Status
Publication
Description
A collection of short fiction -- including two never-before-published novellas -- featuring Jamie Fraser, Lord John Grey, Master Raymond, and many more, all extending the story of Outlander in new directions. "The Custom of the Army" begins with Lord John Grey being shocked by an electric eel and ends at the Battle of Quebec. Then comes "The Space Between," where it is revealed that the Comte St. Germain is not dead, Master Raymond appears, and a widowed young wine dealer escorts a would-be novice to a convent in Paris. In "A Plague of Zombies," Lord John unexpectedly becomes military governor of Jamaica when the original governor is gnawed by what probably wasn't a giant rat. "A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows" is the moving story of Roger MacKenzie's parents during World War II. In "Virgins," Jamie Fraser, aged nineteen, and Ian Murray, aged twenty, become mercenaries in France, no matter that neither has yet bedded a lass or killed a man. But they're trying. "A Fugitive Green" is the story of Lord John's elder brother, Hal, and a seventeen-year-old rare book dealer with a sideline in theft, forgery, and blackmail. And finally, in "Besieged," Lord John learns that his mother is in Havana -- and that the British Navy is on their way to lay siege to the city.… (more)
User reviews
featuring the resolutely silly "bulges."
The first back story offers the surprise of Lord John Grey accidentally shooting a man
and getting banished to Canada where he witnesses the incredible Scottish climb
to the Citadel to set the stage for winning The Battle of Quebec. 5 Stars
Next comes a boring bulge,"The Space Between, followed by the annoying, improbable,
and equally boring "Plague of Zombies." 1 Star each.
The fourth relates what actually happened in the deaths of Roger's MacKenzie's parents.
Okay at 3 stars.
"Virgins" has a promising title which never resolves and results in confusion and an odd ending.
2 stars
"Fugitive Green" seeks missing mother with the first chapter giving the most inviting
of all the tales featuring Soeur Emmanuele, some slow-moving business contacts
for a mysterious father and covering for Jamie and The Stuarts.
Where were the O'Higginses when Esme went to visit her Mother?
4-5 stars
Last one was absurdly contrived except for the plants and glasshouses. 2 stars
All were good, but I particularly enjoyed the story about Roger McKenzie's father in "A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows" which seemed to be one of the shorter stories. It's a glimpse into the WWII air efforts, spying, and time travel. I also enjoyed "Virgins" a story of early mercenary life for Jamie Fraser and his friend, Ian Murray.
The one story that surprised me was about John Gray and zombies in "A Plague of Zombies" an account of what happened to him in Jamaica. Other stories of John and of his brother Hal, also hold surprises. I recommend this book.