Yes, I managed to read the second Outlander book (Dragonfly in Amber) in about two weeks--740 or so pages in two weeks, there a bouts. I tell you this not to brag that I am a fast reader, because truthfully I am not really a fast reader at all. I tell you this because how quickly I read speaks volumes (haha) about how amazing this story really is. I could not get enough of the storyline and I could not wait to see how the story progressed. I can't really say that I could not wait to see how the story ended, because it doesn't really end. There are 8 volumes in all to this epic tale, so one book really just bleeds into the next. Dragonfly in Amber leaves you truly on the edge of a cliff--so far on the edge I was grateful that I had already purchased book 3 (Voyager) and could just start reading. (It's 6:25 in the evening and I haven't picked up the book all day. I am absolutely aching to read on. )
Dragonfly in Amber begins in 1968 and left me quite puzzled for several pages until I really figured out what was going on. 1968 quickly reverts to the 1700's in a flashback tale so that the story that began in Outlander is continued. My friend warned me about this change of time and admitted that when she first started reading she wondered if she had missed a book. Never fear. You have not missed a book. Gabaldon is just a brilliant writer and has begun her second installment of the Outlander tale in a very unique manner. For those of you interested in the time travel component of this story, Dragonfly in Amber will give it to you. Time travel is alive and well in this story!
I will warn you, though, that this novel is filled with the Scottish-English battle we had been hearing so much about in the first book. In fact, there were times I was so bored with battle scenes and political plotting that I couldn't bear the thought of reading anymore. But just when you are about to put the book down, Gabaldon pulls you back in and moves the story forward, or even in a direction you never anticipated. So, stick with it. The battle eventually works itself out.
I have another friend who wants to read these books but is worried about the commitment involved with reading such a large series filled with such lengthy stories. Do not worry about this. You honestly do not notice the length of the story--you simply just don't want the story to end! And as I have said before, if you read this on your iPad, Nook, or Kindle, you'd never even notice the thickness of the book. Personally, I love holding these books and turning the pages. The covers of these books are so majestic. I just love them!
OK. I am going to stop writing and try to read a few pages of Voyager before one of my children needs me for something. I swear I am not neglecting them as I read these amazing stories. I promise they are fed and clothed and loved. :)
Happy reading, everyone!
:) Dodie
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