Title: The Exile
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Illustrator: Hoang Nguyen
Publisher: Del Rey
Publication Date: September 21, 2010
Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance, Graphic Novel
Length: 224 pages
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Source: Purchased
In her first-ever graphic novel, Gabaldon gives readers a fresh look at the events of the original Outlander: Jamie Fraser's side of the story, gorgeously rendered by artist Hoang Nguyen.
After too long an absence, Jamie Fraser is coming home to Scotland--but not without great trepidation. Though his beloved godfather, Murtagh, promised Jamie's late parents he'd watch over their brash son, making good on that vow will be no easy task. There's already a fat bounty on the young exile's head, courtesy of Captain 'Black Jack' Randall, the sadistic British officer who's crossed paths--and swords--with Jamie in the past. And in the court of the mighty MacKenzie clan, Jamie is a pawn in the power struggle between his uncles: aging chieftain Colum, who demands his nephew's loyalty, and Dougal, war chieftan, who'd sooner see Jamie put to the sword than anointed Colum's heir.
And then there is Claire Randall--mysterious, beautiful, and strong-willed, who appears in Jamie's life to stir his compassion... and arouse his desire.
My Thoughts:
Jamie's side of the story as told by Murtagh.
If you aren't familiar with the story of Outlander at all, just know that this is the same exact story, just told from the male perspective instead of Outlander's female main character, Claire. Jamie is the 'hero' of our story and Murtagh is his godfather. Murtagh tells this story from his point of view as he tries his hardest to keep his god-son, Jamie Fraser, out of trouble.
Of course I loved this but there was an extra character in this book that really confused me. He is woven into the original story within this graphic novel but was not in Outlander at all that we know of. I don't know if this character comes up in the sequels since I haven't read any of them yet.
I had issues with the illustrations at times. Other than Claire, Jamie, and Captain Randall, they all looked the same. I had a really hard time discerning the mystery character from Murtagh and Rupert and the other clans men. Their faces and hair were all the same. The only difference was that Murtagh wore a red sash while all the others, including the mystery character, wore the same tint of green. On top of that, and more importantly, Jamie's face changed so much throughout the book and at times looked way too much like Captain Randall with red hair. And Claire went from having one physique to being super busty. It was all quite frustrating at times.
I definitely think fans of Outlander will enjoy this new perspective.
If you aren't familiar with the story of Outlander at all, just know that this is the same exact story, just told from the male perspective instead of Outlander's female main character, Claire. Jamie is the 'hero' of our story and Murtagh is his godfather. Murtagh tells this story from his point of view as he tries his hardest to keep his god-son, Jamie Fraser, out of trouble.
Of course I loved this but there was an extra character in this book that really confused me. He is woven into the original story within this graphic novel but was not in Outlander at all that we know of. I don't know if this character comes up in the sequels since I haven't read any of them yet.
I had issues with the illustrations at times. Other than Claire, Jamie, and Captain Randall, they all looked the same. I had a really hard time discerning the mystery character from Murtagh and Rupert and the other clans men. Their faces and hair were all the same. The only difference was that Murtagh wore a red sash while all the others, including the mystery character, wore the same tint of green. On top of that, and more importantly, Jamie's face changed so much throughout the book and at times looked way too much like Captain Randall with red hair. And Claire went from having one physique to being super busty. It was all quite frustrating at times.
I definitely think fans of Outlander will enjoy this new perspective.
My Rating: 3.75 stars
Great review =)
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
DeleteI didn't realize there was an Outlander graphic novel, how cool! Awesome review :)
ReplyDeleteBrittany @ Brittany's Book Rambles
Yes! I found it secondhand!
DeleteI've found that art is the weak point lately in some graphic novels I've read- it's especially annoying when character shapes change or it's hard to tell characters apart (my pet peeve). Still this sounds pretty good other than those issues.
ReplyDeleteI can agree with that. I like a good detailed traditional art and a lot of graphic novels and comics are so rushed!
DeleteI don't do many Graphic Novels, and when I do they are mostly children's so maybe one day I should try a historical one! you made this one sound good :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I've read a few graphic novels in many age groups now and they all have something great to offer!
Delete