Voyager: Book Review by Dinh.
Summary:
In Dragonfly in Amber, the second book of the Outlander series, we left off with Claire telling Brianna Randall who her real father was and Claire’s adventures as she time traveled to 1745. In Voyager, the 3rd book of the Outlander series we follow Claire and Brianna as they piece together what happened to Jamie Fraser at the battle at Culloden moor.
Claire and Brianna discover that Jamie did not die as they had thought but was alive in 1765, twenty years after the Jacobite rising of 1745.
After finding out that Jamie is alive and working as a printer in Edinburgh under the name Alex Malcolm, Claire makes a hard decision and decides to travel back into the 18th century!
Claire goes to the stone circles and time travel back. She finds herself back in 1765. It is twenty years after she had left the first time.
Review:
Well Ms. Gabaldon has gone and done it again! I just loved Voyager. I was surprised that I enjoyed the third book of the Outlander series as much as I did. Voyager was superb!
Okay, let’s back it up a bit. I am getting ahead of myself…
I loved Voyager and definitely think that it’s her second best book so far. My favorite and top pick is still Outlander, the first book but this third book comes in pretty close.
So why did I like Voyager so much?
In a nutshell- Jamie Fraser!
This book had so much more of Jamie. I really liked finding out what happened to him after the battle at Culloden.
The first chapter is dedicated to Jamie when he wakes up at the battlefield and doesn’t know whether he is hell or not.
Later, we see Jamie hiding in a cave near Lallybroch and then his capture and imprisonment at Ardsmuir Prison.
It was interesting and satisfying to know the history of Jamie after the battle.
And let’s not forget the other characters!
I like that Voyager had a whole cast of interesting characters old and new.
It was fantastic to hear about Fergus, who when we met him in Dragonfly in Amber was only 10 years old. Now, Fergus was a grown man and still around with Jamie.
It was pleasant to know that Fergus’ bond with Jamie prevailed in that time.
Alas, Murtagh, Jamie’s godfather was not in this book. He was presumed dead along with the rest of the Highland army that were slaughtered in the battle.
Lord John Grey plays a pivotal role in this book. I won’t go into details here but there are some surprising developments with this character.
We also see Jamie’s sister Jenny and her husband Ian when Jamie goes back to Lallybroch.
There’s a big shocker character that returns in this book. Hint, we see her in Outlander. I must say I was not expecting it and it was a lovely surprise to see how Ms. Gabaldon did it.
So we have interesting characters but that was not the only thing that made this book really enjoyable.
Awesome plot!
Voyager had a riveting plot.
What did it for me was the way Gabaldon just continued from where she left off with the characters and moved them right along into another story line that was just as good.
It’s true love for Claire and Jamie. She decides to go back in time to be with Jamie and leave her daughter Brianna. It was a difficult decision for her though but she did it nevertheless.
Claire did not know on the Halloween night of 1968 when she went to the stones, that it would take her back to him, and what she would find, but she was brave and only thought of being with Jamie.
Well, when Claire goes back it’s not a bed of roses.
I liked the conflict between Claire and Jamie when Claire discovers that Jamie had a wife and 2 step kids. This made the book realistic and I can relate to it.
Another great part of the plot was how Claire and Jamie overcame the difficulties and them rediscovering each other again after all that time being apart.
So much was going on from the start of their meeting that it did take some time.
The book is aptly named Voyager because the book is about journey. The plot is about a journey to find Jamie, and Claire’s and Jamie’s travels to the West Indies to find Young Ian (Jenny and Ian’s son).
It’s also about them finding each other…another sort of journey.
Voyager’s story line moved fast and it reminded me how well Gabaldon did that also in Outlander. After Claire goes back to 1765 the plot just moved right along. It was exciting to read because there was so much action in this book.
Was there anything I didn’t like in the book?
Honestly no.
I thoroughly enjoyed Voyager.
It’s another hefty book of 870 pages in the paperback version so if you are not up to a big read I would definitely recommend getting the audio book.
My final thoughts:
I really enjoyed the pace of Voyager, the exotic setting and how Gabaldon writes these awesome characters in her books. It’s action packed plot will keep you entertained. And did I mention she writes beautifully?!
Get a copy of Voyager here. Or listen to the audio book for free with an Audible trial.
Interested in starting the Outlander series from the beginning? Check out Outlander Review!
Or just browse our book reviews here.
I read Outlander and loved it, but I couldn’t get into Dragonfly in Amber so I put it down (which I hate doing – once I start a book I want to finish it). But if this one is all about Jaime Fraser then I may have to give it a try. Did you watch the Outlander series on TV (I think it was on Showtime)? I tried a couple of episodes but I felt like it was moving way too fast compared to the book and left too much out.
Hi Teresa!
I loved Outlander too! I understand what you mean about book 2, I didn’t think it was as good but enjoyed it.
Voyager is my second favorite book out of the series so far. It has all the elements that I liked. Great romance, great plot and great writing!
I actually watched the first season of Outlander on Starz before I read the book. The books are so much better but the show is good too.
The show does leave out parts that are not in the book but it’s still enjoyable if you haven’t read the books.
I am debating about reading the next book. I heard from people that read the whole series that it’s downhill after these three…
Thanks for stopping by!
I read the whole series and they where all great. They have even more history.
Hi Jeannie!
Thanks for the heads up on the series. The history is one of the best thing about the Outlander book series. I learn something new with each book that I read.
I have yet to start book 4 of the Outlander series, Drums of Autumn! I know that it is set in America in the pre-Revoluntionary war. That looks exciting too.
So many books and so little time… Her books are great but they are on the thicker side so hopefully when my TBR goes down a bit I will be able to pick up Drums of Autumn.
Thanks for stopping by at Arlene’s Book Club! 🙂
Hi, Dinh
I also think I would have loved reading this book since it’s full of action and the plot is awesome. First, I thought that the book was too long with 870 pages but when I think about it. When I finish reading an exciting book I feel a bit disappointed because the adventure is over. I always want the book to be longer so I can read more. I also like that the author writes beautifully. Another reason to read this book.
Tove
Hi Tove!
I completely agree with you that you just don’t want the book to end when it’s really good. It’s like a complete downer and leaves me ‘now what?’ feeling.
Voyager was just the right speed for me. I loved the action in this book. I also liked how Claire and Jamie had to re-discover themselves again.
I hope you enjoy the Outlander series!
So glad you’re enjoying the Outlander series.
I like the Starz TV series of the Outlander and probably won’t pick this up until the show is completely over.
Hi Peter!
I am enjoying the Outlander series. Three for three now and there’s another 6 I believe. I am probably not going to read Drums of Autumn just yet. It’s probably another hefty book and I can’t afford to get too hooked right now. I need my sleep.
The TV show is awesome too so enjoy!
Did somebody say, “Jamie Fraser?” Ha ha. When a book is as physically hefty as a Gabaldon book, it’s so nice to hear that between the pages, there is a story equally hefty in emotions. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Dinh. Considering how the 2nd book left you feeling, this was a nice treat. Great review!
Yes, Jamie Fraser!
I started watching the TV show before I started on the books so when I think of Jamie it’s Sam Heughan’s face I see. I love his character and Sam is so HOT!
Gabaldon’s Voyager is lengthy but it’s not bad as the book is great. I liked that it moved fast, and before I knew it it was done. I do like a surprise especially when I was not expecting it to be up to par to the first book.
Thanks for the nice compliment. 🙂
OK. That’s it. I’m hooked.
How many of these Outlander books are there?
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this series – and I’ll really have to rectify that.
So thanks for the heads up!
…Wasn’t there a TV series called “Outlander?”
Is it based on these books?
Hello Cat!
There is a TV series Outlander that is based on Gabaldon’s books. I actually started watching the show first not knowing that they were based on the books.
When I found out there were books I picked up Outlander …and the rest is history.
There are 9 Outlaner series books- yes can you believe it? I have heard they are not all great but that’s just from my OB/Gyn. I was told that after book 4 it’s not as good. We’ll see. I like to find out for myself.
Thanks for stopping by!
I love how much you’re loving this story! It’s always good to have a series you can read all the way through and love each and every one of the books. That’s not always so easy to come by! And it’s brilliant when it features your favourite character a lot like this one did with Jamie!
Hi Olivia!
So far I am loving the Outlander series. I am a bit hesitant about the next book…perhaps Gabaldon will surprise me though.
I love the varied story lines and the fantastic characters in the series and when I have finished one it has made me want to pick up the next.
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Very interesting review. Haven’t done much reading lately, but this book sounds very intriguing. Will check it out. Thanks, Deanna
Hi Deanna!
Thanks for your comments.
I do hope that you check out the Outlander series. It’s fantastic!
Thanks for your compliment.
This looks great!! my younger son loves Diane Gabaldon and read the first in the Outlander series, but then school got in the way (LOL) and he hasn’t read the next. I will show him this review and will probably begin reading the series myself. Right now I am reading Happy Family which I love–but I am always looking for new books to read. Thanks!
Hi Hillary!
It’s great to know more people who appreciate the Outlander series.
The books are lengthy so it can be hard to make time to read especially when you have school. I didn’t do hardly any leisurely reading when I was at school. I was reading text book though!
Thanks for stopping by at Arlene’s Book Club!
Voyager definitely seems like a great addition to the Outlander series.
Thanks for the great review, it’s very detailed and brings us up to date on the captivating story of this series for those of us who have not read the other books.
Hello Chris!
I am glad you seem interested in the Outlander series.
The series has been really good so far. I am hoping that the next one, Drums of Autumn, will be just as good as the others.
So far Gabaldon has delivered!
Thanks for stopping by!
I have yet to read the Outlander series, although my mother loved it years ago when it first came out. I do have the first one on my Kindle, though, so I should be getting to it at some point!
Hi Melinda!
I hope you enjoy the Outlander series… I really have enjoyed the first 3 books so far. I am surprised how well she has kept my attention and how good the series is.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Dinh,
I started reading Diana Gabaldon several years ago, and from the first page of the first book I was hooked. I love her style, and also love that it’s a different genre than my usual murders, thrillers and thugs taking over the world. After seeing her books at the front of a bookstore a few months ago, I decided to re-read Outlander, and carry on with that series. I am so glad I did, and can’t wait to read Voyager. Thanks, as always, for your honest and insightful reviews.
Hi Hindy!
I am so glad you enjoyed Outlander. It’s one of my favorite books and I have to admit that Voyager comes in a close second place.
Voyager is action packed like Outlander. There’s something going on all the time and then there’s a cliff hanger at the end which makes you want to go and read the next one in line. Book 4, Drums of Autumn is in my ‘to be read’ pile.
I prefer the setting of this book and being on the sea and traveling to the West Indies. There’s a bunch of great characters in this book too.
Do let me know if you enjoy Voyager as much as Outlander!
Reading is simply awesome and I’ve just finished Jo Nesbo’s The Bat. I would not say it was bad, but I am more into a classical books that todays action like books. It looks like you are suggesting completely different type of books and I am really tempted to try. Let’s see how Diana Gabaldon faced the time traveling topic which is quite hard in my opinion.
Hi David,
I’ve not read The Bat by Jo Nesbo and just looked it up. It looks like good reading. 🙂
I am happy to hear that you know what you like and are willing to give other books a chance.
What I really enjoy about the Outlander series is not just the fantastic romance but that it encompasses a whole lot of other things that I like. I like the time travel aspect which makes it intriguing. There’s history (set in 18th century) and wonderful characters.
Gabaldon’s novels are not a chic read. The writing can be very gritty at times and she is not scared in writing down some things like the real conditions of that time period. I can believe I am there it’s so real!
I think the stone circles and the travel back in time is handled very well. There’s a backstory of the Scottish myths which supports and ties the time travel and what happens to Claire and other people that have gone back in time.
I will be interested in hearing what your thoughts are on the book when you have a chance to read it!
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂