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The Custom of the Army (Lord John Grey #2.75)
by
Diana Gabaldon (Goodreads Author)
Note: Previously included in the anthology Warriors.
Diana Gabaldon, bestselling author of the acclaimed Outlander series, weaves an engrossing tale of war, history, and suspense in this original novella—available exclusively as an eBook—featuring returning hero Lord John Grey.
London, 1759. After a high society electric-eel party leads to a duel that ends badly, Lord John G...more
Diana Gabaldon, bestselling author of the acclaimed Outlander series, weaves an engrossing tale of war, history, and suspense in this original novella—available exclusively as an eBook—featuring returning hero Lord John Grey.
London, 1759. After a high society electric-eel party leads to a duel that ends badly, Lord John G...more
ebook, 76 pages
Published
May 21st 2012
by Dell
(first published March 16th 2010)
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This is a stand alone story from Diana Gabaldon but it does tell us about a character from her Outlander Series. Lord John Grey, a very likable man with a very strong sense of justice is caught in a duel, not of his own making. He survives but the other party does not, though not because of the bullet from Lord John's gun. Lord John is then sent on assignment to Canada while things calm down in London.
In Canada Lord John is to testify for an old friend who is being accused, unjustly, of not putt...more
In Canada Lord John is to testify for an old friend who is being accused, unjustly, of not putt...more
I’m not entirely sure the purpose of “The Custom of the Army.” The pretense of the plot is as such: While attending an electric eel party (which involves connecting as many people as possible then having one brave soul touch an electric eel) Lord John Grey enters into a scuffle over a lady’s honour, which results in a duel. The next day it is revealed that the man with which Grey duelled is dead, his father demanding that Grey be tried for murder – and the lady’s father demanding that Grey ente...more
I really liked it. Shocking, right? Anyone who knows me knows that I have a soft spot for Gabaldon. And I love her long novels. But I also like her willingness to take Lord John on other adventures. A few things stood out for me in this novel:
- No back stories, and little explanation for other characters. You either know about his family history, or you don't. I had a couple "wait, who?" moments. But I liked that the gaps weren't filled for the reader.
- Not much Jamie, but still an appreciation...more
- No back stories, and little explanation for other characters. You either know about his family history, or you don't. I had a couple "wait, who?" moments. But I liked that the gaps weren't filled for the reader.
- Not much Jamie, but still an appreciation...more
A fun, interesting addition to the Lord John Grey series. It's probably the shortest thing written by Gabaldon that I've read so far. I couldn't believe how quickly I blew through it. As always, John has gotten himself into some new, crazy situations, and somehow he comes through them unblemished and only slightly worse for wear. He just has the best personality; I love him - not as much as I love Jamie Fraser, of course. In all things, John conducts himself with the utmost honor and respect. He...more
Where I got the book: purchased on Kindle.
Lord John gets electrocuted, is threatened with marriage and meets a gay Indian. Altogether a rather forgettable plot, but I'll probably read this story again one day as I have a soft spot for Lord John. I enjoy how he maneuvers his private life and family connections around his military career, and Gabaldon's voice in the Lord John stories is surprisingly true to both the character and the times in which he lives. In the Outlander novels we see a man's...more
Lord John gets electrocuted, is threatened with marriage and meets a gay Indian. Altogether a rather forgettable plot, but I'll probably read this story again one day as I have a soft spot for Lord John. I enjoy how he maneuvers his private life and family connections around his military career, and Gabaldon's voice in the Lord John stories is surprisingly true to both the character and the times in which he lives. In the Outlander novels we see a man's...more
While the short story "Plague of Zombies" had a very clear narrative directive, "Custom of the Army" seems more aimless, in that it's more of a slice of (military) life than a definitive tale to be told.
And needless to say, that was quite all right with me. I can't get enough of Grey, whether he's focused on catching his father's murderer or careening from an ill fated party (which, by the way, was crazy enough to have actually happened, at least in regards to the eel) to the British efforts ag...more
And needless to say, that was quite all right with me. I can't get enough of Grey, whether he's focused on catching his father's murderer or careening from an ill fated party (which, by the way, was crazy enough to have actually happened, at least in regards to the eel) to the British efforts ag...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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Aug 16, 2012
Opal
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
romance
The world of 1759 comes alive under Gabaldon’s pen. Between London’s electric eel parties and Canada’s frontier, everything is vividly portrayed. I was completely immersed in this world from the time I started reading.
The military’s procedures is extremely detailed as well. Not so much that it becomes tedious but enough so that you get a very good idea as to how things work. I was surprised at how simple the proceeding were for a court-martial back then.
John Grey has a strict sense of honor whic...more
The military’s procedures is extremely detailed as well. Not so much that it becomes tedious but enough so that you get a very good idea as to how things work. I was surprised at how simple the proceeding were for a court-martial back then.
John Grey has a strict sense of honor whic...more
In the beginning, I wasn't a huge fan of the Lord John books. I liked the character, but the first book or two just didn't resonate with me. However, I have since discovered that I can enjoy the books individually. This was a great stand-alone novella. I always enjoy all the historical research Diana puts into her books, and this one was no exception. It was definitely interesting to compare the army of the late 1700's to today's army, especially as it relates to a court martial. It would have b...more
Ugh, WHY do I continue to read these 'novellas'? I do love Gabaldon's writing, but these non-Outlander stories are just so boring and pointless. The only reason I even read them is because I like John Grey. I wish she would quit writing all these silly novellas and just FINISH OUTLANDER already! I don't want to read anything that doesn't involve Jamie and Claire. The only mention of Jamie was one cryptic line about a 'paperweight/gemstone' that Jamie sent him, but no real information about why i...more
Aug 08, 2012
Deanna
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
adventure,
historical-fiction
I love Lord John and all of his stories. I first fell in love with Jamie and his story. When I saw that Gabaldon was writing about Lord John I wondered why? I hesitated in reading them. Was I wrong!!!!!!!!!! This was a great little story based on an actual historical event with actual historical characters. Lord John is in the Colonies in what is now Canada during the French and Indian War. He has his encounter with a very friendly "Indian". I hope that in some book Lord John finds a true compan...more
3/5 stars; liked this one but I doubt if I would read it again. Lord John is one of my favorite characters in the Outlander series and I've also enjoyed reading his own series of stories. For some reason this one just didn't grab me as Brotherhood of the Blade and The Scottish Prisoner. It might be that it was just too short (although I really liked the zombie short story). It's set in the late 1750's in London and then Canada. The one plus to the story is Lord John's personality; so charming!
I love Diana Gabaldon, but her latest efforts have been disappointing. The Scottish Prisoner left me flat and this latest novella seemed forced and pointless. So much went on, but very little of it was developed or to the point. This was listed as an Outlander Novella, which was deceiving. It had nothing to do with Outlander at all. I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment of Outlander and wish that she would finish it already and give Lord John a well-deserved break.
I have such mixed feelings on this one. On the one hand there were some really good things about it. I loved the electric eel party and it was really nice to read about events that have been mentioned in other books in the series (or the Outlander series), but I couldn't help but feel like the story felt thrown together, like it was trying to tie up loose ends. It jumped around a lot and where I usually feel like there is some central story line that ties all the various happenings together, thi...more
Yes, like everyone else who bought this book, I love the Outlander books and Diana's writing. Also, as a result of reading The Scottish Prisoner and this short story, I am appreciating and liking John's character better. But, this was just a filler book for a couple days commuting to work. Nothing more. Given how much I enjoy Diana's writing, I'll likely download any short story she writes if it has some tenuous connection to the "big books."
The Custom of the Army – Gabaldon
4 stars
How long must a short story be before it is called a novella? At 82 pages, this is a quick visit with one of Diana Gabaldon’s most popular characters, Lord John Gray. Chronologically, this book takes place just before the events in The Scottish Prisoner. It’s a good story that takes Lord John to the colonies and the French and Indian War. John Gray finds himself in the company of General James Wolfe and his Highland Regiment at the Battle of Quebec, but a...more
4 stars
How long must a short story be before it is called a novella? At 82 pages, this is a quick visit with one of Diana Gabaldon’s most popular characters, Lord John Gray. Chronologically, this book takes place just before the events in The Scottish Prisoner. It’s a good story that takes Lord John to the colonies and the French and Indian War. John Gray finds himself in the company of General James Wolfe and his Highland Regiment at the Battle of Quebec, but a...more
This Lord John Grey short story nicely explains a bit of the back-story to the Scottish Prisoner. All Gabaldon's books are so well-written and well-researched, and this is no exception. Set partially in Canada during the battle for the Plains of Abraham, Gabaldon's explanation of the batttle was far more intereting than my Grade 10 history course. Custom of the Army is a nice appetizer while I await her next BIG ENORMOUS BOOK.
I love everything this woman has ever written.
Lord John is a favorite literary character and this story just serves to increase my opinion of him. Having read 'The Scottish Prisoner' first I was already familiar with some of the supporting characters making this a smooth read. The opening scene is hilarious. Picturing Lord John grabbing on to an electric eel at a party was just too much. I LOVED it. Following John on his adventure to America, meeting new and interesting characters and going thr...more
Lord John is a favorite literary character and this story just serves to increase my opinion of him. Having read 'The Scottish Prisoner' first I was already familiar with some of the supporting characters making this a smooth read. The opening scene is hilarious. Picturing Lord John grabbing on to an electric eel at a party was just too much. I LOVED it. Following John on his adventure to America, meeting new and interesting characters and going thr...more
A novella that explains Charlie Curuthers reasons for charging Major Siverly with court marshall and his relationship with Lord John Grey. Also reveals how Lord John met Monoke, his Indian cook. Great Battle scenes On American/Canadian border. DG is excellent at describing fighting during battles--really interesting. Good story that fills in the spaces nicely from the larger novels of the Outlander series.
I am always grateful for these small novellas in the Outlander Series while I wait for the next "big book". Especially when they feature Lord John Gray, one of my favorite characters. Like Jamie Fraser Lord John always lands where the action is, in this case the battle of Quebec. As it is a novella one wishes for more, but this is a good taste of the missing period of the Outlander novels.
Another Lord John Grey novel. This one was a scant 151 pages and gave a lot of insight into The Scottish Prisoner. I should have read this one first. I enjoyed it mostly because the ending takes place in Quebec at the Plains of Abraham. I always love it when a book includes a time in history I am familiar with and/or a place I've visited. In this case, I got both.
Too short... the story itself felt rushed. Not the Gabaldon experience I have come to know and love, but it is, after all, a novella, so... I should know better. I dont like quick and short, I like long and deep. This story skims the surface, and could be so much more than it is. I'll stick to Gabaldon full-length novels from now on. Ahhh, Jamie Fraser....
The book was well written and did keep my interest, but I'll admit I was missing Claire & Jamie. John Grey's story just doesn't peak my interest, and neither does Williams for that matter. With that being said, I'll still continue to read the Lord Grey series only because it does expand on the Outlander Series' minor characters, and Diana Gabaldon is a brilliant author.
2.75 stars. A decent story about John Grey -- a minor character in the Outlander series. At this point, I enjoy Lord John and his adventures more than I do Jamie and Claire's! This novella helped explain things I didn't understand from The Scottish Prisoner. My main quibbles -- the thing with Manoke came out of left field, and the ending was too rushed.
Diana Gabaldon has never disappointed me. I gulped this novella down in one sitting and would have been more than willing to stay up all night reading, if only it would have lasted that long. The wonderful details remind me once again why I must wait so long for the next Outlander novel. Diana Gabaldon's research makes the read worth the wait.
I enjoyed this a bit less than other Gabaldon works, and I suspect it was I read it in short bursts on my iPad rather than in one sitting curled up on the couch. But it was interesting to follow Lord John on his own adventure out of London and I have a new piece of background on him for other stories.
Another good story, but I think the issue for me is that there was too much going on here for the space Gabaldon uses. Too much jumping around and moving from event to event. Again, a nice way to fill in the gaps -- and some EXCELLENT scenes (love the eel party!) but just too scattered to really work well.
This great little novella is as wonderful as anything Diana Gabaldon churns out. Featuring the ever-entertaining Lord John Grey, this is another of the short stories detailing the adventures of his life as a British military man in the 1700s. A short and entertaining read!
This is just what you need to tide you over while waiting for the next installment in the Outlander series. It takes you down a path with Lord John that fills in time where the regular series couldn't. It's fast paced, detailed, and well balanced with the story.
I admit I am biased, I love anything Diana Gabaldon. I honestly don't know how anyone would not fall in love with her books. This is a fast little jaunt with Lord John Grey. I liked it very much. It is not a Jaimie/Claire novel but wonderful nonetheless. A nice diversion.
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Diana Jean Gabaldon Watkins grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona and is of Mexican-American and English descent. She has earned three degrees: a B.S. in Zoology, a M.S. in Marine Biology, and a Ph.D in Ecology.
She currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona .
More about Diana Gabaldon...
She currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona .
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Oct 03, 2012 08:38pm