Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
Very Gabaldonian - A dense book to start the new year at 900+ pages (this one clocks in at 49 hours for the audio version). I did both, as one does when one will be on the road but also does not want to stop the story. As with most books in the Outlander series I occasionally have to reread sections, google historical events and timelines, and refer to the family tree to keep track of characters. This one required a lot of concentration as it was chock full of medication, anticipation, preparation, fornication, and finally realization of a battle as the Revolutionary war closes in on Fraser’s Ridge. I think this was one of the best in the series, and cannot imagine that anyone not already a fan could possibly pick this up without having read the rest of the series.
Side note: the phrase ‘made a Scottish noise’ seemed to be used in abundance. I am waiting on the ebook from the library so I can get a count :). **17** :)
Side note: the phrase ‘made a Scottish noise’ seemed to be used in abundance. I am waiting on the ebook from the library so I can get a count :). **17** :)
5/5 for Davina Porter.
As I reflect on what I endured for FOURTY-EIGHT HOURS of my life, I can't think of anything overly significant that should have taken FOURTY-EIGHT HOURS of story to tell. Bree continues to be my least favorite character, to the point that I was like, oo heart problems and unwanted pregnancy?... she gon die! Much disappointment all the way around on that one. Of course Jamie gets beat up the entire time. Claire can't do ANYTHING without Jamie nearby and, yes, let's definitely put everyone in more danger at every opportunity for you to desperately cling to your man. /eyeroll If he didn't die from the 204822 things that almost killed him in the prior 8 books, he'll probably be fine.
Also, they are not "wooly bears" they are "wooly worms". This is a hill I will die on. Will it be Bunker Hill where they are actually known as wooly worms? Quite possibly. The biggest appeal of this book was that I am from W.NC and all these places are home to me, which also makes me extra critical since I know of these things. I will say Gabaldon did the research right.
But Bree though.. Can we just kill her off already?
As I reflect on what I endured for FOURTY-EIGHT HOURS of my life, I can't think of anything overly significant that should have taken FOURTY-EIGHT HOURS of story to tell. Bree continues to be my least favorite character, to the point that I was like, oo heart problems and unwanted pregnancy?... she gon die! Much disappointment all the way around on that one. Of course Jamie gets beat up the entire time. Claire can't do ANYTHING without Jamie nearby and, yes, let's definitely put everyone in more danger at every opportunity for you to desperately cling to your man. /eyeroll If he didn't die from the 204822 things that almost killed him in the prior 8 books, he'll probably be fine.
Also, they are not "wooly bears" they are "wooly worms". This is a hill I will die on. Will it be Bunker Hill where they are actually known as wooly worms? Quite possibly. The biggest appeal of this book was that I am from W.NC and all these places are home to me, which also makes me extra critical since I know of these things. I will say Gabaldon did the research right.
But Bree though.. Can we just kill her off already?
Another epic tale of adventure and time travel.
I've always loved how Diana Gabaldon could weave a tale. Although I'm not a fan of the thick books that seem to draw out the story with many side tales, I can never put down a book about Jamie and Claire.
War is on the horizon, but when is it not? This entire series is based around one war or another. Gabaldon kept bringing up the bees and all I could think about the entire book was how and when will Jamie die. It was very disconcerting. But Jamie has 9 lives like a cat and in my opinion, Can't be killed. Although the story was long and drawn out, I felt satisfied by the end.
Sara | Book Confessions of an ExBallerina
I've always loved how Diana Gabaldon could weave a tale. Although I'm not a fan of the thick books that seem to draw out the story with many side tales, I can never put down a book about Jamie and Claire.
War is on the horizon, but when is it not? This entire series is based around one war or another. Gabaldon kept bringing up the bees and all I could think about the entire book was how and when will Jamie die. It was very disconcerting. But Jamie has 9 lives like a cat and in my opinion, Can't be killed. Although the story was long and drawn out, I felt satisfied by the end.
Sara | Book Confessions of an ExBallerina
All of the books in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series are BIG books. This one clocks in at 888 pages, plus author's notes, making it equivalent to reading three books. Or so I think.
Which also makes it hard to review. It really is the continuation of a half-dozen main stories and a few minor stories and a boatload of characters, old and new. And all of them interesting. The book ties up a few old threads and scenes and adds new plotlines. There are moments of terror and moments of tenderness and a really good description of what it would have been like to live in a country so bitterly politically divided. In fact, more than any other of her books, this one spoke to me about our own times.
There are a handful of scenes I know I'll re-read again and again--conversations between an older sister and younger brother--and dozens of three-page vignettes rich with humor, love and calculation. Plus a stupendous fart (seriously). Five stars.
Which also makes it hard to review. It really is the continuation of a half-dozen main stories and a few minor stories and a boatload of characters, old and new. And all of them interesting. The book ties up a few old threads and scenes and adds new plotlines. There are moments of terror and moments of tenderness and a really good description of what it would have been like to live in a country so bitterly politically divided. In fact, more than any other of her books, this one spoke to me about our own times.
There are a handful of scenes I know I'll re-read again and again--conversations between an older sister and younger brother--and dozens of three-page vignettes rich with humor, love and calculation. Plus a stupendous fart (seriously). Five stars.
I listened to the book, and of course Davina Porter was perfection as always. The book is practically 50 hours long. I paced myself. Starting shortly after the release date and just now finishing. I’ve been dreading the ending for the last 20 hours. Not for any reason other than I’m sad it’s over. I can’t wait for the next one. I might be inconsolable when that one is over.
A few rules for the reader of "Bees." Don't rush the reading. If you do, you might miss too much. Another thing -- it has been 7 years since the previous book in the series, reading No. 8 again before diving in is a must. And please don't compare the books to the TV series on Starz. I believe the cable series, while a good effort and a delight, jumped the shark some time back with the plot changes.
In "Bees" Claire and Jamie are living life in 18th century North Carolina, happy to have Bree and Roger and their kids back -- but also very worried because of the war. I very much enjoyed the daily struggles at Fraser's Ridge, the 20th century 'touches' that DG has thrown in (Dr. Seuss anyone?)
The author goes back and forth from families (Roger & Bree, Ian and Rachel, Lord John and brother Hal), and the cities and settings- Savannah and Philadelphia, Charles Town.
What I really enjoyed are the reappearances of old friends and enemies (sometimes they are one in the same) and some of the clever plot twists. (Didn't see that coming, did you? ) They were delightful surprises. Are better books in the series? Some people might argue that point. There are things within the pages of "Bees" that I don't fully understand - and I can't wait to talk it over with other Outlander fans.
In "Bees" Claire and Jamie are living life in 18th century North Carolina, happy to have Bree and Roger and their kids back -- but also very worried because of the war. I very much enjoyed the daily struggles at Fraser's Ridge, the 20th century 'touches' that DG has thrown in (Dr. Seuss anyone?)
The author goes back and forth from families (Roger & Bree, Ian and Rachel, Lord John and brother Hal), and the cities and settings- Savannah and Philadelphia, Charles Town.
What I really enjoyed are the reappearances of old friends and enemies (sometimes they are one in the same) and some of the clever plot twists. (Didn't see that coming, did you? ) They were delightful surprises. Are better books in the series? Some people might argue that point. There are things within the pages of "Bees" that I don't fully understand - and I can't wait to talk it over with other Outlander fans.
4.5 honestly.
It’s been so long since I’ve read the other books that I was stopping and starting trying to recall all the many characters, looking up the wiki of some storylines.
But this book was just as beautiful and intriguing as the others. I do feel like Claire is being pretty slow on the uptake with her healing powers.
Sometimes Williams storylines miss the Mark for me.
** SPOILER***
Not sure how I feel about the Amarantha plot, at this point I’m really not excited, and don’t necessarily like her, and see no reason for William to.
It’s been so long since I’ve read the other books that I was stopping and starting trying to recall all the many characters, looking up the wiki of some storylines.
But this book was just as beautiful and intriguing as the others. I do feel like Claire is being pretty slow on the uptake with her healing powers.
Sometimes Williams storylines miss the Mark for me.
** SPOILER***
Not sure how I feel about the Amarantha plot, at this point I’m really not excited, and don’t necessarily like her, and see no reason for William to.
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Worth the wait but now I'm ready for the next one and not patient at all ;)
Most of this book was chock full of useless information and stories that went nowhere. No surprise, most of them are.