Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade (Lord John Grey, #2) by Diana Gabaldon

Sep 19, 2009 Isis rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: slash fans, particularly of Sharpe and Age of Sail fandoms

Recommended to Isis by: Raven

Shelves: glbt, audiobook, historical-fiction

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 Jamie Fraser are my...more

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Sep 20, 2007 Res rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: slash-interest

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 romantic-suspe...more

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Sep 08, 2007 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

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 men.

T...more

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Oct 24, 2010 Leilani rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

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 Lord John's...more

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Apr 16, 2009 Barbara ★ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-espionage, read-2009, set-in-europe-england

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 and his new step...more

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Jun 05, 2008 Dawn rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: listened-to, own

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...more

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Oct 27, 2007 sage rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbt-interest, historical-fiction, reviewed, disability, fiction

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 the time he arrived at the end --...more

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Jan 13, 2008 Kimberly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: myfaves

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 painted as the bad guy. But this book t...more

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Jan 15, 2009 Svenja rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: history

(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 mystery about Johns father was inte...more

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Dec 05, 2008 Korynn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-crime

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...more

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Jun 17, 2012 Erica Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, historical-fiction, historical-mystery, keeper

I know it's heretical, but I actually like the Lord John books better than the Outlander series.

I think Gabaldon must be channeling Grey, straight from Georgian England, because his voice is so authentic. Gabaldon's trademark historical detail is laced throughout, including an absolutely amazing scene involving leeches. [Incidentally, if you're a writer, I recommend you read this scene carefully. It's brilliantly done.] Here's an excerpt:

******

... Hal replied, bending over the table to peer at...more

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May 29, 2012 Jane rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

Lord John, who emerged from the Outlander series as a separate series of novels, has a few problems on his plate. For one thing, he's in love with his new stepbrother. For another, the bitter feelings surrounding his father's death are still very much alive after a period of several years, and his brother Hal won't bear his father's title. Then there's the matter of the pages from his father's missing journal that keep turning up. . . On top of which, as a professional soldier Lord John generall...more

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Oct 14, 2011 Darla rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, historical-fiction, mystery, great-britain

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, within Gaba...more 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, within Gabaldon's other novels, would have a much harder time. In fact, despite liking Lord John and this book, to a lesser extent, if I had never read any of Gabaldon's books before, I would be far less likely to read any other of hers.

In this novel, Lord John Grey finds himself in the midst of 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 rumors of being a Jacobite sympathizer. Suddenly, pages of the Duke's missing journal turn up, as well as physical attacks on John, and his step-brother-to-be Percy Wainwright.

I liked this book mostly due to its mystery. Gabaldon shows off her prowess in complicated plots as she moves the story between John investigating his father's mysterious death, his love affair with Percy, and his preparations for war. A large part of the book focuses on the growing relationship between Lord John and his step-brother, with tender love scenes as well as some rough and raunchy ones. If you are the slightest homophobic, this is not the book for you! Despite Lord John finding himself growing more fond of Percy, he cannot dispel his feelings that remain for Jamie Fraser. I read other reviews that could not understand Jamie's presence and his disconcerting affect on John. I agree, that without the background story of the Oulander series, I may almost feel that way, too. Although, Dianna has John dwell, or seek to distract himself from doing so, quite frequently on his unrequitted love for the Scotsman.

This is the first Lord John book that I have read, so that may be affecting my judgment of only three stars. I relished in the Jacobite conspiracy theories but wish that they had been more elaborate. My favorite part was the battle scene from the Seven-Year War, due to the intense excitement. I also enjoyed insight into John's relationships with his mother and his brother, along with his sense of honor. While this is an interesting and engaging book, I am not so sure that I will be reading any other books in the Lord John series. Dianna Gabaldon writes very well, with wit and humour and exacting detail in her research, but I think she does much better through the eyes of a character more like herself (ie Claire Randall Frasier).

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Jun 25, 2011 Dana rated it 4 of 5 stars

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 new broth...more

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Apr 24, 2009 George rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: collection

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...more

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Apr 10, 2010 Alana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010_04_april, reviewed, nook

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 with...more 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 with Lord John was working for the interests of his family (aka making sure his cousin didn't marry a poxed fellow), but overall, it wasn't quite compelling. Here, that's all changed and the story is very personal indeed. Not only does the main storyline have to do with avenging the death of a father and reclaiming the family honor, but we introduce a love interest for John in the form of Percy Wainwright and delve into deeper discussion of homosexuality in the eighteenth century. The book also also gets right into the thick of the workings of the British army and a bit of action from the Seven Years War.

We've caught a glance of Percy before now in the Lord John series, as a handsome young man briefly seen at Lavender House, so we know where his orientation lies. (And those who have read An Echo in the Bone will immediately recognize him. I found myself rather wishing that I had read Gabaldon's books in order of publication so I could have known more about Percy and John's relationship before reading Echo. It wasn't required, certainly, but it would have been nice background information. Alternately, reading Echo first doesn't ruin the outcome of this book, but the reader does get a hint as to how things turn out.) In Brotherhood of the Blade, Percy is not simply a casual acquaintance, but rather, he is about to become John's step-brother, pending the nuptials of John's mother Benedicta. There's an immediate spark between Percy and John, starting with the surprise of recognition as they're introduced and continuing through their every encounter. While they keep attempting to find some private time alone, poor timing means that repeatedly, their attempts at an evening alone are thwarted. Of course, this also means that they get to know each other quite well before any physical intimacy; it all has the warm and exciting air of courtship, which exactly what it is, even if the time period wouldn't quite carry the same view. Percy might be a handsome young man, but as with many handsome young men, he has limited means... which means that his step-father is buying him a commission in a regiment and if he hadn't been inclined to join John's (overseen by John's older brother Hal) previous to their meeting, well he's certainly inclined to do so now. The air is spiced with the thrill of battle as the regiment readies itself for any number of locations, though ultimately they're sent to chase the French army around for a while before they see real action... but if you think this might be a fluffy book, never fear -- there is some pretty intense military action to witness.

One of the fun parts of this installment is the greater acquaintance it provides with Lord John's family. Hal, John's older brother, is an interesting character, also seen in Echo as a much older man, so it's nice to see him a bit younger. While Hal technically has inherited his father's title, Duke of Pardloe, he stubbornly refuses to use what is viewed as a tainted title, following a scandal that indicted their father as a Jacobite sympathizer. Hal and the rest of the family is adamant that such an accusation was false (despite their mother's Scottish background) and before any official claims were laid to the Duke, he died. The death was ruled as a suicide, but John reveals that he knows such a ruling to be false -- it was murder. Seeing as everyone's English, there's a great deal of non-discussion about emotions surrounding this, particularly between the two brothers and extending to their mother. Granted, there's the fact that everyone seemed to be trying to protect everyone else from certain knowledge but ultimately, had they all come clean with what they knew, they would have saved themselves some trouble in trying to figure out who actually murdered the Duke. This is more a criticism of the English mindset in general... as far as the book is concerned, it's a good detail and quite in keeping with everyone's character.

There's a lot of time devoted to Percy & John's relationship... and a lot of time spent with John pining for Jamie Fraser. As far as Percy is concerned, Gabaldon gives Percy and John a short period of bliss before a huge bit of drama is tossed in... which results in Percy and another German fellow being arrested for sodomy and then John winds up as the sole alive/available witness. John needs to figure out what to do as the military investigation draws near -- for perjuring himself would result in the end of his own career but testifying would most likely result in Percy's death (or life imprisonment on the lenient side). Even before this complication which effectively ends their relationship, John was struggling with his own emotions -- for he cannot shake the feeling that while he does like Percy a great deal, he's still hopelessly in love with Jamie Fraser. So I turn my attention to Jamie. Normally, I'm always in favor of more Jamie Fraser, but what Gabaldon gives us is a situation even more complicated and interesting than I could have hoped for. What we have here is a very guilt-ridden, angry, and intolerant Jamie Fraser -- not at all the romantic, brave, kind and in-control Jamie that we're all rather used to. These are dark days for Jamie Fraser and Gabaldon doesn't shy away from this. At this time, Jamie is a convicted Jacobite traitor and John has made allowances for Jamie to serve as a groom at Helwater rather than be shipped off to the Americas. To refresh your memory, the result of Jamie's time in Helwater was this: Geneva blackmailed Jamie into taking her maidenhead before her wedding to Ellesmere, she got pregnant as a result, Ellesmere freaked out out because he never slept with Geneva, Geneva died in childbirth, and Jamie shot Ellesmere after Ellesmere threatened to kill the baby. We know this from Voyager but Lord John doesn't have all these details and consequently, all we see is John being confused as to why everything is even more tense than it should be following the death of Geneva and Ellesmere. We, the readers, know the torment that's going on in Jamie's mind, but John does not, even if he has a sneaking suspicion that Jamie might have fathered Geneva's child. In addition to all this, while those who have finished Voyager know that Jamie and John ultimately do come to have a close friendship, at the time, they are certainly not chummy. Jamie's wracked with guilt about Geneva's death and John is distraught about Percy's situation, so they're both stretched emotionally when John starts asking Jamie for information about Jacobites (in his search to clear his father's name). There's a pretty impressive scene towards the end of this novel where Jamie and John have a massive argument, showcasing Jamie's complete abhorrence for homosexuality. We all know that this mostly stems from his own experience being raped by Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall (and rescuing young Fergus from a similar experience by the same man)... or at least certainly it was strengthened by it. For readers who clearly don't have the same distaste for homosexuality that Jamie professes (otherwise they probably wouldn't have made it so far in this particular novel, given that John is most definitely gay), it's fascinating to still like Jamie even if we don't agree with his feelings on the matter. There are a few things that probably help us maintain our love for Jamie at this point: (1) we know Jamie and John do become friends later, (2) Jamie is pretty insistent that what he finds horrible is the idea of using someone else for one's pleasure, particularly young boys, and (3) at least Jamie is not up for persecution of any kind of person, no matter their deviation from what is accepted as the mainstream. I still find it a to be a testament to Gabaldon's skill at creating complicated and compelling characters that we can continue to like Jamie Fraser. Meanwhile, John acquits himself quite well on his side of the argument, insisting that he be heard in defense of his own sexuality... and then has a rather base reaction to the stimulation of such passionate debate with Jamie. Those who don't want to bother with any kind of plotline around homosexuality will quickly realize this book is not for them -- but it certainly makes me wonder how many people in Gabaldon's fan base are turned off by her acceptance and promotion of Lord John as a strong and incredibly likable protagonist who happens to be gay. (Indeed, in this book more than any other, his sexual orientation is a big issue, but I like to think that Lord John is not solely defined by this one trait.) I certainly hope that her readership is entirely comprised of intelligent and tolerant people, but I would be willing to bet that there are a few homophobic bad apples in any bunch.

While Lord John and the Private Matter showed that Gabaldon isn't a mystery writer deep down, I do think that her second attempt at a mystery novel drastically exceeds the first on all fronts. Private Matter was still pleasant but Brotherhood of the Blade was a much better work on the whole. Perhaps it's just because Lord John was personally invested with the mystery at hand, perhaps not. Either way, I was delighted with this installment of Lord John's adventures and hope you feel the same.(less)

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Sep 01, 2010 Lori Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

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 Lord John finally found affection and h...more

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Jan 27, 2010 Barb rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: hf-1700s, historical-mystery, read-in-2010

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 ridiculous side...more 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 ridiculous side and really made no sense when logically analyzed. I also think that some of Lord John's behavior wasn't in keeping with his character and what we know about him. Was the author trying to reveal a more realistic picture of him? If so it wasn't very well done but rather came off as completely inconsistent with what we know of him and what makes sense for a man in his position. He has lived very carefully concealing his sexuality for his entire adult life.

Overall I thought this was easy to read and I did like certain parts of it but on the whole I didn't find it very satisfying and the more I analyze it the more I realized that I like it less than I thought.

SPOILERS AHEAD
It's difficult to really talk about a book without giving away any specifics. I never want to spoil a story for another reader so this is where you should stop reading if you don't want to know any particulars about this book.

Okay, so here are the things that just didn't sit well with me and didn't seem to make very good sense in general.

I didn't find it very believable that Lord John who has been so incredibly careful about concealing his sexuality would suddenly be so quick to establish a relationship with Percy who will be not only a member of his family but a member of his regiment as well. As it turns out Percy has a very interesting history and coincidently also has information that relates to the death of Lord John's father.
All of this seems a little too unlikely to me.

Percy's betrayal of Lord John felt way too contrived. Okay fine if he had sex with someone else but the place and the time just don't hold up to scrutiny. Why would he have chosen to have sex in Lord John's room when Lord John was not known to be somewhere else engaged in a prolonged activity? That made no sense especially when the punishment for being caught the way he was could very well have been death.

And the fact that Percy doesn't reveal to Lord John what he knows about Mr. A's interest in Lord John and his family until he is in gaol and he tries to work it to his advantage jus felt like another convenient twist the author created rather then something that was in keeping with his character.

The mystery itself was a bit far-fetched, not to mention that it was all unraveling seventeen years after the death of Lord John's father. I found it rather implausible that Dr. Longstreet was trying to reveal to Lord John and his brother Hal and his mother who the killer was by sending them pages from his father's journal but in Lord John's case he hired thugs who beat him and tried to put a page from his father's journal into his possession during the altercation...Hmmm...wouldn't sending the page by post or messenger have been a lot less difficult, time consuming and much more effective?

Okay, and my one last gripe has to do with the things that the author made Lord John do that in my opinion were not in keeping with his character. He would have been more careful before entering into a relationship with Percy as I mentioned before. He wouldn't have said the horribly offensive and sexually threatening things he said to Jamie Fraser. He wouldn't have satisfied himself the way he did outside the barn at Helwater where anyone could see him. And I don't believe that he would have blinded Adams in his confrontation with him.

As I said the more I dissect this the less I like it.(less)

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Jan 30, 2012 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012, historical-fiction, hf-1700s

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 longer than...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Scrittevolmente rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Poi mi chiedono perché odio le saghe; è ovvio: perché non finiscono! Secondo episodio della serie di avventure che vede come protagonista Lord John, soldato inglese che attraverso le sue peripezie ci porterà attraverso salotti sfarzosi e guerre di potere, strade nevose e campi di battaglia tedeschi, in cui sarà facile riconoscere la penna della Gabaldon, autrice che ha dedicato moltissimo tempo alla ricerca approfondita degli usi e dei costumi dell’epoca, con dovizia di particolari, aspetti meno...more

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May 21, 2013 Maria Elena rated it 3 of 5 stars

It was good, entertaining, really funny at points and made me laugh out loud--mostly, I have to say, at John, and not with him. Not only does he have the worst possible timing, but also he aids his back luck a lot by being unabel to mind his own damned business.

This book is interesting because it explores a bit the relatioship between John and his brother Hal, and their mother. Lady Benedicat Grey is a force of nature, and I think I{d like to see her meet Jamie Fraser, just so they can face off...more It was good, entertaining, really funny at points and made me laugh out loud--mostly, I have to say, at John, and not with him. Not only does he have the worst possible timing, but also he aids his back luck a lot by being unabel to mind his own damned business.

This book is interesting because it explores a bit the relatioship between John and his brother Hal, and their mother. Lady Benedicat Grey is a force of nature, and I think I{d like to see her meet Jamie Fraser, just so they can face off against one another. No wonder Grey loves stubborn men, he's clearly been conditioned.

John's conflicts with his past and his honor are interesting to watch. He´s put in positions that aren't either easy or enviable, and not always through his own actions. I love the fact that despite the many complications and risks it involves, John isn't really conflicted about what he wants and who he is--only worried about it will all mean for his family, should he get caught.

It's not that I'm not interested in reading the in-depth description of an XVII century soldier homosexual freak-out, it's just that I'm more interested in reading how he handles hismelf in a clearly homophobic society and how me moves in the thick of homosexual prosecution--the Army. Besides, John's been gay since he was 16. I do believe 13 years ought to be more than enough to get over himself.

One thing I wish Gabaldon would give up is his obsession with Jamie. It's not even an adorable sort of puppyish love. It clearly disgusts Jamie, and hey, that's his right, but their interacions can get somewhat tiring when John gets on the pining side. Also there was a scene there in the middle that made me wodner what the hell I had just read... probably not what Diana was aiming for.

I do have to say the end of the book picks up in quality if only through John´s trauma and how he works through it... or rather how he fails to work through it.

My conclusion is this book needed more Stephan and a lot more Gustav the Daschund. (less)

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Nov 28, 2011 Kristīne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fix

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 historic...more 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 fiction which satisfies your hunger for history, knowledge, excitement, entertainment or simply the most humane need for a good read.
This book was recommended to me by an Outlander enthusiast, who insisted I can't lay my hands on The Scottish Prisoner before I get properly acquainted with Lord John and his earlier adventures, and in fact, I am really glad I did! I was not a big fan of Lord John in Outlander books, but this book certainly made me change my mind. Lord John is the first ever homosexual man I regret being homosexual, although he is perfect the way he is. His sexual preferences may differ from the classical "the Real Man" characteristics, but Lord John seemed a more man than any of the douches we encounter in superhero movies. As a character he is honorable, passionate about things he loves, smart, yes - stubborn, strong and gentle when he needs to be, - these are the things that make a Man (and not fast cars and shiny double-breasted suits as Westlife music video with the same title would suggest).
I was very curious about the male-male relationship, how it would unravel in a book, as I haven't encountered it much in literature (not that it would be a rare thing in books - I am speaking about the books I have read), my views were biased by stereotypes cultivated in popular media, and if Lord John exceeded my expectations, then Percy was a disappointment. Except for the dark curly hair, it was hard for me to understand John's infatuation with him. And Percy annoyed the hell out of me when John was reciting his first encounter with the Fraser couple.
Another thing that was sort of out of place - Jamie Fraser. Ok, I would lie if I said I wished he wasn't in the book at all, but those small encounters with him seemed a bit mechanically put in - forgive me the comparison, but it was a bit similar to Edward's appearance in New Moon (at least the film) - fans love Edward, lets give them more Edward! Fans love Jamie, lest give them small glimpses of him throughout the whole book! I hope this wasn't the case, but it seemed like it. But I also have to admit that probably those scenes with Jamie were the ones I enjoyed the most.
But, damn, it was good to be reading Diana Gabaldon again!(less)

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Oct 09, 2009 Debbie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: encores, historical

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 his father'...more 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 his father's death, a death that was shamefully deemed to be suicide when John knows that his father was murdered.

His father was slanderously linked to a Jacobite plot and Lord John has to ask for help from Jamie Fraser. This takes us to Helwater just after Geneva's death and gives us a view of events through John's eyes and an impression of Jamie that is very different from the one that Claire gives us in the Outlander series.

We also get to know John's family a lot better. His redoubtable mother is remarrying and when John meets his new stepbrother Percy (short for Perseverance)he realises that they have met before at Lavender House. John and Percy become lovers but John cannot give Percy his heart because he is still obsessed with Jamie. While on campaign in Europe Percy is discovered 'in flagrante delicto' bonking a young soldier. John is one of three witnesses and his evidence will cause Percy to hang. He realises that he cannot condemn Percy to a fate that he is lucky to have escaped himself and contrives to have Percy sprung from Newgate prison and smuggled to Ireland by means of a body swap whereby it appears that Percy has died in prison from gaol fever. Thus the scene is set for Percy's reappearance almost 20 years later in Echo under the assumed name of Beauchamp.

John also suffers a major wound in battle and major depression afterwards, meets up again with his old friend Von Namtzen who has lost an arm in battle and is also suffering from depression, delivers his cousin Olivia's child with the help of Percy in a small room under the church organ during his mother's wedding, solves the mystery of his father's death and restores the family's good name and reputation and becomes godfather to his brother Hal's new born daughter Dorothea, who we meet again as Dottie in Echo.

All in all, a very satisfying read.
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Mar 26, 2011 Mandy rated it 4 of 5 stars

(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's lovers, this one was hi...more

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Nov 15, 2012 Chance rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: a-gay-old-time

The back of Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade goes into detail about the plot: the death of Lord John's father was surrounded in scandal and secrecy, and one of those secrets has resurfaced, forcing the family to confront the past. This plot drives most of the story's action, but the back of the book relegates the /emotional/ drive of the story to a mere few words, "a love affair with potentially disastrous consequences."

This "love affair" is Lord John's relationship with his soon-to-be...more The back of Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade goes into detail about the plot: the death of Lord John's father was surrounded in scandal and secrecy, and one of those secrets has resurfaced, forcing the family to confront the past. This plot drives most of the story's action, but the back of the book relegates the /emotional/ drive of the story to a mere few words, "a love affair with potentially disastrous consequences."

This "love affair" is Lord John's relationship with his soon-to-be step-brother Percy Wainwright. In the mid 1700s (a hundred years after another gay-in-the-English-military novel, As Meat Loves Salt), being a sodomite and a pederast in the military is an offense punishable by death. Their affair is steamy and dangerous, and has consequences that are somewhat predictable but no less gut-wrenching.

Perhaps the back of the book glosses over the homosexual aspect of the story (and by "aspect" I mean it colors almost every single one of Lord John's actions throughout the book) to not turn away readers who might be put off by the gay angle or those strange women who are so appalled by Lord John's "obsession" with Jamie Fraser that their vehement opposition to their friendship exposes their own unhealthy obsession with a fictional character. Don't worry, ladies, the big bad gay isn't going to steal your fake boyfriend.

Back to the point, Brotherhood intersects with events in Voyager, but the Jamie Fraser connection feels like out-of-place fanservice. The Helwater sections, in which Lord John visits and pines over Fraser, break up the otherwise smooth flow of the novel. The "mystery" surrounding Lord John's father is complicated, but minimally intriguing, and is resolved by a series of fortunate coincidences without any direct involvement by Lord John itself. The story is at its strongest when focused on the relationship the publishers tries to ignore. This is an important book, showing just how dangerous it once was to be gay. It shows how far society has come, and its parallels to today show how far we still have to go.(less)

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May 31, 2013 Sophia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-historical-fiction-reading-cha, 2013-mount-tbr-reading-challenge, historical-mystery-suspense

I closed this book with reluctance as I do each time I have read a Diana Gabaldon story. The story was a longer one than the previous Lord John novel and it had a slightly different tone to it. I suppose this is because the issues were all of a personal nature for John and his family once the truth started shaking loose from among all the secrets, lies and motives of the various people involved. I have come to the conclusion that when reading this author that no detail is inconsequential and may...more I closed this book with reluctance as I do each time I have read a Diana Gabaldon story. The story was a longer one than the previous Lord John novel and it had a slightly different tone to it. I suppose this is because the issues were all of a personal nature for John and his family once the truth started shaking loose from among all the secrets, lies and motives of the various people involved. I have come to the conclusion that when reading this author that no detail is inconsequential and may wait five hundred pages, but it does eventually prove itself relevant. I love this about these stories among the many other reasons I could cite for loving them.

Due to the sheer volume of this book (it rivals an Outlander novel), I will give a briefer summary than I usually do. Speaking of the Outlander series, I wish that I had been reading these at the same time that I read those instead of afterwards because this book had so many crossover references. So much in the last few Outlander books that were brief references to events that were detailed out in this story would have made a deeper impression. Now, I will have to go back and read them again (no hardship there) to catch those references and see how my perception of them has changed now that I'm reading these. Alright, well all that being said, onward.

This book opens with plans for John's mother to remarry a retired army general Sir Stanley. John and Hal are introduced to the general and his step-son Percy. John is attracted to Percy on sight as is Percy to him. They further their acquaintance and become friends though anything more for them keeps getting sabotaged by circumstances. Circumstances being that his regiment is preparing to ship out soon, cryptic pieces of his father's last diary show up and John learns that his brother and mother are keeping secrets from him about his father, a group of conspirators have stolen documents and money from the government for the French cause and the sudden death of a close family friend that takes him back to Helwater- and yes, back into contact with one Jamie Fraser. Something is wrong in the Helwater household and John can only surmise as to what really went on, but he leaves it alone in pursuit of the secrets from his family's past, his army duty and his desire to become better acquainted with Percy.

John has a lot of brands in the fire and his thoughts and emotions are all over the place even as his life is endangered on more than one occasion. He picks himself up each time and continues with his pursuits which tug him in different directions. He discovers that he is in need of assistance from Jamie Fraser to glean what he needs to know about his father's possible connection to the Jacobites. At the same time, he begins a relationship with Percy. Then the regiment finally leaves to join the Germans to go fight the French along their boarder where danger doesn't just come from enemy fire, but from within.

All in all, I found this a satisfying, yet gut-wrenching read. This one had mystery in it, but it wasn't as much of a mystery story in the traditional sense like the first novel was. This one is a little of everything actually. Which brings me to make the point that this should probably be read in order of the series because of references to the past, the ongoing historical storyline and because of recurring characters and their stories. This story ran me through the spectrum of my emotions which is why I scored it so high in the rating. I loved feeling like I was there in the story right alongside Lord John. Having his thoughts and having him for a narrator is probably my favorite part of the story. I like him more and more each story I read. His life is so full. I love the brotherly relationship he has with Hal and the further tender relationship with his other female relations. He even develops a relationship in this one with his step-father's stepson, Percy Wainwright. It takes some time for it to have a chance and once it does it doesn't get graphic. In fact, its almost comical at first how many times they try to meet up and it is foiled by one thing or another. There is a few scenes with his friend Stephen from the previous stories which was a good thing. Later in the story, my heart broke for him when he experienced personal betrayal and then had to just pick up the pieces and keep going. I will give warning that this book is a book of parts. It has a long slow climb pulling the story threads more and more taunt until they finally release into a series of things near the end. Some were expected, but there are several surprises too. So be patient, the build up is worth it.
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Oct 21, 2012 Andrea rated it 3 of 5 stars

This series shares the author's meticulous research and attention to historical detail with the Outlander series. However, in my opinion, that's where the similarities end. I like this series so far as it gives a really interesting slice of life of London in the 1750s and fills in the "missing years" of the Outlander series. I don't think every Outlander fan will like this series unless one is generally a fan of historic fiction.
For whatever reason, I really like Lord John Grey! He's so clever...more

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Aug 27, 2010 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

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 Lord John ser...more

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Dec 19, 2012 Samantha rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: recently-read

This is the second novel in Diana Gabaldon's spinoff series from Outlander, starring one of the "major minor characters" from the Outlander series. Thank goodness this was better than The Private Matter because I barely got through that novel, but I actually enjoyed this one.

Firstly, the "mystery" - since the Lord John books are ostensibly mysteries - was about John's father, which made solving the mystery much more meaningful. There was a lot of character development here for John which I alway...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Heather in FL rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-i-own-it, audio, elements-historical, elements-suspense, z-from-audible

Well, we got the buttsex, lol. I was beginning to wonder if throughout this whole series, we'd know Lord John was gay and had attractions, but he'd never actually have sex with someone as part of the story. And I thought Ms. Gabaldon did a pretty good job when it did happen. It wasn't quite explicit, but it was not fade-to-black either.

I really enjoyed this story. There were parts that dragged, but I'd been so interested in John's history with Percy that I really wanted to listen to this one. I...more

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Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade (Lord John Grey #2)

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