2.72k reviews for:

Drums of Autumn

Diana Gabaldon

4.15 AVERAGE


The differences between the TV show and the book were a lot bigger with this installment, but I really loved the book better. A lot of the moments they left out of the show seemed so important. This might be my favorite book in the series so far, but I can’t wait to start the next one!

BOOK 4 only 2800 pages left of the seriessssss let's do this Revolutionary War!

*4.5 stars*

This book was much slower paced than the previous three, yet the longest so far, and it did drag a little at times, hence the half star lost. However, once again I still loved it, and I am saddened that it's over. This one didn't make me cry, unlike the previous books either, but there were points
Spoiler like when Ian stayed with the Mohawk tribe and also the bit where Roger finds out Claire and Jamie are to die in a fire in 1776
where I was completely shocked and rather upset. I also wasn't a huge Brianna/Roger fan, although I am glad they're happy together. I just wish the story had focused more on Claire and Jamie, like the others. But, I can't wait to continue on with the series.
adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

They're amazing every time,

*Drums of Autumn*, the fourth instalment in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, is a compelling continuation of the story of time-traveller Claire Fraser, her Highlander husband Jamie, and now their daughter Brianna. This novel transports readers to colonial America, where the wild frontier serves as a rich backdrop for the characters’ personal struggles and historical events.

Gabaldon’s ability to weave together intricate historical details with personal, often heart-wrenching, moments is on full display here. Jamie and Claire’s deep love and their resilience in the face of adversity continue to captivate. However, what truly stands out in *Drums of Autumn* is Brianna’s journey—her leap into the unknown in search of the parents she never truly knew, and the challenges she faces in a world both dangerous and unfamiliar to her.

While this book is beautifully written and engaging, it does feel slower-paced at times, particularly in the middle sections. The plot occasionally gets bogged down in detail, which may test the patience of some readers. However, the emotional depth of the characters, especially in their relationships, makes this a rewarding read.

The novel’s exploration of family, belonging, and the consequences of altering history is thought-provoking. Brianna’s relationship with Roger, as well as her complex feelings about her parents, adds layers of emotional conflict that kept me invested.

A solid 4-star read, *Drums of Autumn* delivers the passion, adventure, and historical richness readers have come to expect from Gabaldon, though it may not have the same urgency or tightness of plot as earlier entries in the series. Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful and moving addition to the saga.

#DrumsOfAutumn #Outlander #DianaGabaldon
adventurous tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Brianna drives me crazy.

5 stars. This one might be my favorite installment to date!

This was the first in the series I read myself. The other books I have listened too on the ipod. Listening is more enjoyable because the reader uses the correct accents and pronouciations - I found myself stumbling over word meanings.

More violence, more time travel, more rape. But the story goes on.

Love this series so much, and was happy to jump back in but this book (4th on the series) was the longest yet and I felt every bit of it. It took me nearly 2 months to read — granted I only read in snippets here and there, but still… Without going into specifics, one of the major plot lines is centered around a simple misunderstanding which was extremely infuriating. I do find it interesting though to read these after watching the Starz series. While the tv show closely follows the books, there are parts that were changed or left out. Some of these are seemingly small, but not necessarily insignificant (i.e., Jamie’s grave stone in Scotland and how it got there…) Anyway, I enjoyed this 4th book but it definitely wasn’t my favorite. With that said, I’ll be taking another brief hiatus from the series to explore other (re: shorter) books lol