Outlander Book Series - Question if you read the whole series

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Without spoiling anything, does the author ever circle back around to the man standing outside the hotel watching Claire? (From the first book). I'm slogging through the second book, and don't think I can keep reading the series if it stays this slow. Are the subsequent books about more than just trying to stop Prince Charles?

 

[HM]

I have no idea. That second book was so hard to read, I quit after I finished it.

 

[Christine]

No, in the books she never does and that whole thing kind of haunted me. I believe, actually though, in the show, it is shown.

The second book is slow. There is one of them, (either #2 or #4) that was the WORST for me. Just get through them, they are very rewarding. I will tell you that the latest one is my least favorite.

 

[Terapin]

Yes, I believe she does.

And the first time I skipped some of the long political and historical context scenes as I wanted to get on with the other story lines. The second time I read every word. It gets better - and then there are some slow parts again, and then really great parts! I loved, loved, loved the series, and am now re-reading it a third time. I felt such a connection to the characters, and adored Jamie and Claire's relationship. I also really felt sad during the heartbreaking parts as I really identified with the characters.

 

[Christine]

Yes, I believe she does.

And the first time I skipped some of the long political and historical context scenes as I wanted to get on with the other story lines. The second time I read every word. It gets better - and then there are some slow parts again, and then really great parts! I loved, loved, loved the series, and am now re-reading it a third time. I felt such a connection to the characters, and adored Jamie and Claire's relationship. I also really felt sad during the heartbreaking parts as I really identified with the characters.

Oh, I wish you could tell me where she goes back to the man standing outside. I kept looking for it in the books but the books are soooo big that I could have missed it. When you read about it in the first book, it seems SO important, but then it seems to never be brought up again. I swear, in the TV series, it's clear who the man is.

 

[Turn the Page]

She hasn't explained that yet but I think Diana Gabaldon has said that she would explain that before the series ends.

And yes, the 2nd book is slow and my least favorite, but it is totally worth it to push through it. No, the other books do not deal with the Rising at tall beyond a brief mention or to tie up some loose end from it or the aftermath.

 

[Kogo Shuko]

Just finished the second book. Gosh it was hard to get through. I'd take breaks and read other books in between!

 

[Jaime4004]

I do not remember the man by the hotel but I read the first book many years ago. All of the books are really slow to me but I still like the storyline and have read them all (some took much longer than others). And there is so, so much more to the story than Prince Charles!

 

[nugov2]

I am on book 4. I read book 1 and 3 in just a couple of days each. Book 2 took a long time. It wasn't very good. She writes a good story, but includes way too much information not really relevant to the book and it can be quite a deterrent from the good parts of her book. If it wasn't for the tv series being so good and that I always like to read something before watching it I may have given up on the series after book two. I'm glad I'm sticking with it.

I can't answer if they ever explain in a later a book, but they show who it is in the tv series and that is who I would have assumed it was, even if it isn't ever revealed in print or was featured in the show.

ETA

Found this article it looks like she won't explain why he is there until the last book of the series, but she does confirm who it is out there.

http://zap2it.com/2014/08/outlander-premiere-diana-gabaldon-confirms-jamies-ghost/

 

[WVMomof3]

Glad it is not just me that finds these hard to read! Have heard so many people say how great they are. Took me forever to get through the first one. Finally decided to give the 2nd a try, 3 months later, I am only 29% through (reading on Kindle). I wanted to try to finish because I borrowed it from the library on my kindle and once it is expired, it will be removed from my Kindle when I reconnect to wifi. Finally decided last week that I just couldn't get through any more of it and decided to check out another book. For some reason the Outlander is still there,even though I have been connected to wifi, so I guess I can try to pick up again. Not sure why, but this is the 2nd or 3rd time that I still have access to a book afer the loan ended. Usually you can just see the title with the words Loan Ended and you can no longer access the book.

 

[Sadie22]

The author has written about identity of the Highlander standing outside watching Claire in online interviews.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I have watched the first season of the series so I know who the TV people say it is. I'm hoping they follow up on why that person was there.

I will give book 3 a try when I finish book 2. 14% to go.

 

[Tinkermommy]

She hasn't explained that yet but I think Diana Gabaldon has said that she would explain that before the series ends.

And yes, the 2nd book is slow and my least favorite, but it is totally worth it to push through it. No, the other books do not deal with the Rising at tall beyond a brief mention or to tie up some loose end from it or the aftermath.

Agree with all of this.

Love these books but really didn't like the 2nd at all. if you quit now you will miss some of the best characters (Lord John and young Ian ).

Although Jamie is still my all time favorite male character.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I've always assumed it was a "certain person". A Breath Of Snow And Ashes "confirmed" it for me. Of course, I could be completely wrong.

It's been soooo long, since I've read the series. Maybe, I need a refresher?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I thought the books did say who it was because there is mention of looking at her through the window. I need to read again.

 

[Aladora]

I've always assumed it was a "certain person". A Breath Of Snow And Ashes "confirmed" it for me. Of course, I could be completely wrong.

It's been soooo long, since I've read the series. Maybe, I need a refresher?

I've read the entire series a bunch of times but I think it might be time to start again!

 

[fauna74]

Diana Gabaldon had said that the "ghost" from Outlander will be addressed in the LAST book.
I've read the whole series, multiple times and first read Outlander when it came out (I was the same age as Jamie in the book!).
Is it the 2nd one that jumps around from person to person? That one was hard- and these books can be challenging, but SO worth it. These are absolutely the only books I read where I end up hysterically sobbing and trying to console myself by saying "they're not real people! They're not real people!"

 

[Kimberle]

Diana has said this will be revealed in the last book. She is currently working on book 9. She doesn't know if it will be the last one or not. Follow her on FB and Twitter. She interacts a lot with her readers.

 

[Christine]

And can I just say that while the books are wonderful, the STARZ series is (at least Season 1) just as wonderful. My goodness, they did a great casting job as well as the setting.

 

[nugov2]

And can I just say that while the books are wonderful, the STARZ series is (at least Season 1) just as wonderful. My goodness, they did a great casting job as well as the setting.

I agree! Directv had a free binge-a-thon where you could watch certain shows for free even if you don't subscribe to the channel over Christmas. I watched outlander and enjoyed it so much I went out and got the first book. I actually checked the series out from the library and watched it again after reading book 1. The actor who plays Jamie