Jamie and Claire's captivating love story and thrilling adventures continue in France. The plot quickly spins out of control, and what the readers feared becomes a reality, resulting in the most agonizing cliffhanger.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ The author, Diana Gabaldon, is to be praised for this heart-stopping plot twist that had me reeling from the prologue. It truly shattered my heart. Not many authors can create such twists that shock me to the core, but "Dragonfly in Amber" certainly did. I usually avoid reading blurbs, so the beginning of this book came as a complete surprise. My initial reaction was something like "what the f*ng hell??!!!!!!!". The happily ever after we longed for Jamie and Claire seemed to have disappeared, and my heart broke.

If you don't want any spoilers, stop reading now!

The prologue hits you like a punch in the gut. Claire is back in her own time, with a twenty-year-old daughter named Brianna. Claire, now a doctor, takes her daughter to Scotland to tell her the truth about her father (who is Jamie, of course) and to find out what happened to him.

When Claire discovers Jamie's grave, my heart broke, and I wanted to put the book in the freezer like Joey and soothe my broken heart with ice cream. But I'm glad I didn't.

"Dragonfly in Amber" picks up right where "Outlander" left off. Claire and Jamie are in France, attempting to prevent something that only Claire knows will occur. If you fell in love with Jamie Fraser in the first book, your love for him will only deepen here. He is as irresistible as ever, and his love for Claire is just as strong and epic. They would do anything to keep each other safe, which is why Claire is ultimately forced to make the most difficult choice to protect the people she loves, even if it means unbearable heartbreak and pain.

The ending broke my heart, shattering it into tiny pieces. However, a glimmer of hope is restored in the last sentence of the epilogue. What a cliffhanger! 'Da mi basia mille'. (Jamie's inscription to Claire in her wedding ring) "Give me a Thousand kisses" in Latin. Sigh. (It has significance in the story.) "Dragonfly in Amber" is a magnificent story with flawless writing. I highly recommend it to everyone. Just make sure you have some tissues handy.

Jamie Fraser...#King of Men!



| Hero 5 | | Angst | High focus |
| Heroine | 5 | | Romance | | High focus |
| Sexual tension | 4 | | Suspense | Medium focus |
| Storytelling | 5 | | Humour | Medium focus |
| Storyending | 5 |

Whilst waiting for the new series of Outlander to air, I’ve finally decided to pluck these gigantic books from the pile!

Even though they seem daunting, the vivid attention to detail and strong cast of characters make it easy to get consumed in this historical romantic fantasy saga.

I was fully prepared for the opening chapters being set in 1968. I love how Gabaldon plays with time. Here, the reader is introduced to Clair’s grownup daughter for the first time. The clever Timey-Wimey narrative teases all the answers ahead of the reveals.

Though the first section of the book is an intriguing set up, it’s nice to finally get to see Jamie and Claire together as the story picks up from Outlander. The French sections might not be my favourite parts of the series, but there are certainly some memorable scenes!

Plenty of shocks and sections of a graphic nature remind us that this is 1744.

Another strong outing in the series, I might be slightly optimistic that I’m hoping to finish the Fifth book before Series Five airs. But when the writing is strong and gripping like this, it makes the task so much easier!

4.5 stars.


In "Dragonfly in Amber," the question of whether history can be changed looms large. It's a compelling and complicated query with many possible answers. Jamie and Claire, having already fallen in love and dealt with their pasts, now face the future and their responsibility to it. History is a sensitive term, leaving much room for interpretation. The story is filled with twists and turns, following one of the most real and natural love stories. With the Battle of Culloden approaching, Jamie and Claire plan to stop it and save the people and land they love. However, nothing is easy for this couple. They experience many ups and downs in their quest to change history. The book takes us to France, where we see Jamie's awkwardness and Claire's attempts to adapt to a new world. The natural comedy and drama in the book are perfectly balanced. Gabaldon's writing makes the relationships between the characters feel real and fluid. The story also makes us ponder many things, such as when enough is enough and where to draw the line. There are major plot twists throughout the book, not just at the end. The flashforwards are well done, adding to the excitement. Jamie and Claire's love story is the center of the books, and their imperfections make them a compelling couple. Although there are a few things I didn't love about the book, such as the Faith part and the long chapters, I still highly recommend it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and continue this timeless love story.

Gabaldon returns to the OUTLANDER series with yet another remarkable piece of historical fiction.

The story commences in modern day, 1968, which initially confounds and frustrates the reader. Claire finds herself in the Scottish Highlands, not alone but accompanied by her twenty-year-old daughter, the copper-haired Brianna Randall. Working in conjunction with Oxford historian Roger Wakefield (whom the observant reader will recall from the opening section of Outlander), Claire and Brianna carry on the research of the recently deceased Frank Randall, who aimed to expand his family tree.

To mitigate the awkwardness of the time transition, Gabaldon briefly touches upon some of the commentary regarding Claire's 'disappearance' from 1945 - 48, yet refrains from delving too deeply at this juncture. Both Roger and Brianna notice Claire's intense interest in the second Jacobite uprising, far more than what an amateur historian would typically possess. Engaging in an internal debate, Claire confides in them both and discloses much of what she did during her 'time away' and how it pertains to the Scottish Highlands. Gabaldon allows Claire to drop some bombshells, leaving Brianna reeling.

Gabaldon seizes this dramatic pause to shift the story back to the 1740s, where Outlander concluded, and the reader is eager to continue the narrative. Claire is alive and well with Jamie, and the Scottish sentiment in support of the Jacobite cause is burgeoning. Hidden away in France, Claire and Jamie amass support for the cause, communicating in cipher whenever possible with fellow supporters of Bonnie Prince Charles. Claire's medical knowledge is stretched to its limits as she endeavors to assist those in need with the resources at her disposal, especially when battles commence and casualties surge. Claire also contends with carrying Jamie's child, a source of excitement for both as they forge deeper connections. New characters emerge, and friendships are formed, some of whom will assume pivotal roles in the story's numerous twists. Jamie and Claire repeatedly cross paths with 'Black Jack' Randall, a familiar figure to the reader. These encounters play a crucial role in Claire's struggle with her'modern life' and love for Frank.

History may be fixed, but Claire and Jamie discover that it can be malleable in the moment. The foreknowledge of what lies ahead guides them both, while immediate circumstances present new and time-altering potential solutions. With the outcome of the Jacobite uprising a foregone conclusion, Claire and Jamie might face arduous choices regarding their love and how to safeguard Claire from the impending danger. Gabaldon addresses these difficult decisions and provides the reader with a final peek into modern-day Scotland, where new and heart-stopping revelations震撼 Roger and Claire to their very cores. Another outstanding work by Gabaldon that leaves the reader yearning for more (thankfully, we know there is much more to come), as Jamie and Claire continue to build a life together.

Gabaldon's meticulous attention to detail adds an additional layer of wonder to this novel. Juxtaposing the events of 1968 with the denouement of activities in 1745 - 48, the reader witnesses how these two worlds interact. Documented fact plays an intriguing role as history serves as the narrator, yet it pales in comparison to the daily progression of life, perhaps too insignificant or ordinary to be addressed in academic tomes. Gabaldon effectively argues these points and more as she presents a detailed account of Claire and Jamie's lives, both together and individually. Bending history's one rule, that it accounts for the master narrative, assumes a more prominent role in this novel than in the previous one, though hints of what's to come leave the reader wondering how far off the mainstream path Gabaldon intends to lead them. Let the series expand in whatever way best serves the larger story.

Kudos, Madam Gabaldon, for another wonderful novel, rich in detail and abundant in character development. I eagerly anticipate the remainder of the story, regardless of how long it takes to unfold.

Like/hate the review? An ever-expanding collection of others can be found at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

\\n  \\"For I had come back, and I dreamed once more, in the cool air of the Highlands. And the choice of my dream still echoed through ears and heart, repeated with the sound of Brianna's sleeping breath.\\"\\n

For those who haven't delved into the world of Outlander, any reviews of subsequent books in the series are likely to be spoiler-ish, and mine is no exception.

I'm sitting here, completely dumbfounded, having just finished Dragonfly in Amber. I'm pondering what to pen in a review, trying to cast my mind back to the start of the book, and it seems like it was ages ago. So much has transpired within these 900 pages. Undoubtedly, Jamie and Claire have evolved into vastly different individuals, and so have I. I never fathomed that I could forgive to such an extent. Both Jamie and Claire engage in actions in this book that, had it been any other 300-page historical romance or fiction, would have made me slam the book shut, seething with anger and confusion as to why an author would subject her readers to such turmoil, why make her hero and heroine inflict such terrible things upon each other? Why overshadow the remainder of the book with those two or three scenes that make me question my loyalty towards them?

\\n  \\"Aye,\\" he whispered, as though to himself, \\"I'm a big chap. big and strong. I can stand a lot. Yes, I can stand it.\\" He whirled on me, shouting. \\"I can stand a lot! But just because I can, does that mean I must? Do I have to bear everyone's weakness? Can I not have my own?\\"\\n

Why?

I understand the reason in this instance. It's because it transforms Jamie and Claire into such flawed humans, capable of making errors, succumbing to anger and stupidity, yet still persevering in their lives and demonstrating such unwavering devotion, dedication, loyalty, and this enormous love for each other. Their relationship only truly becomes palpable to me when all aspects of their characters are laid bare, as they are in this book. And this is merely the second book!

\\n   \\"Well, I'll tell ye, Sassenach, 'graceful' is possibly not the first word that springs to mind at thought of you.\\" He slipped an arm behind me, on hand large and warm around my silk-clad shoulder.
\\"But I talk to you as I talk to my own soul,\\" he said, turning me to face him. He reached up and cupped my cheek, fingers light on my temple.
\\"And, Sassenach,\\" he whispered, \\"your face is my heart.\\"\\n



From the 1960s to 18th-century France, to Scotland and the battles of Falkirk and Culloden, Dragonfly in Amber has truly blown my mind.

\\n  I could not help remembering one historian's description of the Highlanders' fate at Culloden - \\"the dead lay four deep, soaking in rain and their own blood.\\"
The Highlanders, mismanaged and starving, but ferocious to the end, would be wasted in one decisive half-hour. They would be left to lie in heaps, bleeding in a cold April rain, the cause they had cherished for a hundred years dead along with them.\\"\\n

As I began reading, it was arduous for me to accept what was blatantly being presented. Claire was no longer with Jamie in Scotland. Instead, for the majority of the book, she is recounting her adventures with Jamie during the Jacobite uprising over 200 years ago. These details are as vivid as ever, with a greater emphasis on politics than in Outlander, and they offer such profound insights into the way of life for both the aristocratic elite and the common folk, the workmen, the poor, the farmers, the ordinary people who simply wished to live their lives, raise their families, and love their spouses.

But men who craved more paid little heed to the lives of their peasants, and almost everyone became embroiled in the games that kings played. Whether it was wives sending their husbands and sons off to war, the men themselves marching off with pitchforks and rusty swords, the nurses, doctors, children, and the list goes on. These nine hundred pages present all of those details that one might not otherwise consider, and Gabaldon forces them upon you until you can see nothing else.

And I can't help but feel a profound sense of sadness for the real men and women that this story shadows. It's such an intense emotion, to set the book aside and conduct my own research, only to realize that so much of this is true, minus the time travel, of course :D But it's difficult not to dwell on the harsh realities that are illuminated and the tragedies that unfolded, things that I would never have contemplated. And it is humbling...and it makes me feel culpable for my limited knowledge of history. And I'm aware, I know it's fiction. But what an extraordinary talent Gabaldon has to evoke all of these intense feelings within me, to make me weep for these people as if they were my own, if only for a brief moment.


\\n  \\"I will find you,\\" he whispered in my ear. \\"I promise. If I must endure two hundred years of purgatory, two hundred years without you - then that is my punishment, which I have earned for my crimes. For I have lied, and killed, and stolen; betrayed and broken trust. But there is the one thing that shall lie in the balance. When I shall stand before God, I shall have one thing to say, to weigh against the rest.\\"
His voice dropped, nearly to a whisper, and his arms tightened around me.
\\"Lord, ye have me a rare woman, and God! I loved her well.\\"\\n

The beginning of this story was confounding and shocking, and I was reluctant to read it. It alludes to something that shatters my heart, and I simply wanted to skip to the good parts, forget about the present-day Claire and return to 18th-century Scotland. But if there's one thing I can glean from this book in particular, it's that the journey is everything. I still have no inkling of how this will all conclude. In fact, I have no idea at all. The process of getting there is all the excitement...and heartbreak...that I can handle. Let the ratings speak for themselves and guide your decision. To read or not to read? With millions upon millions of glowing reviews, I believe the decision is straightforward.

\\n   \\"D'ye think I don't know?\\" he asked softly. \\"It's me that has the easy part now. For if ye feel for me as I do for you - then I am asking you to tear out your heart and live without it.\\"\\n

Buddy read with Raquel and Anna :D Ladies, I don't think I could have made it through without you!!

For twenty long years, Claire Randall has safeguarded her secrets. Now, she is making her way back to the majestic, mist-shrouded hills of Scotland, accompanied by her grown daughter. Here, Claire has a plan to disclose a truth as astonishing as the events that gave birth to it. The mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones awaits to be unraveled. A love that defies the boundaries of time is about to be revealed. And the story of James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once lured a young Claire from the safety of her own century into the perils of his, is set to unfold once more.

I must admit that reading this series requires patience. The books are lengthy, extremely long indeed. But it is well worth the effort. I fell in love with Jamie from the very first book, Outlander. So, when this one began 20 years later with Claire being 48, I was filled with excitement, eager to see where the story would lead.
The story takes us on a journey through Scotland and France. The Parisian Court beckons, and Jamie and Claire are thrust into the aristocratic life of Paris. The political details can be a bit overwhelming at times, especially for those who don't know much about Scottish history. But despite that, the love between Jamie and Claire shines through. Their story is epic, wonderful, and they are truly perfect for each other.
The Scots Gaelic in the book is quite lovely, and being similar to Irish, I could understand some of it. The dialogue between Jamie and Claire is filled with passion and intensity. Their declarations of love are heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching.
Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of historical romance and time-travel stories. It is a beautifully written tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I can't wait to continue reading the series and see what adventures lie ahead for Jamie and Claire.

\\n  For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland’s majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones ... about a love that transcends the boundaries of time ... and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his....\\n

I will say that you need patience to read this series. The books are long, verra long indeed.

\\n  ”This is Scotland. Of course not liking whisky is a crime.”\\n

Twenty years have passed and Claire returns to Scotland to try and unravel some secrets.


I fell in love with Jamie in the first book, Outlander. So when this one started 20 years later with Claire being 48, I was excited as to see where it would go.


“The devil’s in the detail.” Isn’t that what they say? Well there sure was some detail in this story. I don’t know how long it took Ms Gabaldon to do her research for this. I found it authentic

\\n  “I am called Lord Broch Tuarach for formality’s sake,” the soft Scottish voice above me said. “And beyond the requirements of formality, you will never speak to me again—until you beg for your life at the point of my sword. Then, you may use my name, for it will be the last word you ever speak.”\\n

\\n  “The price of Frank’s life was Jamie’s soul, and how was I to choose between them?”\\n

\\n  “The window was made up of thousands of tiny colored panes, held in place by strips of melted lead. Though the entire window, a mythological scene of the Judgment of Paris, shuddered in its frame, the leading held most of the panes intact; in spite of the crash and tinkle, only a jagged hole at the feet of Aphrodite let in the soft spring air.”\\n

\\n  “I stood still, vision blurring, and in that moment,
I heard my heart break.
It was a small, clean sound, like the snapping of a flower's stem.”\\n

\\n  “The gray cloud that had surrounded me … seemed to draw closer, wrapping me in swaddling folds that dimmed the light of the brightest day. Sounds seemed to reach me faintly, like the far-off ringing of a buoy through fog at sea.”\\n

\\n  REMEMBER MAN, THOU ART DUST …
AND UNTO DUST YOU SHALL RETURN\\n

\\n  “Never,” he whispered to me. “Never. Never another but me! Look at me! Tell me! Look at me, Claire!” ”

“For you are mine.
My wife, my heart, my soul.”\\n

Jamie and Claire’s story is epic.
It was wonderful.
They were perfect together and perfect for each other.

\\n  “And I looked, held prisoner, bound to him. Looked, as he dropped the last of his masks, and showed me the depths of himself, and the wounds of his soul. I would have wept for his hurt, and for mine, had I been able. But his eyes held mine, tearless and open, boundless as the salt sea. His body held mine captive, driving me before his strength, like the west wind in the sails of a bark.

And I voyaged into him, as he into me, so that when the last small storms of love began to shake me, he cried out, and we rode the waves together as one flesh, and saw ourselves in each other’s eyes.”\\n

Once again, we are sent on a journey through Scotland and France. Parisian Court beckons and Jamie and Claire are thrown headfirst into aristocratic life in Paris.


To be honest, some of the political detail went right over my head. I don’t know a lot about Scottish history – well I do know that they or some of them are looking for their independence from England with a referendum in September.

\\n  “Whatever you want to say about the Swiss, they are clever woodcarvers, no?”\\n

I wasn’t’t sure if I should be shouting for the Jacobites, the Stuarts, King Louis, Bonnie Prince Charlie…


I knew I was shouting for Jamie and Claire.

\\n  “He turned to me, wordless, and the breath rushed from him as he pulled me hard against him. Our hands groped in the dying light of the setting sun, urgent in the touch of warmth, the reassurance of flesh, reminded by the hardness of the invisible bone beneath the skin, how short life is.”\\n

I loved Jamie’s sister, Jenny and her husband, Ian.

\\n  “Aye, mo duinne. But you’re my sassenach.”\\n

I found the Scots Gaelic to be quite lovely. Verra similar to Irish so I could understand some of it.

\\n  “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 we both shall live. You’ll no mention the man’s name to me again. D’ye hear?” He kissed me fiercely to emphasize the point. “Did ye hear me?” he asked, breaking off.”\\n

Once again, I could be here all night and talk about Jamie and Claire but time is of the essence and the night is falling.

\\n  “I know it,” he said quietly. “I do know it, my own. Let me tell ye in your sleep how much I love you. For there’s no so much I can be saying to ye while ye wake, but the same poor words, again and again. While ye sleep in ” “my arms, I can say things to ye that would be daft and silly waking, and your dreams will know the truth of them. Go back to sleep, mo duinne.”\\n

\\n  “There is one way,” I said. “Only one.”\\n

\\n  “I will find you,” he whispered in my ear. “I promise. If I must endure two hundred years of purgatory, two hundred years without you—then that is my punishment, which I have earned for my crimes. For I have lied, and killed, and stolen; betrayed and broken trust. But there is the one thing that shall lie in the balance. When I shall stand before God, I shall have one thing to say, to weigh against the rest.”

His voice dropped, nearly to a whisper, and his arms tightened around me.

“Lord, ye gave me a rare woman, and God! I loved her well.”\\n

\\n  “There aren’t any answers, only choices.
I’ve made a number of them myself, and no one can tell me whether they were right or wrong.”
\\n

Whoever picked the casting for the forthcoming TV series, ya picked verra well indeed.


I sort of go in blind to these books. I am really afraid that I will read a spoiler. I already did with the first one when I saw something on Pinterest.


As I said in my review for the previous book, I hope my son gets his place at Edinburgh Univeristy and I can walk in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire Fraser. This book is way more than my review. There are twists and turns and events that will tear at your heartstrings.

Looking forward to my Buddy Read tomorrow of Book 2 avec mon amie, Ⓐlleskelle, n'est pas Alexandra? She is probably cringing at my ruination of the French language.

Dragonfly in Amber was the captivating and enchanting sequel to Outlander, the adored epic series penned by Diana Gabaldon. Twenty years have passed, and Claire Randall returns to the mysteries of Scotland's mist-covered Highlands, accompanied by her daughter, Brianna. It is here that Claire intends to disclose the secret of an ancient circle of standing stones at Craig na Dun, which seem to be precariously slipping from some mysterious layers that lie between then and now. It is here that Claire Randall plans to reveal the secret of a love that defies centuries and the truth about a Highlands warrior, Jamie Fraser. Claire's epic journey persists through the fascinating French court and the peril of the Jacobite plots, all the way to the Highlands of Scotland, in a desperate struggle to safeguard her child and the man she loves.

\\n  

“. . . . small cabochon ruby, its mount was engraved with the Fraser clan motto, je suis prest: ‘I am ready.’”

“But for the hours of the night, I was helpless; powerless to move as a dragonfly in amber.”

\\n

Well, once again I found myself completely engrossed in a book that I would have initially told you held little appeal for me. I was wrong yet again. I am now eagerly anticipating reading the next book in this epic series, Voyager. What more can I say?

It only took me a year to finish this, lmao

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.

I feel like I should issue a warning before you delve too deeply into this review. There will be excessive praise. Major gushing, in fact. You see, I am head over heels in love with Jamie Frasier. I simply can't help it. It just happened, and I'm powerless to stop it. I even had to confess to my husband that I was in love with a fictional character. He just shrugged his shoulders and looked at me as if I were crazy. Oh well.

This is a story that truly revolves around the characters. And Jamie is an extraordinary character. Of course, I like Claire well enough too, but Jamie is in a league of his own. I believe that the entire cast of characters in this novel is superbly portrayed and they come alive on the page. The characters are so realistic that many of them actually remind me of certain people I've met, based solely on their personality traits. All of the characters are flawed and make mistakes, and I love them precisely because of that.

This isn't a book that has one major overarching plot. Instead, it focuses on a specific time period in their lives. There are numerous events that occur in this book. I must admit that I was a bit confused when I initially started listening to this audiobook due to its unusual beginning. I stopped, checked, and then double-checked that it was indeed book #2 in the series. I read this book years ago and had forgotten that it began in this way. The way the book starts does take some of the surprise out of how it ends, but the entire journey is wonderful. There are a lot of descriptions in the book that I'm sure could have been edited out, but I'm glad they weren't. When I started this series, I wasn't seeking a short book. I was hoping to be swept away by an epic story, details and all.

I think that Davina Porter is the perfect narrator for this series. The way she reads this book truly enhances the overall experience of the story. She expertly handles a wide variety of distinctive voices. She is, in a sense, the voice of Jamie, which is rather odd to say. In most cases, when a narrator attempts to do the voice of the opposite gender, it feels off to me in some way. However, Davina Porter's range is so extensive that her male voices sound just as authentic as her female voices. Her rendition of Jamie's Scottish accent and Claire's British accent is truly remarkable.

I highly recommend this series to anyone. This book picks up right where Outlander leaves off, so it's essential to read this series in order. I would also suggest the audiobook version of this series because it's an absolutely wonderful way to experience this story. I couldn't wait to continue my journey with Jamie and Claire and have already begun listening to the audiobook for Voyager, which is book #3 in the series. I'm really looking forward to all the time I plan to spend with Jamie this year as I make my way through this series.

Initial Thoughts

I think that I liked this story even better the second time around. The narration of the audiobook was outstanding. The story grabs you and doesn't let go. Plus, there's Jamie.

I am completely smitten with this fictional man. I love Claire just as much. Yes, there are a lot of descriptions in this book, but I really enjoyed every single one of them.

Full review to be posted just as soon as I can gather my thoughts and stop swooning.

This book is almost unbelievably long, which in part made it feel like a bit of a slog to get through.

However, the overall plot was truly gripping. The author's attention to detail was remarkable, creating a vivid portrait of life in 18th century France and Scotland.

Jamie and Claire are a lovely couple, and both are interesting characters in their own right. Jamie is brave and passionate, while Claire is intelligent and resourceful. Their relationship is complex and evolving, and it is a joy to read about their adventures together.

I very much enjoyed reading this book. It was a challenging read at times, but the rewards were well worth it. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or a good love story.

**Title: A Captivating Blend of Fantasy and History in "Dragonfly in Amber"**

Review originally posted on A Frolic Through Fiction



Just like its predecessor, "Dragonfly in Amber" blows my mind. The level of detail in this series is truly astonishing. It's no wonder each book is so long. But sometimes, a lengthy fantasy is exactly what you need to fully immerse yourself.

This series reminds me of "Game of Thrones" in that the fantasy element isn't the main focus. It's not constantly filled with magic or fantastical creatures. Instead, the story is about the characters navigating a historic world. They're trying to make the best of the time period and circumstances they find themselves in.

The plot, especially in this second book, is complex. It's not hard to follow, but with all the detail, it requires careful digestion. There's a lot of political intrigue, with names and titles being thrown around. I had to reread some paragraphs to fully understand what was going on, especially when it came to the royal relations. But even with that, I still knew the overall story.

Despite its political nature, the book still elicits strong emotions. There's action, plotting, deviousness, spies, witchcraft, and of course, Claire and Jamie. It's a slow read, but at nearly 1000 pages, it's filled with indulgent details that are well worth it. If you're looking for a great, long fantasy that doesn't skimp on anything, and you're not put off by violence, I highly recommend this series.

I don't know for sure...but I have a hunch that I might like this book even more than the first one. It's a bit frustrating because I had thought about picking this up multiple times but never actually did. Now that I have, I will need to read it as many times as the first one to be certain, but my initial impression is that this one could be better.

I absolutely love all of the family, friends, and political scenes in this book. It's so great to see the characters from the first book that I never expected to see again. And the ending of this one really got me excited for the next installment. Maybe this time around, I won't have to read it four times before finally picking up book three.

I'm looking forward to delving deeper into this story and seeing where it takes me. There's something about it that just keeps pulling me in and making me want more. I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us in the next book.