Dragonfly in Amber, by Diana Gabaldon
Series: Outlander #2
Published by Arrow, 19th February 2015 (first published 1st July 1992)
Genres: Historical fiction, fantasy, romance
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased (second-hand)
Trigger warnings: sexual assault, injury detail, miscarriage
Synopsis
After their harrowing escape from Wentworth Prison, Claire and Jamie have travelled to the relative safety of a monastery in France. They cannot stay here, however, especially if they want to succeed in their plan to change the future and somehow stop the Battle of Culloden. To that end, they journey to Paris to join the French aristocracy and befriend the young Prince Charles Stuart. Manipulation, intrigue and danger abound in the French capital and especially at the court of the French King.
Claire and Jamie must navigate uncertain loyalties, unfamiliar customs and many other obstacles in the pursuit of their goal. The one constant is their love for one another, but will that be enough to carry them through these turbulent times?
My thoughts
Another great book from Diana Gabaldon! In many ways, as this one comes in close to 1000 pages! It really didn’t feel that way though. Although my arms got tired, I never tired of reading it and sped through this hefty book in just a few days. Even though I have seen the recent TV adaptation, and therefore knew the story, I was still very much caught up in the action. There are always events that you forget about, or that are missed out from any adaptation.
This was a perfect second book and I also really loved the flashes of the future timeline which were included as well. I hadn’t expected these so early on in the story, but I found that they added a new dimension.
Once again, Diana Gabaldon has created some truly great characters, both completely lovable or really easy to despise. I loved the introduction of Fergus, one of my favourite characters from the TV series, as well as Mother Hildegarde and so many others. How vividly Master Raymond came to mind from his descriptions and how easy to imagine the simpering and vain Prince Charles!
I am truly hooked on this series now and I already have the next book (thanks Mum!), which is another huge tome!
My rating: 5/5