I can write romance and, I do enjoy
watching romantic movies once in a while, but reading romance usually doesn't
appeal to me. I know that sounds extremely bizarre coming from an author that
pens erotic romance. And, I know it's
been said in order for an author to hone their skills they should read
what they flog. But I beg to differ. Some times absorbing too much of what you
intend to publish can actually influence your written voice. Don't get me wrong,
reading is just as important as writing on a regular basis, to keep the mind
sharp and focused and the ideas flowing. The more you study the greater the
improvement you'll find when putting your words to paper.
Anyway, getting back to the romance thing.
Like I said, if I walked into Chapters it wouldn't be the first genre I'd scoop
from the shelf. So, when I decided to take the plunge and read Outlander by Diana
Gabaldon, I seriously wondered if I'd be bored to tears. The sheer size of the
novel (850 pages for the paperback version I bought) seemed a daunting
challenge, not that I'm a slow reader. If I get into a story, I can polish it
off in a relatively short period of time, days in some cases regardless of the page count
(hell I've written massive novels myself). The reason I chose Outlander was
because my sister-in-law read the series, loved and praised it, and she
wouldn't stop hounding me. And I mean several years of harassment. Every time
we'd visit, our conversation would inevitably lead to books and our latest
reading material and, she'd ask: "Have you read Outlander yet?"
So, guess what, this review is dedicated
solely to you, Lori! :)
Written in first person, Outlander is a
historical romance piece, where former combat nurse Claire Randall travels from
1945 back to 1743 Scotland, during a second honeymoon with her husband. There's
no possible way I can write a fully detailed plot summary; first, whatever I'd have to say would never do
the story justice and, secondly, there is just too much happening in this novel
for me to explain it accurately. But, what I can tell you is I thoroughly
enjoyed Outlander. It's well written with stunning detail, powerful characters
that draw you in, love and sex that everyone should have the privilege of experiencing at least once in their life, and a plot that is constantly evolving,
dragging you deeper in to Claire Randall's psyche. Outlander has it all: desire, love, sex, humour, betrayal, trust, drama, action, suspense and
more. Diana Gabaldon left nothing to chance when she wrote her debut novel. If you're a historical romance
fan then I'm sure you'll fall for Outlander, and if you've already consumed this
titan of passion then you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Give me James Fraser! 5 Stars!
Happy Yaoi Hunting!
Blak Rayne
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