The Outlandish Companion Volume Two: International Edition

The Companion to the Fiery Cross, a Breath of Snow and Ashes, an Echo in the Bone, and Written in My Own Heart's Blood

By: Diana Gabaldon

Narrated by: Diana Gabaldon, Davina Porter

Length: 21 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

More than a decade ago, number one New York Times best-selling author Diana Gabaldon delighted her legions of fans with The Outlandish Companion, an indispensable guide to all the Outlander books at the time. But that edition was just a taste of things to come. Since that publication, there have been four more Outlander novels, a side series, assorted novellas, and one smash-hit Starz original television series. Now Gabaldon serves up The Outlandish Companion, Volume Two, an all-new guide to the latest books in the series. 

Written with Gabaldon's signature wit and intelligence, this compendium is bursting with generous commentary and juicy insider details, including:

• A complete chronology of the series thus far
• Full synopses of A Fiery Cross, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, An Echo in the Bone, and Written in My Own Heart's Blood
• Recaps of the Lord John Grey novels: Lord John and the Private Matter, Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade, Lord John and the Hand of Devils, and The Scottish Prisoner 
• A who's who of the cast of Outlander characters, cross-referenced by book
• Detailed maps and floor plans
• An annotated bibliography
• Essays on subjects as wide ranging as Outlandish controversies regarding sex and violence, the unique responsibilities of a writer of historical fiction, and Gabaldon's writing process
• A guided tour of the clothes, food, and music of the 18th century
• A Gaelic glossary and pronunciation guide
• Personal photos from the author taken on the set of the Starz Outlander series

As entertaining, sweeping, and addictive as the series itself, this second volume of The Outlandish Companion is a one- (or two)-of-a-kind gift from an incomparable author.

©2015 Diana Gabaldon (P)2020 Recorded Books, Inc.

Highly Accessible - Author Narrated Essays

A wonderful way to revisit the series. Thankful for the speed control setting, as Diana's speaking pace is very fast. Great Methadone List!

Very insightful

Very insightful I love how Dianna's mind works. I loved this book it really helped to me understand the books flow together. I loved it.

good insight if you love outlander series

good insight if you love outlander series and a great overview of the second half of the novels and novellas

A great addition for any Outlander fan!

I really liked the 'thought processes" and extra information in the companion books. There is so much good information, it's really an education as to how the wonderful Outlander books came to be. I will be listening again, it's just that good!

Works better in book format

This works decently as an audiobook, but would be much better read in book form. There are many lists, recipes, and blurbs (not to mention an abundance of footnotes) that don't make for exciting listening. Also, while I love Diana Gabaldon and appreciate the quirkiness of her voice, she takes some getting used to. And she reads VERY fast.

The upside is that they brought in Davina Porter to narrate and she is lovely as always (though I was thrown for a loop several times as she has changed her pronunciation of several words from when she narrated the big books.

I could listen to DG describe how to mix cement!

I was as disappointed to be finished with both "Outlander Companions Vol. I and II", as I was with all of Ms Gabaldon's "Outlander" novels. I used the bookmark feature all the way through these "Companion" books so I could go back and take notes! (I listen while I walk.) Diana, you are my favorite author. Thank you for these books and especially for the section on how you write. I hope someday you will teach a class or series of classes on writing or devote a whole book or books to writing. I've learned more from you by listening to that small section than I have in all of my writing classes! I'm grateful to you. Thank you.

Great insight into the books and show.

There are summary readings of the last 4 books as well as Lord John novelas. So, be advised that there are spoilers if you haven't read them already.
I enjoyed hearing, this is Audible, from the author, and supporting crew members of the show. It was a treat to hear Davina Porter not only read the excerpts from the books but also the notes from Scottish herbalist consultant from the show. It was like Clair was talking about her craft.

I forgot some stuff it was great to be reminded

What made the experience of listening to The Outlandish Companion Volume Two the most enjoyable?

I really forgot some details because it had been so long since I read the books and it was like a mini catch up and remember

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Outlandish Companion Volume Two?

How she explained a few things that I hadnt realized

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

I love Davina!!!! Diana speaks really fast but you get used to it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Diana was a bit arrogant and made it clear she didn't like it if you disagreed with some choice she made. I respect that though because she is highly educated and wrote these amazing books. But I would probably be afraid to meet her since her personality is so intense! still LOVE these books!!!!

Any additional comments?

Hope she will write some more I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Jamie and Claire and I think she has a lot to still say about Brianna and Roger and the kids! fingers crossed she's not finished!

Love these but...

Please let Davina read for Diana Gabaldon’s! I’m one of Gabaldon’s biggest fans but her voice is just horrible for reading out loud and I sincerely want to know what her thought process is and I’m very interested I just am unable to make it through.

loved it

Narration was good, I needed to slow the doped down a little when Diana spoke.