The Shadow Falls

Fire and Steel #3

by Gerald N. Lund

In the third volume of master storyteller Gerald N. Lund's dynamic new series, the Eckhardt family finds itself clinging to hope in a nation on the brink of collapse. Work is scarce, food has become an extravagance, and money is practically worthless. War-torn Germany has been battered down and humiliated on an international scale, and the people have lost the pride and conviction that once carried them.

Living in such desperate circumstances leaves the people vulnerable to fall for a wolf in sheep's clothing, and Hans Eckhardt is not immune. His friend Adolf is charismatic, driven, a man of vision—seemingly, everything that Germany needs. While a few suspect that this rising new political leader may not be the rescuer they seek, many more are quick to turn a blind eye to the warning signs.

But there are bright spots amid the bleakness. Faith and family continue to provide joy and solace as life journeys forward. And a visit from two former LDS missionaries and their families brings a spark of excitement to the Eckhardts. Family life seems to be the one area unmarred by the turmoil all around them—until personal tragedy strikes.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Lds Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Religion, World War II

502 pages, Hardcover

First published November 7, 2016

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.

Reviews

[Book2Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Volume 3 of the series. The story covers our characters in both America and Germany from 1919 to 1922. Lund is a master and creating sympathetic characters and in depth research. Knowing how Germany struggled after World War I fills in the question of how Hitler came to power, and why things were done differently after World War II.
There is a bit more focusing on the Church aspect in this book than the first two. It may answer some people's questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but does not distract from the story being told. There is also lots of information about the Oberammergau Passion Play, its origins and scope.
I already care for these three families and have some anxiety about how they will fare in the next 20 years of the saga. I await Volume 4.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting book of historical fiction, because the protagonist of the story is a good friend of Adolf Hitler in the early 1920s as the German Workers’ Party begins to develop into the National Socialist German Workers’ Party – the Nazis – and Hans-Otto Eckhart gets swept up in the events of that time while his wife begins to move toward the faith of Hans-Otto’s mother: in an obscure American church known as the Mormons.

Once again, Gerald Lund shows why he is so good at the historical fiction series by taking the reader to historic events and mixing his fictional characters with figures from history – good and bad – and shows human sides of all of them. A masterful work of fiction, to be sure.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though Lund sometimes jumps around and adds side stories that don't seem to relate to the novel as a whole, I was amazed by the life circumstances that Germany endured between the great world wars. My heart breaks for the astronomical rise in inflation. War is never pretty, but people are heroic, real, human, and all children of God. Some of my ancestors lived in Germany at this time. I like thinking that reading this helps me understand what they went through. It also makes me want to learn German and go to the Passion Play in Oberammergau.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume was so much better then the second one in this series. It felt much less transitional, and like something was actually happening in the story. It is interesting to the relationship between Hans & Hitler, and to realize how many people were actually enthused by his political ideas. My only request would be for Gerald Lund to possibly add a recap of some sort at the beginning of the book, because they are coming out about a year apart, I have a hard time remembering what happened in the previous story.

[Loriann Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, excellently performed by Kirby Heybourne.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read it, instead of listening to it. The narrator has so many voices to do, and the children’s voices are a little whinny and I hated hearing Hitler yell all the time.

I had mixed feelings while listening to fictional characters be involved directly with the historical Hitler. But the book gives incredible detail of the history of Germany between the World Wars and shows how Hitler forced his way into history.

[Nisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hans is a really unlikable character. I keep hoping he will change and he seems to for a moment, but never does. This is book three and he’s just so selfish and awful.

I do love the history and getting more of the San Juan saints is fun.

[Steve Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series heats up, along with contemporary events in the United States

[Danni]

very good. I loved this series.

[Josephine M Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire and Steel The Shadow Falls

Excellent book, as all of Gerald Lund's books are. It certainly enlightened me as to how the Nazi's came about. I can now better see how Hitler came to power and why, for right or wrong. Unfortunately for wrong in this case. Very well researched and written. Surely there must be a third book coming in the series, I hope.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish the whole series was out so I could read the rest of it.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big part of why I love this series of books by GNL is that the history fills in so much I didn't know before. We all know about WWI and WWII - at least we think so. We now the little bullet points that seems to be on a circle conveyor belt that keeps going round and round - more and more books, more and more movies, more and more telling of the same information.

However, in these books, particularly this one, Lund describes more of the details - how inflation went up, and what amounts/percentages, how the INSANE GENIUS of Hitler started to "snowball", and why so many people fell for it, etc. It is amazing to just read/listen to this information.

I couldn't help but compare so much of the rise of the Third Reich/Nazi Germany to what is currently taking place in the U.S. and across the world.

A great example is a quote by C.S. Lewis: "Of all tyrannies a tyranny sincerely exervised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience."

That PERFECTLY describes Hitler and this book describes this process of how it came to be and why people AIDED him in rising to such power. "It's for the greater good!" they say. Yet, there is a fine line between protecting "The greater good" and protecting "Individual rights." I fear we have lost total sight of that line and we area plunging in a downward spiral into another "Nazi abyss". But I digress - the book is excellent, full of historical details and yet also fun fiction. Lund is a master story teller that draws you into the world of his books.

[Kevin R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far I think this was the slowest book in the series. It was still good and still very interesting to learn about the history of this time period. I just felt like not a lot was happening with the characters for a good portion of the book.

That being said, this book deals a lot with Hitler's rise to power. It begins with him and Hans exploring the Worker's Party, to Hitler joining the party and quickly climbing the ranks until he takes full control of it. It talks about the beginning of the term "Nazi," the Nazi flag, the Storm Troopers, and other items that foreshadow what is to come.

I enjoyed learning more about the Passion Play that happens every ten years in Oberammergau, Germany. The author includes some things he learned from the time he got to see the play, and it made me wish I could see it to. It sounds like quite a neat experience!

I continue to ponder the fact that if it weren't for the harsh, unforgiving punishments inflicted upon Germany due to the Treaty of Versailles, Nazi Germany may have never happened. Powerful lessons are taught through this work of historical fiction. Although I feel like this was the slowest book so far in the series, I am still excited to continue.

[Landon Wright]

In Lund's "The Shadow Falls" is the third book in his Fire and Steel series and is as action packed as the first two. Germany is torn asunder by crippling inflation, scare food, widespread starvation, horrible political strife, and is ripe to fall for a wolf in sheep's clothing. Hans has befriended a young man named Adolf who has ambitious goals for their stagnant nation. His solutions to Germany's ills have entranced Hans. The book revolves around these new times of intrigue and political turmoil.

Having enjoyed the previous two books in the series this one is no different. Lund's ability to transform the reader into war ravaged Germany is uncanny. He writes an intricate plot involving Hans with his new friend Adolf. Their interactions mixed with those of his loved ones keep you on the edge of your seat wondering if he will see the truth before it is too late. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves historical fiction and intrigue. The story spanning throughout the series does a very good job of keeping the reader invested in Hans and the success of the Eckhardt family.

[Ryan Janus · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jzcotter03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of war-stricken Germany continues in the third book of the Fire and Steel series. Hans Eckhardt continues to work with Adolf Hitler in the new political party while others feel a little more skeptical about what this new leader is offering. The Westland family arrives in Germany from the U.S. to attend the Passion Play, which proves to be a wonderful experience for all and Emily begins to question her faith. I love how Lund includes his fictional characters into the very real history of post-war Germany and covers such intricate details about the economy and political climate at that time. I've been listening to the audio books, so I unfortunately don't have the chapter notes included in the hard copies, but Kirby Heyborne does a fantastic job with the accents and dramatization of the book.

[Riley Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covering 1919-1922 the main storyline is the Weimar Republic’s inflation but told from the Eckhardt family perspective. They start out prosperous with Hans running his garage. Over time the situation diminishes. The Westlands visit for the Passion play. The main storyline from the Westlands is their son Frank who goes to MIT and is engaged to a monied east coast gentile that is creating discord.

Hans is fully engaged in helping his friend Hitler with his rising political party. The book ends with Hans Sr passing when he is almost scammed out of the farm. Hitler saves the farm. I think Lund does a good job of showing how good people were open to Hitler in the face of instability and inflation. Also Emilee is desiring baptism and it is posing a conflict. Hans has rushed back to Munich for what appears to be a political face off for the Nazis.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think what keeps me going in this series is the same thing that made Lund write them--a fascination with learning how Hitler came to power and a desire to understand how so many people (even good people) could have supported him for so long. However, the amount of unnecessary detail is staggering. Once again, it's the American family that most tries my patience. I had to listen to all their discussions about planning their trip to Germany, and then everything you'd find in a tour guide about going to the Passion Play in Oberammergau, plus reading a bunch of history and facts from newspapers and letters. Many of these facts are interesting, but could be shared more quickly by a simple historical digression rather than having it all said or read in conversation. Enough said.

[Edy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series! I am not surprised; however, I have enjoyed other series that Lund has written. During this past year, I have read many books about World War II, and I have watch documentaries and movies about the same time period. In this third volume of the series, Lund shows his readers what Germany was like during the time after WWI and into the early 20s. The aftermath of World War I was devastating to Germany. Inflation was rampant. It is a good portrayal of what individuals and families had to endure during this period of Germany’s history. One of the interesting aspects of this book is that Hitler is introduced. I find it interesting to see how Hitler was able to gain control of a country that was in such chaos.

[Liesl · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. The fourth book also goes into the financial depression period in the US. 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.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

hmmmm... hard to rate. This book wouldn't please everyone. However, the way the author is telling this story is quite enlightening. One of the main (fictional) characters, whom the reader loves, in this historical fiction series, is a friend to Adolf Hitler. This creative approach helps me see how Hitler was appealing to even reasonable people who were simply worried about their country and committed to helping create meaningful change. There is good information in this book about the economic turmoil in Germany in the early 1920's. Overall, the story is presenting a more clear picture to me of how and why Hitler rose the way he did.

[Brandie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the previous books in this series in print form, and I wish I had done that with this one. The narrator does a great job with the German characters, but the parts of the book with the families in Utah just grate on my nerves. So much "fluff" writing with unnecessary conversations that are painful to listen to. The story is good and most of the characters are likeable, but the only thing really holding me is the history part regarding the development of the Nazi party and life in Bavaria in the years following WWI.
I also enjoyed reading the source notes at the end of each chapter in the print version of the book. Sadly, the audiobook is lacking those references.

[Charly Troff (JustaReadingMama) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating, history packed read!

I loved learning more about Hitler and the way that he rose to power. It was also heartbreaking to see the terrible state of Germany.

The characters are so well done, of course. I am loving watching Emilee's growth. I am also loving seeing their family grow. I'm a little nervous for Hans.

The one thing I didn't love was the break in the middle of the book with the American family. It had a lot of tangents that felt like they were there simply to show history that was unrelated to the rest of the book. It might have been interesting if I weren't anxious to get back to the real story.

I can't wait to read the next in the series.

[Jeff Birk · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in this series following a German family (and an American family) through the eras of WWI and WWII. I'm really enjoying the series and this book crescendoed to a significant ending which really turned up the heat in the entire series. The book ends around the 1923 timeframe with Hans Eckhardt getting more and more enmeshed with Hitler and his new political party while his wife gets more involved with the LDS church. It's still too early to tell what kind of tension both of their interests will introduce but I'm sure it will be major. The Westland family finally made it over to Germany for the Passion Play and got to reunite with the Eckhardts. Looking forward to the next book.

[Lori Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the series and liked this book. I like the story and how it brings together families in Germany (Bavaria) and the US. I can only imagine how difficult it is to tell the story of how Germany ended up with a dictator like Adolph Hitler and how so many intelligent individuals fell under his thrall; but I felt at times like while Lund was explaining the terrible situation Germany was in he was excusing Hitler and his actions. I felt like he humanized Hitler, which I find I cannot do. I'm very interested to find out how the series ends. I still have high hopes!

[Van Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book, but there were spots that were a little too.....sugary. The children were very cute and always well behaved. Overall, a good story based on historical fact. I had heard that inflation in Germany was bad at this time, but to read about it here really emphasized how bad things were. It is no wonder someone like Hitler was able to rise to power under these circumstances. Hitler is portrayed in a fairly positive light, but things were so bad, he seemed like a savior. At this point he probably did some good things.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is fascinating reading. I've learned so much history concerning the state of affairs in Germany after WWI. I've gained a lot of compassion for the people of Germany as I read about their country and lives from a perspective I didn't have before.

It is also extremely interesting to learn more about Adolf Hitler and how he managed to gain so much power because of the existing political upheaval.

I am planning on attending the 2020 Passion Play in Oberammergau, Bavaria and so was able to read more about it.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this on audiobook, and I think Kirby Heybourne does a very good job narrating this series. This book in the series provides significant detail about the economic hardships and violent skirmishes in Germany in the years prior to WWII. I love the perspective I am getting on the frame of mind of the German citizens at the time and their desire for stability and safety. Once again, I enjoyed the story set in Germany more than the attendant one set in America (which sometimes seemed overwrought).

[Ryceejo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lund is an incredible story-teller. I feel like he's taking on too much with this series. I would eliminate some of the fictional characters to make the book more readable. It is just so long and hard to get through. For example, I'm not attached to ANY of the Westland children since they were all born between novels. I could do without trying to keep track of those names. I'm mostly fascinated by the bits with Adolf Hitler and where his relationship with Hans will go.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing story of Eckhardts in Germany and American friends the Westlands. 1919 to 1923. Interesting to see how Hitler rose to power. Also what a mess Germany was in during this time. I don’t even know how people survived! I was also interested in the state of the LDS church in Germany at this time. A little bonus was reading about the Oberammergau Passion Play being cancelled in 1920 just as it has been in 2020. We’ll both times postponed for two years.