The Fiery Cross

Rating:
Summary: You catch more when reading it over....
Review: I'm not the type of person who can reread books but with the Outlander series I find myself starting the series over every six months or so. Although the second to fifth books were more choppy than the first, I was captivated by the history and harsh reality of the time period that Ms. Gabaldon captures. All the different cultures from Scots peasents and lairds to the French aristocracy, merchents and different healers; the smugglers, ships and sealife, slave trade, and european life in the Carribean during the 18th century to the young America with the emigres from distant countries and the sometimes accepting, somethimes aggresive Native Americans Jamie and Claire encounter as the carve out a life for themselves in the North Carolina mountains. I love the realness of the trials they meet. The descriptions of the land and the conditions for all types of people then, the sicknesses they encounter, the simple ruthlessness of the people trying to make better lives for themselves makes you feel as though you are there. The research that went into these books astounds me! Be warned though that although I had no such problem, a lot of my friends and family who've read the books became confused by the sheer number of characters and found them hard to follow. But if you are a lover of history and all the little details, I guarantee that you will love each book from Outlander to The Fiery Cross more than the last.

Rating:
Summary: This book bites!
Review: I'm not a fan of romance-type books, but the 1st book in this series was so good, I kept coming back for more. Unfortunately, I read The Fiery Cross, or, as I would rename it, A Year in the Life of the American Pioneer. I can't even tell you what this book is about. It has no plot. It is set in the time leading up to the Revolutionary War, but nothing much happens. Although the author's writing style is very good (and the only reason this book did not get 1 star), and the characters are likeable and familiar, the book is BORING!!! NOTHING HAPPENS!! I mean, NOTHING! It almost comes across as a book written to explain the interim between the previous book and the next book. If this book had a plot, I could not find it. Hopefully the next one will be better, if I can bring myself to read it.

Rating:
Summary: Better When Read A Second Time
Review: I was unable to put down Gabaldon's four previous books, but was a little disappointed in this new addition at first. Maybe it was due to the fact that it takes so long for her new works to be completed... This book has a new style that is more subdued that that of her earlier novels. However, after reading The Fiery Cross a second time, I was able to appreciate the book more fully. Gabaldon's characters have grown and aged, and it only makes sense that her new works should reflect that in their style.

Rating:
Summary: Just love spending time with characters
Review: Yes, this wasn't my favorite in the series. And yes, like other reviewers I found Brianna cold and whiny. But please- this isn't a serious work of literature- it is historical romance/fiction. I think we all love the series for the characters and journeying with them as their lives unfold. I agree, not a whole lot happened in this book but still- the journey with Jamie and Claire was enjoyable as always.

Rating:
Summary: Fiery Cross - keeps the flame alive
Review: I liked it a lot. It definitely takes a turn away from Jamie and Claire, though. Spending large amounts of text on Brianna, Roger, and Jemmy (isn't he a handful?). Overall though, I still love her writing style and can hardly wait for the Lord John Grey book to come out this fall.

Rating:
Summary: Start another series, Diana
Review: I agree with the readers who suspect from the relatively anemic plotting and character development of The Fiery Cross that Diana Gabaldon is wearing out. And not surprisingly so, given the way she has sustained the series through so many big fat wonderful books. We are all going to be sorry to see the end of the Claire and Jamie story, but I for one would like to see Ms. Gabaldon get excited about a new project and maybe a new series of books. No other contemporary author can fill all my senses the way Ms.G. can with her almost perfect craftsmanship. Oh, and, Diana? Hurry!

Rating:
Summary: Boring
Review: I loved this whole series of books, but I think this series should have been wrapped up a few books ago. It felt like she was just making this book up as she went along. I had to almost force myself to keep reading it in hopes it would get better. I hope this will be the last book in the series, even if it is not I won't be reading any future editions.

Rating:
Summary: A little different from the first four ... but still great
Review: I've read all the D.G. books and, even tho this one is not my favorite of all, it is extremely well written. It isn't very often when an author takes the time and energy to research the subject matter. I am NOT a reader of "romance novels", but I don't consider this (or the rest of the series) a part of that genre. I highly recommend this book ... but not until you have read the first four.

Rating:
Summary: More Colors in the Tapestry
Review: I recently re-read the Outlander series in order, from Outlander to The Fiery Cross. What a tour de force of creativity, vision, heart, and damn fine writing from Ms. Gabaldon! There are several chapters that could stand alone as short stories, they are so beautifully written, and yet they further the character development so compellingly and movingly that they definitely belong in the book. I read a LOT of books, in many genres, from many centuries, and these books are ones I can relate to like no others -- perhaps because the voice in Claire's head and the motions of her heart seem closer to my experience than that of any other character I've ever encountered. I recommend Diana Gabaldon's writing, be it one page or the entire series of books, whole-heartedly.

Rating:
Summary: Once you start . . . you can't stop!
Review: This book is amazing . . Once you pick it up - you won't beable to put it down - it draws you in and makes you forget about everything else but what's happening inside the story. You feel as if you are there - with the characters! It's a wonderful series!