Dragonfly in Amber

For months I put off buying the abridged version of this audiobook in hopes of buying the unabridged version. Finally, after months of waiting and an e-mail or two to Audible Customer Service, I bought the abridged version. Alas, the very next month, the unabridged version came out. As such, I've had the opportunity to listen to both.

Admittedly, the abridged version gives the highlights, however, it can't give sufficient background info or do full justice to Gibaldon's outstanding storytelling ability. While 38 hours for the unabridged version might seem daunting, it's a delightful sojurn. Who, in the midst of a love affair is anxious for it to end? That's the journey this author offers.

If you're new to Diana Gibaldon's "Outlander" series, start with the first book, "Outlander." Once again, I highly recommend the unabridged version. "Dragonfly in Amber" is the second of six or more books in the series.

The narrator, Davina Porter, does a fine job of presenting Claire Randall, the story's spunky protagonist (complete with captivating British accent) as well as the other characters.

This is an outstanding book! Please enjoy it to it's fullest--unabridged and at your leisure. It's a great way to pass hours in the car. (Handheld computer or MP3 player via FM transmitter through the car stereo). Besides, listening to the full version will allow time for audible.com to obtain the next book in the series in unabridged format.

Thanks audible. Keep up the good work!

I agree with all these glowing reviews, especially the reviewer who said they were in intense pain for Jamie and Claire! I cannot stop thinking about these characters---they are so compelling.
I thank Audiblebooks so much for my finding the Outlander series---I am obsessed.
This second book is absolutely wonderful as it moves back and forth through time. One of the author's brilliant writing touches is to present something---an event that a character tells, and then later reveal what really happened.
I have already started on the third book in the series and I don't want it to end! As I said, I'm obsessed.

I have listened to the Voyager, Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber and finally Drums of Autumn. All books in the series that I have listened to are magnificent. Authors knows that perfect narration is the key to an excellent audio book and Davina Porter is the absolute best. Will listen to them again. Just when you think Diana's story is "pat," she puts a twist in the story that makes you sit up staight and say, "Wow". Thank you so much, Diana and Davina.

This series is wonderful. The narrator is absolutely incredible, with great Scottish voices and even a Scottish chieftain with his false teeth taken out!

"Dragonfly in Amber" by Diana Gablaldon is the sequel to the phenomenal (and also highly recommended) "Outlander." There are now actually six books in the series, with more to come, so if you enjoy these books, there is much more for you love!
This series is brilliantly crafted by the author, with plot twists by the score (there is NOTHING predictable about them), quirky characters (some you love, some you hate!), and dialogue that will make you laugh and cry. The characters will be so real to you by the end, you will find it hard to believe they have not been sitting at your kitchen table all along, telling their tales themselves. The "Outlander" books definitely defy GENRE. Initially set in Scotland in 1743, they have it all--history (meticulously researched), action, romance, drama, war, time travel, spies and intrigue--sprinkled throughout with characters based on real historical figures. These are LONG books, but by the end of each one you may be wishing it would go on further. Read (listen to) "Outlander" first, and you could be hooked in the first few chapters. The other books in the series are: "Voyager" (book 3); "Drums of Autumn" (book 4); "Fiery Cross" (book 5); and "A Breath of Snow and Ashes" (book 6). If that isn't enough, read the companion book "The Outlandish Companion," which explains a lot about the author's process of creating the series and characters, and answers her most frequently asked questions. The author's website is also worth a visit.
These books are written for intelligent readers, and I myself have created quite a large circle of "Outlander" fans by suggesting them to my friends and family, who subsequently get hooked. I do not recommend these for readers under 18, because of some graphic loves scenes, and other intense themes. However, I cannot recommend the series highly enough. Read (listen to) them twice each, at least!

I've been a fan of Diana Gabaldon for years, and I was one of the many who wrote to Audible customer service begging to see the unabridged titles in the Outlander series added to the Audible library. At long last...I was so excited when "Outlander" showed up one day. I checked back every week to see when "Dragonfly in Amber" would be posted!

Gabaldon does thorough historical research and has excellent chaacter development in her stories. There is romance, but not so much that I would put the book in that category. There is mystery and magic, action and adventure, intrigue and espionage.

"Dragonfly in Amber" picks up where "outlander" leaves off, but it also carries the listener forward to what the future may hold and sets the next few books up nicely.

Another exceptional novel by Diana Gabaldon. I have already read all of the Outlander series, but when they started to become available unabridged through audible.com I just had to purchase them and read them again! Davina Porter, who has read all of the unabridged versions of this series brings the charactors alive. Only Ms. Gabaldon could bring to life Scotland in the 1750's so vividly, I could practically hear the wind whistle through the trees, and the draw of Jamies' sword! If you get a chance grab this series, Audible has the first 3 unabridged, the other 3 abridged, but I would assume that they will come available unabridged soon.

One of the reviews for "Outlander" warned that this was a "romance novel" written "by women, for women" and as far as the "romance" part of it goes, I've found that to be true. But, I'm fascinated by history and have always loved speculation on things such as standing stones etc. I am also of scottish decent and have spent considerable time reading about and researching my heritage and I enjoy the slant that the author puts on highland history. For the most part I think she portrays everyday things about 18th century highland life very believably... er... other than the way the main character GOT to 18th century scotland... But even that is a fun idea.
So, yes, there is a lot of "romance novel" to wade through... but just enough history to keep me reading the series.

I love this book! I have been avoiding buying the abridged version of these books for a very long time hoping that the unabridged version would come to audible. This series is wonderful for the romantic in all of us. Please hurry and put the rest of the unabridged versions on the website.

OK, not as great as the first book, Outlander, but darn close! I did find my mind wander here and there in a few slow spots, but Gabaldon always made me fall right back into the story. Jamie and Clair are near and dear to my heart now and I sobbed for them and all the Scots that suffered a horrible end at Culloden.
I find myself researching history about the events in the book and am so impressed with the amount of Gabaldon's work put into this amazing story.
I just had to write this review to encourage folks to give it a listen. Davina Porter is one of my two favorite narrators and I'm just so into this story, I've got to go and download book three right now!
Enjoy!