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Dragonfly
Dean Koontz

Dragonfly

Quick Answer

"Dragonfly" is an optional companion work. It can be read at any time, though it is usually best enjoyed after reading the first few core novels of the Standalone Novels.

Quick Verdict

🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot

❓ Can I skip this book?
✅ Yes — Optional

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Verdict Insight: While this novella provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.

Is this helpful?
20153926 ppNovellaOptional Side Story
There's never been a better time to discover the novels behind the blockbuster Starz original series <i>Outlander</i>. Blending rich historical fiction with riveting adventure and a truly epic love story, here are the first four books of Diana Gabaldon's <i>New York Times</i> bestselling saga that introduced the world to the brilliant Claire Randall and valiant Highlander Jamie Fraser: <p> <b>OUTLANDER</b><br> <b>DRAGONFLY IN AMBER</b><br> <b>VOYAGER</b><br> <b>DRUMS OF AUTUMN</b> <p> Scottish Highlands, 1945. Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach--an "outlander"--in a Scotland torn by war and raiding clans in the year of Our Lord . . . 1743. Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of a world that threatens her life, and may shatter her heart. Marooned amid danger, passion, and violence, her only chance of safety lies in Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior. What begins in compulsion becomes urgent need, and Claire finds herself torn between two very different men, in two irreconcilable lives. <p> <b>Praise for Diana Gabaldon's Outlander novels</b> <p> "Marvelous and fantastic adventures, romance, sex . . . perfect escape reading."<b>--<i>San Francisco Chronicle</i></b><i>, </i> on <i>Outlander</i><br> <i> </i><br> "History comes deliciously alive on the page."<b>--New York <i>Daily News</i></b><i>, </i>on<i> Outlander</i> <p> "Gabaldon is a born storyteller. . . . The pages practically turn themselves."<b>--<i>The Arizona Republic</i></b><i>, </i>on<i> Dragonfly in Amber</i><br> <i> </i><br> "Triumphant . . . Her use of historical detail and a truly adult love story confirm Gabaldon as a superior writer."<b>--<i>Publishers Weekly</i></b><i>, </i>on <i>Voyager</i><br> <i> </i><br> "Unforgettable characters . . . richly embroidered with historical detail."<b>--<i>The Cincinnati Post</i></b><i>, </i>on <i>Drums of Autumn</i>
Next Recommended Book

Hanging On

Book #1975.3 of 524 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Standalone Novels conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Dragonfly?

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Can I read Dragonfly before Ask Anna?

Yes. Dragonfly is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is Dragonfly required reading for the Standalone Novels?

No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.

What comes after Dragonfly in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Dragonfly is Hanging On (Book #1975.3).