The epic saga of Jamie and Claire continues in THE FIERY CROSS, which is filled with the trials and tribulations of our beloved characters. Gabaldon manages to keep the story interesting with the numerous twists that occur throughout the book. However, my favorite part has to be the small, intimate family moments that are scattered throughout. It's not a strange concept, especially now that there are five books in the series and the characters have come to feel like family to the reader. If you're like me, you love them and there are even moments when you hate them. But no matter what, you feel like you already know them. As Gabaldon delves into the lives of others like Brianna and Rogers, etc., everyone becomes one big family by the end.

I've been in the mood for epic romance sagas lately. After trying and enjoying THE BRONZE HORSEMAN, I immediately picked up this one and discovered that Gabaldon's writing style and voice can almost be considered a character in itself. There are so many layers to her writing, and the attention to detail in each scene is a result of the extensive research she does for these books. I read somewhere that it takes her 2-3 years to write one of these books, and it amazes me because I can only imagine that the writing process is just as long and consuming as the books are for readers. One thing is for sure... No one can write like Diana Gabaldon can.

Favorite Quote:

“Bedding her could be anything from tenderness to riot, but to take her when she was a bit the worse for drink was always a particular delight.

Intoxicated, she took less care for him than usual; abandoned and oblivious to all but her own pleasure, she would rake him, bite him – and beg him to serve her so, as well.

He loved the feeling of power in it, the tantalizing choice between joining her at once in animal lust, or of holding himself - for a time - in check, so as to drive her at his whim.”

The Fiery Cross: A Review

Where do I even begin with my review of “The Fiery Cross”, the fifth installment in Diana Gabaldon’s highly popular “Outlander” series? This series has not only captivated readers with its engaging books but has also been adapted into a highly-rated television show on Starz. After finishing this epic tale of adventure, honor, love, and family, my mind is filled with a jumble of thoughts and emotions.

Over the past two years, I have devoured the first five books in this incredibly well-written series. It encompasses a wide range of elements, including historical fiction, time travel, mystery, adventure, and of course, romance. Each of the first four books was an epic masterpiece, with a rich background, complex plotting, and strong dialog. They built upon the multi-layered mythology of the previous books, and each one seemed to outdo the last. I can attest that men can also read and enjoy the Outlander series.

As many already know, Claire Randall is a 20th-century doctor who has traveled back and forth in time through an ancient stone circle. There, she meets Jamie Fraser, an 18th-century Scot involved in the Jacobite uprising against England, and they are forced to marry. Claire later returns to the present to bear and raise their child when Jamie is assumed killed in battle. Twenty years later, when their daughter, Briana, is grown, Claire discovers that Jamie survived and risks everything to return to him through the stones. Together, they build a new life in the wilds of the North Carolina colony. Briana soon joins them in the past to meet her father, and she is followed by Roger, a close family friend who is in love with her. After much drama and intrigue, they all come together to build a family homestead on Fraser's Ridge.

“The Fiery Cross” picks up where the previous book, “Drums of Autumn”, left off. Claire, Jamie, Briana, and Roger are attending a Scottish clan gathering where Briana and Roger are set to baptize their son, Jeremiah, and make their wedding vows official. The clan gathering lasts for about 200 pages, introducing a host of new characters and setting up plotlines that will unfold throughout the book.
The rest of the book spans two years, from late 1770 to late 1772, as the war for independence approaches. Jamie finds himself reluctantly drawn into service as a militia leader to protect and defend England’s sovereignty. The story follows our four heroes as they navigate the political unrest and work to create a community and family home that they hope will survive the upcoming war. Along the way, bad things continue to happen to both Roger and Jamie, especially Roger, as a plethora of new characters are introduced. Some of these characters will resurface in key moments, while others remain in the background. For the most part, this book provides sub-plots that showcase the everyday challenges of frontier life and move the story forward towards the war for independence.
“The Fiery Cross” is a massive read, clocking in at 1,443 paperback pages. It requires patience and attention from the reader, especially at the beginning when a significant amount of time is spent at the “celebration” setting up future storylines and conflicts for our protagonists. To be completely honest, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first four. The story built slower at the beginning and focused more on sub-plots and individual moments with the characters rather than having a strong overarching storyline. However, that doesn’t mean I didn’t love certain moments. The primary reason for ranking it lower is that this book serves as a transition for our four heroes from settling down as a united family to preparing for the war for independence. As a result, many of the storylines are short stories woven together into one very long book.
Despite this, Gabaldon still manages to make it work for the most part. There are several golden moments between the characters that are truly mesmerizing and connect on an emotional level. The strength of this book, and the series as a whole, lies in how well Gabaldon portrays love and conflict in the relationships of father/daughter, mother/daughter, and especially husband/wife. She creates conflict through secrets, good intentions, and a lack of communication, teaching us lessons the hard way in the “Outlander” world. After the physical pain that Roger endures in this and the previous book, I’m starting to worry that Gabaldon doesn’t like him, as he seems to be paying a high price to stay alive.
In my opinion, Gabaldon is an excellent writer who has mastered several skills, including plotting, setting, character development, and dialog. Her plots are well-planned, multi-layered, and detailed, regardless of the time period. They are full of twists and turns that lead to future development opportunities. She grabs your attention and engages all of your senses as you immerse yourself in her world. Her characters are rich and complex, with unique personalities, motivations, and attributes. You can’t help but love the good guys and hate the bad guys, as each character is three-dimensional with real strengths and flaws. You can vividly picture them standing beside you and engaging in conversation.
Her ability to write scenes and dialog is perhaps her greatest strength as a writer. Although this book may not have as many of the wonderful and pivotal pay-off moments as the previous ones, Gabaldon still finds subtle ways to draw you in and keep your interest. Her characters’ conversations flow naturally and provide the necessary information to推动 the plot forward. The rhythm and cadence of their dialogues set her apart from most writers.
Overall, “The Fiery Cross” serves its purpose of transitioning the characters from settling the American frontier to participating in the war for independence. It does so in creative and imaginative ways for the most part. While I may find it a bit less impressive than the previous four books, primarily due to the lack of a stronger overarching storyline, Gabaldon still proves her worth as a writer. She has created unforgettable characters that I have come to know and care deeply about. I have shared personal moments with them, including laughter, struggle, pain, and joy. I can’t wait to continue this journey in her next book, “A Breath of Snow and Ashes”.

Boy, let me tell you something. Diana Gabaldon truly has a wealth of things to convey.

It took me around 350 pages to actually get hooked on this book, which is precisely the reason I'm awarding it 4 stars instead of 5. However, I truly relished the last 1093 pages of the volume. I mean, Jamie and Claire embark on the most incredible adventures. Even though some of them are extremely far-fetched, I am compelled to know what will unfold next.

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

There are several things I'm eager to find out:

1. Where exactly did Stephen Bonnett get shot: was it in the hand, in the nuts, or both?

2. Did Stephen Bonnett manage to survive?

3. Can Stephen Bonnett roll his tongue? Could he still potentially be Jemmy's father?

4. Why did Ian leave his wife?

5. What else is contained within that time traveler's journal and are there other time travelers roaming about?

6. Is Jenny going to journey to America so she can see Ian once more?

7. If Jenny does come to America, what will she have to say about Ian's face tattoos?!

8. Is Bree pregnant again?

9. Is Roger doomed to endure yet another near-death experience?

10. What is Jocasta going to do with all that gold?

So, even though Jamie and Claire encounter some unfathomable experiences, and even though Diana Gabaldon at times employs an excessive number of words to narrate a story (as if I could ever forget the color of Jamie's red hair... and how it shines in the sunlight...), I really have no alternative but to carry on with the series.

This is precisely what occurred in this long and pointless diatribe: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

I don't even fathom how I endured until the end; perhaps I was anticipating something captivating to unfold, yet to no avail.

Only four relevant events took place:

- [ ] The Jacobite gold is discovered.

- [ ] Roger is hanged.

- [ ] Ian returns.

- [ ] We learn the identity of the Indian skull.

That's it. A seemingly interminable book for just four things that aren't even that significant. Firstly, what is the exact purpose of the Jacobite gold now that the rebellion is truly over?

Secondly, tell me how many individuals are hanged and then manage to survive and share their tale? Roger did. It's utterly absurd. The entire situation regarding Roger made me feel rather strange. At first glance, it appears as if he and Brianna are adapting well to life in the past, but Roger is truly terrible at it. He lacks skills, can't hunt, can't fight, doesn't possess diplomatic capabilities, and now, after being hanged, he can't even sing.

Thirdly, Ian. How did he manage to break free from the Indians? He was essentially sold, not borrowed. And he returns at the most opportune moment. Seriously... it lacks credibility.

Fourthly, the Indian whose story might potentially be interesting, but we haven't yet heard the full account.

The tantalizing moments when we almost witness a fight but then it doesn't materialize, the strange characters who come and go with no purpose other than to increase the page count of the book, Steven bonnet outwitting everyone to the extent that I almost wish he would kill them all, and aunt Jokasta with her Pandora's box filled with treason, lies, and dead bodies.

Finally, I would like to add how insufferable Claire is. Her descriptions of every minuscule detail were extremely irritating. Did we really need to know that she makes feminine pads out of petticoats? Or what she cooked or planned to cook for every single meal? Do I need to know everything there is to know about Jem? He's just a baby. Focus on the grown-up stuff! I don't want to read about a toddler being potty trained, breastfed, or sleeping.

This was by far the worst book in the series. I'm dreading picking up the next installment.

The actual rating is 3 and a half stars. However, excuse me as I blankly stare at the wall again due to my feelings.

Truth be told, I had no idea when I would even manage to finish this. The reason being that the first half seemed so dragging and tiresome. There was not much happening despite numerous pages.

Don't misunderstand me; I am in love with the series and its characters. But after an entire book 4, it was extremely difficult for my mind to wrap around this first half.

Then something occurred involving a particular someone. And, holy hell, this book completely turned itself around. And then I was once again embraced by all those outlandish feelings that I truly love. Now that I have finished this, I am still thinking about everything that I have just read.

I found myself constantly flipping the pages, eager to see what would happen next after that crucial event. The story took an unexpected turn, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. It was as if a new life had been breathed into the narrative, making it impossible for me to put the book down.

The characters' development and the complex relationships between them added another layer of depth to the story. I could feel their emotions and understand their motives, which made me even more invested in their journey.

Overall, although the first half was a bit of a struggle, the second half more than made up for it. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and I am glad that I stuck with it until the end.

Edited 02-13-21: Finished. Have lost count of the number of re-reads! At the end of this review, I see that in 2014 I edited to show a 4th re-read. Love this series.

I just completed reading The Fiery Cross for the second time, and I found it even more enjoyable than the first time. While I have a great affection for the Jamie/Claire story line and romance, this time around, I was truly drawn into the story of Brianna/Roger. The author, Diana Gabaldon, possesses an amazing talent for bringing the people and events in her books to vivid life. The idea of living back in the 1700's, deprived of the comforts and conveniences of modern times, can sometimes be extremely terrifying.

I would highly recommend all the books in The Outlander series.

Edited on 08-01-14 to state that I have now read this 4 times and love it more with each successive re-read!

Roger was an incredibly tough character. He had endured a hanging that should have snapped his neck, a fire that left him horribly burned, and a near drowning.

Despite his remarkable character, the search for lost gold, which was always a favorite of mine, was filled with excitement and adventure.

However, the most enjoyable moment came when the villain, Stephen Bonnett, got shot in his hands and hopefully in his groin as well. This added a thrilling twist to the story and made me cheer with satisfaction.

The 1443-page paperback was a long and engaging read, filled with action, drama, and a touch of mystery. It kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, and I couldn't put it down.

Roger's journey and the search for the lost gold were both captivating, and I can't wait to see what other adventures await him in the next installment of the series.

The Fiery Cross - VG
Gabaldon, Diana - 5th in series
The Fiery Cross is the highly anticipated fifth installment in this remarkable and award-winning series of historical novels. Set in 1771, war looms on the horizon. Jamie Fraser's wife has forewarned him, and despite his reluctance, he must believe her. For she possesses a gift of dreadful prophecy - the certain knowledge of a time-traveler. Breaking his oath to the Crown will brand him a traitor, yet keeping it spells certain doom. Jamie Fraser stands in the shadow of the fiery cross - a symbol that leads only to the bloody brink of war.

I'll confess that it took me an incredibly long time to become engrossed in this book. The first third or more focuses on just one day, progressing at a verra' slow pace. However, it most definitely picks up momentum in the middle, and I found myself moved to tears - a rare occurrence for me. From that point on, it raced along, and now I'm eagerly impatient for the sixth book. Come on, Diana, hurry up!

It wasn’t perfect by any means and was way too long, but I still enjoyed it.

Wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re a die-hard fan. However, since everyone on the planet has already read this, it’s a moot point!

The advantage of being a latecomer to the franchise is that I didn’t have to wait a decade to find out the identity of Jamie’s mystery attacker. Although I feel like I’ve been reading this for years

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.

Anyone who knows me is well aware of the deep love I have for this series. I truly relished listening to this book. Having read the first four books in the series years ago, I recently listened to them again. This was my first experience with this particular book in audio format, and I was a bit nervous about it instead of sitting down with a physical book. However, in the end, it worked out quite well.

So much occurs in this book! That's rather typical for this series, but this one has an abundance of events unfolding. Given that the book is extremely long, with a page count equivalent to about 3 or 4 regular books, it's perhaps not unexpected. There were a few sections that I felt dragged on a bit longer than necessary. The book begins at a gathering, and I initially doubted they would ever leave, but they did, and the story quickly picked up momentum.

All the characters I've come to adore over the years make their return in this book. Jamie and Claire are aging a bit, and it's truly wonderful to witness their growth throughout the series. It's refreshing to see a long-married couple like them still possess the passion and love they have for each other. Brianna and Roger endure a great deal in this book. In many ways, it's not kind to poor Roger. Jemmy is growing up, and his personality truly begins to shine through.

I thoroughly enjoyed the narration of this audiobook. I believe Davina Porter does an outstanding job with this series. In this book, she manages to give each of the four main characters a distinct voice and convey a wealth of emotion during her narration. I found myself reluctant to stop listening, eager to know how things would turn out.

I would highly recommend this book to others, but I firmly believe that this is a series that must be read in order, so please start with Outlander. The ending of this book was truly exciting for me, and I very nearly moved directly on to the next book in the series. I can't wait to read more about Jamie and Claire!

Initial Thoughts

I feel as though I deserve some sort of reward for finishing this audiobook in a month. Fifty-five and a half hours is an incredibly long time!

This book started off slowly for me but eventually picked up pace. There were numerous new developments and some heart-wrenching moments. The last part of the book was fascinating. I can't wait to read more about Jamie and Claire, but I'll probably take a break for a while first.

The Fiery Cross truly has, quite possibly, the most enchanting ending line among all the books I've ever read.

"When the day shall come, that we do part," he said softly, and turned to look at me, "if my last words are not 'I love you', - ye'll ken it was because I didna have time." Swoon!

Oh yes, now back to the review. Ahem.

Reviews for the fifth installment of the Outlander series are rather diverse. There are those who adored it, just like I did, and those who detested it. Others, in the middle ground, appreciated the story but felt it was overly long by hundreds of pages. I can understand this mix of emotions. The first 164 pages cover just one day - the planned wedding day of Briana/Roger and Jocasta/Duncan at River Run. So much occurs that you have to constantly remind yourself that we're still only dealing with one day. It worked well for me. I could envision the chaotic nature of that day with all the tasks that needed to be accomplished. And, yes, I even relished the descriptions of changing diapers (who wouldn't want to learn how diapers were changed in the 1700s?). While the writing is quite detailed, a great deal happens throughout the novel. No spoilers here, so I must be cautious, but none of the major characters remain unaffected. Each experiences significant life events. They are heartrending, moving, surprising, and more. At this stage in the series, we feel as if we know these characters intimately, and we hurt when they do. DG creates tension in almost every scene. You can sense that something is about to happen, causing your heart to race and your teeth to clench as you await the revelation. I had quite a headache when I finished The Fiery Cross, but it was well worth it.

I grew up in South Carolina and spent a considerable amount of time in North Carolina. How could I not have known about the War of the Regulation (as some referred to it) or the Regulators? I have since done a bit of research and am astonished that our American and/or South Carolina history classes didn't cover this precursor to the American Revolution. There was a sense of déjà vu while reading - the Regulators were protesting taxation and government interference. Hundreds of years later, and we're still grappling with the same issues. Maybe one day we'll figure it out.

We discover that both Jamie and Roger are Masons. I have to admit that this made me chuckle a little. My father is a Mason (I'm not sure if I'm supposed to disclose that or if it's a secret), and it always drove my mother a bit crazy that she didn't know what they did at their meetings. You know, they probably just gather, smoke cigars, and drink Scotch, but it's become this mysterious society full of secrets.

Laoghaire, I truly, truly don't like you. She is a very minor character in The Fiery Cross (thank goodness!), and I have a theory about her secret. Even though I wish she were no longer part of their lives, I do hope to find out if I'm right.

Each time I begin an Outlander novel, I realize that I now "think" with a Scottish dialect in my daily life. It's very strange, and I won't say it out loud, but it's a part of me, you know. Don't worry.

I have two more books to read before the next installment is published in March 2014. I'm trying to hold off for a few months to extend the time so that I don't feel empty without my Jamie and Claire fix. Well, I guess I could always reread Outlander to prepare for the Starz series that premieres next year as well.

5/5 stars, and yes, I may be in need of an Outlander intervention.

I've delved deep into the details of wedding proceedings, the mess of poopy diapers, and the intricacies of breastfeeding, Mrs Gabaldon. It feels like I've absorbed more than enough of this for a lifetime!

Don't misunderstand me. I truly do have affection for Bree and the rest of the gang. However, at times, all this excessive trivia just seems like story fillers. In comparison to its predecessors, there isn't a great deal of significant plot development. Unless, of course, you consider Jamie turning 50 and still waking up with a certain morning stiffness!?!

If I thought the author was rather hard on dear Roger in book four, it pales in comparison to the hell she subjects him to in this installment. I'm still fuming about what happened to him! Diana Gabaldon must really have it in for him.