**DRAGONFLY IN AMBER: A Mixed Bag of Emotions**

I recently revisited and reviewed OUTLANDER, and to my delight, it held up well. This led me to immediately dive into the sequel, DRAGONFLY IN AMBER. The story begins in the present day for Claire, in the 1960s, where she has a daughter in her 20s and returns to the place of her initial disappearance. After about a hundred pages, we're whisked back to the 18th century, with Charles Stuart holding court in France and Claire and Jamie striving to prevent the Battle of Culloden.

Unlike typical time travelers who avoid changing history at all costs, Claire is from the 11/23/63 school of history. She not only doesn't try to avoid changing history but actively dedicates her life to messing with events, all for the greater good, of course. This makes for an interesting and unique take on the time travel trope.

Rating this book is a challenge. It's extremely long, perhaps longer than necessary. Some parts were excellent, like those set in France with its plotting, intrigue, scandals, and violence. There were duels, rape, cults, assassination attempts, poison attempts, potion-making, and detailed scenes of primitive healthcare. The Battle of Culloden also had its good moments. However, I wasn't as keen on the parts about Roger Wakefield and Brianna, and there were sections where it felt like the characters were just wandering around with nothing much happening, especially in the last three hundred pages or so.

Despite its flaws, I still enjoyed DRAGONFLY IN AMBER quite a bit, although not as much as the first book. There were fewer truly memorable scenes, but a few, like those at the French Court, were just as good or even better. I'm still eager to continue the series and learn more about my favorite Scottish romance hero, Jamie.

One thing that irks me, though, is the condescending blurb on the back jacket that claims Diana Gabaldon is "light-years ahead of her romance-novelist colleagues." I also came across an article about how Gabaldon resisted the romance category, which left a sour taste in my mouth. As a die-hard romance fan, it's sad to see a romance novelist I respect trying so hard to distance herself from the genre in a way that seems almost snobbish. However, aside from this, the OUTLANDER series has managed to keep me engaged through 2,000 pages of the same characters, which is no small feat. Whether you consider it a romance or not, it's a compelling and action-packed series with morally grey characters, and I'm looking forward to reading VOYAGER.

  



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\\"Y si quieres vengarte, entonces bienvenida eres, porque mi alma es tuya, hasta sus profundidades más oscuras\\".

Officially, I have fallen under the spell of Outlander. Once you start to know the story of Jamie and Claire, it's impossible to stop reading it. And it doesn't matter that, like in my case, I'm up to date with the TV series (which is equivalent to the fourth book) and already know what's going to happen. Everything is okay. Reading it gives it a different magic, and besides, you feel much closer to Claire and Jamie. Even to Roger and Brianna.

In this second volume of Outlander, we have protagonists who are more mature and with a great weight on their shoulders: that of trying to change the past so that the famous Battle of Culloden doesn't end the lives of hundreds of highlanders, including Jamie. The journey they undertake in Atrapada en el Tiempo will take them from the highlands of Scotland to the heart of France, where they will have to play a dangerous game of intelligence and almost espionage to get ahead of the movements of Charles Edward and subtly dissuade him from his claim to the throne of Scotland and England.

I don't know how she does it, but Diana Gabaldon is a master at narrating the intensity of what Jamie and Claire live, not only because of their mission, but also because of their feelings for each other. I think theirs is one of the most vivid and passionate relationships I've ever read. Once Jamie Fraser enters your life (as a reader), it's impossible to forget him, because he is such a loyal, brave and transparent man with his feelings that there is no defense against him. And Claire is perfect for him. Neither of them makes sense without the other. But, of course, not everything is perfect in their relationship, because the vicissitudes of the time don't allow them to get bored at any moment. They must travel constantly because danger pursues them, they discuss the decisions that may or may not change the past and, above all, they have to endure a huge loss between them.

Now, I really liked that Diana Gabaldon decided to start the narration of the book in the present, when Claire has already returned and 20 years have passed since she left Jamie ad portas of the Battle of Culloden. It's a quite strong shock to return to the present suddenly, but I loved getting to know Brianna and Roger in that way. Especially because it's a way of introducing them to a story that seems like a fantasy and that answers many questions about the origin of Brianna and, even more important, about the life of Claire and what she left behind.

I can't wait to read the next book and read the scene in which Claire and Jamie meet again after 20 years of being apart!

Jamie and Claire may just be my favorite literary couple yet!

This book is the second in the series and commences with Claire and her daughter Brianna journeying back to Scotland in the sixties. I was disheartened to discover that she must have gone back through the stones and left Jamie. She returns to ascertain what transpired at Culloden and whether the Lallybroch men survived.

Suddenly, we are whisked back to precisely where we left off at the conclusion of book 1 - back to 1745. It perhaps took me the initial third of the book to truly become hooked, and once that occurred, I couldn't put it down. The substantial number of pages didn't seem as intimidating anymore.

Once again, Gabaldon leaves us with a cliffhanger, and I am compelled to continue with the series.

It's as if Gabaldon has masterfully crafted a world that draws you in deeper with each turn of the page. The complex relationship between Jamie and Claire, the historical backdrop of Culloden, and the mystery of what lies ahead all combine to make this series an absolute must-read. I can't wait to see what adventures await Claire and Jamie in the next installment.

Buddy read with Snezana.

Dragonfly in Amber is the second book in the Outlander series. Sadly, it is one of the worst sequels I've ever come across. When compared to the first book, it truly paled in comparison. I had such high expectations, but they were largely unmet.

Here are some of the reasons for my dislike. Firstly, the pacing was extremely slow, almost to the point of being unreasonable. There were so many unnecessary elements that added nothing to the overall plot. Secondly, it was incredibly boring, especially in the middle part. I really had to struggle through those sections. Thirdly, Claire made a lot of stupid decisions that simply didn't make any sense. I actually found myself wishing I could enter the book and shake some sense into her.

Despite all of the above, the beginning and the ending were actually quite interesting. They reminded me of why I liked the first book in the first place. However, I didn't enjoy reading about Claire and Jaime's romance as much as I did in the initial installment.

Spoilers Ahead

The events in this book unfold across two timelines. The beginning is set in 1968, with Claire and her daughter Brianna having just returned from America. Apparently, Frank is dead, and she has brought her daughter back to Scotland.

The second timeline is in the 1700s, which is the 18th century. The story picks up right where the first book ended, with Claire and Jaime planning to travel to France to sabotage Prince Charles.

The book alternates back and forth between these two timelines, with the 18th century占据了 80% of the page space. The 18th century part also contains details and the reasons why Claire eventually returns to her own timeline.

The book is written from multiple perspectives, with Claire having the majority of the narratives. Claire's daughter Brianna and Roger also have their points of view. My favorite character in this book is Fergus, a ten-year-old French boy. I just love his character. Jaime was as awesome as usual, while Claire just seemed to be there. Brianna, on the other hand, was extremely annoying. I had expected so much more from Claire's daughter.

OK, so admittedly, it took me an incredibly long time to finish this book, and yes, I have certain issues with it.

At the beginning, it was great. Mostly, I think it was because I was still coming down from the high caused by the first book. However, the story quickly descended into a jumble of boring details and gut-wrenching melodrama. I first got stuck around 70%, I believe. The story was just dragging on and on. It took me far more time than is usually required for me to reach the 83% mark before I gave up. For months, I simply didn't have the energy or the will to read any more. I knew what was coming, so not only did I not want to reach that part that I knew would make my stomach hurt, but I also couldn't get past those absurdly sleepy and drawn-out battle details. It was the same thing over and over again: the battles, tending to the sick, and moving with the army.

Yesterday, however, I had an urge to read the first one again. I did so in a few hours (admittedly, I skimmed some parts, as this is not a book that can be read in its entirety in a few hours). After doing that, I was overcome with the desire to finish this one. So I did. The ending of the book was much better than the rest of it. After all that snooze-worthy political intrigue, it was nice to finally get to some climactic scenes. I wasn't disappointed, and I even found myself unable to tear my focus away until I knew what happened (even though I knew it was going to be a bit heartbreaking).

I can't really put into words what it is about these books that makes them so wonderful. If you're at all a competent reader, you should be able to recognize and appreciate the time, effort, and care that Diana Gabaldon put into crafting these stories. The character development is truly phenomenal. Claire and Jamie have a romance that feels completely real. That's what caught my attention again in the first book. After reading so many mediocre sexual fantasies disguised as romance fiction over the last year, it's truly amazing to read stories like these and fully understand the meaning of the phrase "epic romance".

I'm really hyping this up while only giving it three stars. I know it's weird. But the thing is, the book would have been perfect if it had just been edited down a bit. Gabaldon is a true wordsmith, but I'm afraid her talent for words led to this book being rather too wordy. You wouldn't think such a thing was possible, but I assure you, it is. It's not that the book is too long. I love long stories. It's that the book is too long simply because of the endless political machinations and battle descriptions. I felt that some of this could have been streamlined without sacrificing the historical integrity of the work.

That being said, I'm glad I read it. I'm now onto the third book and really looking forward to more adventure.

I admit that this book is not better than the first part, it is different.

In this part, it focuses much more on adventures and the history of Scotland, and whether the worst in the history of the Scottish clans can be reversed.

But also the romance and the challenges and tests that arise from the special constellation of the relationship between Jamie and Claire get their appearance, which have completely gripped me again.

The setting is sometimes not in Scotland and I am very curious how it will be implemented and I am looking forward to the costumes.

This new installment seems to offer a fresh perspective, delving deeper into the rich tapestry of Scottish history and the complex relationship between the main characters.

The anticipation for the unique costumes adds an extra layer of excitement, as they are sure to enhance the overall atmosphere and bring the story to life even more vividly.

Overall, despite not being a direct improvement over the first part, this book has its own charm and potential to captivate readers.

After having suffered and triumphed with the story of Jamie and Claire in Forastera and having concluded the novel with a rather hopeful ending for them, I didn't want to follow the saga because I knew they would have to face probably more anguishing situations than in the first book.

However, I simply couldn't hold back, despite having read many comments that this installment was weaker than the previous one.

First of all, I must say that I completely disagree with the above; this book is beautiful and has nothing to envy to the first one. What happens is that we are faced with a more mature relationship, but not for that reason lacking in the passion that characterizes its protagonists. In addition, the author takes us on a tour of the historical facts and customs of the time with a magical and absorbing level of description.

I really liked the chronological structure of the novel, which starts with the facts that will produce the outcome and knowing from its first pages how it will end does not decrease the interest at all.

Fantastic!

Today, I had an amazing experience. I went to a beautiful park and saw the most wonderful scenery. The flowers were blooming in all colors, and the birds were singing sweetly in the trees.

I took a long walk and enjoyed the fresh air and the peaceful atmosphere. It was like I had entered a different world, away from all the stress and chaos of daily life.

As I walked, I also met some friendly people who were also enjoying the park. We talked and laughed, and it made me feel even happier.

Overall, it was a truly fantastic day, and I will always remember it. I can't wait to go back to the park again and have more wonderful experiences.

DIESE LETZTEN 5 WORTE SIND MEIN LEBEN.

These last five words truly encapsulate my life. They hold a significance that is beyond words.

Große Liebe zu diesen Büchern. I have a great love for these books. They have a charm that is indescribable.

Unbeschreiblich süchtig machend und mitreißend. They are incredibly addictive and captivating. The stories within them draw me in and keep me hooked from start to finish.

Selten bin ich so emotional mitgerissen bei Büchern! Rarely am I so emotionally carried away by books. These particular ones have managed to touch my heart and soul in a way that few others have.

God help me. I must hate myself.

Just got to the part with the horse breeding. Holy crap it is Clan of the Cavebear (or rather, Valley of Horses) only with Scotsmen not cavemen. It's such a strange and unexpected twist.

Also, rather than spankings, there are repeated requests from Jamie to Claire that she kill him. I'm not sure if this is any better. It adds a whole new level of complexity and drama to their relationship.

Okay. Done. On to the next one. Bizarrely addictive. Now with 1/3 less spankings! This book has really taken me by surprise with its unique plot and characters. I can't wait to see what happens next.

I really liked the first book, "Outlander." It was engaging and full of excitement. The chemistry between Jamie and Claire was palpable and added a wonderful element to the story. However, the second book has been a bit of a disappointment. It seems to drag on and on, with the in-depth historical background taking center stage and overshadowing the relationship between the main characters.

The first book made me envision Scotland as a truly fascinating place. It brought the setting to life and made me eager to learn more about the country and its history. But with the second book, I find myself constantly wondering if the author is ever going to move on from the French history. It feels like she is spending way too much time on it, and it's starting to get in the way of the overall story.

I hope that the remaining books in the series will find a better balance between the historical background and the relationship between Jamie and Claire. I still have high hopes for the series, but for now, I'm a bit disappointed with the second book.