Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

As I was reading this book, I was trying figure out why it was so tedious and hard to get through. I am an avid reader. I read every night. I feel that if I can get through a James Michener novel I can get through anything. And that is what it felt like reading the Fiery Cross, like reading an interesting historical Michener novel, or a history book. Through the whole book I was analyzing, trying to figure out why it wasn't working. I thought "The writing is exceptionally good, I don't want to skim or miss a word or phrase (which meant rereading pages a lot, as my mind would drift) the characters I already know and love, so what is the problem?" One problem apparent to me, was that there were no feelings of "I can't put it down, what happens next?,I can't turn the page fast enough" in this book. I love reading details of daily living, anytime in history. I love history. Not enough writers, in my opinion, deal with problems like no toilet paper, or tampex, or Pampers, etc. I find those things fascinating, and I am curious, so for me, it wasn't that it was bogged down in details as some of the disappointed fans have stated. I appreciate those details, that bring me more into the time, the place, and the plot. So what was it then? ....the plot? maybe that was the whole problem. The plot was poor and boring, almost non existent. It was almost an insult to the fans, almost megalomania on the part of the author, as if wanting to let us know how much research she has done, and knowledge she has, but neglecting, or forgetting to take the time, and thought, to plan and execute an exciting page turning plot, to go with all those details, of course. I love learning, but at the same time I like to be entertained, that is why I choose novels over history books. I want both, and you are the writer who can do that, Diana, you have done it before. I also agree, as others have stated, that the characters were weak, boring, unlikeable, and yes some almost annoying ...I can't fathom all the fans that thought this was an engaging and exciting book, who have given it more than 3 stars? I came here, after reading the book, to find out if others were feeling as I was, and was gratified to learn that some of the best Gabaldon fans feel the same way. This book took me 3 weeks to get through *sigh*....I would be embarrassed to recommend this book to my friends, at least James Michener novels don't have that weird time travel thing going on, lol. And, I love long books... when I love the characters, time, place, and plot, I never want it to end, but this book was not hard to put down, it was just hard. Where was your editor on this one Diana??? Your editor needs to take some wake up pills for the next one. I do appreciate and acknowledge your hard work on these novels, but please, next time don't forget, to go along with the history lessons, and your great writing skills, the passion and the exciting adventures, the thrill of a skillful and suspenseful plot with interesting characters to love and hate. You know what I mean... that feeling of "OK one more chapter and then I will turn out the light" and three hours later you still can't put it down, because you keep on turning the page to see what is going to happen next. This book was a chore. Well I am all vented all out now...thanks for reading, ...