Virgins

Jamie backstories are a rare, precious glimpses in the Outlanderverse, so this was a light-hearted, welcome peek into Jamie and Ian's youth, when they left Scotland to become mercenaries in France and "see the world," so-to-speak. Despite this novella placed in position #0.5 in the series, I wouldn't recommend it as a reader's first taste, as if you aren't already familiar with these characters there won't be sufficient time to really understand or care about them and it may just seem silly — best to think of it strictly as bonus material. I was surprised to see a reference to the Ladino language in this work as I had just encountered it in the other book I was reading at the same time (Ninth House), a pleasant literary coincidence! show more Recommended, for already-fans. show less

This book is set before Jamie and Claire meet. Jamie and his friend Ian are in France and earn their keep as mercenaries. They receive the job to accompany a beautiful bride from Bordeaux to Paris where she is to marry, but mishaps and adventures occur along the way.

This story is funny and lighthearted at times, but it also includes heavier topics and serious moments. Although it is a prequel, I think it is best to read it after book 1, "Outlander", because otherwise some of the most important back stories and reveals of that one will be spoilt, while "Virgins" will not have that much of an impact if you don't know the main characters already and care about them.

I enjoyed this novella, although the plot did not interest me that much. It show more was a tender portrayal of Jamie's and Ian's friendship, though, and revealed more about Jamie's past. I loved all of that as well as Gabaldon's style and the glimpses into the characters' lives. It is not necessary at all to read it to understand the series, but it is a nice add-on, especially for fans. show less

This novella, set prior to [Outlander] follows Jamie and Ian as they pursue their careers as mercenaries in France and the mishaps that ensue when they're assigned to guard a beautiful young Jewish woman as she travels to wed her fiance. I'd recommend reading this one after [Outlander] because while it doesn't have spoilers exactly, it will spoil the emotional impact of some of the reveals in that first novel. For example, because it takes place right after Jamie's escape after being flogged twice, there are hints at his father's death and what happened between Jenny and Randall. A fun little read that's worth picking up for fans of the series.

I loved the story about Jamie before Claire came along, with his friend Ian as two young men basically on an adventure as paid soldiers escorting a beautiful Jewish girl and an extremely valuable Torah to her new husband, but obviously nothing goes to plan!
I was really a bit peeved though when I got to the end of the story less than half the way to the end of the book, to find that the rest of the book is the first few chapters of Outlander (or Cross stitch as it is called here in UK) As I have this book in paperback AND on Kindle, both paid for I think it a bit of a swizz to pay 7.99 for half a book!!

A nice short story about Jamie Fraser and Ian Murray's time in France prior to the events of the first Outlander novel. Jamie is fresh out of his time in prison, and struggling to come to terms with what he left behind in Scotland. Joining a band of mercentaries, they find themselves assigned to escort a young Jewish bride to her betrothed and to safeguard her dowry along the way. Events unfold to reveil not everything is as it appears and makes for a good, short tale. Definitely for fans of the Outlander series.

I love JAMMF, and I love a good bromance. This short has both. It's a look at Jamie and Ian before everything that has happened in the Outlander universe. Of course the author throws in plenty of historical events to keep things interesting also.

As a stand alone story, there's not enough info to understand exactly what's going on. But it does give an interesting view of Jamie and Ian before they were who they were in Outlander.