Outlander second series loses focus
923192
Picks up an continues the story from the Season One - Volume One, and is a fine show until near the end when the writers and directors focus too much on cruelty and seem to lose the story line.  Not nearly as good as Volume One.
3501116
Series three started off with the same pace and narrative drive as series two but somehow seemed to run out of steam in the middle before getting back on track for an excellent finale.

It could be argued that the mid-series doldrums were for a bit of light relief from the break-neck pace and allowed for episodes which provided much needed depth to the main characters and, in this respect, they succeeded. There was, however, far too much reliance on flash-backs and irritating conversations with people who were not there (not just between Baltar and the skinny blonde for a change).

Every sci-fi series seems to suffer from the occasional duff episode (even Babylon 5 had a few) so it isn't fair to be over critical; it is probably because the remaining episodes are so good that you notice the sporadic poor ones
3350941
This is my least favorite of all of the Outlander series. there was too much written about the war at the expense of the human story.
4870595
Season 1 was spectacular. My only complaint is that they spoke Gaelic so much and there were no subtitles. I get that when Claire was around, the filmmakers wanted you to feel as lost and left out as Claire. However, there's an entire scene between Jamie and Murtogh that is completely in Gaelic and I'm sitting there wondering why I'm even watching it - why did they waste time on a scene that barely anyone will understand?

But that of course is minor. The rest is just fabulous. Great acting, story, cinematography, character development...everything.

Having said that, Season 2 did not utilize Gaelic as much -  it was just sprinkled in the conversation in between English and when they speak French, there are subtitles.

But S2 was not as good. The actors and crew are still stellar but there is no character development. They don't seem to have a real goal that progresses - the plot seems to be just a red herring and is not substantial or life or death as in S1.

I've never read the books and I'm told each season is one book so if you liked the book I guess you'll like the season. If you're like me and coming in blindly you might be disappointed.

I devoured S1 and this one I have 3 more episodes to go in S2 but I'm not in a rush.
4046990
First season was a bit weak. Second season has picked up considerably. We are about to start Season 3. The characters, while sympathetic, are a bit too stereotypical and predictable.
719003
I have read the entire series from Outlander(thanks for pointing out that Cross Stitch was the same, thought I found another one!) through A Breathe of Snow and Ashes at least 3 times now.  The comments from the 2 star are very sad indeed.  Perhaps they should have taken the time to read the entire book/series and then would understand that scene was consistant with the era and NEVER happened again!  I also think you should understand that this series has been mis-labeled as a romance.  It is much more than that - its an adventure!  Its about their lives and how they just seem to fall into the craziest predicaments.

I can hardly wait for the next installment.  I check Gabaldon's site constantly in anticipation of the next one.
2742398
I love this series.  I found this book to not be as good as the previous but definitely worth a read if you like the Outlander Series.  It sets the stage for what is coming more than has an interesting story line I believe.
3864005
I really enjoy BBC shows. Saw the cover for this and thought it would be more modern as in filming technology, not the case.  The pilot was very long and slow to start.  Season 1 was far better to me than 2, season 2 seemed to focus less on Louisa and in my opinion suffered for it.
66726
I am a huge fan of the Outlander series and have liked all the books.  This last one, number 8, to me was not as good as the others.  I am hoping that Ms. Babaldon does not bring Rob Cameron back, nor Buck, nor Gellis Duncan.  I really did not enjoy the part where Buck and Roger went back and met their ancestors and wish that part had been eliminated.  I also did not like some of the science fiction things that were brought in.  I love these books more as historical novels and for the interactions between people.  The way she describes the sounds and smells makes everything seem so real and I don't think the science fiction things add to the story (with the exception of the travel through the stones).

As for those who criticize the surgeries, I really don't agree.  I find them of great interest.  Nor do I mind Claire searching for herbs and things that have medicinal purposes.  Most of the characters I find interesting.  I think that William deserves a bit more treatment and am sure that will happen in a later book.  Fergus and Marsali are always of interest to me and I'm glad to see them continue and be an intergal part of the story.  I do hope she continues on for one more book at least.
1522045
I've been disappointed with the Outlander series since book 2, but the main story and characters are so intriguing that I keep slogging through the ridiculously long books.  Gabaldon would make an excellent writer for television--interesting multifaceted characters engaged in so many great adventures--but in a novel, each adventure needs to move the story forward, & this is where she fails.  In Echo in the Bone she did a better job of moving the story forward (except for the long diversion after the aborted attempt to get to Scotland), but then ends it with no resolution to any part of the story.  I understand that this is a series, but unlike television, it's not appropriate to have a 'to be continued' ending to a novel.  Leaving a few loose threads is great, but major storylines? No.
I will probably read the next book when it comes out, but a lot of readers will probably lose interest having to wait months for the next installation, never mind forgetting what happened previously--& given the length of the books, will be discouraged from re-reading An Echo in the Bone.
4860344
This book reminds me of Jean Auel's Earth Children's series.  As the Earth Children's series progressed, after the first three books, the quality of writing decreased.  With this Outlander series, I am noticing the same progression of decline.  The absolute devotees of both authors can see no wrongs in the story line and book development.  Those readers who want and expect continued good book development are more discerning.  It is interesting to note the progression of reviews for this series.  They start off quite high, then fall off rapidly until only the devoted die-hards continue.  I will continue this series, but in more and and more disappointment.  With book six, it is apparent this author is losing steam.  And writing ability!  This book continues the decline.  The next book, so far stated to be the last, I am pretty much expecting to end as the last of the Earth Cildren's sixth, and final, novel  a total example of literary Alzheimer's.  Hopefully not, but the way this book is done, falling off so badly, it is all I am expecting!  I guess there can only be one J K Rowling, who writes superbly to the end
1435763
LOTS OF SPOILERS - warning!!!

Best Sci-Fi TV

I am currently dipping in and out of this book as I watch the new TV series.

There are two great features of GOT, one each character has their own chapter, and 2) you are therefore follow individual story lines without reference to the rest of the book.

While in the first book there was a lot of cross overs between the stories, now in book five,a whole bunch of characters are on very separate quests.

This sunny Sunday it occured to me that this tome 5 was a bleak and depressing read.

1) Daenerys is stuck with her 'rabbit ears', lots of political compromise and general married life misery

2) Cersei and Marguery are both locked up awaiting trial, the first quite rightly the second more problematically

3) Jaime wanders around the country breaking sieges, with compromises and promises

4) Arya is off in Bravos - doing what - we're not sure, and its not relevant

5) Bran is off North of the wall - doing what - we're not sure - and again the relevance is lost on me

6) Jon Snow is having a miserable time dealing with a bunch of convicts sent north from Kinglanding, who seem set of having their own mini war within the wall

7) Theon - & the Boltons Ramsey and Romsey - lets not even go there.

Best Sci-Fi Book

The point of GOT if there was ever a point is that surely the Starks, and there were six children. One has to survive, win back and succeed as the new king - surely that has got to be the main point of this story.

At the end of this book it feels like all the Starks are irrelevant or about to die?

Which makes me think, why bother with book 8?

Note to author, please can we have a happy ending, or something for the Starks?
4337135
I love the Outlander series but this book just dragged on a bit too long and she tried to accomplish too much.
4907922
I liked the period filling in the 1760s.
I loved the original Outlander books and have read them all. It was hard for me to get interested in some of the stories.
Liked Virgins and the one about Hal and Minnie. The rest, not so much. I like LJG, but couldn't keep my interest.
Thought Id get the Scottish Prisioner to tied me over until book nine comes out.
3854333
I loved the Outlander books and the series does a very good job of following the books- a little too good, at times. I don't understand why they felt it necessary to show full frontal nudity so frequently or full-on rape scenes in graphic detail. I get that it was part of the book, but reading about it and seeing it are two different things, and I don't know why they feel it necessary to nearly make the series rated X. The storyline itself is true to the books and I love the characters, I just think they could stand to tone down some of the sexuality. You can't erase the sexuality and stay true to the books, I know that, but it doesn't have to be so overt.
2869086
This book wasn't as good as Outlander(still the best in the series), but it was worth the read if only to keep the characters alive for me. It's a little repetitive and the pacing is a bit slow, but if you love Outlander you'll LIKE it.
4242541
I've read all the Outlander series and I'm waiting for the next book. This is just to short and leaves the reader hanging. Why bother. Wait until the next book comes out- if it ever does.