Come Unto Me

The Kingdom and the Crown #2

by Gerald N. Lund

From the Galilee to Jerusalem to the great city of Rome, Come Unto Me continues the story of the people whose lives are forever changed by the teachings of a simple carpenter from Nazareth. Award-winning author Gerald N. Lund masterfully blends the biblical account of the greatest story ever told with unforgettable fictional characters in this dramatic epic.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Religion, Lds, Lds Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Church

572 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

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

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this series. It was highly recommended to me by a good friend, and I did enjoy the first book. I probably enjoyed the notes at the end of each chapter more than the story itself. This second book, the story line just drags. Time to move on for me to something else.

[Mikenzie McMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great sequel to the first Kingdom and the Crown! I appreciate the author’s storytelling and the ending-it brought it all together! Once again, narratives from the New Treatment were entwined in the story and Jesus takes a central role.

Although this second book was a great read, it went at a much slower pace than the first and I found myself bored through the middle. I understand why the author had to keep things at the pace he did and altogether, the story and plot made sense, but it still made the book feel longer than it was.

Can’t wait to read the third!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I got started reading Gerald N. Lund when I was a teenager, on the Work and Glory series, and loved it. Since then, I've read so many of his other books and series, and loved most of them.
This series is special to me, because it cover's Christ's ministry. This last time reading through it (again), I made an extra effort to read through the scriptures covered in each of the chapters, listed in the chapter notes. It really helped me connect the scriptures with real life.

[Tim Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone has to read this book... the author masterfully weaves together threads of a compelling fictional story line, Biblically consistent events and people (most of all Jesus), and interesting historical and cultural information about the time of Jesus. Characters are very well developed and real (most of all Jesus). Really felt like I was experiencing the Saviors ministry through the eyes of the David of Capernam’s family’s eyes. Learned so much about the history, culture and politics of the Jews under the Roman Empire as well as the events and teachings in the Bible. Extensively researched with additional background notes after each chapter. After my trip to Israel, I re-read all three books a second time and loved them even more, having seen the places mentioned

[Crystalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerald Lund did a masterful job researching ancient Rome and Jerusalem in writing this series. I learned a lot re-reading this book (it's been almost two decades) and I feel like "The Kingdom and the Crown" are almost the closest thing to being alive to see Jesus Christ. He does a masterful job of capturing the wonder and awe of the Savior's miracles, the questions and enlightenment of His teachings, and changing of hearts to follow Him.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life in Judea and Galilee is wrought with tension. Mordechai is furious with Miriam for her acceptance of Jesus and keeps her under house arrest in Rome. Simeon is freed from prison under the conditions that he captures Moshe Ya'bien, a notorious bandit leader. Through their trials they are determined to stay true to the teachings of Jesus.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Slower than the first book. It also focused a lot less on Jesus and more on the story surrounding Miriam and Simeon. Still good and interesting to reflect on what a change accepting Christ must be in each persons life.

[Shannel]

Enjoyed every page

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this trilogy! I have learned so much about the time of Christ and the culture and feel of that place and time. It has added insight into the Bible stories. It also has a very compelling story with the fictional characters. This book had a lot of intrigue and clever plotting. I am very impressed with all of the authors work to do all the research, depict the Savior and his disciples, and create dynamic and authentic characters that fit into a complex plot.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fictional story continues while interwoven with facts from the life of Jesus Christ. I loved the footnotes with detailed explanation of the facts surrounding the time of the Savior.

[Joe Pratt · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Work and the Glory books, many of my favorite moments were the “historical” parts in the historical fiction. I can’t say the same here.

Maybe it’s because we have more historical accounts and details of the early days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than we do of Christ’s mortal ministry or maybe it’s because Lund is more expert in the former than the latter - all I know is the fiction is far better in this book than the moments that were true to history.

With the fictional storyline, I was on the edge of my seat, at times literally shaking with anticipation at what would happen next. Other times, I felt so happy for the characters and proud of their choices I was smiling and laughing out loud. Like all of Lund’s writing, parts were cheesy but it was an exciting story.

But with that said, there were several parts that seemed like they contradicted each other within the book (to be fair, I might be wrong about that because was usually too enthralled or lazy to go back and double check).

My biggest complaint though is that while the characters talk about Jesus a lot, there isn’t enough scenes with him. And when he does appear, Lund sticks too closely to the exact phrases of the New Testament that it takes the human aspect of him away. I love how the show The Chosen makes Christ come alive, helps viewers see him as a real person. This book fell short of that.

That said, the main characters faith and devotion to Christ is inspiring. I overall like the book. It was fairly nostalgic as I read this series as a kid. Just like the first book in the series, I’d recommend it if you think you’d like cheesy religious historical fiction.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume two, “Come Unto Me” was so good! I found I could hardly wait to get back to the story each time I sat down to read! This part of the trilogy chronicled several characters and their conversion to Jesus Christ and his teachings. Many miracles were performed and witnessed by humble people during his second year of ministry on the earth.

As difficult as it was for me to follow the conflicts at the end of volume one, I found I was intrigued by Simeon and his determination to catch Ya’abin, which was much easier to follow and picture. I loved how after Simeon’s conversion, each plan he came up with was based on what would comply with following Jesus. It took many plans until the one he felt good about gave him peace in his required quest. Miriam, in dealing with her sneaky father, gave a whole different challenge to follow Jesus after her conversion.

Some of my favorite parts were where the principle characters discussed Jesus’ teachings and determined how they impacted their lives, giving them answers. Wonderful stuff! And as always, I love the author’s notes at the end of each chapter which gave deeper insight into what was covered: scriptures, stories, cultural traditions, religious rituals, etc. I learned so much - and when that happens, I am enriched, and my understanding becomes clearer.

On to volume three of the trilogy…

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as much (and maybe more) than the first book. It was much easier to get into the book knowing all of the characters already, and, again, I loved the portrayal of Christ and how much love he had for everyone. While reading this book, I've wanted so much to come closer to him and become more like him, which I think means that Lund achieved his purpose. Christ showed so much love to his disciples and friends and I loved feeling a sense of intimacy with the stories.

There were still a few explanations and telling-not-showing parts, but I did stay much more engaged with the story instead of feeling a little jostled about, as in the first one. Perhaps I'm a bit like Yehuda, for I didn't quite understand Simeon's struggle some of the time. Mainly I didn't understand why he didn't just ask Jesus, as Peter suggested, but I suppose it made more sense by the end.

Those were just minor things, though, and I really enjoyed myself. I have fallen in love with this series more than I expected to and I think it will become one of my favorites.

[Ben Lund · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one quite a bit quicker than the first one. Part of that is because the beginning and end is filled with more of the fiction part of the story. The parts with Jesus and his teachings are still in there, and they still have the same powerful impact as in the first book, there is just less of it. Which makes sense, the third book is obviously going to be heavy about the last little bit of Jesus' life. If Lund follows the pattern he did in his "work & Glory" series, he needs to tie up or start concluding loose ends in this book to make sure the next one doesn't turn into a 1000+ page tome.

Regardless of his reasons, Lund writes an engaging story, his ability to write intriguing characters (although some are a little 1 dimensional) remains undiminished. It's comforting to have the footnotes at the end of most chapters as well to provide clarifying notes as well as an insight into some of the research that supports the underlying story. Thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of this book was really good and I loved the continuation of the first book, however, the relationship between Miriam and Simeon was so pathetic it kind of ruined it for me. I don't know a single woman who would have acted as stupidly as Miriam did when Simeon came to rescue her and yet Simeon takes all the blame for the stupidity of their miscommunication even though it really wasn't his fault at all. Even as the reader, I was convinced she wanted to marry Marcus for a large part of the book so how can she blame Simeon for feeling the same. I kind of wish that they would have focused on forgiveness and had Simeon get back with Shauna or to have married Lidia who was clearly the better option. It wasn't very believable that Miriam wanted Lidia to be her equal, when everyone including Miriam still acted like she was better than Lidia.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Lund's series The Work and the Glory where he inserts fictional characters into documented historical events and in connection with real people, Lund here creates a series around the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. I read the series after my daughter thoroughly enjoyed and recommended it. Like the TV series The Chosen (which my family loves, loves, loves - check it out!), this series made the life and teachings of Jesus Christ come alive. It also helped me learn much about the historical context of the New Testament. Although the books are a bit long, I enjoyed them and learned a lot.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't learn much in this book -- my main reason for liking Gerald Lund's books is that it gives me historical context through a fictional story. It focused mainly on the fictional family, rather than the historical ministry of Jesus. I liked the fictional story well enough, just because I like most stories, but not as strong as the first book, though I thought it was a bit heavy on their discussing and defining what different teachings of Jesus meant and how they ought to be lived. I'm assuming the 3rd in the trilogy will focus on the last months of Jesus's ministry.

[Edy · Rating 4 out of 5]

About 25 years ago I was hooked on Lund's The Work and the Glory series. I devoured each novel and loved every word. The Kingdom and the Crown series is also excellent. What I like most about it is that although he stories in the Bible are very familiar to me, reading about them in a historical fiction book places them in a context that makes the more real.

I read this type of material on Sundays, so it takes me longer to finish the book than usual. Sometimes the flow of the story is interrupted, but that's my doing, not the author's.

[Emmy]

Absolutely lovely clean, YA/NA christian historical fiction.
Book two about several characters living in the time that Jesus of Nazareth became popular.
Although I'm still not a fan of the headhopping and I have to acknowledge there's some infodumps in these books, I also have to say I didn't mind the infodumps because they're historical info and we're incredibly interesting. In addition....all the feels. So despite the fact that I see some flaws writing-wise. I LOVED this book and cannot wait to read the next one. What an ending!

[Cnelsonquilt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book and the reader drives me a little crazy with the women's dialogue. It is very forced and canned. It sounds like a preschooler or kindergartner. The written dialogue especially for the females is also very simplistic and forced. These two problems together make it a little hard to listen to.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because I was hooked on the story and the characters I felt like I “had” to read the rest of the series. This middle book had more plot based on the fictional characters. The love story continues and of course the people we knew from the start finally get together. This book didn’t focus as much on Jesus and His teachings- I missed that.

[Rahni]

This book focuses more on the fictional family, which I enjoy reading about, but I prefer the more historical biblical fictionalization of the first novel. It makes sense that this book is a little more "filler," though, as there isn't as much historical record to cover this time period. Good, but I prefer Fishers of Men.

[Nicole Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series was just as good as the first & I can’t wait to begin the third/last book in the series. The story is so intriguing & I wouldn’t wait to read each day. I also felt like I learned so much from these two books since the author adds historical & biblical truths at the end of each chapter. Definitely recommend this series to anyone!!!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this beautiful series!! It helped me understand a lot of the setting for the new testament and helped me feel like I was at the foot of the Savior listening to His teachings. It offers a lot of contextual insights to the parables and teachings of Jesus Christ.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed more of the story... It makes the Bible more real and all those famous characters more like me. Sometimes it's hard for me to think of the Bible characters as being real human beings with all the feelings and emotions I have.

[Juanita]

Really good book, took me so long because their was so many people involved along with added true events. Gerald N Lund is really good writer and keeps you wanting more and yet lingering on the parts of the Savior.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I love these books! I love what I'm learning about the time when Christ was ministering to others and what the responses were. This is bringing history (like the history of Rome) and the Bible stories to life for me. I love it!!

[Danielle Janzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but not as good as the first one.

[Racquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how scripture stories come right off the page. I can picture things vividly. I love the fictional characters intermixed with real events.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the second book in the series even more than the first. There was so much intrigue, mystery, romance, tons of interesting thing to learn about Jesus and the time he lived in.