“And if you want revenge, then you are welcome, because my soul is yours, down to its darkest depths.”

Although I really enjoyed it, especially the last part, this book didn't win me over as much as the first one. I had just lived through a story that took me at a gallop all the time and suddenly this book starts a bit slower and more leisurely. The part about the intrigues at the French court sometimes seemed boring and tedious to me. It is true that many of the things the author tells us on those pages, rumors, political intrigues, serve us later, but still there were moments that seemed rather heavy to me. Now, once we return to Scotland, then yes, hold on because there are curves coming. That thrilling and magnificent rhythm that Diana Gabaldon knows so well how to carry returns, and that has made me fall in love with her narrative, and with her characters, yes, with her characters too xD And that ending? Uffff… I literally drank the last 200 pages. I confess that as the first pages of the book were passing, I thought of giving it 3 stars, but that ending and those pages in which everything returns to its essence have made me raise it to 4, without a doubt. They are not 5 because it lacked a bit of sparkle at the beginning, but, do I still love this saga? Yes, even the setbacks. Do I want to start the next one? Well, also. Marvellous is a word that is too short to describe this saga. I also confess that I can't wait to start watching the series because I have a hunch that Mr. and Mrs. Fraser in motion will be even more to my liking ❤

I did it! I finally accomplished the task of finishing this book, and I truly loved it! It was a beautiful yet extremely heartbreaking sequel to Outlander. The story was so captivating that I can't wait to read the next book later this year. However, even though I had a deep affection for this novel, I made the decision to award it only 4 stars. The reason being that I still vividly remember reading Outlander in just 7 days, while it took me almost 5 weeks to complete this one. Unfortunately, I needed a considerable amount of time to fully immerse myself in this part of the series. Maybe it was due to the complexity of the plot or the new characters introduced. But overall, it was still a great read, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the next installment has in store for me.

Just like the first volume, this is a very well-documented book.

It features alert action and is full of plot twists. The characters are ones that you love and hate passionately, and you simply can't forget them!

This is a book to which I would have liked to give 10 stars.

The detailed research and documentation make the story come alive, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world created by the author.

The fast-paced action keeps you on the edge of your seat, while the complex and multi-faceted characters add depth and nuance to the narrative.

Whether you're a fan of the genre or simply looking for a great read, this book is sure to satisfy.

It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys exciting stories with memorable characters and unexpected plot turns.

Highly recommended!

In continuation to the first volume in the series, the book “Dragonfly in Amber” – with its delightful title reappearing along the story – tells us the timeless love story between Claire and Jamie. Their journey is not only about love but also about their struggle to prevent historical tragedies and awful wars.

When the author describes Paris of the 18th century and the conduct of King Louie and the city’s noblemen, it feels as if we are there with them. We can almost envision ourselves dining with the King of France and his entourage or hosting a feast for the Parisian elite. The details are so vivid that it brings the past to life.

Moving back to Scotland, which at the time serves as a bloody battlefield, is a sharp contrast. It immediately brings us back to a “war state”, making us fear for every important and beloved character that stands in danger. The destruction and chaos are heart-aching to witness.

Reading this book is like diving into a parallel world. I was completely engrossed and, in less than a week, I finished over 900 pages. I just couldn’t stop reading. Gabaldon manages to surprise us with her original ideas and twists, which keeps the story fresh and exciting. Her writing style is so captivating that it leaves me with no choice but to carry on to the next volume in the series! I can’t wait to see what adventures Claire and Jamie will embark on next.

I stood still, my vision blurring. In that very moment, I heard my heart break. It was a small, clean sound, much like the snapping of a flower's stem. This powerful image has stayed with me ever since I read it in the Outlander series. I absolutely adore this series!

It's quite humorous to note that I began 2019 by reading the first book of Outlander and now I've completed the second one. I truly hope it doesn't take me ten years to read through the entire series!

HUGE price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US, 12/10/14

**re-read for the third time**

Third time around thoughts: This time, as I delved into the story for the third time, it didn't have the same impact on me as it did the first time. I believe that due to having read it so many times, I became a bit tired of some of the political aspects within the narrative. However, it still remains incredibly romantic and special. The beautiful love story that unfolds between the characters is truly captivating. Their emotions and the way they interact with each other draw the reader in and make them invested in their relationship. Despite the minor drawback of the overexposure to the politics, the overall charm and allure of the story are still very much present. It's a tale that continues to touch the heart and leave a lasting impression.

\\"Dragonfly in Amber\\" is an exquisitely perfect continuation of the Outlander series. There is simply no other way it could have been. It is, in my eyes, flawless in every conceivable aspect, and I adore it with absolute perfection.

Dragonfly in Amber, the second installment of the Outlander series, takes us on another astonishing journey (or perhaps a retelling) of Claire Randall/Fraser's adventures beyond time. This time, Claire has returned to her own era, 1968, with her daughter Brianna, who is already a twenty-year-old woman. Hailing from America, Claire makes her way back to Scotland to assist Mr. Roger Wakefield, the adopted son of Reverend Reginald Wakefield (whom we met in the first Outlander book), in investigating what became of the men of Lallybroch after the battle at Culloden. She also aims to discover if Jamie Fraser fulfilled his final wishes to save his men and to reveal to Brianna the true nature of her heritage.

Claire shares her account of the battle, whether it was to halt the uprising or secure victory for Bonnie Prince Charles Stuart, the Great Pretender.

But oh my goodness! How on earth am I going to summarize 752 pages of pure perfection into something shorter, yet still capture the essence of its perfection? It's an arduous task.

However, the next part is effortless.

I LOVE JAMIE FRASER. JAMIE! JAMIE! JAMIE! JAMIE! I feel like a schoolgirl fresh out of class. I resemble all those Edward Cullen fans/stalkers, but for me, it's all about Jamie. I'm positively giddy. I'll end up a spinster if I don't manage to find my very own Jamie.

If you're not yet in love with Jamie, I'll do everything in my power to make you fall head over heels for him too. Besides his delectable and majestic physique, he also has the sweetest and most swoon-worthy lines I've ever come across in literature. SPOILER ALERT! Here are some of my favorite Jamie Fraser lines from Dragonfly in Amber.

\\"I want to protect ye, sassenach - spread myself over ye like a cloak and shield you and the child wi' my body.\\"


\\"Blood of my blood,\\" he whispered, \\"and 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 you want me or nay. Mine, and I wilna let you go.\\"


\\"Claire. To feel the small bones of your neck beneath my hands, and that fine, thin skin on your breasts and your arms... Lord, you are my wife, whom I cherish and I love wi' all my life and still I want to kiss ye hard enough to bruise your tender lips, and see the marks of my fingers on your skin.\\"


\\"I'm honest enough to say that I dinna care what the right and wrong of it may be, so long as you are here wi' me, Claire,\\" he said softly. \\"If it was a sin for you to choose me, then I would go to the Devil himself and bless him for tempting ye to it.\\"



And when Claire asked why Jamie agreed not to kill Jack Randall (a despicable man who abused our dear Jamie), this is what he said:
\\"...I want there to be a place for you; I want someone for you to go to if I am... not there to care for you. If it canna be me, then I would have it a man who loves you.\\"


\\"Damn you, too, Claire Randall Fraser, while I'm at it!\\" he said. \\"Damn right I begrudge! I grudge every memory of yours that doesna hold me, and every tear ye've shed for another, and every second you spent in another man's bed! Damn you! You're mine, damn ye, Claire Fraser! Mine, and I wilna share ye, with a man or memory, or anything whatever, so long as we both shall live.\\"



When Claire woke up in the middle of the night and Jamie wasn't asleep, Claire tells Jamie she loves him. Jamie replies:
\\"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.\\"



And just before Jamie sends Claire back:
\\"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 one thing that shall lie in the balance. When I stand before God, I shall have one thing to say to weigh against the rest. Lord, ye have given me a rare woman, and God! I loved her well.\\"

End of spoilers! I can now swoon to my heart's content. But I have to carry on a little further. Are you in love with Jamie yet? If not, please pick up this book and witness how every gesture of his is utterly swoon-worthy.

As always, Diana Gabaldon is verbose. Not that I'm complaining, because every word and every page is essential in bringing this wonderful story to life right before your very eyes (or rather, in your imagination).

Also, the ending is both the best and worst cliffhanger I've ever encountered! It's the best because it makes me extremely eager to read the next installment, and the worst because it figuratively made me understand why such endings are called cliffhangers. I felt as if I'd been dropped from a cliff.

To you, Diana Gabaldon, thank you for the gift of Jamie.

And to you, dear reader of this review (or rather, this narrative of my obsession with Jamie), do yourself a favor and give yourself some Jamie loving. ♥

Book 2 in the Outlander series has been an absolute rollercoaster of emotions for me.

I found myself laughing out loud at some of the humorous moments, crying buckets at the heart-wrenching scenes, and having my heart broken more than a few times.

As the story progresses, we get to know the characters on a much deeper level. Their personalities shine through, and we can't help but become more invested in their lives and fates.

This installment is more of an adventure than the first one. There is more storytelling, which keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The author poses several questions throughout the book, and when the answers are finally revealed, they are absolutely shocking!

The ending of this book is a total cliffhanger. It leaves you with your heart in your throat, desperate to know what will happen next.

If you have the patience to read a long, drawn-out book and you love a good adventure with complex characters and a captivating storyline, then I would definitely recommend this series. It's one that you won't be able to put down!

Outlander is a captivating and enchanting novel that has received a well-deserved four-star rating.

The story takes readers on a thrilling journey through time and space, following the adventures of its protagonist.

With its richly developed characters, vivid descriptions, and engaging plot, Outlander keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

The author's writing style is both beautiful and immersive, allowing readers to fully experience the emotions and experiences of the characters.

Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, romance, or adventure, Outlander has something for everyone.

It's a must-read for anyone looking for a truly unforgettable literary experience.

So, if you haven't already, be sure to check out Outlander and discover the magic for yourself.

You won't be disappointed!

After coming to terms with the initial shock of this time jump we are met with in this book,

I really found myself enjoying the reading experience. To be honest, the first half of the story, which is set in Paris, isn't my absolute favorite.

It seemed to lag a bit at times, and it didn't have the same sense of fluidity and freedom as when the characters are in Scotland.

However, despite this minor drawback, I just couldn't resist turning the page and telling myself "just one more page."

This clearly shows that overall, the book is something special.

The story has a certain charm and吸引力 that keeps pulling the reader in.

I'm really looking forward to the next installment in this series.

I can't wait to see what adventures and surprises await the characters in the next book.

It's going to be exciting to continue following their journey.

Jamie and Claire truly slay me, whether there's a knife involved or not. This is my third time delving into Dragonfly in Amber, and yet, I continue to unearth new treasures. I find it impossible to adequately describe the depth of my love for these characters.

I also have a newfound admiration for Jenny and Ian. The hardships Jenny endured when Ian's leg was amputated are truly heart-wrenching. The way she described those events makes it clear that she is a force to be reckoned with, a woman who loves her man, her kids, her brother, and her family with an intensity that is both inspiring and awe-inspiring.

Somehow, I had forgotten the poignant moment between Jamie and Ian when they were sleeping on the floor together and Ian's innocent snuggling triggered Jamie's PTSD from the rape. Jamie's confession to Ian was so heartrending, and it broke Ian's heart as well. It reminded me of the scene in Virgins after Jamie's flogging when Ian vowed to help Jamie kill BJR. These brothers of the heart are as thick as thieves, always ready to guard each other's vulnerable sides.

Then there's Bree, who I still wanted to give a good smack a few times for being a brat, but I can also understand her perspective. Roger is her perfect match in every way, and I adore them as a couple.

Jamie and Claire, however, are my absolute favorites. There is nothing that can compare to them. The scene at the stones circle when he sends her back through still reduces me to tears. It is written so beautifully that I can feel the sting in my heart.

I just want to curl up in a warm blanket and binge on Outlander forever.

Even though it's been five years since I first read this book, it still holds a very special place in my heart. Rereads are truly amazing!

I picked up the second book after watching the first season of the TV series and somehow convincing myself that the first one had been okay. I'm not sure why my mind played such tricks on me because all the things that I detested about book one were still very much present, and I found myself getting even more irritated with the characters.

Time traveling is perhaps my favorite concept. Since I'm also in love with historical fiction, I prefer to read about people journeying to the past rather than to the future. So, this book actually combines many of the elements that I love, which makes me wonder even more why I don't really like it. In fact, I was initially a big fan of the beginning of the book. It confused me for a few pages, but it was a great start. Sadly, however, the book went downhill after that.

I have to admit that I did enjoy reading some parts of the book. For instance, their time in France was quite interesting. There were also a number of captivating characters that I liked reading about. But (and this is a significant point) I never felt as if the historical aspect of the story was truly crucial. It might be because I don't know much about the time period and the events involved, but it definitely seemed as if the author didn't really take the trouble to explain everything thoroughly. I understand that stories can become dull when there is too much explaining, but there is a big difference between no explanation and too much. To understand what was happening and who the various characters were, I had to either ask my husband for help or use Google. Needless to say, this is not my favorite way to read a book.

One aspect that the author paid a great deal of attention to was the relationship between Claire and Jamie. While I had major issues with their relationship in book 1, I thought I was ready for what was coming. To be honest, I thought I could overlook it to some extent. After finishing book one, I was very certain that the series was primarily a romantic novel, not a historical fiction, which is why I was so surprised when their relationship turned out to be so lacking in love. I noticed that the book tried to convince me otherwise, but I definitely wasn't feeling it. There was no emotional investment on my part in their relationship other than being annoyed by how he treated her.

Maybe I'm just not suited for this series. Whereas I had considered giving it another chance after the first book (which I did in the end), I now know that I'll be able to find other books that I truly enjoy reading. The fact that it took me 8 months to finish this book says a lot. I'm done with it.