Delos -
I read this because she's such a popular writer, I wanted to what all the fuss was about. I was yawning at the beginning, because it wasn't really sucking me into the fairly routine historical romance novel plot. Later on, though, I have to admit that there were passages that were well written enough for the reader be caught up in the action.
The Gabaldon novels do this time period much better; this one feels rushed. Large blocks of time and background action are explained away in one paragraph. It seems as though the interesting, well-written passages are always sandwiched between less gripping filler. Good if you want a quick read that progresses faster. But then, most people who read this are trying to catch up on the history behind a popular (more modern) series of hers.
I found that sometimes her writing and imagery created clear and plausible portraits in your mind - and sometimes similar passages just went bad somewhere along the way and make you want to roll your eyes at the overwrought cliche.
Not the worst romance novel in the world (by far) and not the best historical fiction either. I think Liz Carlye is doing the same thing with steamier results. (Yeah, she is bit looser on keeping to the historical accuracy sometimes, but that's not really why you're reading it, right?) I guess if you don't want to go in for the 1,500+ pages or so of the Gabaldon series covering this subject, read this one and you'd be satisfied.
The Gabaldon novels do this time period much better; this one feels rushed. Large blocks of time and background action are explained away in one paragraph. It seems as though the interesting, well-written passages are always sandwiched between less gripping filler. Good if you want a quick read that progresses faster. But then, most people who read this are trying to catch up on the history behind a popular (more modern) series of hers.
I found that sometimes her writing and imagery created clear and plausible portraits in your mind - and sometimes similar passages just went bad somewhere along the way and make you want to roll your eyes at the overwrought cliche.
Not the worst romance novel in the world (by far) and not the best historical fiction either. I think Liz Carlye is doing the same thing with steamier results. (Yeah, she is bit looser on keeping to the historical accuracy sometimes, but that's not really why you're reading it, right?) I guess if you don't want to go in for the 1,500+ pages or so of the Gabaldon series covering this subject, read this one and you'd be satisfied.
