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With book five in the Outlander series comes the return of the Fraser clan, notably the complex quartet of Jamie, Claire, Brianna, and Roger (oh and maybe Jemmy now too!) Now that each of these main characters have been introduced and developed in the last four books, the fifth book was centered and focused on a family unit. I've enjoyed the series so far, but books three and four seemed to go in a circle of Jamie being captured, nearly killed, and Claire still traveling back and forth through the stones. Sure these situations keep the series interesting, but not when they are occurring more often than anything else. After reading "The Fiery Cross," I get the sense that Claire's character is decided finally in the way she wants to live her life, and she's matured too. Jamie, surprisingly, has experienced less kidnappings lately, but there were a few tense moments in this book where I feared for him. His life appears to be leveling out too. Brianna and Roger are getting used to each other in a sense, and they are both learning to adapt to life in the 18th century vs. the 20th century. There are some thrilling and hilarious family moments that include Fergus and the whole gang in these pages, and I'm excited to see how the American Revolution is included into the plot in future books. As a history nerd, it is one of my favorite periods to study and I'm curious to see how it's depicted (or how the time travelers will change it).
Life continues for the Frasers with the American Revolution beginning. The first couple books in the series didn't seem to contain multiple subplots occurring with the main conflict, which was Claire figuring out what she wanted to do with the life. However, since the inclusion of Brianna, Roger, and their children, the chapters flip from numerous perspectives. Instead of the story only being told from Claire's narrow POV, now Jamie's, Brianna's, and Roger's personal thoughts are included. I feel that this is adding more details to the 900 page book, if that's even possible. On the plus side this makes it difficult for a reader to tire of a main character too quickly. For example, when I read "Outlander," Claire had the spotlight and it took me awhile to warm up to her. Now the reader can see the book's events through the perspectives of: someone from the past who's one of warriors (Jamie), a headstrong woman from the 1960's (Brianna), and a man also from the relative present who's studied history his whole life (Roger).
There were some dry passages in the middle and sections where the tension was too high for too long. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical references, where instead of using as many as possible wherever she could, the author used just enough. When "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" was quoted in context, it seemed like Brianna and Roger were talking about someone currently living in the present. It was as if they were discussing a stunt Tom Cruise performed for one of his movies, not a legendary American patriot riding through town.
I'm relieved that the question of the prophecy has been cleared up, as I hoped that wouldn't hang over the head of the characters for the rest of the series. Also I thought that by the end of the book, Brianna had stood up for herself and that she's come a long way as a character. It's strange, because she wasn't as confident as Claire when she first traveled through the stones. She's a much more modern woman than Claire, but in the last few books I think she's matured. Instead of standing up for herself by simply bring stubborn, now she's witty and a leader.
Two things I am still unsure about are the references to Murtagh in the last few chapters, and what will happen to the Fraser family in the future. All in all, I think this book closely resembles "Dragonfly in Amber" the most, as in both books the war begins at least halfway through, but before the pages are laced with intrigue and deception. There's plenty of that in "A Breath of Snow and Ashes" at Fraser's Ridge, and just when I thought the very existence of the Fraser family was beginning to settle down.
There were some dry passages in the middle and sections where the tension was too high for too long. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical references, where instead of using as many as possible wherever she could, the author used just enough. When "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" was quoted in context, it seemed like Brianna and Roger were talking about someone currently living in the present. It was as if they were discussing a stunt Tom Cruise performed for one of his movies, not a legendary American patriot riding through town.
I'm relieved that the question of the prophecy has been cleared up, as I hoped that wouldn't hang over the head of the characters for the rest of the series. Also I thought that by the end of the book, Brianna had stood up for herself and that she's come a long way as a character. It's strange, because she wasn't as confident as Claire when she first traveled through the stones. She's a much more modern woman than Claire, but in the last few books I think she's matured. Instead of standing up for herself by simply bring stubborn, now she's witty and a leader.
Two things I am still unsure about are the references to Murtagh in the last few chapters, and what will happen to the Fraser family in the future. All in all, I think this book closely resembles "Dragonfly in Amber" the most, as in both books the war begins at least halfway through, but before the pages are laced with intrigue and deception. There's plenty of that in "A Breath of Snow and Ashes" at Fraser's Ridge, and just when I thought the very existence of the Fraser family was beginning to settle down.
A remarkable book that reveals the impact humanity has on nature every day. I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway and the author was even kind enough to write a note on the first few pages. Every animal lover, especially bird lovers, will be thrilled with the individual accounts of hummingbird rescue.
For a year I've been waiting to find out how the magical, legendary, and epic Raven Cycle series would end. When I got down to the last hundred pages, I couldn't stand the suspense and took to holing up in a corner of the library and frantically reading.
I'm going to avoid spoilers, but I will say that the ending wasn't what I expected at all. The bonds between Gansey, Ronan, Adam, and Blue are put to the test in some truly heart-rending scenes. Cabeswater is falling apart and the Raven Boys sacrifice everything in order to save it. The truth about Glendower is finally revealed and Gansey discovers what his purpose is in the quest.
A few things that confused me/I thought didn't work well:
1) Blue's perspective was limited.
What I mean by this is that the book briefly focused on Blue's emotions and barely told about how she was feeling about Persephone's recent death, among other tragic events. I've been TEAM BLUE since book #1 The Raven Boys, and I wanted more of her thoughts and feelings to be expressed, especially in the most intense scene between Gansey and her.
2) What happened to Cabeswater.
Surely all readers of this series could tell that the magical being/thing/force/forest was damaged by the recent evil invading its boundaries. However, I've felt that since book #1 that Cabeswater is a crucial setting. It was the place that united the four main characters in the first place. Also it has led them through their journey and has helped each of the characters to discover who they truly are. After Blue, Cabeswater is my favorite character, as weird as that sounds. I'll never forget the first time I read book #1 where the forest was described. It sounded like the most incredible forest that I'd ever read about.
3) The truth about Glendower.
All the action in the series has been leading up to waking the ancient king. Doing this was the main essence of Gansey's being, so I felt that this tension was the most powerful, even more so than the question of whether Blue and him would get together. When it came time for Glendower to make an appearance in this book, it wasn't what I expected. Maggie Stiefvater is certainly not short of surprises! I don't know how to describe it, but I wanted "more" in that scene. Glendower wasn't the king I expected, and I felt that his role in the final book could've been more important.
All in all, this book ended the series on a high note and only left me with a few remaining questions. While none of the books in the series felt as magical as book #1, The Raven King was an exciting, thrilling, and unexpected read.
I'm going to avoid spoilers, but I will say that the ending wasn't what I expected at all. The bonds between Gansey, Ronan, Adam, and Blue are put to the test in some truly heart-rending scenes. Cabeswater is falling apart and the Raven Boys sacrifice everything in order to save it. The truth about Glendower is finally revealed and Gansey discovers what his purpose is in the quest.
A few things that confused me/I thought didn't work well:
1) Blue's perspective was limited.
What I mean by this is that the book briefly focused on Blue's emotions and barely told about how she was feeling about Persephone's recent death, among other tragic events. I've been TEAM BLUE since book #1 The Raven Boys, and I wanted more of her thoughts and feelings to be expressed, especially in the most intense scene between Gansey and her.
2) What happened to Cabeswater.
Surely all readers of this series could tell that the magical being/thing/force/forest was damaged by the recent evil invading its boundaries. However, I've felt that since book #1 that Cabeswater is a crucial setting. It was the place that united the four main characters in the first place. Also it has led them through their journey and has helped each of the characters to discover who they truly are. After Blue, Cabeswater is my favorite character, as weird as that sounds. I'll never forget the first time I read book #1 where the forest was described. It sounded like the most incredible forest that I'd ever read about.
3) The truth about Glendower.
All the action in the series has been leading up to waking the ancient king. Doing this was the main essence of Gansey's being, so I felt that this tension was the most powerful, even more so than the question of whether Blue and him would get together. When it came time for Glendower to make an appearance in this book, it wasn't what I expected. Maggie Stiefvater is certainly not short of surprises! I don't know how to describe it, but I wanted "more" in that scene. Glendower wasn't the king I expected, and I felt that his role in the final book could've been more important.
All in all, this book ended the series on a high note and only left me with a few remaining questions. While none of the books in the series felt as magical as book #1, The Raven King was an exciting, thrilling, and unexpected read.
This intimidating book was much more action-packed than a dull read. I can now see why the story has been adapted into movies and tv shows (most recently BBC's excellent 2016 adaptation), as the lives of the Russian families featured are filled with drama. Sure some monologues made by the characters like Pierre, Natasha, and Prince Andrey were overblown and didn't add much to the plot, but they didn't encompass the entire book. Even if there were whole chapters dedicated to the battles of the Napoleonic Wars, they'd be followed by a marriage, an argument, or some other intriguing conversation.
The Bolkonsky, Bezuhov, Rostov, Kuragin, and Drubetskoy families keep company with one another during the war and the book follows the major events in their lives, such as proposed elopements, courting, deaths, and alignments through marriage. The war takes a toll on each of the families, but in varying ways. Some end up wealthier than others, and others learn humility.
Out of all of the characters, Princess Marya, Sonya, and Pierre would be my favorites. All of them are unselfish, but at the same time, the most realistic characters. Pierre makes many mistakes before he realizes how he wants to live his life, but always he wants to do good. Sonya, though she is too timid for me and never accomplishes anything of her own, has a pure heart and is unfailing in her kind treatment of the Rostov family.
Princess Marya might be my favorite character, because not only is she the most independent woman in the entire book, but she matches this strength with a strong sense of duty. Her character is complex, because she isn't introduced into the story as a headstrong woman, quite the opposite. Eventually however, she stands up for herself and makes the life she wants. It helps that she has the money to accomplish this, but she still decides to be happy against all odds. I fell in love with her character the moment she refused to leave her father's precious library behind, even when the French army was coming after her.
The Bolkonsky, Bezuhov, Rostov, Kuragin, and Drubetskoy families keep company with one another during the war and the book follows the major events in their lives, such as proposed elopements, courting, deaths, and alignments through marriage. The war takes a toll on each of the families, but in varying ways. Some end up wealthier than others, and others learn humility.
Out of all of the characters, Princess Marya, Sonya, and Pierre would be my favorites. All of them are unselfish, but at the same time, the most realistic characters. Pierre makes many mistakes before he realizes how he wants to live his life, but always he wants to do good. Sonya, though she is too timid for me and never accomplishes anything of her own, has a pure heart and is unfailing in her kind treatment of the Rostov family.
Princess Marya might be my favorite character, because not only is she the most independent woman in the entire book, but she matches this strength with a strong sense of duty. Her character is complex, because she isn't introduced into the story as a headstrong woman, quite the opposite. Eventually however, she stands up for herself and makes the life she wants. It helps that she has the money to accomplish this, but she still decides to be happy against all odds. I fell in love with her character the moment she refused to leave her father's precious library behind, even when the French army was coming after her.
This deeply personal story is the most emotionally nerve-racking book I've read so far this year. Cheryl Strayed's journey across the Pacific Crest Trail was unbelievable, humorous, tense, terrifying, gorgeous, and humbling all at the same time.
Before this book, I hadn't read many biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs. However, in recent years I've become interested in practicing yoga and running. From this, the athletic and spiritual parts of Strayed's hike felt familiar to me.
While I've only hiked up a mountain and some trails, I could relate to the feeling of independence she describes herself experiencing while surrounded by nature. I too long for the times during the day when I can retreat inside myself and just be alone. The passages where she talks about walking for hours and days without speaking to anyone and sometimes finding that liberating, is something I can picture. By reading this book, I identified most with her introspective chapters and her beautiful descriptions of nature. "Wild" was an anguished and touching read that introduced to me a new perspective on grief.
Before this book, I hadn't read many biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs. However, in recent years I've become interested in practicing yoga and running. From this, the athletic and spiritual parts of Strayed's hike felt familiar to me.
While I've only hiked up a mountain and some trails, I could relate to the feeling of independence she describes herself experiencing while surrounded by nature. I too long for the times during the day when I can retreat inside myself and just be alone. The passages where she talks about walking for hours and days without speaking to anyone and sometimes finding that liberating, is something I can picture. By reading this book, I identified most with her introspective chapters and her beautiful descriptions of nature. "Wild" was an anguished and touching read that introduced to me a new perspective on grief.
Scarlett O'Hara and Anna Karenina were the two earliest literary heroines I remember my mother telling me about. After reading War and Peace, I wanted to continue reading classic books by Russian authors and Anna Karenina seemed like a natural choice.
Leo Tolstoy's style of writing in this book is similar to how he tells the story of War and Peace. Agriculture is heavily referenced in both books, and some characters even share the same names, though not any of the main characters. I found resemblances between Levin and Pierre (a character from War and Peace). Both are written introspectively, more so than any other major characters. While many characters were feeling empathetic towards Anna after she had left her husband for Vronsky, I felt the most empathy towards Levin. While he does achieve some sort of happiness by the end of the book, he continues to be made unhappy by his own anxious thoughts.
Anna Karenina is written where the characters' thoughts are more detailed than the setting and the dialogue. This style of writing is rare to see in contemporary fiction today, so I enjoyed the long stream of consciousness that came from all the characters. The only exemption was Anna's herself. After I realized how deluded she was, it made it easier to accept that what I was reading was the inner struggle of a crazy woman.
All things considered, I enjoyed reading War and Peace more than Anna Karenina. The plot of War and Peace felt more direct and structured to me and I could more easily follow along with the characters' thoughts. In Anna Karenina, I felt less attached to the characters and Anna's character in particular. One second I pitied her, the next I was exasperated by her. However, the language Tolstoy used in the story was rich and vivid, especially when describing the clothing and dance halls.
Leo Tolstoy's style of writing in this book is similar to how he tells the story of War and Peace. Agriculture is heavily referenced in both books, and some characters even share the same names, though not any of the main characters. I found resemblances between Levin and Pierre (a character from War and Peace). Both are written introspectively, more so than any other major characters. While many characters were feeling empathetic towards Anna after she had left her husband for Vronsky, I felt the most empathy towards Levin. While he does achieve some sort of happiness by the end of the book, he continues to be made unhappy by his own anxious thoughts.
Anna Karenina is written where the characters' thoughts are more detailed than the setting and the dialogue. This style of writing is rare to see in contemporary fiction today, so I enjoyed the long stream of consciousness that came from all the characters. The only exemption was Anna's herself. After I realized how deluded she was, it made it easier to accept that what I was reading was the inner struggle of a crazy woman.
All things considered, I enjoyed reading War and Peace more than Anna Karenina. The plot of War and Peace felt more direct and structured to me and I could more easily follow along with the characters' thoughts. In Anna Karenina, I felt less attached to the characters and Anna's character in particular. One second I pitied her, the next I was exasperated by her. However, the language Tolstoy used in the story was rich and vivid, especially when describing the clothing and dance halls.
Book Seven in the Outlander series launches the reader straight into the midst of the American Revolution. The hundreds of chapters shift from current day Europe and America to eighteenth century America and Europe, and this includes the escapades of Claire and Jamie, Fergus and Marsali, Brianna and Roger, Jenny and Ian, Young Ian, William, and Lord John Grey. Famous figures in history make cameos as well, including Benjamin Franklin, John Andre, General Gates, and Benedict Arnold (who has the most interesting conversation with Claire).
After reading the second book in the Outlander series, I thought the sequels have been entertaining, but not as action-packed. "An Echo in the Bone" certainly had me on the edge of my seat as I was immersed in the countless subplots. Now more than ever the Fraser family tree is intermingled with new marriages, births, and deaths of the major characters. The last three hundred pages of the book granted me an ah-ha! moment in every chapter while I was held in suspense. It's strange to think that when I first start reading this series, I only somewhat worried about whether Claire Beauchamp would survive eighteenth century Scotland. Now I worry for the entire Fraser family, including grandparents, parents, and kids. Diana Gabaldon has the remarkable ability to create a story centered around a well-known conflict, but make that conflict seem superfluous compared to finding out the fate of her fictional characters.
After reading the second book in the Outlander series, I thought the sequels have been entertaining, but not as action-packed. "An Echo in the Bone" certainly had me on the edge of my seat as I was immersed in the countless subplots. Now more than ever the Fraser family tree is intermingled with new marriages, births, and deaths of the major characters. The last three hundred pages of the book granted me an ah-ha! moment in every chapter while I was held in suspense. It's strange to think that when I first start reading this series, I only somewhat worried about whether Claire Beauchamp would survive eighteenth century Scotland. Now I worry for the entire Fraser family, including grandparents, parents, and kids. Diana Gabaldon has the remarkable ability to create a story centered around a well-known conflict, but make that conflict seem superfluous compared to finding out the fate of her fictional characters.