So at first I saw the trailers for the TV show and really wanted to watch it. When I found out it was based on a book series, then I knew I had to read it! After being on the wait list for a couple of months, I’ve finally managed to get myself a copy and have read it. Here is my review:
Claire and her husband are finally spending time together. The year is 1945 and the war is over, giving them the opportunity they need to really grow together. While visiting Inverness, they hear of some rituals practiced by the local women near a Stonehenge-like stone circle. But when Claire touches the stones, she is transported back in time to 1743. The first person she meets is a Jack Randall who bears an uncanny physical resemblance to her husband and is in fact Frank’s six-times-great-grandfather. However, he turns out to be quite twisted and perverted. When Claire tries to escape from him, she is caught by a group of Highland Scots who have their own reason to avoid Jack Randall and his English men. One of these Scots happens to be Jamie Fraser, a handsome and kind man who has some secrets of his own. As Claire tries to navigate in this new (or rather, old) world, she finds herself having to make important decision. Should she help the Scots in their fight with the English? Should she go back to Frank, her devoted husband, or should she let herself fall for the sweet and charming Jamie Fraser?
I have mixed feelings on this book. It has something for everyone and I loved the intrigue and the historical parts and the fighting scenes. I even liked the philosophical and religious aspects. What I did not enjoy so much was the sexual part. To some degree, I know it is necessary. And I’ve read a lot more explicit books in the past. But it felt overly dramatic and at times unnecessary. Sometimes it read almost like one of those tabloids about sex scandals. And the emotional sex parts seemed very very immature and unbelievable. However, the story line was worth it and I pushed through. I don’t know if I plan on reading any more books in the series. I am tempted to but I also don’t know if it is worth it. If someone does end up reading this book and continuing on with the next one, do let me know what you thought about the second one!
Happy reading ~