Another epic read! This will be a rather quick review as I simply don't have the time to do a full and detailed one. It took me a solid two weeks to read this particular installment. Granted, it coincided with the start of the holidays, and that usually means less reading time for me. But let me tell you, I absolutely LOVED it! I have this deep affection for Jamie, and I also LOVE Jamie and Claire as a couple.

Roger and Brianna, yes, you guessed it right, I adored them too.

You truly need patience to read these books. They are indeed very long. So much is going on within their pages. I won't say too much as you are far better off experiencing all the wonderful things in Outlander fresh and new!

Even Lord John managed to melt my heart a little.

A great deal happens in this book. Did it feel a bit dragging for me? No, not really. However, I've heard that the next one is a bit more drawn out!

Ian, what a brave lad he is.

“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?”


I might take a little break now from all things Outlander, although I did say that after I finished Book 3!!

The Outlander books are extremely long, yet they are immensely rewarding.

I appreciate the fact that these novels are divided into various parts, which makes it convenient to switch between this and other books.

Admittedly, I was already aware of what would occur in this volume due to the show, but approaching these epic tomes episodically makes it much more manageable.

Even though the first part of the story progresses rather slowly, I believe that Gabaldon does an excellent job of setting the scene of colonial America.

While the Scottish history in the earlier books was highly interesting, I felt that she was more comfortable here - it is definitely a perfect place to continue the series from.

As Claire and Jamie soon establish their new home in North Carolina, it is Brianna and Rodger's lives in the 20th century that take center stage, as they strive to satisfy their curiosity about whether the former manages to return to the eighteenth century.

The images of the moon landing on television serve as a stark reminder that the two different time periods share a theme of discovery.

The second half is incredibly gripping as the two youngsters decide to travel back in time to assist in saving Brianna's parents.

I continuously enjoy how the regular characters are constantly put to the test throughout the series and I can't wait to see what the next book has in store (I'm planning on reading it before Series 5!), while the extensive and detailed research truly gives me a better understanding of early American history.

I've thought long and hard about where to begin this review. There is an abundance of storylines and events happening in this novel. We have the captivating relationships of Jamie and Claire, as well as Brianna and Roger.

Let's start in July 1969. Roger Mackenzie Wakefield encounters Brianna Randall in America. He is performing and singing at a Celtic Festival. He presents Brianna with photos of Frank and Claire Randall when they were newly married. She pores over the photographs while Roger is singing. Overwhelmed with emotion, Brianna rushes to the ladies' restroom to splash water on her tear-stained face. Later, Brianna and Roger, along with a group of her friends, are watching the Apollo Landing on television. Roger senses the disparities between a historian and an engineer. When Brianna turns around from watching the Landing, she passionately kisses him. Roger begins to believe that there is common ground between them.

Now, let's join Jamie and Claire in June 1767. They have all endured a hurricane, but were cast off course and landed in the colony of Georgia. They have journeyed with farmers to the colony of South Carolina. Their next destination is the plantation called River Run, just across Cross Creek. There they anticipate a warm welcome from Jamie's Aunt Jocasta Mackenzie Cameron. In the meantime, Jamie and Claire attend a dinner where Governor Tyron is a guest. The governor offers Jamie land in North Carolina. Jamie points out that he is Catholic. Governor Tyron makes a secret gesture of acceptance and is satisfied that Jamie gave his Oath after Culloden. To obtain the land, Jamie would have to sponsor immigrants capable of working the land. He leaves the governor at the table, saying he will think about the offer. But first, they must travel to River Run.

A great deal more occurs to the two couples. This novel is filled to the brim with exciting, heart-rending, and heart-stopping moments. The characters feel like old friends, as close as family. The depth of characterization, the meticulous research, and the writing style bring this novel to historical life. Diana Gabaldon has crafted a series that draws the reader into the world of her characters, making them believe in the time travel theory - the existence of two timelines two hundred years apart, one in the past and one in the present - all wrapped up in historical accuracy. I wholeheartedly recommend the Outlander series.

It really pains me a little to give such a low rating to an Outlander book. But to be honest, that's exactly what I felt. I love this world, I love these characters. However, I need a good plot, a goal in itself. It would be nice if it was about daily life, but not for hundreds of pages. Hundreds. Yes. The first 600 pages were a bit painful to read, I'm not going to lie. It took me months. I always put it aside. And then from page 800 on, it was very good!

I liked it, but I don't think I'll read the next books. For now, I don't think so. Maybe in the future. I don't have the time to read these such dense books at the moment. Otherwise, I could hardly read anything else all year long

Grade: B+ or 4 Solid Stars... Very good story for fans of Jamie and Claire!

The Story
Drums of Autumn commences shortly after Claire and Jamie's shipwreck off the coast of Georgia in 1767, which was the final event in the third Outlander book Voyager. Claire, aware of the future events in the American Colonies and longing for peaceful living after surviving Culloden, finds herself and Jamie facing a series of unfortunate events that leave them with no choice but to travel abroad. Meanwhile, Jamie feels the call of the land, desiring to build, establish tenants, and fulfill his destiny as a landowner.

In 1968, Brianna Randall misses her mother deeply. She maintains contact with Roger Wakefield through letters, phone calls, and occasional visits. Their long-distance courtship progresses as Brianna pursues her degree in the States. However, when Roger discovers tragic news about Jamie and Claire, he withholds it to prevent Brianna from traveling through the stones. Brianna, on the other hand, makes her own discovery and decides to travel through the stones to save her parents, with Roger in hot pursuit.

My Thoughts
The pacing and storytelling of this book are similar to those of Dragonfly in Amber, which I adored. While it doesn't have the "epic" feel of DiA, with its goal of preventing the massacre of Culloden, this story focuses on Jamie and Claire's efforts to establish a place of their own. Claire's need to protect Jamie from future violence, and Jamie's determination to build and provide for his family independently after relinquishing his inheritance in Scotland, are central themes. (Jamie's shame at having no land, home, or money is a rare display of his vulnerability, and his humiliation at having to accept charity serves as a reminder of his pride.)

This poor family seems to have no luck. The unfortunate events in this story, although not as extreme or non-stop as in Voyager, still cause heartache. One act of kindness backfires, leading to a chain of events that come full circle. The phrase "No good deed goes unpunished" seems particularly apt. Poor Jamie! His guilt and bitterness are palpable.

Claire does make a couple of questionable choices that border on being "too stupid to live." However, these choices also lead to significant discoveries such as the skull and stone, and if she hadn't searched for Jamie in the snow, he would have frozen to death. It's interesting to learn that Jamie has a bad back. Despite these choices, Claire remains a strong character, and her love for Jamie is evident. Their inability to be apart is understandable.

Now, for some highlights! But beware, spoilers ahead!

\\n  Highlights\\n ***Last warning! Spoilers - spoilers - spoilers!!!****

•\\tThe Story of Otter Bear – an enigmatic time traveler. I'm left wondering why he helped Claire (was it his plan to have the Native Americans eliminate the colonists?) and how he managed to do it (is he a ghost?).
•\\tBrianna and Roger's hand fasting and the consummation of their relationship.
•\\tThe emotional moment when Brianna and Jamie meet for the first time.
•\\tIan's heroic sacrifice.
•\\tThe discovery of another stone circle.
•\\tThe tender moments between Jamie and Claire, such as fixing a leaky room, Claire saving his life, and their encounters with Ian and his friends. The gold ring is a particularly touching detail.
•\\tLord Ian Grey's kind acts.
•\\tStephen Bonnet – the despicable villain. I had fleeting thoughts of castration! Maybe he'll redeem himself in a future book by performing a heroic act, but I'm not holding my breath.
•\\tThe letter Roger memorized – it finally reveals the mystery behind Jamie's headstone in the Scotland kirkyard with Jonathan Randall. But where did the headstone come from? And what about Claire's headstone?

One aspect that confused me as a reader was Brianna's statement that she knows her mother is alive, having traveled from her present to Jamie's past, but she also knows Jamie is dead. This contradiction is later explained as Brianna's conflicted emotions, but it was initially puzzling.


Next up – The Fiery Cross (book 5)

Why? I'm completely invested in the lives of Claire and Jamie. I hope they find happiness soon! I'm also worried about how many books it will take to reach the event that Brianna traveled through the stones to prevent. Culloden was covered in one year and one book, and Jamie and Claire's tragic event is set to occur in 1776. : /

“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?” This beautiful quote from the Outlander series encapsulates the deep and complex relationship between Claire and Jamie. The books of Outlander hold a special magic that makes me love every word, every moment, and every adventure they narrate.

In the fourth installment, Claire and Jamie are in the American colonies, specifically in North Carolina, trying to establish a settlement for the Scots. They not only have to negotiate the terms of the land with the Governor but also deal with Jamie's rather insistent and strange aunt, the wildness of the New World, and most importantly, the limits and customs of the Native Americans. Meanwhile, in the present, Brianna and Roger are tentatively exploring their relationship. However, Brianna discovers that a fire will destroy Fraser's Ridge and decides to do everything possible to travel back in time and save her parents from that fate. This, precisely, is the catalyst for a whole host of misfortunes and misunderstandings to occur in the story.

While I really miss that 100% of the books take place in Scotland, I really like the new challenges that are presented to Jamie, Claire, and Ian in the wild landscapes and deep forests of North Carolina. I will never get tired of reading about them and knowing that something like what they have doesn't exist in real life. It's too much for my heart. Now, I must say that I really like Brianna's storyline. I think she's an amazing girl and that, despite being very naïve in some situations, she's willing to do everything to meet her father, reunite with her mother, and create new bonds that will last through time. Of course, for that, Brianna will understand firsthand how difficult the 18th century is for a woman, and especially for one traveling practically alone. Poor thing.

Perhaps the only thing that doesn't convince me and that, at some point, I'll have to overcome because it will clearly keep appearing, is Roger. Oh, Roger. He's a difficult character to love. He's so old-fashioned that sometimes I wanted to hit the book against something. And then, when all the drama occurs, he doesn't act with the nobility and loyalty that I expect from a character in Outlander. Although, of course, it could be that next to Jamie, everyone seems like a chicken, hahaha. Anyway, I already want to know how the story of Jamie, Claire, Brianna, and Roger continues in this new and wild world. Although, to be honest, I think I'll find out first through the series than through the next book. I'm always behind. Send help!

I'm currently behind in my reviews, but I just completed Drums of Autumn this morning, and I'm determined not to forget the impact it had on me.

Diana Gabaldon is truly a remarkable and epic writer. However, here's the thing. She really struggles when it comes to endings. This particular one left me with an insatiable craving for more, and I despise that feeling. I'm well aware that it's part of a series, but (SPOILER ALERT) for the last 300 pages, I was on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating two crucial events: 1) the (sex) scene where Roger and Brianna reconcile, and 2) their wedding. The fact that the author leads the reader into the bedroom with the couple and then abruptly halts the narration before any actual action takes place really frustrates me. I'll admit that I might be a more avid fan of sex scenes compared to most readers, but in this instance, the author missed a golden opportunity to deepen the characters in a truly meaningful way. I yearned to know precisely how Roger touched Brianna - how did he make her feel? Was she able to overcome her fear of intimacy after being raped? And so on and so forth. It seems to me that the series will continue with these two as the main hero and heroine, so naturally, I wanted more.

Moreover, I've expressed this sentiment before regarding other books, but I truly loathe the miscommunication plot device. Virtually all of the dramatic tension in this novel stems from characters failing to communicate what needs to be said. As someone who always speaks her mind, I can't stand this.

Having said all that... I'm already engrossed in reading the next book in the series. It's really, really good.

I simply love this series <3 Jamie. I believe Jamie will always be my "book-husband". I also really like Brianna and Roger together <3. AH. I'm so looking forward to the third season <3.

This series has truly captured my heart. The character of Jamie is just so captivating. His charm, strength, and loyalty make him the perfect "book-husband" in my eyes. I can't get enough of him. And then there's Brianna and Roger. Their relationship is so sweet and endearing. I love seeing them together and can't wait to see how their story develops in the third season.

The anticipation for the third season is killing me. I know it's going to be amazing. I'm sure there will be more drama, more romance, and more adventures. I can't wait to see what new challenges and obstacles the characters will face and how they will overcome them. I'm sure it will be a wild ride and I'm ready for it!

I'm taking a break from this series for awhile.

With "Drums of Autumn," the Outlander series took a turn that I wasn't too fond of. It went from being fast-paced and fun to rather insipid drama. At a certain point, it just became too much. Maybe it was the unnecessary raping of every major character. Gabaldon seems to have an incessant need to bring back every single character, and the reoccurring bad guys are getting old. Enough already.

I think this is one series that actually benefits from only reading one book per year, rather than devouring the entire series all at once. I absolutely adored the first book and thoroughly enjoyed the next sequel. However, I began to struggle through the books in the third and fourth installments. Brianna and Roger have been the main reason I've kept reading, but now I'm not so sure.

These books have always been over-the-top and action-packed, but now it just feels gratuitous. It seems forced, and both "Drums of Autumn" and "Voyager" lacked an overarching plot to tie the whole thing together, aside from the drama of the main relationships. The political tension that was present in the first two books, with Culloden and the Uprising, gave the story a bigger picture and kept the reader invested. Now, it's all about the Fraser family and there's nothing else.

Claire seems to have regressed a bit. I understand that Gabaldon has more characters to cover and focus on now, but Claire was much more submissive and less the strong woman I had come to admire. Instead, she was constantly wringing her hands and couldn't decide whether to support her husband or daughter. There have been so many character changes that it's become difficult for me to suspend my belief. It's a shame. I will probably give the next one a try at some point, but it's going to be a while.

In the summer of 1767, a journey through North Carolina took place, filled with various incidents and perils specific to that era.

Claire and Jamie embarked on an unforgettable journey, with events that turned their lives upside down and were almost unbelievable. It was an interweaving of dreams and reality, a journey through time... about 200 years that allowed them to know certain things before they happened... And yet, fate still had room for surprises!

Brianna and Roger traveled back in time to meet Claire and Jamie - at least Claire did. Roger followed her. They had a difficult encounter, and life didn't show them the good side from the start. We witnessed reversals of the situation, confusions, tense moments, and even perils... Overall, it was a very beautiful book! A pleasure to read!

This story is a captivating blend of history, romance, and adventure. The characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. It takes you on a thrilling ride through different time periods, making you feel as if you are a part of the story.

The descriptions of North Carolina and the events that unfold are so vivid that you can almost picture them in your mind. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

If you're a fan of historical fiction or time-travel stories, this is definitely a book worth checking out. You won't be disappointed!

Loved it!

I truly adored the direction in which the story progressed. It took me on a captivating journey that kept me engaged from start to finish. However, I did find myself experiencing a bit of frustration with certain characters and the decisions they made. Their actions sometimes left me scratching my head and wondering why they chose to do what they did. Despite this minor drawback, the overall story was really good. It had a unique charm and a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to continue reading and see what else unfolds in this exciting narrative. I'm eager to discover how the characters will develop and how their choices will impact the outcome of the story. It's safe to say that I'm hooked and looking forward to the next installment.

3.5 Stars

The first book in this series holds a special place in my heart as it truly set the standard and was by far the best. However, that doesn't mean the subsequent installments are not worthy of my time and attention. I still find great pleasure in immersing myself in this historical world that the author has so vividly created. The characters, too, are a major draw. They are complex and well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and story arcs. Spending time with them, following their adventures and misadventures, is like embarking on a journey through a bygone era. Even though the first book may have been the pinnacle, this world and its characters continue to captivate me and keep me coming back for more.