Book six of this series saw me take a self-imposed "vacation" that lasted around three days. Just enough time to read my book club's chosen book and no more.

"A Breath of Snow and Ashes" is once again an entertaining chapter in the adventures of Jamie and Claire. However, this sixth installment has the worst title yet, and my particular version has an even worse silver cover. Series fans will find themselves saying "finally!" a lot in this book. We're delving into the American Revolution, and while it doesn't cover all the war years, we do get past the Declaration of Independence. There are also many other plotlines that reach conclusions or at least stop us from guessing.

Jamie, after waiting to keep his family safe from the Crown's agents, now has to declare his support for liberty and the rebels. This not only puts him in physical danger from those loyal to the King but also places him and his family on the opposite side of a conflict from many of their friends and relatives.

There are numerous small storylines at play here. So many that you might forget a few, only remembering when they are resolved towards the end. Jamie is juggling connections to both sides of the colonist rebellion, and when he decides to side with the rebels outright, he'll have to convince both sides that he's serious. Claire has finally found a young apprentice, Malva Christie, who is interested in learning medicine from her. But Mr. Christie is strongly opposed to his daughter's involvement, especially when Claire starts experimenting with ether.

Roger Mac takes on a bigger role in helping to settle the Protestant tenants of Frasers Ridge and decides to become a minister. Brianna is supportive, but this course of action is complicated for several reasons. Their relationship is a bit strained as they try to have a second child, and past villains resurface to threaten their family again.

Fergus has a tough time as Marsali gives birth to a dwarf child and he struggles with depression over not being able to provide for his family. Ian Murray is dealing with his own demons, and we finally learn what happened to him when he was with the Indians. Aunt Jocasta and Duncan Innes face relationship difficulties, and their slave Phaedre goes missing, followed by the theft of the secret gold in Hector Cameron's tomb. Young Lizzie Wemyss has an unprecedented role with romantic turmoil and shows courage in choosing a life that's not quite acceptable for the time.

Many characters who have been in the background are brought to the forefront, including the Browns from Brownsville, the Beardsley twins, Mr. and Mrs. Bug, the McGillivrays, and the Christies. The unifying theme of the book is the steady march towards the inevitable war, but life goes on. There's a lot of time spent looking for missing persons, and we're repeatedly reminded of how hard it was to be a woman in this era.

On a side note, there's a lot of sex in this novel, and not much of it is between consenting, unrelated adults without any exchange of money or goods. There's rape, whores, cases of the pox, threesomes, Indian women offered as gifts in pairs, incest, accusations of married men sleeping around, situations involving white slave owners and black slaves, and women turning to other women for "comfort" in jail. It made me miss the days when it was just homosexual men lusting after Jamie. Sex complicates life, and it seems to have created very complicated situations in this novel, often involving babies and questions of parentage. I could have done with a bit less of that.

More seriously, I'm trying to reconcile the frequent use of rape as a dramatic device in this series. It was a more common danger in that time period, but does it seem too frequent? Three out of our four main characters have been violated. Claire is violently beaten and raped in this book. A group of men come upon her and Marsali, burn Jamie's distillery, render Marsali unconscious, and kidnap Claire. She's ultimately beaten and raped before Jamie rescues her. Jamie has his men kill everyone they can find in vengeance.

The rape question doesn't end there as Stephen Bonnet is still lurking around. Those looking for answers to "who is Jemmy's biological father?" and "when can we kill Bonnet already?" will be pleased. The first question is answered when a mole is uncovered on Jem's head after he gets lice. Claire confirms it's hereditary, and Jem is Roger's biological child. As for Bonnet, he returns and meets his demise in this book. Gabaldon is a bit too kind to him in my opinion, but at least it's Brianna who kills him.

Moving on to the excellent men, for those who read these books to swoon over Jamie, you'll be particularly pleased with this novel. Older and wiser, he still has the passion of his youth and manages to balance it with his laird instincts as he takes care of everyone around him. One can adore him for being a romantic because he's so capable in other areas of life and his love for Claire is so pure.

My question is whether it's pure wishful thinking that we accept Jamie and Claire as believable characters, especially Jamie. Capable of being both savage and tender? Even his faults are endearing. Maybe. Mass slaughter might not be a desirable trait in a mate today, but in the scene where he leads the fight to rescue Claire, I had to acknowledge some deep-seated gender roles that make a man who can kill for the woman he loves... well, it's attractive. At least the impulse to protect what you hold dear is not gender specific.

Ultimately, this book will appeal to fans of the series. That's all it's aiming for, right? No one who hasn't read the previous books will pick this one up. Gabaldon is just trying to maintain the current readership. There's nothing truly new and amazing, but she keeps up her regular level of entertaining storytelling. The historical detail is still impressive, and the relationships are still compelling. Can she keep this momentum going through more novels? I'm impressed that things haven't gone downhill yet, so I have hope.

After a not so thrilling Book 5, there is really a lot going on in Book 6!!! It's amazing how Diana Gabaldon managed to resolve so much of the plot well at the end. I'm soooo looking forward to Book 7!

Yes, at times it was a bit too much (almost 1400 pages), but fans will love it

I don't know how Diana does it, but after 6 books, I'm still completely in love with the story.

I suffer with the protagonists and all the characters who surround them. I have to admit that at several moments in this book, I've had a really hard time. They don't have a moment of peace and tranquility.

I don't think it'll take me long to read the next book. I need to know how the story continues.

This saga is completely addictive. If you haven't read anything of it, what are you waiting for?

Diana's writing is so captivating that it keeps pulling me in with each new installment. The characters feel so real, and their struggles and triumphs make me emotionally invested. I find myself constantly on the edge of my seat, eager to see what will happen next.

I can't wait to dive into the next book and continue this amazing journey with the characters. I highly recommend this saga to anyone who loves a good story filled with adventure, romance, and drama.

This book is, by far, my absolute favorite in the series. Holy hell!

Firstly, it's important to note that this book is not for the faint of heart. There is an abundance of truly bad things that occur within its pages. They are vicious, traumatic, sad, and incredibly heavy. Nothing in this story happens lightly. In fact, when you first start reading, you can't even begin to imagine where you will end up by the time you reach the conclusion.

There is a significant focus on family and the powerful ties that bind. This not only pertains to our heroic characters but also to those around them. You get to witness the twisted ways in which decisions made can come back to haunt and the profound impact they have on those who matter most.

Some of the most harrowing events in the entire series take place within this book. However, despite the darkness, it is fast-paced and dynamic, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I have never before seen the revolution from this particular point of view, which makes it all the more captivating. I highly, highly, highly recommend this book!

4.5⭐
Just 5 minutes ago, I finished this book. An hour ago, I was crying non-stop, with a heavy heart. My soul hurts. I don't know what to expect from now on. I'm so afraid of continuing to read.
It's been a year since I started this Saga and there are only 2 books left for me..
Diana, you are sublime!

I can't believe how this story has affected me. The emotions it has evoked are so intense. I feel like I'm a part of it, experiencing every moment along with the characters. The writing is so beautiful and engaging that I couldn't put the book down.

I'm both excited and scared to see how the story will end. I don't want it to be over, but at the same time, I'm eager to know the final outcome. Diana has truly created a masterpiece with this Saga.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story that will touch their heart and make them feel a whole range of emotions.

Gabaldon's epic romantic fantasy series marches on with yet another hefty volume. The sixth installment is set in North Carolina from 1773 to 1776, as the American Revolution looms large on the horizon.

While the turmoil of this era is a significant backdrop, it's the more personal dramas of the series regulars that truly shine. From kidnappings to imprisonment and assault, Gabaldon spares no mercy in putting her characters through the ringer.

The fact that these various incidents are resolved relatively quickly gives this part of the series an episodic feel. I had expected them to consume a large portion of the plot, but the speedy resolutions were a welcome relief when dealing with what is by far the longest book I've ever read.

Admittedly, it took me nearly two weeks to finish, but I was constantly eager to return to the story at every available opportunity. You truly embark on a journey with Claire, Jamie, Brianna, and Roger. I'm satisfied with where they end up at the conclusion of this novel, and I've already ordered the next one, eagerly anticipating the chance to dive in soon.

There was a lot going on in this one!!

It was truly a whirlwind of activity. Every moment seemed to be filled with something new and exciting. People were bustling about, engaged in various tasks and conversations. The atmosphere was alive with energy and anticipation.

There were events and happenings happening left and right. Some were planned, while others seemed to occur spontaneously. It was a scene of constant motion and change.

In the midst of all this, there were also emotions running high. People were happy, excited, nervous, and sometimes even a little bit scared. But through it all, they persevered, determined to make the most of this chaotic and wonderful moment.

Overall, this one was a memorable and eventful experience that will surely be talked about for a long time to come.

This book is specifically tailored for those individuals who have a penchant for the characters and the America they inhabit.

It presents a succession of incidents that adhere to familiar themes such as kidnapping and rescue, disaster and salvation, sickness and the painstaking process of recapturing health, as well as accusation and incarceration.

Secrets are unearthed and shared, and there are sex scenes along with a rather disturbing rape scene, as yet another member of the Fraser family improbably finds themselves in the role of victim once again (one has to wonder what the odds are of three family members being raped, with one of them experiencing it twice?).

Finally, a decision is reached that fractures the family.

The author seemingly has every intention of continuing the series. However, after reading about Jamie and Claire in their advanced years, I felt compelled to go back and skim through the first book to reminisce and feel a sense of pity for the characters who have lost so much of their youth together due to the cruel twists of fate.

For the majority of the book, my initial impression was leaning towards awarding it three stars. However, when I had approximately three hundred pages remaining, I took a break for about two days. Upon returning to it, I faced a significant struggle in continuing. Due to this arduous experience, I ultimately decided to downgrade my rating to two stars.

A Breath of Snow and Ashes picks up precisely where The Fiery Cross concludes. Fraser's Ridge is gearing up for the American Revolution. Jamie, at present, is aligned with the Loyalists, yet he must delicately navigate a shift in sides. Claire, Brianna, and Roger are well-versed in the outcome of history. Nevertheless, the Highlanders in Fraser's Ridge are unwavering Loyalists, and Jamie could encounter difficulties if he suddenly throws his support behind independence. The menacing Stephen Bonnet remains at large, with the characters anticipating his return to wreak havoc.

Surprisingly, I find that there is even less of a plot compared to the previous book. This installment seems to serve primarily as a means to pass the time until 1776. And in that regard, it resembles a soap opera's dream script, filled with numerous abductions, attempted suicides, and baby daddy dramas. Given that the Outlander series prides itself on not being "just a romance book," much of A Breath of Snow and Ashes contains the familiar tropes of that genre.

Claire's first abduction is undoubtedly the most engaging part of the book. Regrettably, it never quite manages to reach that same level of excitement again. Perhaps I was simply growing weary of reading. By the time it was Brianna's turn to be abducted, my interest had waned considerably.

I never would have imagined that I would come to like Brianna and Roger. To my pleasant surprise, they are more enjoyable than I initially thought. I appreciate how they each have their own distinct areas of focus; Brianna with engineering problems and Roger with religion. I especially like the fact that Brianna isn't overly burdened by Jem and lactation in each of her narratives.

The first half of the book is centered around various instances of Claire healing and attempting to apply modern medical techniques. While the cases are interesting, it does become rather repetitive after a while. For some reason, I had the impression that Jamie had less page time than he typically does.

I thoroughly enjoyed delving deeper into Ian's past. He remains my favorite character. I would have preferred to see more interaction with the Native Americans. They were so prominent in the previous book, and now they have seemingly vanished? Although the historical backdrop is always present, I would have liked to see a more involved and stronger political plot.

When attempting to summarize the book, there isn't a whole lot of plot to draw from. There are numerous everyday scenes where the characters discuss their fears and dreams. However, there is no counterbalance provided by a larger overarching plot. The very end is somewhat intriguing, but I wasn't completely captivated by the last one hundred pages.

I suppose I'll continue reading the series. I'm curious to know what happens next. I just wish these books were shorter and more concise.

However slowly I read these 1500 pages, I can't and I just can't stop regretting when I read the last one. It is so engaging that I have the feeling that I live there somewhere, in the 18th century together with them and I never want it to end.

And when I imagine that this woman Gabaldon started the series in 1988 and each book takes at least three years... And here I am for one or two months, reading, reading - devouring 1500 pages, a complete mess. However, it is so interesting, it is stronger than me, I can't stop. I just can't!

The good news is that the seventh part is already in front of me

The sixth installment in this captivating series presents several new and exciting themes. We are reunited with familiar faces, both friends and foes. While I have always had a soft spot for these books, I must admit that I felt they had begun to lose some of their initial sparkle. However, this particular volume managed to reignite a glimmer of hope within me.

In a sense, part six piqued my curiosity and left me eager to delve into the next installment. Many storylines and characters have reached their conclusion, while others have embarked on new paths. Perhaps a new era is dawning for Jamie and Claire.

This segment of the series seemed to serve as a crucial link between the previous installments and the upcoming one. At least, that is my hope. Otherwise, I may be forced to abandon my reading journey.

I am crossing my fingers that the next book will build upon the foundation laid in this one and restore the series to its former glory. Only time will tell if my expectations will be met.

The saga unfolds further, with the specter of war looming large. Jamie and Claire are striving to find a means to navigate the approaching storm safely. The book is richly detailed with the minutiae of daily life, interspersed with events that are both traumatic and life-changing, as well as moments of humor, heartbreak, and overall satisfaction.

As is customary in these novels, numerous characters endure great hardships. In this installment, it seems to be Claire's turn to bear the brunt. The Browns resurface, this time hell-bent on vengeance. Claire is kidnapped and raped. Nevertheless, she manages to maintain her composure remarkably well, and her unwavering belief that Jamie will find her is truly endearing. It is fascinating to witness her playing mind games with her captors. The rescue scene, complete with the use of the drum and the traditional Highland yell, is simply outstanding. They undoubtedly receive their just deserts. The appearance of another traveler and the sharing of his experiences add an interesting twist to the plot.

The Loyalist Scots are pulling out all the stops in their efforts to boost support for the Crown. This includes a sort of fundraising tour by Flora MacDonald, the woman who saved Prince Charlie after Culloden. Jamie is privy to the truth of what lies ahead, yet he endeavors to remain neutral for as long as possible.

Claire persists in her work as a healer, while simultaneously attempting to introduce some modern medicine. Her experiments with ether yield both amusing moments and lasting consequences. Jamie's internal conflict is palpable as he grapples with reconciling his knowledge of the future with his honor and the oaths he has sworn. Throughout it all, the love that he and Claire share provides them with the strength they require to weather the storms.

Roger and Brianna continue to adapt to this time period, with varying degrees of success. Brianna brings her engineering expertise to the Ridge, attempting to install indoor plumbing, build a better kiln, and "invent" matches. Roger has finally found his niche, drawing on his background with the Reverend Wakefield and becoming a preacher. There are several humorous moments as he settles into the role, such as the presence of a snake during his first sermon.

Various secondary characters play roles that introduce interesting complications. Lizzie's engagement to Manfred comes to an unexpected end. As a single young woman, she attracts the attention of multiple young men, but the identity of the one she ultimately chooses and the reason behind it are quite a surprise.

Young Malva Christie has become a dedicated apprentice of Claire's, but there has always been something about her that doesn't sit right. This suspicion is later confirmed when she takes an action that divides the residents of the Ridge. Matters only worsen when Claire and Jamie are accused of murder, plunging them into further peril. The final resolution of this storyline is both sad and eerie.

Stephen Bonnet continues to make his presence felt. The Frasers and MacKenzies persist in their attempts to track him down and bring him to justice, but he remains as elusive as ever. With the assistance of someone with a grudge against Jamie, Bonnet once again gets his hands on Brianna. I greatly admired Brianna's strength of will as she does her utmost to protect herself. Bonnet continues his immoral actions, yet also reveals an unexpected vulnerability, which proves to be crucial at the end of the book.

Lord John's presence is felt throughout the novel, as he and Jamie maintain their friendship through their correspondence. This enables Jamie to stay somewhat informed about William's life. However, with Jamie's choice of sides in the impending conflict, he wishes to safeguard John from being associated with a known traitor and severs communication. But the fates have other plans for them, and bring John and the brand new lieutenant Lord Ellesmere to North Carolina, along with troops intended to quell the rebellion. Brianna receives quite a shock when she goes to see John to seek help and encounters William.

A health issue with Brianna and Roger's new daughter Amanda necessitates a significant decision on their part. What are the risks versus the benefits, and is it even feasible? I adored Jamie's comment to Jem about a mouse named Michael. The epilogue with Roger and Brianna offers a hint of their plans and reveals a surprising gift.

At the conclusion, the story behind the newspaper clipping is disclosed, along with an interesting explanation. The fate that befalls the big house is the result of the return of that other traveler. It is intense, nerve-wracking, and ultimately satisfying. There is an amusing incident involving the white sow, which appears to influence Jamie's decision regarding what to do next.

Now, on to An Echo in the Bone!