Rating: 
Summary: What a disappointment
Review: Like many others who have written here, I absolutely loved the previous installments of the Outlander series. To my dismay, I could not finish this one, after having devoured the others. As others haver already articulated what is wrong with this book, I add my voice in the hope that the author monitors these reviews and will give us another great Jamie and Clair story next time. (And please send Roger and Brianna back! The back and forth between modern times and the past, and the linking of characters in the present to those in the past were some of the most enjoyable parts of the other books.)
Rating: 
Summary: A Real Cheat
Review: This book is a perfect example of how our current publishing trends can take advantage of readers' hopes, and how a poorly written behemoth can nevertheless become a bestseller and give a much-loved author the idea that she can get away with cheating her devoted fans out of 25 bucks. If I were more cynical, I'd suspect Diana Gabaldon of now stretching her "story" (and by the way, where was the story in this installment?) out so that she and her publishers can make more money than either deserve. I sincerely hope that all of the fans disappointed by the Fiery Cross will wait for the library copy of the next one, or borrow a friend's copy. The publishers may get their best seller anyway, but this kind of exploitation should not be encouraged. Virtually nothing is resolved in this book, and the loose ends and strung-out storylines are a poor substitute for true suspense. Readers, revolt.
Rating: 
Summary: DINNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENED
Review: Sorely disappointed. Wanted to be transported to the magic, and instead got lost in too much text...not enough emotional imagery. Perhaps next time??
Rating:
Summary: Ditto on What Happened ?!!
Review: I have been a huge Outlander series fan for 8 years. I own all of the books, including Outlandish Companion, and have read the first 4 books, 3 times each while waiting for this one. I've had Fiery Cross since Christmas and I'm only on page 476! (I read Dragonfly in Amber in 4 days.) I read a bit, wait for something exciting to happen...and I'm still waiting. I keep it on my bedside table to read when I want to fall asleep quickly - 2 or 3 pages and I'm out like a light! After the LONG wait, I'm very disappointed. Before you buy it, check it out at your local library and ask for an extended check-out period.
Rating:
Summary: Yawn
Review: I've had this book since November and am loathe to finish it. I feel like I've read over half, but in reality I've only read 1/4! Does Diana secretly wish she went to medical school? I am bitterly disappointed at the long and completely unncessary medical descriptions. WHO CARES?! Unfortunately, this was a gift from my husband so I have to finish it at some point. Pick up a Sharon Kay Penmen book for a better read....
Rating:
Summary: What Happened?
Review: I began this book with great anticipation. The story of Jamie and Claire has been an amazing adventure up until this point. I confess I am disappointed. The author seems to have gone off on a tangent and never returned. After having read a portion of the book, I stopped and put it aside for other books. I pick it up occassionally, hoping that I will get to the part where something is actually happening. So far, I have not reached that point. I adored the rest of the books in this series and feel quilty that I have such a poor attitude toward this one. I'll keep trying, but I am beginning to dispair.
Rating: 
Summary: The Fiery Cross
Review: Truly a book of tears and laughter. I enjoyed it so much I couldn't decide if I wouldn't put it down or make it last longer knowing it was the last one in the series I didn't want it to end. I can't wait for the next one. I now have my husband, mother in law and daughter hooked on the series. Thanks Ms. Gabaldon
Rating:
Summary: Don't get to excited about number 4
Review: Firstly, I am greatly impressed by Diana's other books, but this book has not held my interest like her previous ones. I have to confess to being very bored with the first part of this book. Unlike her other books, which I was able to read long into the night, after about two pages reading each night of this one, I had trouble staying awake. It took me about 3 months to work through "The Fiery Cross" but the saving grace was, that things started to improve towards the latter stages of the book. I felt however, that Claire & Jamie's relationship had been dragged out to the bitter end, and to be quite honest, I felt as though I wouldn't be very upset if a wild Grizzly bear broke in and killed them both (it would have been a little more exciting). Perhaps I have been harsh here, as Gabaldon's previous books have been nothing short of outstanding, and I suppose anything short of her best is really surprising. Then again, an average book by Diana would in many cases be considered something very special by any other author. So overall, this is a long read which lacks the excitement and energy of the previous instalments, but still has that remarkable attention to detail and atmosphere so characteristic of this author. Slow in the beginning but picks up later. Still a must read for fans of this author, but as a first time Gabaldon reader I suggest you start with an earlier book in the saga.
Rating:
Summary: Doesn't stand alone and detail over load!
Review: I'll make this short and sweet - take a lesson Diana Gabaldon! The book doesn't stand alone well. You need to have read the other books in the series or pick up the companion. I read all the books in the series but got the companion out of the library anyway and it was very helpful and interesting. As with many of Diana's books there was a bit of a detail overload. But you get in the rythm of scanning over the descriptive paragraphs and getting to the meat.
Rating:
Summary: Have to disagree - I loved the details, loved this book
Review: I was introduced to Gabaldon by an older lady at a book sale and after reading Outlander, I ran out to buy the others. The latest, The Fiery Cross, is different in some ways because there is less real action. But there is no shortage of feelings, undercurrents, wondering, and hoping. I think Gabaldon did a wonderful job of letting us see the more peaceful side of living in this time on the brink of the American Revolution. Several reviewers complained of the details - but I love the details. It's what makes me feel like I'm there. The little sounds, smells - it really puts you at Fraser's Ridge. I hated to see this series end. I'm hoping to learn Ian's story, and John Grey's story. Gabaldon is definitely one of the best writers today.
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