The Fiery Cross (2001)

I've been listening to Davina Porter's excellent reading of Diana Gabaldon's 5th Outlander book, "The Fiery Cross" and hoping it would go on forever. I was completely lost in the story. I didn't know how she was going to end the book. Where was the conflict that needed to be resolved? Then, you are reminded gently of the address questions asked at the beginning of the book, woven intermittently throughout, and the story comes to a more than satisfying ending. Wow. ( )

I started this series when it first came out because I kept hearing how great it was. And while I did enjoy the first novel I enjoyed it less and less with each subsequent book. Reading these books has become more habit than anything else. I really have not enjoyed the last few books and this one was no exception. I sort of feel obliged at this point to see the story to its conclusion so it would be nice if it would finally conclude. ( )

3.5 stars
I liked everything except for the pace of the story. I don't feel like every single detail of the character's lives is necessary. Also, not much happened compared to the other books in the series. ( )

The fifth book in the Oulander series.
I'm pretty sure that as an aging male, I'm not the core fan demographic, but I'm enjoying the books. I came for the time travel aspect, and I'm staying for the good writing, the story telling, and finely crafted characters.
I noticed in this book how the author doesn't 'tell' the reader the nuances of a character, she 'shows' us - by describing actions, responses etc. A great skill, and done here really, really well.
The books are long. Very L O N G. but while i would prefer them to be shorter, the length has driven me away yet. I laughed at a reference in the book to Richardson's 'monstrous' Pamela, while the Outlander series clearly exceeds Pamela's length, and must also vastly outstrip Richardson's extremely monstrous Clarissa!!
Anyway, Volume 6 to come in a month or two. ( )

hb