I feel unworthy to even review this book, since it has been reviewed by 34,000+ people already – Written by #1 New York Times bestseller Author, Diana Gabaldon and it’s a Starz original TV Series as well. Just wow! When I first started to read this book, I hadn’t seen the TV series yet and I decided not to read the blurb. I just jumped right into the book to discover what it was about. I’ve seen countless references to Outlander on the pages that I follow on instagram and Facebook and just had to find out more.

After WWII, former war nurse Claire and her husband, Frank go to Scotland on their 2nd honeymoon. In Scotland, Frank is learning about his genealogy and traced one of his ancestors as Captain Jack Randall of the English Red Dragoons, from the 18th Century. As they continue their trip, they decide to visit the Stonehenge and witness a beautiful pagan ritual. Claire goes back to the same location to take a look at flowers she found in the vicinity, but when something about these standing stones captures her attention, she touches it and ends up getting transported into the 18th Century. Once she arrives, she meets her husbands ancestor and he’s nothing like the man she knows her husband to be. After being rescued from his clutches by a Scottish clan, she is held as a guest of the Clan Mackenzie, where they try to discover what this “Sassenach’s” purpose truly is. Claire desperately tries to keep suspicions off of her back until she can devise a plan to get back to the Stonehenge, back to Frank and more importantly back to the 20th Century. Throughout her journey, she uses her nursing background and botany knowledge to heal and help the people of the clan. Enter, Jamie Fraser, the nephew to the laird of Clan Mackenzie, he is currently an outlaw and has been seeking refuge from the English. Claire and James share many adventures together and there is a clear attraction. Claire is conflicted because she does not belong to this time period no matter how she seems to be acclimating; is there anyone that she can trust to believe that she is a time traveler from the future? Will she ever make it back to the 20th Century?

I decided to read each book and then the respective season of the tv show. I feel like I’ve entered the 18th Century right along with Claire and I absolutely love it!

“As though, knowing that everything is possible, suddenly nothing is necessary.” Diana Gabaldon takes you on an adventure with each turn of the page; it’s beautiful, heart-breaking, you’re able to connect with the characters and you feel their pain.

I’ll admit the writing was a bit difficult to get adjusted to and I used the dictionary more times than I care to admit, but once I got the hang of it, I just couldn’t put it down this 600+ page book! I look forward to reading the 2nd book! For now, I’m going to binge watch season 1!! Happy reading! 🙂
check out my review at loveatfirstreadcom.wordpress.com

Written with sheer elegance. Not a sentence left unfulfilled. One of the most compelling reads I have delved into. I feel more enlightened having read this and wish others to join in my joy. While the book starts slow and has horrifying moments, I was so gripped by the astonishing details that I was not speculating why certain events were happening; I was too busy living in the fictional moment that she had created. The details are so vivid that at one point, I smelled a scent that she described, where it was not actually present. I have also taken to hearing thoughts in my head in Scottish accent. It doesna bother me much, I rather quite enjoy it. In my opinion, books shouldn't just be great stories. They should be filled with intelligence and literary attributes. This book had very many great words, well researched plots, and outstanding characters. Verra much to love in this one lassies.

Though I have major love for historical romance novels, I've never heard of Outlander. I admit it took the TV show to have my attention captured and kept, because I'm a huge fan of the show. It gave me all the feels, so I decided it was time to read the book.

And I regret nothing. For two weeks, every night after work I have read as much as I could. I got used to doing so. It became a part of my every day routine to see what they were up to.

Claire goes back in time and meets Jamie. I love that there's no insta-anything there. No lust, no chemistry or attraction. After all, Claire is a happily married woman. Granted, there are a few bumps in the road but she's happy with Frank. But as time passes, and circumstances force Claire and Jamie to became an item, things change. Chemistry appears and later, love.

Oh the feels! There is one scene that kind of pissed me off and I don't agree with it, no matter what time period it happened in - I forgot it happened in the show, to be honest - but other than that, it was an awesome experience to read about Scotland in that time period. Seeing the show, I kind of have an idea of what will happen but of course the books are still different and they depict everything in rich details.

4.5 stars and I can't wait to read the other seven!