Oh thank goodness, it looks like I’ll manage to get this review up today after all!

I planned to write this up much earlier, but my internet decided to inconveniently stop working so I couldn’t actually write it up. Isn’t that just always the way? *sigh*

But we’re here now.

Let’s talk about Dragonfly in Amber!

Title: Dragonfly in Amber

Author: Diana Gabaldon

Publisher: Arrow

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy

Series Status: The 2nd book in the Outlander series

Number of Pages:  963

(Found on Goodreads)

For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to the majesty of Scotland’s mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones, about a love that transcends the boundaries of time, and about James Fraser, a warrior whose gallantry once drew the young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his.Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful daughter as Claire’s spellbinding journey continues in the intrigue-ridden court of Charles Edward Stuart, in a race to thwart a doomed uprising, and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves.

I mean, it’s safe to say that this book – just like the first one – just blows my mind a little bit. The amount of detail poured into the story of this series is just incredible.

And, it’s also a great explanation for why each book is so bloomin’ long.

But sometimes, you just need a really lengthy fantasy book to delve into.

Now, I don’t usually like comparing one book to another, but this time I just have to, otherwise the point I’m about to make will make no sense. Because the fantasy element of this series reminds me of Game of Thrones. If you’ve read the book or watched the show, I’m sure you’ll understand what I mean. But basically, the fantasy isn’t the main part of the story. It’s not constantly full of magic or wonderful creatures. The fantasy is there, but it takes a backseat, and the story itself is much more about the characters trying to find their way in this historic world. Simply trying to get the best deal out of the time period and world they live in.

It’s not really surprising that I loved this book. I mean, my favourite genres are fantasy and historical fiction. This book is a mash up of those genres. It’s simple, really.

What isn’t simple, however, is the plot. Especially in this second book. It’s not difficult to keep up with the story, it’s definitely easy to follow…but with all the detail put into the book, I found it can feel like a story that needs to be thoroughly…digested?

I’m not explaining this well. 

Put it this way. I found this book to be based a lot more on the political side of history, so a lot of names and titles can be thrown around along with political plans. And no, it’s not boring. But there were a few times I had to go back and reread certain paragraphs to digest what they’re talking about. Honestly though, that’s mainly because I’m not too great at keeping up with names, and for some reason I couldn’t wrap my head around the royal relations. But even then, I still knew what was happening.

God, I’ve managed to make this sound boring. Let me try again.

Even though this book is much more politically based than the first book, it still makes your emotions roil. There’s plenty of action – I mean, how can I NOT love reading about old Scottish wars? There’s a whole lot of plotting and deviousness. There’s spies. There’s witchcraft. And there’s Claire and Jamie. Enough said.

It IS a slow read. I mean, it’s nearly 1000 pages long and full of the most indulgent details, but trust me when I say it’s worth it. If you’re looking for a good, long fantasy that is missing nothing…as long as you’re not put off by violence and all that sort of stuff, I’d definitely recommend you try this series!

Rated 4/5 stars!

Amazon

[Available in Kindle, Audio and Paperback Edition]

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Share your thoughts!

Have you read this book? What did you think?

If you haven’t, have you read the first? Or thinking of starting the series?

Let me know in the comments!

Until next time…

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