About the book: In the second volume of bestselling author Gerald N. Lund's explosive new series, the Eckhardt family finds that the turmoil in their lives will only increase as they try to move forward in a nation divided. Sergeant Hans Eckhardt has been discharged from his military service and wants nothing more than to start a new life with a career and a family, but the unrest swallowing his homeland seems determined to stop him.
Suffering the devastating impact of defeat in the Great War, the people of Germany must find ways to face widespread food shortages, crippling unemployment, skyrocketing inflation, and the forced disbandment of the German military. The nation becomes a hotbed of revolutionary attacks, bringing the fledgling government to its knees. Conditions are so grim that the German people are desperate for someone—anyone—to step forward and bring stability back to their beloved Fatherland.
But as the flames of adversity grow more threatening, hope is on the horizon for the German Saints. With the help of Mitch Westland, from faraway southern Utah, they discover that the Lord has not forgotten them.
My review: Gerald Lund is really the master at writing a great historical novel. This book is no exception. I loved reading about this time in history and seeing the perspectives of different people during this time period.
There's Hans and Emilee, just trying to survive Germany during this turbulent time. I like both of these characters, I love series like these, because it seems as though you get to "know" the characters. I like Hans for the most part, but there were some times in this book that I was disappointed in him for his actions. But then I have to remember that not only is he a fictional character, but this book took place during very trying times and choices may not have seemed so black and white as they do during the good times.
Emilee is a great character as well, I love the way that she gets to know Hans' family without his knowledge or even really his permission. I love the way she goes about helping all she can with the soldiers in her hospital and the way that she loves Hans, even when she hates the choices that he's made.
I love that the Westland's in Utah appear in this book. I love that they are removed from the war in Germany because they don't live there, but they are still connected because of their heritage.
This time in history is fascinating to me. Adolf Hitler, and all the other crazy stuff that went on in Germany is just starting in this series and seeing how Han was in the story helped me to understand just a little bit how it may have been for the people in Germany. I love that at the end of each chapter there is a section of notes to help you better understand where some of the information came from and why.
This is an amazing book and an amazing series, so excited to read more!
I bought my own copy of this book.
About the author: Gerald N. Lund received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in sociology from Brigham Young University. He served for thirty-five years in the Church Educational System, and he served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from 2002 to 2008. He is a prolific and bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction and is best known for his historical novels, including The Work and the Glory series, Fire of the Covenant, The Kingdom and the Crown series, and The Undaunted. He and his late wife, Lynn, are the parents of seven children.Labels: Deseret Book, Fire and Steel series, Gerald Lund, Historical fiction
