947 p.
Publisher: Bantam Dell
Published: 8/7/01
Source: TBR pile
With her now-classic novel Outlander, Diana Gabaldon introduced two unforgettable characters — Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser—delighting readers with a story of adventure and love that spanned two centuries. Now Gabaldon returns to that extraordinary time and place in this vivid, powerful follow-up to Outlander....
For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland’s majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones ... about a love that transcends the boundaries of time ... and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his....
Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire’s spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart ... in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising ... and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves...My thoughts:
Okay, I've been enjoying the show Outlander on Stars network from the beginning. I had read the book and from what I remembered they stayed pretty close to the book as possible. I wanted to get a head start on the next book before they came back for the next season (I've seen pics of Jaimie... rawr!)
The story starts out not at all like I expect it and was quite upset. I don't want to say why, but fans who haven't read this one will be upset as well. We then get to where we left off from the last book and we find out what happened. This is a remembrance through Clair's eyes and we go back and forth from that memory to the present. I will say though... the upset part finally makes sense in the end and so I forgive the author. LOL
This book is much more political than the first book. I can see people loving or hating that aspect but it makes sense. I didn't enjoy it as much as the first. There are a few paranormal aspects to some of the areas of the book. While I did find this enjoyable and interesting it also didn't feel "natural" to the storyline. It just didn't quite flow with me no matter how interesting it was.
In the end I give this book 3 stars. While I loved the first book, I wasn't taken by the political intrigue of this one. I did like the development of the characters and I do look forward to the next book to see what else is in store for our favorite characters as well as a few new ones who were just introduced in this book.
Great and insightful review, must be at least a fine read. Greetings!
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy it.
DeleteThis is one of those series that I adore but, I also think it could have ended way before it did. It sort of drug on and after awhile stopped being..well, Outlander. It stopped being the series that stood out and instead was very political like you said.
ReplyDeleteEither way, I do hope you read book three because it is a good one.
I can see that. I am going to continue. There is much more to explore here.
DeleteI have to admit to being intimidated by the length of these books Melissa! 947 pages? Whoa. I've asked a few friends that have read this series what happens in this book, and I'm not thrilled with how things go either even if the reason for the upset makes sense in the end. I'll be interested to see what you think of the next one though:)
ReplyDeleteI've read books where the beginning would be for shock value and had no purpose. This one at least made sense in the end. :) I think you'd love the first one Jenny!
DeleteI have to be the only person alive on earth who hasn't yet read any of her books. My best friend is completely in love with them but for some reason they don't appeal to me at all. I however I'm a huge fan of political intrigue so I would probably find that part to be very interesting. Maybe I'll finally find time to jump into this after all. Great review.
ReplyDeleteOh you would probably love this one more than I did. I know several people who also love the political side of books. I'd be so curious to know what you think.
DeleteI doubt I will ever read these
ReplyDeleteI would be curious to know what you think of the series if you see it. :)
DeleteI have to know what happens next and I have the next book on my tbr... so... ;)
ReplyDeleteI adored book one...but you have me so nervous about this one..and all those pages for a 3 rating..which isn't bad, but gosh I would love a five.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I've yet to pick up (or watch) Outlander, but that actor is yummy. ;)
ReplyDeleteI read the first book so many years ago, so I kind of used the show as a refresher and plan to read this before season two starts. But I read that the plan to deviate fro the book quite a bit. So we'll see.
ReplyDeletetoo bad that this one isn't as good. I heard so many great things about this series and I have them for years but on day I'll have to read them
ReplyDeleteThe political intrigue in books like this are what turns me off because I don't keep track of it very well. Glad that you found things to enjoy despite that though
ReplyDeleteGood review. I haven't read the Outlander series.
ReplyDeleteAnn
I have the first four books of this series. I got them all for $1 at a used library book sale. Score! I'm a bit wary to start it since cheating/affairs are a big hot issue for me so I've been debating on actually picking it up. Plus it's huge!
ReplyDeleteIt's been so long since I read this book I don't remember it real well but in my memory it's my least favorite. I think it seemed longer and more boring. But like I said, it's been a LONG time! I think it's the book after this that was my favorite but I might be remembering that wrong too.
ReplyDeletePolitical storylines are so hard. Usually I have trouble with those. I've not gotten on the Outlander wagon yet but have so many friends who are gaga over them. I hope the next one is a wee bit better for ya.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the very few that didn't enjoy the first book so I never bothered reading anymore. I have a friend who is obsesses and so I know everything that happens. It's nto really for me.
ReplyDeleteI made it through the first book but it was a struggle. I'm liking the series on TV better but am a little wary of this next season, now!
ReplyDelete