Claire Randall's saga as an outlander continues. The tales of her first mistaken trip to the highlands of 18th century Scotland seeming so distant, this 20th century nurse now resides in colonial America with her husband, Jamie Fraser. Previously, Claire and Jamie worked to help their daughter, Brianna, and son-in-law Roger, both from the 20th century, settle into life at Fraser's Ridge. The Fiery Cross begins with Brianna and Roger making their marriage official and baptizing their son.
Such idyllic domestic life cannot last, for the year is 1771, and Claire is all too aware of what lies ahead; what is oracular knowledge to those around her is simple history to Claire. She knows that a bloody conflict for the independence of the American colonies is coming. When Jamie is called upon to form a militia to put down the seeds of rebellion in North Carolina, he is all too aware that he will be eventually be forced to betray his king. An intricate plot weaves around the Fraser clan, as they perch on the precipice of war.
The Fiery Cross is the fifth novel in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, the prolific author who has written seven Outlander novels, an Outlander graphic novel, and several spin-off works following the Lord John character from her third novel "Voyager." Gabaldon started the Outlander series in the late 80s when she was a professor of Environmental Studies at Arizona State University. Initially it was an exercise to see if she could write a novel (and quite a successful exercise we might add). Since then her publishing success has allowed her to work as a writer full-time, with her latest Outlander novel, "Written In My Own Heart's Blood," forthcoming. She currently lives in Phoenix with her husband, and has three grown children.
"Having seen the TV Series of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander Books 1 & 2, and having listened to Books 3 & 4 while waiting for these books to be released on TV, I had to continue this wonderful saga with her Book 5 - The Fiery Cross. I love the way Diana's Scottish/ C18th English/Colonial American humour, intrigue, pathos & empathy is brought to life in Davina's audio performance. I find the story enthralling & enchanting as Diana's web-like connections both within & between Chapters, Sections & Books both fill-out & surprise me from the Plot Summaries that I have already read of all the Books (up to No. 8) when deciding how much I needed to get these audiobooks in order to find some approximation of the TV Series' version of Book 1 & 2. I both can't wait & dearly hope that the visualisations of Books 3-8 will encompass the settings, characters, actions & emotions revealed in the audiobooks in their TV series that drew me in so inextricably with the first 2 Books' TV series."
— Thomas (5 out of 5 stars)
The year is 1771. Claire Randall is still an outlander, out of place and out of time. But now she is linked by love to her only anchor--Jamie Fraser. They have crossed oceans and centuries to build a life together in North Carolina. But tensions, both ancient and recent, threaten members of their clan. Knowing that his wife has the gift of prophecy, James must believe Claire, though he would prefer not to. Claire has shared a dreadful truth--there will, without a doubt, be a war. Her knowledge of the oncoming revolution is a flickering torch that may light his way through perilous years ahead--or ignite a conflagration that will leave their lives in ashes.
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“Gabaldon delivers on what she does best: poignant storylines, empathetic characters, meticulous detail, and searing passion. Savor every carefully chosen word, readers; it may be a long time until the next installment!”
— Amazon.com, editorial review“The year is 1771. The American War of Independence is fast approaching. And it seems that Jamie Fraser and his wife, Claire, and their beloved family are fated to be in the thick of things once again.”
— Barnes&Noble.com, editorial review“Those readers who have been waiting with impatience for the fifth installment in the incredible Outlander series will be richly rewarded by Diana Gabaldon’s latest literary achievement…Gabaldon’s eloquent prose portrays a rich tapestry of life in Colonial America. She is a storyteller par excellence who can capture her readers and immerse them in a distant land and time where passion is ignited, land is fought over and families reunite. All are told with an accuracy for historic detail, a beauty of language and poetry, and of course the irascible humor which make the Outlander series a bounty for her legions of fans.”
— RTBookReviews (4½ stars)“The still unfinished strands of this complex and engrossing tale, coupled with the impending Revolution, give hope to Gabaldon’s fans that the saga is not yet finished. As always, the writing is superb lush, evocative, and sensual, with a wealth of historic detail and a good deal of humor. Highly recommended.”
— Library Journal“Davina Porter carries the story with a vibrancy and consistency that keep the listener riveted…Her Scottish and British dialects distinguish the characters so thoroughly as to make them instantly identifiable, even before the speakers are named. Jamie Fraser’s rough but lilting Scots accent contrasts nicely with that of his refined British wife. Their daughter, Briana, carries no American dialect; neither does she suffer from a poor imitation thereof. Even the babies convincingly whine, cajole, and play. Porter’s narrative passages tie these delightful characters together elegantly.”
— AudioFile" I can't say which of the Outlander books I have enjoyed the most. The complex and engaging story line that Diana Gabaldon has created has been a special gift in my life, thank you! "
— BHD, 2/5/2024" Wonderful author, story & characters! I watched the TV series first and now I love listening to the books to fill in all the details that I didn’t even realize I was missing. The narration is exceptional with the different voices for each character. Listening was/is a great way to make mundane tasks much more enjoyable. "
— MAdkins, 8/24/2020" I have listened to all the books. In my opinion that is the best way to enjoy these amazing novels. The narrator is THE BEST! It is such a great way to escape into Jamie and Claire's world. I tried reading them and it wrecked my life because I couldn't put them down. Listening is the way to go because I can still get stuff done while listening to my favorite story. "
— Marcie, 10/26/2019" These books are fantastic. I never thought I would like this type of story however, Diana Gabaldon has created characters you can relate to and fall in love with while at the same time she has characters that you HATE! These books are amazing! "
— Molly, 9/16/2018" This is the 5th book in the Outlander series. It is the second book that I love the most. It has Romance and Adventures and so much history! Jamie and Claire are back and now joined with their daughter and her husband. Along with everyone on Fraser Ridge! Oh and mystery is aboard this time around too! "
— Cindy Emery, 4/19/2018" I cannot get enough of Brianna, Roger and the plethora of other characters. This book is so much more then Jamie and Claire...and I find they are 'too big' of characters who can 'do anything'. I like the realism of the characters that are normal, and struggling. I love this series so much...(especially after Voyager)..... "
— Selina, 3/3/2018" First of all , if you listen to this you would be in love with audio books. The narrator is genius. I'm new to the idea of audio books. At first I was skeptical and thought I wouldn't enjoy listening to a book rather than reading it. I keep trying to steel moments to go and enjoy this. Highly recommend it especially if you dive long distance or have to watch your child play. "
— Mary, 2/3/2018" I'm always astonished and incredibly delighted to hear Davina Porter reading the story. She makes it come alive, and you really feel you're there with the characters! Highly recommended ! "
— Stefano, 12/11/2017" I love this series. I would recommend the series to anyone who loves historical fiction. "
— misty, 9/25/2017" This series is hard to put down, you have to have more! A great Love story. "
— Jade, 5/21/2017" I am completely enthralled with this series – the books are long but engrossing and take you back to a different time and place. I don't want the series to end. It is a mixture of historical fiction, science-fiction and romance – have never read anything like it before – quite enjoyable! "
— fire watcher, 1/2/2017" Love the books and the narrator just makes it even better... She brings all of the characters to life with the different voices, the author did an amazing job picking her narrator ....xoxo "
— Lt, 5/24/2016" can't get enough of her books! "
— Meghan, 2/9/2014" 200 pages to get through approximately 24-36 hours. Needless to say, not as exciting as previous books (but not so outlandish either). "
— Adela, 2/7/2014" This gets into less well known history of early America, and lets you realize both sides of the story. "
— Alicekern, 2/2/2014" I would really give a 3 1/2 if there was such "
— Rina, 1/28/2014" This was my least favourite book in the series. The beginning realllllly drags, to the point where I almost put it down and gave up. Thankfully it gets better and overall the book is good. "
— Megan, 1/19/2014" All I have to say about it is that I loved the ending. "
— Sunshine, 1/14/2014" Love, love, love!! So many issues in these books that I find applicable to my own life (dealing with relationships, making tough decisions, discovering who you are/want to be, etc). And Gabaldon proves over and over again that she is a master story teller and character developer - I feel like these people are my family! Is it weird that I sometimes tell Brent things like, "Jamie got bitten by a rattlesnake today"?? haha. Can't wait for the next one! "
— Courtney, 1/9/2014" This is the 9th time I have read this book LOVE the whole series!! "
— Tabitha, 1/9/2014" Seems like it took me a long time to get through this one (while reading this on the side while getting through lots of other books). Some parts were good, other parts a bit slow & too descriptive! Still going to stick with the series until it is finished. "
— Leslie, 1/8/2014" The fifth Outlander book and still going strong. This one got off to a slow start and was wordy, even for this wordy author, but the detailed, original story keeps me reading. "
— Laura, 12/29/2013" The plot grows weary, but I can't get enough of Jamie and Claire. "
— Janet, 12/15/2013" this one seemed to take me a while to get through. I thought this book had many parts that could have been edited down or just completely edited out of the book. "
— Lindsay, 12/4/2013" Not a grabber like the earlier works. "
— Rochelle, 12/3/2013" Good. I love this series. I got pretty annoyed reading this one. I got tired of the same old literary devices, plot twists that are not terribly original. Like what else can happen to Roger, he needs a break already. "
— Jessica, 11/25/2013" The beginning was a little slow but overall good book "
— Karen, 7/7/2013" Maybe my heart wasnt into it ... I finished it, however I managed to read 2 other books before finishing it. "
— Rhonda, 6/20/2013" I'll have to come back to this as it's not holding my interest the way previous books have. "
— Leyoh, 6/17/2013" Tried hard, but could not finish. "
— Margaret, 3/18/2013" I need to find me a Jamie Fraser is all I can say! "
— Becky, 2/3/2013" Can't wait for the next one! "
— Mary, 11/2/2012" Probably my least favourite of the series, but I did enjoy it. This series of books is just a great getaway. "
— Michelle, 7/20/2012" She begins to lose me a little in this one...too much forest details and not enough action, but I still love Jamie and Claire and skim those parts. "
— Toby, 5/28/2012" I really enjoyed the audio book version of this novel. Davina Porter is a wonderful narrator and very talented at finding the right voice for each character. Highly recommended. "
— L.D.H., 5/10/2012" Amazing series. Can't wait for the latest book to be available. "
— Janet, 5/3/2012" I'm sorry to say that this book is not nearly as good as the ones that preceded it. So many boring mundane details that manage to derail the actual story. "
— Allie N., 4/17/2012" I loved the characters in this book. I also really enjoy stories that deal with time travel so this book was perfect for me. The only flaw in this otherwise perfect book is it seemed overly long. "
— C.J. , 3/30/2012" Took me the longest to finish so far...still going to keep going, though! Love Jamie and Claire! "
— Emily, 3/5/2012" I've been a big fan of the Outlander series but this book really stumbled out of the gate. It contained too many unnecessary details that added nothing to the story. If I didn't love the characters so much I would have given up completely. There actually is a good story buried in here. "
— Ellen M., 3/3/2012" Too much detail. A laborious read "
— Sharon, 2/15/2012" Getting somewhat monotonous. "
— Diana, 2/15/2012" This is a long book but well worth the time and effort. I absolutely adore the main characters - Jamie and Claire. Diana has a wonderful way of bringing them to life and the story is quite detailed and well-written. "
— A.C., 2/12/2012" This one was really LONG. I was told to not waste my time reading this and I can see why, but that just made me want to read it all the more. I'm glad I read it, I don't think I could have skipped it but Gabaldon could certainly have condensed it a bit and made it a more enjoyable read. "
— Rachel, 1/23/2012" Good book but could have been about 1/3 shorter without losing anything of importance. "
— Sandy M., 1/12/2012Rebecca Lowman is an actress and audiobook narrator who has won numerous Earphones Awards. She has starred in numerous television shows, including Law & Order, Big Love, NCIS, and Grey’s Anatomy, among many others. She earned her MFA from Columbia University.
Davina Porter has been enthralling listeners for over twenty-five years with her ability to mine the psychological depths of the characters she reads and bring them convincingly to life. In 2006, she won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Female Narration and in 2004 for Best Inspirational Literature Narration. She has been honored as an AudioFile Golden Voice and has won nineteen AudioFile Earphones Awards. As an actress, she has appeared on stage at the Vineyard Playhouse and the Square One Theater, among others.