Outsider Paperback – July 7, 2014

The world in this story is a familiar one if you've read any high fantasy, so I'm glad not too much time was spent elaborating on all the stuff we're familiar with (magic, wizards, dwarves). But there are some really interesting details that deserved some time (unique creatures, magical items and cultural details), which I feel was done quite well and unpretentiously.I feel the characters are also quite different and interesting for how scarred and flawed they are... I would've expected them more in a post-apocalyptic survival story than a fantasy epic. I definitely appreciate the strong female protagonist and I think her traveling companions are quite compelling as well, though I was left scratching my head at the 3000-year-old wizard with evidently no emotional intelligence. I found myself quite easily captivated and I did enjoy taking a [rather difficult and often horrible-sounding] journey through the world with the characters.My main issue was with the pacing of the story. The first half of the book was well-paced, but then it started zooming and I began feeling like the storyline itself was being chased by goblins too. Overall, there were enough details, characters and subplots to fit three volumes, so things felt too undeveloped at many points. I think it also detracted from character development and the very serious traumas that the characters experienced. I liked the characters enough to really want to feel their highs and lows along with them, this was just not possible in every case because there were SO MANY, especially towards the end. This was a real shame because it meant the book ended on a weakness, rather than a strength. I was also really thrown by how quickly the romance developed, though perhaps we will be taken down a very different and surprising track with that.Overall, this is a nice and quick read for a LOT of adventure, as long as you're not the type to get hung up on less-than-perfect technical skills in the writing and editing. I am eagerly awaiting the next volume and do hope the author keeps writing and developing her style.

This book was a pure, wondrous adventure.The world that Klaire has created contains a certain relatability and realism that some fantasy authors fail to create. The main characters all had their own strengths and weaknesses that made them feel real and relatable, as all well-crafted, fictional individuals should. They also develop and interact naturally, as though they wrote themselves rather than being forced into submission to fit a strict outline.Reading this book was a joy and I frequently struggled to put it down. There was not a hint of becoming bored with the story and I almost wish that it was longer so I could have savored the world that was created during the read.I simply cannot wait for the next installment and look forward to whatever the wonderful author creates next.

I haven't read many fantasy style books but I did enjoy this one a lot. It reminded me of Skyrim, probably because of the names. Hahaha But the book was good. I recommended it to my significant other already. ^_^My only complaint would be the grammar. It was quite distracting but I can't really give you too much trouble on it since this is your first published book! I can only imagine you will move higher up from here!! ^_^I've been watching her on Youtube for years. Of course, I had to purchase this to show my support! ^_^-Stacy Dajani

I heard Klaire had written a book and I bought it that day. It took two days for me to finish it, I was so enchanted by the world and characters she had created. Now when I heard it was about elves and dwarfs and goblins, I feared a story that was too closely related to the Lord of the Rings books. Not the case, while still magical, Klaire's world has an entirely different tone about. It's easy to see that all the small details have been carefully thought through.

This is a well told story, and while it's reminiscent overall of other works in the genre it's a fresh and interesting take on the fantasy genre. All the characters have lots of depth even the minor characters have at least 2 or 3 dimensions to them. Only negative thing is it too short (but I'm relieved to hear that the next book is coming july 14th), and somewhat slow paced in that the main "journey" is barely started during this book. But all the backstory and detours is interesting and emotional. The characters feel very real, behaving both irrational and rationally in a realistic way.

I enjoyed reading the book. I thought it had an interesting storyline and main character. I’m looking forward to buying the next book to see what happens next.

Very cool story. I know this is the first book that Klaire has ever written and it's a very good first effort. I loved the names and unique places. Very literal, and graffic blood and gore, but I didn't mind. Overall a fresh, and creative story, that will take you to places you've never been. Good job Klaire!

I love this youtuber and when she announced that she released the book I was more than ecstatic to buy it. The book has some really good parts that can capture you. But alas the ending was not very satisfactory. I mean from where it left I want to know what happen did jarl complete his task, did goblins attack. I was not happy with the end. It felt very incomplete to me. But still a book u must read if u like fantasy it has a very "Lotr" feel to it

I first got this book because I was really inspired by the authors makeup/ art channel on YouTube and was excited to see if the characters she brought to life in writing were as magical and interesting as the characters she created with makeup, and I wasn't at all disappointed. I hardly ever write reviews, but I was so amazed by the depth and imagination that went into the characters and the world they lived in that I just had to praise it. Outsider really is a fantastic read (I finished it in a day) and it's all the more impressive when you consider the age of the author and the fact it is her first ever novel. I can't wait for the next book!

Outsider has all the right parts of a truly thrilling story. An exciting plot, a good structure, talented writing and the most brilliant characters. The characters really make the book and have you turning page after page. Some are delightful, some are infuriating and most compelling of all is Astrid, whose story will touch you and who will really worm her way into your heart! She's a very realistic and relatable character in a world of goblins and elves and it's a testament to her and the writing that it took me next to no time to devour this book. I will definitely recommend it to my friends and now I can't wait for book 2, Defiance to arrive! Keep writing, Klaire, I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Loved the story, I was completely hooked. Astrid is an amazing character, multi faceted and somewhat relatable for me personally.I'm eager to read Defiance next!I would also like to add a well done to Klaire, I know, for, following her blog and YouTube channel, that she has dyslexia. This book was incredibly well written and you've done an amazing job, despite your circumstance. You should be so proud of yourself!!

Great fiction depends on great characters - and Klaire de Lys's characters are truly great. Although I never normally read fantasy fiction, I still found myself engaged enough by the Kindle sample and the characters to dig into the whole thing. It's an awesome journey and the beginning of an epic-scale story, fuelled by the author's crystal-clear understanding of psychology and obvious empathy with her characters.If I can be won over by a fantasy book, then fantasy buffs are likely to love it that much more. Definitely recommended reading.

I have been following the author on YouTube for many years and when I discovered she had written a book I had to read it. It was truly worth buying.I would definitely recommend this book and I am really looking forward to the reading the next one and the rest of the Outside series