time travel

I promised myself that I wouldn't read other customer reviews of "The Fiery Cross" until I had started reading the book. Well, I started it, and then wondered, "Is it me, or is the story line moving at about the speed of a sloth?" So, I read some of the reviews, and no, it's not me. Like many others, I adored the first 3 books--read them over and over again. My enthusiasm for "Drums of Autumn" was somewhat tempered by Ms. Gabaldon's reliance on "setting the scene" as a means to move the plot along. However, the reunion between Brianna and her parents made "Drums of Autumn" worthwhile. I am only one-third of the way through this epic, and I'm still waiting for a plot to develop! So far, I've read descriptions of many different 18th-century ailments, as well as how women who were menstruating dealt with that particular aspect of life in colonial America. Truly, Ms. Gabaldon, I don't believe that most people, even those who are devoted fans of the series, want to know how colonial women dealt with their monthly periods! If they are, I'm sure they would be reading other material!

So, who's to blame for this? Those of us who have read the other books in the series know that the story moved much more briskly, but was well-seasoned with medical asides, detailed descriptions of the landscape, etc. I have come to the conclusion that Ms. Gabaldon's editor was on a very extended leave of absence, because that is the only explanation for the way this book turned out. It pains me to write this, because I really looked forward to this book, and I do intend to finish it, but unlike with the other books in the series, I feel as though I'm duty-bound to finish it (as opposed to reading it because it's a pleasurable experience).

I just have to say for those who are giving this book less than 4 or 5 stars, are you a true DG fan? Any of her books are more than worthy of 5 stars. I'd give them all a 6 if I could. The continuing story of Jamie and Claire is what I wait for. If you want them to go back to Scotland and back to Lallybroch, then read Outlander, DIA & Voyager over again. These books are meant to be continuous and move on with their lives. Remember, it is fiction and things will be a little unbelievable, I mean, ahem, it is a time travel novel, no? She has every intention of making these characters more than fantastic. Take the fiction at face value, rather than trying to make it reality. Enjoy them for the wonderful works of fiction they are.

I am a huge Diana Gabaldon fan (loved every book in the Outlander series except this one). This book was very hard to get through. I bought it in hardcover and have picked it up several times but can't get past 200 pages. Will someone please tell me what happens in the end of this book? I want to read the next one in the series (whenever that comes out) and I want to know what I missed in The Fiery Cross.