Rating:  Summary: I loved this book! Review: What a book! I laughed and cried. I was drawn into the author's wonderfully dreamy world of the Scottish Highlands. Glad I bought all four books at once! I am already into the second one. I couldn't put the first down. I thought it a wonderful story, beautifully told. Makes me want to go to Scotland and search for a stone circle. :-) I thought Claire to be strong and Jamie sexy and endearing. I loved this book!
Rating:  Summary: Simply the best... Review: This series of books defies description. They are so far above and beyond the average "romance" novel they deserve a category all thier own. I've read literally thousands of books, all kinds of books, and these are easily my favorites. Ms. Gabaldon has created some of the most interesting and complex characters I,ve ever had the pleasure of getting to know. That she was able to set this book in a time and place that is endlessly fascinating is just a huge bonus (for us the reader!). Every page has a purpose and the story moves along at break-neck speed, but the most impressive aspect is Ms. Gabaldon's beautiful and expressive writing style. With a few words she is able to transport you to a time and place that are completely foriegn and at the same time totally real. She gives her characters very believable, and yes, even flawed personalities. Very few writers have the ability to capture and keep my attention and even fewer can make me believe that I know these characters well enough to actually care what will happen to them, Ms. Gabaldon can do both better than any other author I've ever read and for that I thank her. Do yourself a favor, read these books - you don't have to like a particular kind of book to enjoy them. You only have to be human.
Rating:  Summary: A truly wonderful piece of historical fiction Review: Reading over some of the negative reviews written here about Outlander, I'd like to express my opinions on the matter they raise. First of all, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and not everyone has to enjoy the same things. Still, I think perhaps that some people have not given the book the chance it deserves. 1. The book is NOT a romance novel. No matter where Barnes and Noble or amazon.com or any other bookseller sticks it, it is more along the lines of a classic historical fiction, despite the very modern twist of time travel. If you like the traditional romance novel genre and come to this book expecting that, naturally you will be disappointed. My advice - stick to the conventional stuff - unless you like to be pleasantly surprised. 2. A lot of people seem to be upset over the violence in the book. Well, it was a violent time - there's no getting around that. Again, if you don't want to read this kind of stuff, stick to the traditional romance novel, where the most violence you'll find is an occasional swordfight or duel with pistols. 3. For those who are disturbed by the "wife-beating" scene in the book, I'll confess that this part was troubling to me as well. However, the scene is not gratuitous - it serves the very useful purpose of illuminating different facets of the characters. Furthermore, I feel that one of the great things about books is that they occasionally challenge and disturb. I'll say it again - if you want to be safe and comfortable with your reading, this book is not for you - stick to the bodice-rippers with Fabio on the cover. Lastly, I'd simply suggest that you read the book and see for yourself. If you found it half as exciting, absorbing, and romantic as I did, then consider yourself lucky to have found such a great series (and run out to buy the other books!) If not, then try something else - this sort of thing isn't for you.
Rating:  Summary: Truly an exceptional book Review: This is only the 2nd "romance" I've read in my life, the first being the famous Rebecca. Although I normally read a couple books a week, I've never cared for the romance genre in the least. That said, I must give this book 5 stars, on the basis of its creative story. I didna much care for Claire's personality (shrew), but had to admit the characterization of both Claire and Jaime was well done. Thankfully, there was almost as much action as hugging and kissing, or I'd have never gotten through such a long book. It was really a great experience for me to read and enjoy a romance. I have acquired the 3 remaining books by the author, and am most anxious to read them. I can honestly recommend this book to anyone, as it has much to offer just about any taste.
Rating:  Summary: I was lost in the spell of these pages for a week..... Review: This is one of the BEST books I have read by far. The Best because when I read it...I was in the story....its promise to be a great "escape" reading was very true. I hated to put the book down and was annoyed when interrupted and roused from the world created within its pages....don't miss this one...you'll swear you were the one who was transported through the stones!
Rating:  Summary: Historical Romance Fiction Review: I own all of the Outlander series in hardcover. I read the novels over and over again. I cannot get enough. I do not place this book in the simple "romance" category. It is an adventure, science fiction, history, and romance story all rolled into a wonderful series of "thick" novels. Don't let the size intimidate you, Dianna Gabaldon gives purpose to each and every page. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have. Happy reading! P.S. those of you comparing this novel to a Knight in Shining Armor have got to be kidding me. If you are spending an afternoon on the beach by all means read A Knight it requires little thought or time. If you want to spend hours snuggled under a blanket and enjoyably be transported to another place and time read Outlander, and the rest. It is time well spent.
Rating:  Summary: Wife-Beating is not Romance Review: Half-way through this overlong novel, Jamie beats his wife ("half to death" she says) and later confesses that he enjoyed it. Claire's rapidly accepts that she "deserved" the beating. I don't care what the historical context, this is SICK! This is the first romance I have read in years, and it will be the last. The violence in this novel is appalling and I cannot believe all the rave reviews.
Rating:  Summary: This is fantasy with more than 5 stars Review: I am not going to get into the story line and how things.. happen. This is not possible. It is too complexe. I will say I just loved this whole series. It is SO well written! My book club is having a lot of fun with this. We are waiting for the next BOOK!!!!! And if anyone is put off by the lenght of the book, well it is NOT LONG ENOUHG!!!
Rating:  Summary: Excellent book, I couldn't put it down. Review: The book was a story that I didn't want to end. Luckily there are three more after it! I would recommend this love story to anyone. The history really added to the enjoyment of this book also.
Rating:  Summary: Best Read of the Year for me Review: This book has it all, love, history, violence, suspense...I could not put it down. If you are looking for a great summer escape, this is it!
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