Audiobook Review
By: Diana Gabaldon
Narrated by: Jeff Goodman and Rick Holmes
Published by: Recorded Books 11/2011
Warm (Small M/M sex scene 18+ listen)
Lord John Gray Series # 3
In this highly-anticipated new novel, Diana Gabaldon brings back one of her most compelling characters: the unforgettable Lord John Grey - soldier, gentleman, and no mean hand with a blade. Set in the heart of the eighteenth century, Lord John's world is one of mystery and menace. Diana Gabaldon brilliantly weaves together the strands of Lord John's secret and public lives.
My Thoughts
Although I’m not a giant fan of the Lord John series, I was thrilled
when I found out that the next book in the series was going to be about Jaime.
I adore the Outlander series, and the review of this audiobook
is going to be strictly from a die- hard fan of Jamie and Claire; for all you
that don’t know who Jaime and Claire are, I highly recommend the book, “The
Outlander” to get acquainted with one of the most epic couples in a romantic
novel.
Jamie’s life as Jacobite paroled prisoner of war comes
suddenly apart with the appearance of Tobias Quinn, an Irishman and a former
friend from the Rising, whose passion for the Stuart Cause still as alive as
ever, and he has a Plan. A particularly dangerous idea, involving Jamie Fraser
and an ancient relic of the Irish kingship—the sacred cup of the Druid King.
When Lord John Gray
discovers damming documents pointing at the corruption of an English officer
that contains a mysterious message left in “Erse,” the tongue favored by
Scottish Highlanders. Lord John, who oversaw Jacobite prisoners when he was governor
of Ardsmiur prison, thinks Jamie may be able to translate.
Lord John’s brother, unbeknownst to him, sends for Jaime to help
with the translation of the document- and to ask him to assist his brother with
the apprehension of the officer in question.
Soon Lord John and Jamie are reluctant companions on their
way to Ireland, where amidst the danger they begin to depend on one another.
During this time, the
foundation for their friendship it’s formed. If you are like me, and are dying
to know what transpired during Jamie’s time as a paroled prisoner, and how the relationship
between these two gentlemen was formed, this is going to be a terrific
read/listen.
I loved every single of Jamie’s chapters; the mystery, adventure
and characters were a clear reminder of why I love Diana Gabaldon. The writing
is as unimpeachable as ever; she’s brilliant at transporting you to the world
she crafted so accurately based on that time in history, and the perfect
narrative lets you experience every emotion from the characters as well as from
the setting.
Let me be clear, if you are an Outlander fan, this novel is
not to be missed.
OK….This is when it gets difficult- if you are an audio fan
of the Outlander series no doubt you accustomed to the magnificent performance
of Jamie by Davina Porter. I can easily anticipate your disappointment when you
first listen to Rick Holm’s voice and interpretation of Jamie, but in my case
after a few chapters of listening I was just delighted to be savoring the superb
writing style of Ms. Gabaldon, and despite the unusual rendition of Jamie's
point of view, I still managed to enjoy the book tremendously.
Jeff Goodman does an admirable Job with Lord John’s point view- in
fact I wish he would have narrated the entire book, I liked his interpretation
of Jamie a lot more than I did Mr. Holms,
My advise; listen to the sample first, and if you can deal
with Jaime’s different tone, you won’t be disappointed with this novel.
The Author
Diana Gabaldon
Voices behind the books
Jeff Goodman
Great review! Following back :)
ReplyDeleteI love Diana Gabaldon and the Outlander saga as much as anyone, but c'mon ... she's stalling, and getting our money on the way. I've read the rest of the Lord John books, liked some, didn't others, not loved a single one. But this particular book adds nothing: no storyline, no new background on the characters we learned to love, can be read as a standalone but if I hand't read anything by DG before, I would give it 0 stars. Lets hope that the rest of the books she's planning to write on side characters are more compelling, interesting, and give us reason to wait for the last chapter of our story with patience.
ReplyDelete