The year is 1771, and war is coming. Jamie Fraser’s wife tells him so. Little as he wishes to, he must believe it, for hers is a gift of dreadful prophecy—a time-traveler’s certain knowledge. – Random House Publishing Group
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If I could give this more than six stars, I would. My reason being, this one line that froze me where I sat: “When the day shall come, that we do part, if my last words are not ‘I love you’—ye’ll ken it was because I didna have time.” Those are Jamie’s words to Claire as they are sitting in his study. I tell you, the tears came out of nowhere and I held my breath and thought, “That’s true love.” It’s something Gabaldon’s husband said to her as she mentions in the acknowledgments. Very romantic. I get chills when I think about how tender those words are. Just the power alone behind the statement, which resounds with love and affection… I was so moved by them and still am.
On to the good stuff. I wasn’t sure what we would get with this fifth installment of the “Outlander” series, but I know one thing: I do not wish for anyone to be Roger MacKenzie. He gets his ass handed to him in this book, repeatedly. It took my mind off Claire and Jamie’s struggles, that’s for sure. I began this adventure thinking Roger wouldn’t cut it as an 18th century man. He’s a history scholar, not a farmer or marksman or soldier. Heck, Brianna does better with hunting than he does. But, what Roger does is defy the odds, showing us he can survive in a time that is not his own. I definitely have a newfound respect for Roger Mac and look forward to reading more about him.
While Roger is a focus in this book, the standout character to me (although she’s not actually in the book this time around) is Jenny Murray, Jamie’s sister. She writes him a letter, which set the waterworks flowing, again. I don’t know how Jenny does it, but she’s such an overpowering force of a character that her words to her brother are enough to leave her presence on your mind while reading the rest of the book. I’ve always thought Jenny to be a strong woman and I kind of had my issues with her in “Voyager,” but she’s forgiven. Circumstances surrounding Roger Mac’s sudden appearance in “Drums in Autumn” led to young Ian Murray’s being separated from the Frasers and Jenny was unable to forgive Jamie for what befell her son. She finally has and it’s another poignant moment that makes me happy to have siblings.
At any rate, “The Fiery Cross” gives us a taste for what’s to come—war. There is a minor skirmish that occurs and if you feel nervous during it, just imagine what the big battle will be like, which we haven’t gotten to yet. You also see another side to Jamie that we haven’t seen before: what he’s like in soldier mode. It’s a bit scary and I now understand why he has the nickname “Red Jamie.” Believe me, it has nothing to do with his hair color.
For more information on the books or the fabulous author, Diana Gabaldon, please visit her website at www.dianagabaldon.com.
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