A Breath of Snow and Ashes

by Diana Gabaldon Book 6 in the Outlander series.

First published 2005

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4.7(43,252)

Between 1772 and 1776, political division and private violence threaten the Fraser family as the American colonies move towards rebellion. Jamie must publicly serve the Crown while quietly preparing to support independence, and Claire’s medical work makes her both valuable and vulnerable within the backcountry community. A newspaper report predicting the family’s death in a house fire adds urgency to kidnappings, trials and loyalties already strained by war.

The approaching Revolution makes foresight a burden rather than a simple advantage. Jamie and Claire know the colonies will break with Britain, but acting too early could destroy Fraser’s Ridge and acting too late could leave the family associated with the losing side. The novel repeatedly tests historical knowledge against local uncertainty, where one neighbour’s grievance or accusation can be more immediately dangerous than the movement of armies.