The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon (Outlander #5)

“‘I love you, a nighean donn. I have loved ye from the moment I saw ye, I will love ye ’til time itself is done, and so long as you are by my side, I am well pleased wi’ the world.’”

I have this whole system. I read the next book in the Outlander series as soon as the season comes out, therefore I read it and then get to watch it right afterwards. So, Netflix finally got Season 5 and so it was my time to shine -- and fall back in love -- with the fifth book in the riveting time travel series.

The Fiery Cross is somewhat tamer in both sex and violence than Gabaldon’s previous books, however I’m not complaining. As spicy as the sex scenes have been, I’ve never been one to care all too much how the deed is done. I am always rushing through to get back to that plot!

As the Fraser’s continue to make their mark in 18th century North Carolina, Gabaldon does what she does best - bring you in and plop you down, right at the heart of Fraser's Ridge, so that you yourself feel as if you are a character watching the Fraser’s live their now quiet, occasionally exciting, life.

Without spilling any tea, I can say with great relief that the novel ends not only on a beautiful and happy moment, but also without a cliffhanger. We finally get both our revenge on Stephen Bonnet, and confirmation as to whether or not he is indeed Jem’s father. Roger, though I don’t really care for him as a character personally, had me bawling a couple times throughout. Gabaldon delicately explores Brianna’s struggle with PTSD, which I found both fitting of her character and completely understandable as a fellow female myself.

The best thing? You feel at peace, surprisingly, at the end of the novel. Unlike the previous novels, this one left me not only feeling warm and fuzzy, but a little overwhelmed with joy at the last minute development. I was very pleased and could sleep easily knowing that the characters I have travelled with and loved this whole time were at peace as well -- a rare occasion as any Outlander fan would know.

An awesome read, I am looking forward to finishing Season 5 on Netflix and reading the next one in the series, A Breath of Snow & Ashes.

What’s Next: I’ll be reading and reviewing The Magicians by Lev Grossman. Stay tuned!