I have been reading the Outlander series since May of last year (2016), spacing the books out as I have had time to devote to the tale. Drums of Autumn is without a doubt my favorite of the Outlander series, thus far. I know a lot of people complain about how long these books are and how scenes could easily be cut out, but I love the depth and length of these books. I’ll admit, when I first started reading this particular book, 1070 pages seemed quite daunting. Especially while the story took a bit to get going in my opinion, or maybe it’s simply that I didn’t care for the political schmoozing within the storyline.
However, once we were able to dive into Brianna’s perspective, I was hooked. This series is so ridiculously epic. I love being with the characters for as long as we are with this series. I am so attached to them at this point, they feel like real people to me–friends. In the days since I’ve finished reading, I’ve been missing the characters and wondering what is going to happen to them next. I love being able to read about their daily lives- even the things that may seem slightly mundane because it makes them more realistic. Diana Gabaldon reminded me why I love long books, and books in a series.
Being able to read from the perspective of Claire, Brianna, Roger, and Jamie made this book fly by for me. I constantly was wondering where the story was going to go. My favorite part of this book was the connection between past and present. This aspect greatly appeals to me, as someone who enjoys history and the humanity behind it.
Let’s just say, when a book is over 1000 pages and the reader is still left wanting more, it is miraculous. Diana Gabaldon is a genius. I can’t imagine the time it took her to research and write these books. She has devoted nearly 30 years to this series, and from what I hear she is still plugging away. What an amazing fruit of her labor. I can’t wait to see where the series continues to take readers.
If you haven’t jumped back in time with Claire and Jamie, it is a must. I would rather read these books than watch the show any day. To keep from giving too much away to prospective readers, I’ll stop here. I needed to quickly rave about this excellent novel.
If you have read the series, which book is your favorite? No spoilers, please!
Ashes Books & Bobs 
I am just recently re-reading, or really listening to these novels. I read up through Drums of Autumn when they were first released, but for some reason never read the latter books in the series. I’ve now listened through Drums of Autumn as well and I have to admit I’ve really enjoyed them again! I like this one even more because of the American history aspect of it. I find my own history easier to immerse myself in than the earlier Scottish and British. Although all are equally tragic. When listening to Drums of Autumn I realized how much I had forgotten. I’m eager to start the next one too. If you think reading 1070 pages is daunting, try listening to that many pages! The narrator does a terrific job, but it is slow going and you have to be patient with some of the plots. Although the slowness of the narration and all of the description has let me enjoy them a little more because I’m not skimming. LOL.
Great review, you have a very nice voice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment! I appreciate it so much. Are the audiobooks like 30+ hours listening time? haha! I bet they are quite long but nice to listen to. I still have yet to finish the book after this one and really need to make time to work my way through it.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying this a second time though. I wish I could get my hands on the audio version through my library! Though I might have to keep rechecking it due to the length! haha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s more like 40+ hours, LOL! I can’t remember the name of the narrator but she does amazing voices and accents it’s like listening to a movie. It does take a little while but are totally worth it. I get mine from the library so they may be available. Check them out!
LikeLiked by 1 person