Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon Part #1

So, it has been a good ten years since I read Dragonfly in Amber so this re-read has been very much like coming to the book for the first time. 

I give you my reaction to the first 50 pages. 

Enjoy!






Roger? Who the heck is Roger? Wait, I don't care. 

*turns back a page* 

1968!!!!!!

What! Where's Claire?

Oh, hello Claire!

Ah, that's who Roger is, I remember now. 

Never mind. 

Where's Jamie and who the fiz is Brianna?

Go away Roger. 

Ooo itallic. A dream? A thought?

Oh, hello Claire.

Gah, couldn't you have told me something useful?

Dead? Now hang on a moment, what do you mean by dead?

Yip, that was pretty much my thought process for the first few chapters of Dragonfly in Amber. 

It was stressful stuff. 

Outlander Read-a-Long - Chapters 29-35

(Sheesh being away from home has really  messed up with my blogging flow)

1. We are now settled into life at Lallybroch. What are your impressions of this place, and Ian and Jenny Murray? How do the stories of Jamie’s life here growing up shape your feelings toward him?

Something about Lallybroch unsettles me. I am sure that it was a lovely place to grow up and that Jamie had a wonderful childhood their but there is still something that just gives me the heebie-jeebies.

I love Jenny and Ian, both as a couple and as individuals. :)


2. What do you think of the story of what really happened between Jenny and Jack Randall? Could you have been as bold as Jenny? Does this change your understanding of Randall?

No way could I have been as bold as Jenny. I am one of these people who imagines in her head how much she would like to chew someone up and spit them back out for doing something but (dang it) I just can never get it passed my mouth. So no I would never have been able to do what Jenny did. But I love her for doing it! And Randall…Nope, I still think he is the biggest creep of the creepsters. *shiver*


3. For the second time, we see Claire warning a Fraser about future events. Do you think this is wise? Or does this mess with history/the space-time continuum/the natural order of things?

DON’T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All the Star Treks tell you that interfering with history is a big ‘NO-NO’ (of course that doesn’t stop Piccard giving it a good go). Only Q can do it and get away with it!


4. Do you consider Claire brave or foolish for going after Jamie? Would you be courageous enough to go into enemy territory to try and save the man you love?

Ummm…I’m thinking. Good grief girl haven’t you learned anything! But I still do not blame her for her actions and I do think she was brave to do it – especially with what has happened before when she has gone off by herself. I would like to think that I would rush into a dangerous situation to save the man I love. But unfortunately like many things in life it is one of those things where I would have to be in the situation before I would know.


5. Jamie makes a gut-wrenching decision in Chapter 35. Do you blame Claire for putting him in that position? What kinds of repercussions do you expect?

Oh dear, this just goes back to Claire and her dogdy decisions making doesn’t it…? Ummm no comment.

Repercussions? As in Claire is going to feel soul destroyingly guilty? That kind of repercussion?

Outlander Read-a-Long - Chapters 22-28

1. How do you feel about Claire disobeying Jamie and the resulting punishment he brings forth on her for this? Do you feel that Jamie's punishment was justified by the fact that everyone was put in danger by Claire's actions? Finally, did Jamie's vow with Claire's dagger do anything to sway your thoughts or change your mind on how you initially feel/felt about his punishment?

I don’t blame Claire for disobeying Jamie. I think it was stupid of her and not very well thought out but I can understand why she did it. My feelings about Jamie punishing her have not changed from the first time I read this. My 2012 Woman’s Lib brain screams WHAT THE HELL!!!!!! But in the time and place it does make sense, it is what is expected. And I think in the long run having Jamie wallop her would be a lot better than one of the other me.

But I still don’t like it and I cheered when Claire threatened him. You go girl! 

"If,' I said through my teeth, 'you ever raise a hand to me again, James Fraser, I'll cut out our heart and fry it for breakfast!"

Yeah, I suppose Jamie’s vow did kind of help me to see just how much he disliked raising his hand to her, and he is a man of his word so I have no doubt he will keep his vow – or he had better any way or I’ll be going right off him. But then there was all that weirdness about him enjoying it, but not enjoying it...

2. Just for fun, what was your reaction to the suspicious black spot Claire spotted on the floor near the area where Jamie was sleeping? Did you have any theories to what it might have been before it was revealed to be a _____?

Ummm are we talking about the bed-bug or have I totally missed a scene somewhere? Ok, I’ll go with the bed-bug. At first I thought that it was a stain on the bedding and they were sleeping with minging stuff that hadn’t been washed properly, which – in the time and place wouldn’t have surprised me. Or that she was hallucinating and seeing spots of blood – I was waiting for something very deep and meaningful.

But when Jamie tells her what it was I couldn’t help by laugh at Claire’s response. And for some reason it leads to one of my favourite bits.

"In the end we did sleep a bit more, peacefully entangled on the floor, atop a hard but bugless bed composed of my cloak and Jamie's kilt"

I just find that image adorable for some reason. One of my favourite sentences in the book.

3. With regard to the 'changeling' baby Claire and Geilie spotted in the wild - if it were you back then and you happened upon a changeling baby in the wild in a circumstance such as this, do you think you'd have reacted most like Claire or Geilie? Explain.

This is another one of those situations where it is difficult to separate the 2012 brain from the 1700’s brain. It all has to do with how you are brought up doesn’t it? If I was born back then and in that situation I would like to think I would do what I could for the baby but then if I had been brought up to believe that the wee folk have left it and the child was cursed would I… *shrug* But then if I was Claire and I had been whisked from my time to that time I would be like her. "Screw you, that’s a baby!"

4. Share your thoughts on Geilie Duncan. Is there anything that surprised you about her story or were you suspicious of her from the beginning? 

I had a feeling there was something a little off about her. I didn’t guess anywhere near what she was and what happened though. And don’t get me wrong, I did like her. I liked her because she was spunky and had attitude. But at the same time I was always thinking, ‘you are far too nice for your own good lady’

5. Your thoughts on Jamie's LAST REASON for wanting to marry Claire - the one he had been so secretive about. GO!

Alright, so if we hadn’t guest his feelings after what he said about trying to be strong enough not to beg her to stay when he was sending her to the stones we do now!

Excuse me while I melt into a puddle of cute and love fuelled goo. I read Jamie’s declaration – if you can call it that, with a smile on my face the whole time.

First of all  -

“Because I wanted you.’ He turned from the window to face me. ‘More than I ever wanted anything in my life,’ he added softly.

Dang!

But then I loved how he injected humour into what he was saying to her too – once again turning the stereotypical ‘declaration of love’ on its head :)

“Jamie Frasier, for all ye canna see what she looks like, and for all she weighs as much as a good drought horse, this if the woman for you,"

And finally from further on –

“My love,’ he whispered. ‘Oh, my love. I do want ye so.”

*SIGH* 

Yip…Do I really need to say more?
 

Got to me one of the best 'I love you's in fiction. 

-----------------

You can check out the rest of the link to this weeks questions/answers here and also find the questions for next week too :) 

Outlander Read-a-Long - Chapters 15-21

1. We FINALLY get to the scene we've all been waiting for. You know what I'm talking about--yay sexytimes! What were your impressions? Was it what you were expecting? Or did you want more? 

This is what I love about this book. How it turns your stereotypically expectations of a romance novel on its head. I loved how there was laughing and there was tenderness. I did love how even though Claire is the 'experienced' one it was Jamie who seemed to be doing what he could to make her comfortable. 

"Don't be afraid," he whispered into my hair. "There's the two of us now."

I wanted to cry at that point.

I know that some readers thus far have been bothered by the fact of Claire being married to Frank but still being involved with Jamie, despite the different time periods. Does their time as newlyweds change anyone's opinion of that? If not, now what are you thinking of the situation?  

The way that I look at it is that if she had a choice then Claire would have stayed single and remained faithful to Frank. I mean it isn’t like she has been chasing after Jamie or anything - she was trying to play matchmaker for crying out loud. But necessity has made it so that so safe she has had to marry another man. I admire her for than (even if I hate Frank’s guts). But then there is the whole, Frank isn’t born yet so should she feel like she is still bound by her marriage vows to him *shrug*. It is one of those screwy situations where you can’t do right for doing wrong.

What did you think about the "waterhorse" that Claire saw? Why do you think Peter was so spooked? And what do you think this means for Claire? 

Ok, I have to admit I was all. “Loch Ness monster…Riiiiiiiight” But if you look into why Diana Gabaldon actually put it into the book in the first place I find it hilarious. And besides if I can accept the time travel element then why not Nessie too.

Well this was when superstitions were pretty strong so living with that I can’t blame Peter for being a little freaked.

Claire is going to be in aaaaaaaaalot of trouble me thinks (I saw that one coming the first time I read this :))

If you were Claire and you were knowingly in the vicinity of the stones, would you have done the same thing she did?  

Hmmmm… I have this thing about doing what I am told and avoiding confrontation like the plague, but I think in this situation yes I would. And I think this gives her extra brownie points on the Frank front (see question 2)

What do you think about Captain Randall? How do you think the family resemblance between him and Frank affects Claire and particularly her relationship with Jamie? 

Creeps. Me. Out! BIG TIME.

Well I think his constant appearance is going to serve as a reminder of Frank for Claire and it will make it difficult for her to immerse herself fully into her new life.

Outlander Read-a-Long - Chapters 8-14

1. Claire has been given the task of healer at the castle. She must adapt her nursing skills for the time and learn what herbs and etc will cure each particular ailment that is presented to her. Do you have any home remedies that were passed down to you (cure for a cold, bee sting or what have you)?  

There is only one thing that I can think of and that is warm milk and pepper for period pains. I know it doesn’t sound very nice but I think it tastes pretty yummy. :) As it is usually drank around the same time as taking pain killers I have yet to figure out if it works or not lol.

2. What do you think would be the biggest challenge of living in the past? (Clothing, hygiene, food, etiquette or etc.)

I think I would have to go with lack of electricity. We have all became so dependent on it that a simple power cut is enough to throw us for a loop. And from no electricity comes everything else. We are used to having it to cook our food, to heat and light our homes and to wash our clothes. And suddenly – after getting thrown back in time we would have to learn all of these skills again.

3. Do you have a favorite character, scene or quote so far? If so, share it with us.

‘Does it bother you that I’m not a virgin?’ He hesitated a moment before answering.
‘Well, no,’ he said slowly, ‘so long as it doesna bother you that I am.’ He grinned at my drop-jawed expression, and backed towards the door.
‘Reckon one of us should know what they’re doing,’ he said. The door closed softly behind him; clearly the courtship was over.

(Now there is confidence for you ;)


And my favourite scene is when Claire is getting totally sloshed after signing the paper. And for some reason I find the bit with the fly funny… Yeah, I don’t know why.

4. What did you think about the addition of the blood bond in the wedding ceremony? Is this something you would do with the one you love?

Ready for a very quick and cheerful answer to this?

Kind of freaked me out.

And no.

Moving on…

5. Are you reading along closely with the scheduled chapters or are you ahead or behind? 

As of now (18:39 July 1^st 2012) I have just caught up with the questions and I am behind with the reading. (Can’t win them all ;)) I am going to be doing some crazy catching up tonight :)

Link to my (late) post for chapters 1-7

Outlander Read-a-Long - Chapters 1-7

I have gotten off to a brilliant start with this read-a-long - not. Just started and I am already 2 weeks behind. *sigh*


Here goes.

1. Outlander is a well-known book. Before you cracked it open, what were your expectations or assumptions about this story? Or did you jump into it with a blank slate? 

I was first Introduced to Outlander when I was 13 by my school librarian believe it or not. She didn’t give me them to red or anything but she did read them in front of me and lunchtime. Yes, I was one of those kids who went to the library to eat their lunch and help stack books. So yeah, she read them in front of me, which, we all know is tantamount to putting it into someone’s hand when that someone is an avid reader. It wasn’t until a year or so down the line that I managed to get my hands on it from the local library. To be honest I was kind of bored by it and it wasn’t until last year that I finally read it all the way through and loved it. So I went in with a kinda, sorta, blank slate last year but this time around, no ;)

2. Claire’s husband, Frank, is fascinated with learning more and more facts about his family tree, which extends back pretty far. Do you or anyone in your family keep a family tree? How many years/generations back does it go? If not, have you ever considered or attempted to create one?

*sings* I hate Frank! Tralalalalalaaaaa.

Anyway, no we do not keep a family tree (at least no on in my immediate family does anyway). My only experience with a family tree was when we had to do one for school. I only know of my family as far back as my great grandparents on my mums mum, side of the family. After that the family was in Ireland… I do believe that I have quite a few gazillian times removed cousins over there and in America…

Ummmm I won’t deny that after watching that TV programme where the celebrities find out about where they came from I am not intrigued by the idea but I would not want to make a family tree. I am not a believer that I need to know where I came from to know where I am going or anything like that (my pet hate in ‘I-am-not-a-person-until-I know-who-my-father is’ films) so I do not have that to motivate me and although I would find it interesting I just don’t have the time… (or maybe I am just shallow ;))


3. How did you find Claire’s initial conclusion as to her surroundings after waking up from going through the stones? Did you think that was a reasonable conclusion?

Realistic! I think when I read a book I like to think that I am above the character I am reading about in how they react to things. ‘*scoff* yeah right, I would totally not do that!’ – that kind of thing. But nope. I totally agree with her.


4. How about her composed, rational way of dealing with the fact she’s traveled back in time. Did you find it believable? Do you think you would have acted the same way?

I think that her way of dealing with what had happened may have come from her being a nurse during the war. As a nurse she would have to be adaptable, be able to push her own feeling aside and able to handle whatever was thrown at her, so seeing it like this I think that her way of dealing with it was believable. If it was someone else, I am not so sure. Ummm…I would like to say yes, but the truth would be no. As soon as I realised where I was I would be all “Noooooooooooooo. My blog!” lol. 

5. At this point in the story, what are your feelings or expectations on Claire and Jamie? Is Frank still a factor for you?
Um since I have already read this I can’t really answer that. Although I will say that I found theit interactions kind of cute the first read around and I still do now.

Frank ceased to be a factor for me after I met him. SO don’t like that man! Although I do feel sorry for Claire and she obviously misses him. *mumbles* Though I don’t know why.


Bonus Question: Frank encounters a man outside of the inn where he and Claire are staying. He is afraid it might have been a ghost. What do you believe it was? Do you have any predictions or suspicions on what that was about?

This is one of the hang-ups with Outlander fans from what I have gathered. Who is the ghostly scot? The romantic in me would like to think that it is Jamie and that he and Claire are caught in some kind of loop and that no matter who is alive or dead they are never apart from one another. *sigh*


TADA! Better late than never right :)

The Exile by Diana Gabaldon

The Exile retells the original Outlander novel from Jamie Fraser's point of view, revealing events never seen in the original story and giving readers a whole new insight into the Jamie-Claire relationship. Jamie's surreptitious arrival in Scotland at the beginning of the tale, his feelings about Claire, and much more — up to the point where Claire faces trial for witchcraft and must choose whether to return to her own century — are brought to life in brilliant four-colour art. A must-read — and a great holiday gift — for any Outlander fan!

This was okaaaay, I suppose. I had been looking forward to getting it SO much but then when it arrived I was a bit disappointed.

I knew what to expect format wise as I have read and enjoyed graphic novels before. I thought the art work was gorgeous (even if Claire’s hands looked freakishly scary at some points).

But it  was the dialogue that threw me. This is meant to overlap with buts of Outlander and it does, but the dialogue from the same scenes doesn’t match up in Exile…

But, despite that, it was enjoyable.

And, this just made me fall in love with Murtagh even more.

Although the artist’s interpretation so of the characters didn’t really match up with how I imagined them (I imagined Dougal to be a bit rougher looking) I can live with it.

I would love to see more of the story told in this format.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Published 1991
The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon--when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach--an "outlander"--in a Scotland torn by war and raiding Highland clans in the year of Our Lord...1743. 

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigues and dangers that may threaten her life...and shatter her heart. For here she meets James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, and becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire...and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.


(INTO THE OLD WORLD)
(WISH I'D READ THAT) 
(WHISPER STORIES IN MY EAR)

All finished. As I have been posting as I was reading I didn’t think I would have an awful lot to write in way of a review but I think I may have been wrong. We shall see I suppose.

I did like this book, maybe very near loved it. The characters were great and I loved the fact that none of them were perfect or pretended to be perfect. I can’t get enough of history so I loved that side of things and then there was the fantasy aspect and Nessie making an appearance – LOVE IT.

BUT – in all honesty I can’t give this book 5 starts. I know…I’m a terrible person. There was just far too many bits where I was uncomfortable reading and they were far too squirmy.

The sex, though not being at the 100% side of graphic was VERY frequent and at some points maybe not needed, although on some levels I can understand why it was there. I was not comfortable with Jamie’s pretty much near rape of Claire – even if she did come round to the idea. Some bits were a little too ‘and why do I want to know this’.

But, while on the subject of the … intimate moments they were handled pretty well. In many romance novels you could skip that such a scene without the risk of missing out anything to do with the story or characters and pick up the story-line two or three pages later. But this was not the case in Outlander. First, the scenes weren’t as long as that. Second, dialogue and relationship building on an emotional level(if that makes any sense) is actually interwoven into the scene.

And then there was the end and Jamie’s torture/rape. Ummm yeah…

BUT. I did enjoy this book. The fact that all the character have their own motivations and agendas made them fascinating to read about because I was wanting to know just why they were doing things and what made them tick.

And then there were the many tender moments between Jamie and Claire. Just little moments that made me go aaaaawwwwweeee, CUTE!

And then there was Claire’s constantly thwarted attempt to get back to the standing stones that ALWAYS got her into worse trouble.  I couldn’t  help but feel sorry for her – and laugh at the same time (especially when she ended up falling on Jamie in the stables).

The supporting characters were as fascinating and fun to read about as the main character which made the book all the more 3D and enjoyable.

This book had me laughing, crying, squirming, cheering, giggling and slamming it shut just to immediately crack the pages open again.

All in all, a very enjoyable read! I can’t wait for the second in the series to drop through my letter box and continue Jamie and Claire’s journey.

These are my posts as I read -

Started Reading Outlander 23rd March 2011

Frank the Twit 25th March 2011

Of Tramps and Matchmaking 28th March 2011

Randell the Git 4th April 2011

RIP MR Rochester 8th April 2011

Ladies and Gents I Give You...Nessie 30th May 2011

Jamie, you are banished from my affections 31st May 2011

Of Nasty Women and Witch Trials 6th June 2011

Emotionaaaaaaaal! 7th June 2011

Callum and Dougal 7th June 2011

Nothing Beats a Good Baddie 10th June 2011

Narrated by Davina Porter
Length - 32 hrs 42 mins
Release Date - 13/07/2006

• 
  

This was fantastic to listen to. The reader had a way of using her voice that just painted the characters in my head. He accents and voices were fantastic and seamless as she went from English to Scottish to French, men, women, children. A real joy to listen too. 

Outlander Book 1 - Post 11

One last post before I do the review.

Yip, my character judging abillities suck TOTALLY! Dougal does realise that he was hitting on his nephews WIFE? Yeah? Just thought I'd check. Loved it when Murtough showed up though more than ready to shoot him. Ahh...good times. Sad thing is though that I still kind of like Dougal. But, I think I may be in love with Murtagh. He stuck by Claire to get Jamie out of the prison and was ready to shoot Dougal if Claire had given the word. LOVE IT!

Poor Jamie.

BUT. On the other hand. Novels are filled with the hero telling the heroine he would do anything for her anything to protect her and keep her safe and then, all they have to do is shoot or punch some random kidnapper or something. But, not in Outlander. Here, Jamie actually does do ANYTHING to keep her safe.

It has to be said though that nothing beats a good baddie. Really, you have got to appreciate the pure evilness of Jack Randell. The guy is awful. Never felt so squirmy reading about a character in my life. 10 out of 10 for most terribly, wicked character I've read yet.

Father Anselm is lovely. I hope he shows up in the future.

Onwards to the review...
 

Murtagh is My Book Boyfriend

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by The Unread Reader where - you got it - we get to pick the fictional heart throb of our dreams and sigh over him (metaphorically speaking) by having a good old mushy post.

Now, this may seem strange but I am currently in love with Murtagh from the book Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. He is gruff and tough but he is a right softie (don't tell him I said that though, he wouldn't be too pleased with that description I don't think). He shows he cares through his actions, not his words.

Sorry guys, but I figured Jamie has a big enough fan group...

So...I have though about this and there is the image I have in my head. Yes, I know it may be NOTHING like what he is but what the heck. It's my head and I can have him look however I want. *sticks out tongue defiantly*

Just imagine him a bit...gruffer looking and with shallower cheeks too maybe. Hard I know, but try. 

There isn't much by way if quotes were Murtagh is concerned (as he isn't even one of the main characters) it is his actions that made me like him.

Outlander Book 1 - Post 10

As we have already discovered. My ability to judge a character is RUBBISH! But I can’t help but have an inkling of a liking for both Callum and Dougal. I know that both of them have ulterior motives and are sort-a both nasty in their own rights but I can’t help but like them…

No doubt that’ll bite me at some point too. 

Outlander Book 1 - Post 9

*****SPOILERS*****

I felt no end of satisfaction when Jamie had a streak of guilt over beating Claire when he found out about her reason for running away. I should think so to – and I am still all for Claire cutting out his heart if he raises a hand to her again.

I have never experienced such a roller-coaster of emotion before in a book – but then at over 800 pages that was bound to happen because if it didn’t I doubt I would have kept going with it.

I was nearly crying when Jamie took her back to the standing stones, prepared to let her go so she could return to her old life and where it was safe.

And then I think I did fog up when she made the decision to stay and went back to him.

*sigh*  

Outlander Book 1 - Post 8

*****SPOILERS*****
Okaaaaay, few things to say. I have sat down at least 4 times to get this post done so lets see if I can get this done shall we.

Tut, tut, tut! Laoghaire! You nasty, EVIL piece of work!

And Geilie…Awe man! Well, that well and truly sucks! I actually liked Geilie and she turned out to be a right hard case. Boo. She was so spunky and sarcastic I loved her. And she turns out to be a poisoner and murderess. My character judging abilities are obviously a bit rubbish. And was a sneak for trying to drug up Claire to get information out of her.

But! I am sort-a justified in liking her as she did save Claire.

I understand that the Witch Trial was a very serious issue in the book. I mean they could have done anything to Claire but I have found it the funnies part of the book so far. I was snorting and laughing to myself through the whole section. Claire was just so sarcastic l he way through it, the way that she commented on things and how she christened the two judges. FUNNY!  Yip, there are some new favourite quotes in that little section. 

And wasn't Ned a little love!

Outlander Book 1 - Post 7

*****SPOILERS*****

Right, this is going to be a very quick and slightly serious/heavy Outlander post.

What is with all the freakin’ rape attempt? It seem like every 2 minutes someone is trying to rape Claire. IN FRONT OF JAMIE no less. What is that all about?  So that makes a tad squirmy but I am persevering. If I was reading I think I would be guilty of skipping these parts but I am listening on my iPod so I just start to concentrate extra hard on my ironing at those bits.

Rendell’s true nature comes to light. It seems that someone is constantly trying to rape both of them at one point or another.   

And finally - Jamie beating Claire. I am not sure how I feel about that. I mean, yes, Claire was a silly mare in trying to get away when she did – bit she didn’t know that there was a wee horse party of English soldiers out having a little gallop did she. And there is nothing to say that the soldiers wouldn’t have found her if she had stayed where Jamie had left her. So I am not sure about that at all. I understand that it was done as a disciplinary measure *shrug* on Jamie’s part and not because he was drunk and being lose with his fist but still…having some experience with violence I am not happy at all with a man raising his hand to a women – no matter the reason. But then this was a different world and a different time so…who am I to judge I suppose. But that was another point where I wasn’t at all happy.

But I quickly cheered up when the next day Claire threatened to carve out Jamie’s heart and fry it for breakfast if he raised his hand to her again. You go Claire! I don’t care how dang adorable Jamie is. That ain’t acceptable so I am all for Claire stabbing him in his sleep at that point.

And that’s me for this post.

Outlander Book 1 - Post 6

*****SPOILERS*****

So, it has been a while *cough* ages *cough* since I have done an Outlander post, so I have got my backside on gear and tada! Outlander post. I am ashamed to say that I am still on the first book but 30 odd hours of audio book is an awful lot of listening time.

Anyway, moving on.

So, forget what I said in my earlier post about the sex. I was right in what I said about it getting a bit…heavier as you read. So yeah. ADULT book peeps. Which is fine as the book came from the general fiction section of the book shop and not the nice and fluffy YA section – so I am not going to go on a rant about suddenly finding an ‘intimate’ scene in this book or whatever as it was expected.

One of my favourite scenes has to be the Loch Ness monster bit. How COOL! I mean, there is time travel in this book for pity’s sake so why not have Nessie pop in for a visit. I know some people just roll their eyes at this section of the book but I liked it – easily amused I suppose. 

I think in my last post I left Claire getting sizzled just before her wedding. ..yeah. She is now wedded and bedded (literally) and is quite happy. I think it is a bit of a shame though that she has been forced into this situation by circumstances. Although, since her marriage to Jamie she has admitted to us that she was attracted to him from early on...I think though that she wouldn’t have taken the attraction anywhere and would have remained faithful to her husband (even if he is a git – earlier post on that point) but circumstances have forced her into a position where she is needing to make the best of it – there are worse situations to be in than being married to a very cute Scotsman…I suppose.

‘Nother Outlander post up soon. 

Outlander Book 1 - Post 5

********SPOILERS********

OK Mr Rochester, shimmy over I think one very cute and sweet Scotsman might have just taken your place in my affections.

I am in love with Jamie. He is just adorable. He made sure that Claire had a nice dress to get married in!! Because he wanted it to be as nice as it could be since she didn't want to get married anyway. Please tell me I am not the only soft hearted ninny out there that thought this was just aww worthy to the extreme. The darlin'. And he made sure that they would have time together.

And I am loving all of the little 'moments' between Claire and Jamie that are building up their relationship. It's not just all physical but emotional and tender at points too. Love it!

And talking about the physical aspects there is no getting round the sex. It is there. But I like how it isn't graphic. And I don't exactly get what people are complaining about when it comes to that aspect of the books. Or maybe I just haven't got far enough through the book yet. There are more graphic scenes in Mills and Boon novels for crying out loud. I am getting more of the fade in- fade out impression when it comes to these parts. So yeah, moving on like NOW! Oh, one more point though. Having Jamie being the inexperianced one just makes him even cuter. Ok. Moving on.

And I will say that I couldn't help but laugh at Claire's reaction to having to get married. GET SLOSHED! Yip I think I would react like that too. Getting paralytic before your forced marriage seems like a good plan to me. :-)

Outlander Book 1 - Post 4

********SPOILERS********

Randell punched her!! What the heck! The creep! And he enjoyed it the swine. And he knew that if she was pregnant his treatment of her would have caused her to miscarry. What a complete and utter git.

And even if this is a little unfair I am finding myself disliking Frank because of the actions of his ancestor. But I don't care if it doesn't make sense. I don't like Frank and I HATE Randell right now! The Psycho!!

Anyhoo, moving onto nicer stuff.

Isn't Jame a gent. He is so cute. Sleeping outside Claire's room to keep her safe and not going in with her in case he damaged her reputation. LOVE HIM!!

Shame he wasn't round when Dougal went and carted her off to see Randell *grumble grumble*

Outlander Book 1 - Part 3

********SPOILERS********

NO FREAKIN' WAY is that little tramp throwing herself at Jamie? She is!! Girl two words. TIME and PLACE. And after the man has just taken a beating for you absolutely ain't either of those. And she was going to get flogged for the very reason that she is draped over Jamie. HELLOOOOOO!!!!! Do you have a brain lassie? Use it!! That makes me so angry. TRAMP! (Whoops talking about Laoghaire)

I do think that it is very noble (if laughable) of Claire to try and get Jamie and Laoghaire together. Very funny! Especially knowing that Claire and Jamie are going to get together. You can't help but laugh at her matchmaking attempts. Makes me wonder if this is her trying an extreme way of denial. Make the guy unavailable even to her hehe.

Colum's aviary was pretty funky. Can't say I have ever thought of something like that being in a draughty Scottish castle. I liked that little detail.

Geilie was GREAT! I loved her. She was just so funny especially when she was telling Claire about the act that she put on for her husband. I am slightly suspicious of her actions though. Her being 'flushed' from climbing the stairs after leaving Dougal for a start. Uh huh. *wink-wink, nudge-nudge* And then there is the case of the 'bill' that Dougal just happens to be the one to deal with. Yeah whatever.

Ok, I tip my hat to Claire for keeping any kind of higher brain function. If Jamie had followed me into my room and started taking of his shirt I don't think I would be thinking about his injured shoulder. Well...for a second or two anyway *cough* who am I kidding.

Outlander Book 1 - Post 2

This is me trying to save on a crazy long post at the end. Yeah...It so won't work.

SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will be running my mouth of so, yes, there Will be spoilers!!!!!!!!!!

I think you get the gist.

This is only going to be short to start of with and mainly about one character. Claire's husband Frank. What an idiot!!! I just want to hit him - HARD. So your wife just scolds her hand and swears a bit. Sort out your wife's fried hand before you start making some lame apologies. But he doesn't even try to help her!!!! From Claire's narrative it doesn't seem that he even looked at her hand. GIT!

He seriously needs to get over his own sense of inflated self importance. *grumble, grumble, grumble* And I bet he had an affair during the years that they were separated because of the war! (that is just a guess on my part...but I bet he did)

And the ghosty Scotsman! Talk about setting the scene. Love it!

Sorry a bit over board with the exclamation marks.

Started Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Oh my goodness!

How could I have forgotten how addictive this book is. I first read this about 5 years ago but didn't really bother with the rest of the series after getting (I think) about half way through the second.

But now, I am looking for a good series to get into (*cough*escapism*cough*) and this was really the first one that came to mind. And since I can't really remember the ins and out (in other words ANY) of the story I figured it would be a great opportunity to re-read.

Audio Book - I am not a great fan of listening to audio books, especially when you get a reader who just out you to sleep after the first three words. Not a good idea if you are driving and staying awake is a must. Hmm... I also can't help but feel that it is cheating a little bit - but I have quickly got over that as sometimes it is just more practical to plug myself into my earphones (saves me burning myself on the iron too)But the audio for this is great. I am switching in between reading and listening and have only really listened to about 20 minutes of it on my i-pod. But guys, the reader is great. And the Scottish accents are AMAZING! I would absolutely recommend this audio to anyone!

Anyway, back to the addiction. As soon as I started listening/reading I just couldn't stop. Oh, another thing I should point out is that I HATE first person narrative. Which is kind of sucky for the books that are out now since they all seem to be written like that. But I really don't mind it for this book. The narrative just sort of sucked me in from the beginning. So that is another thing it has in it's favour. Eeek, so anyway, back to the reading. I think I will be posting as I go along for this one. Save on a crazy long post at the end. Onwards we go...