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The Russians #3
Travail and Triumph
All around them, the Russia they have known is crumbling. Can faith in God bring triumph out of their tragedy?
The noble house of Fedorcenko has much to rejoice in: the marriage of Princess Katrina, the anticipation of a new baby, the return of Prince Sergi.
But life does not end as a fairy tale. Even as they celebrate, rebel forces are at work to overthrow the tsar—and the house of Fedorcenko as well.
In this compelling sequel to A House Divided, Michael Phillips and Judith Pella continue the saga of two families—the aristocratic family of Fedorcenko and the humble peasants from Katyk, the Burenins.
From the frozen wasteland of Siberia to the tumult of St. Petersburg, Phillips and Pella weave a story that demonstrates how God's sovereignty extends over all human experience
The noble house of Fedorcenko has much to rejoice in: the marriage of Princess Katrina, the anticipation of a new baby, the return of Prince Sergi.
But life does not end as a fairy tale. Even as they celebrate, rebel forces are at work to overthrow the tsar—and the house of Fedorcenko as well.
In this compelling sequel to A House Divided, Michael Phillips and Judith Pella continue the saga of two families—the aristocratic family of Fedorcenko and the humble peasants from Katyk, the Burenins.
From the frozen wasteland of Siberia to the tumult of St. Petersburg, Phillips and Pella weave a story that demonstrates how God's sovereignty extends over all human experience
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1992
31 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Phillips
250 books609 followersLibrarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 13, 2018
3.5 stars
Well, the authors no doubt left all of the hardship for the third installment of the series. Sergei is exiled after offending the Tsar and his father, Katrina finds herself in an unhappy marriage, Paul becomes the hardcore rebel, and Anna tries to help everyone while also dealing with a love triangle. There are four more books in the series, but from what I can see from the reviews of book 4, that it will happen 18 years after the events in this book and concentrate on the Russian Revolution and WWI. However, I think my interest has run its course and for now I bid adieu to the families-Fedorcenko and Burenins.
Well, the authors no doubt left all of the hardship for the third installment of the series. Sergei is exiled after offending the Tsar and his father, Katrina finds herself in an unhappy marriage, Paul becomes the hardcore rebel, and Anna tries to help everyone while also dealing with a love triangle. There are four more books in the series, but from what I can see from the reviews of book 4, that it will happen 18 years after the events in this book and concentrate on the Russian Revolution and WWI. However, I think my interest has run its course and for now I bid adieu to the families-Fedorcenko and Burenins.
July 13, 2015
If The Crown and the Crucible made me believe (no pun intended) in Christian Fiction again then Travail and Triumph made me believe that sequels and sequels to those sequels can be better than their predecessors.
Seriously, when was the last time you read a trilogy or a series where the sequels lived up to everything the first novel had been all about? For most sequels, it becomes obvious that the only reason any of them were written was because it was a cash grab by the authors.
For this novel, it's the exact opposite. I read the first book thinking it was good, great even. I read the next and it was even better. And then I got to this one. OMIGOSH I DIDN'T KNOW BOOKS COULD BE THIS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The two authors must have spent a lot of time planning everything out because all the plot points entwine to a climax that is absolutely perfect for every single one. Every chapter has some epic thing happening, has some character doing something we've been waiting the whole series to see, has some resolution. We have Sergei and his father finally having it out, Katrina finding out that she is pregnant, and Paul has become a hardened radical and those are only in the first few chapters.
If I had to pick a favourite plotline, though, it would have to be Sergei's. He's just so hardcore. And hot. And awsome. Why?
It's not like the rest of the characters aren't awesome too. It's just that Sergei's taking the brunt of Russian suffering over here. I just got to give credit where credit's due.
The writing continues to be top notch as well with the intertwining of a passage from the book of Ecclesiastes and a character on his forlorn journey to Siberia coming to mind. I'll never figure out how they managed to match the two so perfectly but there you go.
Okay, to be fair though, there are a few things which fall a bit flat as well. Again, like in the first two books, some of the plotlines are a bit forced while a few of the characters have become noticeably stereotypical.
Also, some anvil dropping on the Christian message, which I find very disappointing. You guys had been doing so well up till now, what happened?! Also made worse by the fact that it is completely shoehorned in with absolutely no build up. But at least this only happens for a few brief pages near the end so it's not a constant thing.
Even so, this is a great book and is a very satisfying conclusion to The Russians series. That's right, you heard me correctly. Although there are more books in the series after this, I consider in my mind The Russians to be a trilogy. Don't read the four books after this, they only ruin everything that made The Russians so great.
An awesome book to end an awesome trilogy. A very rare thing indeed.
Seriously, when was the last time you read a trilogy or a series where the sequels lived up to everything the first novel had been all about? For most sequels, it becomes obvious that the only reason any of them were written was because it was a cash grab by the authors.
For this novel, it's the exact opposite. I read the first book thinking it was good, great even. I read the next and it was even better. And then I got to this one. OMIGOSH I DIDN'T KNOW BOOKS COULD BE THIS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The two authors must have spent a lot of time planning everything out because all the plot points entwine to a climax that is absolutely perfect for every single one. Every chapter has some epic thing happening, has some character doing something we've been waiting the whole series to see, has some resolution. We have Sergei and his father finally having it out, Katrina finding out that she is pregnant, and Paul has become a hardened radical and those are only in the first few chapters.
If I had to pick a favourite plotline, though, it would have to be Sergei's. He's just so hardcore. And hot. And awsome. Why?
It's not like the rest of the characters aren't awesome too. It's just that Sergei's taking the brunt of Russian suffering over here. I just got to give credit where credit's due.
The writing continues to be top notch as well with the intertwining of a passage from the book of Ecclesiastes and a character on his forlorn journey to Siberia coming to mind. I'll never figure out how they managed to match the two so perfectly but there you go.
Okay, to be fair though, there are a few things which fall a bit flat as well. Again, like in the first two books, some of the plotlines are a bit forced while a few of the characters have become noticeably stereotypical.
Also, some anvil dropping on the Christian message, which I find very disappointing. You guys had been doing so well up till now, what happened?! Also made worse by the fact that it is completely shoehorned in with absolutely no build up. But at least this only happens for a few brief pages near the end so it's not a constant thing.
Even so, this is a great book and is a very satisfying conclusion to The Russians series. That's right, you heard me correctly. Although there are more books in the series after this, I consider in my mind The Russians to be a trilogy. Don't read the four books after this, they only ruin everything that made The Russians so great.
An awesome book to end an awesome trilogy. A very rare thing indeed.
September 3, 2015
Such a well written story of challenges of life and how our responses and our choices in response can totally alter the rest of our lives. Wonderful insights into the challenges of Russian society as well as the characters followed through this story.
November 22, 2021
This book! As the third in The Russians series, it continues the story of Anna and Katrina.
Though I do connect with certain characters in books, I felt a deep connection to the story of these girls. Their many difficult decisions and their determination to do what is right in the face of government corruption. They are so inspiring!
The only difficult part of this series that I have found so far is that the authors go into almost too much historical detail and follow the stories of many characters. At times it made the book hard to keep reading through.
However, this book in particular touched my heart so deeply that I found myself staying up late into the night and finishing it. Weeping over the heartbreak and finding solace in the characters' unwavering faith in God. All in all, this is a worthy read! Though I do recommend reading the series in order, so be sure to start with book one :)
Though I do connect with certain characters in books, I felt a deep connection to the story of these girls. Their many difficult decisions and their determination to do what is right in the face of government corruption. They are so inspiring!
The only difficult part of this series that I have found so far is that the authors go into almost too much historical detail and follow the stories of many characters. At times it made the book hard to keep reading through.
However, this book in particular touched my heart so deeply that I found myself staying up late into the night and finishing it. Weeping over the heartbreak and finding solace in the characters' unwavering faith in God. All in all, this is a worthy read! Though I do recommend reading the series in order, so be sure to start with book one :)
September 18, 2018
Within a few pages of beginning this book, things went from bad to worse. That's probably why the authors left off with such a great ending in the last one, to make up for all the trauma they were about to inflict on the characters haha.
In this book, there was way more of Basil's psychopathic POV. I didn't really like reading these parts because I don't care for being inside the mind of a lunatic. And it made me dread even more what he would do to Katrina if given the opportunity.
You know how some authors set up an idea or two to plant into our minds of the harm that could be done to characters but they usually don't follow through? Not so with this series. Much of what can go wrong does go wrong, even if you think it won't...
So many people have died so far in this series but there is one death in this series that made me cry. It was one I did not think would happen! Those scenes were tearjerkers.
Anna continues to grow and steps up to the plate even in the hard times when she must make difficult decisions and sacrifices. It's been interesting watching her grow through everything that's happened so far.
There was one semi-detailed kiss. More gory deaths. A man tries to commit suicide.
I have to say, even though it was been one tragedy after the other since the beginning of the book, the end almost makes up for all of that. Almost.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
4 stars.
In this book, there was way more of Basil's psychopathic POV. I didn't really like reading these parts because I don't care for being inside the mind of a lunatic. And it made me dread even more what he would do to Katrina if given the opportunity.
You know how some authors set up an idea or two to plant into our minds of the harm that could be done to characters but they usually don't follow through? Not so with this series. Much of what can go wrong does go wrong, even if you think it won't...
So many people have died so far in this series but there is one death in this series that made me cry. It was one I did not think would happen! Those scenes were tearjerkers.
Anna continues to grow and steps up to the plate even in the hard times when she must make difficult decisions and sacrifices. It's been interesting watching her grow through everything that's happened so far.
There was one semi-detailed kiss. More gory deaths. A man tries to commit suicide.
I have to say, even though it was been one tragedy after the other since the beginning of the book, the end almost makes up for all of that. Almost.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
4 stars.
August 24, 2016
The first two books in this series held few surprises. That changed in this one though. There are some unexpected twists. While I didn't like what happened to all the characters, I do like that it was realistic, though at times emotional. Some of the longer sections of introspection do slow the story down a bit and it would have been nice to have more active storytelling for some portions. However, the characters captured my attention and I truly cared about the events they were going through, which ultimately kept me reading even through the slow parts. Though there are 7 books in this series, this one wraps up quite a bit. Assuming I can continue to get this series through inner library loan, I will keep reading it. Given that the major storyline still left open was my least favorite through out the series, I could stop reading at this point and be content. I am curious to see how things workout with Dmitri and the elder Fedorocenko though.
January 14, 2017
This is the worst of the series, but I am not talking about quality. It made me grieve for the Russian people, because of all the things they could have had if their tsar had been a stronger man, or if he had lived one more day, the list goes on and on. Also, when Natalia died, I almost cried. I didn't realize I was so attached to her, but her character development in the last few chapters before her death really made me start to like her. And when Katrina died, I was just as sad, but I also felt that the authors had killed her off just so they would not have to reconcile her with her husband. These first three books were wonderful, and I hope that the next three live up to the legacy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2016
Mielestäni tämä sarjan kolmas osa oli huonompi kuin aikaisemmat. Suoraan sanottuna välillä oli tylsiä kohtia, eikä paljoa tuntunut tapahtuvan. Kunnolla alkoi tapahtua vasta loppupuolella, tapahtumat käytiin läpi jopa liiankin nopeasti. Katarinan kuolema yllätti minut, sillä olin ollut aivan varma, että tarina päättyisi kaikkien osalta onnellisesti. Sergein ja Annan päätyminen yhteen oli tietysti itsestäänselvyys ensimmäisestä kirjasta asti. Äh, Misha olisi ollut yllättävämpi ja kiinnostavampi valinta.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2017
Beginning in 1880, the seven-book series gives amazing insight into the conditions that led up to the Russian Revolution of 1917. Not light and fluffy reading, but the story line and the historical line interweave into a suspenseful tale I am unable to put down. In-depth characterization of members of a fictional peasant family and an aristocrat family as well as historical figures. Am currently reading the seventh and last book in the series. I highly recommend reading the entire series from the beginning.
August 3, 2017
I read this book many years ago as either a middle schooler or underclassman in high school. I adored the book and entire series then. This remembered adoration helped me make the decision to skip these books when reading through my collection four years ago. I read many books by both of these authors since then and gradually became aware of the glaringly obvious shortcomings of their authorship. These shortcomings infected every book I read by them. I had no hope that these books would survive a second read. As I supposed, they did not.
May 23, 2017
I liked this book. Anna and the Fedorcenkos are caught up in great and terrible things. Anna's brother has decided to take the dark path with the Fedorcenkos' dangerous foe. A foe that works with other men to overthrow the tsar. Will the tsar and the Fedorcenkos and those closest to them survive the plotting of madmen, or will all be destroyed? This is a must read, but you must read the other two books in the series first.
April 12, 2014
Long and drawn out. A big portion of the book is spent with characters thinking or talking about what has happened, what might happen, etc. What action there is, is gone through quickly before returning to talking about it. I kept wondering when the triumph would show up - not till the very very end.
September 8, 2009
I was sad when Katrina passed away but surprisingly not all that upset. I realized I was not as attached to her as I was to Anna and Sergi. I am interested to see where the story goes since there was an epilogue that covered the next little while in the story. A great continuation of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2009
The series started out with promise, but each book I read in the series is getting more trite and predictable. I'll keep going, just cause I always finish what I start. But I ended up speed reading though a lot of this one.
October 21, 2013
My favorite installment of the Russian series so far! The events that unfold in this book are captivating. Heart wrenching, insightful, and truthful.
The characters really came into their own in this book! And the bits on Siberia add a new perspective!
The characters really came into their own in this book! And the bits on Siberia add a new perspective!
October 8, 2013
Revolution and tragedy dominate the book but it is a very interesting historical novel. In spite of the sadness, this is an uplifting Christian book. The Russian names are difficult and one wonders how accurate the history of Russia is.
June 30, 2015
This was a well-written and truly interesting historical subtly Christian novel, which is part of a series set in Russia in the 1870s and 80s. All of the characters are well drawn, and most of them are also likeable. I really enjoyed the novel and am looking forward to reading more of the series.
September 6, 2007
Historical/Religious Fiction about the Russian Revolution (Book 3). This book wasn't as good as the previous two so I stopped reading the series. I think there are 7 books in the series.
Read
May 12, 2008Learned a little more about the history in Russia in the late 1800's
October 6, 2008
it is a great series of the early russian history... i could hardly put it down... i read all 7 books and didnt want it to end...
October 4, 2011
I have read this book several times. It is a good series. It is set around the revolution in Russia.
Read
August 4, 2011These books are sooo good! I love historical fiction, and Judith Pella is one of my favorite Christian authors. I loved this series.
July 25, 2012
Loving the series
August 31, 2015
2.5 stars.. It has its place. Good beach read.
June 24, 2016
Good series
September 11, 2017
Excellent read
As always, the story was captivating. This is the second time I have read this series and I loved it even more.
As always, the story was captivating. This is the second time I have read this series and I loved it even more.
October 12, 2017
Wonderful
All those who enjoys excellent historical fiction blended with romance will enjoy this series by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella
All those who enjoys excellent historical fiction blended with romance will enjoy this series by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella
September 6, 2018
This was a good portrayal of this time in Russian History. The separation of family members was handled very well.
October 25, 2019
In 1880, Russia yet rumbles with unrest and rebellious underground plans to overthrow the tsar. Amid the turmoil, the saga of two families—the aristocratic house of Fedorcenko and the peasant Burenin family—continues in Travail and Triumph by authors Michael Phillips and Judith Pella.
Travail and triumph are right, although considering the novel's length and the time it commits to each, it's super-heavy on the travail (close to a Shakespearean dramatic tragedy level in key respects) and ultra-light on the triumph.
There's still much along the lines of melodramatic caricature in the characterizations, from overdone sweetness in one to overdone evilness in others, along with an overuse of exclamation points at times, which can make the dialogue and narration hard to take seriously. Due to the redundancy and the tale often idling in different characters' bleak ruminations and circumstances, I feel this same story could have been told in significantly fewer pages without losing anything fresh or crucial.
Yet, while the storytelling style isn't my favorite, I've gotten used to it enough to roll with it for the sake of the aspects that have me all in: the locations, the time period, and the historical context and events. Moreover, despite the characterizations, the personal events involving the cast have kept me intrigued. Perhaps with continued development, a character or two might grow on me yet.
After this is where Phillips bows out and Pella takes over the series solo for the last four novels. I'm interested in seeing what she does with it.
Travail and triumph are right, although considering the novel's length and the time it commits to each, it's super-heavy on the travail (close to a Shakespearean dramatic tragedy level in key respects) and ultra-light on the triumph.
There's still much along the lines of melodramatic caricature in the characterizations, from overdone sweetness in one to overdone evilness in others, along with an overuse of exclamation points at times, which can make the dialogue and narration hard to take seriously. Due to the redundancy and the tale often idling in different characters' bleak ruminations and circumstances, I feel this same story could have been told in significantly fewer pages without losing anything fresh or crucial.
Yet, while the storytelling style isn't my favorite, I've gotten used to it enough to roll with it for the sake of the aspects that have me all in: the locations, the time period, and the historical context and events. Moreover, despite the characterizations, the personal events involving the cast have kept me intrigued. Perhaps with continued development, a character or two might grow on me yet.
After this is where Phillips bows out and Pella takes over the series solo for the last four novels. I'm interested in seeing what she does with it.
September 19, 2021
The last of the 3 books, this one covers April 1880-Spring 1882. Much heart-rending loss of life and other tragedy occurs. Some of the people benefit from the hardships--coming out as better people and closer to their God--others, fall into despondency. We are left hanging as to the whereabouts and well-being of a couple of the major characters, as well as not knowing what the political future of Russia is (fictionally speaking). As with many books, this one is brought to a quick close by throwing in some resolutions without going into great detail about them. That is always disappointing to me.
Anna's family, as always, are the best of the best as far as character goes. There are some in the well-off and royal households who are also of good character, too.
This is a wholesome story, without the unnecessary coarseness that some books these days feel the need of containing. The love stories, the horrors, the inequitable societies are presented well, though.
Anna's family, as always, are the best of the best as far as character goes. There are some in the well-off and royal households who are also of good character, too.
This is a wholesome story, without the unnecessary coarseness that some books these days feel the need of containing. The love stories, the horrors, the inequitable societies are presented well, though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews