Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

This, like Dragonfly in Amber the second book, was fantastic. It continued a great storyline and provided plenty of action and adventure, and that ever steady romance between Jamie and Claire.

A larger book, it covers quite a bit of ground in the story of Jamie and Claire's relationship. It starts where Dragonfly in Amber leaves off, with Claire still in the 20th century with her daughter Brianna. They are searching through the history books to see what became of Jamie Fraser, Claire's husband from the 18th century. When at last they find him, Claire must make the decision on whether she will go back in time to seek him out, or stay in the present with her daughter.

Persuaded by her daughter to go to him. She prepares for her journey back in time and once again steps through the stones. Back in the past, she rather quickly finds Jamie and starts on a whole series of misfortunes and adventures starting with the burning down of Jamie's print shop and an unsuccessful smuggling attempt to bring in alcohol. Forced to flee the city, they return to Jamie's home in Lallybroch.

Lallybroch isn't too peaceful however, as Claire learns that in her 20 year absence, Jamie has married again. And not only has he married, but it was to a woman who tried to kill her in the first book. A settlement is reached and Jamie, not having the funds to pay off Laoghaire (the 2nd wife) takes his young nephew to obtain some jewels that are buried off the coast. However, before his nephew Ian can get back to them, he is abducted by pirates.

Because of this, and a promise to Jamie's sister to keep her son safe, they head for the Caribbean. Beset by the British Navy and many other foes, reaching the Caribbean is not easy for them and they are separated numerous times along the way. When they finally reach the islands it still stays dangerous in their quest to save Ian.

Like the other books, this one is mainly written from Claire's point of view. It retains the rich descriptions and wordiness that Gabaldon is known for but the length of the book does not detract from the enjoyability of it.

My only complaint would be that we are reintroduced to a character that was presumably dead in the first novel, but has come back and changed drastically. While Gabaldon gives a plausible explanation to this change, it still seems out of place and a bit unbelievable.

The 3rd book in the series, Voyager, is a great read. However, the first two books should be read before it; this is not a stand-alone read.

Voyager
Copyright 1994
870 pages