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vacv98's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
illyanadallas222's review against another edition
5.0
Man, I plowed through this 1k in a little over a week. Am I an overachiever? Or perhaps was the book THAT good? I'll let God decide.
Having the benefit of hindsight and having already read the series and ability to cross-compare with other novels in the universe, Book 4 is not one that comes to mind as "the favourite" throughout the fandom. Nothing CLIMATIC stands out, and a lot of miscommunications throughout the families are riddled throughout the book, for better or for worse.
The context that colours this book throughout reminds me that of 'fall colours' and autumnal backdrops. Moving to the colonies and starting from the ground up (quite literally, camping in the North Carolina wilderness) created a idyllic environmental context that quite different from the backdrop we were formerly in, in Voyager, where the environment was... pirates... ships... sea... Jamaica... high key Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, only obviously better... we learn and bond with Tuscarora and Mohawk people, mainly with small allusions to the Cherokee. Diana's detailed odes and representation of Native Americans kindling with outlander communities was not only educational but also a deepened understand of the vibe they lived in.
In terms of our characters, Jaime really was full frontal and center in this novel, as a reader completely felt FRUSTERATED at our hero Jaime for meddling so much into affairs he only knew half-truths of, causing consequential damages that I don't think are easily remedied in the foreseeable future. Alas, this book really exposed his character flaws. With no closing redemption arc, aside from his admissions of his wrongdoings. His arc stood out the most, making him almost mortal in the reader's eyes. Aside from him, experiencing Claire and Jaime again as a unit, and now an extended unit as added family members join them in the home-building in the Colonies, was as well a delight. Drums of Autumn was a very 'domestic' book, where we got to see our family members bubble about their days, tune into their rants and antics as well as the sweet nothings that characterise their days. Only Diana's god-given gift in writing could make me interested in Claire's process of yeasting Penicillin from bread.
And most importantly (excuse the sequious thought), this book gave me Roger. And let me tell you, ROGER, is a true hero in this book. Despite being 'only' a historian he has survived SLAVERY like no other. and Bri! God Bri is so strong.
Diana famously indulged the notion that she doesn't like characters that she likes characters that have 'innate grit and have a strong sense of self-sufficiency', ending it with, 'dysfunctional characters do not interest me' and BOY, was that tested and trailed true in Drums of Autumn.
Alright, Onwards Outlanders heres to Book 5, the Fiery Cross!
Having the benefit of hindsight and having already read the series and ability to cross-compare with other novels in the universe, Book 4 is not one that comes to mind as "the favourite" throughout the fandom. Nothing CLIMATIC stands out, and a lot of miscommunications throughout the families are riddled throughout the book, for better or for worse.
The context that colours this book throughout reminds me that of 'fall colours' and autumnal backdrops. Moving to the colonies and starting from the ground up (quite literally, camping in the North Carolina wilderness) created a idyllic environmental context that quite different from the backdrop we were formerly in, in Voyager, where the environment was... pirates... ships... sea... Jamaica... high key Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, only obviously better... we learn and bond with Tuscarora and Mohawk people, mainly with small allusions to the Cherokee. Diana's detailed odes and representation of Native Americans kindling with outlander communities was not only educational but also a deepened understand of the vibe they lived in.
In terms of our characters, Jaime really was full frontal and center in this novel, as a reader completely felt FRUSTERATED at our hero Jaime for meddling so much into affairs he only knew half-truths of, causing consequential damages that I don't think are easily remedied in the foreseeable future. Alas, this book really exposed his character flaws. With no closing redemption arc, aside from his admissions of his wrongdoings. His arc stood out the most, making him almost mortal in the reader's eyes. Aside from him, experiencing Claire and Jaime again as a unit, and now an extended unit as added family members join them in the home-building in the Colonies, was as well a delight. Drums of Autumn was a very 'domestic' book, where we got to see our family members bubble about their days, tune into their rants and antics as well as the sweet nothings that characterise their days. Only Diana's god-given gift in writing could make me interested in Claire's process of yeasting Penicillin from bread.
And most importantly (excuse the sequious thought), this book gave me Roger. And let me tell you, ROGER, is a true hero in this book. Despite being 'only' a historian he has survived SLAVERY like no other. and Bri! God Bri is so strong.
Diana famously indulged the notion that she doesn't like characters that she likes characters that have 'innate grit and have a strong sense of self-sufficiency', ending it with, 'dysfunctional characters do not interest me' and BOY, was that tested and trailed true in Drums of Autumn.
Alright, Onwards Outlanders heres to Book 5, the Fiery Cross!
dnandrews797's review against another edition
2.0
Definitely my least favourite book in the Outlander series. This one felt like it dragged on forever and the “suspense” of the main misunderstanding of the novel wasn’t tense enough to carry the plot. Also, while Rodger and Brianna are an interesting side plot, I didn’t like them taking center stage for almost half the novel. I was a bit relieved to have this one finished.
bethanyschmitz13's review against another edition
5.0
This book was jam packed with drama. Absolutely marvelous, onto the fiery cross next
cathy_alice's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Violence and Racial slurs
meginbrooke's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
tjack22's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
"The Drums of Autumn" firmly ranks as one of my top five favorite series. Diana Gabaldon expertly deepens the exploration of her characters, skillfully weaving details from previous books into this fourth installment. Notably, Roger and Ian's compelling journey to the Native American tribes marks a crucial pivot in the narrative, enriching the historical backdrop and their personal growth.
The plot intricately captures the complexities of emotion and adventure. Gabaldon's detailed planning shines through, particularly in how the characters' paths intertwine with the notorious Stephen Bonnet, whose interactions that began in book three take a darker turn, adding layers of tension and conflict.
Additionally, the literal and metaphorical journey of Roger and Brianna is central to this novel. Their trek across oceans and through time is not just a quest but a profound transformation, testing their strength and deepening their bond. This narrative arc is unpredictable and filled with surprises, making it a captivating read.
This book not only entertains but also inspires a deeper appreciation for historical periods, turning reading into an enriching experience. Through the personal challenges and historical explorations faced by the characters, "The Drums of Autumn" invites readers into a vividly painted past, making history come alive with every page.
The plot intricately captures the complexities of emotion and adventure. Gabaldon's detailed planning shines through, particularly in how the characters' paths intertwine with the notorious Stephen Bonnet, whose interactions that began in book three take a darker turn, adding layers of tension and conflict.
Additionally, the literal and metaphorical journey of Roger and Brianna is central to this novel. Their trek across oceans and through time is not just a quest but a profound transformation, testing their strength and deepening their bond. This narrative arc is unpredictable and filled with surprises, making it a captivating read.
This book not only entertains but also inspires a deeper appreciation for historical periods, turning reading into an enriching experience. Through the personal challenges and historical explorations faced by the characters, "The Drums of Autumn" invites readers into a vividly painted past, making history come alive with every page.
meganeorcx's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book is so long that by the end, I've forgotten most of what I loved and hated about it. Having watched the series, I was incredibly excited to read a certain reunion and the book didn't disappoint! I was stuck on three or four stars but I have rather complicated feelings about Roger, especially in this book. Still, it was an insanely emotional book and while things could've been resolved with a single conversation, it was still pretty good. Finally finished my Outlander boxset, time to buy the second one...
laura_middlxton's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0