Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade

By: Diana Gabaldon

Narrated by: Jeff Woodman

Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Diana Gabaldon has earned a massive and devoted following for her Outlander series. Now Lord John's fascinating story continues.

It is 1758, and the flames of the Seven Years' War are burning hotter than ever. The rigors and dangers of battle are actually a welcome respite for Lord John and his brother Hal, who feel the constant strain of their family's troubled history. Blending war, family secrets, and forbidden love, Gabaldon crafts a suspenseful novel that loyal fans and newcomers alike with find irresistible.

©2007 Diana Gabaldon (P)2007 Recorded Books LLC

Jeff Woodman makes the story come to life

I had a hard time reading the book the first time around. Someone had suggested listening to it instead and that the Lord John's humor comes across more clearly. I have to agree. I thoroughly enjoyed Jeff Woodman's ability to do the various character's voices. It was a treat to re-read the story in audio.

Another great book by Ms. Gabeldon

I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version! It was highly entertaining with history, mystery and intrigue. LOVE it!

Love, love, love it all.

So loved this book. It filled in so many holes in the Outlander series. I just love ❤️ Lord John Gray. He is just so fascinating. You will love this book.

Engaging Characters, Excellent Narration

I love Lord John with a deep and abiding passion. He's my favorite secondary character in Gabaldon's Outlander novels, and richly deserving of the series of shorter spin-off novels about him that she has published - all of which do not disappoint. His inner life as an unapologetically gay man in the eighteenth century is fascinating, as are the daily interactions, travails and adventures that he encounters as a member of both the British aristocracy and military. Lord John is a deeply engaging, likeable and sympathetic hero, the secondary characters who people his world are likewise interesting, multi-dimensional and well-drawn, and the narration of the story does the writing justice.

Good book.

I enjoyed the story and the character development. I like the Outlander series better but I still very much enjoy Gabaldon's writing and seeing where she will take these characters!

My favorite Lord John book

I have been such a fan of Jaimie and Claire and was thus somewhat reluctant to embrace Lord John, but embrace him I have and full-on guilty pleasure he has become in his own right. Very enjoyable plot, storyline, characters, historical references. I liked the mystery aspect of the family honor quest. The bits of humor interspersed had me laughing out loud, which I always like. I have never read a book with a gay love relationship and very much enjoyed how Ms. Gabaldon depicted that-- the tenderness and yet maleness of the sex scenes was well done. For a heterosexual female such as myself, that was fascinating! Don't read the book if such things are offensive, of course.
The performance was excellent. I have given it 4 stars because the accents were good but not as good as other readers have done.

Lord John and the Brotherhood of Man

Narration was very good. Found out some interesting facts about LJG’s life
It’s a good book

My Favorite Lord John Book

By far, this is my favorite Lord John book. What a fascinating and complex character Diana Gabaldon has created in Lord John. He has become my favorite, and unfortunately not seen enough, character in the Outlander universe. I mean, he’s “impossible not to like”, right? His many adventures (and just as many misadventures) have been getting me through the latest Droughtlander. Brotherhood of the Blade also gives listeners/readers more insight into his relationship with his brother, Hal. It delves a bit more into John’s personal “nature”, information I didn’t know I needed but apparently I did and found refreshing. We learn just a bit more about his relationship and feelings for Jamie Fraser. The introduction of, as well as John’s secret relationship with, his stepbrother Percy Wainwright kept me listening way past my bedtime. And Tom Byrd, charming and loyal as always, bless him, is the comedic relief you didn’t know you needed. This book is yet another example of Diana Gabaldon’s gift for storytelling. Jeff Woodman’s fluidly smooth narration is perfect, as always. Well worth the credit, just get this one!

Mixed

I enjoyed this book, but, not as well as other Gabaldon books. I do enjoy the Lord John character. However, I had trouble with the graphical male to male sex. If you are comfortable with that then I expect this would be a good listen. At 63 years old I still have trouble fully embracing the idea that homosexuality is OK.

As always the period facts and history are educational. Excellent job of intertwining several story lines. The limited inclusion of Jamie was fun.

I did think the story ended abruptly and left something more that should have been told. Perhaps I just did not want it to end?

I rate it lower than "Lord John and the Private Matter" (4 stars) and the "Outlander" series which are five stars plus.

If you are a big Gabaldon fan and are as frustrated as I am with the wait for new releases from her then I would definitely listen to it.

slight companion book to Voyager

If you want more detail into Voyager (Oulander series) this is Lord John's story during some of those years. The other Lord John books remembers Jamie but does not interact with him. The other LJ books have NOTHING to do with Outlander. Keep in mind this book is about Lord John and his military career and Jamie is a small part of it. It does give a little more insight into their relationship where the others do not.