Outlander Series discussion
How did you find the Outlander Series?
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Carol
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May 13, 2011 07:05AM
A friend loaned Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber to me back in 1994(?). I finished both of them and started Voyager, but never finished it. I found Outlander for free on Kindle a few months back and picked it up, along with Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager. I plan to finish the series this time, although it may take me a while! :)
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Writing the 194th comment, it seems rather strange to contribute to this thread, but I've obviously been misinterpreting its meaning for months.Many years ago (about 10?), while rummaging the shelves in my local book club, I was attracted by the cover of a very thick book: a beautiful brooch in the Celtic style on bright red background. Yes, it was the German edition of Fiery Cross. As the author's name was neither known to me nor could I put her to a certain country or language, I checked inside the book, and there it was: the English title of the original. There was no problem getting this edition in my English bookshop and then it spent some time (unread) on my shelves at home. Then one day I occurred to me that this "thick one" was still be read and only then I found out that it was # ? (now I know: #5) of a series and I had to look for #1! Having read the first 50 (or so) pages of Outlander and having overcome the surprise of starting in 1945 and not in the 18th century, I was hooked and later on addicted. I still can remember the pleasure of reading book 1 through 5 in one flow! ... then the break and deprevation while waiting for book #6 ... #7 ... #8 ... #?
In 1991 I was part of a book club. I was careless and forgot to send back the "decline selection" stub when this book was offered as a club choice. A few weeks later Outlander appeared in my mailbox. I read the blurb and thought "not for me" but it was winter and I was in need of some new reading material. It did not take me long to get into the book and then I couldn't put it down. I was left thinking about the characters long after I finished the book, so much so that I read it again within three months. Shortly after that Dragonfly in Amber came out. I ran to the bookstore and bought it and I have not looked back since - other than the re-reads ;)
Megan wrote: "Oh when was Outlander free on Kindle? My kindle arrived today so hit me with some recommendations ladies ;)"Megan, check out pixelofink.com, good place for Freebies.
One of my coworkers, I am a nurse, was reading Outlander on her break, and was raving about it. That was almost 20 years ago and it remains my favourite book. Nurses love these books, very well researched.
I found out about Outlander from The Bronze Horseman threads. The people raved about it and I had to read these books. I am almost finished Voyager. I do love the first 3 books, Voyager being my favorite right now. Love Jamie and Claire!!!
Tina wrote: "I found out about Outlander from The Bronze Horseman threads. The people raved about it and I had to read these books. I am almost finished Voyager. I do love the first 3 books, Voyager being my fa..."I really have to read The Bronze Horseman. I too have heard so many on the Outlander thread talking about it. I'm leaving for a booksigning in Martha's Vineyard Thursday. Maybe I'll get it and take it with me. But I want to read the Lord John books too. And it's my sort of 14 years belated honeymoon with my husband, so maybe there'll be on reading at all between hubby and the booksigning. :)
Anita:In my opinion, you won't be sorry reading the Lord John books. After reading them I found I really liked him. Great sense of humor.
Was believe it or not was looking for cross stitch patterns on line and being in the UK this book kept popping up o read the review and that was it. I finished Outlander a few weeks before my BD and my fantastic hubby then bought me the others all for my BD (did not quite keep me busy all the way to the Echo release but then the LJ books helped too lol
Carren wrote: "Anita:In my opinion, you won't be sorry reading the Lord John books. After reading them I found I really liked him. Great sense of humor."
Thanks Carren. I love humor in books, so as much as I love her writing anyway, I'm sure I will. The worst thing about being a writer is that I can't read for pleasure as much as I used to. It isn't just time constraints, but with so many writer friends, I feel like I have to read their books, when I would rather be reading something else.
Anita wrote: "The worst thing about being a writer is that I can't read for pleasure as much as I used to. It isn't just time constraints, but with so many writer friends, I feel like I have to read their books, when I would rather be reading something else. "Gosh Anita I never thought of that I guess I can not imagine it even. I have thought of attempting to write (even had a few ideas) but just never have. I do not want to looe reading for pleasure though so maybe I wont lol.
Sarah wrote: "Anita wrote: "The worst thing about being a writer is that I can't read for pleasure as much as I used to. It isn't just time constraints, but with so many writer friends, I feel like I have to rea..."It gets hard when you're surrounded by writers with probably wonderful books, but I don't have time to read all theirs and the books I want to read. My perfect vacation would be on an island with the books of my choice!
Sarah, there are pros and cons to everything. If you think you want to write, give it a shot. If nothing else, you'll have something you created. That's an incredible feeling.
I learned about Outlander when I googled 100 best romance books of all time and Outlander was number 1 on the list. So just had to see what was so great about it. First book started out alittle slow in the first few chapters. But am so glad I read it because from then on I was hooked.
Teresita wrote: "I learned about Outlander when I googled 100 best romance books of all time and Outlander was number 1 on the list. So just had to see what was so great about it. First book started out alittle slo..."The first few chapters were slow for me too. I actually read the first few, then stopped for a few weeks, but after I picked it back up I read constantly. Book two started a little slow for me too, but again, I stuck with it and loved it. Now, I've read the entire series and think it's just wonderful.
#1 of 100?!! Very cool! So pleased to hear that!
I was introduced by a co-worker. Her sister in law was obsessed, and she kept talking about how she couldn't commit to reading one to see what all the fuss was about. I have an hour long commute to and from work each day, so I told her I would give it a listen and let her know how it was. The first oh say 3 or so discs didn't do much for me, it seemed like any other historical/romantic/fantasy Scotland based novel...(i.e. Lady of the Glen (which was wonderful btw)) and then it started to change and I really got invested in the characters. I am now on Book 3 - Voyager and am completely hooked.
My son told me about it. He works at Barnes and Noble and he knows what I like to read. I requested Outlander from my local library. I had to wait awhile for it. I read about 50 pages, knew I'd enjoy it and bought it in eBook for my nook. I've read them all, plus the Lord John series. I've also listened to Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber with my husband. We have Voyager on CD for a driving vacation in September. I knew he'd be interested as he like Time Travel stories/movies. HE rolls his eyes at times, but he does enjoy it as well 8)
Hard core fan freak checking in! The time: 1994
The place: Walmart book section
I happened upon Outlander when it was in the original mass market paperback cheesy romance cover edition. Still, the name piqued my interest b/c I always have been obsessed with all things Scottish and historical. So, I picked it up, turned it over and read the back. I was hooked on just that little blurb so I bought it. I read it and fell instantly in LOVE with Jamie and Claire's story. I devoured it quickly and was dying to know if there was more to this amazing story. I had to feed my obsession!! I went to B. Dalton Booksellers and was luckily able to buy Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager, but then I had to wait TWO YEARS for Drums of Autumn to come out. Oh, the agony! I've been reading the series ever since. I have lost count on how many times. Each book was/is well worth the wait. Needless to say, Jamie has me ruined on any other male character in any other book. No one compares. My friends all say that Jamie ruined me on men, too, since I read him at the impressionable age of 17 so no mere mortal will measure up. I'm still optimistic that I can find a man who has some of those endearing Jamie qualities. I know it's impossible to find all of them... ;)
Jen wrote: "Hard core fan freak checking in! The time: 1994
The place: Walmart book section
I happened upon Outlander when it was in the original mass market paperback cheesy romance cover edition. Still, ..." Jen, I see it what you mean about Jamie..I have read alot of Romance books and have yet to find another character who can compare to him. He is by far the best there is..He may not be perfect but is as close as you can get. I have to remind myself he is not real.lol...the only other character that I've never been able to forget is Clayton Westmoreland from Whitney, My love...but Still, Jamie Fraser, is the best...
Jen, I see it what you mean about Jamie..."I laugh out loud, Teresita, when fangirls wax poetic about Edward Cullen. Jamie blows Edward Cullen out of the water!! Then again, it's really comparing apples to oranges since one is a MAN and the other a 100+ year old vampire trapped in a 17 year old body. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate Edward's finer qualities, but he cannot compare to Jamie. I think the fact that Jamie isn't perfect is what makes him perfect. Does that make sense? I have to remind myself he isn't real, too. You're not alone in that. Gosh, I wish he were!
The more you mention Clayton, the more I'm curious to meet him. ;)
Leah, that's so great that you have the family ties with this series. It's great to be able to bond over such things. I'm glad you were able to finish the series thus far. Your aunt would want you to! I'm sure of it!
Hi Jen, Yes since reading Whitney, My Love I have like this image of Clayton in my mind, just like i have with Jamie and I have not been able to do that with too many characters from other books I have read. In Clayton I see like this tall, dark haired man with wavy hair,handsome and with gray eyes who is strong,serious yet has a good sense of humor and knows what he wants and how to get it. He is also very jealous and can be alittle possessive. But is also gentle and generous. Stubborn but unselfish.etc...And Jamie I think is alot like that but is his own man and there is no one like him. He is in a class by himself. The ultimate man/hero of the story.
And ofcourse there is Nicolas from KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR by Jude Deveraux..another time traveler book and not as well written as Outlander but I consider it a great book as well. And I could never forget Nicolas from that story.
As for Edward of Twilight. I adore him too...I can't stand Jacob from the book. But I love Edward and happy that Robert Pattinson was picked for the part.
If I was stranded in a deserted Island, and i had 5 books to choose from to take with me,they would be: Whitney My Love, Outlander, Kingdom of Dreams, Dragonfly in Amber and Knight In Shining Armor..and not necessarily in that order.If I could choose 6 books, A Breath of Snow and Ashes would be one of the books I would pick. Or Voyager. I would take all of the Outlander books If I could.lol
How i found out about Outlander: http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/14....Outlander (Outlander, #1)
Outlander is #1 on list
Whitney my love is #7 on this list
Knight In Shining Armor is #8
Teresita, that is a great thread idea! Thanks! I'm going to use that for a few of my groups.
Hi Wendy, You are very welcome. I thought it was interesting.
Hi Here is another website I found: http://www.theromancereader.com/top10...1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Dream Man by Linda Howard
It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
4. McKenzie’s Mountain by Linda Howard
5. Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Devereaux
6. Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale
7. The Bride by Julie Garwood
8. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
10. Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer
11. Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught
Naked in Death by J. D. Robb
and on this website: http://allaboutromancebooks.blogspot....
AAR's Top 100 Romance Books
All About Romance Books
61. After The Night Linda Howard, Contemporary, 1995
62. Lady Sophia's Lover Lisa Kleypas, European Historical, 2002
63. The Secret Pearl Mary Balogh, European Historical, 1991
64. Once and Always Judith McNaught, European Historical, 1987
65. More Than A Mistress Mary Balogh, European Historical, 2000
66. Untie My Heart Judith Ivory, European Historical, 2002
67. See Jane Score Rachel Gibson, Contemporary, 2003
68. The Rake Mary Jo Putney, European Historical, 1998
69. Dragonfly in Amber Diana Gabaldon, Time-Travel, 1992
70. Perfect Judith McNaught, Contemporary, 1993
71. Whitney, My Love Judith McNaught, European Historical, 1985
72. The Duke Gaelen Foley, European Historical, 2000
73. One Perfect Rose Mary Jo Putney, European Historical, 1997
74. Shattered Rainbows Mary Jo Putney, European Historical, 1996
75. The Windflower Laura London, Historical/Pirate, 1984
76. Dream A Little Dream Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Contemporary, 1998
77. Frederica Georgette Heyer, Classic, 1965
78. Passion Lisa Valdez, European Historical, 2005
79. Voyager Diana Gabaldon, Time-Travel, 1994
80. The Lady's Tutor Robin Schone, European Historical, 1999
(Whitney, My Love is not far under Dragon fly in Amber...not out find Outlander..but that has to be in top 50 if it's not number one)
I used to write in one author's forum, and one of the members recommended it to me. Since her recommendations has always been excellent I had no doubts and bought Outlander! 3 days after I finished it and purchased the rest of the books that had been translated in my language (until Drums of autumn...it was 2005)
It was because of this list I decided to give Outlander a try and bought some of the books on this list. Some of them I already had.
I found Outlander from the same list Teresita posted above 3 years a go. I bought it and it sat in my TBR list for about 2 years. The I began to read it and that was when my obesession began. Echo was out as well by that time and I did not have to wait for a single book. I adore this series.
That romance list is interesting but I think there are a lot more great romance books that are not listed on there.
That romance list is interesting but I think there are a lot more great romance books that are not listed on there.
I belong to several groups on Goodreads and Outlander and Jamie would continue to pop up in discussions/threads. So much so that I tagged them to be read. I just started reading them now after meaning to read them for two years. Honestly, their size was what delayed me. This year I set a challenge to read them. I have to admit that I would probably need to think long and hard about a re-read. I would definitely do Outlander and Voyager but I would have to think about the rest and it's not only because of the length of the books but other factors too.
I thought that too... but I am on my third re-read. i got them on audio so I can listen whenever I get time, evening getting dinner. Hope you enjoy.
This is going to sound strange. I was going through a Gerard Butler phase one weekend when I was looking for movies to watch. I was watching interviews and his movie exerpts on YouTube and came across (what I thought was) a movie trailer for an Outlander movie that he was in. I looked for this movie all over the net, but all I found was a book. I went to the library and picked up the book and breezed through it. I had to find out from an Outlander fan online that there WASN'T a movie and the "trailer" was just someone's idea of what the movie should be like. Go figure!
Seriously....my youngest daughter (then 15) was reading it because my oldest daughter (then 19) thought it would be OK that she read it.... until my youngest asked me what a cockhold was? .... Me trying to keep the coffee I was drinking from coming out my nose and mouth... had to explain what that was.Needless to say me and my oldest had a little chat about what was 'appropriate" for a 15 year to read....and then I borrowed the book.
Outlander was one of the free books on my kindle, so I read the description and decided to download it. . .I was completely hooked. Within the next few weeks I had purchased the rest of the Outlander series and finished them. I recently got my 20th Anniversary Edition of Outlander, it came with a demo cd of the musical. I have read the books over and over again, and I cannot wait for the next one to come out.
Lady Heather wrote: "Seriously....my youngest daughter (then 15) was reading it because my oldest daughter (then 19) thought it would be OK that she read it.... until my youngest asked me what a cockhold was? .... Me t..."Oh wow! That is hysterical(but not b/c of the 15 yr old)!!!
I finished the book "A Discovery of Witches" and thought I'd never find such a good book so I went on an amazon discussion group and this series was recommended. I get them on audible.com and they won't have A Fiery Cross till november so of course I can't move on. Sooooo distressing to find that out. Again I thought, oh no I'll never find such a good book again but just listened to Bitten by Kelley Armstrong. I totally recommend it. I like romance but there's got to be a good story, well developed characters, etc for intelligent people. Anyway, guess I'll survive till Nov!
A friend from work who had read the series recommended it to me. She had loved it and knew that I would too.
A firefly in Amber was listed on the $4.95 sale from Audible. It sounded interesting so I bought it, not realizing it was 2nd in a series. So, the following month, I got Outlander. I prefer to listen especially with Davina Porter as narrator.
I came across Outlander in a thrift store (where I get most of my books), bought it, came home and looked it up online, found reviews and decide to give it a try. 50 pages in and I was hooked. I found the next 3 books at thrift stores, then went online and actually bought the rest new! I love it when I can finish one, and just pick up the next and continue the adventure...I hate endings.
Just thougt I'd share info about audiobook of Outlander is offered for $4.95 on audible.com right now, if anyone would like to try it. That's quite a bargain.
Hello, Yes Davina Porter's narration in Outlander audio is great. I love listening to it too.
Me, too. It really is well worth the investment. It gives you another way to enjoy the story and, I think, it helps the story to come even more to life. Davina Porter does a wonderful job!
Thanks, Mary G! I bought it with a credit I had!
Mary G. wrote: "Just thougt I'd share info about audiobook of Outlander is offered for $4.95 on audible.com right now, if anyone would like to try it. That's quite a bargain."I saw that. They just want to get you hooked!
Now…if they'd just get The Fiery Cross!
Rumor has it, out in November and I can't wait! Then I'll finally have them all on audiobook!
I found the Outlander series by doing a simple Google search for "best romance novels." It was at the top of the list of this particular website. I must admit that when I checked the first book out at the library it sat on my desk for awhile because I didn't know until I got the book, that it was quite lengthy! Once I opened the book...well you know what happened! I was hooked and now I'm reading the Fiery Cross and can't wait to read the others!
Shaunta wrote: "I found the Outlander series by doing a simple Google search for "best romance novels." It was at the top of the list of this particular website. I must admit that when I checked the first book out..." Hi Shaunta. That is exactly how I found out about Outlander also. I thought "ok if this book is number one on 'best romance novels' It has to be good. The first couple chapters I found to be pretty slow but once I got into it, I could not put it down! I have to say that Outlander and all the books that follow in the series and Whitney, My Love are my favorite books. Those books are the kind of books I could never get tired of reading over and over again. A Knight in Shining Armor is another I adore. In my opinion, those books are 'keepers'.
Through wonderful reviews at Amazon. I've read them twice already and are some of my favorite books!
Normally i do not like audio books, but i bought outlander from audible. i accidently came across this serious on amazon reviews as well.
Shaunta, Welcome to the Oulander addiction! Gina, I have read the series once already and I am now listening to Outlander on audio with my husband. I really like listening to Davina Porter. It's nice to hear the right pronunciation for names and words. I had quite of few of them wrong the first time around.
Outlander Series
Books mentioned in this topic
The Bronze Horseman (other topics)Into the Wilderness: The Long Hunters (other topics)
Dragonfly in Amber (other topics)
Gone with the Wind (other topics)
Dragonfly in Amber (other topics)
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