Drums of Autumn (Outlander #4)
Diana Gabaldon
Release Date: December 30, 1996
Book Description:
In this breathtaking novel—rich in history and adventure—The New York Times bestselling author Diana Gabaldon continues the story of Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser that began with the now-classic novel Outlander and continued in Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager. Once again spanning continents and centuries, Diana Gabaldon has created a work of sheer passion and brilliance....
It began at an ancient Scottish stone circle. There, a doorway, open to a select few, leads into the past—or the grave. Dr. Claire Randall survived the extraordinary passage, not once but twice.
Her first trip swept her into the arms of Jamie Fraser, an eighteenth-century Scot whose love for her became a legend—a tale of tragic passion that ended with her return to the present to bear his child. Her second journey, two decades later, brought them together again in the American colonies. But Claire had left someone behind in the twentieth century—their daughter, Brianna....
Now Brianna has made a disturbing discovery that sends her to the circle of stones and a terrifying leap into the unknown. In search of her mother and the father she has never met, she is risking her own future to try to change history ... and to save their lives. But as Brianna plunges into an uncharted wilderness, a heartbreaking encounter may strand her forever in the past ... or root her in the place she should be, where her heart and soul belong....
Amazon US | Goodreads
Review:
As another installment in the Outlander saga draws to a close I feel a sense of accomplishment. I’ve lived along with these characters for so long now, that I am almost sad to see another book end. At over a thousand pages [or 40 plus listening hours in my case], I can certainly see why so many readers [myself included] have been captivated by these stories. Ms. Gabaldon is unquestionably a gifted storyteller, but like any franchise certain things continue to work well, while others become repetitive or even annoying. Still, my love remains with these characters.
Claire and Jamie are still very much the center of the story. By now, they are settling in the American Colonies, and life seems to be looking up for these two, aside the number of times they manage to get in the center of controversies. But, as we know, Claire and Jamie always prevail, always find a way out, a solution, and are always admired and looked at for guidance, as most charismatic leaders in the universe. Ian, Jamie’s nephew, has become a vital part of their family, and I’ve grown to love his character just as much. So, I was quite disappointed with the way Ms. Gabaldon has us part with him.
Nonetheless I still enjoyed most of this book and even developed a new fixation on Roger Wakefield MacKenzie. [Truly, Roger is a refreshing voice in the series.] We get to see much more of Roger and Brianna (“Bree”) this time around, as their story develops further. I especially loved beginning of their love story, and then… it was pretty much all downhill for these two all through the end. My biggest takeaway was that Roger would’ve been much better off without the Fraser women in his life. Alas, he has to pay a high price for being with Bree. Brianna, on the other hand, does not have it easy either. Her story makes sharp turns left and right, from 20th to 18th century, and beyond all in one book. She has to grow up and quick, to take responsibility for her actions [and stupidity]. All in all, I was left satisfied that these two were on their way to reconciliation by the end of the novel, but I am almost afraid to find out what’s the future [or rather Ms. Gabaldon] has in store for them.
After all, it was another great glimpse into the lives of the Frasers and those around them. And there is no doubt many more adventures are ahead. My biggest qualm with this novel was a case of major misunderstanding used as the means to move the plot along. Subtle irony is OK with me, but I’m never a fan of blatant misunderstanding. Nevertheless, I can’t help but crave more! So, on to the new adventure I go…
Diana Gabaldon
Release Date: December 30, 1996
Book Description:
In this breathtaking novel—rich in history and adventure—The New York Times bestselling author Diana Gabaldon continues the story of Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser that began with the now-classic novel Outlander and continued in Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager. Once again spanning continents and centuries, Diana Gabaldon has created a work of sheer passion and brilliance....
It began at an ancient Scottish stone circle. There, a doorway, open to a select few, leads into the past—or the grave. Dr. Claire Randall survived the extraordinary passage, not once but twice.
Her first trip swept her into the arms of Jamie Fraser, an eighteenth-century Scot whose love for her became a legend—a tale of tragic passion that ended with her return to the present to bear his child. Her second journey, two decades later, brought them together again in the American colonies. But Claire had left someone behind in the twentieth century—their daughter, Brianna....
Now Brianna has made a disturbing discovery that sends her to the circle of stones and a terrifying leap into the unknown. In search of her mother and the father she has never met, she is risking her own future to try to change history ... and to save their lives. But as Brianna plunges into an uncharted wilderness, a heartbreaking encounter may strand her forever in the past ... or root her in the place she should be, where her heart and soul belong....
Amazon US | Goodreads
Review:
As another installment in the Outlander saga draws to a close I feel a sense of accomplishment. I’ve lived along with these characters for so long now, that I am almost sad to see another book end. At over a thousand pages [or 40 plus listening hours in my case], I can certainly see why so many readers [myself included] have been captivated by these stories. Ms. Gabaldon is unquestionably a gifted storyteller, but like any franchise certain things continue to work well, while others become repetitive or even annoying. Still, my love remains with these characters.
Claire and Jamie are still very much the center of the story. By now, they are settling in the American Colonies, and life seems to be looking up for these two, aside the number of times they manage to get in the center of controversies. But, as we know, Claire and Jamie always prevail, always find a way out, a solution, and are always admired and looked at for guidance, as most charismatic leaders in the universe. Ian, Jamie’s nephew, has become a vital part of their family, and I’ve grown to love his character just as much. So, I was quite disappointed with the way Ms. Gabaldon has us part with him.
Nonetheless I still enjoyed most of this book and even developed a new fixation on Roger Wakefield MacKenzie. [Truly, Roger is a refreshing voice in the series.] We get to see much more of Roger and Brianna (“Bree”) this time around, as their story develops further. I especially loved beginning of their love story, and then… it was pretty much all downhill for these two all through the end. My biggest takeaway was that Roger would’ve been much better off without the Fraser women in his life. Alas, he has to pay a high price for being with Bree. Brianna, on the other hand, does not have it easy either. Her story makes sharp turns left and right, from 20th to 18th century, and beyond all in one book. She has to grow up and quick, to take responsibility for her actions [and stupidity]. All in all, I was left satisfied that these two were on their way to reconciliation by the end of the novel, but I am almost afraid to find out what’s the future [or rather Ms. Gabaldon] has in store for them.
After all, it was another great glimpse into the lives of the Frasers and those around them. And there is no doubt many more adventures are ahead. My biggest qualm with this novel was a case of major misunderstanding used as the means to move the plot along. Subtle irony is OK with me, but I’m never a fan of blatant misunderstanding. Nevertheless, I can’t help but crave more! So, on to the new adventure I go…
I would not reread these books but I absolutely adore this series! Have you seen the actor how is going to play Jaimie? He is totally hot :))) Really looking forward to this whole thing televised.
ReplyDeleteSorry just found your comment Karina! :) And yes, totally agree with you - I can't wait for it to come to TV.
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