The Exile: An Outlander Graphic Novel by Diana Gabaldon and Hoang Nguyen

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey Books (1 Sep 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345505387
• ISBN-13: 978-0345505385

Diana Gabaldon’s brilliant storytelling has captivated millions of readers in her bestselling and award-winning Outlander saga. Now, 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—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. 
    
Step into the captivating, passionate, and suspenseful world of The Exile, and experience the storytelling magic of Diana Gabaldon as never before.

Cover:  A beautiful, stunning hardback cover.

Outlander is taking over my life.
I'm actually obsessed with it.
I read the first book, Cross Stitch a few weeks ago- and loved it.
Then I started watching the TV show- in love with it.  
And then I found myself reaching for the graphic novel.
As soon as I saw that it was Outlander from Jamie's point of view- I knew I was going to read it.
And I loved it.
It's not the whole of the first book- I would say it ends at about the halfway point of the actual novel.
But for me, it was worth it.
There was subtle differences, and the different POV's meant that you got more all round knowledge of what is going on, then rather just through Claire's perspective.
The art was enjoyable.  Not completely stand out, but it did definitely add something.
I highly recommend it for fans of Outlander, but people should definitely know that it is not the entire first book re-told.  But I definitely hope that a second graphic novel will be released.  Fingers crossed.
4.5/5 stars.

Read on November 11, 2014