Outlander

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Summary: I'm ready for a time travel adventure of my own!
Review: I have to say, this was a book I will read over and over again. I am not a fan of romance and in fact, have stayed as far away as possible. (I'm more of a science fiction/fiction/mystery gal) But when my friend told me I had to read this book, I ran out and bought it. It's packed full of adventure, history and if you can manage to get through the very wordy sexual scenes, then you're good to go. Even though it, in a lot of ways, fits the typical romance story, there's something about the book that just draws me in. I have to give the credit to the talent of DG. Her characters come alive, and I found myself holding my breath as I was reading, practical screaming out loud for Jamie and Claire! After finishing the first book, I ran out and bought the other three. My only disappointment; she has yet to finish Firey Cross (Hurry, hurry!) I really haven't run across anything else comparable, (although Janet Evanovich's Stephine Plum comes a close second) This is one book you can't pass up.

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Summary: Betrayed after 700 pages?!!!!! Buyer BEWARE!
Review: Ms. Gabaldon is an extremely good writer and I throughly enjoyed the majority of this book...until scenes of such unnecessary vividly described sexual abuse/rape of a major character. I was unprepared for the depth of description and continued reliving of the event. The author had me held in her hand; I came to care about these characters and felt she could and should have found another path for this story. I had already purchased the remaining books in this series and am unsure as to whether or not I can "trust" her again with the rest of the series. I read in my leisure time for relaxation and for at least some form of escape from the more disturbing things in this life and I was sorely disappointed and disquieted in spirit at the conclusion of this book. I invested so much time with these characters and I had hoped I could trust an author in this genre to at the very least describe any serious troubles in a more removed or deminished way. I have never written a review, yet felt compelled to warn anyone buying this book be wary and forwarned. I wish someone had warned me! I'm going to check the reviews for the next books before I continue!

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Summary: Gabaldon is a magnificent storyteller!
Review: I read the Outlander series two years ago and still have not found anything to compare favorably with Diana Gabaldon's skill in drawing beautifully complete characters and a masterful storyline. One out of print book (Katherine by Anya Seyon) came quite close but still DG has a true gift and thankfully she is willing to share it with us. I would eagerly read anything she wrote.

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Summary: Outlander
Review: Outlander is the story of Claire Beauchamp and Jamie Fraser. Claire is a WWII English nurse who is visiting Scotland with her husband Frank Randall who is researching his ancestors. While visiting a stone circle, Claire finds herself transported through time, 200 years back to a feuding Scotland. There she meets Black Jack Randall...Franks ancestor, the MacKenzie clan and Jamie Fraser. In order to escape the English, she marries Jamie and becomes Claire Fraser. The couple go through some ups and downs and find great passion along the way. Together they attempt to change history with Claire's knowledge of the future. While reading the story, the readers learn a great deal about Scotland and it's intriguing and fascinating history and are easily transported to the 1800's. It's amazing how easily the readers get attached to the characters in this story. Diana Galbaldon ages her characters in such a way that the readers feel they had aged along with them. This book will not only captivate you, it will own you. I found myself reading it every moment I had and followed through with the following books. Anyone who enjoys history, mixed with romance and a touch of science fiction will enjoy this book greatly.

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Summary: Listen to the unabridged audio version!
Review: The Outlander series is fantastic, but if you really want a great experience, get hold of the UNABRIDGED audio versions of all the books narrated by Davina Porter. Remember that name: DAVINA PORTER. She manages to bring every character to exuberant life, and juggles a variety of accents, genders, ages, etc. She is nothing short of incredible. Find those audio tapes and enjoy!

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Summary: Best Series I have Ever Read
Review: This is just the first in a series of books by Diana Gabaldon with Claire and Jamie as characters. Her style of writing with her sense of humor shine throughout all of her books. This first book is all it takes to become addicted to the series. Although it involves some time travel and romance you really don't get hung up on those features. You end up living vicariously through the characters and tend to become attached to them. It is almost painful to read through the danger scenes or where the characters get hurt, either mentally or physically, because you feel what they feel! A must read for any avid reader.

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Summary: The best Historical based Fiction I've ever read.
Review: Diana Gabaldon has managed to awaken interests I never knew I had with this series. Because of this book I've begun alot of research into Scotland and the jacobites as well as the highlanders. I plan to go there in the near future. The fantasy of this wonderfully romantic story is one I will never forget and put aside. Also, if you can get ahold of the unabridged audio series read by Davina Potter- listen to it. She does so well with all of the accents, and most of all the memorable characters that are throughout this series.

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Summary: Diana is the Best!
Review: I am on the third book in this wonderful series for the second time in 3 months. I can't put them down and I can't think of not reading about Claire and Jamie. I can't even imagine another author being as talented as Diana Gabaldon. What a gem she is!

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Summary: Gabaldon has ruined me for other authors!
Review: I have read all four books in this series, and I tell you, Diana Gabaldon has made it so that I can never go back and enjoy those other "romance" novels. Her attention to detail, the authenticity of her historical facts, and the realistic handling of Jamie and Claire's relationship blew me away.Each book built on the previous but still could stand alone. I almost never get involved in 'series' books, but I'll make one exception for this series, only. I even asked for 'The Outlandish Companion" for my birthday, and my daughter better get it for me! I am anxiously awaiting the next book. Thank you, Diana!

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Summary: Outlander out of our world
Review: I really got into reading this book. I like historical romances but not like this one. I have also read the next 2 in the series. This is a must read. Really rivoting!!