I almost feel as though I should do a jig because I have branched out from Outlander and read another romance with a highlander – Genevieve Graham’s debut novel Under The Same Sky. Under The Same Sky has similar elements to Outlander (paranormal elements, highlanders, Culloden) but Genevieve Graham’s book is NOT a doorstopper.
Under The Same Sky
Maggie lives in Pre-Revolutionary South Carolina and has a strange ability. She can see the future. She has also seen the same boy her whole life in visions despite never meeting him. Andrew is a Scottish highlander who excels at finding lost objects. All his life he has envisioned a girl he has never met — you guessed it, Maggie. Under The Never Sky by Genevieve Graham alternates between Maggie’s point of view and Andrew’s point of view. Both characters come to experience extreme tragedy and loss. Through their visions they help each other survive. Will they ever get to meet under the same sky? (Sorry I could not resist a title drop!!)
I enjoyed Graham’s debut. So many of the romance novels I read have privileged heroes and heroines – especially because I read books about the ton. It was an interesting experience reading about characters who are NOT members of nobility, but how actually struggle financially. Maggie is definitely in poverty and totally at that point in life where she is between a rock and a hard place. Plus! Yay! America! Which yes, gets exclamation points. I want to read more historical romances set in America.
What I also liked were the parts in Under The Same Sky featuring the Cherokee Native Americans. I like that Genevieve Graham didn’t make the Cherokee invisible or mystical. It didn’t feel like she misappropriated a culture. Instead the Cherokee characters are three dimensional rather than cardboard cutouts. I won’t go in depth because I don’t want to spoil the book for you, just trust that the Cherokee play a HUGE role.
However, I want to put it out there that if you are a sexual assault survivor, one of the scenes at the beginning may trigger you. Yet, there are not any graphic sexual scenes in Under The Same Sky. SO, if you want to try a historical romance, but are reluctant because of the sexytimes, then maybe you should read Under The Same Sky.
Otherwise, Under The Same Sky by Genevieve Graham is a fantastic read based on an interesting premise and it is a great follow up to Outlander. I know, I keep comparing it to Outlander, but friends, that’s my ONLY basis of comparison. I look forward to whatever Graham comes up with next because her genre bending definitely worked for me.
Disclosure: Received for review.
Other Reviews of Under The Same Sky:
at the time of writing this review — I have not seen any. Drop me a link if you have posted one.
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No graphic sexytimes, huh? THAT sure makes it different from Outlander.
“Will they ever meet under the same sky?” HA! You kill me.
This one really does sound pretty engaging, I may just have to check it out. I’m always up for some highlander lovin’.
I read this book and found it compelling – let me just say: I finished it after 3 a.m. It should come with a warning label that you may lose sleep reading to see how this talented author brings the story in for landing. Liked your review of this book. Wonder – do I now read the Outlander?
Yes! Read Outlander. I am positive that if you liked Under The Same Sky, you will like Outlander 😀
Hey Allison
Sorry – no graphic sexytimes this time. I’m pretty sure I only used the word “thrust” once, and it had to do with an actual metal sword … heh heh I’ve never been able to write graphic sex scenes (I’m just fine with reading them!) but I’ll keep working on it. The second book has a really cute one for a “first time” and I know I blushed through every word.
Ann – you haven’t read Outlander? I thought you had! You definitely have to read Gabaldon’s genius work. She’s the reason I started writing in the first place. She’s brilliant. Did I mention she’s awesome? lol
I need to get back into romance more, it’s been forever since I picked one up. I love that this doesn’t have graphic sexytimes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m far from prude. lol, but I find sometimes romance has too much of it. Like every other chapter they have to stop the story so they can mount each other. I like the sex as more of a side thing, and the romance and plot as the main focus. So I think I will really like this one.
Don’t think I have read Outlander. I would have to look it up. Back in the day I read every romance I could get my hands on, so they have all blended together over the years. 🙂
would have never guessed this was set in america based on the cover.. I like the castle in the backround! And I love her dress. yellow is my fav color.
April – “Outlander” is a must – especially for anyone who loves adventure. Ms Gabaldon is my idol!
The cover of my book is gorgeous, isn’t it? Penguin designed it and I love it, though I really don’t think it has much to do with the story.
I really enjoyed “Under the Same Sky”, but I wouldn’t put it in the same category as “Outlander”. They’re far from the same type of book in my opinion. If you want a good read with a little history mixed with adventure, Scotland, America and adventure, read it, but if you’re looking for sex on every other page, read “Outlander”. As soon as Claire and Jamie are forced to be married, the entire story comes to a halt, so they can mount each other every second page. After the rape scene, I felt like killing Jamie myself, threw the book against the wall and swore I’d never read another by that author. Just my opinion. The book was a total disappointment.