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)

Unabridged!

Fortunately the author and her agent have negotiated a change in her copyright contract to allow the sale of the unabridged version. Part of the agreement is that the abridged must remain available but that hopefully won't tempt anyone with a modest amount of good sense. After all how can you modify a book so large into such a small recording? (not without mangling it bad) The author is well known to dislike the abridged versions of her novels and is anxious that the remaining one, The Fiery Cross, be available in unabridged form around Nov. of 2011. As always I recommend reading the novels in order to get full benefit of the story of Claire and Jamie: Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, Drums of Autumn, Fiery Cross, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, and Echo in the Bone. Each is technically self standing but each builds on its predecessors and you will be very happy to discover older characters and evens. So if you haven't read any of the Outlander series yet do start with the first, Outlander. You'll be glad you did. A Breath of Snow and Ashes is worth waiting for anyway. :)

I'm sorry it's over

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

Once again, the narration is superb. I become completely lost in the characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hard to say...I feel like I have become friends with the main characters and now that the series is over, I have said goodbye to these friends...very sad.

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

She brings a richness to the story and an understanding of the pronunciation of the Gaelic words.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I didn't have an extreme reaction. I enjoyed the historical perspective and I both laughed and cried.

Any additional comments?

Gabaldon's series isn't what I would consider serious literature but I have really enjoyed listening to her stories via Davina Porter.

Outstanding.

Absolutely outstanding book. I love this entire series. She draws you in and keeps your attention.

As always, a wonderful story continues

I love it but I'm in love with both Claire and Jamie Fraiser. Thank you to the narrator and Diana Gabaldon for bring to life two of my most favorite characters, Jamie and Claire.

I love Outlander

This was so very good to listen to. I’m amazed by all the details and history of the era. Jamie and Clair make me smile, laugh and cry. This series is amazing!

Good Performance, though long, loved the book

I have read the otehr books in the outlander series I wouldn't say I'm addcted to it or the author, but I definitely enjoy the myriad back and subplots found in A Breath of Snow and Ashes. I enjoy the time travel component of this series especially, I am not a fan of the romantical elements but I know that they are necessary. I'm definitely glad that that has been dialed back a bit from book 1's perspective.

I continue to be very impressed with the performance by Davina Porter though sometimes, accents get a bit confused i.e. Briana's accent waves from and American to a Scotish like accent. I can overlook this however as her portrayals of Gaelic and Scotish brogue is well-done, and that's an understatement. It would be difficult to read this, especially if you are reading this book as a blind person using text to speech. This is why Audible books like this are in my opinion necessary because they add some wonderful layers to the story.

This book's plot moved pretty quickly, and though at 57 hours long, it was ... long, I didn't really notice it as I was definitely sucked in more than I thought I would at first.

Though I am in the minority as a guy reading this book, I enjoyed the historical fiction and Claire's inventiveness when it comes to medical adventures and challenges. I will read the rest of the books in this series.

another great Outlander book!

This is the continuing story of Claire and Jamie Fraser and their life on the ridge in North Carolina. Hold on because there's a whole lot going on in this book.. I loved it!!
The narrator Davina Porter is outstanding.

Far Fetched

If you could sum up A Breath of Snow and Ashes in three words, what would they be?

Slightly far fetched

Would you be willing to try another book from Diana Gabaldon? Why or why not?

Yes. I'm reading the series.

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

Her excellent skill at making each character sound different.

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

No. Much too long.

Any additional comments?

This whole Outlander series if far fetched, but some of the story lines in this particular book seem more so than in the previous books. However, it's still a good read and I'll continue with the next book when I'm finished with this one.

The story continues!

I am not into romance novels, but this series with its detail and historic backdrop is exquisite. This is one of the best in the series with its twists and drama. I can't wait to continue the story!

Love of a lifetime

Tremendous ups & downs in this story. The overwhelming point being love. So beautiful I feel pain of tightness in my chest & the sting in my eyes.