Where I obtained the book was an audiobook from Audible.

This book likely contains two of the longest days in fiction. In this broad statement, I include entire novels that are based on one day in a character's life. The clan gathering! Jocasta's wedding! Hoots mon, Diana, how do you do it? Will I ever develop the authorly endurance that will enable me to stretch out a day over a hundred or so pages? It's no wonder that Jamie has staying power in bed, considering his creator's inclination for prolonging things.

But did I enjoy it? Well, yes. Since I was listening to the audiobook, and that helps a great deal. Seriously, if you're having difficulties with the Outlander series, go for the audio version. Davina Porter's excellent rendition of Gabaldon's meandering prose has done a lot to make me more accepting of this story and, incidentally, has helped me remember plot elements much better.

A random thought: Listening to the books also makes me much more conscious of Gabaldon's habit of reusing a word she just used in the next sentence. I constantly found myself mentally substituting synonyms.

Another random thought: there are some really excellent reviews of this book on Goodreads.

Yet another random thought: Despite the fact that most writers are told that time-travel stories aren't successful, I truly like them.

I have to admit that this particular book is my least favourite among all the Outlander novels I have read so far. However, it still manages to be better than the majority of the books I have encountered in my life. The Outlander world has truly consumed my life, and I don't have a single complaint. On the contrary, I am already eagerly looking forward to reading the next instalment. Bring it on, DG :)

“I love you, a nighean donn. I have loved ye from the moment I saw ye, I will love ye ’til time itself is done, and so long as you are by my side, I am well pleased wi’ the world.”

The series has such a captivating charm that keeps pulling me in. Even though this one might not be at the top of my list, it still has its own unique appeal. The characters are so vividly brought to life, and the storylines are full of excitement and adventure. I can't wait to see what the next book has in store for me.

To read my reviews of the previous books, click on the pics:

...

2.5 stars.

This series was going so well and then came the dreaded filler with not much new.

This was EXHAUSTING.

I have adored this series to such an extent that I actually read book 1 twice – once in its physical form and the second time in audio version.

But THIS book was so incredibly convoluted, filled with unnecessary words, numerous side stories, and aimless meanderings. It became a real chore to plow through 110 chapters with very little actual plot action.

The previous books were rich with fabulous scenes, with just a few bits of filler here and there. However, this book is predominantly filled with fillers, having only a scarce few truly fabulous scenes.

I did appreciate Claire's attempts to practice medicine using modern knowledge despite lacking modern resources. But due to all the excessive and unnecessary content, I found myself zoning out on quite a few occasions while listening. Only when some word or tone of voice changed did I realize that I had drifted off. I also still struggle to form a strong connection with Bree and Rodger, and this book did absolutely nothing to resolve this issue for me.

The author has clearly invested an enormous amount of research into the living conditions, medicinal remedies, and political atmosphere of the early American colonies. She seems determined to utilize every single scrap of information she gathered. This unfortunately means that we, the readers, are left with a convoluted story where very little of significance actually occurs.

At one point, I became so bored with the excruciatingly slow pace of the story that I started hoping that someone would die, and die soon, just so there could be something to propel the story forward.

If it hadn't been for Davina Porter's outstanding job of narrating the audio version, I would never have bothered to finish it. Nevertheless, I must also add that despite the arduous slog and the sluggish storyline, the ending did make it somewhat worthwhile. However, this book could have really benefited from some extremely serious editing.

Did you expect a different rating? (laughs at herself)

Let's be honest. I don't think I can be objective with the Outlander series anymore. I love the characters deeply. I love the story wholeheartedly and I adore Diana Gabaldon's writing style with all my heart.

With that being said, The Fiery Cross was my least favorite installment. However, I still loved every second of it.

"How can that be?" you may ask.

Well, the plot didn't lead to anything truly significant. We were following our four main characters as they lived their lives. And almost everything that happened in the book didn't have a major impact on the overall story. Don't get me wrong, the finale was amazing. But that had little to do with the events themselves and more with the nature of the ending.

Roger was another whole issue for me. He was kind of insufferable. He reeked of self-doubt and misery. He did, once again, things that infuriated me and didn't make any sense whatsoever. I hope he grows a little bit more in the next books because he's the only character whom I get negative vibes from while I'm supposed to like him.

Why did I give it 5 stars then?

Because, as I've already mentioned, I'm obsessed with the characters, story and writing. And even watching Jamie and Claire washing dishes or talking about the weather brings me joy. Believe me; they did more than that in this one. And their philosophical conversations were once again insightful and compelled me to think about my own life. But you get the gist.

I think The Fiery Cross set the foundation for the next installment. And I can't wait to dive into A Breath of Snow and Ashes.

When I initially completed reading this book, my immediate inclination was to rate it a 4-star. However, upon further reflection, I had to be brutally honest with myself and admit that it was truly just a 3-star read.

The Fiery Cross is the fifth installment in the Outlander series, a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, history, and time travel. The series began when Claire Randall, on a second honeymoon in Scotland, was mysteriously transported back in time from 1946 to the era of the Jacobite uprising, which ended tragically at the Battle of Culloden. While stranded in the past, she predictably fell in love with a Highland warrior named Jamie Fraser. Through four lengthy novels, they have endured separation and reunion, finding themselves at the center of every significant historical event in the 18th century. Jamie's natural leadership abilities are enhanced by Claire's knowledge of the future.

In The Fiery Cross, Jamie and Claire are now living in America with their daughter, Brianna, and her husband, Roger. Jamie has taken on the role of "laird" to a group of Scottish immigrants who inhabit his land grant, known as Fraser's Ridge.

I absolutely adore these novels, which is why it pains me to say that I am currently suffering from PTDGD (Post-Traumatic Diana Gabaldon Disorder). Gabaldon has always been known for her extensive and detailed historical research, which sets her novels apart from the typical historical romance fare. This is not just a simple costume drama. However, I don't think I have ever read a novel in which so much occurs, yet nothing truly seems to happen. The novel is overly focused on the minutiae of daily life, such as the building of pigpens, the gathering and disbanding of militias, the plowing of fields, the doing of laundry, and the hunting of buffalo. As a result, any sense of narrative momentum is completely absent. It feels as if the story is going nowhere.

There are inklings of the American Revolution in the distance, but there are no real battles (aside from a brief interlude in which Jamie gathers a militia to assist the governor in putting down the Regulators). The one driving narrative thread, the hunt for Stephen Bonnet, who raped Brianna in an earlier novel, fizzles out without a proper resolution (clearly to be continued in the next novel). Admittedly, all of the mundane tasks of daily life are vividly brought to life and are readable because the characters are so likable. However, Gabaldon does have a tendency to beat a dead horse.

For example, she repeatedly overuses certain words and phrases, such as "sardonic," "gimlet eye," "wry smile," and everyone's mouth twitches at the corner with suppressed amusement at some point in the novel. Additionally, everyone's eye color is commented upon in almost every other paragraph, and details that diehard fans should already be aware of are tediously repeated.

Furthermore, I read far more about breastfeeding than I ever cared to. Brianna's breasts seem to spend an inordinate amount of time hardening between feedings of her son, Jemmy. In fact, they should probably be given their own novel. And I won't even begin to comment on the milk-sodden love scene. Let's just say it gave a whole new meaning to "Got Milk?" Yuck.

Another aspect that irks me is why Roger MacKenzie still listens to Jamie. Sure, I understand that Jamie is his father-in-law and Roger wants to impress him. However, Jamie is constantly sending Roger out on dangerous solo errands in an attempt to prove his manliness in a time when men were expected to be defenders, providers, and seemingly tireless lovers. But Roger always seems to almost die during these undertakings. He has been hung, nearly burnt to a cinder, and beaten to within an inch of his life. How much more must he endure? Can't he just stay home for a couple of chapters? Sheesh.

The alternating point of view also confounds me. Some chapters are told in the first person from Claire's perspective, and these are definitely the more interesting chapters. It's fascinating to read about historical events from the perspective of someone who is conflicted about the knowledge she brings from the future and the potential dangers of revealing too much. It's easy to forget that there is a time travel element when Claire isn't narrating. However, other chapters are told in the third person from the perspectives of other characters, most notably Roger. Strangely, we never really get anything substantial from Jamie or Brianna's points of view.

Some chapters seem to be shoehorned in simply because they were too cute to leave out. In particular, these chapters serve to showcase how clever someone is or how adorable little baby Jemmy is. But quite frankly, I don't care. I couldn't give a shit. Just move on.

And then there's James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser himself, or "Himself," as he is often referred to in the novel, denoting his social status as laird. Goodness, is there anything this man cannot do? As much as I love the character of Jamie, it's becoming increasingly clear to me that he is female catnip. He is the physical embodiment of masculine perfection: tall, well-muscled, with blazing red hair and piercing blue eyes. He fills out a kilt quite nicely (if you know what I mean - and if you don't, read the book. Gabaldon will make it abundantly clear). He is a fierce warrior, yet also a well-educated intellectual who is equally at home in the courts and palaces of Europe as he is on the battlefield. He is multilingual and can read Latin, Greek, French, and more, and quote from high literature at a moment's notice. He can be a brutal or tender lover, depending on Claire's mood. He can be a man's man one moment and then inexplicably lapse into shy, boy-like behavior and whisper sweet nothings. Men of the world, just give up. Compared to Jamie Fraser, you pale in comparison.

Despite all of these criticisms, I still managed to enjoy the novel. The relationship between Jamie and Claire has mellowed somewhat, but not in a negative way. There is still plenty of steamy sex between the two, but the relationship is no longer marred by the fear of Claire returning to her own time through the stones. I also appreciate the good-natured vulgarity that pervades the characters' speech and the humor with which Gabaldon writes. And for all of my complaining about the excessive details of 18th-century life, I will grudgingly admit that if anyone can make it interesting, it's Gabaldon. I will definitely be reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes, the sixth book in the series, but I'm going to need a long break in between.

Cross posted at This Insignificant Cinder

Review for audiobook:

The story in this audiobook earns only 2.5 stars, while the narration gets a full 5 stars. I must admit that it requires a certain talent to pen a 1,443-page book with so little actually happening. This 55-hour-and-30-minute audiobook was extremely long and at times, quite tedious. The only redeeming factor for me was the truly wonderful narration. In my opinion, this book was a whopping 1,000 pages too long and could have been easily and effectively told in 400 pages. I will listen to the series again, but I will definitely skip this particular book. It was mainly filled with mundane details of everyday life to the extent that it made me want to strangle myself. In contrast to the first book, which had over 800 pages and kept me on the edge of my seat, afraid to blink and miss something crucial, this book really disappointed me. I understand that the author's books have a certain magic, and it can be enjoyable to hear about daily life, but not to this excessive degree. I wasn't really a fan of Brianna to begin with, and after all the descriptions of her breast feeding, leaking, squirting, squeezing, and draining, etc., I was absolutely sick of her and her breast. I couldn't wait for Jemmy to start eating solid foods and give up the breast.

When events of significance did manage to surface (which was very few and far between), there wasn't nearly as much detail, and it felt like they were abruptly ended to move on to more boring topics such as blood types or what was in the pantry. I'm not sure how to explain it, but the important issues were just dropped when I would have loved to hear more. Fortunately, I've heard that this book is a one-of-a-kind in the series, and the next books pick up the pace again. For that, I'm truly thankful.

The narration by Davina Porter is simply fantastic. I can't praise her enough. She is truly magical. Personally, I think she shares my dislike of Brianna because there were times when she made her character sound as shrill as I envision her to be. Once again, Porter earns a well-deserved 5 stars!

The quote "“Para mí es un gozo ver cómo te tocan los años, Sassenach, pues significa que vives.”" is quite beautiful. It was a great moment to read this after such a long break from both books and the series. The rating is for the characters, whom I really missed. One ends up feeling as if they are part of the family. As a book, perhaps it would be a 3. It is very long and not much really happens. It mainly focuses on the advantages of having a doctor from the 20th century in the 18th century.

And this might be the book with the most dialogues of a child under 2 years old that I have ever read in my life. It's quite an interesting aspect. The story seems to revolve around this unique situation and the interactions that occur. It makes one wonder how such a thing could play out in reality. The characters bring the story to life, and despite its length, it has its charm.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read, especially for those who are fans of the series or have an interest in historical fiction with a touch of the unusual.

The story went something like this:

It consisted of 50 chapters of camping and sexual frustration, where seemingly nothing of significance really happened.

Time and again, nothing occurred.

Then came 50 chapters of a wedding, filled with a great deal of sexual frustration, which was followed by a most heinous murder, an autopsy, and finally, sex in the stables.

After that, more of the same nothingness prevailed.

There were 50 chapters dedicated to a large-scale battle.

There was a confrontation where a guy might have had his balls shot off.

The story ended with us waiting for the revolution to take place.

Throw in a couple of major characters who almost died. (Okay, I'll admit it, the bit about Roger really got to me.)

Also, there was a lot of butt-grabbing. Which, perhaps, was better than the spanking. But still, everybody was grabbing butts here. What was up with that?

I wonder why I keep reading these books, yet they manage to keep me entertained enough to continue. Also, there is some element of self-loathing involved.

Mundane. Crap.

Mundane. This is not to say that the entire experience was mundane crap. It's important to note that the period after the word "mundane" indicates two separate thoughts. I have listened to the first four books in the Outlander series and have been absolutely in love with Davina Porter's narration. In fact, I continued the series mainly because of her fantastic efforts. However, this being book #5, the story is starting to show signs of weakness. I had to trudge my way through this book with the encouragement of my friends at the Audiobooks Group. It was a 50+ hour listen that I even sped up 20% on fast speed using my Sansa Clip. The story was truly mundane, and as a result, it seemed to drag on forever, except for the last 7 hours.

Although I was happy to reconnect with the characters after about a year between this book and the previous one, I had resigned myself to simply getting through it and being done with the series. But then, curse those last 7 hours! Generally, 7 hours can make for an interesting stand-alone book, and this was no exception, aside from the fact that they were at the end of the story. Suffice it to say, it was interesting enough for me to want to give the series another chance, and now I must continue on with the next book. Crap. :-)

And so book 5 comes to an end. I embarked on this series on June 16th, and it has completely taken over my summer holidays. I initially swore to take a break after each book, but I simply couldn't resist. These books are long and detailed, and at times, all the names can get a bit confusing. I suppose one could accuse me of jumping on the bandwagon, especially with the TV series airing last night in the USA. However, since I've had these books on my Kindle and some in paperback for quite some time now (certainly before the glorious casting of Jamie Fraser), I feel I can rightfully join the legion of true fans, those who started reading this series when it was first released, many moons ago.

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure where the last book finished and this one began. All I knew was that I had an insatiable desire to read more about Jamie and Claire and their adventures in the New World. I was fortunate enough to watch the first episode of the TV series, and it was truly wonderful. I thought it remained very faithful to the book, which is surely what Ms Gabaldon and the fans desired. Jamie is simply perfect. He is incredibly romantic, yet tough as well, with a heart of gold.

This book wasn't just about Jamie and Claire's journey. We also had Roger and Brianna. I absolutely love Roger. Poor man, he had to endure so much. There was a point where I nearly gave up reading when a particular part was happening. But there's still so much more to come in this adventure. That despicable Stephen Bonnet is still out there, or is he? God, I hate that bastard. He just had to be Irish, didn't he? Here's who I imagine that toad would look like...

I will now have to find my next read. It will be a tough act to follow this one. And of course, how could we forget "wee Jemmy"?

The action of this volume takes place between 1770 and 1772 in North Carolina. I think I like Jamie more and more as he matures (at 50 years old, he's not old, right?). A multitude of events that don't seem to be related to each other, but they weave a story full of suspense, discoveries, and reunions with characters that I thought we wouldn't see again. I still maintain that the characters Brianna and Roger don't disappoint me. The actions and attitude of Brianna are dry and lack essence. Roger faces a personal tragedy, determined by his rash actions that I don't understand (why the hell would you kiss your great-grandmother on the cheek like a boy in a fever, I'll never understand.....), but Ian appears and cheers me up. The relationship between Jamie and Claire seems natural to me, full of mutual respect and love. They bicker, understand each other with a look, and know each other so well that they don't even need to talk.

Another very well-written volume, sprinkled with suspense, action, historical information, funny events, and attacks by wild beasts where necessary. Diana Gabaldon has a style similar to Ken Follett, the whole story carefully adapted to the years in question, the area and period very meticulously studied. She describes the geography and history so well (and not in too many words) that you feel like you're there. Not many authors have this ability.

I hope the TV series inspired by this series will continue. Season two is already airing (the TV adaptation of volume 2) and I like the characters and the whole filming so far.... But let's not forget that regardless of the talent of the director, producer, set designer, and actors, the book is better.