I tried really hard to get into this book.
I love time travel books. I thought The Time Traveler's Wife was awesome.
I could only get 1/2 way and that was a struggle.
I tried to like this book but...I could not.
I just do not want everyone to feel they "should" like this book.
I can not imagine how people continue to read the many long length books in this series. Half of the first one was enough for me.

I was in a mood for a smart romance (even though it is not my normal genre of reading), and this one makes the top of the lists I researched. I was not disappointed. You have your heroine, hero and lots of bad guys for the hero to rescue her from. The reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars is the length and the "punishment" scene. I'm not sure where the author was going in this scene that could have had a different outcome....like he could have pretended to punish her for the sake of the audience downstairs.
I do have some thoughts on the genre itself though.
Why do we NOT want Claire to go back to Frank who is more like the men we know now. Why is he boring? He seems like a great guy, smart and a good lover. Why must he be compared to a young man who is constantly fighting for his life and survival. What would Jaime be like in today's society. Maybe a general or a cowboy? What is it about this genre where we need the female to be rescued all the time? Why couldn't she really learn how to fight and defend herself? Yes, she does stab and kill someone in one scene, but then she is upset that Jaime didn't do it for her. She is also able to kill another in order to escape, and in the end she saves him with her psychological skills. But if Jaime wasn't constantly being the strong, brave, alert fighter and rescuer that he is (and remember he is good looking too)...he would be boring. When she finally makes it back to the rocks, the author really wants us to love Jamie too much to leave him. Frank does not have a chance!
When the mood strikes me again, I hope I can find a "romance" where you can fall in love with a man who is more typical. Now that would be a feat!

I really did like the character Jamie, but I had problems with Claire. She seemed to get over the time travel ordeal pretty quickly, which kind of lost me. She also seemed to lack vulnerability and softness which made her seem harsh and negative. I just remembered her yelling at Jamie a lot. And the tone changed too quickly for me towards the end. I suppose it was because there was romance thrown in this novel, so I really didn't expect any thing as heavy as the torture scenes. That just made me confused and I wasn't sure what I was reading anymore. Some parts seemed to drag, and I had a hard time following some of the descriptions, such as the names for the weapons and garments. It was interesting to look them up as I read though, so I learned some things. Despite some funny dialogues and interesting endeavors, I just found myself skimming through a lot of it. I don't think I'll be picking up the sequels.

Interesting book; valid history of Scottish clan people, politics & activities. Large book; needs a good editing job. Excessive focus on sexual activities.

This is the start of the best series of books I have ever listened to.
It is very long, but keeps you wanting more. There is always tons of action, love, sex and humor. I highly recomend it for men and women.

Outlander is a title that I've had several people tell me I need to read, but I just put it in the back of my mind as a dated historical romance until this tag. I wish that I had read this book when it first came out (granted, I would have been nine years old), because then the novelty of time travel would have been fresh, and I wouldn't have felt the weight of every other romance I've read over the years with that theme that have cribbed from Outlander. Claire is a wonderful, absolutely non-stereotypical, character. Her dilemma of loving and marrying two men in two different times makes her fascinating as well. There was only one time I wanted to smack her: In Wentworth Prison, instead of watching Jamie and the brute fighting each other, she should have had the forthwith to smack Randall and take care of him before he woke up!! That made me want to tear my hair out a bit. The middle did drag a bit, and for awhile it felt like the book would never end. I enjoyed it, but it was loooong! I have already added Dragonfly in Amber, the sequel, to my wish list. It's got romantic sex without being pornographic. Lots of amazing historical detail. Jamie is awesome! How cool is it that for once the MAN is the virgin! Gabaldon turns so many romance stereotypes on their head. Even in a book that 26 years old, she makes the genre new again.

This book is the type of book that always makes me think, "what if?" If you could travel back in time would you want to, do you feel you could survive without your family, friends and everyday conveniences? Would you use your knowledge of history to help people at the possible detriment to your own life or would you just live in the date and time and get by?

Claire has been rocketed back through time after a ritual at an ancient stone circle in Scotland. She lived in 1944 with her husband, Frank and now finds herself in 1744, 200 years earlier. She decides to tell the truth as much as possible without telling her actual circumstance. She is accepted by some, hated by others and questioned by many. Who is she, why is she there and where did she come from. She is thrown into Scotland during the time when England was battling for control. She ends up meeting an ancestor of her husband, Frank and learning what a bad person he was. In order to keep her freedom she is forced to marry a man she barely knows, Jamie Frasier. As time goes by, she falls for Jamie and he for her. When the time comes and she tells Jamie of her true set of circumstances and how she came to be there, he takes her back to the stone circle and tells her that he loves her enough to let her go. She realizes she can't leave him and decides to stay. They then begin a life on the run from Franks Ancestor, who has put a price on Jamie's head and would love to hurt Claire just because she is with Jamie.

I am a big fan of historical fiction, but this was my first (and last) foray into the romance novel. I bought the book after reading a couple of the glowing reviews on this site. I was looking forward to the promised "sweeping," "meticulously researched," "historical romance." Instead I got a disturbing, shallow, historically and culturally inaccurate disappointment. Typically, I can find the merit in anything and will compulsively force myself to finish a book regardless of my opinions. But with Outlander, I just couldna do it.

Claire, the heroine, is dim witted, over sexed and totally unlikable. The hero, Jamie Fraser, is a one dimensional super hunk who is just too dreamy to be true. Oh, well, aside from the fact that he beats the heroine "half to death" in a creepy, sadistic scene that reeks of what must be the author's British school girl fantasy. This is not history (some reviewers have excused this scene as "what they did back then"). To make matters worse, the supposedly strong-willed heroine turns around and decides that not only did she deserve the beating, but that she truly loves her attacker. Yuck. I felt embarrassed for the characters and myself after that chapter!

It goes on from there. I put the book down for good around page 600 or so. I have no problem with sex or violence in a book, but not when it's as poorly written and contrived as Outlander. Don't be swept away by the positive reviews. If you're looking for intelligent, captivating historical fiction (with or without romance) this isn't it.

I came late to the party on this one. I had to overcome my own stupid prejudices, my lack of desire to read an 850 page paperback, and the book being packed in a box in the garage for three years. But wow...it was worth the wait.

This never happens: I read the entire 850 pages cover to cover without taking a break. Usually, with a book that size I have to stop at least twice and read other books. It's generally not a reflection of the quality of the book (if it stinks, I won't bother finishing) but more a case of fatigue. Yet I never once tired of this book.

In fact, I loved the main characters, Jamie and Claire, so much that I looked forward to hanging out with them day-to-day. Although I was happy to finish the book, I was sorry not to be able to spend time with them anymore. I can't give any higher tribute to a book then that.

The story is part time travel, part magic, large doses of historical adventure, and romance--but not soppy romance. Jamie and Claire are both smart, resourceful people who remain true to themselves and their respective cultures, but change each other as their association grows. Claire was a nurse in World War II, Jamie a Highland clansmen from 18th century Scotland running from English justice. Claire is swept through some kind of time warp from her time to his and struggles against a very alien culture, war between the Scots and the English, accusations of witchcraft, and her own conflicted feelings. It's epic, sweeping, and a whole lot of fun.

I suppose I'll have to read the many sequels now.

Not many books can make time travel plausible to a non "sci-fi," reader let alone, relevant in interest. So when I heard the premise of the book -I admit I was skeptical. But as other fans have found, this story was very interesting, intriguing and had me completley hooked chapter to chapter.
Following the past and present of the Scottish and British characters in this book is a real treat, delving into the cultures, language and raw description of their way of life. There is a bit of historical fiction blurring, action, adventure, mystery, romance... in fact, it's a little bit of everything!!
As I'm sure others have stated - this book makes you want to read the rest of the series (no matter HOW thick the books are) and believe me, although an arduous task, it is worth while once you are invested in these characters. Beware of the 4th book though.... things tend to slow down and wander - but pick back up again in book 5. I can only wish that someone would make a movie out of at least this book, Outlander, for it is by far the BEST of the lot!!

So many people have raved about this book, I had to give it a try. There are a lot of feelings for and against certain plot angles in this book. I'm not going to recap the whole thing, just what I see as the Big Four.

1) Frank. Wow, Claire really did forget about him easily, didn't she? She gave token resistance to the memory of the man she was legally wed to, but then, okay, Jamie's hot. I guess she's more of a "love the one you're with" kind of person.

2) Wife Beating 101. I had heard about this scene, and thought it couldn't actually be that bad. Right. It was worse. I know couples have erotic spanking and get aroused by it, that's one thing. This was a severe beating, with an impliment, causing extensive bruising and pain. And he got aroused by it. And the final capper, Claire was okay with it rather quickly. Just a funny little bonding moment between them, I guess. That's when I began to really hate Jamie, and lose all respect for the dishrag everyone calls Claire.

3) The overall tone of violence in the book is intense. Jamie is constantly being beaten, remembering being beaten, looking forward to being beaten ... there was something seriously askew there.

4) Jamie's rape. This scene was, after the rest of the book, not that over-the-top. While I disagree with the whole gay-men-are-evil-rapists thing she had going in this book, eroticism and violence was very much tied together. When Randall beat him the first time, it was practically rape. Later it happened for real. It didn't surprise me because I was pretty numb by that point. Also I didn't like Jamie very much. It was lovingly described, like the rest of the whipping in the book, and Jamie suffered. Like I said, I was so numb by this point that I truly don't care.

I can't really understand the great love people have for this book, or these characters, and trying to decipher what's going on between the florid prose is very difficult. People have said you either love this book or you hate it.

Each to their own.

I bought this book when it first came out in hardcover in 1991. I still have that first edition, autographed by the author. I also have two lending copies in paperback, and am about to buy the Kindle version, just so I can have it with me all the time. I also have the UK version, titled CROSS-STITCH. If you haven't read this book, I envy you being able to read it for the first time! Jamie and Claire will make you laugh and cry. This is a great romance and a great adventure. And you'll learn some Scottish history while you're at it.

The Outlander series was recommended to me by a friend at work who said they were really good and she was hooked on them and that I would like them. Well, before I read any book series I HAVE to get most of them before I start to read any of them and I hate to read novels out of sequence.

Outlander was a delight! My friend was RIGHT! It WAS good and I did like it! I too fell in love with Jamie. In fact I felt sorry for the bloke! What he went through!! I cried for him, hurt for him, was enraged with everything he went through, right along with the heroine. I wanted to pummel Captain Randell so many times, even wanted to smack Jamie a couple of times for being so stubborn!

Gabaldon not only brought the characters to life but the time period as well. I really felt I was in Jacobite Scotland. She is an extraordinary storyteller. The book was suspenseful and filled with intrique as well as with romance. I'd still like to know who hit Jamie on the back of the head. She never really explained that. Several characters where suspected, but none admitted to it.

While slow in places, especially when the heroine was talking about the historical aspects of the time period or something that had to do with healing, the book had a nice pace and did keep me interested until the end. In fact when I reached the end I wanted MORE! Thank goodness there IS a second book! I have begun Dragonfly in Amber and already it has me intrigued and in tears!

I read Outlander and got so involved with the amazing, well writen story that I got the next five books in CDs so I could do chores and driving. I am finishing book # 5 and looking forward to # 6 An Echo in the Bone. How can anybody write almost 6000 pages and keep track of everybody. I think Diana Gabaldon is a phenomenal writer a phenomenon in her own kind. Listening to Devina Porter reading it, you feel transported to the 18th century. You learn some of the Gaelic words, Scottish customs, you feel the joys and pains of each one of the characters. You get involved with Claire's surgeries. You feel the need to meet Jamie Fraser, Roger, Briana, Claire, Fergus, Ian and everybody else. It is really an amazing book and an amazing series.

I picked this book up years ago on a whim (I was on a historical fiction/time travel craze at the time) and was I pleasantly surprised. Ms. Gabaldon's historical research was meticulous, her dialogue believable, and her description of places was amazing. I loved this book so much I want to go to Scotland, where (believe it or not) they actually do give Outlander tours to go to all the places mentioned in her novels. After the way I trailblazed through all six of these, I say sign me up. Fantastic reading.

had to read this for freshman english class (in college). for a required book it was pretty good. im considering reading the rest of teh series but i probably wont have enough time b/c the books are soo long.

This novel is part fantasy, part romance, and part historical fiction. When Claire, a married WWII army nurse, falls back in time, she finds herself smack in the middle of the Jacobite Uprising. Forced to marry a young Scottish rebel, she falls in love with him and yet still knows she has to find her way back to her own time.

Cleverly written, there's enough history here to hold most historical-fiction lovers and more than enough romance to satisfy romance readers, as well. A good blend and a riveting read (and I'm not even a fan of romance books).

The Outlander series came highly recommended from a friend, so I decided to give the first book in the series--"Outlander"--a try. I'm not usually a fan of romance novels or sci-fi (yeah the time traveling thing is a little sci-fi) but I was pleasantly surprised by the book.

Outlander's heroine Clare is smart and punchy, and her WWII era girl in 18th century Scotland is a fun mix. The book reads pretty fast, with lots of plots twists and turns, which is essential to keep you reading through a book this long! At times Outlander gets a little Outlandish--I mean how many times can people really be on death's door and still escape--but it was fun reading throughout. The book does stretch history a bit, but it still has a historical flair that makes for lively reading. When I reached Outlander's inevitable cliff hanger ending (I knew there were several more books in the series), I was ready to move onto to the next book in the series--but sadly I don't have two weeks to devote to reading it right now.

I would recommend this books to fans of historical romance/fiction--fans of Phillipa Gregory's books are likely to like this series too. Outlander is fun, light, page turning reading.

There is a reason that this book has over 1300 reviews and almost all of them are 5 stars. It is simply outstanding in every way.

I had heard about this book for years and knew it was described as a "time travel romance," but that really doesn't do it justice. It's an incredibly engrossing epic adventure tale, with a lot of romance and suspense sprinkled in. Absolutely one of the most entertaining and enjoyable books I've ever read.

This book is great. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. My only criticism of the book was that it ended too soon, until I realized it's the first of a series. The characters are rich and well developed, the overall plot is interesting, and the action kept me interested. Although it seemed a bit daunting picking up a 600+ page book, it was a pretty easy read. Anyone who enjoys a good historical romance will enjoy this series.

I can't help but wonder if Diana Gabaldon is one of those cooks who, with a few items from the pantry, can turn Tuesday's leftover meatloaf into a five-star repast.

Well, whether or not she can cook is beside the point--because one thing I know for sure is that she can write books. Throwing together elements of science fiction, history, adventure and romance, she has created an unforgettable novel that defies categorizing. And, judging by the number of review posted here, she has a legion of enthusiastic fans clamoring for more.

I'm not exactly sure why this book captivated me. Strictly speaking, it's a sprawling mess that meanders for a couple hundred pages without seeming to go anywhere. The story doesn't so much end as it just stops--and in a rather anticlimactic spot as well. Did I mention that it's written in the first person and that it weighs in at over 600 pages (and apparently the page count increases dramatically in subsequent books).

The story, however, never seems to drag as the heroine wisecracks her way through eighteenth-century Scotland. Gabaldon has real gift for painting word pictures that are so vivid you can almost feel the Highland mists. Her character are complex and beautifully realized, full of flaws and foibles. The romance between the lead characters is defiantly not the typical Harlequin-style love match (a fact that is much appreciated as I despise "romance" novels).

I can sketch out the basic plot for you in a few words: twentieth century girl Claire is magically transported back in time 200 years where she meets and falls in love with Jamie, a Highlander with a price on his head. However, that's like telling you the Grand Canyon is a hole in the ground or the Atlantic Ocean is a big pond. Gabaldon's tale is multifaceted and intricately layered--a most rewarding read.

I can think of no higher praise than this: after reading the last page, I seriously considered starting the book over again. It's been several days since I finished the book and I still find my mind returning to the story. Happily, there are several more books in the series.

This book is a time commitment....this series is a HUGE time commitment, but I feel after reading it that it was so worth the time spent reading it.

This is an epic tale of an unlikely romance between a married ex- army nurse transported back in time and a Scottish Warrior. I am usually not a huge time travel reader, but this time travel story "makes sense" in a strange way and you are so "swept away" by the adventure, romance, and characters that you are gobbling up every chapter, taking deep breaths between each story line, and are emotionally drained and then reinvigorated over and over.

Although this is certainly a romance novel...it is really so much more. This one is very difficult to put into any genre because it's story line spans across many genres. A great many men have read this and recommend it....romance lover's recommend it, fiction lover's recommend it, adventure lover's recommend it, science fiction lover's recommend it....check out the reviews...there really should be no doubt when it comes to the appeal this book has.

Jamie is one of the most highly developed characters that I've ever read. He is what made this novel excellent for me. It is difficult to describe, but the way that Gabaldon gradually and yet so completely reveals Jamie to the reader is absolutely spellbinding.

Claire is "spunky" to say it lightly. I enjoyed her character immensely. The way she adapts to her new life and time period was very interesting to watch and the love between her and Jaime is absolutely all consuming and oh so real. I thought as I was reading "So this is what real love is!", and I meant it. Very few couples display that concept in such pure ways. It is moving and beautiful.

I am hooked. Outlander ends so nicely and completely that you wouldn't necessarily have to continue on with the series, but after reading this I guarantee that you'll want to.

Am I the only one who was bothered by the non-stop descriptions of violence in this book? It got a little old. Jamie gets flogged, Jamie talks about getting flogged, other people talk about watching Jamie get flogged. Jamie gets a beating, Jamie talks about getting a beating, other people talk about Jamie or themselves getting a beating, Jamie describes in great detail every beating he ever got as a child. Jamie's injuries are discussed over and over again at great lenght. Jamie beats Claire. Men rape women, men rape other men, the violence goes on and on and on. Oh, and then Jamie get flogged again. Yipee! I just skimmed the last 100 pages or so because I was so tired of reading about pain and suffering.
I've read other's description of this as a great love story, but I don't see it. Great lust, yeah, great sex, yeah, but true love? Would you truly love a man who beat you until you couldn't sit down?

There were parts of this book I really enjoyed, but I won't be reading the rest of this series. Wish I hadn't read the first.

If you're a cheap paperback trashy novel type (i.e. philistine) go for it. If, on the other hand, you prefer character development, historical accuracy, discipline in regards to the author's created universe, and a plot with a smidge more sophisitication than a half-hour sitcom, then this is so not for you. As it was not for me.

I had been really exicted at the prospect of a novel set in Scotland during the 1945 uprising. I love historical fictions. This isn't one. It's pure authorial Mary Sue/Gary Stu. The author clearly lusts after the idea of a redheaded kilted highlander with all the sophistication a modern-day woman can dream of and uses the main character perspective to gush over the Hero, James (Jamie) Fraser.

He beats her, he beats his servants, he asks to be beaten to save others from beatings, he asks to be beaten to show how he bows to justice, and he idolizes his father who beat him to show him how much he truly loved him. Beatings equal love here. There's no way around that. And if you think that having the authorial voice come from Claire who was a time-traveller from a slightly more entlightened time (1945) does anything in the way of exposing abuse as being outmoded, you'd be wrong. Her hero, beating and beltings aside, still has gleaming red coppery strands of hair which outshine any tarnish of abuse.

I know any condemnation of the abuse plot devices (and it's there so so so often!) will beget dozens of belting-apologists to the forum so I'll make sure to substantiate my disdain for the novel in another way as well: the overall plot constructs are poor--haphazard, ill-fitting to justify suspension of disbelief and just silly. For instance, we go an entire book where one of the main premises of the second book is never ever mentioned. For the entire second novel we're asked to believe and hold as the novel's most constricting plot point that killing someone in 1945 could affect someone known in 1945. But this very possibility was never discussed in the past novel. In fact the very acts which the characters are prevented from doing as a result of this plot-point restriction are things which were all thought to have already occurred. But I guess perhaps fans pointed out some questions or they needed a new plot device for the second book or what have you and hey, it just sounded like a good idea. Basically--if you have any appreciation for what time-travelling paradoxes can be and like to see such things examined and used to great effect, then this isn't a book for you. It picks and chooses when to exert plot constrictions as a result of the universe/character recognition of possibilties. Hence--it smacks of authorial indulgence and editorial fail.

I just finished the entire series and it was engaging and entertaining throughout. Gabaldon does not disappoint throughout, with her writing style, combined with character development, history and story telling.
Make sure you have lots of time on your hands, because you'll want to stay up late, and read every one of the 6 books in the wonderful Outlander series.
Thank God the guy at Borders told me A Breath of Snow and Ashes was the last book of the series, or I wouldn't have had any idea!

I first read this book when I was about sixteen and have been hooked ever since. I love the entire series. It's such a fresh idea that you can actually get SOME knowledge from a fiction book. Certrainly this a romance but it's SO much more. I read the entire series about once a year. For those of you who have criticims for this book, please head to your local bookstore and pick up something by Johanna Lindsey if you are looking for a boring romance.

I had no idea what to expect when I was given this book as a gift. I could hardly set it down once I started. Set in a romantic, historical environment, Claire's adventures are spell-binding as written by Diana Gabaldon, who has proven herself a master story-teller.

The story is always moving, and develops deliciously. There are some edge-of-your-seat nail-biting scenes where you absolutely will be glued to your reading chair (the witch hunt comes to mind). You'll find you can't wait to turn the next page. This is not chick-lit! It's not your corner drug store's corny paperback novel, either. Full of suspense and raw passion, these pages will transport you back to a time when men were men and life was dangerous.

This is historical fiction on an on an epic scale, as we follow the adventures of Claire and Jamie across the sweeping landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Claire is likable right away. As we're first introduced to Jamie, he has just enough brawny good looks for you to want him to take you in his arms, enough mystery to die to know his story, and enough scoundrel to make you wonder what he'll do next. All of the secondary characters have rich, full stories as well. From the majestic Colum MacKenzie to the unique MacRannoch, all of these characters are well developed, and you will find yourself very attached to them.

Why did Geillie, in the mid-eighteenth century, bear the scar of a smallpox vaccination? Because of what she knew, did Colum set Claire up to be tried as a witch? When finally given the chance to return to her own time, what will Claire do? Such are the many questions that come to mind throughout this finely woven tale. Best of all, the ending is ripe with possibilities for a sequel. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Summary: almost every page reveals a fresh new adventure.

At first I was skeptical. The premise seemed.. odd, but I got into it quickly. The book is incredibly romantic and the author obviously did a lot of research.

The book is long, but I didn't even notice. The characters are well-developed and so.. alive.

Highly recommended!!

I know everyone keeps leaving all these reviews justifying the beating he gives her as historically accurate, blah, blah, blah. If that's your thing then, fine, buy the book, read it, enjoy. There are still those of us out there who don't want to read about a woman who gets hit by a man and thinks she had it coming. I'm one of those people and, if you are too, DON'T read this book. I wish I had been given some sort of warning so I would have known not to buy this.

If Claire was a woman I knew, I'd tell her to get out of there and I hope the majority of the people leaving this weak little excuse for a hero 5 stars would do the same.

As to the historical argument, I'll just say that beating slaves was also all the rage a few hundred years ago and "everybody did it" but you don't find many books depicting the good guy who beat his slaves bloody and bruised. It's generally agreed upon that if the guy had the heart to be so vicious towards another human being, he's not a hero. He's not even an anti-hero, he's the bad guy.

If a movie company were to make a movie today about the really great slave holder who was a super guy (which Jamie is depicted as) who beat his slaves and they all said "well, we guess we did have it coming," EVERYONE would be up in arms. It would be considered racism, the NAACP would be going ballistic. So what does it say about society, and women ourselves, that we're the ones giving this book rave reviews?

I began to read this book last summer and went on to the third book in the series before school started in the fall. After just one semester being though I was done with the fourth book, no small order with the size of these brilliant novels having to be interspersed between long study hours and cram sessions before exams. But this book and the books that come after it in the series are all worth the read.

As for my first experience of this book, it was a great surprise. I was at my local book store and in my aimless wonderings I came across this book. I have never been a romance book reader, but this book was good from the first page. It has elements in it which can bring in many people. It has the obvious romance, but also brings in the element of time travel. It also includes the great adventure tales in it, which keeps a person turning the page while all the time putting a artful amount of historical fiction within the book to make everything believable.

I would recommend that anyone give this book a try, although the length and style of the book isn't for everyone, but it is for a great many, and I can happily say that I am one person who has enjoyed this book!

I loved this book...was given the first 4 books in the series. I wasnt sure I would like them. Once I started though I couldnt put them down. Dont start these books if you want to get anything done because you will make any excuse to sit and read! Just finished book #6 and I feel lost....I miss Jamie and Claire. Cant wait till book 7 comes out! Can anyone recommend something good like these books till # 7 comes out?

My best friend recommended this book, she handed it to me and said "Jamie" and that was all she said. When I tried to get her to tell me more, that is all she would say. But now that I have read the book, I loved it!! Loved it!! Read it and you will find that you love Jamie too!!

This is the first book in a 6 part series. I was a little leary of it when recommended by my sister. A woman falling through a rock and landing 200 years in the past? I mean, come on!! But to my surprise it was really good. There is a lot of action and I became very attached to the characters. At the end of the book, I couldn't wait to get onto the next to see where the story would go. I'm currently on the 3rd "Voyager" and still loving it. I even ordered the rest of the series so I won't have to wait for the next one.

I've not read a book with an ending so satisfying and complete, yet incomplete at the same time. When I finished Outlander I immediately started Dragonfly in Amber. And I am very glad I did. I don't know that I'll be able to do all six books, but I may give it shot.

Life will have to go on without Jamie and Clair at some point though. They are by far the most endearing couple I've ever had the pleasure of discovering. I will miss them very much.

These novels are addictive. I have read this whole series several times, and eagerly await the release of the next every time I finish the last!

I recently purchased "Outlander" after having read it previously. I bought two copies and gave one to a friend. It is a swashbuckling adventure of epic scale. Diana Gabaldon is a master at transporting her readers into a world of dashing heroes and heroines and diabolical villans. Added in is a mixture of greed, power, scorcery, romance, sex and time travel all set within an historical backdrop in Scotland. The "Outlander" series will keep the reader totally entertained and enthalled as well.

My wife was missing this one volume to this collection. Got it for her birthday & she absolutely loves it & now she's got the full collection too!

I was leery at first about this book after I read some of the reviews.I have now read it and I really enjoyed it. I am a plain guy, married 30 years and enjoy science fiction.
This book had a lot going for it. I think both men and women will like it. I am going to get the second book as soon as possible!

It was a good book; the author did well at combining romance, adventure, science fiction, and even a little bit of religion. The characters were well developed and the story kept my attention throughout the grueling 600+ pages. Still, I think it was a bit drawn out, some parts unnecessary. Even some details, i.e. the man-raping, had me flinching and did very well at portraying a vivid image, one that I'd rather not imagine. But overall, a good book... I'm reading the rest of them.

I am joining the Outlander craze very late in the game. I had never heard of the series until Amazon recommended it to me as a similar title to Audrey Niffenegger 'The Time Travelers wife', which I loved!

Both have time-travel in common (and a main character named Claire), but other than that, the two are nothing alike. 'Outlander', Diana Gabaldon's first in a series of seven (the latest book will be released this year) is in the historical romance genre. For that reason, I was very skeptical before reading. Mills & Boon comparisons flashed in my mind as I browsed the various book covers. But I was wrong to have been so cynical, because after reading the first book, I am officially hooked.

The novel starts out in 1946. Twenty-seven year old Claire was a British nurse during WWII, now enjoying a second honey-moon in Scotland with her husband and history-enthusiast, Frank Randall. The couple are trying for a baby, as well as attempting to rekindle what the war interrupted. While out exploring a stone henge called Craig Na Dun, Claire finds herself mysteriously transported 200 years into the past - thrown into the middle of a battle between Scottish highlanders and the British army, led by Jonathan Randall, sixth grandparent to Claire's own Frank. The highlanders, intrigued by Claire's healing abilities, kidnap her and take her back with them to Castle Leoch (Loch Ness) where she is captive to the Mackenzie clan, specifically brothers Dougal and Column. In attempts to adapt to her new surroundings Claire finds herself forced into a marriage of convenience (and safety) with 23 year old Mackenzie nephew, Jamie Fraser. Together Claire and Jamie try to evade capture by Jonathan Randall, while dealing with clan politics that are suspicious of Claire and wary of Jamie's claim on the clan throne.

Much has been made of the romance in this historical romance. Many reviewers slanderously call the Jamie/Claire relationship an outlet for bored housewives to get their kicks. Fair enough, the romantic bits are pretty heavy and clearly aimed to please the ladies (a virginal male hero who enjoys... *ahem*, 'serving' his wife). But any other reviewers who delegate 'Outlander' to the Mills & Boon style of trashy romantic writing (as I originally did - for shame!) are much mistaken.
Gabaldon has written a book with three dimensional characters, with a hero and heroine whose roles are often seamlessly reversed and traded back and forth. Jamie and Claire they spend the book rescuing each other from various deadly situations. Granted, the damsel in distress plot devices and numerous sticky situations get a little much, but are never dull. Gabaldon's writing is fluid and some of the dialogue refreshingly witty and rhythmic.

A long book, 600 and a bit pages, it is never dull. Likewise, the action is not relentless and therefore monotonous. Gabaldon strikes the perfect balance - thanks in large part to the Jamie/Claire relationship evolution which allows the plot to slide into an easy calm in some places.

Many reviewers also complain a lot about Claire's lack of exploration into the time travel business. Fair criticism. She pretty much shrugs her shoulders at the whole 200 years in the past thing and gets on with Highland business. But in all honesty, she has the lovely Jamie Fraser to occupy herself with... no wonder the time travel takes back seat to the romance.

This is not your typical trashy historical romance. Outlander is smart, funny and enthralling from beginning to end. And addictive! Once you start you will be chomping at the bits to read the next in the series, and the one after that, and the one after that and.... well, let's just be grateful Gabaldon knows a good thing when she writes it.

This was truly an amazing book. At first I thought it dragged a bit but once Claire was transported into 1750 Scotland, it was amazing. I couldn't put it down. Jaime was a true hero and you couldn't help but fall for him. There was so much drama and I was sad for the book to end. Don't let the size of the book fool you. it is a great read!. I

I am not finished with the book yet, but I cannot out it down!!!!!! Love it and I look forward to the rest in the collection.

I loved reading the book so I thought I'd try the audio version. It was amazing. The narrator does ALL the voices, but it's spectacular! It brings a whole new dimension to one of my favorite stories. I highly recommend giving it a listen!

When wartime nurse Claire Randall goes on vacation in 1945 with her husband Frank to the Scottish highlands, she never dreams that she might walk through a stone circle and end up in the middle of a skirmish between English Redcoats and Scottish highlanders in 1743. Now, stranded and friendless, Claire must find her way amongst these people, fighting suspicion from both the Scotsmen who give her sanctuary and the English they hate, with but one true ally - a passionate and sincere young Scots outlaw named James Fraser.

What I can say about Outlander? I finished this last night and immediately made a post in my livejournal with lots of fangirlish squeeing going on. I'm trying very hard not to repeat that here, so I can make an intelligent review. To summarize it, though: Diana Gabaldon is amazing at her character building. I completely fell in love with Jamie, who is a very three-dimensional character, not just some generic Scottish highland romance hero. I was with Claire every step of her journey through time and the Highlands - including being PO'd at Jamie when she was. I hated the antagonist with every ounce of feeling I could muster, and loved Jamie's sister Jenny entirely.

Not only is Gabaldon a master at building characters, she presents Claire's fantastical story in such a way as to be entirely believable. I almost believe that if I were to go back to Inverness and Culloden, I would be able to find a circle of stones which could take me back to the Jacobite uprising - not that I would really want to find myself in that mess. I completely believed Claire's encounter with Nessie, and loved all the little historical details Gabaldon added to the book.

I cannot wait to race through the next 5 books in this series, and then on to the Lord John series (which is a companion series to Outlander - it takes place during the same time period, but with entirely different characters). Then I'll probably go back and re-read them again to catch all the details I missed the first time around. The book is some 850 pages long, and having gone through it in a week I know I missed a good deal of detail. I keep having to ask my mother (who introduced me to the series) about some bit or another, and have to refrain from begging her to tell me what happens later in the series!

This was a very good book, an outstanding read. The intensity of it never wavered.

I really loved the character Jamie. He is such a likable person. He is handsome, brave and strong, unfaltering in his love and devotion to a woman he perhaps will never truly understand. Claire is also a lovable character,hopelessly torn between two worlds and two loves.

This book was like an enjoyable history lesson. I learned so much from it. It was stimulating edutainment. I highly recommend others to read this novel.

i'm no fan of time travel romance ,but the minute i read the frist chapter in this book i have fell in love.the charaters in this book will make you fall in love with them.claire is the perfect herorine strong sassy smart.,james is sexy cocky fearless they share a passionate adventure together.

I'm always intimidated by books that are more than 600 pages. At that point, I start to think to myself that I could read TWO books in the time it would take me to finish this one. But Outlander is one of those books that you really can't call yourself a romance lover unless you've tackled, so I decided to go there over the holiday weekend. And it was a pleasant endeavor. The thing I liked most about Outlander is that I didn't feel that a word in the 850 pages was wasted. It's one thing to read a book that's 600 pages, that would have been better if it had been 400, but Gabaldon seemed to realize the importance of making things count. The relationship between Claire and Jamie is meticulously detailed, the settings are outlined so richly that you can see in your head what's happening, and the emotion is captivated with a voice that I won't forget. This book is a romance staple for a reason--it makes you love the hero and heroine. I fell in love with Jamie a thousand times over the course of this novel, and while Claire made me angry at times, I liked her for loving him, accepting him, and taking care of him. There were so many sigh-worthy moments and times when I had to stop reading just to let a particular piece of the story sink in that reading this book was like drinking a fine wine--I savored it, taking my time, and only continuing when I was ready. That being said, I probably won't read the next books in the series. Outlander was, at times, heart-wrenching, and that's usually not my thing. Seeing a strong man broken is not something that I enjoy, even if he's put back together again, and I don't know that I can do it again. I'd recommend Outlander to anyone who enjoys richly told stories with intricate characters and lots of emotion. However, if you like traditional happy endings, and things that work out perfectly, I don't know that you should risk it.

On a short trip and looking for a book to read at Target, I picked up "A Breath of Snow and Ashes" which is apparently the 6th book in this series. I didn't realize I was buying a book as part of a series, which was my mistake. Still, I tried to read it and didn't get very far for obvious reasons.

Since I enjoy long series I decided that I'd go back and start from the first book. I tried and tried to make it through. My second mistake was hoping this would be even sort of like A Song of Ice and Fire or Erikson's Malazan books. Not even close. My main problem is that a big part of enjoying a book is that the characters act realistically. I cannot get over how apathetic the main character seems to act towards the fact that she has traveled 200 years back in time. It's like something that happens every day to her. I expect panic. I expect her to be terrified, not for 5 minutes, but for every second until she figures out how to get back to her own time.

On top of that, this book is BORING. Nothing happens. She doctors people, she eats meals, she talks to some people....that's it. I made it to page 265. I stopped two times before that, not wanting to admit to myself that I'd wasted money not only on this book but on its 5th sequel, which I'll never read. But at page 265, after she's wed and bedded a stranger from 200 years previous, that was enough for me. At that point I wondered, ok I've read 265 pages, when does the story start? I still didn't have a clue what the actual story of this book was. There is no meat. There is no conflict (yet). She doesn't seem to care too much about getting back to her own time so I don't either.

I also don't like the author's tone. She goes out of her way to make her heroin "witty" and it just comes off as corny. People don't talk like this!

Despite all this, I do care enough to wonder if she ever makes it back to her own time, if she's eventually able to travel back and forth between two different times, etc. There's all sorts of potential. Obviously a ton of people like it. I guess it's just not for me.

I had seen this book and dismissed it several times before deciding to read it. The time travel aspect turned me off for some reason. But then I realized I read Time Traveler's Wife and didn't dismiss it based on the time travel aspect.

I recently read White Rebel Rose by Janet Paisley, which is set in 1745 in Scotland during the Jacobite uprising so it shares time and place with Outlander. I think some fans of Outlander would probably like that novel as well. White Rebel Rose piqued my curiosity about the Jacobites and that period of history and I wanted to find something else to read on the topic and I kept coming back to Outlander. So, I decided to give it a chance and not hold the time travel part against it but rather to go with it and try to enjoy the story.

Well, I dinna have to try verra hard. I think that Diana Gabaldon is a wonderfully gifted and imaginative writer. This book is so rich with details that I was impressed by page six and that's before anything even happens.

While in Scotland with her husband Claire Randall accidentally travels back in time two hundred years to 1743, two years before the Jacobite uprising, a time when there was considerable friction between the Scottish and English. Claire is clearly English and is forced to navigate the politics of the time in order to survive and try to find a way back to her husband Frank. But events unfold very differently than Claire expects and she falls in love with the beautiful and brave James MacKenzie.

Let me tell you now that I am not a fan of the romance novel, not at all. But this story is so much more than a romance.

Gabaldon has created an engaging heroine in Claire Randall and placed her at a time in history where she can illustrate the stark contrasts between the contemporary and the historical. Claire is a nurse. When she travels back in time there are no medicines, no sterile bandages, no anesthetic, no hospitals, no operating rooms. She is forced to treat her patients using plants and herbs and quite a bit of whisky. Related to this there is a very interesting portion of the book that involves witch trials and Gabaldon creates a convincing story.

I was captivated by the adventure and history as well as the characters and their relationships. I really enjoyed this book even though I could have done with a few less love scenes. Though I thought Diana Gabaldon did the love scenes very nicely. And there were a few times when I thought she pulled the story out a bit too far but still none the less I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Another novel that had read when I was in High School I might have appreciated History before my 34th birthday.

It seems that I'm the only one who found this book incredibly disturbing! For about the first 600 pages I loved it, but then it got really sick. I now have pictures in my mind I would have never thought of on my own. I mean what strait woman wants to read about the hero of the book being raped by a man in graphic detail? Not only that but it almost seems like he (the hero) liked it-yuck! My biggest regret is about half way through (when the book was still good) I bought the rest of the books in the series, now I'm to grossed out to read them.