I thought this day would never come.... But I managed to finish "Tambores de Otoño" (Drums of Autumn). It took me almost two months, which is excessive even considering it has 1034 pages.

The pace of the story seemed too erratic to me. There were times when I devoured the pages, but other times when advancing just one chapter was a torture.

I think my biggest problem was with Roger. He's not a character I like at all. And to be honest, his love for Brianna didn't convince me. Not even when they promise to get married (in fact, I have to admit that I don't understand why they're together).

If it weren't for the fact that I bought the next one, I'm not sure if I would continue with this saga. I love Jamie and Ian, Fergus (although he appears little), and I like Claire... but the rest of the characters are rather indifferent to me.

Overall, while there were some aspects of the book that I enjoyed, the flaws in the pacing and my lack of connection with some of the characters made it a bit of a struggle to get through. However, I'm still curious to see what happens next in the story, so I'll likely pick up the next book and hope for an improvement.

First of all, I ask for a moment of silence that is due to this monumental feeling of having finished such a thick ham again.

And just like the previous three volumes, this one could completely enthuse me. I truly admire Diana Gabaldon for her imagination and vivid writing style. I simply think it's great how everything fits together in the end, and even details from the first three books are partly taken up again in the plot here. I also find it incredibly impressive in which direction the plot has developed since volume 1

Este libro me quebró el corazón

Reviewed - Sept 2008

I have already read four out of the series, and there are only two more left to go.

As I approach the end of these wonderful historical fiction novels, which also have a touch of romance added for good measure, I can't help but feel a sense of sadness.

These books have taken me on a journey through different eras and introduced me to a cast of interesting characters.

The combination of historical accuracy and engaging storytelling has made them a joy to read.

I have become so invested in the lives of the characters that I don't want the series to end.

However, I'm also excited to see how the story concludes and what awaits the characters in the final two books.

Despite my sadness, I know that these novels will remain a memorable part of my reading experience.

In line with its predecessors, exciting and emotional, combining the feelings and passions of the protagonists with the fabulous adventures in this new land.

However, being already an unconditional follower of this saga, I was a bit disappointed in how the arrival of Brianna (which was the moment I was waiting for in the novel) was developed. I think the author didn't fully take advantage of what could have been a truly emotional encounter with her parents (especially with Jamie) and focused more on the adversities of her relationship with Roger, which is also not up to the level of what Diana Gabaldón had accustomed us to, especially because in this installment they come to have an equivalent protagonism to that of Jamie and Claire.

Nevertheless, it is still a wonderful novel, with an unbeatable narrative style that keeps you completely trapped in its pages. The detailed descriptions of the landscapes, the historical context, and the complex characters make it a captivating read. Despite its flaws, it manages to maintain the magic and charm that has made this saga so popular.

Overall, I would still highly recommend this novel to fans of the series and anyone who enjoys a good historical romance with a touch of adventure. It may not be perfect, but it is definitely worth reading.

I'm always going to put up the spoiler alert as there is always so much for me to say. I was also chatting with a friend about how the books are starting to blend together. My reviews might end up being a combination of books from before. Who knows!

So far, I've adored every single one of these books. They're on my favorites list, and I hope that doesn't change! I absolutely loved this book! It's one of my favorites in the series.

Jamie and Claire landed in Georgia and then ended up in North Carolina. They had to deal with pirates again, and Claire lost one of her rings. Fortunately, it wasn't Jamie's ring. But the other ring does come back later when Bree has an encounter with the sorry arse pirate who had it.

Jamie has an aunt and some cousins in North Carolina. His aunt runs River Run, a plantation with slaves that Claire and Jamie weren't too keen on. So they go out into the wilderness and start building Fraser's Ridge. They want to have a colony there.

They also befriend the Native Americans after Jamie kills a bear that was tracking them when it tries to attack him and Claire. That was a tense moment. Ian is living with them and brings along an Irishwolfhound/Wolf mix named Rollo. I love Rollo so much. Ian ends up going to live with the Native Americans, getting married, having a baby, and Rollo has a bunch of babies. I was so thrilled.

Claire has to try to treat measles that one of the Native Americans gets, and then Lord Grey and Ian get it too. The Native American died, but Lord Grey and Ian lived. Claire catches it right away. Lord Grey comes to visit and brings William. I have a hard time with Willie as I don't want Jamie to have a son from some random woman he didn't like.

Then we get to read about what Brianna and Roger are doing on the other side. Bree decides to go through the stones and find her mom and dad. She ends up at Lallybroch and gets to meet her extended family. Jamie gives Claire a medical kit for their 24th anniversary. It was so sweet that he remembered! Fergus and Marsali were having a baby, and they left Marsali in Jamaica when they came to America. But then she came over when Fergus' son, Germaine, was born.

Bree and Roger had a tough time. Bree was raped, and there was a misunderstanding with Roger, and Jamie knocked his block off and gave him to the Natives. But Jamie and Claire got him back. When Bree and Jamie first met, I cried. They had long talks, loving times, and also knock-down drag-out fights. Bree finally tells Claire that she was raped and that she's pregnant. They take Bree back to River Run, and she has the baby. Roger shows up, and he loves Bree and says the baby is his. I just wonder what's going to happen next. There's so much going on all the time. I really loved that they were making their own place in the wilderness. It was beautiful. I do miss Scotland and hope they get to go back some day.
My Blog: Melissa Martin's Reading List

I have really enjoyed reuniting with the protagonists in their new American adventure.

The clash of cultures and customs is astonishing.

The sensational encounter between Jamie and Briana, which was so highly anticipated, was a bit of a letdown for me. However, the character of Briana, sometimes seems a bit blurred and doesn't fully convince me.

The powerful love of Roger, on the other hand, I absolutely adore. It extends to infinity and beyond.

This saga is one of my favorites.

It will continue........

I look forward to seeing what new challenges and adventures await the characters in the next installment.

Will Jamie and Briana be able to overcome their differences and build a stronger relationship?

How will Roger's love for Briana evolve?

These are just some of the questions that keep me eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

I have no doubt that it will be just as exciting and engaging as the previous ones.

Reading Women Challenge 2018

#16. A book where the characters are travelling somewhere.

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I was initially a bit frustrated during the first 500 or so pages. This was mainly because it felt like a re-read, as I had started \\n  Drums Of Autumn\\n over two years ago but never got around to finishing it. So, I decided not to rely on my memory and instead went back to the beginning. I was a bit tired of Claire's domestic activities and was more intrigued by Brianna's story, which dominates the second half of the novel.

You might think that after three extremely long books and facing over a thousand pages, Diana Gabaldon would have to come up with some amazing trick to keep readers engaged with these characters. However, I truly cared about them and found myself in a "one more chapter" loop every night before going to sleep.

It's no secret that Brianna goes to the ancient stone circle and travels back in time to eighteenth-century Scotland; it's clearly stated on the back cover. Therefore, you're expecting an emotional and perhaps a bit awkward encounter with the powerful Jamie Fraser. What I didn't anticipate was Brianna also meeting Lord John. Their friendship is truly #goals, and their short adventure will surely bring a smile to your face. The dialogue in Gabaldon's books is always excellent, so it's been an absolute delight to read every single conversation between these characters.

I'm certain that I won't let another two years pass before picking up the next book in the series!

Dear God,

there was truly an overwhelming amount of plot in this book. It felt as if there were a plethora of events and storylines unfolding simultaneously. I found myself a bit perplexed as to whether all of it was really essential.

Strangely enough, I had a completely different experience compared to most people. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the book much more than the second half. This seems to be the direct opposite of what others seem to think about this particular book.

Well, now it's time to move on to the next one and see what new adventures and stories await.

I'm curious to discover if the next book will capture my attention and engage me in a different way.

Hopefully, it will offer a more streamlined and captivating plot that keeps me hooked from start to finish.

Until then, I'll be eagerly anticipating the next literary journey.

Diana, what on earth did you do to your otherwise wonderful series? It's truly a pity. You made those great and beloved characters just disappear without a proper explanation.

Moreover, you dragged out certain scenes for what seemed like hundreds of pages, which made the reading experience rather tedious.

The characters' inner dialogue went on and on forever, as if they were lost in their own thoughts and couldn't move forward with the story.

And to top it all off, the overall story just fizzled out in the end. It lacked the excitement and the impact that it should have had.

Why did you make these choices? It's really a mystery to me.

Sadly, I'm going to have to take a break before the next book comes out. I hope that by then, you'll have learned from your mistakes and bring us a more satisfying story.

I was immediately captivated by the original story that wove together a timeless love story with historical events, ancient cultures, the lost pride of a nation, and charming, strong characters.

Gabaldon skillfully balances the supernatural elements, keeping them at just the right level - at times, reading it sent shivers down my spine.

This time, Claire and Jamie reach the American colonies and embark on a new beginning. They have their own little paradise and befriend the local natives. All the descriptions are so vivid and authentic that it's effortless to envision everything that befalls the characters.

Brianna, Claire's and Jamie's daughter, remains far away in a future two hundred years hence, with Roger Mackenzie. Will they ever be reunited as a family? In what era? Can one truly alter the future - or the past, for that matter?

This is an outstanding book that is nearly impossible to put down!

Extraordinary Tale, Extraordinary Telling

This is an extraordinary tale that will captivate your imagination. It is a story filled with adventure, mystery, and unexpected twists. The characters are vividly brought to life, and you will find yourself completely immersed in their world.

The telling of this tale is equally extraordinary. The author's words flow like a river, carrying you along on a journey that you will not soon forget. The descriptions are so detailed that you can almost see, hear, and feel everything that is happening.

As you read this article, you will be taken on a thrilling ride through a world of magic and wonder. You will encounter strange creatures, face dangerous challenges, and experience emotions that you never thought possible. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be amazed by this extraordinary tale and its extraordinary telling.