It began at an ancient Scottish stone circle. There, a doorway, open to a select few, leads into the past—or the grave. Dr. Claire Randall survived the extraordinary passage, not once but twice.
Her first trip swept her into the arms of Jamie Fraser, an eighteenth-century Scot whose love for her became a legend—a tale of tragic passion that ended with her return to the present to bear his child. Her second journey, two decades later, brought them together again in the American colonies. But Claire had left someone behind in the twentieth century—their daughter, Brianna….
Now Brianna has made a disturbing discovery that sends her to the circle of stones and a terrifying leap into the unknown. In search of her mother and the father she has never met, she is risking her own future to try to change history … and to save their lives. But as Brianna plunges into an uncharted wilderness, a heartbreaking encounter may strand her forever in the past … or root her in the place she should be, where her heart and soul belong….
*Slight spoilers in you haven’t read at least Voyager*
Drums of Autumn takes place after the events of Voyager, where we find Brianna missing her mother and trying to find traces of Claire and Jamie. She enlists the help of Roger and when a surprising new discovery leaves them both running to the stones of Craigh na Dun many surprises unravel that I did not expect. It was a slow ride at times, but still very entertaining if you enjoyed the other books in the series like I have.
While I really enjoyed this installment in the Outlander series, I had a few problems with it. I didn’t really get wrapped into the story until about 300+ pages in. I felt like the slow build up was a little too slow and dull. I know this is the way Diana tells her stories, but usually there is a slow burn leading up to the intense climax. However with DoA, the slow burn led up to quite an underwhelming misunderstanding. A misunderstanding that could have led the last quarter of the book’s conflict resolved if one conversation would have taken place. To say it’s frustrating is a little of an understatement.
Another issue I had with DoA was Claire and Brianna. There is no doubt these two are mother and daughter because they are exactly alike. While Brianna takes after Jamie in her Scot Fraser stubbornness, she takes over Claire with her rashness. She is independent and often forgets the time period that she just stepped into. Plus, I wanted to strangle her for the way she talked to her father. Excuse you Bree, you’re being incredibly disrespectful what gives you the right?! While Claire is oftentimes too over dramatic in this novel. She overreacts over situations that she could have easily just rectified.
While I had a few issues. I still really loved this novel once everything really started to pick up. I loved seeing the relationship between Jamie and Bree (their first meeting seriously brought tears to my eyes) as well as the growing relationship with Roger. I seriously fell in love with Roger in this novel. He was so sweet and understanding and perfect for Bree. He understands her and knows just how to handle her.
I really enjoyed the life that Jamie and Claire are building on Fraser’s Ridge. They are finally settling into a life that they deserve (but still has some conflict because it’s Jamie and Claire). Though I do have to admit I miss being in Lallybroch and around Jenny and Ian and all the other Frasers.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It was slow but still great. I loved Jamie even more than before. He is protective and an excellent father. It’s so bittersweet to see him finally be the father he deserved to be. I love Jamie and Claire together, always. Bree and Roger. Wee Ian and Rollo. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for our beloved Frasers.
If you love Outlander, have you been watching season 2? Are you ready for the finale??? let’s fangirl and cry together.
but you know why…
the bookish khaleesi 