I’ve been deep into the '
outlander' universe for years, and 'Virgins' is one of those gems that adds layers to characters we already love. It’s a novella focusing on young Jamie Fraser and Ian Murray during their time as mercenaries in France, long before Claire enters the picture. The story gives us a raw, unfiltered look at Jamie’s early struggles—his loyalty, his sense of honor, and the scars (both physical and emotional) that shape him. It’s fascinating to see how Diana Gabaldon weaves these threads into the larger tapestry of the series, especially when you spot callbacks in later books.
What really stuck with me was how 'Virgins' humanizes Jamie in a way the main series sometimes doesn’t. Here, he’s not yet the legendary 'Red Jamie' or Claire’s rock; he’s a vulnerable young man making brutal choices. Ian’s presence adds warmth and humor, balancing the darkness. If you’re a fan of the series, it’s a must-read for the extra depth, but even as a standalone, it’s a gripping historical fiction piece. Plus, spotting how tiny details from this story resurface in 'Outlander' feels like uncovering Easter eggs.