**Review to Come**

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When I had let approximately ten years pass between 'A Breath of Snow and Ashes' and 'Echo in the Bone', this book came just right to bring me back up to the current state of the action. That is to say, actually I had only intended to read the summaries of the first six books, and that would have been it. But somehow I then started to read the introduction, learned so much more about Diana Gabaldon than I ever thought I wanted to know, and stayed for the whole book - which was much more interesting than I had expected from a companion book without really 'new' content!

Backgrounds to the books, but also insights into the daily life of an author for whom I developed completely new respect - in part I could actually put this book down with greater difficulty than the novels themselves. And now I am full of motivation to devour the rest of the series!

This is not a book that you would typically read from cover to cover in one sitting. Instead, it functions more as a reference work that can be read by sections.

It contains synopses of four books, and it is recommended that you read these synopses after finishing each of the respective books.

The book also features sections on various topics such as foreign languages, geography, the art of novel writing, questions from readers, and even some mistakes in the books that the author wants to confess to. Additionally, there are chapters delving into the subject of time travel, herbal medicine, and more.

Perhaps the best part of this book is having a synopsis of each book. By reading these synopses, you can quickly understand what happens in each book before moving on to the next one.

This book is truly a must-have for the die-hard fan!

The Outlandish Companion is an extremely informative and thought-provoking work. It is filled to the brim with fascinating tidbits regarding the Outlander universe and its diverse cast of characters.

While reading, I did find myself skimming certain parts, such as the horoscopes, appendixes, and excerpts from her "new" books. However, I thoroughly enjoyed other sections. The ones about the characters were particularly engaging, as were her time travel theories and explanations. The errors found in the books were also interesting to read about, as was the author's response to various readers' questions, queries, and complaints.

The edition I read was the original hardcover, published in the late 1990s. As a result, much of the information, especially that related to the internet, is now obsolete. References to "CompuServe" made me chuckle, as they are so outdated. This did detract somewhat from my overall enjoyment. Additionally, the inclusion of other now-obsolete information, like the original title of the sixth book in the Outlander series, "King, Farewell," was humorous in hindsight. We all know that the actual title, "A Breath of Snow and Ashes," is much cooler.

One aspect that affected my rating was the author's seemingly arrogant tone. She comes across as very self-assured, which can be off-putting at times. However, many of her arguments and justifications do hold merit, especially when it comes to comparing the eighteenth century with modern standards. Despite this flaw, I still gained a great deal from reading this book. It has enhanced my enjoyment of the Outlander series and has given me new perspectives to consider when rereading the first few books and reading the rest of the series. I would only recommend this book to those who have read the first four books of the Outlander series.

Side note: The errata section made me feel better about my own editing skills, as I remembered catching many of the mistakes listed. I appreciate that the author was willing to admit to these errors and that this book served as a means of correcting them. This book is a must-read for any die-hard Outlander fan.

Another interesting takeaway was my newfound intrigue regarding Master Raymond. Gabaldon's mention that he is a prehistoric time traveler has piqued my curiosity, and I can't wait to learn more about his story. It's also amusing that a prequel about Jamie's parents has been "in the works" since this book was published and still hasn't materialized.

Wonderfully Informative


This remarkable book delves deep into the details of the first four books. It not only provides comprehensive information about the content and storylines but also sheds light on how the outlander Starz series came into being. The author goes the extra mile by answering a plethora of questions from her readers. These readers had various complaints regarding different aspects of the series, but the author's responses were so well thought out and logical.

I found myself completely engrossed in reading all this valuable information. The way she addressed each question made a great deal of sense and added a new layer of understanding to the entire outlander universe. It was truly a pleasure to read her insights and perspectives.

That is precisely why I have awarded this book five stars. The author's knowledge and ability to communicate effectively with her readers are truly outstanding. She rocks, and this book is a must-read for all outlander fans.

The best part about this book was truly remarkable. In one particular section, she provided recommendations of authors, and that's precisely how I discovered Laurell K. Hamilton for the very first time :).

This was an exciting moment for me as it opened up a new world of reading possibilities.

Moreover, the book also served a practical purpose by explaining a significant number of the pronunciations of the Gaelic names.

Names like Loaghaire can be quite tricky to pronounce correctly, and having this guidance was extremely helpful.

It added an extra layer of depth and understanding to the story, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the Gaelic culture and language.

Overall, this book was not only a great read but also a valuable resource for both discovering new authors and learning about the correct pronunciations of Gaelic names.

I'm not entirely certain as to why I convinced myself that obtaining the companion was a great idea.

Perhaps I simply craved a small dose of the Outlander magic, and in that regard, I did manage to get a taste of it.

However, I've come to the realization that companion books might not be my cup of tea.

I'm well aware that numerous individuals will undoubtedly appreciate this particular companion.

Nevertheless, I'll have to find a way to be patient and wait until the next genuine Outlander book makes its appearance.

I'm hoping that when that time comes, it will more than satisfy my longing for the adventures and romance that this series is known for.

In the meantime, I'll just have to content myself with the memories of the previous books and keep my fingers crossed for an exciting new installment.

I was truly rather disappointed in this companion book.

After delving into J.R. Ward's Blackdagger Brotherhood Insiders Guide, I had sort of anticipated that this companion would be similar, offering inside insights into the characters and those little tidbits of information that weren't presented in the main books. However, it ended up reading more like a dictionary.

There are synopses of each book, up through book 4, which is "Drums of Autumn" by Diana Gabaldon. She actually broke down each novel into roughly 15 pages or so. But it's just straight text giving the highlights of each novel, with no real insight. I had expected so much more information here.

The chapter on characters was somewhat interesting, but again, there was no new information. The only thing that stood out were the horoscope charts for Jamie and Claire, which were quite impressive but, in my humble opinion, rather irrelevant.

The sections on Family Trees, glossary/pronunciation guides, and websites/online venues, I found to be pointless and a waste of space. I didn't even read them carefully, just quickly skimmed through.

The chapter on Lallybroch was interesting, but once again, it was just bits and pieces pulled from each of the four novels, nothing new.

The frequently asked question section was really quite interesting, though. The nerve of some people (readers) is absolutely amazing.

And then there are 100 pages of bibliographies, which I found to be boring. Other than perhaps an historian, who on earth would read these pages?

Regardless of the amount of work that Diana Gabaldon put into this publication, it is definitely not worth the $40 price tag.

This nonfiction volume is a comprehensive guide that contains everything a reader could desire to know and learn about the captivating Outlander world.

It offers full synopses of not only Outlander but also Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums of Autumn. In addition to these, it includes a wealth of other information such as a Gaelic glossary of words and phrases used throughout the books.

This makes it an excellent choice for a quick and engaging read of the Outlander series. After perusing this volume, readers can then turn to The Outlandish Companion: Volume Two to refresh their memories of the last four Outlander books.

This will prepare them for delving into Gabaldon's highly anticipated ninth book, Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone, which is expected to be published in November 2021.

With this collection of resources, fans of the Outlander series can deepen their understanding and appreciation of this beloved fictional universe.

After listening to the entire Outlander series rather than reading it on the page, I made the decision to listen to the Outlandish Companion as well.

There were still segments read by the brilliant Davina Porter, but there were also parts where the author herself, the great Diana Gabaldon, did the reading. This was truly cool as it felt like being in her presence, listening to her discuss her writing.

Of course, the audio book couldn't capture all the drawings present in the printed version. Since I also own that, I went back and took a look at those. I'm really glad I listened to this updated version as it delves a great deal into the transition of the book to the new television series on Starz.

With audio books, there are pros and cons. I think this one was definitely worth the listen, but I don't believe I got as much out of it compared to the actual novels. I'll probably indulge and experience both versions for the 2nd Companion book as well.

Reread (relistened) in January, 2023. It was still enjoyable. I have a great love for the smart, snarky, and funny wittiness of Diana Gabaldon. It's a pleasure to hear her voice.

I discovered that this provided a truly fascinating perspective on the way Gabaldon crafts her novels. She describes the characters in such a vivid manner that it seems as if they are actual individuals sharing with her the adventures they are engaged in, and she simply records them. It is not the sort of book that one would typically read from beginning to end. Instead, it is something to casually flip through whenever the mood takes hold. Nevertheless, it remains an interesting book.

Gabaldon's approach to novel-writing is quite unique. By treating her characters as if they have their own independent lives and stories to tell, she is able to bring a sense of authenticity and depth to her work. This makes the reading experience all the more engaging and captivating. Even though it may not be a traditional page-turner that demands one's full attention from start to finish, it still offers valuable insights and entertainment.

Overall, this book about Gabaldon's novel-writing process is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the art of storytelling. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at how a successful author brings her fictional worlds to life, and it offers inspiration and ideas for aspiring writers. Whether you are a die-hard fan of Gabaldon's work or simply curious about the creative process, this book is sure to pique your interest.

This book proved to be of great assistance to me while I was engrossed in reading the Outlander books.

Undoubtedly, the most crucial aspect was the section where all the characters were precisely specified.

However, it is indeed the case that if you are a reader similar to me, spending a significant amount of time reading these books and facing difficulties in remembering who each character is, then you most definitely require this to piece together this vast and elaborate story.

It serves as a valuable reference that helps to clarify the complex web of characters and their relationships, enabling a more comprehensive understanding and enjoyment of the narrative.

With its detailed character descriptions and summaries, it becomes easier to keep track of the numerous plotlines and subplots that unfold throughout the series.

Overall, this book is an essential companion for any dedicated reader of the Outlander series.