their windows down, while the book is at one of the steamy scenes between Jamie and Claire, and you're sitting there behind the wheel, alone in your car, smiling like a fool, 😏 blissfully unaware of all the stares until you're jolted out of your reverie by all the honking.

I am a victim of Outlander addiction, both the TV show and the books. I'm mystified about what it is that is so compelling about these huge tomes but never in my fairly long life have novels grabbed me so intensely. This is the second of 8 published so far. It's a wonderful, densely detailed, imaginative story with epic characters. At times it rambles and is overly wordy but it's important to read every line because you never know what's going to crop up in the next book. The language is so rich that sometimes I have to take a few days break from the linguistic decadence. Gabaldon is truly a force of nature...an inspired writing machine. I fell down this rabbit hole in January, have read 5 of the 8 books and have already read the first two twice. Warning: these books are addictive. You could be entering a world beyond your control!

Slow start. I was hoping the pacing would pick up after the beginning section, but it kept a pretty steady pace throughout the entire novel. The flow wasn’t bad, it just drug with too many details that didn’t add in any way to the storyline; could have easily been cut by a huge percentage and still come away with the same basic principles - A lot of tangential subplots. With that said, the writing is stellar! I’m glad I read it for that fact alone. I had the most highlights in this book than any before it at 808!!! The flow, choice of phrases, and unique expressions are eloquently written. Descriptive, evocative writing help create the world for Claire and Jamie in such a way that carries the reader along the journey rather than looking at it through a window. The story was enticing enough to stay with it, but I found myself easily putting it down. It wasn’t as nail biting and gripping as Outlander, for sure. However, I definitely plan to read Voyager once I’ve mentally prepared to take on another massive tome because I love Claire and Jamie’s relationship.

Imagine being blasted to the year 1939. Hitler is ravaging Europe, the allies are enabling...and you know what's going to happen. What do you do to avert this global train wreck? This dilemma visits Claire Randall, along with her husband Jamie Fraser, as they attempt to manipulate the French Court to prevent Charles Stuart from invading Scotland--to the ultimate destruction of the Scottish clans at Culloden in 1745--in Diana Gabaldon's spellbinding sequel to her epic debut novel 'Outlander': DRAGONFLY IN AMBER. In this sequel Gabaldon employs a terrific "hooking" device: (*SPOILER ALERT!*) Middle-aged Claire, in 1968 Scotland, informs her 20-year-old daughter Brianna, that Frank Randall is not her biological father--but 18th Century Highlander outlaw James Fraser, is. And as evidence, she outlines the events of DRAGONFLY IN AMBER, as Claire and Jamie--assisted by Murtagh and pick-pocket Fergus--operate behind the scenes in Paris to thwart the Stuart's claim to the English throne--and avoid the disaster of Culloden. In the process, we're introduced to a colorful ensemble of characters, including the ever-serving Mother Hildegarde, the mysterious Master Raymond, the scowling, menacing Comte St. Germain...even Louis himself, a shallow scoundrel of a monarch. Claire and Jamie do their best to derail Bonnie Prince Charlie in his efforts to reclaim his father's throne, yet history will not be denied. Gabaldon's story leads the characters back to Scotland in the throes of the 1745 Rebellion...and to inevitably interact with the evil Captain Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall. 'Outlander' was magnificent in its depiction of brutal life in 18th Century Scotland, yet in DRAGONFLY IN AMBER Gabaldon has truly formed her stride. Her prose is elegant, witty, and forceful, while she draws exceptional images of the characters she creates. The reader will find him/herself immersed in her story, while 900+ pages evaporate. Is DRAGONFLY IN AMBER the best of the 'Outlander' series? Time will tell. ~D. Mikels, Esq.

I am continuing to thoroughly enjoy these books. All of the characters are excellent, especially the leads, Jamie and Claire. The prose is well written and often beautiful, and there is plenty of action and romance--enough to please pretty much any reader. Ms. Gabaldon calls this "historical fiction" and there is plenty of evidence to back up her claim. Her research and detail are excellent. However, her stories often border on being "Bodice Rippers", or at the very least well-written romance novels. I'm usually not a fan of these, but Ms. Gabaldon so deftly weaves in historical intrigue I can't complain. My only complaint is I am NOT a fan of switching POVs. It takes me out of the story and makes me feel I'm just reading a story and not experiencing it. As a device I think it calls attention to itself, and as such, should be avoided. Plus, Claire is such a wonderful storyteller that anytime someone else takes over I feel cheated. Other than that, I would highly recommend this series.

Diana Gabaldon said in the introduction that this book was difficult to write, I guess technically speaking. Be that as it may, she did a superb job of it. This is the second book in the series, but I have watched up through season 4 of the Outlander show. I know some of what is going to happen, but that doesn’t take away from the pleasure of reading these books in the least. The emotional lives of the characters, the love between Jamie and Claire, the vivid descriptions that incorporate all the senses, the way all the story lines weave together... these are some of the elements that make this book a masterpiece. I read the book club questions at the end, and I particularly love the discussion of the significance of the title, Dragonfly in Amber. It’s a creature stuck in time, like the characters, and it’s a metaphor for the preservation of Jamie and Claire’s love through time.

Just as fantastic as the first in the series. It helps that the Starz show also keeps pretty true to the novels with a few minor exceptions. While rich in description and language, the book is an easy read which is useful at nearly a thousand pages. With Diana Gabaldon's series you get your fix of romance, as well as fantastic historical and war fiction, science and medicine, travel, a bit of sci-fi, as well as a great dose of feminism with Claire's role(s). The author really mixes all these literary genres quite well into one remarkable series that is hard to detach from. At times you find yourself frustrated with how many pickles these characters find themselves in on a regular basis, but that's why it's fiction. Just go with it and enjoy.

Not sure if some of these negative reviews I've read are by real or paid debunkers. The story is quite good and I have been noticing things in the books that never made it on-screen in the Starz adaptation. That's a plus for me as I didn't start reading them until after watching the first two seasons of the show. I am working on Voyager now, but decided to leave my review on DOA when I saw all the naysayers, some of whom sound like they didn't even read the whole book. It amazes me that people do that, if you don't have anything nice to say...some readers don't have the stamina to read a big series or appreciate that there are ebbs and flows, as the story builds. No one's life is non-stop action. I liked the book, while it's presented a little differently than the show timeline, the differences made me want to really read it rather than skim things I'd already watched. Can't wait to keep working through them all.

I started Outlander watching the TV show; so since there is a long wait to another season I'm now reading the books. There are some slight differences between the show and the book, some I think the show did a better job. I didn't like how the book started and the way Claire just dropped in on Roger right after his adopted father died. I also didn't like Brianna's dialogue . She seemed more like a 12 year old speaking than a 20 year old young woman. I think the show did a better job at changing the introduction there. Much of the story is in Paris like the show was and I thought it very boring to read. I didn't care to read about all the politics and scheming. It also gets frustrating the way Diane writes Claire's inner monologue describing every literal minute detail of every single place, scenic view or room she is in. It takes 10 pages just to describe the setting of every scene before getting to the point of conversations and things happening. I found myself skimming and skipping through many chapters because it was just too frustrating to read and not much is really happening. The book doesn't get good until the last chapters leading up to the final battle at Culloden and Claire going back through the stones. For me, the book could have been condensed by half given the content. It was difficult to keep interested. I hope book 3 is better; if not it will be my last read of this series.

If my mind has not been very focused. This book may be the cause. Lack of sleep. Not because of worries. Nope, I just couldn't stop reading/listening to the book. I had the Audible Whispersynched with the Kindle version. Davina Porter did a marvelous job of narrating the story. Hers is not the sweet voice of the actress who played Claire Randall in the TV series. But Ms. Porter has the versatility to play all the characters perfectly. The show did a good job following the books. The only thing I miss in the reading is the music. That's okay. I can Sing Me A Song of a Lass That Has Gone... This story is captivating either way. I love getting involved in the history presented. I wish I were better versed in world history, especially France, and the British Isles. I know the next book will bring me into the founding of the United States of America. So that gives me a timeline I know, somewhat. Since I read the book after watching the show, I wish I could have read it first. Not that the show is missing anything. I just like visualizing the story for myself. Now the people and places are fixed by the show. At any rate, it is a good read, even if you've seen the show. It will keep you engaged in the story. I can't wait until I can afford book three.

You can tell the Outlander series has been extensively researched. The lifestyle, costuming, history, weather, people, etc. details were a joy to read. I have always been a lover of historical fiction and love to read the details that bring to life the time that the story has been set in. Some authors do it well; some don't. Diana Gabaldon does it very well. She weaves in the facts as naturally as describing the color of the sky. You almost don't realize what you have learned it is so easily done. The story itself is a captivating and fascinating tale of loss, love, war, and intrigue. I'm so happy I learned of this series. I hope you will be also.

Even though you know from the first chapter where the book will end up, nothing can prepare you for all that happens to get you there. This book, and the first, are by far the best of the series. The first is good because it has such a unique story line, and the historical detail is fascinating. A Dragonfly in Amber carries the historical detail much deeper, and introduces historical figures in ways that make it easy to see them as real, flawed and even at times unlikable. And you get a very clear idea of how the series will proceed, including a reference to romance novels, that foreshadows the style that, to me, the increasing flaws in the latter books. But this is the love story of two people who you cannot help but be completely in love with.

As I stated in the review of the Outlander book, I believe that this book continues the outstanding story of Jamie and Claire's lives and adventures. Ms. Diana Gabaldon's writing is so beautifully done, that personally I can't wait to begin the next book in this series. She brings each of the characters in her books to life in such a fantastic way. That you can actually visualize them as you read the book. And I believe that this is an excellent ability she has. I would definitely recommend this book and series to anyone over the age of 14, but I don't believe it to be appropriate for ages 13 or younger because of content described. IE. Sexual orientation, and other themes which are not suitable for younger children. I truly believe that parents should read this series first and then definitely decide whether their younger children should or shouldn't read this series. Personally I would wait until my grandchildren were above the age of 14/15.

I began to read “Outlander” when I was half-way through the series where it has provided helpful context to the TV version. Having reluctantly finished the end of Season 5 I was glad to resume reading “Dragonfly in Amber” to continue the love story and historical adventure. Diana Gabaldon has an amazing gift for vivid descriptions, even for those scenes which I cannot visualize as they were excluded from the series. I look forward to starting “Voyager”, Book 3, my ongoing COVID-19 escape!

I have been reading her books since the 1990s. I will say this is the one book I had some trouble understanding. I guess it was because of all the politics that are in the book. After reading it several times and after hearing it on audible I actually fell in love with a book and it became one of my favorites in the series. I now appreciate the historical significance of this book. Oh I have been reading her books since the 1990s. I will say this is the one book I had some trouble understanding. I guess it was because of all the politics that are in the book. After reading it several times and after hearing it on audible I actually fell in love with a book and it became one of my favorites in the series. I now appreciate the historical significance of this book.

Dragonfly in Amber is the second in a series of eight doorstop size novels by Diana Galbadon. The series combines a strong love story between Claire Randall an English nurse/doctor born in 1918 with her Scottish lover and husband Jamie Fraser who lives in 1743. Claire is time travelled back to the days of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the battle of Culloden which ended the dreams of the Highland Scots for the restoration of the British throne of the Stuart dynasty. In this second volume we see Claire and Jamie living in France at the swanky court of Louis XIV the fabled Sun King. Claire even sleeps with the monarch so as to free Jamie from incarceration at the Bastille where he has been sent following his near fatal duel with Captain Randall his arch enemy (and a descendent of Claire's twentieth century Oxford scholar husband Frank). The novel opens as Dr. Claire and her twenty year old daughter Brianna (whose real father is Jamie Fraser) return to Inverness to research family genealogy, Brianna will find love with a young history professor named Wakefield while Claire will delve deeper into the mystery of Jamie. She thought he died at Culloden but did he? The reader will enjoy the quiet and beautifully written scenes at Jamie's isolated farm in the Highlands were he presides as Laird. The Galbadon books are like eating potato chips. In other words they are hugely addictive! Enjoy this excellent novel!

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.

Ever since I read the first of this series, "Outlander", I was hooked. I guess a lot of other people were, too, because I can never find the book I want at my local library. I decided it would be worth the investment to have my own set. Diana Gabaldon is a fantastic writer. She's extremely well-informed. Her research is excellent. Yes, there is graphic violence in her novels and graphic sex, but they are done in a tasteful manner, if that makes any sense. Of all the books in the Outlander series, this is probably my least favorite. It is still a good book, but I got kind of bogged down in it. It just doesn't seem to move as fast as the others. That is just my opinion, however, and it may be that I just didn't enjoy the setting as much. In this book, Claire and Jamie are in France, trying to prevent the Scottish uprising ending in Culledon that Claire knows is coming because of her knowledge of history. Charles Stuart (aka Bonnie Prince Charlie) and his father James, are both living in Paris. Jamie, who is persona non grata in Scotland, at the moment, is in France because he is wanted and saw the opportunity to both escape Scotland and try to avert the upcoming uprising. He has an uncle who is a wine dealer in Paris, who asks him to take over the business for a period of many months, which gives Jamie and Claire both an excuse to be in Paris and an opportunity to hob-knob with important political figures, so that they can try to get an idea of what they might do to change the course of history, as Claire knows it. The book is entertaining and gives an interesting look into the lives of the French in that time period. However, to me, the most important parts of the book are the beginning and the end, that deal with Brianna, Claire and Jamie's daughter, who lives in the present, and doesn't know about her mother's "past". It's worth reading, if for no other reason that to continue the story where it left off with "Outlander".

The second book in the Outlander series starts with Claire back in England after time travelling back to her old life. She has raised Jamie's daughter, who of course thought that Frank was her father. But we need to travel back in time to see what happened to Claire and Jamie... The Frasers are now living in Paris as part of the court of Bonny Prince Charlie, attempting to exert some influence that might change the outcome of the Battle of Culloden. Their time among royalty in Paris couldn't be any more different from their lifestyle in Scotland - fine wines, court dress, dinners, and political intrigue. The complexities of history and the many characters made this part of the novel a bit of a slog for me. When they return to Scotland for the lead up to the battle, the brutal reality of the poorly organized and funded Jacobite army signals the outcome. And never far from Claire's mind is whether her presence will truly alter the course of history. When Claire returns to London, she is convinced that Jamie perished during the ill-fated battle, but by the end of this second book, she really isn't sure, and that is what draws her back once again (not a plot spoiler because we all know there are 6 more books yet to come in this series...) I'm sure I will continue on with this series, but need to take a breather and live in the real world for a while.

I have been reading this series for the past twenty years. I am now reading them again due to the series now being telecast, Outlander, which I just love. In the time I have been reading these books I find I just can't put them down, in fact I am not happy when disturbed reading them. The main characters, Claire, from the 1940's, a British combat nurse and her husband Frank, who have seen each other something like ten years over the war years decide to travel to Scotland for a second honeymoon. Frank is now a historian seeking his family history and whilst there she comes across the Standing Stones and is transported back to 1743 to a very troubled time in history. This is where she meets our hero Jamie Fraser, a rebel in Scottish times. Not knowing how she got there her aim is to get back to the Standing Stones to be reunited with her husband Frank, but that is not to be. After meeting Jamie and eventually falling in love they create the love story of a lifetime, She with her knowledge of the future and not being able to disclose it for fear of being called a witch, tries to prevent the disasters she knows are going to come. If you don't mind time travel, this is the series for you. It is chock a block with drama, mystery, a love story that will stay with you forever. I have read every book that goes with this series including the Lord John Grey series which cross over and feel like they are my family. I have laughed, cried, and enjoyed everyone of these books. I could go on and on but cannot recommend this series highly enough. Read them all, you wont be disappointed, that is until you get to the end and want to start the next one.

The whole “outlander” series is amazing. Diana G is an amazing author and I’m constantly impressed by her abilities to write fiction novels while still keeping a lot of the historical references completely accurate. Dragonfly in Amber is the second book of the outlander series. Let me say, just when you think you might get bored with the plot Diana takes you for a turn and before you know it you are onto the next book. I’d like to note that the book I purchase was used. It was more worse for wear than the normal books I receive used are, however the seller did note that it wasn’t in great condition. This boon was so”read” that the binding actually broke, but I just taped it and put on my shelf for another read.

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.

The beginning and after France were quick reads. Heart shredding moments for sure happened, but I really fell in love with Jamie and Claire. While in France, it just felt like a hard slug to read....it was so really boring so much that I almost put the book down for good. But once their return to Scotland began, the story picked back up and I couldn’t put it down. It was interesting to read about all the hard choices these two were to make for themselves and for what they hoped they could prevent. When it was time to say goodbye, for Claire to return to the stones for safety, I cried. I knew that somehow they’ll return to each other (there are more after this book) but it still was so sad to read their goodbyes. I can’t wait to see what adventures lie down the road as I begin the next book. 4 stars because France almost had me place the book on my “never finished pile” but I now know skimming is okay through that part.

4.5 stars so I rounded up. I love the new supporting characters introduced — specifically Roger and Mary Hawkins. I was sad Laoghaire was only mentioned and not seen, but much of the plot revolves around Geillis which was great. I love her. The “twist” ending, if you can call it that, was predictable but still a satisfying cliffhanger leading into the next book. All and all, this was much better than the first novel, but the dual 1st/3rd person POV took a little while to get used to. Plus frame narratives have never been my favorite storytelling trope, but Roger is an interesting enough character to keep it from being too bothersome. Bree was a little bit of a jerk, but I can’t really blame her for that. Great middle series novel overall!

Since there had been a pause in the series the Ourlander. I decided to read more of the books. I had read the first book a while ago. It was wonderful to return to Scotland and read again the life of Claire. I realized I was wrong when I read the first book, not to continue to read the rest of them. This is so much better to read then to watch. It opens your eyes to more of how the story was told not that the series is not doing the books justice. It is small things they change, but I still enjoy reading more.

5 Stars!! Another fantastic book from Diana Gabaldon. Prior to reading Outlander, I haven't explored many historical novels and did not think I would enjoy them but this series has completely dug its claws in and will not let me go. This book was different than the first because it starts out 20 years after the events in Outlander and how Claire travels back to Scotland to tell her daughter the truth about her father and find out exactly what happened to him. The majority of the story is Claire telling her daughter (as well as the readers) what happened after the events in Outlander up to the Scottish uprising and the battle of Culloden. Jamie and Claire go through a lot in this book and we get to see how they grow together as a married couple and how they try their hardest to stop the upcoming events in history. It was a fascinating and thrilling read, but also bittersweet because you know Claire is back in her "own time" and without Jamie so things did not go as planned. Although the book is quite long, I flew through it and enjoyed every second. I can't wait to start Voyager and read more about my favorite couple. Definitely recommend!!

It’s so surprising that Diana Gabaldon wrote Outlander (the first book in the series) as practice to eventually write a novel. Her writing is so fantastic, and it just gets so much better in Dragonfly in Amber. I loved this book and the twists and turns that she takes us through. The 20 year jump did take me by surprise. But as a reader and fan, I’ve come to trust Diana as an author, and I became very invested in that turn of events and found it interesting though out the whole book. I can’t get enough of Jamie and Claire and I can’t recommend this series enough.

Today we think our politics is so evil and corrupt but in truth this pattern has always been around. Kings, princes and chieftains all lie and betray to obtain wealth and power. No different two hundred years ago but maybe even more crude and barbaric. In this atmosphere we find Jamie and Clair desperately trying to change history. The story of Bonnie Prince Charlie headlines these years building to war. Jamie is enmeshed in the intrigue as is Clair. Captain Jack Randall also comes forth with his sick perversions and his quest for Jamie. The book covers a lot a n d keeps you on edge as to when Jamie will fight his last battle at Coluden. Great read.

In the closing chapter of “Outlander”, Claire nursed Jamie to help him recover from the emotional and physical tortures suffered at the hands of Captain Jonathan Randall. They had traveled to France to the safe sanctuary of his Uncle Alexander Fraser an Abbot at a French monastery. They stayed devoted and carnally very close and drunk, but more with love than with wine. After Jamie presented her with a special gift to cherish, Claire said that she had a gift as well, just as Jamie’s hand slid, large and sure, over the plane of her still-flat stomach with their future lying ahead. The best noun that I can think of that describes the Outlander series is “tapestry”. A tapestry woven with rich threads of accurately depicted Scottish history within an addictive story-line involving two powerful and passionate personalities who through a chance slip through a crack in time, travel to a two hundred yesteryear and meet and share adventure, tragedy and a very physical and devoted love. With “Dragonfly in Amber” the rich story-line continues and opens to Claire’s present time, twenty years forward, with her daughter, Brianna, in England, with a plan to tell Brianna her unbelievable story and to reveal her real father. When the moment of truth takes place Brianna reacts violently to the revelation and the time reverts back to the 1745 yesteryear. An incredibly amazing story as Claire and Jamie try to change the course of history using Claire’s present day knowledge of history on two occasions to try to change the outcome of the battle on Culloden Field and the blind ambitions of Bonny Prince Charles. Occasionally, I was inspired to temporarily put the book aside to explore the history books to understand the history on a deeper and broader scale. No other book as compelled me to do this with the possible exception of “The Da Vinci Code”. In 1745, Claire and Jamie work and play together and sometimes independently in the French social life meeting some very inimitable people and other amazing life adventures. During more tragic circumstances Claire continues to offer her skills as a nurse. At the battle of Prestonpans I suddenly came to the realization that Claire had been a nurse in two wars… TWO HUNDRED YEARS apart! Sometimes Claire needed to adapt medical terminology “sugar sickness” instead of diabetes which had not been coined back then. I also found it humorously entertaining when Claire expressed herself out of the time of reference of Jamie or others by using metaphors like, “Aside from that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?” In the closing chapters, just before the battle of Culloden, Jamie’s “Sassenach” returns to her present time with Brianna finally accepting the truth. What will happen next? I now feel powerless, as “a dragonfly in amber”, not to begin reading “Voyager”. I highly recommend this book and the entire series not only as an addictive must-read, but as a huge fan of Diana Gabaldon.

I will always give Diana's books 5 stars. That said, some books are better than others in this epic series. DIA is one of the best. It's funny, poignant, tragic, sweet, informative and seductively, addictively readable. Claire losing her child, parting from Jamie, the whole, headlong, inevitable rush to Culloden-it's gripping reading. I also love the 60s bookends, and Claire finally telling the story-AND BEING BELIEVED! This is pine of my favorites in the series, agents I enjoyed reading it(for the 4th time!)

Dragonfly. In Amber... Comes to mean quite a lot. Jamie and Claire their plots and subplots to try and save Scotland and the clans borders on obessive. Try as they may to save the clans it seems to be lost in their absolute love for each other. They feel whenever the other is near. The times when he is held against his will, when she is kidnapped, they always find their way back to each other. I am deaf, so unable to hear it, but I understand the music in the TV version is hauntly beautiful. Enjoy as I have

This is my 2nd time reading it, although some of the 1st books I listened to on tape. Barabra Rosenblatt (narrator, if my memory serves me) really expands the experience because of her ability to to give each character their own distinct voice and accent. I'm not usually a fan of romance or historical novels but was drawn to these because of Diana Gabaldon's ability toward realism and the possibility of time travel through the Standing Stones found all over Scotland. She has an innate ability to draw you into the story with such vivid detail that you believe you are seeing through the character's eyes. The books definitely have to be read in order. I wasn't as fond of the "Lord John" side series that came out of the original Outlander books. But I remember the 1st time I read this book....it was an unusually quiet night in the ER which was a good thing because by the time I got to the end of this one, I had to go into the back break room because I was crying so hard I thought my heart was going to break.

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!

I got started on these books after hearing about them from several people. I wasn't sure I could deal with the premise but once I got started, I had trouble putting them down. I am on the 3rd book and plan to read the whole series. They should be read in order. I love the characterization in them and the beautiful descriptions of Scotland. While I'm certainly not against sex, there is a bit too much description in this book and after awhile, it seems gratuitous. Other than that, a great series.

I read the first three books in this series in paperback (gasp!) years ago before Kindle or Nook even existed. The tv series actually got me thinking I needed to start reading from the beginning and catch up with all new books too. Now I clearly remember why when you mention the title or the author to me, I immediately know what your talking about. And that's saying a lot considering how much I read. Diana Gabaldon is a treasure! She is so gifted that her subtleties often aren't even noticed - and that is a true gift from an artist. The journey for Claire and Jamie is so blindingly beautiful despite everything. Miss Gabaldon is able to weave historical fact, dramatic fiction, love, loyalty, intrigue, etc. into Book 2. Thank you Diana - it was just as wonderful the second time. Gotta run, Book 3 awaits.

BE WARNED.... POSSIBLE SPOILERS below in my review..... DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER if you DO NOT want to read possible spoilers. I loved and hated this book at the same time. HATED - How the story unfolds - From the moment I got past the Prologue and started reading I was upset with where we were and was so pre occupied with something that I could not focus on the new characters and what was actually happening. I didn't care about these new characters. LOVED - The gaps start to fill in and I once again became immersed in the story of Jamie and Claire. It is everything and more from where Outlander left off. So many emotions in this book. The author once again did a fantastic job. I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times. I think one of the best was the shaving discussion between Jamie and Claire. Oh and THE Red dress discussion as well. You just can't help but love Jamie! The parts of the book I LOVE overrode the parts I HATED so I can't help but give this book a 5 star....but get ready for a roller coaster ride with this one. Oh and maybe get a tissue handy as well.

I read Outlander (#1) last year and I rated it 3 stars. With that being said, I enjoyed it, the writing was fabulous but I didn’t get the hype because I wasn’t in love with it and I wanted to be… Part of the part problem was that I had recently read The Bronze Horseman trilogy before starting Diana Gabaldon’s book. If you know me, I’m obsessed with TBH series and they are epic books but someone said if you like that series you will love Outlander. I should have known better and waited a few more months before reading it. *shrugs* When I found out that it was picked up for a series on Starz I thought…hmmmm, maybe I should give this series another shot. And shame on me but I never paid attention to the casting, I mean, have you seen Sam Heughan??? *fans self* But I never did pick up the second book until two weeks ago when they aired the first episode for free on cable. I’ve been consumed by this book and haven’t been able to put it down. *whispers I’m on the third book* “I talk to you as I talk to my own soul,” he said, turning me to face him. He reached up and cupped my cheek, fingers light on my temple. “And Sassenach,” he whispered, “Your face is my heart.” The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars to Dragonfly in Amber is because the pacing felt a bit slow at times. The author clearly wants us to understand how the French court operates and the politics of that history, obviously the information is important but I didn’t find it always necessary which sounds a bit contradictory, I know. Jamie and Claire have new connections, political connections that give them the ability to infiltrate the Jacobite circle but this story is so much more than that. It’s about Claire in 1968 and trying to put the pieces of history together, it’s about loss, it’s about Claire finally being able to be honest with her daughter and it’s about finding out what happened to Jamie and Claire. The stress I experienced while I read this book gave me heartburn. Beautifully written, I was lost in a story that was all about Jamie and Claire. If I enjoyed many of the characters in the first book, I was all sorts of thrilled to be re-acquainted with Murtagh who was Mr. Moody half the time but that’s what made him so endearing. But new characters were also introduced and my absolute favorite was the French orphan boy. And guess where they found him??? You’ll never guess because to tell you would be to take away from the beauty of the story. *dreamy sigh* “Blood of my Blood,” he whispered, “and bone of my bone. You carry me within ye, Claire, and ye canna leave me now, no matter what happens, You are mine, always, if ye will it or no, if ye want me or nay. Mine, and I wilna let ye go.” Not only do I feel a bit smarter after reading this book but it’s safe to say I’m obsessed like everyone else.

I read the first book - Outlander and enjoyed it for the most part but found it tedious at times. As I started to read this book, I found the historical inaccuracies distracting and the author includes far to much detail. So much of what she writes is back story or unnecessary narrative. As I progressed through the book it seemed to me the author just liked the idea of seeing her words on the page, rather than being frugal and sharing only that information that was necessary. After a time, I would skip pages of narrative but find that the story had not progressed much from where I had left it. It rather reminded me of the soap operas in the 80s where you could stop watching for weeks at a time, come back and pick up right where you left off. I don't generally leave books unfinished, but I found this one tiresome and stopped reading about half way through.

It is 20 years later, that is how the book starts and I was in shock because Claire was separated from Jaimie and has lived without him so long. She brought her daugher to tell her about her father and what happened in 1746. I think 20 years is such a long time and those two were so much in love that that span of time was too long. Then the story takes us to France where Jaimie and Claire try to stop Bonnie Prince Charles. It has been awesome to read about them, Claire's early pregnancy, their love growing even stronger, the appearance of Jonathan Randall that as usual brought sorrow. Moving along the book I worried because I knew she would lose him and I did not want to read about that. Jaimie is forced to join the fight and the sorrow and calamity that it brought to Scots was horrible. They both knew what the battle in the end would do and that Jaimie might be killed, but before that Jaimie is forced to defend Claire from Doogal, as usual, who realizing the loss in his despair blames Claire for everything. And Jaimie kills Doogal and they both know that that meant death for him. He takes her to the stones, so she would be safe in her time, she refuses and pleads with him and the pain is heartbreaking, but he tells her that he wants her to live and he wants their child to survive, a part of him survive. They spent the night in a cottage fully aware that it is their last time together. Whoever loved either happily or not, knows how awful it might have felt to lose such love, to know that that was it. In the morning they are surrounded and Claire must leave, the good bye is short and that is good because I think otherwise it would be even more painful and she goes through the stones. I have to admit, I cried. It was so horrible sad. In present time, Bree refused that anyone else, but Frank Randall could be her dad, she did not want to believe Claire, but Roger somehow did, especially that his own great-great...grandma was preparing to jump in time. There was a positive sparkle in the end, Roger tells Claire that Jaimie did not manage to go to Culloden to die, Jaimie was alive.

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!

Filled with so much drama and action. Plenty of intrigue and lots of steam. I loved the twists and turns this installment took us on as Claire returns to Scotland to share the truth of her daughter’s ancestry. There were a few things I wasn’t too happy with in this book but overall I enjoyed it. I love Jamie and Claire together so much that I actually dislike any mention of her love for Frank. This thought alone makes the angst high for me while the troubles this couple face in 18th century Scotland actually do not. Go figure! Nevertheless, I consumed this one as quickly as I could and hated when anything interrupted my listening enjoyment.

The story continues with a slight twist on the first page - we are back in the 20th century! How, why, what's happened, what's going to happen? This is a long, satisfying story that continues through flashbacks and some flashforwards. Old friends have returned in new surroundings and there are meetings with historic characters seen a new or different light. I am amazed at the research the author has done and how she takes the reader on an adventure roller coaster that is romantic, historical and just pure joy! While a reader could jump into this book without reading the first book, I would not recommend it; the plot, the motives, the characters will make much more sense and be that much more enjoyable in Dragonfly in Amber. I can hardly wait for the next installment of the television program. This is such an outstanding series of novels.

Like so many others coming late to the table, I started reading after watching the TV show. The first book hooked me pretty quickly and then I couldn't wait to start reading the second. To be fair I was a little disappointed at first when we started in the 1960's. I was fairly devastated that Claire had had to go back to the future because it meant that her time with Jamie had some heartbreak. Luckily we get to go back into the past pretty quickly, though for me, the story seems to drag for a while while they're in Paris. Even once you're back in Scotland I felt the story was a little bit slow. However I did really enjoy all of the details about France and and Scotland and trade and the Jacobite revolution. By the end of the book I was hooked again and I cannot wait to read the third one. What I think I love the most about this book is how strong Claire and Jamie's love and devotion to each other is. You can feel the love. It's hard to believe they had to be separated for 20 years and I very much look forward to seeing them reunited. The scene where Claire realizes that Jamie might still be alive gave me goosebumps. Time to start the next one!

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!

I was VERY excited to read this book and was ready to tear through it like I did with Outlander, but upon opening the book, I discover to my shock that (SPOILERS!!!!!) 20 years have passed since Jaime and Claire were last together. What?! I felt a little robbed, but decided to continue on. Then comes probably the longest flashback in the history of literature, detailing Claire and Jaime's time in France and then back in Scotland, up until she goes back to the present. I was plodding along at a decent pace reading (still slightly annoyed that I already know what is going to happen at the end of this book since being told in the first chapter), and then I hit about page 700 and my stamina dies. It felt like sludging through mud to finish this book (finally did after a month!). The only thing I could think of while reading this is that I didn't really care about what happened to them in France - I wanted to know when they would get back together again! This book could have lost about 200 pages and I wouldn't have noticed. And yet, even after all that unnecessary detail, I still can't seem to figure out who Bonnie Prince Charlie was and where he came from! Who's son was he, how is he tied to the English crown, how can he be considered a king? etc etc etc. After finishing the book, I still don't know, although I'm not sure how that's possible with pages upon pages of mind-numbing detail. Summary: This book is more of a necessary bore for me to head into the next book, where I can get back into the plot I'm REALLY interested in. Not terrible, but it's no Outlander.

I love, love, LOVE, the Outlander series. Both the novel and the show. I had watched season 1 & 2 of the show on Starz (a few weeks before season 3 was to be released). I than and started on book 3 before season 3 came out. Since that time I have read all of the books (even going back to read book 1 & 2). I can't wait for book 9 release. I adore the characters and the storyline. If it sounds like I am obsessed it is because I totally am (LOL). Reading the series is my escape. To another land, another time. #ClanFraser

I liked Outlander book 1 better, but I just bought 3-8 so I guess I'm pretty much hooked. I have been reading this book in between other books and obligations (bookclub, meetings, etc.) so it can be on the slow side. Having said I liked book 1 better, I read book 2 in a shorter time. I find even though reading books in between other books, etc.,, I can pretty much pick up Outlander just where I left over. Its not like anything else I normally read, I love these books.

*Spoiler* The story is complex and rather overstuffed, and would have benefitted from a ruthless editor. That being said, it was an interesting look at the events leading up to Culloden. The thing that troubles me most about the book is the character of Roger: is he an idiot or just a garden variety jerk? At the very beginning, having discovered that Claire went missing then came back malnourished, dressed in rags, suffering from shock, and pregnant, is his first thought "oh no something dreadful must have happened to her"? No, his first thought is to disapprove of her "committing adultery". He then proceeds to bumble through the rest of the series like a not-too-bright six year old, consumed with his own wants and ignoring the hurt his stupidity and selfishness causes, all while smugly moralizing and patting himself on the back for wanting to be a preacher. I just wanted to smack him. I have to wonder if the author put him in there just to drive readers crazy as a foil to Claire's intelligence, or was she trying to illustrate a more subtle point about sanctimonious self-righteous hypocrisy and obnoxiousness of those who use their religion as an ornamental display rather than a real devotion? Either way, Brianna would have been much better off dumping him and going out to find herself a supportive partner instead.

Both books in this series I have read so far have been enjoyable, but it takes me longer than usual to read the books. I think this is because there are several slow sections in both books that boys down the story some. It’s amazing the details she describes in the books, but sometimes the mundane details slow everything down. I greatly enjoyed the surprise on how the book started and it got my attention right away. I’m very curious to see what happens next in the series.

Diana Gabaldon is a truly talented story teller. I breezed through the first three novels in under two weeks. I found myself sneaking peeks at the book at completely inappropriate times (during stop lights, at church). I'm just gratiful that I didn't find these books until now, the wait in between publication would have been excruciating. I found these books as a result of watching the series "outlander" on Starz. I would just like to commend the director for staying true to the book and the dialogue. Jamie's character is the most believable character that I have found in a long time. I appreciate that he is a man of strong moral character, and that he chooses to make decisions based on his beliefs and his commitment to the woman he loves. The circumstances are challenging, there's not always a clear right or wrong. He does the best he can do, it was refreshing to see a manly character who acts with moral integrity. I understand that the second season of "Ourlander" will vary somewhat from the novel. I feel confident that the director will preserve the characteristics that make this into such a compelling story. They did a great job with the slight alterations that were made to the first novel.

Wow! It took me a while to finish this book - there are some slow sections - but when it took off, I couldn't put it down! The ups and downs of Claire and Jamie's life together are explored here. We start the book where Claire is back in her own time with a 19 year old daughter, Brianna. Frank has recently passed and she has returned to Scotland for the first time since her original fateful visit many years earlier. Most of the book is Claire telling her daughter what happened to her in 1945 and how Brianna came to be. There are too many details and I don't want to spoil anything. Let me say this - keep reading, it gets better, I promise you! Claire and Jamie try to thwart the fated events that are to take place in Scotland. Can they do it? Time will tell. Every encounter throughout their adventures to France and then back to Scotland are important. This is a fantastic series - I fall more and more in love with Jamie and Claire with every page. Claire is strong and intelligent and fiercely devoted to Jamie. Jamie is strong, stubborn and highly educated for the time. His clever mind gets the two through some sticky situations. Now on to Voyager!!! Thank you Diana G!

I decided to read this book series because of the upcoming TV series on Starz. First I will say that I like the overall style and prose of Diana Gabaldon and I enjoy the narrator of the audiobook. I tend to like epic novels with a lot of detail about the characters & their surroundings. I liked the first book in the series, however the second book is a different story. I kept finding myself saying "GET ON WITH IT" (out loud I may add). I felt like the story just kept dragging on & on with a lot of superfluous storylines & descriptions that really didn't seem all that necessary to the overall storyline. I also found myself getting irritated with Claire & Jamie's love story/relationship. If I have to read "oh Jamie" one more time! I don't know if it was just me getting moody because the storyline was taking forever or if their love story just started to get sappy by the 2nd book. Either way, I kept finding myself wanting Claire to jump back through the stones and the book to say THE END. I really think this book could have been wrapped up in about 500 pages & the last 200 or so could have been dedicated to the next book in the series so I can get on with the story. So with that being said I don't know if I can read an additional 6 books. I hope the TV series stays on long enough so I can see how this story ends.

It is so interesting, finding out about this battle and some of what lead up to it. I know nothing about Scottish history. This was a good place to start. Now I'll read more & learn. It's not all Braveheart, so I'm interested in learning more. That's the wonderful thing about historical fiction, it leads to wonderful historical non-fiction. The love story in a nice aside. I really love some of the sidecharacters; go Murtaugh!!

The storyline is packed with details of 18th Century life in Europe. I have had fun finding definitions to the words and terms that are used in everyday life. The heroin is such a strong but lovely character with her 20th Century knowledge and her total self reliance.Jamie, the male protagonist is easy for any woman to fall for; he is a brute force and yet there is this little boy image of pure love and innocence. The characters are developed so well, the antagonist is horrid and story line is extremely engaging and vivid. I would heartily recommend this series and this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a huge dose of romance.

As a sequel, this book continues with the same writing style that I couldn't get enough of in Outlander. I've never had a book (or books, now) have such an impact on my emotions. So much so that, after reading the first twenty pages of this book, I had to stop reading. the unexpected twist in the story hit me like a knife in the gut, and for an entire day I moped around the house like I'd just been dumped by my first love. That's never happened to me before. I continued to do something else I've never done... Totally succumbed to some wiki notes on the other books!! I hate admitting that. Now, six months later, having finally finished this book, I can chalk all that up to the talent of this author. Diana Gabaldon has created a world rich in historical fact, that allows the reader to feel completely immersed in the story, with the perfect amount of fantasy. I don't know what else I can say, other than that I've read a lot of books in my life, yet none have ever struck such a chord with my emotions. I'll wrap this up now, eager to start book three!

The Outlander books are page turners that will keep you up late at night. I am on book 3 and can't put it down. The fast action is much like Clive Cussler, or the Biblical passage where the lady barely makes it into her house, escaping from a ferocious lion, only to lean against the door post to catch her breath and disturbs a deadly scorpion that stings her. The down side (at least for an 81 year old reader) is it wastes too much space on graphic sex. I have "been there and done that" and prefer my own fond memories to someone else's graphic descriptions. Even though it is an intriguing story, I hesitate to recommend it to my friends because of the pornographic content. We all have day dreamed of living in another time. The author's method of passage disturbs the story less than most. Either the author has done a great job of research, or she has a great imagination for what things might have been like a few hundred years ago. I look forward to the other books in the series.

I'm not sure if another review is really needed for this book/series as it certainly has enough endorsements. Diana Gabaldon embodies what a great writer should; words that flow like a cool stream of water on a hot summer day, leaving you feeling as parched as you did before the first sip. That's right... there's no relief. You just want MORE. More Jamie, more Claire, more peace, more love... just more. In all seriousness, the story in this book is so beautifully told with Diana's words that you can't help but fall in love with all the characters. The level of emotional involvement for fictional characters is probably a bit unhealthy, but a sickness I quite enjoy. I've moved onto the third book in the series and expect this flu may never end, and I'm not sure if I want it to. Highly recommend, but with a warning that most of your free time will disappear as you spend every waking moment inhaling this book. Enjoy!!

We start out with Claire and her daughter Brianna in the 1960's going back to Scotland for a visit to show Brianna the sights her parents enjoyed after the war (having emigrated to Boston years before)--or so Claire has led her to believe. Really it's a journey of discovery for both of them--Brianna's true parentage and Claire's first foray to find out the fate of her friends after returning to the 20th century just before Culloden. We travel back to 1745 as Claire tells Roger Wakefield and Brianna the truth about who Brianna really is and why Claire's interest in the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. We start in France with Jamie and Claire running Jared Fraser's wine import business while chumming it up with the French aristocracy. Amid political intrigue, subterfuge, religious persecution, and trying like hell to thwart Bonnie Prince Charlie from trying to reclaim the Scottish throne, our heroes find themselves exactly where they didn't want to be, facing a losing war that they had no way of stopping. Watching the continuing development of Jamie and Claire's love for each other is heartwarming and heart breaking when he sends her back through the stones to protect her and his unborn child she carries. I look forward to hearing a bit more about Frank and his care for Claire and Brianna back in the 20th Century--since it's clear Frank, whether he ever really believed Claire or not, still truly cared and felt so deeply for them both. I also need Claire to return to her Scotsman and find a way to find the happily ever after that has so escaped them until now!

It's a good story to link to the next book but I found it a little boring. I get the feeling that this was just a story to connect the other books but it did not keep me reading. I am reading it a second time to see if I maybe missed something because of all the chatter about the second season but I really do not care for this book. I really liked the first one and I liked Voyager but this book feels like an afterthought. You know, filling in the blanks, so to speak.I'm buying the other books because I like the story but somehow I think this one falls a little short, for me anyway. I'm not into the court and royals thing.

Although Outlander May be my favorite book ever, Dragonfly May actually be better written. Every sentence is overflowing. I found the last few chapters confusing, especially when Claire’s voice disappears, the fight when Dougal died and when Gillian went through the stones. However, there were many scenes where I wept out loud, embarrassing on an airplane. The scene at Hugh Munro’s house was heartbreaking. I’m emotionally exhausted after this journey with the. DG YOU ARE AMAZING

Now that I'm finished with Book 2, I'm frustrated beyond statement as to how I feel about this series. I like her writing (don't love it... not very fond of some of the interactions between characters if I am being completely honest). And I dislike the way this book was framed in the "time" set. It seemed to serve some purpose, I agree. Gabaldon does have a "vignette" style of writing that I find irritating, though. I like the storyline and premise. But she seems to drag out the plot with unnecessary fodder from time to time. Perhaps (as it has been suggested to me by some more loyalist fans) the lines will draw together more completely as the novels move on; I am a skeptic though. And to me some of the relationships, the timeless love between Jamie and Claire for example, seem a bit less so because of the continued frustrations and struggles they're put to overcoming. If they truly "love" then why the constant arguing and trouble-making between the pair? I'm still reading, though, because I do like the story at its essence. I skip a lot of fluffy portions and unnecessary "junk" though.

Before I finished "Outlander," I realized that I was going to have to dig in and read the whole series. Having fallen under the spell of Jamie and Claire's deep and passionate love for each other, I was determined to see them through to the last book. Locating a copy of DiA, however, proved difficult--until I gave in to the idea of ebooks. DiA was my first ebook on my new kindle, and I read through it eagerly. Given the proliferation of French phrases, due to much of the action taking place in France, it was perhaps a good choice to have it as an ebook, which handily provided translations when necessary. As for the content of the story, I can only say safely that it roused a LOT of strong emotions in me, from the very first chapters to the very last. I am used to shedding a few tears over a good story, but this went well beyond the norm for me. Luckily, I had a copy of "Voyager" handy, as the ending is rather abrupt. (I cried a great deal during "Voyager" as well!) This book introduces a couple of new characters, and with good reason--they become even more prominent in future books. It may be difficult, if you are like me, and enjoyed reading solely from Claire's perspective, but as I said the new characters who share the limelight are there for very specific reasons and will continue to be a large part of the narrative. As a follow up to Outlander and a stepping stone to Voyager, Dragonfly in Amber was heartbreaking, intense, and wonderful.

The 2nd installment of the Outlander series was a bit of a slog. The story begins a bit slow as it is establishing the new characters, Roger Wakefield, the adopted son of the Reverend Wakefield, from the first book and Clair’s daughter Brianna. We are twenty years later from when Clair returns back from 1745. We learn that Frank, Clair’s husband in the 20th century has died and that Clair is back in Scotland to finally tell Brianna who her biological dad is. I found myself in anticipation for the start of the resumption of the tale of Jaime and Clair in France but knew that we must press through the present happenings. Once Clair begins the telling, the story progresses to the crescendo of the Battle of Culloden. I think what makes the story is the depth of feeling the author is able to impart between the couple. There is a lot of strife from the beginning to the end as expected and Jamie and Clair have their ups and downs. Dragonfly in Amber is a long story and does keep you interested but you gotta be prepared for it. We learned in Outlander that the relationship between these two will always be exciting and passionate. I wanted to know what happens to this power couple and boy did I get a story! I’m stuck now. I had hoped that I would not have to read the entire series but it appears that I have no choice. I am currently reading book 3, Voyager.

Quite good as a development of the story of Claire and Jaimy. Although in places this story doesn't sound very believable, it's fun reading. In my opinion, this second book does a pretty good in job bringing the story to its logical and expected ending and doesn't really need to be continued in further installments. However, I will probably go on reading the following books out of simple curiosity but I doubt that I will get as far as book 8 unless the characters develop further and story deepens rather than just continue to list adventure after adventure.

This is the second book in a long series. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE SERIES!! However, must admit, this one was not as well written as the first book--Outlander--or the third book--Voyager. The story was fine...the writing was...difficult. The author switched from third to first person narrative, back and forth, sometimes in the same paragraph... it was odd and unsettling. Grammar usage was also sometimes really...wrong. And, I found several misspelled words. Once she even switched character names calling one character by another's name. It was ...as I said before...unsettling. I don't know who her editor was but I hope she fired him/her. HOWEVER...I worked through the problems because I love this story, these characters and this series with a passion. I am on book 5 at this point. In none of the other books did I come across the bad editing again. SO GLAD I DIDN'T GIVE UP ON THIS SERIES! The Outlander series as a whole has been so engaging! I love these characters and the story line and find myself more and more deeply in love with it all with each page I turn. Read this book--Dragonfly in Amber--try to overlook the editing problems, and go on to the next. You'll be so glad you did!

A friend had nagged me for over a year to read the first of the series "Outlanders" -- which I finally did a couple of months ago -- I WAS HOOKED!!! So, after completing "Dragonfly in Amber" I ordered the rest of the set -- another six books -- and I'm feeing confident they'll be equally fun to read! The author has an incredible knowledge of Scottish/English history and the daily lives of the mid-1700's, as well as, detailed knowledge of medicine as it was practiced then -- a very important and on-going element of the story. I was repeatedly impressed by how much this author had to know/research just to write the first two books! I'm excited to continue reading this saga and feel confident I will continue to be impressed by this author! And oh, did I mention this whole series involves time travel?? I haven't enjoyed reading something this much, since all the Harry Potter books!

How completely absorbing and amazing are these books? Beyond phenomenally amazing! Totally consuming, commanding and captivating. Yes I know we are each individually unique and not all literature is for all people...(different folks/different strokes etc.) But it's beyond me how anyone cannot remotely enjoy the Outlander Saga...much less downright NOT LIKE this series. Just. does. not. compute! This is my third journey through eighteenth century Scotland & France with Jamie and Claire...coming off an Outlander high and digging right into Dragonfly in Amber without catching my breath. It happens every time it seems, no matter how many times I've read these books...I cannot wait to continue. I'm only fearful I will lose this deliciously overwhelming feeling if I read these books too often. DiA begins with Claire telling her unusual adventure back in time to her daughter, Brianna...and Roger Wakefield MacKenzie, a historian. She's hoping, of course, they won't think her daft or demented. Eventually however, her tale is proven true...and none is more flabbergasted and dumbstruck than Brianna and Roger. But believers the DO become. Most of DiA is about Jamie and Claire trying to change history by stopping bonnie Prince Charlie from starting the war of 1745 between Scotland and England, thus avoiding famine, starvation and the slaughter of all the Highland Clans. The history lesson in this second installment is quite enthralling as well as sobering. Yes, there is A LOT of descriptive and detailed narration, which contributes directly to this magnificent plot. You simply cannot glean all the blessings of this story if you skip any narration. It's the narration that binds the characters to our hearts! This second book of the OUTLANDER saga could actually stand on its own....but WHY would you not want to read this fabulous epic from it's beginning?!? IMHO, it's best to start at the beginning with

This is another great book in the Outlander Series. I am listening to it on audio while I am reading it and the narrator is fabulous. I had always wanted to read this series but was daunted by the length of the novels. Once I started watching the series on Starz, I decided to read the books and got hooked. This book is not quite as good as the first one in the series "Outlander". You can read "Outlander" as a stand alone novel because it does have somewhat of a resolution. But with "Dragonfly" you are left hanging at the end and must go on to read "Voyager" to see what happens . This threw me, because the plot description on your page for "Dragonfly" gives some details you expect to happen in that book but they do not happen until the next book in the series," Voyager". They really should modify the plot summary of "Dragonfly" to fix this. Don't let this stop you from reading it. You can get Voyager right now. I feel sorry for the people who read it when it first came out in1992. They had to wait a whole year to get the second part.

Be prepared: if you read Outlander (the first book in this series), you will HAVE to read all the others because you won't be able to stop. Dragonfly in Amber is the second book. I am currently reading the 5th book in this series of (I believe) 8 books and they have all been wonderful! I have already downloaded the 6th book onto my Kindle because I don't want to even have to pause in my reading! When I start book 6, I am sure I will go ahead and download book 7. The premise is fascinating: stepping through the druid-like stones in Scotland from 1945 into 1743, experiencing the times, way of life, and events of those days not to mention finding the love of your life. This is built upon in each succeeding book by drawing the reader into it so thoroughly it feels almost as though you are there. I understand that they are making a TV series out of these books. I don't know about that, but I do know that the books are EXCELLENT!

I read this story twenty years ago when it first came out and waited anxiously for the next book. After the fourth book, life took me another direction and reading was lost to me for a number of years. Now I have time and decided to start from the beginning. This story has had me so spell bound that I cannot say what world I am truly living in at the moment. Even though I know the gist of the story, the details and emotions of the characters have me so wrapped up that I don't even know the time and date. I know there is a series call Outlanders on Starz however, I beg you to read the stories or listen to the audio books before watching the movies. These character and their thoughts cannot be fully known unless you read about them first. I have not watched the movie version and will not until I have finished all the books. I think I will enjoy the movie then to hear the language, see the scenery and the costumes. Start out at least by reading the first two books. You won't regret it and you will be hooked. Diane has an amazing mind and this is a story of a lifetime.

While visiting friends in FL, Starz Outlander series was their required watching. She asked if I'd read the books. No. It was all new to me. So I ordered the first book, then proceeded to second while watching first three seasons on Netflix. I'm hooked on the love story with full devotion, historical fiction, adventure, locations, tension and hope. I'll read the entire series and delve into the series of Lord John.

Who would have thought that a series based on the love story of two people would capture me, one who doesn’t normally do romance novels. I am so happy that when I started hearing people talk about this series that I didn’t just brush it off because of the genre. I read reviews and listened to what people had to say and there was enough of a sci-fi time travel edge to it to have me interested. Once I started I was hooked utterly and completely. At first I disliked this book because it seemed to drag on in the beginning for me, only to discover, that it wasn’t dragging, I was just impatient to get back to where book 1 (Highlander) left off. It was worth the wait and taught me a lesson in patience. From the first two that I’ve read so far, Dragonfly in Amber is my new favorite. The romantic tint to the story faded a bit and other elements came shining through. I don’t think I have ever been on such an emotional roller coaster brought forth by a novel. This one had me in tears (Oh the deaths tore me apart!), shuddering (some of the most vile settings and happenings), laughing (how did she get me to laugh when an old ‘friend’ was dying in front of my eyes during the war?), and held my attention with suspense. Once I got into it, I couldn’t put the book down, cooking, cleaning, talking to friends & family all seemed secondary to me. I already have book three on my mind and know that I want to continue on with this series, only, I won’t do that to my brain & heart just yet. I need to recover from this book hangover. Perhaps a few novellas/kindle shorts & then another novel or two, or three, of a different genre, to allow me to “recover” from the ride I was just on. If I could give more than a 5 star review, I most certainly would! No doubt in my mind.

If you enjoyed the first book, this second becomes a must to read, haven in love with the characters already from book one - well, most of them, leaving aside the ones you come to loathe. Diana has spent so much time researching the history, the medical aspects, and the botanical ones, not to mention the language, geography, dress, and attitudes of the time period that one would see these books had to be, I am sure, an intricate part of her life. Thank you to Diana for all of the tedious work she has put in to create a most interesting and enjoyable read in her books!

The 2nd Book in the Outlander series continues the adventure of Jamie and Claire Fraser. Claire traveled through time by accident and her relationship with Jamie developed out of necessity. Yet, in this book we see a deeply mature love grow between them under the most difficult circumstances. The plot to restore the Stuarts to power in Scotland and England continues while Jamie and Claire with the knowledge of the terrible loss of Scottish life at the Battle of Culloden ending any hope of a Stuart Restoration fail in their attempt to save these lives and stop Charles Stuart from his ill fated efforts in 1745. The heart of this book is the love story between Jamie and Claire with a very interesting ending after Claire travels back to the 20th from the 18th Century. It is a fanciful tale but I loved it.

I had just finished the 1st book and could not give up my Scottish love. The beginning of the story isn't what you think. It is completely stressful because its not in Jamie's time. I wanted to go back to my Fraser clan and the story does eventually lead that way. Thank God. The only complaint I have is the writing seems disjointed. I keep getting confused and needing to go back and reread the paragraph. And then after rereading I am still confused. Taking about evening in one sentence and then morning in the next. Beyond that I am very happy with the story.

I'm reading all the Outlander Series, and this, the second one, is among the best. I'm up to the fifth one now and while I am still captivated by Diana Gabaldon's story telling abilities, the romance does tend to get a bit tiresome. Maybe it's because I'm a man and a senior citizen, but sex is a central theme in all Gabaldon's novels, and after a while it becomes predictable and a little formulaic. That said, I think what this author has done with Scottish history and later with American history is incredible. She puts you smack dab into the middle of that bygone era. These books are long, some over a thousand pages, so they take a considerable investment of time, but they are far better than anything I've ever seen on TV or even at the cinema. As a fan of historical novels I have to rate the series with four stars. If you like romance and historical fiction equally, then this series may well be worth all five stars to you.

** spoiler alert ** Epic follow up to Outlander. This book takes place in the future, but the bulk of the story is told through Claire to Roger and Brianne about her past with Jamie and the events that happened after Wentworth. It ends on a major cliffhanger, so much so that I need to pick up Voyager and find out what is going on. Jamie and Claire are on a journey to change the outcome of the war, where many Scottish men will lose their lives. It's a tumultuous journey and their lives are in danger quite a bit of the time. Towards the end I was in tears when Jamie was forcing Claire back through the stones to save her life. “Blood of my Blood," he whispered, "and bone of my bone. You carry me within ye, Claire, and ye canna leave me now, no matter what happens, You are mine, always, if ye will it or no, if ye want me or nay. Mine, and I wilna let ye go.” After Claire tells her story, Roger and her set out on a quest to find Geillis Duncan (aka Gillian Edgars) When she finally find Geillis, she is attempting to go back through the stones. An accident happens and Claire, Rodger, and Brianne are left to recover. It's then Rodger tells Claire that he found something in the research. "One man, a Fraser of the Master of Lovat's regiment, escaped...'Roger repeated softly. He looked up from the start page to see her eyes, wide and unseeing as a deer's fixed in the headlights of an oncoming car. "He meant to die on Culloden Field, " Roger whispered. "But he didn't." I am very much looking forward to Voyager and to see how Starz handles this book on their show.

The Outlander series has renewed my long-lost interest in actually taking the time to sit down and read. The books are well written, and the story is so engrossing that I must stop myself from reading ahead just to find out what finally happens to these wonderful characters. As far as the sexual content, it is somewhat graphic, but not gratuitous, and appropriate to the story. The same is true for the violence. I must confess that I have become very sympathetic to the protagonists in these books and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. My only regret is that I can't read any faster than I do.

This is a bewildering and titillating part of their story, the Sassenach's and the Laird of Lollybroch's as well as Claire's other life... One now may clicheishly say something like "a past life", "the wrong place at the wrong time", or perhaps a bit more "the right place at the right time" during a reference to something one cannot fully coherently account for into the ordinary that is comfortable and known of the mere everyday. So here is this sort of presentation of all three of those cliches into one and then turned inside out, cocked and turned and twisted just so so that you don't know where the upside or downside is just yet. Perhaps in the next chapter. Will we know in the next book? Apologies... A beautifully written and fully-captivating story of love, fear, hatred, betrayal, purest of promises and undying love. Thank you Diana. I am a captive fan!

I absolutely loved Diana Gabaldon's first Outlander book, so there was some question when starting Dragonfly in Amber if she could do it again. Would we be swept away in Jaime and Claire's love story? yes. Would there be suspense and intrigue? yes. Would this be a great adventure? yes. All this and more. I loved this book as much as the first, though nothing could ever really compare to the masterpiece of the 1st book. Spoiler alert! Jaime and Claire's parting is one of the most heart-rending passages I have ever read. I started crying towards the end and kept crying page after page after page. If you loved the 1st book you will love the 2nd book, too. (And I am reading the 3rd book now- still in love with the story.)

If you go onto the internet and search for the "best romance novels" the "Outlander" series comes up first in many of these lists. I wholeheartedly agree that Ms. Gabaldon, heretofore known as Ms. G., is an outstanding writer, especially in the genre' of historical romance. I love her detailed accounts of the times and applaud her excellent, no, exquisite, ability to capture characters as she has with Jamie and Claire. I am guessing she lived with these people in her day to day life as she wrote this, as her feeling for them is so sublime as to render it impossible to have not carried them around in her vest pocket. Actually I hesitate to read more of their account for fear they will also live with me! However, all of this being said and the fact the two first books are better than anything else out there... I really do wish a book could just be a book. Something you could nip and tuck into its space in your heart and leave it there in its tiny quadrant without having to go and search after it forevermore. This was a very long book. I LOVE that in a good book. However, I hate not knowing the ending after reading over 1,500 pages, which I don't know if they are internet pages or regular pages, but you get the point. I've put a lot of time into both of these books and I read very quickly. I want to read the next one, but I am not sure I will because I am not sure I want to get this emotionally involved with fictional characters. The bottom line is that Ms. G. is a fantastic writer and her works should likely be placed in some literature venues with some very prestigious accolades associated with her name. She makes you know these characters, as well as the time they lived in and makes you care about them. She makes you hope that whatever love you have found in this life could haunt you as Claire's has hers. Just read it. You'll know if your love is even close to something special if you do.

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

This is a long, long book but written in a way that makes it easy to turn the page. Perhaps, DG goes a bit overbosrd with descriptions of minutiae, but the reader can easily visualize characters and scenes. Logical as I am, I tend to wonder why the standing stones manage to transport Claird to the exact same places from whence she came. Other than that, the story seems to say that the forces of history are greater than we are, though I remember a very good TV show called Early Edition in which the main character receives the daily newspaper before the reported events actually happen and he is often able to prevent disaster. How I wish that Claire Fraser could have done the same.

This book is for people who love the details of History and Epic Romances. Dragonfly in Amber is not for the faint of heart. I can't believe how many times I was up and down while reading this. There are so many characters that someone in the book has to jump out and grab your heart if not multiple characters. Diana Gabaldon does not pull any punches and while there are some extremely disturbing moments that may shock you there are also some extremely tender moments that make everything else worthwhile. "There aren't any answers, only choices" I almost thought I picked up the wrong book as in the beginning it is twenty years in the future and Claire and her daughter Brianna are traveling through Scotland. They find Roger the adopted son of the pastor that helped Frank with some of the genealogy all those years ago before Claire first disappeared from her time. But the story is told from two points one being twenty years after Claire went into the past and a few months after we left Outlander. When we left Jamie and Claire in Outlander they were about to set out to see if they can perhaps change the events that led up to the battle at Culloden and the death of so many Scots. It is a dangerous game trying to straddle both sides and learn what Prince Charlie is planning. Paris is a dangerous place and danger and trouble seem to find Jamie and Claire around every corner. I will say this is one of the most interesting books I've read. The author takes huge chances with our couple. They are in a constant battle against all odds and even though you know ultimately what will happen at the end the road the journey to it is epic. The road winds and unfolds in ways I never imagined. To say that my heart broke while reading this is an understatement. There are extremely tender moments between Jamie and Claire. They go through so much and still the bond that they share is forever clear. They are one of my favorite couples in literature with so many romantic exchanges between them it was hard to pick just a few that stand out more than others. "I talk to you as I talk to my own soul," he said, turning me to face him. He reached up and cupped my cheek, fingers light on my temple. "And Sassenach," he whispered, "Your face is my heart." "If it was a sin for you to choose me . . . then I would go to the Devil himself and bless him for tempting ye to it." I never doubt the love between them even as they hurt each other impossibly in order to try to save one another. Each would gladly die for the other and think nothing of it. Jamie and Claire make new friends along the way Fregus the pick pocket that Jaime took under his care in Paris was one of my favorites. Along with Murtog the cantankerous and loyal God Father of Jamie. Some old nemeses return and there are plenty of new ones to contend with too as Jamie tries to prevent Prince Charles Stuart from returning to claim the throne in Scotland. At the end I was eager to drop everything in my life and charge on into the next installment. I forgot how long the book was as I was drawn into every detail of it. But, as these are extremely long books I must do a few other things in-between. By far some of the best historical fiction I've ever read.

I love getting hooked on serial sagas. Outlander was compelling enough to keep going, and so is this one. I will go on to Voyager. I am caught up in the excellent historical fiction and the time travel. I am less taken with the romance aspects. I (personally) don't care for the romantic couple's adventures into rough sex (guess I better not read 50 shades, eh?). This was more the case in Outlander than Dragonfly. I really want to sometimes throttle the characters or the author when one of the couple is being exceedingly obdurate about refusing to let the other explain themselves, or needlessly harbors a grudge in stoic pursuit of some romantic notion of how things should be. I think Gabaldon weaves plot and character marvelously. Descriptions of nature, architecture, fashion and facial expression and body language are vivid, whether the situation is beautiful or ugly--and there is plenty of both. Whereas I sometimes wish I lived in those times, I think my nose is glad I don't. BTW, I "read" Outlander with an audio version from my local library-- A BRILLIANT recording whose reader handled all the voices and accents superbly. Those voices are still in my head as I now read the written version of the accents on my Kindle.

Change. Does time flow in one direction or is it a stream flowing backward and forward depending on certain conditions such as location and time of year? If time flows both ways, people prepared and unprepared who have traveled in time have had impact that the rest of us will never know. Sorta, kinda like a reincarnation thing. Claire and Jamie are so popular because their love was strong enough to literally stand the test of time. They changed but not history as we know it. We trust the historical narratives that explain how/why things are as they are. Those narratives constantly change, though. We rarely think about who is changing the historical narratives and their motives for making the changes. It does not seem to matter whether the format for expressing the change is factual, fiction or a blend of fact and fiction. Is the love expressed by Claire and Jamie all that we need to be real or is it the love AND and the history?

Nothing to dislike. Another book in a historical time travel series with engaging storyline and steamy interludes between Jaimie and Claire. Not for early teens and younger for sure, but it offers a lot more than their relationship. Anything narrated by Davina Porter is a guaranteed wonderful listen. Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karennia, also narrated by Davina Porter, is an engaging way to get through a lengthy classic tale in a busy life; also unabridged.

Reviewed at Another Look Book Review [...] Dragonfly in Amber marks the last of the re-reads in the Outlander series for me. Yes, yes I know I did it all backwards but I did start off with The Scottish Prisoner ( a spin off Lord John Book) and not the first book Outlander. In actuality, if you are a new reader, Dragonfly in Amber should be your second book. It doesn't matter how many times I read this series, I fall in love with the characters all over again. Of all the books in the Outlander series, I refer to Dragonfly in Amber as the "meaty" book. Let me explain; in the first book Outlander, our beloved characters Jamie and Claire are really just getting to know each other until halfway through the book. For the second half of that book they are truly in love. Jamie knows Claire's secret and then a major climatic ending results in a lot of healing power between the pair. The meat of their loving relationship really flourishes in Dragonfly in Amber. These are extremely eventful times as Jamie and Claire seek out to change time and history by hopefully preventing the disastrous Rising of 1745. They are in a constant struggle to plot and ploy all over Paris and Scotland to thrawt the efforts of Bonnie Prince Charles. It is a constant state of deception and Jamie and Claire only have each other to turn to. Ok short pause to insert this beautiful piece of art that was completed by a fan of Diana Gabaldon, Captivated2 <> Ok onward with the review.. This bond that Jamie and Claire had built between them was so strong that even after twenty years of separation, a day does not go by that Claire does not think about Jamie. Oh wait, I moved ahead a wee bit. You see, after a gratifying ending with Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber starts off with a beautiful but clearly aged Claire RANDALL knocking on the door of a historian, Roger Wakefield. With Claire's twenty year old, tall, ginger-haired daughter Brianna in tow, the reader is shocked out of the skin and hastily checks Amazon to make sure that Dragonfly in Amber is in fact, book 2. With squinty and challenging eyes, the reader moves forward wondering what the heck in going on and then it all falls together. After the initial shock of "Oh My God" wears off, the reader is lead through the life and times of Jamie and Claire Fraser right up to the day before the fateful and immensly disastrous battle of Culloden. Oh yes, I still get my kleenex ready for this part. What a journey! What love! What a freaking awesome story! The biggest warning I shall pass along to the good readers is to make sure you have book 3, Voyager handy right after Dragonfly in Amber is done. You are going to literally put down Dragonfly and pick up Voyager.

this book took me ages to get into. I'm not sure if it was the length or what, but I have now finished! I'm watching series 1 at the same time as reading - albeit this is book 2 - , and I think for this the characters seemed so much more alive. What would have helped was having a knowledge of the Jacobites and Scottish history before I started reading as there is a lot of historical reference. Overall though I enjoyed the book and will continue with the others, but will allow myself more time to read a good chunk instead of a few pages here and there, because once I had the time to just sit and read, the book/store was much improved for me. Story line then is how Claire now older, widowed, with a daughter and back in current day, tells the story of here days with Jamie before finally being sent back to the future.

How can one not remember wishing to be either in another time or aching to go back and change what one's present life has become? This compelling tale answers all those questions and feelings yet leaves you with the poignant realization that it only exists in fiction but subtly leaves the reader with the hope that "just maybe it can happen.". Diana Gabaldon creates a glimmer of hope that it will happen.

Very much in need of a strong editor. Too much of the story takes place off stage; the main characters receive letters or reports telling them about essential developments rather than experiencing them. Gabaldon does extensive research but does not trust that what she knows will infuse her prose. Thus, we are subjected to numerous scenes that do not advance the plot, but only allow the author to demonstrate something she discovered in her research. Too many of the characters descend into caricature and again, do not serve the plot. The main characters are awfully prone toward being drama queens. There is a scene in which the male lead sexually abuses his wife in a way that I found unforgivable. Yet, there was enough to keep me reading, though I'm not altogether sure exactly what. Perhaps stubbornness, as I'd already paid for the book.

These series are so focused on the female character and the importance of emancipation that they forget to set historical context right. If romance is what this novel is about I’d rather read other books. I got in because of the historical fiction but got bored after the second part of the second book. Claire shows many time as A bossy and stubborn woman. Jamie is too conceding to be called a leader and in many pages you truly think he doesn’t have a saying at all in the matter.

I don't know where to begin, I have read her books twice now and I can still get so absorbed in the story, the firs time I read was several years ago but read them to quickly, now I take my time - these books are worth the read if you like historical romance, Gabaldon is an amazing author and her imagination is wonderful. I call these books a must read and a great addition to my library! I love when I can read a book more than once and learn more each time!

I love the characters and storyline - can't stop reading because I want to see what will happen next. Jamie and Claire are the ultimate love story. Every woman needs a Jamie of their own - he is caring, has a sense of humor, is a great warrior and protector, and has a deep passionate love for Claire like no other. Claire is strong-willed, a quick thinker and intelligent, she is beautiful, a wonderful healer, and has an huge heart that is full of love for the people in her life. The Starz tv series was incredible!!! I loved the very talented actors that were chosen for the film - they have truly captured the emotions and personalities of the characters. The costumes and scenery and makeup and special effects were all well done. I can't wait until the next season starts. I highly recommend this book to those who like to read romance, history and time travel. You will not regret it!!!

I've read this just now for the 5th time. It was better than the first time, which was in 1992. Diana Gabaldon (DG) has no peer; no one can write a story as well as she can. The characters in her books are now my family and friends, and have been for so long. I read her books over and over because other authors disappoint after reading DG. She tosses out bits and pieces then weaves them all together. Many of her characters are historical people, and you end up wondering if others were, also. This book tugs at the edges of believable/unbelievable. Maybe people really can travel back in time. Maybe you could change events that would affect the future. Read this book and all the rest of her books. They are connected and WONDERFUL.

It is the rare book that engrosses me so thoroughly that I lose track of time. This continued story of Claire and Jamie did all of that and more. The relationships, setting and plot are complex without being overwhelming, the phrasing and cadence of the text is beautiful and the story is so engaging that I found myself experiencing all the emotions of the characters: fear, joy, pain, humor, longing and terror. It is also the rare story whose plot twists surprise me. No so, with Dragonfly in Amber. There were a couple of times that my jaw dropped at some of the revelations in this story. Further, there were times I found the action of the story a bit exhausting to the point of having to put it down for a bit. This is not criticism, but compliment to the writer. With that in mind, I am going to take a little break from this continuing story. I will read the next ten in this magnificent series, but right now I feel like I fought the Battle of Culloden along side Jamie making me feel like I need to rest up a bit. These books are simply, fabulously smashing.

I love the tv show so now I am reading the books which are great, too. As soon as I finished Dragonfly in Amber, I bought and dove into Voyager, so I obviously am enjoying this author's blend of fantasy and history, past and (relatively) present eras, and male and female perspectives. I am learning a lot about Scottish and UK history and customs. I get annoyed by the occasional grammatical typos, plot errors, and repeated text, but I am hoping that this is due to reading am e-version on an electronic device.

Received this used paperback edition of book 2, in series. Was anxious about condition, and size of print. Turned out to be very lightly used copy, and although a paperback the print was dark, and easy to read.

My biggest frustration with Diana's books is that they are so addictive. Her plots are complex, creative, and imaginative, while also being well researched. Being so hooked by Outlander, I was expecting a smooth transition to Dragonfly, at first I thought I'd missed part of the series because of how the books started, but the story quickly got back to Claire and Jaimie and the grand adventures in 18th century Scotland. At some points, the plot twists and rescues seem to get a bit ridiculous. No spoilers, but some of the escapes and rescues stretch the credibility even in an imaginary world. I've very much enjoyed the Starz miniseries and the romance scenes are for more exciting on screen than the "suitable for young teenagers" love scenes in the book. The book series may become a great classic. But beware, once you get caught in the whirlwind plots, you may miss a nights sleep because you can't stop reading.

This series is good. The first ttw books could have been great but they are spoiled by the authors obsession with a male on male rape incident involving Jamie Fraser and "Black Jack" Randall. There's no problem with having the incident be part of the story but the author keeps bringing up the incident time after time and dwelling on it ad nauseam. It was tough to take in the first book. It seriously detracts from the enjoyment of the second book. Other than that, the book is well written. The author has clearly done a lot of work on 18th century England, Scotland and France and this is where the real value lies in this novel. The use of the "standing stones" for time travel 200 years into the past is a nifty device to give this historical series a place to get purchase in the readers imagination. That is cleverly done and used to good effect. Without the "Black Jack Randall" fiasco, this novel would rate four to five stars. The writer is clearly very talented.

I found this book much harder to get into than the first. It was an enjoyable read but I was not turning the pages as quickly as I was during Outlander. I found the first half of the novel tedious, focused a little too much on the political side of things. We all know how the Scottish rebellion turns out and focusing so much on Claire and Jamie's plan to halt Charles Stuarts efforts when you know how it is going to turn out was exhausting. At times the romance portions of the book could get a little corny. I understand that Claire and Jamie are madly in love but adding so much fluff took me out of the novel. I am excited to start Voyager, to see how Jamie and Claire come together.

It's been twenty long years since Claire Randall returned to her own time and now that Frank is dead, it is time to tell Brianna the truth about her origins. To know who her real father was and where she comes from. Being back in Scotland isn't easy for Claire, but in a way it is fitting. This is where it all began, at the circle of Craigh na Dun. That's where she fell through time, through the circle of stones and into Jamie Fraser's arms. The Scottish warrior. The fierce, honorable, protector, lover and to this day the sole holder of her heart and soul. With the assistance of Roger Wakefield, Reverend Wakefield's adopted son, Claire decides to finally uncover the fate of the men of Lallybroch. As they research, she relives the three years she spent in the past, eventually telling her daughter who the great love of her life was. Not Frank Randall. But James Fraser. Through all the politics, conspiracies, dangers, friends and foes, Claire and Jamie's love is strong and all encompassing. It withstands wars, death and time. But there is more to this search than meets the eye. And just as Claire reveals truths about her past to Bree, her reasons to bring young Roger into the fire become clear, as do his reasons to tell her the one truth she didn't dare ask for. Another breathtaking novel by the talented historian Diana Gabaldon, a guilty pleasure if there was ever one...

didn't even finish it before I downloaded book three Voyager. The pages fly by even though I don't want them to. I would not have started the books if I had not seen the HBO series start and the season end. I could not wait to see what was going to happen next. Now I won't tell my husband. He'll have to suffer until the second season begins! I, in the meantime will read all six books, and purr like a fat cat. I love her characters and their strengths and weaknesses. I love the period, the lands, the depths of their beliefs and how far they will go for their cherished ones. The history lessons I have taken so far has given me an understanding of both the Scots and the English, their customs and the plight Scotland faced during those times. She brings you right into the muck and mire and shows you both the love and devotion to family, but also the clannish cruelty they could show if loyalty was not the uppermost thing in men's lives.

This the second 'Outlander' tale. In the first, just after WWII a quasi-newlywed war nurse stumbled into 1743 Scotland. If the reader didn't already know the tumultuous history of that place and time, they did soon enough when they found themselves alongside Claire Beauchamp Randall Frasier experiencing one expansive adventure after another in Diana Gabaldon's first In the series, Outlander. 'Dragonfly in Amber' finds Claire still alongside her 18th century spouse. Jaime Frasier is made of tough stuff, and good thing. Claire's 20th century medical know-how frequently saves the day. Much of this part of the story is spent in France. Continuous adventure is a given. Can they thwart the inevitable using Claire's sketchy knowledge (thanks to her 20th century husband, a descendent of James Frasier's worst nightmare) of 18thC Scotland's political battles? Live vicariously through Claire!

The continuing story of Outlander is spectacular. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes an extremely intricate historical read. The only complaint I have is about the actual printing of the book as it is difficult to read because the print is so close to the center binding that it's very awkward until you get further into the center. I think they just mass produced these copies cheaply to keep up with supply and demand due to the TV series being such a hit.

Ms. Gabaldon has done it again! Dragonfly in Amber is book two in the Outlander series and it is told by Claire who is now back in the twentieth century with her grown daughter, Brianna, and Roger, a researcher of about the same age as Brianna. She has gone back to Scotland after her twentieth century husband, Frank, has died. She goes back to find out what happened to Jamie when she was forced to leave him. Most of the book is Claire's recounting of the events that occurred from after the Abbey to two years later when she has to go back through the stones to the twentieth century. In Ms. Gabaldon's very capable hands, Dragonfly in Amber pulls you into eighteenth century Scotland and France and doesn't let you go. I lose all track of time when I read these books and can't put them down. I can't recommend them highly enough!!

The saga of Jamie and Claire Fraser continues from its beginning in "OUTLANDER" and it's a heart rending story of true love challenged by historical events and treachery that conspire to separate the two lovers. I loved the book and my only negative--and it's a big one--is that Gabaldon gave us the ending at the beginning. I'm not giving away the plot when I tell you it begins 20 years after OUTLANDER'S end and Claire is now once again Mrs. Randall. It is clear that she and Jamie have been lost to each other for 20 years and Jamie's daughter, Brianna, born after Claire returned to the 20th century, is now a young woman and looks a lot like her father. The fact Jamie and Claire weren't together and had lost the best years of their lives to each other had me truly grieving from page one. Jamie is now the "dragonfly in amber," preserved in Clarie's mind and heart as if frozen in time. After the beginning in 1968, the story goes into flashbacks (as Claire tells Brianna of her father and their love), showing us what happened when Claire and Jamie were last together in the years leading up to Culloden. But my heart knew where it was leading (since she gave it to us on page one) and that fairly depressed me the whole way through, I had so come to love the two. Still, it's an amazing tale and now I'm on to book 3, "VOYAGER," I found some hope. I strongly recommend this romance, but read OUTLANDER first or you will be lost. Here's the list of the whole series in order: Outlander (1991) Dragonfly in Amber '(1992) Voyager' (1993) Drums of Autumn' (1996) The Fiery Cross '(2001) A Breath of Snow and Ashes '(2005)' An Echo in the Bone '(2009) Book eight (there will be a book 8)-'No Publication Date yet

I am really enjoying this series! Diana Gabaldon has created characters that really come alive for me. Her description of 18th century life draws you in so well that I sort of feel disoriented for a moment after I leave that world to return to modern day. It feels like she is telling the stories of actual historical people. The characters have become people whose stories I really care about. The story line is well laid out. It just flows well. There is never a point where I feel the author changed the back story to accommodate a new direction she wants to take the characters in. There is adventure, romance, heartache, death, tragedy, everything a novel really needs to grab you and take you along on the adventure! I am reading book three and enjoying it just as much as the first two. I am looking forward to reading the entire series!

If you loved Outlander and cherished Claire and Jamie and the love that grew between them, don't read this book. Be content to bask in the glow of their love and believe that was the end of their story. However, if you choose to read on, you'll discover in Dragonfly that they treat each other like a couple of old fishwives, hollering, lying, and doing dishonorable things you would never have thought possible. Through circumstances, they become very different people. So decide beforehand whether or not you are prepared to follow the story and lose that image you formed of them in book one. Dragonfly quickly turns from a period romance to historical fiction. The story develops more fully and new places and characters are introduced. The villain in Dragonfly makes Jack Randall look like a Sunday school teacher by comparison, his deeds are so dastardly. I warn you that this book will make you feel hopeless and helpless, but you won't be able to put it down. Diane Galbadon has intricately woven a story that is masterful. Read it if you dare.

This is my second time around for all of the Outlander novels. Ms. Gabaldon is a phenomenal writer. I am reading again so I can be up to date (in my wee brain) on what will be happening in the TV series on Starz. She makes you feel like you are right there with Claire and Jamie in 1745 Scotland. All of these novels are long, but it is so hard to put one down. I am preparing to re-read the third in the series, Voyager, and can't wait. Now waiting on Dragonfly in Amber to be on DVD (don't have Starz!) Riveting stories!

Diana Gabaldon has done for Culloden what Dr. Who and George RR Martin could not do for this piece of historical fiction, even if they were working together. OK, that's a bit of a flip review, but saying Diana Galbadon writes riveting extremely well crafted historical fiction is like saying that Denali or Everest are mountains. Or like saying Jupiter is a plant. Or like saying the sun is a star. Gabaldon's Outlander books are incredibly close and unerringly symphonic in all domains of the historical experience: drama, historical accuracy with historical speculation, romance, heroism, tragedy.There is a trans-human scope in all this, present on every page, in detail you will have to consult references for, no matter how well read you are. And not to be redundant, the craft makes you pause, subvocalize and highlight particularly surprising sections that ascend even above the high level of craft that already typifies every page.

I LOVED the first Outlander book. Little plug for Audible - I actually had the Audible version of Outlander which really brought the story to life - the narrator did a wonderful job with the accents. I'd definitely recommend it. (I don't work for Amazon or Audible that just happened to be one of the more impressive audiobook experiences I've had.) The first book made me completely fall in love with Claire and Jamie and all of their adventures. Dragonfly in Amber has been a bit harder to read simply because the couple faces so much adversity and conflict but, at the same time, you feel like you're reading something real. Their relationship is not just happy, romantic fluff; it's daily nitty gritty and good and bad experiences and the couple growing together as they enjoy or cope with them. There is also some great historical context and conflict to keep the book from being a simple love story. The book is set up as an intro with a flashback/back story. The back story is the majority of the book but, since the intro tells you what ultimately happens, the knowledge of the future almost haunts you while you read. Overall it is a very engaging reading experience and you get very attached to the fate of the characters. It is definitely worth continuing the series after book one but do prepare for some big changes.

I loved "Dragonfly in Amber" as much as "Outlander". These are the kind of books I get so totally wrapped up in that I stay up way too late reading them. It grabbed my heart and never let go. The emotions came through so strongly. The characters, including the minor ones, are so beautifully drawn and fully formed. I care so much about each and every one of them. The detail is amazing. Reading about life at court in Paris was very interesting in the first half of the book. Reading this series is definitely an immersive experience. There were a lot of twists and turns, some of which were so shocking, I never saw them coming. So much happened between the beginning and end of the book. Jaimie and Claire... (sigh).... A love story for the ages.

I just finished this book and the details that Gabaldon goes into with every aspect is wonderful. The main characters, Jamie and Claire are perfect for each other. The extraordinary amount of inner strengths that these two possess, and the traumatic events they endure, you can't help but fall in love with this story. The narrator, [author:Davina Porter|500666], just leaves me speechless. I wanted to read this, but found that I could NOT have done better in my own imagination. From the old English accent of Claire or the Scottish rogue of Jaime to the Fransican monk. You can't get a better storyteller than Ms Porter. Overall, this book rocked! I'm told this follows in the whole series.

Anyone following this series needs a LOT of stamina. I read the first four books years ago but could see at that stage that the whole thing had got out of hand. And we are still not finished apparently! We want to know know what becomes of Jamie and Claire but there is too much chopping and changing of characters, times, places and too many irrelevancies for anyone but a complete devotee of the series to tolerate. It is really like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack. Also there is so much evil, torture ,rape, perversion that it is hard to stomach. My recommendation would be to read the first book and then plot summaries of the others.

I just finished book one of Outlander. I started reading this one last night. I thought maybe I was just too tired after having just finished book one, because I couldn't understand what exactly was going on. It's like there was a big gap that made what I was reading make no sense whatsoever. I was expecting it to take up with Jamie just finding out that Claire was pregnant. But, no, it skipped from 1946 to 1968, talking about someone that I had not ever heard of. I though maybe I was reading the wrong book. I checked and rechecked, and I was on the right one. I do not like the way this one begins. It is real hard for me to find the interest that I had in book one. I am trying. I will update my review after having read this book. I can't say as I recommend it, I can say if I plan on getting through the series, I need to read it. It just took me by surprise. I think the author could have at least gave one a heads up on skipping to the future. I find it Confusing......

Outstanding book...there is a little bit of alternating point of views in the beginning and very end.Some of the sexual content is considered explicit and some of the violence can be considered graphic. I personally didn't think it was that bad, but some others may feel differently...so I decided to put that in my rating. The condition of the book was only okay...at first glance it was in really good condition, but once you opened it the cover of the book had come unfastened from the actual book. It was an easy fix with some super glue, but for it being a brand new book never before opened...that was kind of a let down.

While this is an enjoyable read, and I'm not quite to the end of the book, it's not quite as good as Outlander, the first book. There are some good suprises and turns, but it's a little hard to keep going back and forth in time periods and keep your mind on the storyline. The characters are still enjoyable and the main storyline stays true, but I've read that subsequent books in the series are on par with Outlander. Dragonfly in Amber may just be a transition from the "pilot" of the story to further excellent adventures for the main characters.

Diana Gabaldon is a master story teller. She packs a ton into this book. It is great history, both political and social history of the elite as well as the common people. There is action, intrigue, a whole cast of interesting characters, and adventure. Oh, and of course, it includes steamy romance and even time travel! Seems like it would be unbelievable but somehow she convinces the reader to suspend his/ her disbelief and just revel in the fun of this novel.

I love this series. I didn't realize it was a tv series when I first wanted it but my son bought the first season's 2 dvds for Christmas and now I wish I could get the channel it is shown on so I could watch it. I'm also anxious for the 2nd season to come out on dvds. I will admit, there is nudity in the dvds and there are some scenes that you wouldn't want young children and maybe even your teenagers to watch but if you've read the books I imagine you know what I'm talking about. Despite this, I love the story. Some day I'd like to meet a real Highlander. Don't even know if there is such a person but I'd be excited. LOL.. If you love the Scotish, Highlander genre, you'll love this series also.

This is the second in a series of time travel, adventure/romance books by the author. There are six such novels published to date. These novels have engaged readers everywhere, because of the author's masterful storytelling, as well as for the superlative use of historical detail which is woven into the tapestry in this most intriguing of stories. While the core of the story is about a love that transcends time, it would be a disservice to label it a romance, as it is much more than that. It is a wonderful adventure story interspersed with actual historical events and authentic period detail. It is this attention to such matters by the skillful pen of the author that renders these books three dimensional and so enjoyable. They are positively addictive! The love of the ages that binds these books is the love that twentieth century Claire Randall has for the eighteenth century Scottish highland warrior, James Fraser. Those of you who read the first book in the series, "Outlander", know that in 1945, Claire, an Englishwoman and combat nurse during World War II, is reunited with her husband, Frank, after the war. While on a second honeymoon in Scotland, she visits a strange, flat topped hill in the highlands of Scotland, where a forbidding stone circle draws her. Touching one of the stones, she is hurled through a vortex in time and finds herself in eighteenth century Scotland, where she meets a brave and brawny, red headed Scot, James Fraser, with whom she falls completely in love, body and soul. Finding herself thrust into the midst of clan warfare and intrigue, she and her beloved 'Jamie' have enough adventures to last a lifetime, which makes for a riveting story. This book is a continuation of that story. It is told from the perspective of the twentieth century where Claire, who is now a doctor, has lived for the past twenty years. Upon the death of her twentieth century husband, Frank, Claire returns to Scotland with her grown, red headed daughter, Brianna. There, she discloses to Brianna the events of her secret past, as well as the truth of whom Brianna's biological father actually is and of the love that Claire bore him. While in Scotland, however, Claire discovers something that will forever change her future, as well as her past. You see, for the past twenty years, Claire has believed that her beloved 'Jamie' died in the historic battle of Culloden. It was there that the Scottish highlanders bravely fought the English in a misguided attempt to restore Charles Stuart, their bonny Prince Charlie, to the English throne, only to be decimated and branded as Jacobite traitors. It was this very event that she and James Fraser had conspired to change only to fail. It was this failure that brought Claire and 'Jamie' to a crossroad that would force them to part and have Brianna become a denizen of the twentieth century. This book continues the saga so deftly begun in "Outlander". It tells the story of what happened in the eighteenth century that ultimately caused Claire to leave the love of her life and return to the twentieth century. It recounts the plight of two star crossed lovers who make a desperate and valiant attempt to change the course of history. It regales the reader with the adventures they encounter along the way. It is a story that transports the reader from the turmoil of the Scottish highlands to the intrigue of the French Court. Readers will be captivated by this amazing and compelling time travel saga.

Wow! I Have just read the first two books of the outlander series without being able to put either of them down . The second book is just as captivating as the first. The author does a great job in filling out her characters and making them come alive. As you are reading the books you feel that you are actually one of the characters in the book. The other point I want to make is that nothing in this second book has been repetitive. I think that is very difficult for authors to accomplish with books in a series . I am looking forward to the next book .

This is the 2nd in a series and it is every bit as engaging as the first. I felt as if I had plunged into it and become totally absorbed. She is brilliant. For a woman, it is also deeply satisfying to identify with a strong, courageous woman instead of having to make the small and customary adjustments i usually make to identify with a compelling male character. Not that her male counterpart is not equally compelling. But from a woman's point of view. The sex scenes are pornography from a woman's point of view also. Embarrassing to read in a public place. But very gratifying. Gabaldon is hardly the only female author who creates wonderful female characters--Octavia Butler being another example--and, JK Rowling--but right now I can't stop reading this series. I'm onto the 3rd book now and it's hard to put it down.

In the second book of the Outlander series, Jamie and Claire flee Scotland for France. They are enlisted in supported Charles Stewart's cause, which they seemingly do, while actually trying to prevent his return to Scotland and the disaster Claire has predicted for the Highlanders. Despite their efforts, they end up returning to Scotland with Charles. Along the way, they end up visiting the French court and meeting the king. Claire encounters a strange little alchemist, who furthers her knowledge of herbs and healing and inspires her to new heights in her study of medicine. All in all, I found this book a worthy addition to the Outlander series. I enjoy Gabaldon's writing thoroughly because she brings her characters to life in historically accurate settings, without making them maudlin or silly.

I discovered Outlander, the first book in this series last year and went directly into DragonFly in Amber. If you're looking for a "wham bam thank you ma'am" type of book with some super hot scenes and a happily ever after , this isn't it. This is so much more! There is love, romance, comedy, drama, adventure, tension, intrigue, political dealing, heartbreak, horror, fights, theft, royalty and nuns! All put together so well with the Scottish Highlands and the potential for war beautifully described in the background. This book is a continuation of the love story of Jaimie and Claire. In the first book, Outlander, they meet through odd circumstances and love blossoms slowly between them and Claire ultimately fights to save Jaime's life and his soul. In this book, that love is on fire and they'll do anything to keep each other and their family safe. Claire and Jaimie are both like dragonflies in amber, appearing to fly and make progress but not really. History eventually plays itself out exactly as Claire read in the 20th century, much to their dismay. Don't be afraid of the length of these books. There are a few slow parts in them, which is typical of an 800 to 1000 page book but it's worth every page. This is a true romantic and adventurous story. If you don't like reading this book, you have no heart!

If you liked Outlander, you'll like this book. It continues the story very nicely. I'm not sure if there are plot spoilers here, so read cautiously... If you came to care for Jamie and Claire in Outlander, then their continued experiences and seperations in this book will be absolutely heartbreaking. DG has Jamie's character and dialogue and expressions down to a T as well as that of so many of his Scottish friends. I found the scene in the house after Culloden particularly real and affecting. Also the one where you realize he has suddenly come to a final and necessary decision about Claire. I love books that give me something of a history lesson and send me off to research more about a time or place and to find out how the fictitious story matches up against the reality of history. These books are very interesting and absorbing to me in that sense as well. The story of what happened to the Scottish Highlands is devastating. On the down side, the constant plot turns start to strain credulity and it seems like bad things happen repeatedly as a means to infuse tension back into the story. I kind of had character exhaustion... I just wanted them to be happy already, LOL! Since there are several more books in this series, some of which I've already read, I know I'm in for a long wait. This book is very good though and I couldn't put it down.

Diana stays true to her style of writing with the dialogue between characters. There are revelations in this book that need to be read and more interesting tidbits to come in the following books. I am almost finished with book three and can't wait to read all the rest. I love Diana's wit and insight. Buy it and read it, you won't be sorry.

By now everyone knows how these novels defy genre classification. They're my favorite series of all time. While I truly relish D. Gabaldon's writing, I feel that the tale is greatly enhanced by Davina Porter's as narrator. Both ladies are amazing. If you haven't tried the audio version, give it a whirl. I won't recap the plot. Suffice it to say that this is the continuation of the story of the lives of Claire Beauchamp and Jamie Fraser after they're forced to marry. The plot contains many references to the politics of the time period. When I'm feeling industrious I intend to look this up and check the facts against the plot line. My guess it will be perfect. Diana does her research. I love it. Just love it. You will, too. (This is the third time I've read this book, btw.)

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.

The paperback is tiny. The print is so small it is a fight to read just one page. Could never make it through 947 pages. Same with Voyager. I am going to return both if I am able to and find another way to read them. What is the purpose of making these books so small -- I know they are long but . . . . .

Like a Dragonfly in Amber, I'm hooked and I can't get away. This book is intense, deeply depressing, clever, full of twists in the plot, darkness of war and evilness and greed of mankind, fantasy of time travel. There are no answers only choices. No absolutes, just decisions and truths of each moment. Seriously brilliant. Artistically done. It's tragedy on steroids. It's the ultimate tale of true love, so incredible and beautiful, but then the saddest goodbye and heartbreak ever told. Expect to be educated, dazzled, entertained, and then devastated.

This took me a while to finish (mostly due to work and getting a puppy who needs my attention all the time) but alas I finished it and I loved it! The plot twists that came just took me for a spin and I was crying, screaming, speechless... Gabaldon is an amazing writer and author that can take you from your mundane life and into her world of conspiracies, romance, political, ect. I am going to read start the next book because WOW that ending!

I read the Outlander series many many years ago. I've begun reading it again because of the series now on Starz, which, by the way is wonderful! Dragonfly in Amber was and is my least favorite book in this series. It was too unbelievable to me. I love fiction but there has to be some semblance of truth in it otherwise it's fantasy, not fiction. I have to say I'm surprised that Outlander made it past the first 2 books because this one was so poor, but I think that's testimony to how magnetic the character of Jamie Frazer is. No matter how poor the books are, people want more of Jamie! The remaining books in this series are good. One just must push past this one to get to the others.

This was a new one on me. Gabaldon managed to structure Dragonfly in Amber in such a way that I read the entire book as fast as I could to find out what happened. I'm not sure whether that was a good or bad thing.. it sure got me to book 3 of the series quickly though! Dragonfly in Amber starts in the present (or at least the more present of 1968?). The action then flashes back to the 1700s where we left off with Claire and Jamie at the end of Outlander. My dilemma was that what was happening in the 1968 story line was so interesting, I couldn't wait for the story to get back to it. Ms Gabaldon is in no hurry to return to the 1960s however and it isn't until the culmination of the 1700s storyline, at the end of the book that the action returns to the initial storyline of the book for me (and you) to find out what would happen. Maybe a little frustrating and perhaps I rushed a little to get to the end with this in mind, it certainly helped build some suspense along the way. Another minor irritation was the switch from 1st to 3rd person narrative, especially noticeable at the end of the book. Otherwise, Dragonfly is a delightful continuation of the Outlander series. I find myself more comfortable with the main characters after the second book and looking forward to what's in store for them in the next book (Voyager).

Diana Gabaldon doesn't disappoint with the Book 2 continuation of her Outlander series, Dragonfly in Amber. We fell in love with Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall in Outlander and the love deepens with the next installment of the series. My only minor gripe with this installment of the series is the rather boring aspects of the political elements during the first (roughly) one third of the second installment. It is only a minor gripe though. I understand it is necessary to go over the details and the ins and outs of why things are playing out the way they are, so I trudged through it. The payoff for being a true fan and plodding through is immense. Once past that part, the story quickly picks up the pace as the Highlanders head to their doom during the Battle of Culloden. I won't give anything away in this review, but suffice it to say that there are enough surprises to keep everyone intrigued and entertained. I only gave it four stars as it is difficult to get perfection while explaining the political intrigue, but Gabaldon comes very close to achieving it. A definite must read.

Oh my gosh this book was so wonderful. It was like book one full of intense action, and emotion and intrigue. I can’t describe the feeling of how these stories affect me. I’m so happy to continue on with book three and the tv series, and I won’t stop until I’ve read every last word.

This author has some stellar descriptions. One that I particularly enjoyed was, "I could hear her sometime before I saw her, the powerful voice increasing in volume as she came down the hall toward the office where six ladies of the Court and I huddled behind Herr Gerstmann, like island dwellers awaiting the arrival of a hurricane behind a flimsy barricade." This is the second book in the series and I've been very curious as to how she would handle the time travel--would there be any more? I think that, so far, this has been a very engaging storyline in which to immerse oneself. I've especially enjoyed the Scottish brogue; it's easy to imagine the various characters speaking that way.

This book offered fun escapism in vivid historical settings. It was definitely an improvement over the first book in the series. The author is clearly growing as a storyteller; this novel lacked the slow boring bits that irritated me in Outlander. I particularly enjoyed the sections set in the French Court and the palace intrigue that envelops our heroine. This book is still a guilty pleasure rather than real literature, but who cares? Claire and Jamie are fun to read about, and spending time in 18th century France and Scotland is a blast.

If you have not already read Outlander, please stop and order that book first. Diana Gabaldon is a masterful writer and though this book is some times labeled SciFi, because of the time travel aspect, it really is a beautifully written historical fiction about Scotland in 1743 and the events leading up to Culloden. Clair Beachamp Randall Fraser is an amazingly strong and brave female character, her husband Jamie is her equal, loyal, faithful, smart, and as my son says "bad ass". Their love story is so beautifully written in to this saga that if you can finish Part 6 without crying, you have not really connected with these characters. You can expect a story about family loyalties, love, and political intrigue, in Paris and Scotland. I just finished the book for the second time, in anticipation of the Starz second season, which is currently being filmed and will be released in 2016.

Following on Outlander Jamie and Claire are in France trying to make their way and hopefully prevent Charles Stuart from starting the 1745 Rising that will be disastrous for much of Scotland. From a straight up coherent story standpoint I think this is one of the best of the Outlander "big" novels. There aren't that many scenes that I love to read over and over like there are with many of the other books in the series but there are a few. Mostly this is just a good continuation of what was started in Outlander. If one wanted to this book would be a fair stopping point in the story of Claire and Jamie. Granted I love the continuing story but if one had read the first book and decided to stop here I think that person could be okay with it.

I was quite enthralled with book 1 of this series, so I happily bought book 2 and dove in! The book began 20 years later, with Claire, a New York physician, traveling to Scotland with her 20 year old daughter Brianna, a REDHAIRED FIREBALL, hint hint, as she begins to seek insight into her time in 1745 with Jamie Frazier. I enjoyed the storyline with Claire and a descendant of the reverend in book 1 assisting in her search for answers. Brianna remains stubborn and steadfastly loyal to her "father" Frank, rejecting the notion of Jamie, who she strongly resembles, as her biological dad. The flashback to the 1700s goes on very long, detailing the war between Scotland and Great Britain, and the ultimate return of Claire to her 1945 timeframe. What I really wanted was the story of her return to Frank, bedraggled and pregnant, and their ultimate reconciliation and continuing marriage! Oh, well.....I guess I'll have to buy book 3!!!!!

Overall a good story - the complete work takes up 8 books. It can be reduced to 6 books if the author cut down on the sex scenes that add little if anything to the story line. Book two was not as bad as book one as far as the sex scenes go. This would be a good read about this era of Scottish history without them.

I don’t know why this book gets so much hate, I love it! I saw the show first and I almost considered dropping the series as the second season was extremely slow, but I’m not having that problem with the book at all. It’s amazing! My only problem is that the ink smears if you touch the printing for too long but that’s on the publisher not the author. Well worth the read.

Exciting, character development is wonderful. I have not been able to put the book down. I am now just about finished with the third book. Plot just goes on and on. Claire and Jamie, the main characters are such a delight in all of their trials and tribulations. The series "Outlander" just started on Starz and though it is not as good as the book, they never are, it was still enjoyable to watch. The book is a must read if you like long plots and characters that make an appearance then disappears for several chapters then reappears. I would not put the book down and have started on book 3 and it is just as exciting as the first. One thing I have noticed is that Diana, the author, is a wonderful detail author. Her explanations and detail descriptions of the surroundings is exquisite. You will not be disappointed, keep reading in order. So exciting.

Outstanding! Reading the books in order, this is #4. I'm living in Claire's world now, The thing I find interesting is in book #1, how many places they went and how many skirmishes and interactions. Book #2 they kind of stay in place and talk a lot about court and clothing and society, but there is some amazing action; book #3 had a LOT of action and adventure.. so here we have book #4, which is more like a rolling river, as opposed to the ocean waves (literally in book #3) crashing. This one is more intimate yet, and so very real. For students of American history, it's a must read - well, they all are to understand relationships in Europe, and between the US, Europe, Indies, etc. in those periods in history.

The STARZ TV series Outlander inspired me to reread Gabaldon's novels. I enjoyed Outlander so much the second time around that I decided to immediately go on to Dragonfly in Amber, and I loved it as well. I especially enjoyed finding Claire in the 20th century and Jamie in the 18th, the presence of a daughter, and little Roger Wakefield all grown up. Gabaldon is a master of storyline twists and a weaver of entangled story lines. It was particularly gratifying to read the first two novels in the series in immediate succession while characters, plots, and details were still fresh in my mind. Headed to Voyager next, and I'm thankful to STARZ to reintroducing me to these wonderful characters and especially to the history of Scotland.

Recently I binge-watched the first 3 seasons and fell in love with the show, so I decided to read the books. The first book was a gift and I thought it was much better than the shows! Dragonfly in Amber is just as enthralling. The passionate love between Jamie and Claire comes out stronger in the books than the show. Diana Gabaldon is an excellent storyteller and I can't wait to get book 3.

If you haven't read Outlander the first book in the series then stop here and go read that one first. These books are a thousand times better if you read them in order. The character growth and plot lines are so detailed it takes more than one book to do them justice. Don't let their size intimidate you. They are worth every minute and often end with you wishing there had just been one more word, sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter.

Each book in this series actually gets better and better - most book series kind of lag at some point (mainly because of having to rehash earlier story lines for those reading the series out of chronological order) and you begin to wonder why you continue to read them, but these books continue to build on the original story (while lightly explaining earlier incidents) and just make you want to read more. The author flirts with some historically famous characters but only that - she doesn't attempt to invent or imply too much in terms of the personalities of these famous people, but simply touches upon them and weaves them into the story skillfully. I couldn't put these books down and couldn't wait to read the next one.

A fun book to read, although it requires a strong acceptance of scientific error to believe the basic plot. Although time travel has been a staple plot device of science fiction, it is odd to find it in a quasi-romance novel. Time travel here is basic to the plot, but doesn't really interfere with the enjoyment of the story. This is not exactly a bosom ripper, but it comes close sometimes. The action is fast-paced, the sex is close enough to specific to get your blood rushing a little, and the descriptions are well done. After reading the first two novels of the series, I'm now enjoying book three and looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

'Outlander' was Diana Gabaldons first try at writing a novel. I gather that she wrote it with abandon, thinking no one would ever actually see it published. But it's wild popularity made her possibly feel "forced" to write this 2nd book. Imagine everyone involved with the 1st book was waiting with baited breath for another. I was angry at her for the first 5 or 6 chapters I almost didn't keep reading. But in the end I did, and now have read the 3rd book where she began to recapture her muse. By the 4th book she has the muse back again and the original writing of 'Outlander" is re-emerging. What a ride!!!!

A Dragonfly in Amber, finds Claire returned to Frank. She is not believed. Suspected of leading a second life with a secret lover with whom she had become involved and subsequently pregnant. How close to the truth are rumors and lies? We flashback to Scotland and follow the Fraser's loves until the Battle of Culloden Moor. Returning then to Claire's present day, we are led through the backstory to discover Claire's current circumstances. As this book ends, we discover that it is possible that Jamie did not perish at the fateful battle.

The setting moves to France, with much intrigue as Claire and Jamie set out to prevent the coming battle at Cullodun. Again, they move from one danger to another and I found myself reading to find out how Jamie would rescue Claire, or vice versa. The author brings back some of the characters from the first book, and introduces new characters. As in the first book, intimacies between Claire and Jamie are told in excruciatingly graphic detail, totally unnecessary to the story - and totally skipable. By now, we know Jamie is devoted to Claire, and she to Jamie; we don't need to be in the room observing them every time they are in bed. It was still a fun read as I wondered if and when Claire would go back to the future.

You really should read this series from the first book Outlander to gain insight to the characters and the background of the setting. Unfortunately this starts with some spoilers but do not be disappointed as the story gets a bit complicated as it goes on. Just when I was ready to give up on Claire and Jamie, the story took an unexpected turn around page 700-750. It peaked my interest and I continued with the series. A large number of pages, but a quick read.

After reading the first book in the Outlander series, I thought nothing could top that book, but this second book in the series managed to do so impressively. There's nothing I love more than to discover a new series of books, already written, so I can seamlessly go through the books without stopping. With the TV series on hiatus, but having seen each episode several times, I am able to read through the book whilst picturing the characters in my mind. Historical characters come to life as does the strife that governed Scotland almost 300 years ago. With noted wars usually the subject of novels, to concentrate on the Stuart Uprising and Battle of Culloden so deeply, has been a history lesson I won't soon forget.