Virgins: An Outlander Novella (Kindle Single) Kindle Edition

Left me wishing for more and captured my interest! The characters were interesting and well written. I love her work!

Outlander is a series of novels that follow the lives of Claire, a WWII combat nurse who travels back in time to the 1740s, and her second husband, James Fraser, a Scottish laird. These books can't really be classified by genre, since they include history, drama, adventure, romance, mystery, sci-fi/fantasy . . . a little of everything, really.For those who are desperate for a Jamie and Claire fix, this should help ease the withdrawal pangs until the next (ninth) book comes out. Like some of the other short stories Diana Gabaldon has written, it fills in one of the gaps in the main characters' lives, exploring a period that we knew little about. It's longer than your typical short story, but nowhere near novel-length---especially a Diana Gabaldon novel! It's called a novella, which is either a very short novel or a very long short story. Either way, it doesn't take long to read.The story takes place shortly after Jamie escapes from Fort William, after being flogged (twice) by Black Jack Randall. Forced to flee Scotland because of the price on his head, Jamie goes to France, where he joins his best friend Ian as a mercenary-for-hire. After proving their worth as braw fighters, they're asked to escort a young Jewish bride and her priceless dowry to her husband-to-be in another part of the country, but as always, where James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser goes, trouble always follows.For those familiar with the Outlander series, you probably won't be surprised to learn that there is a rather graphic rape scene in this story. Every one of the books contains at least one sexual assault, and this short story is no exception. Interestingly, the scene in question is one that's mentioned in "Outlander" by Jamie on his wedding night to Claire. It's a throwaway line, something he says in passing, but the author clearly remembered and decided to expand upon it. It helps tie this story to the main series. Not that I couldn't have lived without the rape scene, but if it has to be there, at least it's connected. And it has an impact on the characters, so t's not gratuitous; it has a purpose, which makes it easier to bear.The only real flaw in this story is that Claire is missing. But since it takes place long before Jamie meets her, it's forgivable. Four stars and recommended to anyone who loves the Outlander series.

This story gives a look at the Jamie before Claire. I liked it a lot. Coming g from.Simon background as Rebecca I wonder how the family did during the reign of terror and later in the 1940s...

I always enjoy her writing. I wish it was a longer book. Looking forward to reading more of her books.

Another in the Outlander series. I have read every book that Diana Gabaldon has written she is such a great story teller. Please do your self a favor read this book no matter if it in the series. She includes historical fact along with her craft of story telling. It’s just Great.

I chose this book because I have read all Outlander books several times, and I wanted to go before the first book when Jamie was in France.

FINAL DECISION: An enjoyable little vignette, this story gives some background for events of the series readers know but haven’t seen before. It is an interesting view of Jamie before he appears in OUTLANDER.THE STORY: In this prequel to OUTLANDER, a young Jamie Fraiser is in France recovering from injuries from the English and mourning the death of his father. In France, Jamie runs into a friend, Ian Murray. Both virgins, their status becomes complicated when they are hired to escort a doctor’s grand-daughter to her arranged marriage in Paris.OPINION: Like so many of the Outlander books, this novella has something to say about culture clashes, sexuality and politics along with human relationships. I enjoyed this look into Jamie’s life in France after his whipping by Randall and the death of is father. Gabaldon has managed to depict two young men who are working out their views about sex in an especially interesting way. I thought the story was funny and intriguing.For fans of the series, it is worth reading just to get another story about Jamie.WORTH MENTIONING: This novella was previously published in the DANGEROUS WOMEN anthology.CONNECTED BOOKS: VIRGINS is a prequel to OUTLANDER. While it takes place prior to OUTLANDER, I think it is better to read that book first.STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

Diana Gabaldon consistently delivers for her fans. This novella, Virgins, is yet another mini installment in the "behind the story" story that she presents to us in an attempt to give us a glimpse into events that were spoken of but never really explored fully in her book series. Everyone that loves Outlander and her other books LOVES Jamie Fraser and can't get enough of these mini stories to keep us going between books. This is definitely NOT a stand alone story and you wouldn't have a clue as to what was going on if you didn't read the Outlander series, or at the very least, the first book itself.Ian and Jamie are young in this story, Jamie just having escaped from confinement in an English prison. He has just encountered his nemesis, Black Jack, for the first time and is lucky to be alive. Ian is traveling with a band of mercenaries and Jamie hopes to join them in the hopes of staying clear of Scotland and staying close to the one man he trusts like a brother. What I liked about this is that Jamie is very young here and we have had little exposure to him at that age. He is a naïve boy who has just suffered extreme punishment and lost his father and homeland quite suddenly. He's trying to fit in among these seasoned men in France and he is just learning the ropes. I almost feel like a fly on the wall! That is where our story begins, and I doubt you will be disappointed. Hold on to your kilt!It took me about 3 hours this morning to finish, in between a few phone calls and laundry. It's a great prelude to the second season of Outlander beginning on STARZ tomorrow! Now I REALLY can't wait!