Title: DRAGONFLY IN AMBER
Author: Diana Gabaldon
ISBN: 978 0 440 21562 2
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Pages: 947
Source: Private Copy
For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland’s majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones …about a love that transcends the boundaries of time …and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his ….
Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire’s spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart …in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising …and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves….
Official Summary
22 May 2024
My obsession with this series was fueled when I received the first eight books in the series for Mother’s Day. My girls know me so well. Now I have a bookshelf dedicated to the Outlander series which faces my desk – reminding me that I must get over my big book fear in a hurry.
“Dragonfly in Amber” the second novel in the series takes you on an enthralling journey through time and across continents, weaving together history, romance, and adventure in a captivating narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
Set against the backdrop of Scotland’s misty hills and the intrigue-ridden court of Paris, the novel picks up where its predecessor, “Outlander,” left off. Claire Randall, a time-travelling heroine with secrets aplenty, returns to Scotland with her daughter Brianna to unveil truths long kept hidden. Gabaldon intertwines past and present, effortlessly transporting you between Claire’s 18th-century escapades and her 20th-century life.
At the heart of the story is the enduring love between Claire and Jamie Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry knows no bounds. Their bond transcends time and place, tested by the turbulent events of history and the challenges they face in their quest to protect their family and homeland. Gabaldon beautifully navigates the complexities of their relationship, infusing it with passion, depth, and an undeniable chemistry that leaps off the pages.
The novel is a rich tapestry of historical detail, seamlessly blending real events with fictional narratives to create a vivid and immersive world. From the doomed Highlands uprising to the lavish splendour of the Parisian court, Gabaldon paints a picture that is both authentic and enchanting. Her meticulous research shines through in every scene, adding layers of depth and authenticity to the story.
But this is not just a tale of love and adventure; it’s also a story of self-discovery and resilience. Claire’s journey is one of empowerment as she navigates the complexities of her dual identity and learns to embrace her strengths and vulnerabilities alike. Her daughter Brianna also comes into her own, facing challenges with courage and determination as she confronts the legacy of her parents’ love.
“Dragonfly in Amber” is a captivating read that will transport you to another time and place, leaving you utterly spellbound until the very end. Diana Gabaldon’s storytelling and richly drawn characters make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction and romance alike. But be warned, you will be left wanting more.
Also by Diana Gabaldon
Outlander
The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just 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 circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord . . . 1743.
Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, and shatter her heart. For here James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire—and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Diana Jean Gabaldon Watkins grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona and is of Hispanic and English descent (with a dash of Native American and Sephardic Jew). She has earned three degrees: a B.S. in Zoology, a M.S. in Marine Biology, and a Ph.D in Ecology, plus an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Glasgow, for services to Scottish Literature.
She currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.
If you are a regular visitor to the blog, you will know that historical fiction and romance are two of the genres I usually steer clear of. The Outlander series has me looking at both very differently – I cannot wait to find out how this story will end…. I have another six monster-sized books waiting on my bookshelf as well as some novellas – not to mention I have not yet added books nine and ten to my collection. Have you read the books? Which is your favourite in the series? Please let me I am not going to be disappointed by the ending…..
As always thank you for visiting, until next time… Happy Reading!
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