The Exile

An Outlander Graphic Novel

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—or his life—and Dougal, war chieftain of Clan MacKenzie, 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.

But even as Jamie’s heart draws him to Claire, Murtagh is certain she’s been sent by the Old Ones, and Captain Randall accuses her of being a spy. Claire clearly has something to hide, though Jamie can’t believe she could pose him any danger. Still, he knows she is torn between two choices—a life with him, and whatever it is that draws her thoughts so often elsewhere.

If you have been a visitor here in the past, you know that I LOVE, absolutely love, Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. I was excited to learn that a story would be published from Jamies' POV. When I learned it would be a graphic novel, I was all the more intrigued as I have never read one. Being unfamiliar with graphics was a bit distracting as I got the hang of "reading".  Hoang Nguyen did a fantastic job of illustrating, even though Jamie and Claire are not how I pictured them in my mind.  There were times I had to really look at the pictures to figure out who was talking as a few of the characters looked too much alike. Being so familiar with Outlander made this easier to read and understand.  Someone not so familiar, I feel may be a little lost.  I enjoyed all the background information included.