The Drums of Autumn

Please excuse the length of this review, but it is a very long book with important events that set up the next books in the series. Drums of Autumn, Book 4 of the Outlander series, dropped me right into the middle the action, which is something I always relish. After all, a man being hanged is quite dramatic to say the least, and this happens on page three. Ms. Gabaldon is at her descriptive writing best as she describes Claire’s thoughts and emotions. I felt as if I could actually feel her pulse in her carotid arteries as it beat in time with the drums. Feel her wet shift bathed in sweat from the oppressive heat as she watches a friend from Jamie’s time in Ardsmuir prison meet his end for stealing six pounds, ten shillings. As the man dies, one of the other convicted men sentenced to hang that day takes the opportunity to escape. As Claire and Jamie travel toward Wilmington, hoping to find a ship for Young Ian so he can return to Scotland, (Ian ends up staying with C&J and finds Rollo) they stumble across the escaped man and aid him, then part ways. Little did I know this man, Stephen Bonnet, with his faint Irish accent, would become the new villain of this series. Claire and Jamie begin their journey upriver to Cross Creek, where Jamie’s Aunt Jocasta lives on the plantation River Run. Before they reach their destination, they set upon by pirates and their ring leader is none other than Stephen Bonnet. He steals their valuable jewels they had planned to use to establish themselves in this new country, along with Claire’s gold wedding band from her first marriage. You may wonder why this has significance to the story, but later on that same ring leads Brianna into a situation that has dire consequences for her and Roger. It starts the intricate plotline for Brianna and Roger. Brianna and Roger’s story line had her in 1969 Boston and Roger in Scotland, but Roger soon comes to visit and their romance progresses beyond friendship during his stay. This part of the story is a bit slow moving, but interesting nonetheless and pulled me into their relationship, so personally I did not mind. When Brianna discovers something that affects her parents, she travels through the stones back to 1769 to warn them of what is to come, leaving Roger in 1971 Scotland. Roger has also found out the same information and realizes Brianna has gone back. He follows her and through some harrowing misadventures of his own, eventually chases her to Wilmington. After a brief reunion, where they commit to a handfasting, they part on less than ideal terms, and a great many horrifying events occur to both of them. Drums of Autumn, for me, is just as much Brianna and Roger’s story as it is Claire and Jamie’s. Ms. Gabaldon intertwines the two plotlines masterfully, as only a superb storyteller can, keeping me thoroughly enmeshed in all the characters’ lives. I love it when I become so obsessed with a book that even when I cannot read due to everyday life interferences, my mind will not stop thinking about it. To me, this is the sign of an extremely well-written, riveting and compelling story. In this book, we are again reunited with many of the characters from the previous books and introduced to quite a few others. At times, I almost wish I had started a chart of all the characters so that when they are brought into the story again, I will immediately remember why they are important. I think something like that in the front of these books would have been very helpful. I have to devote some of this review to Young Ian. What a courageous, brave and caring character. He has quite stolen my heart. I don’t want to give anything away, but oh my, his willingness to sacrifice all moved me to tears. His great love and respect for Jamie and Claire is amazing. I really expected this review to be rather short, but there are many pivotal happenings in this one that build the founding blocks for the future stories. Hopefully, I have shared enough for you to understand why this is such an important book in the series. Along with the complicated plot, I also felt the deeper connection between Claire and Jamie and was greatly moved by the numerous tender moments between them. I am not talking about the sexual scenes, even though those are all amazing, but the ones of gentle touches and loving glances that abound in this powerful tale. Theirs truly is a love of a lifetime that transcends time and space. Well done Dianna Gabaldon for giving me such a spell-binding reading experience. Now I am on to the next one, The Fiery Cross. Happy reading!

This review is for the entire series. To those who rate it low b/c it is "too long"...did you not notice that before beginning it? To those who say there is too much sex...it IS technically classified as "romance"...skip the sex scenes, it won't take away from the story. To those who say there are inaccuracies (historical,factual)...it is a novel written for entertainment purposes with characters who are not all-knowing, not a history book for educational purposes. Ok. When my husband first brought this book back with him from Iraq (donated to the USO)and he told me he was reading a historical-fiction/romance/fantasy/time travel book, I teased him. I thought no way could such a book be an actual worthy read. I am a constant reader. I have to always have a book. So, when I was in-between books, I picked up this book just to pass the time. Don't make the same mistake I did..DO NOT be fooled by the genre. Don't make the mistake of thinking that these are typical bodice-ripping Highlander trash-romance...they are not. They are real literature. I do not enjoy romance novels, though I will read one if it is the only reading material available. I have to say that this series of books, though they do contain sex scenes, is NOT romance. They are a complex tale full of an entire cast of well-developed characters. I have been on the discussion boards that center around this series. Most of the women seem to be in love with (at least the idea of) the main male character, Jamie. As proof of how good the story told and the writing in this book is, I need to say that the physical description of him (and some parts of his personality) are a complete turn-off to me. He is pretty much the opposite of what I like. However, you don't need to be attracted to a character to enjoy reading about them and to grow to admire and care about them. The love story between Jamie and Claire is quite inspiring, so much so that my husband and I actually got matching tattoos inspired by the books. These stories are so well-written and in-depth, that I read them aloud to my children (simply not reading the child-inappropriate parts aloud) and all of them, from my 7-year-old daughter to my 18-year-old son, are as captivated as I am. These books weave the tale of well-developed, multifaceted characters, exploring their personal growth, interactions and relationships with one another, their people in their communities, and some well-known historical figures, all within the context of various historical time periods. From Jacobite-era Scotland to pre-revolutionary North Carolina (and many places in between), you will follow a brilliantly-written, gripping saga and you will be a part of a world you won't want to leave.

Pro's: Love this series. Originally, enthralled in the Scottish storyline and romantic adventure of Claire Randall (book one). DofA shocked me (in a good way) because it traces my family's real history, migrating from London England to North Carolina in 1768. I've been doing genealogy for 40 years and know quite a bit of North Carolina history. My 8xGrandfather was a mountain man (clearing land of wolves for farmers, fought in the Revolutionary War as a NC Regular (can't wait to read Fiery Cross to compare notes. Gabaldon has her good points, most (if not all) of the history is correct and accurate, if letting me wanting for more (details). Loved the hilarious initial interaction between Roger and Jamie. Demonstrated Jamie's impetuousness and Rogers stubborn resolve (God bless him) - ?irresistable force meets immovable object? Con's: Some of the storyline is shallow and not detailed enough. e.g. European settlers relationship with the Indians, Plantation owners' struggle for survival (could not do it without significant labor - I'm excluding the issue of slavery which was a travesty) and the politics of the area (NC vs SC, VA etc). Governor Tryon was a man of his time; a progeny of English culture; an innovator, pioneer, statesman, deal maker and evangelist - every hero has his faults. I wish Gabaldon had covered more of the backstories of the important issues of the time and related it back to Jamie and Claire's story. I also had wished a littel more detail on how Jamie managed to build their first cabin, farmed his first crop and other survival strategies for their given situation. Gabaldon also struggles at time, in making some of the relationships in the story plausible or realistic. Sometimes it's character development to explain the character's decision making process and sometimes it' a backstory in the development of the relationship. Roger/Brianna's meeting in New Bern was too shallow (my opinion); Ian's relationship with the Indian's required (I would have liked) more development and backstory; Fergus and Marsali's relationship is really skimmed over in this book. Overall, love these books (all the more because of my personal connection with the place and time) and look forward to reading the next.

I am as much in love with Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series as I was when I read the first book. You get a beautifully written cornucopia of adventure, drama, love, and action with each book giving variations of it. They’re not all the same and you are drawn into unique stories within each installment. In Drums of Autumn, the fourth book in the series, it had a different flavor from the others but it still manages to capture your attention and keep you glued to the continuing story of Claire and Jamie. The most consistent aspect of Gabaldon’s series is her writing. I am continually amazed at the depth and scope of her writing. It’s one of the things that made reading the books so entertaining and engrossing. There were moments in the book that made me just stop and take in what I’ve just read because it was that powerful. I really admire her way with words, that she can say things but in a non-ordinary sort of way. I was also taken back at how romantic this book and series can be. There would be passages where I thought were so powerful and loving after so many pages of intensity and action. It really helps to serve as a reminder that at the heart of this series is a love story. I don’t come across writing as good as this often and I have a good deal of appreciation after reading each book in this series. This beautiful writing can be pointed to as to why Claire and Jamie and the others are characters that many, including myself, love and care about. Without this writing, we really couldn’t get the full picture of who they are as individuals and as a group. I have enjoyed watching each character grow and fight through adversity. I love how things aren’t so easy between Claire and Jamie having both internal and external conflicts to deal with. However through all of it, you know their love still runs deep and passionate. I really liked how this relationship has been pushed in this book. You see both Claire and, especially Jamie, in the worse of light to date. But that just illustrated another aspect of the series that I love. These characters whether it’s Claire, Jamie, Brianna, Roger, Ian, etc. are not infallible. They make mistakes, they can be wrong but they work at getting through them and there’s satisfaction from reading their journey through it. And Drums of Autumn highlighted this the best because it wasn’t from an outside force, but was mostly within the family structure. I’m going to be honest and say that there parts where it did get a little trying and slow in pace. But I also look at it as having a different pace for a different book. Things cannot always go in the same pace with the same sort of action. But this book did make up for it in drama. I enjoyed the internal conflicts within each other resulting in some very intense and passionate scenes that left reeling for a breath. This had a different pace and feel from the books before, but it still as good as the others and just as mesmerizing a read.

Each of the main Outlander books requires a worthy investment in your time. I always like to plan an Outlander week when I decide to read one. It is armchair travel at its finest with no attention to detail spared. Characters and scenes are vividly brought to life and as such the time spent with the Frasers is time well spent. The setting in Drums of Autumn is predominantly in America but with a distinctive Highlander voice. Once again I found myself searching for audio clips of the Gaelic used as it is far from a phonetic language! If you haven't read an Outlander book, now is the time to stop reading this review and choose whether to catch up with the series either by reading or viewing Outlander first. In my opinion, you will want to do both! When we left Jamie and Claire in Voyager I for one was desperate to see more of Bree and Roger. In this book I was delighted to catch up with not only them, but the other young ones as well. For me the storyline signified a fresh start for all, not just Jamie and Claire. There is never a dull moment when it comes to the Frasers. They literally stumble upon shore with little but the clothes on their backs. Resourceful as always, they face numerous encounters before they begin anew at Fraser's Ridge. Jamie and Claire take nothing for granted and embrace the chance to be together again. Starting from scratch, they build their home and work the fields with little regard for what material possessions they lack. Jamie continues to impress me to no end. We have seen him as a young man who never turns away from his duty. He's an honorable man and a proud Highlander. Even when he gets on his high horse he will humbly acknowledge the rare (coughs) moments he may have gone a step too far. The love he and Claire share is obvious to all who are close to them. The drums of love beat for Roger and Bree as resoundingly as they do for Jamie and Claire. The difference for them is that they knew each other well before love blossomed. And it is Bree who steals the limelight from Claire in this story, which is a testament to her loving upbringing. The rather impressive gene pool she came from undoubtedly helped as well! Roger is the ultimate gentleman who learns that being polite doesn't always work in matters of the heart. A rather awkward fatherly advice is delivered at a prudent time to rekindle the passion between him and Bree. He is a rather polished, less brash but none the less passionate version of a Scotsman we have met thus far in the series, well except for Jamie’s brother-in-law, Ian who displays the patience of a saint. Quite often when I read a book the second time (and this usually occurs because I didn't stop to write a review the first time around) I am conscious of what I want to include in my review. The one moment that I wanted to play with in my review this time was my version of Bree and Roger's fun with describing The Minister’s cat. It’s more challenging than I first thought! The second half of Drums of Autumn was amazing. It never takes me long to slip back in time to be with Jamie and Claire. This was probably the first time in a few books where I didn’t have a sense of loss for a character with the different settings and PoVs. A wonderful story that finished on with a sentence that left me impatient for more time with the Frasers.

Reviewed at Another Look Book Reviews Spoilerish - Intent to be read if you have already read. [...] I ventured forth with a re-read of Drums of Autumn because I had just finished doing a re-read Voyager. I honestly didn't plan for a re-read of the Outlander series right now but I sorta just fell into it after reading and reviewing The Scottish Prisoner. I am so glad I did. I remember that when I read Drums of Autumn the first and second time, I did enjoy it but because I was so anxious to read anything and everything about Jamie and Claire, I'd skip through a lot of Roger and Bree story lines. This time around I didn't. I just sat back and really took my time and thoroughly enjoyed every chapter and every character. It was fabulous. I feel like I have now just experienced Roger and Bree on a different level. I do remember being so pleased that when Diana Gabaldon wrote Bree, that she didn't just do a carbon copy of Jamie and Claire. Yes she had Jamie's looks and some of his mannerisms but Bree is definitely her own person. I also have to remember that she is young and she will make mistakes that young people will make. I found I appreciated that trait of hers more this time and I was way more forgiving in some of the things she did and how she did them. Drums of Autumn is quite fabulous. So much happens in this book but not in an angsty, heart palpating way. A lot of character growth and the story moved forward by leaps and bounds. I think back to all the scenes that happened in Drums of Autumn and I am blown away by how much time had passed. Claire delivered some of my favourite lines in Drums of Autumn. "You're a walking inducement to harlots," I said. "Stick by me; I'll protect you." "He's much sneakier than I thought," I said. "Practically Scottish." "Actually, it's your kilt that make me want to fling you to the floor and commit ravishment," I told him. "May the Lord deliver me from stubborn Scotsmen!" I said. And a Jamie quote worth noting.... "Your face is my heart, Sassenach," he said softly, "and love of you is my soul." The building of Fraser Ridge really provided an excellent foundation for the North Carolina setting and a true appreciation of what the first settlers encountered. If reading Voyager was about Jamie and Claire's reunion, then Drums of Autumn was about Jamie meeting his daughter, Bree. The anticipated scene was fabulous and I wouldn't change a thing. Without a doubt, that encounter was my favourite scene in the entire book. Followed closely by birth of Jemmy. I adore that the birth was a wee bit of a family event. I also found that I enjoyed more of the Indian interactions this time around. I was still very impacted and my heart was heavy for Ian. I found Ian was on my mind a lot and I was ever so thankful that Diana Gabaldon included that letter from Ian to Jamie and Claire while they were attending the Gathering. Of course I need to move on to The Fiery Cross now. I am quite excited about it since that book was my least favourite of the series and now I am thinking after this experience, I will enjoy it that much more. Teasers: Stephen Bonnet the pirate, bear attach and fought off with a fish, Bree's engagement to Lord John, birth of Jemmy and the biological puzzle that goes along with him

This is the fourth book in the Outlander saga, and it was amazing. I love these books so very much, they are the perfect mix of historical fiction and sizzling romance. Claire and Jamie are the ultimate couple who travel through time to be with one another. This series is one of the very best that I've ever read, and I love all the characters in them.

The book Drums Of Autumn opens in Charleston, June 1767 with scorching sun and new troubles to overcome. Claire and Jamie drench the reader with a wide-screen description of new places with their travels. The humid weather and torturous journey, plagued with escaped criminals, theft, and humbled introductions, lands them on the doorstep of Jamie's aunt from the McKenzie side. Then chapters bounce forward to the late 1960's for a bit, and the other story thread of Brianna and Roger, not quite the mirror image of her parents' love story, however similar in some ways. The influence her parents had on her relationship in itself could be a long discussion. There is a large cast of characters and the reader sees each of their growth as they plow their way through perilous situations with action. The characters old and new are larger than life. We meet Jamie's Aunt Jocasta and her glorious estate which also causes personal dilemma to our heroes when faced with the immorality of slave owning. They retreat to the mountains and stake a claim, and create their own homestead. Old friends come to visit. The reader is drawn to Jamie and Claire just as they are. Once again, Claire heals all and survives despite herself while Jamie shows his physical and moral strength, and leadership qualities. . . until he messes up big time. <<spoiler alert>> Finally, Jamie sees his illegitimate son again, and is able to spend some time comforting him after losing his mother. Also, he meets his daughter, Brianna. Even though they are miles apart and from different times, their shared sensibilities are evident. When Jamie assumes Roger a rapist due to a name mix-up, he condemns him to be a slave for the local natives. <<end spoiler>> From midpoint of the book until the end terrible situations happen and the pace quickens. Each main character, Jamie, Brianna, and Roger, being strong willed and dynamic in their own right, bring lots of action packed adventure. Also some heroic acts by the other characters like Ian and John Grey. One of my favorite scenes took place at a Mohawk camp where they were holding a Jesuit. I would have liked to have read more story about Father Alexandre. He was an interesting new character, however his presence was short-lived, so there will never be more to learn about him. I also liked the scene when Brianna faced Bonnet and the emotional support she was given by John Grey. It's refreshing to read about characters living by their high morals. This story had many character arcs, and some unexpected situations which kept me reading. The author does get a bit long-winded in some of the scenes, however it's worth the time for the overall story. The ending was a trite Pollyannaish, however after everything the cast went through, they deserved a happy moment. Very exciting book - I'd recommend it to anyone who likes action adventure and/or historical fiction. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Having become a fan of the series, I was looking forward to continuing to read it. The book has not disappointed me in the slightest. Amazing cover and incredible plotline. The book was delivered as scheduled and in perfect condition. I highly recommend this one!!

Het boek is fantastisch.

Excelente livro. A saga toda é sobre uma história e romance que nos levam a mundos e sentimentos tão marcantes e intensos que fica difícil parar de ler. Vou ter que comprar todos os 9 livros.

This book starts with a hanging. Jamie and Claire are in Georgia and they come to say goodbye to a friend who has been convicted. There is a scuffle in carrying out the sentence and Stephen Bonnet escapes. When they go to bury their friend, Bonnet sneaked into the wagon and they take him to the river where he escapes. Jamie’s relative Jocasta is a wealthy widow living on a plantation called River Run. For Claire this is the first time she is confronted with the reality and the practicality of slavery. The disposable attitudes of the time, as well as the brutality, are not glossed over, but are not dealt with in horrifying detail. The book also parallels Roger and Brianna’s story. Their interest is both Scottish and American history. When he takes her to the clan gathering, she is reluctant to agree to marry him. I think this is more a sign of the times than the separation from her parents. When she finds a document telling of her parents’ imminent death the reader knows she is going through the stones or die trying. As you would expect Jamie is offered land in the New World to settle and so Frasers Ridge is created. Claire continues to be a local healer and they inevitably encounter native American Indians. They are not portrayed as sympathetically as the slaves and some of the passages are harrowing to read. Jamie’s first meeting with Brianna and then with Roger are significant. Meeting Brianna is awkward but wonderful, Roger’s meeting is more brutal and full of misunderstanding. Misinformation and lack of communication is the hallmark of the latter half of the book. Everyone keeps secrets to their detriment. The ending is satisfying with a few twists, but everything happens for the best and I look forward to the next book. In terms of plot this is probably the most sophisticated, and fans will mis Scotland, but the book still demonstrates a great attention to detail with warm and loveable characters throughout.

J'ai découvert d'abord la série sur Netflix avant de me lancer dans la lecture des bouquins, et là, je n'ai plus décroché (alors que j'ai abandonné la série qui faisait bien pâle figure au final au regard de l'original). En VO, ma préférence. Expression anglaise de qualité, très facile à lire, je ne m'en lasse pas ;-)