Title: VIRGINS – Outlander #0.5
Author: Diana Gabaldon
ISBN: 978 1780 8966 18
Publisher: Penguin Random House UK
Pages: 256
Source: Private Copy
Mourning the death of his father and gravely injured at the hands of the English, Jamie Fraser finds himself running with a band of mercenaries in the French countryside, where he reconnects with his old friend Ian Murray. Both are nursing wounds; both have good reason to stay out of Scotland; and both are still virgins, despite several opportunities to remedy that deplorable situation with ladies of easy virtue. But Jamie’s love life becomes infinitely more complicated—and dangerous—when fate brings the young men into the service of Dr. Hasdi, a Jewish gentleman who hires them to escort two priceless treasures to Paris. One is an old Torah; the other is the doctor’s beautiful daughter, Rebekah, destined for an arranged marriage. Both Jamie and Ian are instantly drawn to the bride-to-be—but they might be more cautious if they had any idea who they’re truly dealing with.
Official Summary
13 May 2024
For as long as I can remember I have stayed far away from historical fiction. Until now that is. I blame my husband for this latest obsession, since he recommended that we watch the Outlander series on Netflix. Needless to say, I am hooked and cannot get enough.
Since the book is always better, I started reading the books in order and Virgins is a thrilling Outlander prequel novella that take you on a wild ride through the French countryside with a young Jamie Fraser and his friend Ian Murray. Set against the backdrop of historical turmoil, Gabaldon weaves a tale filled with suspense, adventure, and, of course, romance.
What I loved most about “Virgins” is how it offers insight into Jamie’s formative years, showing you a different side of the beloved character. Mourning the loss of his father and nursing wounds inflicted by the English, Jamie finds himself embroiled in a dangerous mission alongside Ian and a cast of intriguing characters.
Gabaldon’s writing is captivating, effortlessly transporting you to 18th-century France and immersing you in the sights, sounds, and smells of the era. From swashbuckling sword fights to tender moments of camaraderie, every scene crackles with energy and emotion.
But it’s not just the action-packed plot that kept me glued to the pages; it’s also the complex relationships and moral dilemmas that Jamie and Ian face along the way. As they struggle with their newfound responsibilities and desires, they must navigate treacherous waters where loyalties are tested and alliances forged.
And then there’s Rebekah, the beautiful daughter of Dr. Hasdi, whose presence adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. Jamie and Ian are instantly drawn to her, but they soon realize that she may be hiding secrets of her own.
“Virgins” is a must-read for fans of the Outlander series, offering a tantalizing glimpse into Jamie Fraser’s past while delivering all the suspense and romance that you have come to expect from Diana Gabaldon. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Outlander, this novella is sure to leave you eagerly anticipating the next adventure.
I am very late to the Outlander party, but you can expect to hear a lot more from me about this series.
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 .
Thank you to my husband, for introducing me to a obsessive series, and historical fictions at that. Sorry my love, you have created a monster, and I know you are regretting ever suggesting this series….. we are halfway through the series, not long to go.
