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Outlander: The Only Book Series I Can Read Again & Again
Time-travel, love, mystery & more, Outlander is a series that's been around for awhile and has quite a bit of a cult following. I was first introduced to the series, written by Diana Gabaldon, in late 2012. I was looking for a new book to read, and Outlander came highly recommended. At first I was a little put-off. I didn't want a romance novel and the nature of time-travel seemed a little (ahem, alot) far-fetched. I didn't want cheesy. But, I dove in because I trusted those that recommended it, and I'm so glad I did!
The story chronicles the love and lives of Claire Randall, a 20th-century physician and Jamie Fraser, and 18th-century Scots warrior. While vacationing in Scotland with her husband, Claire touches an ancient stone and is transported 200 years back to Scotland, where her path crosses with Jamie Fraser. While Claire focuses her efforts on getting back to her present-day, she concurrently falls in love with Jamie and must make the choice to return to the husband she married, or stay in Scotland with the man she has an inexplicable love with.
Sound cheesy?
Yeah, I know it does. But I promise that it's not.
There are two things that I really love about this series. One, the characters are SO beautifully developed, that the brief synopsis I shared above simply does not do them justice. This is not your typical love story. Claire and Jamie are thrust together and go through so much (battles! adventure! and more!) that you immediately understand their love, but you cannot explain it. Two, the history and color that surrounds the story line is phenomenal. I'm not a history buff by any means; long, drawn-out narratives about time periods put me to sleep. This is very descriptive and enthralling story-telling. I love that I'm learning about different cultures while reading this story!
Outlander currently has seven different books under its umbrella (with a few extras). The eighth installment is due out in late 2013 or early 2014. The entire series would be a phenomenal gift, especially for the holidays. Because each book is anywhere from 700-1000+ pages, it will take the average reader quite a bit of time to get through (the gift that keeps on giving?).
Part two of the series, Dragonfly in Amber continues the saga of Claire and Jamie.
My absolute favorite in the Outlander series, this third installment documents what happened to Claire and Jamie in their 20-year separation...and how they reconnect when Claire travels back to Scotland to be with him.
Do You Prefer Single Books or Series?
Outlander is being made into a TV series on the Starz network starting in early 2014! I don't think I've ever been so excited for a TV series, ever! It'll be interesting to see how the characters come to life, on-screen.
Have you read the Outlander series? I'd love to know your thoughts! If not, do you plan to start it?
Author@Sylvestermouse: Thank you! The TV series comes out soon, too (I am normally not a fan of a TV series when there is a book, but this one looks like it could do it justice).
You have convinced me to pick up one of these books and dive right in to another place and time. Thanks for the introduction to this series.
I wanted to stop back by and let you know that this article has been featured today on Review This!
Ok, you got me! I haven't read the book, don't know anything about the tv series, but I do love a great romance! Yes, I am game. I am going to read it. I am about to download it to my Kindle now (through this article) No, I have 4 books already on my Kindle waiting for me to read them, but hey! In a week I will be reading Outlander for sure! Thank you for the recommendation! Now, I am hoping this book won't make me blush or hide in a closet to read :)
This is one of only two book series I've read more than once. The other is Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin (Master and Commander) series. Looking forward to the latest installment of Gabaldon's series in June!
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