“It’s only the essence of a thing that counts. When time strips everything else away, it’s only the hardness of the bone that’s left.” This profound statement sets the tone for "Dragonfly in Amber", the second book in the Outlander series. It follows Claire's captivating journey through time. I found myself liking this one even better than the first. Although the book is a bit long-winded at times, it is truly well written and meticulously well-researched. The author has crafted a story that is rich in detail and full of emotions.

“Then let amorous kisses dwell
On our lips, begin and tell
A Thousand and a Hundred score
A Hundred, and a Thousand more.” - Richard Crashaw. This beautiful poem seems to add a touch of romance and passion to the narrative, further enhancing the overall reading experience. "Dragonfly in Amber" takes readers on an adventure like no other, filled with historical events, love, and mystery. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, making it a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys a good time-traveling romance.

3,5

It is a book that has taken me a great deal of effort to finish. I have found it to be much denser than the first book. However, Diana Gabaldon's writing style remains wonderful, just like all the characters. Jamie and Claire ♥️

The story in this book is more complex and detailed, which requires more concentration and patience from the reader. But once you get into it, you will be completely immersed in the world created by Gabaldon.

The relationship between Jamie and Claire is still the heart of the story, and their love and adventures continue to capture the reader's attention. Overall, although it was a challenging read, I am still glad to have finished this book and look forward to reading more from Diana Gabaldon.

Inverness, Scotland, 1968
Claire Randall and her daughter, Brianna, encounter Roger Wakefield after the passing of his adoptive father, Reverend Mr. Reginald Wakefield. Claire requests Roger to look into a list of names related to Clan Fraser. She is eager to discover if the men survived the battle of Culloden in 1745.

During an exploration, Claire stumbles upon Jamie Fraser's grave. She reveals to Roger and Brianna that 'yes, she knows Jamie. He was her husband.' They all return to Roger's manse and enjoy a whiskey as Claire shares her story of traveling through the stones at Craigh na Dun and arriving in the eighteenth century. She tells them about Jamie.

Le Have, France, 1744
Jamie Fraser is set to manage his cousin Jared's wine business for six months. While there, Jamie and Claire aim to persuade Prince Charles Stuart that the Highlanders will not back him. They also strive to convince the backers (banks) that financing Charles Stuart's bid for the throne is not a wise investment. They manage to do both while seemingly supporting Bonnie Prince Charles.

I have once again fallen deeply in love with Jamie and Claire. Their love story blossoms and intensifies. Blood of my blood. Bone of my bone. . . .

In every aspect of the vow, through various circumstances and the course of history, their love endures the test of time.

Jonathann Randall is unfortunately not dead. He is very much alive. Although Claire told Jonathan (Jack) that he would perish at Culloden, I truly wish the man had remained deceased. He has already caused an abundance of trouble and ill will.

We are introduced to new characters who are well-developed and feel real to me as a reader. I feel as though I have made their acquaintance and shared in their lives. The plot is complex, intertwining subplots to advance the march of history. This novel is meticulously researched, seamlessly blending fact and fiction. The vivid descriptions make the reader feel as if they are in Inverness in 1968, or in France and Scotland in the eighteenth century. We travel through time in Claire's memories with clarity and simultaneously in whichever time period. The pacing slows down on a few occasions but does not disrupt the tone and atmosphere of the story. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, but I would suggest reading the Outlander series in sequence for a more comprehensive experience.

Ugh, what a dreadful cover.

I'm supposed to have this read by Sunday afternoon.

Okay, Wendy's book group will meet tomorrow to discuss book three in the Outlander series. But I just finished this second one, and man, it was a long haul. And I don't just mean the length.

What didn't work for me? The self-satisfied tone of the author's voice behind her main character. Repetitive phrases like mouths always "twitching" rather than almost smiling. Excessive detail without sensory or emotional power. Too much "telling" rather than "showing". Muddy use of multiple points of view. Over-the-top plot turns and one too many narrow escapes. I know it's fantasy, but I wasn't able to suspend my disbelief. And I really hated the stupid exchange at the dinner table with Jamie's grandfather over the manual treatment of prostatitis. It was just plain stupid.

What did work? Well, of course, I love the romanticism of Scotland and France in those days of clan rivalry and court intrigue. Also, the romanticism of a different kind between Jamie and Claire. I mean, who doesn't like the idea of a devoted champion who forgives one's every flaw or indiscretion and is always up for a roll in the peat moss? And that description fits Claire as well as Jamie. But most of the love scenes are pretty lame.

The central story is strong and satisfying. The intricate plotting is impressive, if sometimes tiresome. The basic outline of the characters is very appealing, and I love that Claire is a healer. But I would just get caught up in a storyline when it would shift to something else. I want to know what happens, but I'm not willing to drag myself through five, or is it six? more books that should have been edited to half their current length.

After the heart-wrenching, initial shock of the absence of Jamie, I was finally able to immerse myself in the story. This book, which starts off with a bang, is set 20 years after the events of Outlander. I was completely confused at first, probably because I was solely focused on where Jamie was and what had happened to him. I didn't care for much else until I knew his fate (sorry, I am a girl in love with this Scot ❤️ ). I won't go into too much detail as I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but this book is truly fantastic. I can understand why some people didn't enjoy it as much as Outlander, but I actually did. Admittedly, it was rather slow in many places, but that's just Gabaldon's storytelling style. What can you really expect from a 700+ page novel? There's going to be a slow buildup, and that's to be expected. But I still had a great time reading it. It took me a while to get through, and I hit a small reading slump in the middle, but I persevered and made it through! AND IT WAS AMAZING!

I instantly fell in love with some new characters that we got to meet, like wee Fergus, Mary Hawkins, and Alexander Randall. Dragonfly in Amber brought some great additions to our cast, and I enjoyed getting to know them better. It was interesting to meet Bonnie Prince Charlie and see how the Jacobite rebellion began. I admit, I get confused when politics are involved, but if you just go with the flow, everything comes together and makes sense in the end — at least it did for me.

I'm not going to go into too much detail as I don't want to spoil it for anyone who is reading or considering reading the series, but I can say that this is a good sequel story-wise. It's action-packed with many twists and turns. I was still caught off guard by many events, even when I thought I had things figured out. The writing takes some getting used to, but once you get into it, it becomes easier to understand. If I can do it, you can too, trust me.

“Blood of my blood, bone of my bone. You carry me within ye, Claire, and ye canna leave me now, no matter what happens. You are mine, always, if ye will it or no, if ye want me or nay. Mine, and I wilna let ye go.” Jamie and Claire's relationship in this book just makes me swoon all over the place! Okay, that's mostly because of Jamie, but they are so perfect together! They would literally die for each other, and it's beautiful to see how strong their love is. I admit, I was crying like a baby when Jamie told Claire that if anything happened to him, he wanted her to go back to Frank. Maybe it was because of the heartbreaking beginning of this book or because of how selfless and protective of Claire Jamie is, but this broke my still healing heart. And the ending of this book? Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ! What are you doing to me, Diana? :'( I need the next book ASAP, that's for sure.

My full semi-spoilery review can be found on my blog The Bookish Khaleesi.

All the books in this series are truly wonderful.

They take the readers on an enchanting journey filled with emotions and excitement.

The story is not just a simple love story; it is a great one that captivates the hearts and minds of the audience.

The characters are well-developed, and their relationships are portrayed in a细腻 and touching way.

The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats.

Each book in the series builds upon the previous one, creating a rich and immersive world that the readers will find difficult to leave.

Whether you are a fan of love stories or just looking for a great read, this series is definitely worth checking out.

It will leave you with a warm feeling in your heart and a desire to read more.

This book truly blew my mind.

I am in absolute awe of Diana Gabaldon's remarkable ability to pen something that is not only beautiful and descriptive but also exciting and heartbreaking.

Yes, it took me approximately a month to read in its entirety because there are certain parts that can be slow and dense. However, I deeply appreciate having the opportunity to really take my time with the story and become so fully invested in the history, the plot, and the characters.

And these characters!!!! They have completely captured my heart, and I don't envision them releasing their grip anytime soon.

Gabaldon has created a world that is so vivid and engaging that I find myself constantly thinking about it even when I'm not reading. The attention to detail in the historical aspects is astonishing, and it adds an extra layer of depth to the story.

The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, and the relationships between the characters are complex and nuanced.

In conclusion, this book is a masterpiece, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical romance or a captivating story.

Dragonfly in Amber: Outlander Series, Book 2 (audiobook) by Diana Gabaldon, read by Davina Porter, truly deserves a 4.5-star rating.

This is an outstanding series that captivates readers from start to finish. Although the books are quite long, Diana Gabaldon has a remarkable talent for keeping the story flowing smoothly. She weaves a complex and engaging narrative that is filled with adventure, romance, and historical detail.

Davina Porter's narration is equally出色. She brings the characters to life with her unique voice and interpretations. Each character has their own distinct personality, and Porter's performance makes them seem real and believable.

The combination of Gabaldon's writing and Porter's narration makes this audiobook a must-listen for fans of the Outlander series and anyone who enjoys a great historical romance. It is a truly immersive experience that will transport you to another time and place.

This book commences with Claire being back in her current time plus twenty years.

W.T.H?? I'm at a loss to express the emotions涌动 within me at that moment. You just KNOW, know that things aren't going to unfold favorably, yet there's no way to brace oneself. I can't recall a time when I've wept so profusely, but I digress.

We begin with Claire taking her daughter, Brianna, back to Scotland following the death of Frank. Claire desires to disclose to Bree about her real father and uncover what befell the men from Lallybroch. This segment was truly captivating, especially regarding Roger Wakefield. We don't obtain an abundance of information ~ as of yet.

The narrative then reverts to the past and the conclusion of Outlander. Jamie and Claire have departed from the Abbey and are bound for Paris to assist Jamie's cousin, Jared, in his business and glean more intelligence on the Bonnie Prince. This part is rather sluggish and tiresome, burdened with an excessive amount of details. However, to be fair, perhaps I didn't relish it because of Jamie's actions. He has to feign support for the Bonnie Prince and traipse around with him at all hours of the night, frequenting disreputable locales and associating with unsavory individuals. Poor Claire, enduring a difficult pregnancy, naturally experiences some dreadful events.

Probably around the fifty percent mark and beyond, the story picked up pace for both me and the book. They are back in Scotland, and we are treated to a few pages of tranquility. Of course, that doesn't endure. War has arrived, and it's just the enchanting way Diana Gabaldon weaves her tale that makes you feel as if you're right there with the characters. All the lice remarks had me on edge!!

Believe it or not, the intensity escalates even further, and it's simply mind-boggling all that transpires! This leads to the final ten percent... the soul-sapping, heart-rending, and tear-inducing tsunamis. There's absolutely no way to prepare, despite knowing what's coming! So, just find a quiet place and moment where you can simply let go.

I think the only glimmer of hope is that you know there are five or six more books, so there's a ray of light, BUT I'm also extremely nervous about what else might occur. These books are so emotionally exhausting, and as much as I cherish these emotional tomes, even I have my limits. But like the addict Diana Gabaldon has made me, I can't wait for the next one. (after a hiatus, that is!)

Favorite lines (again...there are so many, I'll endeavor to pare them down!):

♥ \\"You are mine,\\" it had said. \\"Mine! And I will not let you go.\\"

♥ \\"Oh, Claire, ye do break my heart wi' loving you.\\"

♥ \\"You're mine, damn ye, Claire Fraser! Mine, and I wilna share ye, with a man or a memory, or anything whatever, so long as both shall live.\\"

♥ \\"Tell him I hate him to his guts and the marrow of his bones!\\"


**Days to finish book ~ 5 days/752 pages**

It took me a considerable amount of time to complete this task. However, I truly relished every moment of it. The process was not only challenging but also highly rewarding.

I found myself completely immersed in the work, losing track of time as I delved deeper into it.

Now that it's done, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation.

I can't wait to get my hands on book #3. I'm sure it will be just as exciting and engaging as the previous ones.

I'm looking forward to exploring the new storylines, meeting new characters, and experiencing all the adventures that await me within its pages.

I have a feeling that book #3 will be a real treat and will further enhance my love for this series.

Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2), Diana Gabaldon

Dragonfly in Amber is the second captivating installment in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. The story revolves around the time-traveling adventures of Claire Randall, a 20th-century nurse, and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander warrior husband, Jamie Fraser. Blending elements of historical fiction, romance, adventure, and science fiction/fantasy, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey.

In 1968, Claire has returned to her own time and has been living with her husband Frank for 20 years. After his death, she brings her daughter, Brianna, to the home of their old friend, Reverend Reginald Wakefield. Meanwhile, in 1744, Claire convinces Jamie to prevent the Jacobite rising, which she knows will have a disastrous outcome for the Scots. They travel to Paris, where Jamie uses his cousin Jared's wine business to gain aristocratic connections and plot against Charles Stuart. A French boy named Claudel, who was raised in a brothel, helps Jamie and is hired to steal the prince's correspondence. Jamie renames him Fergus.
Back in Scotland in 1745, Claire frees Jamie from France, and they are banished. They settle into farm life at Lallybroch with Jamie's sister Jenny and her family. However, Jamie receives a letter from Stuart, which brands him a traitor to the Crown. In 1968, Claire reveals her story to Brianna, who initially refuses to believe it. Claire enlists Roger's help by revealing his ancestry. The story continues to unfold, filled with mystery, romance, and adventure.

Tears are a powerful and often underestimated form of human expression.

They can convey a wide range of emotions, from joy and happiness to sadness and grief.

Tears have the ability to heal and cleanse our souls, allowing us to release pent-up emotions and find a sense of relief.

Sometimes, a single tear can speak volumes, expressing a depth of feeling that words alone cannot convey.

They can be a sign of vulnerability, showing that we are not afraid to let our guard down and show our true selves.

Tears can also bring people closer together, as we share in each other's pain and joy.

Whether shed in private or in public, tears are a natural and essential part of the human experience.

We should embrace them and allow them to flow freely, for they are a gift that helps us to better understand and connect with ourselves and those around us.

So the next time you feel the urge to cry, don't hold back. Let the tears fall and let the healing begin.