In her much-anticipated new novel, the New York Times bestselling author of the Outlander saga brings back one of her most compelling charac...
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reviews
Jan 21, 2012
Isis
rated it: 
I dithered about this. I feel a little odd giving a guilty-pleasure just-for-fun book like this five stars, but when I compare it to what I have recently given four, well, I have no choice. Because I loved this so very, very much.
This is the kind of book I want to write, the kind of book I wish there was a whole lot more of. It's basically slash fanfic for her Outlander series, I gather, and it seems that whichever you read first, you prefer. (And oddly, the bits that involve Jam More...
This is the kind of book I want to write, the kind of book I wish there was a whole lot more of. It's basically slash fanfic for her Outlander series, I gather, and it seems that whichever you read first, you prefer. (And oddly, the bits that involve Jam More...
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Sep 20, 2007
Res
rated it: 
The one where Lord John's mother remarries, which sets in motion new dangers, new revelations about his father's disgrace and death, and a relationship with an attractive new stepbrother.
I like Lord John a great deal, but I don't like Lord John books very much. Partly this is just a book/reader mismatch. I don't enjoy mysteries, so I'm reading these particular mysteries for the character stuff and the historical-milieu stuff, which is like someone who doesn't like romance reading ro More...
I like Lord John a great deal, but I don't like Lord John books very much. Partly this is just a book/reader mismatch. I don't enjoy mysteries, so I'm reading these particular mysteries for the character stuff and the historical-milieu stuff, which is like someone who doesn't like romance reading ro More...
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Sep 08, 2007
Kelly
rated it:
I enjoyed this book very much. Lord John is an engaging, interesting character -- and he doesn't spend a whole lot of time in this book mooning over Jamie Fraser! This is set right after the death of Geneva Dunsany in the Outlander timeline, but the meat of the book is a mystery in Lord John's own family, and John's love affair with an attractive young man. Gabaldon writes men very well -- we get enough emotional revelation to let us cnnect with the characters, but they are most definitely me
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Oct 24, 2010
Leilani
rated it: 
I read the first couple of Outlander books about a decade ago, so I only retain a few foggy memories of them. Contrary to some of the other reviews, I enjoyed this book even without any detailed knowledge of the main series. The historical research felt strong and detailed; the characters felt appealing but not anachronistically modern; and the settings were vividly drawn - I felt like I was really in all those cold rooms with rain beating at the windows.
The story alternates between More...
The story alternates between More...
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Apr 16, 2009
Barbara
rated it:
I really enjoy the Lord John tales by Gabaldon. They have absolutely nothing to do with her Outlander series even if Lord John is a minor character from it. The Lord John tales follow Lord John on his exploits with the Royal English Army (or whatever the hell its called). Of course, you also enjoy his day to day endeavors while he is on temporary leave and between war engagements.
This particular novel shuttles back and forth between the mystery of his fathers murder 15 years ago a More...
This particular novel shuttles back and forth between the mystery of his fathers murder 15 years ago a More...
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Jun 05, 2008
Dawn
rated it:
Unfortunately, the Lord John series is not nearly as satisfying as Gabaldon's Outlander series. I do love Lord John Grey as a main character but the plot-lines are rather difficult to follow and there are entirely too many characters to keep track of. As the second book in this series, I was disappointed in the lack of continuity between this book and the first in the series, Lord John and the Private Matter. The only similarity between them was Lord John as the main character. Not that I have t
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Oct 27, 2007
sage
rated it: 
warning: spoilers follow!
I think this is definitely the best of the Lord John books so far. I'm really delighted to see a mainstream bestseller write a vividly sexual queer romance. Heaven knows we've seen Lord John show enough repressed desire, but it's lovely to see him with a lover and in more explicit detail than I expected.
The mystery plot was a bit more convoluted than I considered necessary, especially since I'd completely forgotten who the villain was by t More...
I think this is definitely the best of the Lord John books so far. I'm really delighted to see a mainstream bestseller write a vividly sexual queer romance. Heaven knows we've seen Lord John show enough repressed desire, but it's lovely to see him with a lover and in more explicit detail than I expected.
The mystery plot was a bit more convoluted than I considered necessary, especially since I'd completely forgotten who the villain was by t More...
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Jan 13, 2008
Kimberly
rated it:
I read this book after finishing Gabaldon's A Breath of Snow and Ashes. Thank goodness I found out it was out as it restored my faith in Gabaldon's skill as a writer and storyteller.
The plot mixes an important "whodunit" as well as insight into John's personal life as a man and a soldier. The pacing and story were spot on and refreshing after the near 1000 pages of meandering in ABOSAS.
I've always been fond of the character of Lord John -- even when he's pai More...
The plot mixes an important "whodunit" as well as insight into John's personal life as a man and a soldier. The pacing and story were spot on and refreshing after the near 1000 pages of meandering in ABOSAS.
I've always been fond of the character of Lord John -- even when he's pai More...
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Dec 02, 2007
Lynn
rated it:
Diana Gabaldon knows how to turn a phrase. I have a hard time imagining a truly "bad" book by her.
That being said, I just don't find myself loving her "Lord John" mysteries the way I enjoy her "Outlander" books. Lord John is great as part of the ensemble, but when the story's told from his perspective, as in this one, I find myself wondering where the erudite, witty character I know is - and who is this berserker guy running around with the sword? T More...
That being said, I just don't find myself loving her "Lord John" mysteries the way I enjoy her "Outlander" books. Lord John is great as part of the ensemble, but when the story's told from his perspective, as in this one, I find myself wondering where the erudite, witty character I know is - and who is this berserker guy running around with the sword? T More...
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Jan 15, 2009
Svenja
rated it:
(may contain spoilers)
It's been a while since i last read a Diana Gabaldon book, i followed her 'Outlander' series for a while but got distractes somehow.
I haven't read any other Lord John novel before and just saw this in the store and thought i'd give it a try since i remembered loving Gabaldons writing style a lot.
I enjoyed the book a great deal and read through it in three evenings. The characterisation was wonderful and i loved the historical setting. The More...
It's been a while since i last read a Diana Gabaldon book, i followed her 'Outlander' series for a while but got distractes somehow.
I haven't read any other Lord John novel before and just saw this in the store and thought i'd give it a try since i remembered loving Gabaldons writing style a lot.
I enjoyed the book a great deal and read through it in three evenings. The characterisation was wonderful and i loved the historical setting. The More...
Dec 05, 2008
Korynn
rated it:
These Lord John stories are mysteries with Lord John attempting to unravel several things at once, but like all good mysteries, every little strange thing seems to lead to one huge conspiracy which can be great fun. In this novel (which is much more satisfying than short stories) Lord John investigates his father's mysterious death, has explicit sex with another man (in case you're shocked by such things), indulges in a little s+m (not always hand in hand with homosexuality fyi), meets with Outl
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Oct 14, 2011
Darla
rated it:
Yet again, Diana Gabaldon is amazing in her descriptions of historical accounts, with gripping battle scenes that make one feel the blazing gun fire whirring by and deafening cannon explosions shaking the ground! I did find the story to be a bit convoluted at times, despite having read all of her Outlander series, more than once. I also found it slightly difficult to remember all of the names and "connexions" and I think that those who never read of the complexities of the Jacobites,
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Jun 25, 2011
Dana
rated it:
This is the second in the series of Lord John books but can be read as a stand-alone. In this book Lord John is searching out the reason behind his father's death. Although ruled a suicide Lord John knows it was murder. A page of his late father's journal was delivered to both his brother and his mother. Also Lord John has been attacked twice. Lord John is now determined to find out if his father was a Jacobite and who murdered him.
Lord John's mother is getting remarried and there is a More...
Lord John's mother is getting remarried and there is a More...
Apr 24, 2009
George
rated it: 
First impressions: no idea she wrote this (sort of thing)! I was pleasantly surprised, after taking a risk on a $4 nice hardcover copy, some vague inklings in re the jacket notes, and generally pleasant memory of her Outlander series, to find that this was - subject matter wise - right up my alley, if you take my meaning (cough). So, about two paragraphs in, I realised my mistake. Or hers. She must have written this entire thing while under the effects of some mentally-debilitating drug. That's
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Apr 10, 2010
Alana
rated it:
For those who read Lord John and the Private Matter and shrugged their shoulders a bit, happy enough to enjoy the world of Gabaldon but not terribly impressed with the mystery itself, then I think you'll be quite pleased with Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade. It has enough to delight Gabaldon fans who also happen to like mysteries as well as the fans who are really just looking for a fix while they wait for the next big Jamie and Claire book. In Private Matter, things started off wit
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Sep 01, 2010
Lori
rated it:
First let me make this clear -- if you haven't read Gabaldon's "Outlander" series and met Lord John within, don't bother with this book -- it doesn't work as a stand-alone novel. You'll miss the nuances and story lines that aren't fully fleshed out -- you're expected to more or less know what's going on. Also, if you have any problems with a gay man taking a lover in some detail, skip this book.
Now on to what I personally thought of this book.
I loved that Lo More...
Now on to what I personally thought of this book.
I loved that Lo More...
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Jan 27, 2010
Barb
rated it:
While there are things that I liked about this story overall I found it rather disappointing and not up to the same standard as most of the other work I've read by Diana Gabaldon (not including 'the Fiery Cross').
I've always liked Lord John and I liked that his romantic life was in the spotlight in this story but unfortunately there were too many particulars about the love interest and their relationship that just didn't lay well. The mystery portion of the story was a bit on the ri More...
I've always liked Lord John and I liked that his romantic life was in the spotlight in this story but unfortunately there were too many particulars about the love interest and their relationship that just didn't lay well. The mystery portion of the story was a bit on the ri More...
Jan 30, 2012
Mary
rated it:
From what I have read of the Lord John Series so far (Lord John and the Hellfire Club, Lord John and the Succubus, and Lord John and the Private Matter), I would say that Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade is the best of the bunch*. I think DG's strength lies in her character development and emotional connections, and I don't think she was able to do that as well in her shorter stories. Though still probably a "short story" by DG standards, this particular novel was a little lo
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Nov 28, 2011
Kristīne
rated it:
As Stefon from Saturday Night Live would say: This book has everything! A secret that needs to be unveiled, honorable and hot men-their sexual preferences notwithstanding, family affairs worthy of Russian classics` epicness, lonely alleyway and battle action, cameos from beloved book characters, love&sex AND a dialogue about love&sex! Add Diana's beautiful and clever use of language and the extensive research of facts, customs and ideas, and you'll have one near perfect piece of historical ficti
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Oct 09, 2009
Debbie
rated it:
I re-read this book after reading An Echo in the Bone because some of the events in this book are important to the plot of Echo.
Like all of Diana Gabaldon's books this one was even more enjoyable the second time round. I am a huge fan of Lord John Grey and I love that his character has evolved into his own set of books. This book is set in Georgian England of 1758 with a detour into the Continent for a battle during the Seven Years War. Lord John is slowly uncovering the truth behind More...
Like all of Diana Gabaldon's books this one was even more enjoyable the second time round. I am a huge fan of Lord John Grey and I love that his character has evolved into his own set of books. This book is set in Georgian England of 1758 with a detour into the Continent for a battle during the Seven Years War. Lord John is slowly uncovering the truth behind More...
Mar 29, 2011
Mandy
rated it:
(Caution spoilers)
Reading this novel reminded me of Diana Gabaldon's genius in storytelling. It somewhat satisfies the long wait for the next novel in the outlander series in that it makes certain scenes from "An Echo in the Bone" make more sense.
The homosexual sex scenes with his new brother-in-law I found more than uncomfortable for myself to read. I probably would have preferred if more was left to the imagination. All the more disturbing was the choice of Lord John More...
Reading this novel reminded me of Diana Gabaldon's genius in storytelling. It somewhat satisfies the long wait for the next novel in the outlander series in that it makes certain scenes from "An Echo in the Bone" make more sense.
The homosexual sex scenes with his new brother-in-law I found more than uncomfortable for myself to read. I probably would have preferred if more was left to the imagination. All the more disturbing was the choice of Lord John More...
Aug 27, 2010
Amanda
rated it:
Lord John is once again in the midst of a mystery. However, this time it is a mystery that has haunted his family since his childhood. Lord John's father, the late Duke of Pardloe, was found dead in his home, a gun in his hand and his reputation sullied with rumours of being a Jacobite sympathizer. Did the Duke kill himself? Lord John knows he didn't and is desperate to prove it and in the process, reclaim his father's honour.
I liked this book more than the first installment in the L More...
I liked this book more than the first installment in the L More...
Sep 08, 2011
Sharon (twilightcrazie)
rated it:
This is a great book in the life and times of Lord John Grey. Not only do you get to see him as a military man, but also as a lover and a man who has great love for his family. Tho the mystery in this episode was of a personal family interest, it was overshadowed by the dynamic relationship of John and Percy. From the moment I started reading, I was drawn into their budding romance. There is quite a bit of family antics and sexual drama as well as a very vivid description of John in the fiel
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Mar 04, 2010
Maliha
rated it:
Read this book if you are in desperate need of any Outlander connection. I originally gave this book 3 stars but then I read a few other Historical-Fiction novels, which were TERRIBLE, and had to change my rating of this book to 4 stars. As usual Gabaldon's writing style is superb, she paints her characters with extreme detail and startling depth while also plotting a mystery. The gay romance is beautiful and built upon layers of complication depicting an impossible love triangle (between three
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Feb 02, 2010
Tatiana
rated it:
I still don't understand why Gabaldon's Lord John books are not more popular than they are. Is the "gayness" of the main character really such a huge turn-off? Because I can't find any other reason to dislike these books. To me, "Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade" is another great historical novel, full of subtle wit and humor, details of 18th century London society and entertaining descriptions of military living during the Seven Year War, along with a nice mystery
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Nov 27, 2008
Sammalpeura
rated it:
Pettymys ei ollut niin suuri kuin Lordin yksityisasian suhteen, sillä tähän osasi jo vähän ennakolta varautua. Sain tämän kirjan lahjaksi, joten roposten menettäminen ei harmita. Itse asiassa voi olla, että kirja olisi hyvä oppikirja tekstistä, joka ei oikein saavuta mitään eikä anna lukijalleen mitään. Hämmästelenpä vain, että miten näistä eväistä voi epäonnistua? Kiellettyä miestenvälistä rakkautta 1700 -luvun puolivälin Lontoossa, sotilaita, yksi taistelukin, salaisuuksia perhepiirissä. Onko
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May 15, 2011
Jenny
rated it:
If you read this book without any prejudice from the author's Outlander series, it is a pretty good read. It's independent enough without too much overlap with Jaime Frasier. I accidently read this one first instead of the first novel and found it a bit lacking in character development. The book really doesn't go into Lord John's personality much but rather how he interacts with his brother, his love for Jaime, and the new relationship he forms with his new step brother.
I did enjo More...
I did enjo More...
Aug 19, 2010
FALLEN
rated it:
Kirja oli ihan ookoo. Pidin erittäin paljon Gabaldonin tyylistä kirjoittaa ja vangita lukia sisäänsä. Mutta juoni oli (ainakin minulle) liian sekava ja henkilöitä liikaa. Menin jatkuvasti sekaisin kuka oli kukin. Johtuen varmaankin siitä, etten ole lukenut aikaisempaa Lordi John- kirjaa.
Lisäksi olen lukenut erittäin harvoin homoista kertovia kirjoja. Vaikka en todellakaan ole homoja vastaan niin aluksi tuntui jotenkin...oudolle lukea kahden miehen välisestä rakkaudesta. Olen kai tottunut si More...
Lisäksi olen lukenut erittäin harvoin homoista kertovia kirjoja. Vaikka en todellakaan ole homoja vastaan niin aluksi tuntui jotenkin...oudolle lukea kahden miehen välisestä rakkaudesta. Olen kai tottunut si More...
Jan 12, 2011
Laura
rated it:
This was my first Lord John book, and I'm not a huge fan, although I woudl read more of the series. I had mixed hopes because I'm a huge fan of the Outlander series and Lord John showed some promise as a character in those. But the most interesting parts of this book were thoseinvolving characters that appear in the Outlander series. The book does shed light on the relationship between Jamie Fraser and Lord John, and introduces a few characters who appear later in the Outlander series.
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Nov 29, 2011
Melissa
rated it:
I really like Diana Gabaldon's books and I enjoy reading the Lord John books because I thought he was such an interesting character in the Jamie/Claire books.
This one was a rather larger book than the other Lord John books that I have read and she introduces a lot of names of characters from the past that you never meet and with there titles thrown in if you don't pay attention it can get a bit confusing.
Overall a good story that pulled in a lot more of John's life outside More...
This one was a rather larger book than the other Lord John books that I have read and she introduces a lot of names of characters from the past that you never meet and with there titles thrown in if you don't pay attention it can get a bit confusing.
Overall a good story that pulled in a lot more of John's life outside More...
