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theliteraryapothecary 's review for:
Lord John and the Hand of Devils
by Diana Gabaldon
The actual writing of these stories was good - really good. (Except I didn't like the fact that she was Germany when Germany didn't exist and acknowledged this fact in a note before the second story.) -- I haven't yet decided if the acknowledgment helps or hinders it.
But ... these stories fell a bit flat for me and I think I know exactly why - which makes me appreciate the Outlander books even more. These were the first Lord John stories I read outside of Outlander and it made me realize that one of the things that I love about the Lord John Grey character so much was his demeanor and interactions with Jamie and Claire and Brianna. He was that family friend that everyone loves having around and looks forward to his visits. It's like the "Cool Uncle" as kids that you always want there. But we don't get any of that in this collection - I understand why, because these take place outside of those relations. But it made me miss that Lord John Grey and it made this one feel like a whole different character.
But don't get me wrong- I'm going to read all of the others, because I still love Lord John Grey and Gabaldon's writing is still so good.... So it was a 3 star read for me, GOOD but not as GOOD as I expected but also not BAD.
But ... these stories fell a bit flat for me and I think I know exactly why - which makes me appreciate the Outlander books even more. These were the first Lord John stories I read outside of Outlander and it made me realize that one of the things that I love about the Lord John Grey character so much was his demeanor and interactions with Jamie and Claire and Brianna. He was that family friend that everyone loves having around and looks forward to his visits. It's like the "Cool Uncle" as kids that you always want there. But we don't get any of that in this collection - I understand why, because these take place outside of those relations. But it made me miss that Lord John Grey and it made this one feel like a whole different character.
But don't get me wrong- I'm going to read all of the others, because I still love Lord John Grey and Gabaldon's writing is still so good.... So it was a 3 star read for me, GOOD but not as GOOD as I expected but also not BAD.