Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Series: Outlander (Book 1)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 850

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

This book has a lot of hype and a huge following. I had seen the first episode of the show and liked it so I was hopeful I would enjoy the book. But I was still a little nervous. I mean, what if I didn’t like it? There’s something scary about disliking a book everyone else seems to love.

Overall, I liked the story. For the first half of the book I wall all about this being a favorite and a five star read. There wasn’t a lot going on with the plot, but Ms. Gabaldon’s writing is beautiful. I didn’t mind reading about Claire’s day-to-day life in 18^th century Scotland. They probably got me more invested in Claire’s story.

And the whole cast of characters are intriguing. They aren’t without issues and I will get there. This book is not just a love story between Jamie and Claire. I do with there were more female characters, but this world is very male so I understand.

I want to talk about Claire a little more. I felt like I was supposed to view her as this strong, independent, 20^th century woman, but she made some stupid decisions. The first few times I was able to overlook them, but then it just got annoying. She kept doing the same things over and over and then would be surprised when the same bad things happened. But please don’t think I hated her because I didn’t.

The writing, while beautiful, did confuse me sometimes. She seemed do dance around a situation or a character. I get showing and not telling, but there are several things that happened that I just don’t understand. Maybe they will make more sense in a re-read, but this is a big book to re-read.

While I do have some issues I completely understand why people love it. And I do want to continue the series, but not right away. This was such a big book and very dramatic so I need a little break.

Now, I want to talk spoilers.

There’s really one specific thing that turned this book for me. It put a bad taste in my mouth that I carried throughout the rest of the book.

That thing is when Jamie beats Claire. I could have moved on if he had hit her on the butt with his hands a few times, but he literally beat her so she was uncomfortable for days. To make it worse he never apologized (only gave excuses), and she forgave him way to fast. I get this is a different time and life was more harsh, but that’s no excuse. Beating a woman-especially one you claim to love- is never okay. I don’t see people talk about this, but I’m curious how other people handle/justify this. And I’m interested to see how the show handles this.

And I do plan on doing a video review and discussion if you want to see more of my thoughts and opinions. I’m watching the show, too.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly

Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier

Series: Precious Stones Trilogy #3

Format: Paperback

Pages: 447

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library

                I’m kind of freaking out right now. I just finished this and something was revealed at the end that simultaneously makes me happy and angry because I want to explore more. And I’ll get into that more in the spoiler section.

                This was a great conclusion to the series. I like when series get better as they go and this one definitely do.

                I was happy with the way both the personal and larger world issues were solved. Things were a little easy, but I didn’t predict them so I can’t complain. Ms. Gier did a great job of keeping you sucked up in the present so you forget to think about the larger picture.

                That being said it would have been nice to get some resolution with a few of the side characters. I just have a few questions about some of their actions and choices .

                And of course Xermius was still full of awesomeness. I don’t think I’ve mentioned this, but I picture him as one of the gargoyles from Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame.

                Now, spoilers.

                There’s really only one thing I want to talk about.

                Actually, I lied.

                First, if Gideon and Gwen both are immortal does that mean their friends and families are just going to die? Will they age or be perpetual teenagers?

                OK. Now for the thing I really want to talk about.

                Mr. Bernard.

                Tell me if I’m wrong, but does that epilogue mean he’s Gwen’s brother or nephew? Does  he know they’re related?

                I kind of think he does know.  And that’s why he is always helping Gwen and her grandfather. And he seems to have sneaky little secrets. That epilogue just blew my mind. I knew he had to be someone special and never thought that would be it.

                I have to say I really liked this series. Eventually I would like to buy them for my shelf. These books would probably be even better on a re-read because then it’s easier to understand and you would be in on the secrets. I just can’t decide if I should try to buy the hardcovers or paperbacks.

Series Review:

 

 Thanks for reading!
Holly 

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Series: Precious Stone Trilogy #1

Format: Paperback

Pages: 322

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library

                I’ll be upfront-I’m not sure how good or informative this review will be. I read this a few days ago and have been reading the series quickly so they’re started to merge into one big book for me.

                Immediately I was sucked into this story. It’s interesting with an appropriate mystery. Ms. Gier does an excellent job slowly revealing things to both Gwen and the reader.

                Gwen’s an amazing protagonist. She’s kind of quirky, but I like her and her sense of humor. I also like that she has Lesley as a best friend and is willing to share everything with her. There are actually a lot of strong female characters that have great relationships. I absolutely lover her Aunt Maddy.

                Plus, she plays with what you expect with this type of character. Normally, characters like Gwen suddenly find out their special and are thrust into this crazy new world. But Gwen has some familiarity with the whole time-travel thing.

                This is definitely an enjoyable story that immediately sucks you in. And that ending made me want to pick up the second book instantly. There really isn’t anything else you can ask for in a first book in a series.