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Jul 29, 2011

Allyson rated it:

I was somewhat resistant to the idea of reading these books - I didn't take the time to really see what they were all about, I just assumed that since they seemed so 'trendy' at the time, they would probably be 'light' reading or even 'corny.' I was SO wrong... and I'm SO glad that I realized that if my mom was enjoying them so much and recommending them to me, they must be worthwhile.

This series, along with the Kent Family Chronicles (by John Jakes, about the United States), made me More...

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Aug 08, 2009

Rebekah rated it:

Again, I appreciate the historical details. As much as we study Church history in our religion, I've always had a difficult time actually understanding it or remembering events in their proper chronological place. Having a fictional story set with true events really helps to put things into perspective for me.

But, please. This story is sooo contrived. I hate the forced lessons and the not-so-slyly-hidden messages that the Church is true. I wish it could be historical fiction wi More...

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Sep 10, 2008

Jenn rated it:

I'm learning some cool stuff about church history, but I still have many unanswered questions. Perhaps someday I'll get around to studying something much more boring. For right now I like the story aspect that makes this series fun.

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Feb 14, 2011

Heidi rated it:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here

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Mar 04, 2011

Debbie rated it:

I was able to force myself to read through the first 6 books, the original length of the set. There were only 2 interesting characters - Will and Joshua. Everyone else was cardboard, two dimensional and entirely predictable. Very interesting to those who love reading about the early days of the Mormon Church and some of the harrowing events that happened to them as long as you don't care about characterizations or plot lines.

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Apr 25, 2010

Tanya rated it:

Same review for all nine books (which I read in the years 1999 and 2000). I really enjoyed this series of historical fiction which tells the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The author does a great job of creating a fictional family who knows everyone. This allows the history to be told in a way that can be more interesting than a history book, while preserving historical information.

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Dec 30, 2008

Deanna rated it:

Gerald Lund does a wonderful job of researching Church history and remaining faithful to the events that happened -- but his cliches and repetitive dialogue, unbelievable characters, and storylines that bog down in too many characters made finishing the series a teeth-gritting chore. But the three stars are for all I learned -- it was maybe worth it.

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Aug 12, 2010

Anna rated it:

I'm still not sold on Lund's writing style. It's very slow paced, and with a book this long, that makes it hard to get through. Also, he still has favorite repetitive phrases. He just happens to use different ones in this book than he did in the first two, and thankfully, they are used less often. On the plus side, I feel like I now have a better understanding of the failure of the Kirtland Safety Society and the apostacy of the Three Witnesses. I always knew these events happened, but I never r More...

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Jul 23, 2008

Cordell rated it:

This entire series is wonderful. It takes a fictional family and places them in the middle of the story of the Mormons (the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) and moves them through the early history of the LDS Church tell the story of the growth of the church as well as the growth of the Steed Family. I learned a lot and it put a lot of things into context for me as well. For example after reading several books one of the members of the Steed Family who was Wealthy bought a new and wo More...

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Sep 18, 2009

Melissa rated it:

This is the third book in the series of many books (7, I think). It took me over 6 months to read this thing - it started out a bit slow, but then when I finally took the time to sit down to read it, I couldn't put it down.

Like the other books in the series, it follows a fictional family (the Steeds) through the early periods of the LDS church and actual events that took place. This particular book encompassed the era of Kirtland, Ohio, the establishment of Far West and Independ More...

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Apr 11, 2008

Crystal rated it:

This one is pretty good; It ends well and has a story that kept me pretty into it. I have two issues with this series: the first is that everyone is so nosy and the second that they all remember exactly what was said months or even years ago. I can't remember word for word what anyone has said at any time in my life, so I can't relate to these characters who seem to be able to remember conversations had months ago and can quote them exactly. Those are my two qualms with the books and for some r More...

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Jun 09, 2011

Christine rated it:

This is also a very good book. I have been hooked to all of this series so far. It was sad to read about the corruption and apostasy of some of Kirtland's strongest saints though. I still love the story line of the whole book. Very well written.

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Feb 07, 2009

Ashley rated it:

Years 1836-1838
Includes Kirtland Temple dedication, Parley P. Pratt’s mission to Canada (where a branch is organized) where he meets and converts John Taylor and Joseph, Mary and Mercy Fielding. This volume also covers the failure of the Kirtland Safety Society Anti-Banking Company, major apostasy in the church (including the excommunication of Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer- all Three Witnesses), Heber C Kimball's (and companions) mission to England (where another branch More...

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Mar 26, 2009

Christie rated it:

It's amazing to me how the book parallels the things that are going on today. Property being sold on speculation, people rich 'on paper' but having nothing to back it up, bank failure and general financial ruin. Will we ever learn?

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Dec 07, 2011

Jen rated it:

This is the hardest to get through of the series (so far). It is all about the horrible events of Missouri. But it is an integral part of the whole story of the beginnings of the Church and of the Steeds.

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May 22, 2009

Sierra rated it:

After finishing this book I was dying to read more in the series! It is an amazing way to learn the history of the LDS church and it seems so real because you become acquainted with the characters.

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Nov 03, 2011

Joolin rated it:

I love this series and this volume really brings the series into focus for me. It establishes the personality of Joseph Smith and his human frailties as well as his strengths.

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Jan 19, 2011

Mycah rated it:

This is my favorite of the series thus far. It had me laughing, reeling and at the very end, I was sobbing like a child. It's worth the entire book just for the last 4 pages.

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Oct 18, 2010

Carrie rated it:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here

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Mar 08, 2010

Tiffany rated it:

I really liked this story as well. It is nice to be learning more about church history through a story. It does not swear or have inappropriate scenes.

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Feb 25, 2010

Angee rated it:

I enjoyed this one, too! I hated the way the ending left me hanging though!! Luckily, I already had the 4th one so I started immediately on it!

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Sep 23, 2010

Christin rated it:

Has anyone noticed that he likes to say, "and in three great strides, he was to her in an instant"? haha, but still an excellent writer.

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May 13, 2011

John rated it:

The lessons about forgiveness come forcefully to the forefront in the final chapter, when a wayward son is reunited with his family.

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Sep 29, 2009

Maddie rated it:

Reading it very slowly when I have nothing else to read because I've already read it before. Very good, though.

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Apr 10, 2009

Suzi is currently reading it

I just started this series this year and I've really enjoyed it. It brings church history to life for me.

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Oct 10, 2008

Megan rated it:

Wow, This book was amazing!! The first two volumes that preceed this one contributed to the climax of the story immensely. It seemed like the climax of what the first two had been lacking reached an ultimate peak in this book. I would reccommend it!! but you have to read the first two volumes first to really appreciate it! it's a must read!! I learned alot about church history, and the restoration of the church. The references in the back really help you to see what is true in the book and More...

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Oct 28, 2009

Angie rated it:

The best book in the series so far. The tension increases between Joshua and Nathan and the really trying times in church history begin. Again, I learned so much about church history, and still was entertained by the fictional family, The Steeds.

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Jan 05, 2011

Dan rated it:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here

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Jan 14, 2011

Arla rated it:

These books are wonderful and I would recommend them to anyone....lds or not.

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Feb 09, 2011

Audri rated it:

After reading this book today, I went to go and open up the Hymn book to practice a couple of the hymns and the hymn that I turned to when the book opened was "Adam-Ondi-Ahman". Even though I opened the hymn book randomly, I do not believe that turning to that hymn in particular was, I believe that it was almost coincidence, but at the same time not so.

Having read this book, it was a good experience, I even learned a little about someone who's in my family line. Its amazing h More...

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