Claire and Jamie Fraser return, in the sixth book of the series from Diana Gabaldon. The Fiery Cross picks up right where Drums of Autumn left off, the evening of the gathering of the clans, and immediately a reader can see why the book is 979 pages in length.

The gathering goes on and it goes on. And just when you think there couldn't be anything longer than this gathering, you get 164 pages devoted to a single day in the life of these characters.

Don't get me wrong--I love these folks. I wouldn't still be involved in these books if I didn't. But the chief problem I had with TFC is its length.

The Revolutionary War is approaching, and Jamie has been placed in a position Claire doesn't care for. He's to head a militia, to stop the Regulators from rising and terrorizing the land. Claire knows what's to come and doesn't want her family to be any part of it, but things have a way of slipping out of her control. She can't change the future--or can she?

With its generous length, TFC tends to wander. The story goes here, it goes there, and never seems to reach any firm conclusion. The Brianna/Bonnett storyline continues forward, but there is only frustration for this reader at the lack of conclusion therein. There is a murder mystery as well, something that was interesting, but in the end its explanation seemed rushed. Yet, later chapters seem bogged down by too much explanation, especially when it comes to genetics and Jemmy.

What I enjoyed most about the novel was the connection between Claire and Jamie. They've weathered a good many things together and no matter how dark the times become, they're still steadfast. I adore their relationship and that's what keeps me with the books. Gabaldon still writes them with an honesty I cherish. They share difficult words, but they are always better for having said them.

Likewise, I enjoyed the relationship between Jamie and Roger. Roger comes into his own in this novel--though I continually wondered what fresh hell he would find himself in, as he seemed to be putting his foot in something with every step. I didn't like Brianna in this book as much as I did in prior volumes; most every time we see her, we're told about her aching and/or leaking breasts. After the third time, we pretty much get the idea.