Set in 18th century Scotland, Gabaldon's thrilling historical saga Outlander, has bewitched fans worldwide. This sequel hurdles the audience back into Claire's past as she details the difficult journey she must endure with James Fraser, her Scottish warrior husband.
Now, twenty years after the strange sojourn back in time, Claire brings her daughter with her to Scotland, and this time she will reveal her secret kept hidden since her time travel. She longs to learn the fate of her dear husband and retells the story of her time with him in the court of Charles Stuart and their attempt to sidestep the Highlands uprising at Culloden. Yet, as she weaves this yarn of her past, she unravels implications which are much wider spread than she could have ever imagined.
A combination of earthy wisdom and electric imagination ground this tale, and for the audiobook retelling, the harsh setting is given even more warmth by the narration of Davina Porter.
Diana Gabaldon was born in Arizona in 1952. Her novels are a blend of the romantic, historical, mystery, adventure and science fiction genres. Her degrees, including a Ph.D. are all in the biological sciences. She served as a full-time assistant professor at Arizona State in the Center for Environmental Studies, where she performed research and became an expert in scientific computing and databases, while also teaching university courses on anatomy. She has written multiple articles for computer science publications. With the finalization of her first book deal, she resigned as staff at the university. She lives with her husband in Arizona and has three adult children.
"This series is completely addicting! Such strong characters and a compelling story line. You can't wait to find out what is going to happen and just when it seems like everything has worked itself out, BOOM another twist of fate. I have listened to the first 7 books in audiobook format, one right after the other and have not tired of them at all. I listen on my commute which is an hour each way, it takes me a good 3 weeks or so to get through one of the books in this series. And Davinia Porter, the narrator is perfect."
— kelly (5 out of 5 stars)
The second part of the series from Diana Gabaldon that explores the power of a love which transcends space and time. A magnificent epic that once again sweeps us back in time to the drama and passion of 18th-century Scotland...For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland's majestic 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 Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his ....Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire's spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart ...in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising ...and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves.
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“A triumph! A powerful tale layered in history and myth. I loved every page.”
— Nora Roberts“Compulsively readable.”
— Publishers Weekly“[Davina] Porter brings Gabaldon’s world to life, complete with sounds, smells, and not a little blood. The adventures will continue to echo in your mind long after this tale ends.”
— AudioFile“This time-traveling romantic adventure will please fans who have been waiting for the further adventures of Dr. Claire Beauchamp Randall.”
— Library Journal“An engaging time-travel romance...A most entertaining mix of history and fantasy whose author, like its heroine, exhibits a winning combination of vivid imagination and good common sense.”
— Kirkus Reviews" The book is well narrated, and is a wonderful follow-up to Diana Gabaldon's first book, Outlander. I have seen the TV series, and can envision the scenes as the book is read to me. The book, of course, contains much more detail and events than is possible to include in a TV series. "
— BHD, 10/26/2023" The first book is obviously the best but Dragonfly in Amber is a close second. I am addicted to this story. I have listened to them all and am looking forward to the next one. Please hurry Diana! "
— Marcie, 10/26/2019" If you are looking for Romance or adventure or a little time travel. This is the second book in the Outlander series. Continuing the adventures of Claire a 1943 army nurse and a 1745 highlander during the Jacobite war. And if history is your thing then this is your book too! "
— Cindy Emery, 3/16/2018" If you are looking for Romance or adventure or time travel this is the series you want. This is the second in the Outlander series. Dragonfly and Amber is an amazing continuation of Claire and Jamie. "
— Cindy Emery, 3/16/2018" I have to say Diana Gabaldon is one of the best writers. She keep you on you seat and so excited to hear what is going to happen next. Also the sex in this series will make you hot and blush! I love to hear how all the they are in the USA. And that they are all together and just download the next book. The fiery cross can’t wait to start it. "
— rebecca, 10/31/2017" I have to say I was not as interested in this story. There was just so much history that I felt lost at times - glazing over until the story went back to the characters. But for anyone who likes history stuff, you will love this one. I really just wanted to get to Voyager. If you think this will be anything like the TV series...you are wrong, there are way to many changes to the story in the show from the book that you cannot compare them. But still a worthy listen. "
— Selina, 7/16/2017" History tied with fantasy! Anyone who reads this will be wanting to hop the next flight to Scotland and ram their head into a stone circle. Someone needs to figure out this time travel and quick!! LOVE!!! "
— Michael, 1/29/2017" While I did not like this book as much as I liked Outlander (which I LOVED!) it definitely caught my interest and kept the amazing story of Jamie and Clare moving forward. Davina Porter is phenomemal as a narrator and effectively portrays all of the beloved and new characters effectively. her accent work really should be applauded! If you like Diana Gabaldon and Outlander, stick with Dragonfly in Amber and you will be rewarded. "
— Jenny, 5/2/2016" Really interesting history again. Also found the healing herb information fascinating. Sex goes with the territory and again the author goes overboard in my opinion--but it's her book not mine. "
— Cindy, 2/17/2014" These books are super long, but if you want to escape to a different time, place or era then it's a definite thumbs up. On to book 3 in the series. :) "
— Tameka, 2/7/2014" Too long, much too wordy. "
— Jane, 1/31/2014" One of my favorite series in the 1990's when it came out. "
— Mary, 1/22/2014" If I ever get it in my head that I might want to continue this series, please remind me that I skipped over a solid 250 pages and didn't miss anything, and with eight hundred pages to fill, the author still left it on a cliffhanger. THERE IS NO REASON to fill eight hundred pages for a story that would have filled 150 with an actual ending. Waste of time and energy reading these stupid books. EDIT!! "
— Joanna, 1/16/2014" --see my review of Outlander. also so moved by Culloden story--I think it was this one, totally changed my view of the 'noble' English--I realized after reading these books, I think, that it's the English who wrote the history books that were our texts in elementary and secondary school. "
— Suzanne, 1/14/2014" Okay. I'm officially in love with Jamie. Couldn't wait to start the 3rd book with the cliffhanger of an ending this one left me with! "
— Jen, 1/13/2014" Jamie and Claire are two of my all-time favourite characters. I am excited whenI begin a new book, and always sad when it ends. One of the great love stories in historical fictional writing. "
— Laurel, 1/10/2014" I love this series. Bring them on! "
— Joamrah, 1/10/2014" Much slower than the first but picks up toward the end. "
— Kelly, 1/3/2014" 2nd in the Outlander series "
— Kathleen, 12/31/2013" Of course nothing compares to the first book of anything (usually). But she does a DANG good job of keeping you hooked! The way an English-major friend puts it: well-written smut. I'm in love with this series! "
— Alexis, 12/8/2013" Great storytelling with loads of historical facts and situations in the 18th and 20th century. I care about the characters. The opening and closing chapters of this book stunned me! It takes time to process info and also to remember what happens in such a long tale. "
— Jackie, 11/29/2013" Favorite series. Love reading this series overland over. "
— Debra, 11/28/2013" I prefer to skip the smutty sex scenes in this book. Other than those pages, it's great historical fiction brain candy. "
— Chelsea, 11/23/2013" I loved it! I have read this 5 times also! "
— Danielle, 7/26/2013" Enjoy Diana Gabaldon's novels immensely. It took 600 pages to set the stage for the Bonnie Prince's return and the Battle of Culloden, but the last 140 pages were well worth it! Looking forward to reading Voyager. "
— Elbert, 6/19/2013" Read the whole series of eight books so far and waiting not so patiently for the next book on this series! "
— Laurel, 12/24/2012" Good. Looking forward to the net but I need a break for a short while. "
— Joyce, 11/6/2012" I love Jaime and so will you. "
— Denise, 10/15/2012" Once again fun read. "
— Chelsea, 7/5/2012" I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to tracking down and starting the next book, Voyageur "
— Susan, 5/25/2012" Not as fast paced as Outlander, but still verra verra enjoyable! Loved it, loved it, canna wait to start the next one! "
— Jill, 4/10/2012" It took me a year to read this book. The story is good but long. "
— Shelley, 11/27/2011" Entertainment plus. Enjoy this series. "
— Helen, 9/16/2011" DIANA GABALDON never disappoints ; how can she these long, complicated books over and over again? "
— Genevieve, 7/30/2011" I'm just getting into it and loving it! An absolute treat, just for pleasure! "
— Cynthia, 6/30/2011" This one is harder to get through. "
— Natalie, 6/30/2011" Second in the series ... amazing! "
— Whitney, 6/25/2011" OK, but not as good as Outlander. A bit slow. "
— Anne, 6/25/2011" Great follow up to Outlander. Jamie is still hot, hot, hot & Claire is still in the 18th century for most of the book. "
— Christine, 6/22/2011" am reminded how long her descriptions can be...... "
— Jennise, 6/20/2011" loved all but the first book in the series<br/> "
— Ap, 6/17/2011" While very well written, this book pissed me off royally. There was too much that happened that left a bad taste in my mouth. "
— Rachel, 6/14/2011" This book was better than the first (Outlander)! I didn't want to put it down. Sometimes Gabaldon can go into a bit too much detail in her descriptions, but it's effective and you can imagine being in France in the 1700's! Great read. "
— Adriane, 6/14/2011" Didn't want to put this book down. Such a good story. Jamie and Claire are amazing characters and you just want them to succeed and sometimes it seems like all of history is against them. "
— Mindy, 6/13/2011Rebecca Lowman is an actress and audiobook narrator who has won numerous Earphones Awards. She has starred in numerous television shows, including Law & Order, Big Love, NCIS, and Grey’s Anatomy, among many others. She earned her MFA from Columbia University.
Davina Porter has been enthralling listeners for over twenty-five years with her ability to mine the psychological depths of the characters she reads and bring them convincingly to life. In 2006, she won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Female Narration and in 2004 for Best Inspirational Literature Narration. She has been honored as an AudioFile Golden Voice and has won nineteen AudioFile Earphones Awards. As an actress, she has appeared on stage at the Vineyard Playhouse and the Square One Theater, among others.