We enjoyed the first 4 seasons of the Startz Outlander presentations. So, when those ended we decided to read ahead getting Ms. Galbadon's books 5 & 6, The Fiery Cross and A Breath of Snow and Ashes before Startz season 5 showed. We weren't disappointed.
We immediately realized some minor differences in the first for stories between the videos on Startz and the books. However, they were minor and didn't distract from reading. For example, the weddings take place differently and Jamie's aunt intends to marry someone else.
970+ pages in each book of smaller than normal text is a time consuming read. But, both were captivating. We enjoyed Claire's transition to 18th century medicine without the equipment, drugs, and other resources available to her from the 20th century. Plus, Bree's inventiveness using 18th century materials were equally rewarding. The stories continue up to the first the first rumblings of the rebels and skirmishes re England's taxation. How they overcome the adversities are an ever twisting path. Ian begins to shine as a favorite character, returning from his surrender to the Indians, displaying both Indian and Scottish learning to help save the days. The history is realistic with the Scots settling and fighting to survive in the North Carolina area. Guess we should modify this and state the development and management of Frasier's Ridge, land granted to Jamie for which he swore an oath to England. (yeah right!).
We would like to mention that we started Book 7, An Echo in the Bone, but weren't enthralled enough to continue beyond 50%. This book dealt with much to much detail about Jamie's son Willie and Lord John and distracted from what was so cleverly crafted of Jamie and Claire's immediate lives. Still well written, but off track. Maybe we'll pick up again later. Maybe reading 2000+ small text pages wore us out.
Books 5 & 6 were so pleasing to read. Definitely one of the best long-story adventures we have read. Ms. Galbadon is an excellent writer.
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