What an enjoyable ride it has been!

Here, we are able to delve deeper into Clare and Jamie's journey. Not only that, but we also witness a long-awaited meeting, whether it was expected or not.

It is indeed true that Diana Gabaldon is the queen of descriptions. One might think that if her books had perhaps 300 fewer pages, we could still have the same story. However, it is precisely these details that enrich these tales. Through her writing, we learn a great deal about the indigenous cultures of early America, about the way of life of 18th-century people, and about the less fortunate individuals who had to endure the horrors of slavery.

These aspects add depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a truly immersive experience for the reader. We are able to step into the shoes of the characters and experience their joys, sorrows, and struggles.

The vivid descriptions allow us to picture the landscapes, the buildings, and the people as if we were actually there. It is this attention to detail that makes Diana Gabaldon's books so captivating and beloved by readers around the world.

The first half of this book was rather slow-paced, which made me a bit impatient at times. However, as I delved into the second half, it completely blew me away. The story took an unexpected turn and became incredibly engaging.

I especially adored witnessing the relationship between Brianna and Roger blossom. Their connection was so beautiful and touching, and it added a whole new layer of depth to the story.

Roger Mackenzie is a complex and charming character. His intelligence and determination make him a force to be reckoned with. And Jamie Fraser, oh my, he is the heart and soul of this series. His strength, honor, and unwavering love for his family are truly inspiring.

These characters are like old friends, and reading about them is like coming home to family. I can't get enough of them. Loved it!

This book has a much slower pace than the others, so my reading speed has also corresponded.

There are moments when it seems to have been written by a different person.

However, a book that takes us back to Jamie and Claire, and to their adventures and misadventures, will always be a book to my liking.

It's as if we are reuniting with old friends and getting to experience their lives once again.

The slower pace allows for a more in-depth exploration of their characters and the world they inhabit.

We can truly immerse ourselves in their story and feel every emotion they do.

Even though there are some parts that may seem a bit disjointed, overall, it's a wonderful read that keeps us hooked from beginning to end.

One conversation could have easily solved this plot's problem. ONE simple conversation!

Just imagine if the characters had taken the time to sit down and talk openly and honestly with each other. So much heartache and misunderstanding could have been avoided.

Perhaps the main character was too proud or afraid to admit their true feelings. Or maybe the other character was too busy assuming the worst to even give the first character a chance to explain.

But if they had just had that one conversation, they might have discovered that their problems were not as insurmountable as they seemed. They might have found common ground, or at least a way to move forward.

In the end, it's often the simplest things that can make the biggest difference. And in this case, that one conversation could have been the key to unlocking a happy ending.

Qué bajón me dio este libro tras Viajera, que me encanta.

However, it is still a good book. (For me, it would have been better with fewer pages.) In addition to the main couple, another great character in this saga begins to stand out: Ian Junior.

This book takes a bit of a dip in quality compared to Viajera, which I absolutely love. But that doesn't mean it's a bad book by any means. It still has its merits.

The story continues to unfold, and while the main couple is still central, Ian Junior starts to emerge as a fascinating and important character. His presence adds another layer of depth and interest to the overall narrative.

Despite its flaws, this book manages to hold my attention and keep me engaged. It makes me eager to see what will happen next in this saga.

I'm looking forward to reading more and seeing how the story progresses and how the characters develop.

Overall, it's a solid addition to the series, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of Viajera.

4.5 stars rounded up. I finally managed to finish this freaking book!!! I initially began it on May 23, 2015!!! (I took numerous breaks and started over twice)

Surprisingly, I have to say that this is my favorite installment of Outlander so far. I'm astonished because I really had a hard time feeling engaged for the first 100 pages or so. (That's why I started and stopped a few times.) What frustrates me and many others about Gabaldon's work is that there is an excessive amount of detail at times, which makes it difficult to persevere. I know her background is in research (and boy, is that obvious) and she is truly masterful at it (I learn a great deal in reading these books), but sometimes I find myself exclaiming, "Enough already!" I still believe this book (and all of them really) is too long, but despite all of this - I adored it.

What had me worried about this book specifically and what remains to be seen as the series progresses is whether the Roger/Bree relationship would take precedence over Jamie/Claire. So far, it hasn't, and for that, I'm grateful. #1 - I'm just so-so on Roger/Bree. I haven't connected with them as effortlessly as I did with Jamie/Claire. #2 - Jamie/Claire are the foundation of these books, and I'm glad to see they weren't pushed into a lesser position of importance just because they are older.

I also relished the dry humor and sarcasm that emerged more with Jamie/Claire. This is the most time they have spent together since being reunited (and not always in a crisis either), so it was wonderful to witness their relationship blossom. Can we also discuss Brianna and Lord John?? Honestly, I'm all in favor of that pairing. I can't wait to see this relationship on screen. Their dialogue was some of my favorite in the book.

My final thoughts on this are that this book made me experience so much more emotion - surprisingly more - than the previous installments. There was such a rewarding payoff in this book for numerous reasons - Ian, Brianna (and yes, even Roger). I will readily admit that I cried a lot at the end of the book. It might be that I'm older now and have gone through many life events since I first started this series, so things are affecting me differently than they would have before - but this is precisely why I was able to easily rate this above the other installments. The second book didn't resonate with me as much as watching the second season. So far, the second season of the show was outstanding for me - but sticking to the books, I really loved this one despite all of its flaws.

*SPOILERS*

Sadly, I have reached the end of my patience with this series. It began splendidly, and I will forever consider the first book, Outlander, to be one of my all-time favorites. However, Gabaldon seemingly lost her touch. At least, that's how it feels to me. I endured the second book, with its tiresome details, sleep-inducing battle descriptions, and melodrama. I even accepted the third, despite being completely enraged and on the verge of tears when I realized Claire and Jamie were separated for twenty years. Seriously, twenty years. I'm not sure I can ever forgive Gabaldon for that. But I persevered, hoping to overcome my disappointment and lose myself in the story once more.

Alas, this fourth book has completely numbed me to any enjoyment I once derived from this fictional world. I'm not certain what Gabaldon's intentions were. I find myself questioning if she had a clear vision for the story's direction when she started writing about Claire and Jamie. It doesn't seem so because, upon reading, the Claire and Jamie in book four seem like entirely different people from the previous three books. I understand that some may attribute this to character development, but characters are supposed to evolve, not behave in a completely different manner from what the reader is accustomed to. The intelligent, shrewd, humorous, and bold characters from the first three books are gone. Jamie Fraser was always a force to be reckoned with, always one step ahead, knowing what was happening and why, and having a plan to make things work in his favor. In this book, however, he appears to be stumbling around like an imbecile. Claire is alternately timid and outraged, but her reactions never seem to make sense. She's timid when she should be bold and outraged when she should perhaps let things go. It's almost incomprehensible how much I suddenly disliked her.
And their daughter, Brianna? Gods save me from ever having to read about her again. What a moron. My biggest issue with this book isn't just that the characters were different; it's that they were completely stupid. This story hinges entirely on the Big Misunderstanding. No one is communicating with anyone else, which, of course, leads to trouble, and more trouble, and more trouble, since apparently no one can be bothered to tell anyone else what the hell is going on. If Brianna needed Roger to stay behind so she could return, she should have told him. Roger should have planned his departure more carefully. Why did Brianna scream in terror when she saw Roger in the pub? First, she was dreamy, then she was screeching. It didn't make sense. Why did Roger leave her alone? After being furious internally about her naivete regarding her safety, he leaves her alone again! And what does the simpleton do? She waltzes into the cabin of an 18th-century pirate and gets raped. When they're waiting for Roger to show up on the mountain, they keep referring to him as Roger Wakefield, even though Brianna knows he's going by Mackenzie. So, he gets his butt kicked by Jamie and sold to the Iroquois as a slave because Jamie can't be bothered to ask him his first name. I just can't handle this book anymore. I'm deeply disappointed and saddened by how poorly things were handled, and I simply can't bring myself to read any more of it, especially considering the next book is nearly 500 pages longer than this one.
This was me while reading the book:
  

This was me when I finished:
  

Diana Gabaldon has once again demonstrated her remarkable talent as a writer and storyteller. Her work elicits a wide range of emotions from the reader. We find ourselves laughing, rejoicing, sobbing, swooning, and tearing up. We experience anxiety, fear, and frustration. But above all, we live the story along with the characters. It is truly a remarkable experience.

I am extremely glad to see that each new installment in this phenomenal series manages to maintain its unique "x factor." It keeps us hooked and eager for more. As I conclude this review, I am already looking forward to delving into the next book.

Here are some quotes from the book that really stood out to me:

  "You are my courage, as I am your conscience. You are my heart - and I your compassion. We are neither of us whole, alone. Do you not know that, Sassenach?" - Jamie

  "Love? Obligation? How in hell you have love without obligation?" - Roger

To read my reviews of the previous books in the series, simply click on the pictures below:

  
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Books one and two were truly excellent. However, the third book, "Voyager", turned into a rather detailed travelogue, and there were parts that felt a bit dragging. But since I had a great affection for the first two, I was determined to continue with the series.

I made the decision to listen to it instead of reading, and it was a wise choice! This book seemed much less engaging than the third one, so I'm certain that listening to it was more enjoyable than reading it.

I have decided to stop here with the series.

Although I desired to witness the continuation of Jamie and Claire's story and was reluctant to let go of the characters, I believe I would prefer to go back and reread the first two books rather than endure the struggle of getting through books five and six. I don't wish to see Jamie and Claire die or read about them at the age of 70.

Due to its intense violence, often disturbing subject matter, and certain "romantic" scenes, I am hesitant to recommend this (or any of the series) to anyone.

Back to Gabaldon's powerful and complex OUTLANDER series, after the Lord John Grey reprieve.

When last Gabaldon spoke of the Fraser clan, they had made their arduous journey across the vast Atlantic and spent some time in Jamaica before finally landing in the colony of Georgia. As this novel commences, they find themselves residing in South Carolina, among other colonial settlers. The life there bears a resemblance to that in the Highlands, enabling Jamie to carve out his niche and Claire to emerge as the local medicine woman.

A trip to meet Jamie's aunt Jocasta opens up new and exciting possibilities, presenting a chance to create a region entirely their own. The Frasers then settle in North Carolina, their family ever expanding, as content as they can be in the tumultuous 1770s.

Meanwhile, in modern times, Brianna and Roger face the difficult task of tracking down Claire and Jamie through the historical papers at their disposal. Brianna is back in Boston and Roger in Oxford, yet both are irresistibly drawn back to the Highlands and to one another. After stumbling upon some definitive proof of dire consequences, Brianna hatches a plan for a voyage through the Stones in order to advise her mother and finally meet her birth father.

Once Roger discovers what she has done (and being well-versed in his family history), he embarks on his own trek through the Stones, determined to find Brianna. Both must set sail across the Atlantic and encounter individuals on their respective journeys who will significantly shape their lives, none more so than a ship captain named Stephen Bonnet.

Upon their arrival and eventual path crossing, Brianna must make her way to Claire and Jamie, while Roger remains in the background, at least for the time being. Jamie must now step into the role of a father and learn the perils of having an independent daughter who is not yet familiar with the ways of 18th-century living, all while grappling with the dark cloud she brings to the colony. Jamie addresses things in his stubborn Scottish manner, which has far-reaching consequences for all, some more troublesome than others.

All this, along with two significant story lines including Lord John Grey, rounds out a book filled with numerous little stories that both entertain and lay further groundwork for future novels. Gabaldon thickens the plot tremendously, yet still the mysteries abound in this must-read continuation of the well-known series.

As I have previously stated, Gabaldon's mastery of writing and the series knows no bounds. She has the remarkable ability to take her characters in countless directions and keep the reader perpetually curious with each new tale. There is no end to the adventures that unfold, nor does she ever fully disclose the true nature of the Stones and their powers. The reader is compelled (and surely desires) to forge ahead and read even more to gain a better understanding. Moreover, with new characters and unexpected twists emerging at every turn, there is no limit to what can, and does, occur.

I find myself hard-pressed to keep it all straight (yes, the audiobook versions make it more challenging to sketch things out while on the move), but I listen as attentively as possible. Even though this is my second reading of these novels, I am gleaning so much more, yet much still eludes me... but it's addictive and highly entertaining all at once.

Kudos, Madam Gabaldon, for you have not lost any momentum, even as I took the Lord John Grey side tour. With all the characters you present, I cannot fathom what else you could introduce... though you will undoubtedly think of something else.

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**4.5 stars**

Jamie and Claire are in America, slowly journeying towards Jamie's aunt's house, River Run, in Cross Creek.

Of course, there is never a dull moment. But once they get used to the way of things, they decide to make their own home in a place called Fraser's Ridge.

Holy Cow! This book took me a week to read. There wasn't really any excuse as to why it took me so long other than the fact that it took me a bit to get into it. Sadly, I can't blame the book; it was all me. I thought this book would be more about Roger and Brianna and not Jamie and Claire, but that is not the case. Luckily, once I realized that, I was totally immersed in that world and a very happy camper.

As with all the Outlander books, so much happens! And with the usual attention to details that DG gives her stories, you are immersed in this wonderful new world. It was great reading about all the adventures and how things were, and the Indians! You would think it would be like a history book, but it wasn't.

Of course, I still love Jamie and Claire. It was great seeing them build their new home and become settled. But I was really surprised at how much I came to LOVE Roger and Brianna, especially Roger. He really won me over. So much so that when there was an incident with Jamie, I was almost ready to give up on Jamie and cast him aside. Happily, things worked out, and now I can have BOTH Jamie and Roger! Plus, they are really funny when they are together! As Claire said, "Testosterone poisoning."

As I said, there are so many events that happen, but none that I can say without spoiling things. Mainly, Roger, Brianna, and Ian go through the most, and there were some heart-breaking moments. Lord John Grey plays a big part, and I really respected how he handled things at the end.

Where will things go next? I'm not sure. Everything wraps up so nicely in this book, but there are known facts about the future and what that might bring. Still, I Can't wait to read The Fiery Cross!

Favorite quotes:

♦ "Ah… when I came upon you… what ye were doing… I mean—were ye doing what I thought?"

♥ "Your face is my heart, Sassenach," he said softly, "and love of you is my soul."

♥ "You are my courage, as I am your conscience," he whispered. "You are my heart—and I your compassion. We are neither of us whole, alone. Do ye not know that, Sassenach?"

♦ "Sorry, lass," he said, with a half-smile. "I'm a marrit man."

♦ "My God," he said, half shocked. "I didn't know it did that! It's like a squirt gun."

**Drums of Autumn (Outlander #4) by Diana Gabaldon**

Diana Gabaldon's writing in "Drums of Autumn" is truly remarkable. Her detailed descriptions make it feel as if the reader is transported back in time. The clothing, weather, survival techniques, and ways of life are all vividly brought to life through her specific explanations.

A great deal of research has gone into this book to ensure its alignment with the time period. The plot is constantly twisting, the characters are evolving, and the locations are changing, yet it all flows seamlessly.

The story focuses on Bree's discovery of something crucial about her parents' future. Bree and Roger travel through the stones in search of Claire and Jamie, who are now in the American Colonies.

While the love story between Jamie and Claire continues, the main focus shifts to Bree and Roger as we follow their challenging journey.

I have mixed feelings about this installment of the Outlander Series. After investing so much time in Claire and Jamie's epic love adventure, I found it difficult to easily accept the shift in attention. Bree and Roger's love story is very different, and it took me some time to warm to Bree. I find her juvenile and brattish behavior off-putting.

A lot happens in this story. Families are reunited, while others part ways. New love is found, and old flames still burn strong. Misunderstandings lead to catastrophic events, and Lord Grey pays a visit, bringing with him someone of interest from Jamie's past.

Although "Drums of Autumn" starts slower than the first three installments, it picks up about halfway through, and you can't help but be captivated by Diana's writing. This is an especially long book, over 1000 pages, and I found that switching between reading and listening to the audio version made it easier to get through the slower parts.

The audio version, narrated by Davina Porter, is another outstanding performance. She does an amazing job of portraying the many characters in the book. I highly recommend the audio version, especially for the first half of the book, as it allows you to do something else while listening and makes it easier to get through until the book picks up speed.

Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 5. The genre is historical romance, and the narration is in multiple third-person POV and also first-person POV (Claire). The book details include it being book #4 of The Outlander Series, with book #5 being The Fiery Cross. The audio is available and is Whisper-sync ready. I do recommend this book, as Diana is extremely talented at writing dialogue and developing unforgettable characters.

BLUSH RATING: 2
ROMANCE RATING: 3
PLOT RATING: 4
OVERALL: 4

GENRE: Historical Romance
NARRATION: Multiple third person POV and also first person POV (Claire)
BOOK DETAILS: Book #4 of The Outlander Series. Book#5 The Fiery Cross 
AUDIO AVAILABLE – Whisper- sync ready
DO I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes, Diana is extremely talented at writing dialogue in her scenes and her characters are well developed and unforgettable. Although the beginning is drawn out you will be glad you read on by the end of the book. It helps to read another book in between each novel as it gives you a break and you come back to the next instalment with a fresh perspective.

Narrated by: Davina Porter
Length: 44 hrs and 54 mins


Another long but brilliant performance by Davina Porter, there was a lot of characters in this audio she had to portray but she did it so unbelievably well. I highly recommend the audio version of this book as the first half of the book is really slow so doing something else while you’re listening to it makes it easier to get through until the book picks up speed.

AUDIO RATING: 5/5