Oh no, Jeane. Apparently, my powers are waning.

:-) I am pretty sure I will read them but have the feeling it won't be now. But yesterday I suddenly felt liker eadng them, now the feeling is almsot gone.

Jeane wrote: "I don't know why but i suddenly want to read the second one now."

Jeane, you must continue this series. I'll put my spell on you like you did on me for the Evans books.

I don't know why but i suddenly want to read the second one now.

LOL, Mitch. You'll get through Fiery Cross. I did. The last half was pretty good. While I've started A Breath of Snow and Ashes, I have several other books I have to read before the Southern KY Book Fest on the 18th of this month (10 days and counting), so I will probably have to put aside Snow and Ashes to get those read.

****************Possible Spoiler, Ghost****************

Regarding the ghost: I heard it was not more than a couple of sentences in Snow & Ashes as to the explanation and that it's not that clear.

This is only what I've heard, heck, I'm still on page one of The Fiery Cross for Pete's sake. I'm so slacking!

************Possible Spoiler, Ghost*********************

In Diana Gabaldon's Outlandish Guide to Outlander, she states that the ghost will be explored later and she tells that the ghost is Jamie. I've just started A Breath of Snow and Ashes, book six, and started a discussion thread on the book. Allison, I haven't gotten to anything about the ghost yet, but I'm just on page 110.

Funny thing though, on Diana Gabaldon's website I noted something that said that the 'ghost' would be explained in one of the Lord John books, not sure why that would be, but I swear that is what she said!

Liz wrote: "I have just gotten into the first book of the series, and I am LOVING it! I had never even heard of it until I saw a thread about it that was similar to this one. I hope I like the rest of them as ..."

Nevermind...my question was answered. ^_^

Liz wrote: "I have just gotten into the first book of the series, and I am LOVING it! I had never even heard of it until I saw a thread about it that was similar to this one. I hope I like the rest of them as ..."

that doesn't get MENTIONED again until Book 6 :P I would try and forget about it. Its a brief mention in Book 6 that makes you think it might be explained further...so when the next comes out, we'll see.

I have just gotten into the first book of the series, and I am LOVING it! I had never even heard of it until I saw a thread about it that was similar to this one. I hope I like the rest of them as much. I'm only about 200 pages into it, but I keep thinking about the guy in the kilt that Frank sees in the beginning. Does that ever get explained?

It's weird, violence, when written in a certain way, and when it is important to the story and not just thrown in there for the shock factor, is something that I can deal with. As you say, Ed, it is a part of life. I just can't deal with it when it is there for no real value to a storyline. Of course, how the writer weaves the scenes in and handles them overall matters to how well I can stomach it, and then, only because it is fiction. It is much harder to stomach true descriptions of violence. That is something I have yet to figure out a way to handle...

Erica wrote: "So as to the graphic nature of the sex and violence in these novels"

It's hard for me or most people I suspect to contemplate the gratuitous violence of as recently as yesterday in Darfur or the DRC.

Somehow, it doesn't seem as reprehensible when I'm reading about something that happened 200 years ago.

If violence bothers you, stay away from the historical fiction of Bernard Cornwell.

Hey there folks. I am so excited to see this group and thread! So I read Outlander back in the first year it came out and I LOVED it. And I am thrilled to see that so many other people got bogged down by TFC! That is where it lost me, I couldn't just skip it and go on to Breath, but I really want to see where it goes. It is just too good a series to abandon!

So as to the graphic nature of the sex and violence in these novels, someone else pointed out that these do seem to be primarily romance novels and the violence was a part of the times that the books take place. The only sex/violence part that bothered me was the male on male rape scenes (book 2??) and I won't say more about that as to not create a spoiler here. It was well written and really spoke to the dynamics of such a powerful situation, but it was hard to stomach, as are any detailed and honest rape scenes in my mind.

As I mentioned, I lost my way when I started TFC, although if I recall correctly that is the one that takes place primarily in NC, which is where I live, and it is fun seeing some of the stuff they talk about there, like the debate on what true BBQ is (tomato sauce or not, NOT!). My dad actually read this one because we are Scottish mutts way, way back and he found that aspect of the Scots that moved to NC in that era very fascinating. But thanks to everyone's comments here in regards to that one, and Breath, and reminding me that there is another coming, I am going to restart the whole series and get through this time!

Wish me luck!

Fiona, Lord John is my favorite character! I'm totally in love with him. I read and enjoyed all the books, but especially "Brotherhood of the Blade", which adds more to the history between John and Jamie, and how they recovered their friendship. Diana's writing is great, even when she's not writing for Jamie and Claire. I seem to be in the minority in this opinion, however. Most readers, even her fans, don't think the Lord John books are as good.


*** Warning: Big Effing Spoiler from future book Voyager ***


FYI, Jamie kissed John to thank him for agreeing to adopt Willie.

Fiona wrote: "Yah, you really need to read them in order otherwise I don't think they'll make much sense.... well they might make sense but I doubt they'd be as enjoyable because you wouldn't know how Jamie and ..."

Thanks everyone for your input. I'll wait until I get my hands on Volume One. I'm off to Portland OR, next Thursday and Powell's is sure to have a used copy, I hope.

**********Big Effing Spoiler****************




Has anyone read the Lord John books? I have one but not sure if I'll like it, which is silly as I LOVE Lord John. I loved it when Jamie kissed him (can't remember the reason now, he was saying thank you and Claire got jealous.) But I love his friendship with Jamie.

Although, I wonder really that Jamie is so open to it? Well, not open but accepting of it?

I don't think any of them were at all prim and proper, like we usually like to SEE the past as. Even the Victorian era I bet wasn't as 'nice' as they portrayed themselves to be. But it just surprises me really still.

Yah, you really need to read them in order otherwise I don't think they'll make much sense.... well they might make sense but I doubt they'd be as enjoyable because you wouldn't know how Jamie and Claire met and all the previous history. Especially from books 3&4.

Ed, I had to deal with the same thing...I got them way out of order on Bookmooch...but I waited til I had them all before I started...and I'm so glad I did. I HIGHLY recommend you wait and read them in order.

I think you really must read them in order to have any idea who's who and how they all got to where they are. Plus, the first one is really the best.

Question: is it important to read the books in order? I have two coming from Bookmooch but they are Books 3 and 4. I know the O'Brian series is best read in order whereas the Richard Sharpe series by B. Cornwell can be read out of order as he does a good job of setting the context in the first chapter of each novel.

No problem, I'm actually reading it now and got to that part yesterday...haha. Its somewhat vague...but I'm not done yet, so I'm hoping it comes up again.

Okay! Thanks!!

Christy wrote: "So I finally finished TFC and it ended up better than I thought. Still, way too detailed. Anyways...something has been bothering me since the first book and I need some feedback. Do you all remem..."

The ghost is addressed in Breath of Snow and Ashes, Book #6 :-)

So I finally finished TFC and it ended up better than I thought. Still, way too detailed. Anyways...something has been bothering me since the first book and I need some feedback. Do you all remember in Outlander before Claire went through the stones, she was up in the room brushing her hair and Frank came in and said some authentically dressed Scot was staring up at her very intensely? What do you think that's about? I keep waiting to hear Jaime went ahead in time to find Claire or something....

I got hold of a smaller paperback of A Breath of Snow and Ashes - I had that huge version but it isn't comfy to read and I prefer small paperbacks if I have the choice. I really want to read it... but I need to remind myself of what happened in the past books.

I really can't be bothered with TFC, it depresses me even thinking of read it. I started 3 times and stopped at the same point each time. About 400 pages in - and that's the length of a normal book and I think they were still on the same day and nothing at all had happened.

So I might just read Breath of Snow and Ashes. I can remember mostly all the key points of what happened, just not the details.

I have been reading this book and I'm really enjoying it! I wish I didn't have to work, it really gets in the way of my reading, lol!I really like Claire a lot, she's so fiesty!

Until the "Outlander" series came along, Bertrice Small's "Skye O'Mallay" series
was probably my favorite series:
Skye O'Malley;
All the Sweet Tomorrows;
A Love For All Time;
This Heart of Mine;
Lost Love Found; and
Wild Jasmine
and the follow-on sequal "Skye's Legacy":
Darling Jasmine;
Bedazzled;
Besieged;
Intrigued;
Just Beyond Tomorrow; and
Vixens

The "Outlander" series has so much depth and well constructed characters. I also have to admit that I have learned a lot of history. (Yes I am one of those readers who looks up the history parts).

I have read the whole series, mutiple times - about 2 months before the next book releases, I re-read all the books that came before - so yes I have read TFC twice and will be reading it a third time when book 7 comes out. That's the one thing that I hate is the long wait between books, but then I guess I should look on the bright side that I get to revisit friends again. Got my DH hooked as well - but he reads much slower than I do so has only read them each once.

Happy reading to those of you just starting and for those who are having trouble with TFC - keep plugging away. The suggestion to do the audio is a great one. I've listened to several of them and really enjoyed it. This next time through I think I am going to listen to each as i read along with the book - I love hearing the Gallic spoken aloud.

Okay, I'm still struggling through The Fiery Cross, but it is getting better. I just think maybe Ms. Gabaldon needed a better editor on this book. SO much of the detail is just unneccesary. The whole first part of the book when they are at the Gathering could have been half the length. Now I'm at Jocasta's wedding and really wish they'd get on with it. And I'm not really likeing Brianna in this book. I still love Jamie and Claire and I really like Roger. I like Mrs. Bug as a new character and I'm intrigued by the new twins that are moving onto Frasier's Ridge. I hope Young Ian comes back soon! Thanks, I had to vent. This book is killing me!

I've only read Outlander (just finished); but enjoyed it. What may draw me into more of the series is my interest in Claire and Jamie's possible participation in the Rising. I have a passion for history.

Thank you, Fiona.

The second one, Dragonfly in Amber.

What did you think of it?

I've just finished reading Outlander. And I have a question.

Which book in the series has the battle of Culloden as part of the plot?

You have convinced me! I added it to my TBR list.

I've heard so much about this series on this site and I've passed the books in the book stores so many times so I finally decided to just pick up the book and I started reading it the other day. I haven't been able to actually sit down and read it a whole lot though since work has been crazy busy. I'm really excited that I don't have much going on this weekend so I can sit and read it.

I agree TFC was difficult to get through, but for me it was because I raced through the first four books and my marathon pace was starting to wear on me. I would stick with it though. I have found that I would be lost if i had skipped any of the previous books. The ending does get better!

Not sure what I am going to do when I finish the last one. any suggestions would be appreciated!

I think I flicked through enough of TFC really to just get on and read Breath of Snow and Ashes. Must remind myself of the rest. It's been a while since reading. I might try re-reading on the side of everything else but I'm not good with reading multiple books.

Yeah, The Fiery Cross was hard to get through. I slogged through it, but A Breath of Snow and Ashes was sooo much better. Definitely worth it.

I don't remember exactly what events happen in which book at this point, it's been about a year since I read them, but I would recommend just plugging along with TFC. I seem to recall the end of the book being better than the rest, so it was worth it to keep going.

I so agree Allison. I can't stomach violence (it 'sticks' with me and is terribly upsetting. I was very put off by the wife beating scene in the middle of the book....almost walked away entirely from the series. However, I knew that in the end, it must all make sense (based the personalities and beliefs of close friend's who'd read and loved the series.

I skipped the details of that scene and the brutal stuff at towards the end. As I spend time - much time - thinking about what that scene meant (the wife beating scene) to the overall narrative thread, it became clear that it wasn't there because it was okay, or because it was reasonable, but because it WAS part of that time. No matter how abbhorent it is now (and was then), it did exist.

It was clearly there to demonstrate the clash of 1946 with 1744 in the most startling way possible. After that scene, because of her reaction, he does promise never to do it again - and he NEVER does it again. He doesn't understand her position but.....he still doesn't do it.

The rest of the book, in large part, is spent understanding the role that physical discipline/punishment plays in that historical period...we get a thorough explaination and understanding of it's role in Jamies' childhood and his life as an adult....it was everywhere.

Anyhoo, I skip parts that are too violent or upsetting....but overall these books are my favorites. I didn't love DIA and TFC as much as the other four. My very two favorites are Outlander and ABOSAA....then Voyager, then Drums of Autumn......then a distant fifth to DIA and last place to TFC.

I now read and reread them....and listen to the unabridged audio in chunks. (though her scottish/gaelic aren't as good as in the abridged versions)

:)
katherine

Thanks Beth. I guess I'll keep going. Now I'm intrigued....a Beatles reference??

Christy, it gets better! But not until the next book, sad to say.

What can I say about The Fiery Cross? The only thing that comes to mind is "Ugh." I raced through the first four, got bogged down by that one, but was very pleased with A Breath of Snow and Ashes because it was much more interesting. I think I was still peeved about TFC so didn’t love ABoSaA as much as the first four, but still enjoyed it very, very much. I plan to reread it before the next book is released so I can familiarize myself with the story (I would probably never reread TFC, even if somebody paid me).

There's more information told about time traveling, Lizzie gets super, super weird, and there's a Beatles reference from a surprising source (!!!) and it’s much more action-packed than TFC which was a total snooze fest, in my opinion.

I'm reading TFC right now and I'm really struggling. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. I'm hoping it gets better once they leave the big gathering. Right now it just seems like she's throwing way too many characters at me at once and I can't keep them straight at all. And what's worse, I have no desire to. Someone, anyone, please tell me it gets better!

I actually have the same problem. I own the series & have been unable to get through TFC. I never want to give up on a book, so have put them away for a few months & figured I'd pick them back up sometime. What if I skip it? Will I be lost in the next one? Anyone that has read the series??

Yeah TFC kinda stopped me. I think I might actually skip it. It's been a long time since I've read them, so might have to have a re-read, though I might just read a few synopsis as I don't really have time for re-reads.

I'm getting into Drums of Autumn now, and I'm happy that I haven't started to lose any steam yet. I am still LOVING the characters. I am a bit afraid of Fiery Cross-that seems to be the turning point for most people, so we'll see how it goes.

I have got this far in a VERY intense week of reading, so I'm a bit afraid of what will happen once I finish #6...I might end up just going back and rereading #1.

Hello Fiona #3

Hmm what can I suggest? Not sure. How did you find The Fiery Cross? Must finish reading this series.

Hey all, i just thought i'd pop in by & say hello.

I Love the outlander series & am having a problem finding anything to take it's place while waiting for the lovely Diana Gabaldon to finally finish An Echo In The Bone.xx

I am normally so against reading books about any type of female abuse or rape...but seriously? You can't expect Claire to go back in time to that setting and have high tea with a group of proper tie-clad gentleman. Everything that happens is very appropriate to the period in which she finds herself. I LOVE Outlander, I'm about 3/4 of the way through it, and already have the next 3 books in reserve ready to go!

http://www.its.caltech.edu/~gatti/gabald...

You can see some pics of Jamie and Murtagh on her website there.

haha. It would be interesting to actually see how DG envisions Jamie and Claire. I'd read it!

(I wonder how graphic?)