A Breath of Snow and Ashes: Outlander, Book 6

Jana L.Perskie

An Extraordinary Addition To The BEST Historical Fiction Series Ever!!

"Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series is without a doubt my favorite in all fiction. (I consider J. R. R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Ring" trilogy to be in a category of its own). I had been hoping for another novel about the fabulous time-traveling Fraser family but thought "The Fiery Cross" would be the last. Needless to say, when I heard that a sixth book was in the works, I reread my already well-worn copies of the first five installments, and pre-ordered "A Breath of Snow and Ashes." I must say that Ms. Gabaldon is the only author I know of who is able to maintain her storyline, the tension and excitement, through thousands of words, and six novels, over a period of fifteen years. She continually invents new adventures, accurately recreates history, and allows her characters and their relationships to grow to extraordinary depth. I can only say BRAVO(!), as she has yet again come up with a winner. As Gabaldon fans know, Claire and James Fraser have weathered more storms than most. They crossed oceans and centuries to make a life together. Readers were first introduced to Jamie and Claire in "Outlander," right after Claire made the voyage from peaceful 20th century Scotland to 18th century Scotland and total mayhem. We witnessed passion, love and friendship grow between this couple as they began married life, and experienced adventure, adversity and attempted to alter history. They finally settled in North Carolina along with their daughter Brianna, her husband Roger, their son Jemmie, many of their family members and friends from Scotland, including most of Jamies fellow prisoners from Ardsmuir and hundreds of refugees in exile in the wake of the Jacobite rebellion. Claire, now a beautiful matron in her 50s, spends much of her time utilizing her physician's skills and searching for ways to bring 20th century science to her 18th century practice. James is the founder of the Fraser's Ridge community and acts as an unofficial clan chief to the families who look to him for leadership. Brianna and Roger, and Fergus and Marsali are young couples coping with a heavy daily work load and parenting. This is a period when backbreaking work, from first light to last, is necessary for survival. "A Breath of Snow and Ashes" opens in the year 1772 on the eve of the American Revolution. Even in the backwoods colony of Fraser's Ridge, NC, people are rebelling at the increased taxation by the British, with no government representation for themselves. Word of the Boston Massacre has reached the Frasers and their neighbors, and, in fact, one of the novel's characters was involved in the event. The American colonies are in turmoil. Tension builds as isolated cabins are burned in the wilderness and families murdered. North Carolina Governor Josiah Martin asks James Fraser to help unite the backcountry population, including the Native Americans, in support of the King. However, Jamie knows about the revolution to come. His wife, Claire, has traveled back in time from the twentieth century, as have his daughter Brianna and her husband. They are well aware that it's only a matter of a few years before the start of the War of Independence. Looming over the Frasers is the threat of a tiny newspaper clipping from The Wilmington Gazette, dated 1776, which Claire discovered before returning to the 18th century. The article reports the destruction of the house on Fraser's Ridge, and the death by fire of James Fraser and all his family. Claire and James know from experience that it is not possible to change or effect future events, but they are determined to do all in their power to prove the newspaper report wrong. While not as good a read as "The Outlander," (but what is?), this is a fabulous novel and the historical events portrayed are fascinating. I am from the Northeast and when I studied the American Revolution I usually focused on events in Philadelphia and New England. Ms. Gabaldon gives another perspective here, which has motivated me to further explore the history in the southern colonies. The author has an imagination for which I will always be grateful, and she is as skilled a writer as there ever was. She develops characters so that they truly come to life and remain with the reader forever - no small accomplishment. Her ability to capture the essence of a loving relationship, whether between lovers, spouses, parents and children, or friends can easily move her readers to tears. The dialogue is excellent and the wonderful Scottish dialect, interspersed with Gaelic, adds much to the novels' credibility and the readers' enjoyment. I highly recommend "A Breath of Snow and Ashes." And for those who have not read the other books in the series, do yourselves a huge favor and begin with "Outlander" and read straight through all five sequels. You will be delighted and richly rewarded. Just a closing note: I know many men who have read and enjoyed these books. These novels are much more than chick lit!! ENJOY! JANA ["

Show more

October 8, 2005 Verified Purchase

Clementine

Don't Be Put Off by the Genre. This is the BEST Series!

"This review is for the entire series. To those who rate it low b/c it is "too long"...did you not notice that before beginning it? To those who say there is too much sex...it IS technically classified as "romance"...skip the sex scenes, it won't take away from the story. To those who say there are inaccuracies (historical,factual)...it is a novel written for entertainment purposes with characters who are not all-knowing, not a history book for educational purposes. Ok. When my husband first brought this book back with him from Iraq (donated to the USO)and he told me he was reading a historical-fiction/romance/fantasy/time travel book, I teased him. I thought no way could such a book be an actual worthy read. I am a constant reader. I have to always have a book. So, when I was in-between books, I picked up this book just to pass the time. Don't make the same mistake I did..DO NOT be fooled by the genre. Don't make the mistake of thinking that these are typical bodice-ripping Highlander trash-romance...they are not. They are real literature. I do not enjoy romance novels, though I will read one if it is the only reading material available. I have to say that this series of books, though they do contain sex scenes, is NOT romance. They are a complex tale full of an entire cast of well-developed characters. I have been on the discussion boards that center around this series. Most of the women seem to be in love with (at least the idea of) the main male character, Jamie. As proof of how good the story told and the writing in this book is, I need to say that the physical description of him (and some parts of his personality) are a complete turn-off to me. He is pretty much the opposite of what I like. However, you don't need to be attracted to a character to enjoy reading about them and to grow to admire and care about them. The love story between Jamie and Claire is quite inspiring, so much so that my husband and I actually got matching tattoos inspired by the books. These stories are so well-written and in-depth, that I read them aloud to my children (simply not reading the child-inappropriate parts aloud) and all of them, from my 7-year-old daughter to my 18-year-old son, are as captivated as I am. I am actually on my 6th read of the series and plan to read them every year. There is so much to the stories, re-reading them periodically doesn't get old. These books weave the tale of well-developed, multifaceted characters, exploring their personal growth, interactions and relationships with one another, their people in their communities, and some well-known historical figures, all within the context of various historical time periods. From Jacobite-era Scotland to pre-revolutionary North Carolina (and many places in between), you will follow a brilliantly-written, gripping saga and you will be a part of a world you won't want to leave. ["

Show more

October 18, 2012 Verified Purchase

M. Kelly

Re-Read and it is all the best another time around

"Reviewed at Another Look Book Reviews I stayed up late last night. 3 am on a work night is not a great idea. I've read A Breath of Snow and Ashes (ABOSAA) twice before so it's not like I didn't know how it was going to end. I just get so immensely pulled into the eighteenth century with the Fraser's that I simply couldn't put it down. Doing a re-read of the Outlander series is a time consuming effort and a commitment worth every missed meal and having my bum constantly fall asleep from sitting for great lengths of time. When I got to the end of ABOSAA, I reflected on what I had read since the beginning of the novel and I am just astonished by how much story is compacted into one book. Outlander just blows my mind as no other series does. My main observation during this re-read is discovering how much I really really like Bree, Jamie & Claire's daughter. I have no idea why she annoyed me before. Ok, annoy me might be a bit too strong but I guess I just didn't care for her storyline as much. I remember that previously I had skimmed through the lots of the Roger and Bree storylines (as well as other secondary characters since I was so rabid for anything and everything Jamie and Claire) and that just proves how awesome re-reads of stories can be. I was foolish. By breezing through Bree & Roger's chapters, I was in essence missing important components of Jamie & Claire's life. In feel ABOSAA is one of the most emotional books of the series. It really pulled at my heart strings and invokes a lot of frothing at the mouth outrage by me. This outrage is directed at certain characters that even as I write this, angers me. By this stage in the series the reader is already so emotionally invested in the characters that I find the sense of worry is hightened on the slightest conflict. I always felt during reading ABOSAA that the wonderfully warm magic family bubble that was built on Fraser Ridge could burst at any moment and have everything come crashing down. The imminent American Revolution was always on the cusp of conversations and I loathed the visits from Major MacDonald as much as Claire did. I admit that the Regulation/Loyalists and how the war is prepared for the reader is amazing. Jamie must walk such a tight line and break to one side. I found from a historical perspective, I was much more interested this time around. The constant drama at the Fraser Ridge community never leaves the reader bored with the setting. Funerals, sickness, abductions, brutality, fear, pregnancy, suspicion, religion, Indians, master manipulation (don't get me started on Malva and Allan Christie) and just the daily grind of a hard life of operating a farm in the eighteenth century; all made for a masterfully crafted story. Each chapter felt like its own story yet they all were woven together intricately and they fed off one another. I was never lost. After staying up late reading ABOSAA (and then dreaming about it) today I just feel heavy. I feel fulfilled however I am so happy that ABOSSA was not the last book. I am not ready to let go of the Frasers' or the MacKenzies. (will I ever?) The next book is Echo in the Bone. I have only read it once. My first read through was rushed and I really skimmed through that book desperate for Jamie and Claire scenes. I actually rated it a lot lower than all of the previous books and I do remember being rather disappointed. So on that note, I am ready to dive in now with a completely fresh and new perspective. Random comments - *sniff* Do we ever hear anything more about Josh again?, Oh Ian how I adore you, Marsali is probably the hardest working woman ever written, MALVA! ["

Show more

March 16, 2012 Verified Purchase

Patty

Good but not enough explanation about certain events

"This was a very good story with lots of things happening at all times to keep it very interesting. However, in this book I noticed that a couple of things happened with no explanation about the events. For example, and here is a spoiler, when Malva Christie was murdered there was a big ruckus on the ridge as to who murdered her and the main suspect was Claire. Richard Brown, who had abducted her earlier in the book now came to hang her. Claire was saved through a variety of circumstances and then later Richard Brown pledged his allegiance to Jamie with the rebel cause to fight the Loyalists when he had already tried to kill Claire twice. Jamie accepted him as an ally and I found that so strange even though Miss Gabaldon explained it in the book as war makes "strange bedfellows". I didn't buy it. I felt that Brown should have been punished or killed. Also, when we eventually learn who the murderer of Malva is, within the last 20 pages of the book, Ian shot him in the back with an arrow. Nothing else was said about that. Did Ian and Claire hide his body? Was there a funeral. Why would the Ridge people let Ian get away with that when they put up a real fit about Claire?? And then to top it off Brianna put a bullet through Stephen Bonnets's head when he was lashed to a pole waiting for the tide to come in. People were everywhere in boats, wouldn't someone notice that and question it? Wouldn't Brianna have gotten in trouble by changing the way he was supposed to die. She shot him and that was that. Nothing else was mentioned about it. I have been reading the reviews of the next book and many other people say the same thing, that the author leaves you hanging with no explanations. I suppose that makes for less words to read for some readers but I am one who likes more detail and explanations as to an important event in the life of the characters. ["

Show more

October 5, 2017 Verified Purchase

Reader Lady

4.5 Stars!

"This is another great addition to the Outlander series. A word of warning, make sure you buy the audio by Davina Porter, unabridged. I accidentally ordered the abridged with a different narrator and was terribly disappointed. I had to constantly stop the audio and read without listening to a great many parts of the book. It did not include any of Lizzie’s sub-plot and much of Donner’s intrigues. That is why I have included the link to the correct audio book. Thank goodness for word search on my Kindle! The saga continues in A Breath of Snow and Ashes. The eve of discontent marches forward, bringing to life what led up to the American Revolution. Up to this point, Jamie has walked a fine line between support of the king, or declaring his allegiance to the freedom fighters. The governor of North Carolina appoints him a colonel to lead the militia against the uprising. Since Jamie knows what will happen in a few years, his heart is not in it. As time marches on, he becomes embroiled in the delegation for freedom and affixes his signature on a document that declares him a traitor to England. There so many facets to this book that at times it boggles the mind trying to keep it all straight. I am so glad I decided to go back to the beginning and read these remarkable books again. A Breath of Snow and Ashes gives me a multi cast of characters. Many I have grown to love, others not so much. While I love Roger’s character with his faithfulness and honor, I struggle with Bree’s character. I did love the feistiness and courage she shows when she is kidnapped and ends up in the hands of Stephen Bonnet. Most women would give up, but Bree never does. My heart ached for what Claire had to endure in this episode of the saga. Ms. Gabaldon handles the rape scene with compassion. Claire being Claire, she did not let this pull her down. Just like the ‘Energizer Bunny’ she keeps on ticking. I think Jamie handles the situation extremely well as usual. For a couple in their fifties, they are astonishingly agile and very vigorous in their lovemaking. Having gone through that age myself, I found that believable if a bit rare. The thread that runs true this this amazing tale is the power of the love Jamie and Claire feel for each other. The audio book I listened to, leaves so much out that to me keeps the story together, like the meeting with Lord John and William when Brianna realizes this young man can be none other than her brother. In the audio, she meets him on the quay and Lord John is not even there! Even though I have finished listening to the audio book, I am still reading the last part of the book. I hope no one else makes the mistake I made. When I read An Echo in the Bone, I struggled with so much of it. And wanted to throw my Kindle against the wall by the time it ended. I believe I will feel quite differently this time around. I can’t wait to get started on this one, and I made sure I downloaded the correct audio this time. Happy reading! ["

Show more

December 29, 2014 Verified Purchase