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Fire and Steel #2
The Storm Descends
The second volume in the Fire and Steel series, by bestselling author Gerald Lund, launches into the years directly following World War I and explores the devastating impact of defeat on the people of Germany specifically young Hans Eckhardt and his family. Faced with massive unrest caused by widespread food shortages, crippling unemployment, skyrocketing inflation, and the forced disbandment of the German military, a wave of revolutionary attacks brings the fledgling government to its knees. Conditions are ripe for the extreme ideology of an ambitious young leader whose disturbing ideas go largely unnoticed by a population desperate for change at any cost. But as the flames of adversity grow more threatening, hope is on the horizon for the German Saints who discover that the Lord has not forgotten them.
607 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2015
90 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
Gerald N. Lund
87 books747 followersGerald 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
December 29, 2017
Oh Gerald Lund how I love your books. So I'm not really into WWI, more WWII BUT Lund made some of his chapter notes about fact and fiction about it in some chapter notes about the war/post war has been interesting. Even his facts about what was going on in church history for the LDS (Mormon) church. Yes I'm Mormon and I don't even know a ton of what had happened throughout church history since there's so many good things done over the years and lots and lots of dates are hard to remember. So as the saying goes, "you learn something new everyday."
But I did find it interesting with not Just what was LDS church and the members over in Germany but also with the postwar with the citizens and government over in Germany and with it collapsing. Definitely made me feel grateful I didn't live there or anywhere during that time and especially to live in such a country with freedom and have many privileges that we have here that not every country has. Great eye opener that's for sure. I did cry about 4 different times (good cry this time) and just to know that many members or not had such faith and trust in God and their armies to come and save them from their enemies such as the Red Army from Russia. Amazing research was put in here, the characters are memorable and I even laughed out loud here and there. So another 5 stars to Gerald N. Lund for another amazing book/story. Now I need to get my hands on his two other books he came out with last year haha!
But I did find it interesting with not Just what was LDS church and the members over in Germany but also with the postwar with the citizens and government over in Germany and with it collapsing. Definitely made me feel grateful I didn't live there or anywhere during that time and especially to live in such a country with freedom and have many privileges that we have here that not every country has. Great eye opener that's for sure. I did cry about 4 different times (good cry this time) and just to know that many members or not had such faith and trust in God and their armies to come and save them from their enemies such as the Red Army from Russia. Amazing research was put in here, the characters are memorable and I even laughed out loud here and there. So another 5 stars to Gerald N. Lund for another amazing book/story. Now I need to get my hands on his two other books he came out with last year haha!
December 5, 2016
The second book in a series that takes place in Germany during both World Wars, this book begins in 1918 with the cessation of hostilities in “The Great War” and the punitive reparations Germany and Austria were made to pay the Allied nations, which weakened economies already in ruins from the war and led to unstable republics giving way to totalitarian regimes. At the center of it all is the protagonist, Hans Otto Eckhardt, a mostly likeable character who sometimes uses his intelligence and gifts for his benefit but makes maddeningly poor decisions at times. But he also makes some good decisions, and it is this aspect of his character – as it is with most of us – that makes him salvageable.
In the first book, he was kind of a spoiled kid without humility or gratitude, but in this book, both of those traits are developed. (Sometimes life instills these qualities in us.) Just as things start to go better for him, things take bad turns; however, when things are bleakest, he finds good luck. There are good life lessons for all of us in this pattern.
The background of this book details an interesting and pivotal part of German history which I find to be a particularly interesting period, both in Germany and Austria. Both countries established republics that were run by Social Democrats, but those republics began with their hands tied by the reparations from the war and were toothless governments for the most part anyway.
There is also a tie-in to both the first book and a previous series by the author, and that is re-introduced about 70% of the way through the book. This involves a family in southeastern Utah, and the middle-aged father of that family is chosen because of his experience as a missionary in Germany and because of his financial security to travel to Germany to help the members of the Church there during a trying financial time there. The book ends with a reunion and meeting between the series, and although it’s not necessary to have read the previous series, it completes the circle for both stories up to the time when the book ends – and there will certainly be sequels.
In all, a very good novelization of the interwar period and the struggles faced by ordinary Germans - and insight into how a great population could be swayed by a charismatic maniac.
In the first book, he was kind of a spoiled kid without humility or gratitude, but in this book, both of those traits are developed. (Sometimes life instills these qualities in us.) Just as things start to go better for him, things take bad turns; however, when things are bleakest, he finds good luck. There are good life lessons for all of us in this pattern.
The background of this book details an interesting and pivotal part of German history which I find to be a particularly interesting period, both in Germany and Austria. Both countries established republics that were run by Social Democrats, but those republics began with their hands tied by the reparations from the war and were toothless governments for the most part anyway.
There is also a tie-in to both the first book and a previous series by the author, and that is re-introduced about 70% of the way through the book. This involves a family in southeastern Utah, and the middle-aged father of that family is chosen because of his experience as a missionary in Germany and because of his financial security to travel to Germany to help the members of the Church there during a trying financial time there. The book ends with a reunion and meeting between the series, and although it’s not necessary to have read the previous series, it completes the circle for both stories up to the time when the book ends – and there will certainly be sequels.
In all, a very good novelization of the interwar period and the struggles faced by ordinary Germans - and insight into how a great population could be swayed by a charismatic maniac.
August 14, 2020
The second volume of Lund's Fire and Steel series. What a great writer and a great story. Well researched history made human. The bad guys aren't all bad, the good guys aren't all good. Choices made have consequences. Not everything is in our control, but our choices are. Sometimes it is hard to see the future, especially when young. That's where family becomes a strength, and a spiritual anchor becomes a lifeline.
Great series. Can't wait for the next volume.
Great series. Can't wait for the next volume.
February 11, 2017
I did not realize what life was like in Germany following World War I until reading this book. There was so much political turmoil and countless trials in the lives of so many. I love that this series takes place from World War I to World War II and is giving such a vivid picture of what that space of time was like and what forces were at work.
Hans is definitely a flawed main character and there were many things I didn't like about him, although I could see his potential. It was interesting to see his character journey and progression as the book went on. The author has some tendencies to over explain at times (which I've noticed in some of his other books as well), but I enjoy the detailed stories he tells enough that I can overlook that.
Hans is definitely a flawed main character and there were many things I didn't like about him, although I could see his potential. It was interesting to see his character journey and progression as the book went on. The author has some tendencies to over explain at times (which I've noticed in some of his other books as well), but I enjoy the detailed stories he tells enough that I can overlook that.
September 17, 2018
It was a good story. By the end of the story you feel like you have been on a long journey. So much happened in this book in less than a year. I had a hard time following what was happening during some of the battles and didn't really understand all the politics, but I still found the story very interesting.
January 26, 2018
Listened to this on CD. I like the perspective it gives me about what Germany was like in the time between WWI and WWII. Part of my heritage lies here and I think, these could have been my great-great grandparents.
February 4, 2022
The second book in this series is quite a bit longer than the first but packed with action, emotion and interesting encounters (main character having dinner with 30-year-old Adolf Hitler). Hans Eckhardt's character stays quite consistent amidst some amazing good luck and bad luck experiences ('stealing' $3k marks, having it stolen back from him, begging for food, almost mugging a woman to having the once in a lifetime chance of meeting up with the right military commander). The romance between he and Edith is playful, serious and lovely. Introducing a new storyline with the Monticello, Utah family took me by surprise but is starting to play out well in its connection to the main story. Heyborn again does a great job narrating but I had to listen to this book on 2x speed to keep me fully engaged and not go to sleep due to his slow reading pace.
October 6, 2022
I love Gerald Lund’s books. This series is no exception. I’m ready to start volume 3.
January 3, 2024
Continuation of conditions arising out of World War I with introduction to young Adolf Hitler.
February 27, 2016
I can hardly wait for the next volume. I also need to get Only The Brave to learn more about the Westlands. I don't like the way it ended with us not knowing so much but I don't know if there was a better place to stop. Hans is a delightful mixture of great strengths and sometimes great weakness. You really get a feeling for what is happening and will happen in Germany.
December 22, 2018
While I enjoyed this book it was horribly cheesy. I also feel like the characters didn't always act or talk like those in the time period the book was written in. They feel more modern and that destroyed much of the feeling of authenticity.
February 3, 2017
I listened to the audio version of this book. I really enjoyed Kirby Heybourne's performance.
February 12, 2020
Hans Otto Eckhardt and Emilee Formone have been treading on thin ice with their relationship. As Hans was at the war ministry trying to get his cash for being invested in the war he finds out it was closed permanently. Angry and no way of getting food or going home, he makes the best decision he can, dig through garbage cans. one particular day he is digging and finds a fresh piece of meat, a great dane comes along and steals it from Hans. Angry alone and hungry he finds himself stealing from von Schiller's wife. He runs off with the money but hears a voice and returns to give back the money. Von Schiller allows him to live and serve in the army under his command. He returns to the hotel he was staying at and finds a letter addressed from Emilee, he opens, and reads it. She said she didn't want to see him after what he did and that she didn’t know if they were going to get married anymore. Waiting for Emilee Hans joins the army.
In the same book it talks about another family and how their heritage came from germany and what trials they are going through. One night they were talking with Han's old buddy. They wanted to go to the oberammergau passion play. About 6 weeks later they get a telephone call from the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints, asking them a bunch of questions. After that they got called to go to Germany on a special assignment. Getting train cars full of food and giving them to those who didn’t have any food at that time. They are left wondering if Germany will no longer starve.
I really liked the book the storm descends because the book itself was very interesting and it engrossed me. It felt like I was there the whole time, even with the characters. Every time I read it I could not put it down. Gerald N. Lund is a very good historian and some of the words in the book are in German, this kind of sets the mood in Germany at that time. Since this is the second book in the series it skips a lot so if you want to read this book read the first one first.
If you love historical fiction or even just history this is your book. This book does get gory so if you don’t like gory then this is not your book. Amazing as it was i did take a break reading the book and came back. This book is really long so if you don’t like or really like long books then this is your book. Sometimes books get boring and you don’t want to read them in this book that is the case but in a different perspective. Parts of this book are boring but in the most boring parts they have very good and useful information for the rest of the book.
In the same book it talks about another family and how their heritage came from germany and what trials they are going through. One night they were talking with Han's old buddy. They wanted to go to the oberammergau passion play. About 6 weeks later they get a telephone call from the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints, asking them a bunch of questions. After that they got called to go to Germany on a special assignment. Getting train cars full of food and giving them to those who didn’t have any food at that time. They are left wondering if Germany will no longer starve.
I really liked the book the storm descends because the book itself was very interesting and it engrossed me. It felt like I was there the whole time, even with the characters. Every time I read it I could not put it down. Gerald N. Lund is a very good historian and some of the words in the book are in German, this kind of sets the mood in Germany at that time. Since this is the second book in the series it skips a lot so if you want to read this book read the first one first.
If you love historical fiction or even just history this is your book. This book does get gory so if you don’t like gory then this is not your book. Amazing as it was i did take a break reading the book and came back. This book is really long so if you don’t like or really like long books then this is your book. Sometimes books get boring and you don’t want to read them in this book that is the case but in a different perspective. Parts of this book are boring but in the most boring parts they have very good and useful information for the rest of the book.
Want to read
May 24, 2023This is the second book in Lund's "Fire and Steel" series. It takes place at the end of the first world war and at the start of the inter-war period in Germany. Hans is a soldier in the defeated German army and feels betrayed at the governments surrendering to their enemies. As he returns to the Homefront Hans gets thrown into the depressed era of Germany's history where money has no value, morals are thrown out the window, drugs and alcohol are the common of the day. You get to read and watch with suspense as Hans makes choices that will influence his future life and the coming conflict. He also meets a significant figure during his time who also served in the war and would soon become a man in the greatest authority Germany had ever seen.
I loved the first book in the series as it explores a side to the 20th century that we do not often get to see. Lund's ability to portray the average Germans experience during this harrowing time period keep the reader engage and on the edge of their seat. Through this book we see less of military conflict and more moral conundrum and inquiry as we watch Hans navigate the debauchery of Germany post WWI. I loved the book as we see it setting up the third instillation and the start of the second half of strife during the 1940's. I highly recommend the book and series to anyone who is interested in both historical fiction and action.
I loved the first book in the series as it explores a side to the 20th century that we do not often get to see. Lund's ability to portray the average Germans experience during this harrowing time period keep the reader engage and on the edge of their seat. Through this book we see less of military conflict and more moral conundrum and inquiry as we watch Hans navigate the debauchery of Germany post WWI. I loved the book as we see it setting up the third instillation and the start of the second half of strife during the 1940's. I highly recommend the book and series to anyone who is interested in both historical fiction and action.
September 11, 2021
I'm going to put the same review for this entire 6-part book series, because like I believe it should all be read together as a series, not simply individual books.
Mr. Lund is both an intelligent historian and an excellent describer of characters. I didn't realize how invested I became in the characters until the last book and a half, when some of the main characters started either moving away or being killed off (no plot spoilers). This historical fiction series is set in the oft-ignored between-the-world-ward period. Through the eyes of a German farming family, we see WWI, the Great Depression, the chaotic German currency and economy of the 1920's, and the rise in power of a relatively obscure military Corporal named Adolf Hitler. Fascinating read! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because there were the occasional parts where the plot dragged a bit. With a series of this scope, though, it's almost impossible for that not to happen, and I still wholeheartedly recommend this series.
Mr. Lund is both an intelligent historian and an excellent describer of characters. I didn't realize how invested I became in the characters until the last book and a half, when some of the main characters started either moving away or being killed off (no plot spoilers). This historical fiction series is set in the oft-ignored between-the-world-ward period. Through the eyes of a German farming family, we see WWI, the Great Depression, the chaotic German currency and economy of the 1920's, and the rise in power of a relatively obscure military Corporal named Adolf Hitler. Fascinating read! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because there were the occasional parts where the plot dragged a bit. With a series of this scope, though, it's almost impossible for that not to happen, and I still wholeheartedly recommend this series.
September 23, 2024
Good book. This covers Hans recovery from WWI injuries and falling for Emilie Fromme. He goes to Berlin to get his pension and gets swept up in the German revolution after the war. He ends up defending the government but not before hitting rock bottom with the other 50% of the unemployed. This is fascinating imagining the turmoil and communist push in post war Germany. Hitler is featured as an acquaintance that Hans can even sympathize with for his feelings of opposition to the anarchy. However Hans leaves the military and decides to open a garage and marry Emilie.
Good story but Lund introduces the Westlands from “Only the Brave” a different series 400 pages in with limited warning. I hadn’t read the series so I was frustrated. The premise is they represent the American saints buying army surplus to support the German saints. Very moving but I was sad I didn’t know their backstory. Now I need to go back and read the other series to get caught up. Other than that this is classic Lund and only covers 1919.
Good story but Lund introduces the Westlands from “Only the Brave” a different series 400 pages in with limited warning. I hadn’t read the series so I was frustrated. The premise is they represent the American saints buying army surplus to support the German saints. Very moving but I was sad I didn’t know their backstory. Now I need to go back and read the other series to get caught up. Other than that this is classic Lund and only covers 1919.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2017
The second volume in this series is more interesting...happy day when Hans and Emilee marry. Then Hans' experiences with the military are nail biting. Tense moments when Hans goes back for Emilee, Wolfie, Paula and their family. Course it is also a tense time when Hans is clearing the building and almost gets shot! When he returns to the Groll home, it is sad how bad it was trashed. But I'm sure that happened to many places during the war time.
I kept reading to see when the American family would finally be introduced. Kind of had an inkling it would have something to do with missionary work. Even though not a missionary, Mitch is traveling around Germany seeing what the saints are in need of. The amount of food purchased from the Army was amazing. What a blessing that was for the saints.
Very interesting to read about this time period in history, so love the chapter endings when author tells what are actual events and what are not.
I kept reading to see when the American family would finally be introduced. Kind of had an inkling it would have something to do with missionary work. Even though not a missionary, Mitch is traveling around Germany seeing what the saints are in need of. The amount of food purchased from the Army was amazing. What a blessing that was for the saints.
Very interesting to read about this time period in history, so love the chapter endings when author tells what are actual events and what are not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2019
The second volume of this series was fascinating reading for me. I learned about how horrible the conditions in Germany were at the end of WWI. This book provided for me an understanding of how Germany accepted a leader in Adolf Hitler.
"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."
"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."
April 3, 2019
The second book in the Fire and Steel series did not disappoint. The plot thickens as Germany enters turmoil as a country after World War I. I love how thoroughly Lund does his research and incorporates truth with his fictional characters, who are very likable. The Eckhardts are prominent in this story and share their moments of joy and sorrow as Hans fights for the government to protect the Fatherland and what it represents. His relationship with Emily also becomes more complicated. Another family is also introduced: Mitch and Edie Zimmer, who live in America. Eventually the paths cross of the Eckhardt and Zimmer family. Hans' character is very frustrating at times but is true to human nature in desperate times. Trials bring out the best in some and the worst in others. It's weird to read about Hitler in the role as a "friend". It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out in the later books (as far as the friendship goes)
April 28, 2021
I enjoyed this book better than the first one of the series, but boy was it long. Luckily I was still able to understand and enjoy it at 1.5x speed because it was over 600 pages long in print! I am learning so much about Germany; this volume is specifically about life and politics there after WWI. I have to cringe whenever Hitler shows up as an acquaintance to the main character, but it's going to be interesting to learn something about why and how things got so out of hand in Germany. I'm also learning about the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there, and was able to put up with a several-chapters-long digression about some families in Utah who then sent missionaries over there.
June 2, 2022
This is the 2nd volume in the Fire and Steel series. At this time, World War I has ended was a devastating loss to the Germany. The country is in turmoil and the people are struggling to survive. The government is full of strife and contention. Anger and hatred is every where. Not only is the government corrupt and falling apart, but because of the terms in the treaties of surrender the people virtually unable to live.
Various organization begin to form throughout the nation as the people try to oust the corrupt failing government. Socialist, Fascists and Spartacans organizations fight to gain power through violence and corruption. Thus, an unknown corporal named Adolph Hitler quietly observes and studies these organizations.
Various organization begin to form throughout the nation as the people try to oust the corrupt failing government. Socialist, Fascists and Spartacans organizations fight to gain power through violence and corruption. Thus, an unknown corporal named Adolph Hitler quietly observes and studies these organizations.
May 19, 2017
The characters continue to be interesting. The historical setting is compelling. Encounters with a certain historical figure continue to intrigue me. My one complaint: the plot drug on and on like a mother pulling her teenaged son upstairs for morning family scripture study. I appreciate the historical context, but can we put all that on fast forward? Hans continues to be an idiot. There were many times I would have punched his face if I could. Without these times, we wouldn't have much of a plot. I listened to the audiobook on my way to and from work. Kerby Heyborne has a good German accent. I am currently listening to book 3.
November 16, 2017
Very good continuation of the first book. Just so many depressing scenes and sequences and more detail on the war segments than I care for. Also, I recommend no Jew read this book, because Hitler's character is presented so casually that it stings to even read his thoughts and early anti-Semitic language and for the protagonist to agree with him.
There were also a few glaring typos, including a date at the beginning of a chapter that jumped me ahead 10 years and freaked me out for a minute. Starting on the third because I like the author's story telling and am anxious to see resolve and hope for the German people.
There were also a few glaring typos, including a date at the beginning of a chapter that jumped me ahead 10 years and freaked me out for a minute. Starting on the third because I like the author's story telling and am anxious to see resolve and hope for the German people.
October 28, 2021
It's hard to beat Gerald N. Lund when it comes to historical fiction. Love his books. This series is wonderful and truly makes the reader feel like they are right the, at the center of the action!
This is the second book in the series and I highly recommend the entire series if you like History, the rise of the Third Reich, WWI, and some Latter-day Saint stories thrown in. No, it's not a thickly religious book. Just so happens that Latter-day Saints do make up a small portion of the larger story, though that is not at any time the main focus of the book. Rather history and "what would it have felt like to live back in those days" kind of thinking, IS.
This is the second book in the series and I highly recommend the entire series if you like History, the rise of the Third Reich, WWI, and some Latter-day Saint stories thrown in. No, it's not a thickly religious book. Just so happens that Latter-day Saints do make up a small portion of the larger story, though that is not at any time the main focus of the book. Rather history and "what would it have felt like to live back in those days" kind of thinking, IS.
August 4, 2017
Wish we could give half stars in our ratings. This title is a touch better than those I rank 3-star and it's not quite in the same category as my 4-star ratings. I liked it because I'm learning more about historical setting and mood in Germany between the Great Wars. And I've grown more attached to the main characters. I can't give it 4 stars because some of the drama drags on and I have to skip it. The description of Bavaria has me looking up photos online and comparing historical facts against what I've read. Makes me really want to travel there.
April 29, 2018
This is an excellent series that teaches Germanic history at the time of “The Great War” through to WWII. It shows what happened to the German people and helps you understand how it was that Hitler came to power. The books for me were somewhat slow, like reading a history book in some ways, but the story line is engaging. Some of it is difficult to read because of how sad, depressing and difficult life was for for the people. I am glad I read the series however and I am waiting for the Fifth book now, and will definitely read it when it comes out.
January 20, 2019
Reading this series for the history. Sometimes I don't think I can stand the writing much longer. All the characters are the same. They all speak the same, everyone is always holding hands and crying. People seem too perfect.
Also, Hitler. It's weird that he is written in as being a friend of one of the main characters. And I doubt he used the term "oh my word". in fact, all the characters use that term. Maybe that's being too picky- but it's grating on me.
There was much in this book that didn't seem to have a point.
Also, Hitler. It's weird that he is written in as being a friend of one of the main characters. And I doubt he used the term "oh my word". in fact, all the characters use that term. Maybe that's being too picky- but it's grating on me.
There was much in this book that didn't seem to have a point.
March 12, 2019
Really kind of hokie, but I enjoy historical fiction, all things 'German,' WWI & WWII stories and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At times it was too much and, while listening in my car, I'd let it go in one ear and out the other. I got frustrated with the stupid acts of main character, Hans and of course, one always cringes upon anything dealing with Hitler. (Although, in this story's setting, there's just a building up of who Hitler would become, without indication of his true evilness.)
February 18, 2019
I am a huge fan of Gerald Lund. I also love historical fiction. I learned a lot reading this book. I found the information about post WWI Germany to be very interesting. My family is part German but I know very little about German culture so I really liked learning about that too. I like the relationship between the US family and the German family. I also have enjoyed the tie in with the US family to their ancestors written about in Only the Brave, Mitch and Edie Zimmer.
August 4, 2019
4 1/2 stars. I've been listening to this series on audiobook, and have really enjoyed learning more about the time between WWI and WWII and the factors which made Germany vulnerable to Hitler's ideologies. I think there are some parallels between the state of politics today and the ways in which the working class was persuaded during this time in history. This series follows a family in Germany and a family in America, and I found the story about the Germans more compelling.
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