I find your reactions strange. I've read all eight books, plus the Lord John novels and a short story collection. I love the books and I'm waiting eagerly for (untitled) Book #9.
Adaptations always make me wary, especially to TV. I, like the overwhelming majority of book fans, was very pleasantly surprised. I've only watched Part 1 of Season One on Blu-Ray, so far, and will order Part 2 in the beginning of September. Because I don't get cable and can't afford the data consumption of online watching I have a long wait for
Dragonfly in Amber, which will be very different in locale and atmosphere.
Dunthule, if you'd read the books, you'd realize that the series follows the difficult and disturbing scenes very closely. Since you haven't, it's understandable. But some commentators who have, flabbergasted me by objecting to it. What did they expect? It's all in the books and it's cable TV so they don't need to tone down the content. A really silly reaction, IMO.
I recommend the STARZ series very highly. But to each their own reaction.
BTW, Diana Gabalson very strongly approves.
This is an excellent blog by the composer of the soundtrack, Bear McCreary:
http://www.bearmccreary.com/#blog/blog/outlander-sassenach/