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Fire and Steel #6
Into the Flames
Adolf Hitler has completed his transformation of the German Republic into a total dictatorship. The Great Depression and relentless drought continue to ravage the United States. In all corners of the world, fear and uncertainty seem to rule the day. Can there be any hope on the horizon?
Into the Flames, the sixth and final installment of Gerald N. Lund's Fire and Steel series, brings new experiences, new challenges, new opportunities, and not a few tragedies into the lives of the Eckhardt and Westland families.
In America, Mitch and Edie continue their struggle to hang on to the ranch that has been their family's hone for nearly fifty years, while Benji's quest to find work turns catastrophic and sets him on a new path that will take him to exotic climes and an unexpected reunion.
in Germany, Hans makes a dangerous, life-changing decision to leave Nazi Party leadership and seek a new career. But when the ugly specter of anti-Semitism wields a direct and devastating impact on the Eckhardt family, they too are drawn into a maelstrom of events that threatens to destroy the very fabric of their lives.
As 1938 draws to a close and the dark clouds of war move in, the families must draw on their faith and courage to endure whatever life has in store for them.
640 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2019
52 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Gerald N. Lund
87 books748 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 83 reviews
November 10, 2020
The final volume of Fire & Steel, and I would give it a 6* if I could. The only "problem" was I inadvertantly read a spoiler in someone's review (not flagged BTW), and so for the whole large volume I was waiting for this thing to happen, which it did in the Last chapter.
I was so involved in the characters, and they were so real to me, that I went to bed at night worrying about them, almost praying for them. Fortunately, there may be another book about the Eckhardts and Zeidners.
While I knew some of the horrors of the Third Reich, this book made them more real and also explained some things that I did not understand. Like, why did the Jews not leave Germany the year Hitler took power? Now I get it.
The history is accurate (only the names have been changed, and only in some cases), and each chapter in the series is followed by verification of the facts, and admission of which parts are not.
If you are a history buff, particularly if you are interested in the events leading to World War II or Germany after WWI, before the World War II began, this is an excellent book. I found other sources that corroborate the facts in the story. Highly recommended.
I was so involved in the characters, and they were so real to me, that I went to bed at night worrying about them, almost praying for them. Fortunately, there may be another book about the Eckhardts and Zeidners.
While I knew some of the horrors of the Third Reich, this book made them more real and also explained some things that I did not understand. Like, why did the Jews not leave Germany the year Hitler took power? Now I get it.
The history is accurate (only the names have been changed, and only in some cases), and each chapter in the series is followed by verification of the facts, and admission of which parts are not.
If you are a history buff, particularly if you are interested in the events leading to World War II or Germany after WWI, before the World War II began, this is an excellent book. I found other sources that corroborate the facts in the story. Highly recommended.
August 24, 2019
As the final book in the Fire and Steel series, it covers the years 1933-1938. Picking up after the book burnings, this book focuses on the horrific Hitler Youth camps, Lebensborn Project, and Night of Broken Glass. In the States, we follow Benji Westlund as he travels around for work in the dust bowl depression. We also see what the missionaries in Germany were doing before the break out of war.
As the finale of the series, it's full of both love and heartbreaking sorrow. Let's be real, it's a story leading up to the horrors of WW2. All things considered, Mr. Lund gives the Eckhardts the happiest ending they could hope to have with war on the horizon.
I'm glad Mr. Lund plans to continue their story in a separate stand-alone volume, even if it takes a while to come out.
As the finale of the series, it's full of both love and heartbreaking sorrow. Let's be real, it's a story leading up to the horrors of WW2. All things considered, Mr. Lund gives the Eckhardts the happiest ending they could hope to have with war on the horizon.
I'm glad Mr. Lund plans to continue their story in a separate stand-alone volume, even if it takes a while to come out.
January 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this series
The books came out over several years but now you could read them all without waiting
The books came out over several years but now you could read them all without waiting
September 19, 2020
It was quite the story. It spanned so many years and was so packed that it's hard to remember what happened at the beginning of the story. I hate that the author left it at a cliff hanger and who knows when he will come back to it because I really want to know how the families fare through World War II.
January 3, 2024
The rapid deterioration of freedoms in Nazi Germany,especially for Jews
September 10, 2019
I just finished reading this book, and the ending completely caught me off guard. Don't worry, I won't spoil it. I was just caught off guard. I did not see the story going the way it did.
This is the final book in the Fire and Steel series, though not the final book that will tell the story of the Eckhardts and the Westlands. The author promises one more book to tie everything together. There were a lot of things I really enjoyed about the series. I learned a lot of history, and was shocked by some of the things I learned about Nazi Germany (just when you think you've heard it all). I also knew enough history to be able to predict some events that would take place next in the story.
Sometimes the history was too much. Instead of a story taking place, several chapters felt like they were just exposition and history lessons for the reader, disguised as dialogue. I understand the need for context, but there was a little too much telling and not enough showing for me at some points. It was also hard to create an emotional attachment to a character, only the have the character suddenly not be important anymore and barely receive more than a mention.
But those are my only two complaints. The series as a whole was fascinating, and I think there is a lot to be learned and applied individually in order to prevent such a horrific thing such as Nazi Germany from ever taking place again.
This is the final book in the Fire and Steel series, though not the final book that will tell the story of the Eckhardts and the Westlands. The author promises one more book to tie everything together. There were a lot of things I really enjoyed about the series. I learned a lot of history, and was shocked by some of the things I learned about Nazi Germany (just when you think you've heard it all). I also knew enough history to be able to predict some events that would take place next in the story.
Sometimes the history was too much. Instead of a story taking place, several chapters felt like they were just exposition and history lessons for the reader, disguised as dialogue. I understand the need for context, but there was a little too much telling and not enough showing for me at some points. It was also hard to create an emotional attachment to a character, only the have the character suddenly not be important anymore and barely receive more than a mention.
But those are my only two complaints. The series as a whole was fascinating, and I think there is a lot to be learned and applied individually in order to prevent such a horrific thing such as Nazi Germany from ever taking place again.
November 18, 2021
The last of the series - Excellent book. Highly recommend.
This entire series is great. Factually accurate when it comes to history, engaging when it comes to the fictional families and protagonist. Causes the reader to pause and think and compare to what is happening in America and the world today - SO many similiarities to 2019-2021. I fear what lies ahead for my beloved republic, but only for the sadness it will bring, not for the hope which i believe is still very much there, if we will turn from our ways.
This series follows the protagonist (son of a German family) and his life-long friendship with an American and how their families all interact and how they each react and behave in relation to events that surrounded the end of WWI and the rise of Hitler, just as WWII was about to begin. You get to see the various personalities and how they each see Hitler and the rise of the Third Reich, etc. Fascinating how we each *choose* our own paradigms in life.
I think for those who naturally like psychology, these books will also give psychological insight into personalities and characters, we the author's main stated purpose in writing these books is to show the various manners in which people react to certain given circumstances, such as the rise of Hitler. Each was unique.
After finishing this book I was left wanting 6 more books!
This entire series is great. Factually accurate when it comes to history, engaging when it comes to the fictional families and protagonist. Causes the reader to pause and think and compare to what is happening in America and the world today - SO many similiarities to 2019-2021. I fear what lies ahead for my beloved republic, but only for the sadness it will bring, not for the hope which i believe is still very much there, if we will turn from our ways.
This series follows the protagonist (son of a German family) and his life-long friendship with an American and how their families all interact and how they each react and behave in relation to events that surrounded the end of WWI and the rise of Hitler, just as WWII was about to begin. You get to see the various personalities and how they each see Hitler and the rise of the Third Reich, etc. Fascinating how we each *choose* our own paradigms in life.
I think for those who naturally like psychology, these books will also give psychological insight into personalities and characters, we the author's main stated purpose in writing these books is to show the various manners in which people react to certain given circumstances, such as the rise of Hitler. Each was unique.
After finishing this book I was left wanting 6 more books!
October 28, 2019
I debated what rating to give this book; I rarely give five star ratings, but this was quite gripping. I was amazed at the amount of research that obviously went into writing a book like this. To think of the research needed to write a six volume series is even more remarkable. I would say that the majority of the scenes take place in Germany, but the several other scenes are equally well detailed.
I don’t want to give away the story, but I will say that there are parts that are tragic and parts that are joyous; as is life, but perhaps more so at this time period as the world is headed to war.
I don’t want to give away the story, but I will say that there are parts that are tragic and parts that are joyous; as is life, but perhaps more so at this time period as the world is headed to war.
November 5, 2019
I loved this series! The author gives such a unique perspective on dealing with adversity and trials, which makes this tragic story in history feel hopeful. There were definitely parts that were hard to listen to (I listened to the audio book) but there's really no way around the horror of Hitler's regime in story telling. I laughed, I cried, and I finished the book looking forward to Gerald Lund's stand alone novel as an extension of this series.
January 18, 2025
This book goes from the book burnings in 1933 through the the night of Broken Glass in 1938. It follows Benji trying to survive the depression running the rails during the depression and his companion Mose is killed in Sacramento by the railroad thugs. He goes to the seas and earns enough for his mission to Germany. Meanwhile the Eckhardts and their Jewish friends the Zeidners are trying to survive the Third reich. Their kids hate the Hitler Youth and Lisa is almost forced into an odd program called the fountain of youth to raise aryan children.
I love this series and it is fun seeing Benji and Lisa finally come together and get married as Lisa’s siblings are shipping off to England as part of the kindertransport when war draws near. However Hans is the main character of the whole series. He is killed of quickly and with underwhelming fanfare for trying to help his Jewish friends escape Germany. He isn’t fully discovered and his family doesn’t really mourn him.
Characters are always explaining things in numbered lists. I know it is historical fiction and Lund wants to share the context but it doesn’t come across naturally like it did in some of his other books. Finally he mentions carrying this story through WW2 in a note but I haven’t seen a sequel so I am sad after reading all the series that this was how it ended.
I love this series and it is fun seeing Benji and Lisa finally come together and get married as Lisa’s siblings are shipping off to England as part of the kindertransport when war draws near. However Hans is the main character of the whole series. He is killed of quickly and with underwhelming fanfare for trying to help his Jewish friends escape Germany. He isn’t fully discovered and his family doesn’t really mourn him.
Characters are always explaining things in numbered lists. I know it is historical fiction and Lund wants to share the context but it doesn’t come across naturally like it did in some of his other books. Finally he mentions carrying this story through WW2 in a note but I haven’t seen a sequel so I am sad after reading all the series that this was how it ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2020
I have loved reading Gerald Lund’s books since I was a teenager. The way he writes makes history not only come alive, it makes it seem as though you are in history.
This is the last book in his Fire and Steel series. It’s sent in both Utah and Germany during the time leading up to the second world war. There are so many scenes in this one that were sad and heartbreaking. The really sad thing is that most of those actually happened to someone.
I’ve loved reading about the Eckhardts and the Westlands. It’s almost as though I know them. They’ve really come alive for me, in a way not many characters do or have.
This book and series follow the events as they actually happened. I have learned quite a bit about this time period from reading this series.
As I finished reading this one, I realized that it’s the final book in this series. Obviously all series have to end sometime. The problem with this one ending is that the author didn’t finish it. it’s left in a horrible cliff hanger with no ending in sight. That leaves me feeling sad and unsettled.
I hope the author is able to finish the promised companion book sooner than later.
This is the last book in his Fire and Steel series. It’s sent in both Utah and Germany during the time leading up to the second world war. There are so many scenes in this one that were sad and heartbreaking. The really sad thing is that most of those actually happened to someone.
I’ve loved reading about the Eckhardts and the Westlands. It’s almost as though I know them. They’ve really come alive for me, in a way not many characters do or have.
This book and series follow the events as they actually happened. I have learned quite a bit about this time period from reading this series.
As I finished reading this one, I realized that it’s the final book in this series. Obviously all series have to end sometime. The problem with this one ending is that the author didn’t finish it. it’s left in a horrible cliff hanger with no ending in sight. That leaves me feeling sad and unsettled.
I hope the author is able to finish the promised companion book sooner than later.
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.
March 25, 2020
First, what I liked most. I enjoy the characters, and have appreciated watching them develop over the entire series. Additionally, I love the history. Having lived in Germany shortly after the wall fell, I love to read about the time and events that led up to World War II.
Unfortunately, this one wasn't my favorite. For me, the books were about the original characters: Hans, Emilie, the first generation Americans. In this final book, it seemed to me like we left those characters behind as "background" and focused on the new ones. That would have worked for me if there had been some resolution first, but I didn't feel that. Additionally, I felt like the book just kind of ran out of steam. Rather than a conclusion that brought everything to a finish, it just kind of "stopped." So, I was disappointed.
My recommendation? Read the first five books in the series and call it a day.
Unfortunately, this one wasn't my favorite. For me, the books were about the original characters: Hans, Emilie, the first generation Americans. In this final book, it seemed to me like we left those characters behind as "background" and focused on the new ones. That would have worked for me if there had been some resolution first, but I didn't feel that. Additionally, I felt like the book just kind of ran out of steam. Rather than a conclusion that brought everything to a finish, it just kind of "stopped." So, I was disappointed.
My recommendation? Read the first five books in the series and call it a day.
December 28, 2020
This final book on the series picks right up and keeps the reader hooked clear through to the end. And once it ended, I was left wanting more! I'm so glad he plans on writing a stand alone that continues this story.
For the series, I would give it four stars. It was a good series overall. I learned so much (I've read a lot of WWII historical fiction, but never one that looks so deeply at Hitler and his rise to power). I also fell in love with both families that we follow and cried with them many times. Some books were harder to get through and there were sections that didn't keep my interest, especially with the family in America--by the end, I saw the point of including them and was so glad they were included, but the first couple of books, I wondered why they were even included.
Book one: 4 stars
Book two: 5 stars
Book three: 5 stars
Book four: my favorite! 5 stars
Book five: 3.5 stars
Book six: 5 stars
For the series, I would give it four stars. It was a good series overall. I learned so much (I've read a lot of WWII historical fiction, but never one that looks so deeply at Hitler and his rise to power). I also fell in love with both families that we follow and cried with them many times. Some books were harder to get through and there were sections that didn't keep my interest, especially with the family in America--by the end, I saw the point of including them and was so glad they were included, but the first couple of books, I wondered why they were even included.
Book one: 4 stars
Book two: 5 stars
Book three: 5 stars
Book four: my favorite! 5 stars
Book five: 3.5 stars
Book six: 5 stars
May 8, 2021
Wow. How do I rate a book, the last one in a series, THAT I HAVE LOVED, with such an abrupt ending?! I feel like I was completely let down after a huge investment of time! The author even left a note saying he didn’t intend it to be so long and may, one day, finish the story. WHAT?! I have to rely on my OWN imagination to finish the saga?! Fine! Here’s what happened: The Eckhart family doesn’t get to Utah, they build up a spy resistance and after some mild struggles, Hans’ son that is named after “that one guy” (you know, the one he met in the hospital, befriended, joined a political party with... ) delivers a note, explaining what happened to his dad the day after kristallnacht, to the dictator holed up in his bunker. His grief at the loss of his dear friend and realization of his inhumanity overtook him and he swallowed cyanide and a bullet. Then the family gets to Utah for a reunion and they are finally at peace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2020
Fantastic story regarding these German members of the Church and their dealing with the rise of the Nazi power - how the church and missionary work was there to help these people - when this book series ended I felt I had physically lost friends - this story, these people, became a part of me and I felt everything they were going through. Even though this story will continue in a different format, I still feel like I have lost friends. It was so very fascinating to see how Hitler rose in the political ranks - spouting ideas to save the people of Germany from the previous war - everyone bought his ideals thinking he was going to save them when in fact he was driving them to dictatorship/communism. As I listed to some of the speeches of Hitler, I couldn't help see a correlation between Hitler and Trump and the "promises" Trump is making to the people and they are buying it hook, line and sinker. One of these days everyone is going to have their eyes open and wonder how we lost our freedom...just like the German's asked one day. Do not put your trust and faith in man.
November 4, 2023
I would’ve given it five stars but I was really underwhelmed by the ending. I realize that for anyone who knows history is aware of what ACTUALLY happens but I feel like I have so many questions? Do the Eckhardt children return to Germany? Does Emilee realize that the best for her family’s safety is to get the heck out of Germany and find asylum in America, specifically Utah to be near the Westlands. What happens to Leyna? Does she discover her mother and sister are never coming back? There are seriously so many questions unanswered at the end of the series.
I was also very put out by how Hans’ death was handled. It was a sentence. A SENTENCE!! Hans Eckhardt was the introduction to this whole saga! How could he die so senselessly? I’m a little perturbed to say the least but Lund does a great job painting that picture for the reader.
I was also very put out by how Hans’ death was handled. It was a sentence. A SENTENCE!! Hans Eckhardt was the introduction to this whole saga! How could he die so senselessly? I’m a little perturbed to say the least but Lund does a great job painting that picture for the reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
I like the story and how it captures history, but I felt that the characters did many things that were not in line with their nature as it had been described by Lund in the previous books. I found the Seidners travel to America and return to Germany to be unconvincing, since that was clearly not the best move for their family and really only necessary for depicting certain historic events that wouldn't be seen otherwise. I understand the reason for it, but I wasn't happy with the way it was approached. Also, Hans's death was, I felt, unnecessary and anticlimactic. It didn't get the "screen time" it deserved and no one seemed very affected by it.
But my complaints about the ending shouldn't diminish that I did like what it had to say about the events leading to WWII and my love for the characters that Lund has created here.
But my complaints about the ending shouldn't diminish that I did like what it had to say about the events leading to WWII and my love for the characters that Lund has created here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 20, 2022This is Volume Six of the Fire and Steel Series. AS one reads the entire series, it truly explains as to how Adolph Hitler was able to accomplish the cooperation of so many people. The historical facts are very interesting. The depiction of the Eckhardt and Westland families, though fictional, touches on the many aspects of German and American people during this time. The emotional, mental, physical and spiritual struggles are so realistic. It is a time of the Great Depression and the Great Dust Storms in America all the while Adolph Hitler completes his transformation of the German Republic into a total dictatorship.
August 16, 2020
I thought the series was excellent and now I am waiting for that final book Gerald Lund plans to write to finish off the series. I was so shocked when Hans and his friend were killed within minutes of each other. I like these books that mix fact and fiction, especially when it relates to WWII. I read all I can about that time period. Maybe it's because I am a Polish descendant. Gerald Lund is one of my favorite authors. I have several of his books on my shelves. I learned a lot from this current series, sort of like a history book as well. Thank you for your work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2021
OK - the series is done. I am spent.
I have cried and laughed and cheered and consoled. I have been shocked and teased and strengthened and educated. I have so loved this amazing journey.
This is more than a story about people and families, it is a very thorough and concise history of mostly Germany and, in part, America between the years 1896 and 1938. So some of it’s extremely upsetting to listen to in this format, but I must give credit to Lund for doing it in such a way that your heart is tagged at in every possible direction.
I have nothing but praise for this series.
I have cried and laughed and cheered and consoled. I have been shocked and teased and strengthened and educated. I have so loved this amazing journey.
This is more than a story about people and families, it is a very thorough and concise history of mostly Germany and, in part, America between the years 1896 and 1938. So some of it’s extremely upsetting to listen to in this format, but I must give credit to Lund for doing it in such a way that your heart is tagged at in every possible direction.
I have nothing but praise for this series.
December 30, 2022
I cannot add anything to the previous review, except that the whole series of six volumes gave an insightful view of how Germany entered this dark period of time. I just hope that Mr Lund can complete his other projects and continue the saga of the Westlands and Eckhardts as they face the strife of WWII. The courage and faith both families have is a true testament. Winston Churchill paraphrased the Spanish philosopher George Santayana, “ those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat bit.” Is a good warning for today.
June 8, 2023
The last book in this series (although the author states he's planning to write one or two more follow-up books). This was the longest book in the series and covers a lot of happenings between the Westlund and Echhardt families. Mostly covering the late 1930's, we're taken for a ride through Germany, Austria, London and Utah as the world prepares for WWII. Lund brings this important era to life with its ups and incredible depths. Be prepared for some unanticipated twists and unfortunate departures of some of the characters. Two thumbs up and I have really enjoyed this whole series.
August 29, 2025
I cannot even remember all the historical things that these two families went through in this last (tho not intended to be final) book of the series. It was by turns fascinating and annoying as so much of it was too hard to believe and the dialogue was so often cheesy. But I'm glad I finished it, and I think this is the first time I've read a book or series that ends as WWII begins, rather than when it ends. I definitely learned some new things and saw some new perspectives. The authors note says he intended to carry the series through WWII, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen.
August 5, 2020
Best book of the series! For sure! It’s interesting how so many things wrap up... yet so many are left hanging. Grateful to hear more books are coming in a separate series to follow some of these people
The ending was a shock... but in comparison to what so many went through it made sense.
I have studied a lot about this time in history but it was good to learn a bit more- especially this way to keep the when’s and where’s straight!
The ending was a shock... but in comparison to what so many went through it made sense.
I have studied a lot about this time in history but it was good to learn a bit more- especially this way to keep the when’s and where’s straight!
October 10, 2022
I enjoyed this final book in the series. Lund has a way with words, helping readers visualize characters and settings. The emotions ran high with this setting in Germany in the years leading up to WWII, particularly 1933-38 right before England declared war. I learned so much history in this book and the characters were German and caught in this unfolding and dangerous catastrophe caused by the Third Reich.
November 19, 2022
This whole series is amazing and so well done! This was such a page-turner! I stayed up way too late every night like, "I don't need sleep; I need answers!" I don't feel like the end was quite as concluded as it could be (or maybe as I wanted it to be), but it was still a wonderful, powerful, and enlightening journey through time. I loved it!!
April 9, 2024
This is a long book as are all the books in this series. Nevertheless, I was sad to finish it and wished to know what will happen to the characters as the war goes on. I understand that Mr. Lund plans to pick up the story in one volume after he finishes other projects. Since he's not getting any younger, I hope he doesn't take too long to get to it!
May 27, 2020
Fabulous book. Lund crammed a lot of history into this volume and handled it very well. I will be excited to see how he handles WWII in his next book the continues the saga. Life is such a gamble and it's hard to believe humans could treat other humans with such inhumanity.
May 29, 2020
This book was amazing! The entire series is in captivating and inspiring to see what the saints and all people went through during WWI and the leading to WWII. I absolutely can't wait for the next book to come out when it does!
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