A Breath of Snow and Ashes

Outlander, Book 6

By: Diana Gabaldon

Narrated by: Davina Porter

1772, the eve of the American revolution. In Boston, men lie dead in the street and in the backwoods of America, isolated cabins burn in the darkness of the forest. The Colony is in ferment. Jamie Fraser, a passionate leader of men, receives an envoy from the Governor Josiah Martin, asking for help.

The Governor needs someone to unite the backcountry, pacify the seething resentments of the settlers, and keep the mountains safe for King and Crown. Jamie Fraser, everyone agrees, is the man for the job. But Jamie knows what is to come.

His wife, Claire, has travelled back in time from the twentieth century, and she knows that it's only a matter of a few years before the start of the War of Independence, ending with the exile or death of the men loyal to the King of England.

Neither prospect appeals to Jamie. Beyond everything else, though, looms the threat of a tiny clipping from The Wilmington Gazette, dated 1776, which reports the destruction of the house on Fraser's Ridge, and the death by fire of James Fraser and all his family. Jamie hopes Claire is wrong, for once, about the future—but only time will tell.

©2005 Diana Gabaldon (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"[A]n enthralling experience." ( Booklist)

Outstanding

Diana Gabaldon is a genius! She is the most outstanding writer that I have ever had the privilage of reading. And Davina Porter is perfect! Perfect!!!! The most wonderful series of books ever and this one is no exception. Thank you Thank you thank you, for this UNABRIDGED version, (finally)

One problem - file format is difficult to use

Any additional comments?

I LOVE all of Diana Gabaldon's books - bar none. Also, Davina Porter is amazing! My only reason for posting this review is to draw attention to the fact that this is the only one of her audiobooks that (a) does not whispersync with the ebook, and (b) is broken up into SEVEN parts (at least on my Kindle), making it difficult to tell which part is which due to the available space for title info under the icons on the screen. This needs to be fixed so that the audiobook can be enjoyed in all its glory!

love the series, but..

Last two books have been very long with too few plots and sub plots. Expected more Revolutionary War background plots.

Outlander- book 6- so vivid

After being a Fan of the show I was impatient waiting for the next season & gave the book a go. The audiobook was an answer to my prayer!
What amazing talents the author and narrator both have! The whole “1770s”America came to view in my mind - some of the house & places were similar to the TV show but the author allowed my minds eye to paint a whole world. The characters are so vivid & timeless. The story of love of a spouse, love of family, and love of a country& the immense sacrifices some are willing to make in order to leave this world a better place for their children... captivating story! Wow!!

no excuse

What did you love best about A Breath of Snow and Ashes?

It is like the Perils of Pauline. There is always going to be something big lurking around every turn.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I have been in love with Jamie and Claire since I first met them in Outlander. Claire is as strong as I want to be, though I'd like to hope I have more common sense, and Jamie is the man I compare every man I meet to.

What didn’t you like about Davina Porter’s performance?

Davina mispronounces the most simple words! Even taking in to account, maybe, the accents, the words are so far off any mark that I find myself kicked out of the story to try to figure out what she said or meant, then I have to rewind to find what I missed while trying to decipher what she was trying to say.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I want to hear this book every waking moment, but Davina irritates me with her inability to pronouce words.

Any additional comments?

Isn't there an editor that should make sure the reader says things correctly?? It's almost worse that reading misspelled and badly edited books.