A Breath of Snow and Ashes

Outlander, Book 6

By: Diana Gabaldon

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 57 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

A worldwide sensation with more than 12 million copies in print, Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series has produced #1 best-selling novels and earned a fiercely devoted fan base. Another spellbinding entry in the series, A Breath of Snow and Ashes continues the saga of 18th-century Scotsman Jamie Fraser and his 20th-century, time-traveling wife, Claire. The year is 1772, and the rift between Britain and its American colonies has put a frightening word into the minds of all concerned: revolution. In the backwoods of North Carolina, violence has already reared its ugly head, as cabins have been burned to the ground. To preserve the colony for King George III, the governor pleads with Jamie to bring the people together and restore peace. But Jamie has the privilege, although some might call it a burden, of knowing that war cannot be avoided. Claire has told him that the colonies will unite and rebel, and the result will be independence, with all British loyalists either dead or exiled. And there is an additional problem. Claire has discovered a newspaper clipping from 1776 that tells of Jamie’s death. With its epic scope, historical details, and sweeping romance, A Breath of Snow and Ashes is everything Gabaldon’s fans love and more.

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

Critic reviews

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

I love these books and Davina does amazing

The story is very good and interesting. lots of drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. Davina does amazing at narrating! each character has a unique voice and accent. and she does amazing at matching emotions and subtext. I highly recommend it!

Friends

What made the experience of listening to A Breath of Snow and Ashes the most enjoyable?

The narrator was wonderful. Her use of the voices and the brougues she is able to bring is just wonderful and makes the story come to life.

What did you like best about this story?

Living through the civil war and the perilous life during that time was great. I never knew what might happen next.

What does Davina Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ms. Porter brings life to the story. In my head, I'd never hear the scottish brogues that she is able to bring.

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

I suppose I would have like to hear it all at one time.

Loved it!

Great story narrated by MS. Porter. She does a wonderful job with Claire's voice and a nice Job with the Scottish men.

Loved it..

Brilliantly read, this story takes on back to times gone by in a realistic, dryly humorous and poignant manner.

Lengthy book, brilliantly read

As some reviewers have said, the storyline seems to plod along at times. The Audible book is broken into several downloads, which makes it more manageable for storage on a phone. I had no trouble with the audio transferring from one part to the next. The narrator did an excellent job, voicing the various characters well.
As an aside, I wonder if the author actually looked at a map of North Carolina as she wrote the book. The characters routinely travel from colonial settlements that are all over the state as if they were just a few miles apart. For example, to travel from the mountains to the coast is easily a 4 - 5 hour drive at 60 MPH. It would take nearly a week on a horse. The distance from New Bern to Wilmington is nearly 100 miles (and the old Brunswick town settlement is even further south), but the story makes it feel as if they were just a few miles apart.

Perfect!

Perfection all round! Of course the story is amazing! The narration is perfect! Loved it!

Interesting story

These books are a learning experience. It makes me happy to be living in the 20th century. They had sure a difficult existance

Thank you Audible

Love this series. However, I’m so glad I listened on Audible. I would never have gotten through the book. I feel like parts dragged on for way too long! I’m mean seriously, 125 chapters?!

The woman who is then narrator is great! I love her different characters!

Gabaldon and Porter the best pair.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I love, love, love this series. Anyone who is a Claire and Jamie fan will continue to enjoy the journey on in America. This series is addiction, one of those books that is impossible to put down.

What does Davina Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I have the Abridge version of this book, which was horrible I might add. I love Davina because she plays Claire so well, she also does other voices which truly add to the richness in the story. I now seek out books that she has narrated.

Diana Gabaldon is Extraordinary

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

If you love the Outlander Series this continuation of the saga will not disappoint! Davina Porter shines as she reads Diana Gabaldon's lovely words. My only criticism is her impersonation of Briana. Shouldn't Briana sound more like she is from 1960s Boston? Other than that it's a flawless performance. Enjoy.

What did you like best about this story?

The ebb and flow of the small stories inside the greater tale.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Thomas Christie tells Claire he killed his own daughter.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Jamie had to leave Claire on the boat with the governer.

Any additional comments?

Love! Love! Love!