My mom has wanted to read this series for ages, so when Hanukkah rolled around, we knew exactly what to get her. She’s since read the next one in the series and purchased (and watched) the first season of the Starz series. She loaned me this book, quite certain I’d be hooked, and, as usual, she was right.

I haven’t seen the show yet (as I wanted to read the first book first), but I am now very eager to do so. The series is nominally a fantasy as it involves time travel and a bit of magic at one of Scotland’s stone circles, but I think it is better described as historical romance, as most of the book takes place in the mid 1700s and is mostly concerned with romance. What makes this series so intriguing is the surprisingly good writing, captivating plot and historical details, and the strong character of the protagonists. I probably won’t be reading the rest of the series until the end of the challenge next year, but I hope Gabaldon’s series picks up on the interesting mystical elements and expands on them. I really enjoy how she plays into historical events, and I’m intrigued to see where those threads lead as well. In short, I want to read more and I’d definitely recommend this series for anyone who loves a Scottish accent, loves a good romance, and enjoys men in kilts (yes, yes, and yes).