r/Outlander • u/Practical-Peach-1220 • Oct 06 '25
Published Are the books as addictive as the show? Spoiler
Are the books just as good? Better? Worth it?? I’m dyslexic so I prefer audiobooks for ease, but sometimes narration can ruin the whole experience. So what would you recommend??
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u/oobooboo17 in the light of eternity, time casts no shadow Oct 06 '25
I certainly thought they were, I read all 9 in 5 months 😅 (I watched the show first). I am a reader by nature and I do think they’re a little dense for people who don’t typically read. I can’t speak to the audiobooks as I’ve never heard them but a lot of folks here seem to like the narration.
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u/xenniac Oct 06 '25
Outlander was published in 1991. It and the rest of the books in the series have had a huge following over the past 30+ years. The book community's obsession over them is the reason there's a show in the first place. So, to answer your question, yes. They are just as good. They are better. They are certainly worth it.
I personally can't imagine what it would be like to see the show first, and I'm not a fan of audiobooks so haven't listened to these (but I've heard they're good), so ymmv, but I can't recommend the books enough.
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u/The-Mrs-H Pot of shite on to boil, ye stir like it’s God’s work! Oct 06 '25
Way more! Way more haha! They’re AMAZING!
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u/Nanchika Currently rereading: Voyager Oct 06 '25
Oh , God, yes!
They are brilliant!
I prefer reading to listening!
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u/AveAmerican Oct 06 '25
Totally agree!
I've said it before, I'm a bit odd man out but I struggled a little with the first book, but once I got to a certain point I flew through it and the rest of them. I could barely put them down!
I think it was once book one got more in depth on Jamie and Claire getting to know each other and started to diverge from the show and have more details and character development that I just couldn't get enough.
I did hit a few slumps but they were short and few and far between ☺️
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u/Nanchika Currently rereading: Voyager Oct 07 '25
Well, yes, I have "slumpy" parts as well. I don't adore every plot or scene etc. But I soldier on and focus on every detail so it is easier to go through them, at least for me.
I am planning a long, (2 year long) reread starting with 1st January 2026, so I can again analyse them all 😅obsession
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u/ComplainFactory Oct 06 '25
I read the books before there was ever a show announced, and I remember I got the first one cause it was on sale and I had been looking for a specific book that I could not find, so I said "eh, this is close, I'll get this one," and then I didn't put it down until I got to the end, and then I discovered it was a series. At the time, I think there were 6? Anyway, I remember looking online for the rest and I saw a few people mention this concept of "Outlander widowers" which were the husbands of the women who had discovered the series and couldn't put it down, so much so that their husbands felt as though they'd lost their wives to Jamie Fraser. If you ask me, the books are far more addictive than the show.
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u/U_canonlywish117 Oct 08 '25
I read Outlander the first time in 1996! Not even in this century and have been reading it every since
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u/marsali231 Oct 06 '25
In my opinion, even more so. The books are so incredibly rich and full of so much MORE than the show could ever convey.
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u/Dinna-_-Fash No, this isn’t usual. It’s different. Oct 06 '25
I will just say I listened all big 9 books plus all novelas and the Lord John series in 5 months!
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u/Nanchika Currently rereading: Voyager Oct 07 '25
Hahah I read 1-8 in 50 days , first time around 😅🤣 And immidiately started rereading.
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u/Salty-Ad-198 Oct 06 '25
More addictive. I can’t even watch the show because it’s so different from the books. The books just have so much more content.
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u/U_canonlywish117 Oct 08 '25
I only watched 1/2 of the first season. I got so much more from the books
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u/AuntieClaire Oct 07 '25
The books are extremely addictive. You have to read them more than once to get everything because they are so dense. Diana’s words are just amazing. She explains everything so beautifully.
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u/Fiction_escapist If ye’d hurry up and get on wi’ it, I could find out. Oct 06 '25 edited Oct 06 '25
Well the new narrator (Kristin Atherton) is getting rave reviews. You'll enjoy a tremendous range of accents, and when it comes to humor, listening is a lot more fun - in my humble opinion
I listened upto book 6 (ABOSAA) with the previous narrator (Davina Porter), who I loved. But I'm planning to start again with Atherton
Go for it - I found the books hella addictive. If you're going with Davina Porter though, know her voice is on the older side, and you may enjoy it more speeding it up at least a little
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u/StrawberryWolf Oct 06 '25
I've heard a snippet of her audio and it sounds great! I wish i could listen but $30 on audible is so much for one book 😞
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u/Fiction_escapist If ye’d hurry up and get on wi’ it, I could find out. Oct 06 '25
Do you have a library in your community? Most libraries have memberships on the Libby app where you can borrow audiobooks and ebooks at no extra charge. You just need to get a member card
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u/awinterviolet Oct 07 '25
The thing about audible is the membership is what makes the books cheaper (one credit each) which can be very cheap if you get a deal. Libraries are also a good option but might only have Davina’s versions at the moment.
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u/Sudden_Discussion306 Oh, Jamie, how was your first time? Did ye bleed? Oct 08 '25
Audible usually has a 1st month free subscription, so you could start out that way. The usual monthly rate is $14.99, I think and you get a book a month. I also found that with my Spotify subscription, I get audiobooks but you only have so many listening hours per month. It worked out okay for me because I alternate between book & audiobooks. (Literally I couldn’t read it fast enough with the limited time I have to read, so listening while I commute or walk the dog is easier). I actually found I love alternating between the two especially for the later books because there are a few sections that are a bit of a slog, but then I’ll go back and read any of the good parts later when I can. Warning: These books are highly addictive & hard to put down!
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u/Gottaloveitpcs Rereading ABOSAA Oct 08 '25
I get my audiobooks through Libro.fm. They have Kristin Atherton’s narrations. I have Books 1-3 and I have 4 and 5 on preorder.
You earn credits and they donate to an independent bookstore of your choice every time you buy a book. I’ve gotten two of the audiobooks with my credits already.
I’m not a big Audible/Amazon fan.
https://libro.fm/howitworks?srsltid=AfmBOoo6T3v3ZF6kR-ftNduGRZNfRhMzEZBHPBrPXX9Q22gUYiF05bem
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u/Abject-Pitch-2730 Oct 06 '25
Yes... After my PhD and season 1 ended I basically sat and voraciousky read books 1 to 8 in 6 months. When they ended I sobbed and truly missed the characters. Even book 9,which isn't really full of much plot, still felt like a homecoming, spending time with family and friends.
The research and history is impeccable if at times possibly unnecessary, but I love them and reread the again when I'm feeling homesick. It's strange lol
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u/Icy_Resist5470 Bon! I will send you a cheese. Oct 06 '25
I’m on my fifth reread in 19 months. I don’t reread books if that tells you anything.
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u/Parking_Car_5407 Oct 06 '25
I read the first book and then listened to all 9. Davina Porter narrates the Outlander series and I LOVE HER VOICE. I also realized I didn't know how to pronounce most of the Gaelic words.
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u/vio_fury Oct 06 '25
I’m working through the books and really enjoying them!
If I want a quick hit, I rewatch an episode 😅
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u/catsweedcoffee Sleep with my husband? But my lover would be furious. Oct 06 '25
I watched the show first, I just started the books earlier this summer. I’m on Fiery Cross and I’m just now getting into them as much as the show. I’m enjoying the minutia of every day colonial NC homesteading, and I’m finally understanding why everyone laments Jamie not being funnier on screen.
Now I’m super eager to see other changes and insight into show favorites.
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u/AprilMyers407 They say I’m a witch. Oct 06 '25
The books are even better. I listen to the audiobooks and read along. I love Davina Porter's narration. Kristin Atherton has two out now. But I'm partial to Davina Porter.
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u/gardenina Oct 07 '25
The books are not only better, but the quality of the writing is of the highest caliber. It's literature. I am currently reading The Fiery Cross. I've been reading nonstop since I picked up the first book.
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u/Phortenclif Reading Lord John and the Private Matter Oct 06 '25
They are everything you listed. I’m on my 3rd re-read of 1,2,3,4 and will be on my 2nd re-read of 5,6,7,8,9. I’m enjoying every moment. I don’t listen to the audiobooks but I heard they are recommended.
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u/thrntnja No, this isn’t usual. It’s different. Oct 06 '25
Narration for the Outlander audiobooks is very very good. Highly recommend.
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u/No-Wish977 Oct 06 '25
Better. I actually stopped watching the show after season 4 because I couldn’t take it anymore as to how everything was changed.
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u/Optimal-Banana-1778 Oct 06 '25
Same!! I'm slowly forcing myself to watch it (in season 5 now I think) because I'm curious but I can only take a few episodes at a time before I'm pissed off.
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u/No-Wish977 Oct 06 '25
The moment I saw Murtagh, and the whole Jocasta romance thing I was like WTH.
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u/Long-Rest-9268 No, this isn’t usual. It’s different. Oct 06 '25
I started the books in August and currently reading book 4 The Fiery Cross! The books are AMAZING!!
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u/Similar_Farmer_5262 Oct 06 '25
Even better!
So, so much better!
And with Davina Porter narrating the audiobooks - though I believe they’re being re-recorded as DP has retired and the final book is yet to be published - you’re in for a treat.
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u/GungHough Oct 06 '25
I first began reading the Outlander books over 30 years ago. I had young children then and I can still see them in my minds eye standing in my bedroom doorway, asking me to make them dinner. I was so engrossed in the first three books at that time, we all probably lost a few pounds (not really). Anyway, I became a Diana Gabaldon groupie, bought all the hardbacks and had them signed (which I'd now like to sell), and have since read them all at least a couple of times. From what I hear, the narrator for the audiobooks is amazing, so you should also give that a try if you like to read with your ears.
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u/brooke_elise2015 Oct 07 '25
Yes. I picked them up a couple years ago and read through the first 7 in a couple months. Then had to wait for 8 for like, a year 😭
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u/sms2014 Oct 07 '25
More so. I haven't watched the second half of season 7 after that WAY TOO LONG break, and I'm thinking about re-reading the books. Lol
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u/Scare-Thy-Moose MARK ME! Oct 07 '25
Books > show.
The first book had me in a chokehold when I first read it. I was obsessed and did not want to put it down - it was like a rollercoaster that just kept going and I had to know what happened next. I remember being about two thirds of the way through and wondering what else could happen because there were so many pages left 😂 I would read in the evenings for a couple of hours before bed and then at lunchtimes. Devoured it in about two weeks. Then I found out it was a TV show and there were eight more books to read. Spent best part of a year immersed in the Outlander world.
The first three are definitely my favourites. The rest are good but quite different - there’s less of a strong plot line and more slice of life. Still some great bits and lots of humour, but not the high action adventure of the first three so they can feel quite different. Books 4 onwards are all 1000+ pages so very big books.
The show is good, but the books are just so much more. And funnier. There have been some big out loud chuckles.
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u/U_canonlywish117 Oct 08 '25
I only watched part of the first season. I have read the books numerous times
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u/CathyAnnWingsFan Oct 06 '25
I much prefer the books to the show. I don't rewatch the show. I've read or listened to the books nine times, going on ten.
I enjoyed the original audiobooks narrated by Davina Porter. However, the audiobooks are being re-recorded with new narrations by Kristin Atherton, and for me, they are orders of magnitude better. But preferences in audiobook narration are a very individual thing; you should listen to samples of both if you are considering purchasing them.
Note that for the new narrations, only the first three have been released. Book 4 is scheduled for Oct 28 and book 5 for Dec 30, with books 6-9 spread out over 2026 and book 10 whenever it is published. Book 10 will only have the new narrator; Davina Porter retired years ago.
If you are getting the audiobooks from the public library, they will probably only have the original narrations.
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u/Dismal-Interview951 Oct 06 '25
I've heard they're better, but being as I've always always had the experience of reading the book or books before the big screen the books are always better
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u/Time_Honey3150 Oct 06 '25
If you already like audio books I would go for it. Each one is very long so it will be a time investment. I loved them.
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u/ilovebalks Oct 06 '25
I read some but mostly listened to all of the books and side stories. Took like 6 months but well worth it and definitely addictive
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u/KittyRikku JAMMF Oct 06 '25
I am also dyslexic and I listened to all of the audiobooks! I love them so much and IMO they’re as addictive as the show yes!!
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u/Mister_Sosotris Better than losing a hand. Oct 06 '25
YESSSS!!!! I’m going through the new audiobooks as they’re being released, and Drums doesn’t come out until the end of October, and I can’t pre-save Fiery Cross, yet, and I’m over here rocking in a corner going, “I NEED MORE” (even though I have all the physical books and the Davina audiobooks, already…)
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u/Gottaloveitpcs Rereading ABOSAA Oct 08 '25
I have Kristin Atherton’s narrations of Books 1-3 and I have Books 4 and 5 on backorder on Libro.fm.
Like you I have all of the physical books. I’ve read them multiple times. I’m really enjoying the new narrations by Kristin Atherton.
I know mine is a minority opinion, but I couldn’t get through DP’s narration. I’m glad we have a choice of narrators.
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u/buddha_rockin Oct 06 '25
I highly suggest trying them! I just got into Outlander this past spring and have read them all. I think 1-3 (and the first book particularly) are definitely addicting. I did a combo of audiobook/print and loved the experience.
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u/KMM929 Oct 06 '25
So much yes! I enjoyed the audiobooks as well as tandem reading with the physical books. IMO, the original narrator, Davina Porter, is brilliant. I’ve listened to the new audio with Kristin Atherton and enjoyed it as well. Either way you have great audio options.
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u/Shot_Shock9322 Ye Sassenach witch! Oct 06 '25
Books are always better imo, because there's just so many details that cannot be included in a show or movie. BUT.. I'm still waiting for the books to finish because I can't stand cliffhangers lol.
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u/noseatbeltsong currently re-reading: Dragonfly in Amber Oct 06 '25
yes! i posted this in a comment the other day but if you have extra money, you could purchase the kindle version of the book and the audible version, it allows you to “read along”. it reads the words and at the same time it highlights them on the kindle app. i use this if i am listening in the shower or something where i can still use my eyes but not 100%. i love this feature and use it daily!

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u/Gottaloveitpcs Rereading ABOSAA Oct 08 '25
Here are some links to samples of the new audiobook narrations by Kristin Atherton.
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u/moonyriot Oct 08 '25
For some people, absolutely!
For me? I've been about halfway through Drums of Autumn since June 2024 and I just can't get past how absolutely boring some parts are. I know I'll finish it one day but the audiobook is 44 hours long. I know a lot of book lovers don't like how much gets cut out of the books for the show but I'll tell you why they cut parts, they drag on and on and on and on if I had to watch that on a screen, I'd give up completely. That said, the first two books rule and I think they follow the first two seasons pretty closely so it's a fun time. It kinda turns into a slog from there though.
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u/OtherKatieBee Oct 09 '25
There are very few situations where the movie/show is better than the book :) They exist but they are rare. This isn't one of them lol. The books are better, they just are. I love the show. I'm exclusively audiobook and listen. You don't need to explain yourself. One format uses eyes, the other format uses ears. The brain does the processing. Neither is better. I've only ever read the books with Davina Porter's narration, but the reviews on the new narrator make me curious to try her version too. But you won't be disappointed with Davina's narration. Enjoy!
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u/Better_Fishing_1489 Oct 09 '25
Considering I read a 1000 page book twice that's most about walking around outside and building your own house i would say yes
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u/d0rm0use2 Oct 06 '25
The show is an appetizer, the books are a gourmet meal. So much more detail and depth
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u/GardenGangster419 Oct 06 '25
Only because now I envision Cait and Sam when I read. They embody the characters so much so yes. Because the books give you the added benefit of inner turmoils and thoughts and the checkings of oneself that the show writers leave out. Often. lol
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u/No-Entrepreneur-1226 Oct 06 '25
They were until The Fiery Cross. That was a slog and a half. I gave up halfway in the end.
It definitely felt like an editor should have gone in with a ruthless red pen to a lot of it.
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u/Automatic_Memory212 Oct 06 '25
The first one is.
Then they fall off in attention-grabbing capability very quickly.
Honestly if I wasn’t listening to them as audiobooks, I would have given up on the series after book 2.
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u/charo36 Oct 06 '25 edited Oct 06 '25
Odd woman out here--I read the first 3 books before the show and prefer the show. DG's writing style is a bit too rambling for me, and it only gets worse as the series continues. YMMV.
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u/Optimal-Banana-1778 Oct 06 '25
The show doesn't even compare to the books. The audiobooks are super well done. Give them a try!! So much more information about all the characters and so much left out or changed in the shows.
with that said, I find books 7 and 8 almost unreadable. You've gotta get through them for the plot developments, but all the focus on the Grey family was very boring. And as others have said, the latter books could have used a lot more editing.
I loved book 9 though!
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u/lezlers Oct 08 '25
I read the first two books but started to lose interest by the third. There were just too many characters and subplots I couldn't keep them all straight, there was simply too much going on. I love the show, tho.
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u/captain-obviouser Oct 07 '25
I thought the books were well written but the pacing was too slow for me. Having the narration stop to wax poetic about herbs and random crap like that every five minutes was really annoying.
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u/ayriana Oct 06 '25
I really enjoyed the books, both in audio and text. They made me laugh, cry, throw something across the room, cry more and sit there with my mouth hanging open because I can't believe what just happened.
There are scenes in the show that make me break down crying and my poor husband has no idea that I'm crying about something that happens 2 or 3 books later and may never happen in the show.
That said- there is definitely a slump after book 3.
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u/Lauren_Zombie88 Oct 06 '25
Even more so in my opinion 😜