The Celestial City

Standing in Holy Places #2

by Chad Daybell

Six months have passed since the LDS prophet's memorable visit to Manti, and the United States has suffered through a harsh winter. Meanwhile, the Coalition forces have methodically taken control ot the nation--except for the Rocky Mountains, where the ice and snow have kept the Saints hidden away from the world. But spring has arrived, and the Coalition soldiers are on the move again. In response, the Elders of Israel have been called forth from the mountain camps to defend their liberty. Under the direction of the prophet, these faithful servants prepare for a showdown that will determine the course of history. Within these events, members of the North, Dalton, and Brown families each make vital decisions as they prepare to help build a holy city that will stand forever--New Jerusalem.

Genres: Lds, Lds Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Church, Religion

185 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

About the author

Chad Guy Daybell was born August 11, 1968 in Provo, Utah. He married Tamara "Tammy" Douglas in Manti, Utah on March 9, 1990. After graduating from Brigham Young University in 1992 with a B.A. in journalism,Daybell worked as a cemetery sexton, before establishing end of days publisher Spring Creek Book Company, in 2004, with his wife, a graphic artist and manager. Chad and Tammy had 5 children: Garth, Emma, Seth, Leah, and Mark.

In 2015, Chad Daybell allegedly twice heard a voice telling him to relocate to Rexburg, Idaho; he and Tammy moved there from Springville, Utah that June. Tamara passed away on October 20, 2019. Chad Daybell married Lori Vallow on November 5, 2019 in Hawaii.

Daybell was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Tammy Daybell, his late wife, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, his current wife's two children.

On May 30, 2024, Chad was found guilty of all charges related to the deaths of his first wife and of Lori's children. On June 1, 2024, he was sentenced to death.

Reviews

[Samyy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Chad Daybell is a doomsday cult leader who orchestrated & carried out murders of his wife & step children.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than the first in this series. More action and more details. It helped me appreciate my life and realize that I haven't had to sacrifice much, but that someday I will probably be asked to.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still enjoyed the plot and action (just like the other book) but the writing style still gets to me. Someone commented that it is like reading the outline of a great book. It just isn't flushed out with all the details that it would need to become great!

[Msstacylynn Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok. I would not say it was great. I felt it had a lot of mormon myths in it. THis type of writing leads to tall tales about mormons.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

So about a year ago the saints have hidden while the coalition has destroyed America and the coalition is headed to the Saints' destination. The Saints build an army and have a way they will destroy the coalition. Their plan is alot like the 2,000 stripling warriors' plan. After that, they head towards their destination and start building the New Jerusalem.

I think this book is one of the best books I've ever read and Can't wait to see what happens in the future. I know it will be scary at first though. Chad Daybell has written many other awesome series.
These kind of books are the best because I hate reading but this series is different.

[Russell Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for this. I have felt great peace and sense of purpose as the world and the country I love seems to rend itself apart

It is a peaceful feeling that despite all.the fear and uncertainty that is happening, to realize the.plan is set the grand architect is at the head and we will be blessed.I we folow

[R Andrew · Rating 1 out of 5]

This not a LDS book at All and why do is men sale the them lds books?

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't want to read this series of books but..... Tom asked me to read them. Once I got started I couldn't stop. This series is about the signs of the times. The author said he wrote this series in a novel so that the signs of the second coming of the Savior would be easier to remember. How has the book affected me? When the truck pulls into the church parking lot for us to load up our food supply and head for the hills, I'll be there! I thought his depiction of the events was very interesting. I think my fav's were his description of the ordinance of the resurrection and the author's interpretation of how the earth would be cleansed. When people were resurrected they were called forth by their spouse or dad. He depicted the resurrection as such a joyful time for everyone.

One of my favorite characters was John, the Revelator. He was a pilot for a while and flew the apostles to Jerusalem. His plane crashed after the apostles parachuted to Jerusalem safely. Then John shows up later that day unharmed.

All in all, it was a good read. It sure makes me keep an eye on our government- so don't get a chip in your hand! The gov't will track you and your money! Enjoy!

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, I am the first to admit it is almost embarrassing to enjoy such a poorly written piece of work. Despite Daybell refusing to acknowldge that his readers ARE slightly intelligent, I find his story ideas very compelling and frankly, I HAVE to know what becomes of Josh and Kim!:)

This is the second in a series of 5, and here I have sigh and say...these are small books, could he not have put them together and saved the drama and suspense? Of course not, there is money to be made.

In the foreward he says he writes more of an outline of a story on purpose but how I wish for some Meat!! There was great potential for an indepth fascinating story based on the second coming! I am so sad his interesting ideas were not given the chance to bloom into a full fledged, sink your teeth into it novel.

With all that said, I really found myself dwelling on the events in his story and thinking "What if...?" So would I recommend this? I answer a "yes, with the understanding that you not expect great writing."

[Loralee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not great literature. In fact, there were a few times when I found myself laughing out loud over some of the narrative and dialogue. For example, a character we met in book 1 (who is mentally unstable to put it mildly) renames himself Sherem and takes over the Utah state capitol as conditions deteriorate throughout the United States. Despite the harsh winter conditions, Sherem isn't going hungry because he has stolen food from homes that had food storage. He complains that everyone stored peas, chicken noodle soup, and tuna fish, along with the obligatory wheat. He was getting rather tired of the monotonous diet. I thought, "Wow! I guess I'm not too good at storing food. I haven't stored any peas or chicken noodle soup because I won't eat that food!"

But despite the weaknesses of this book, I have to admit I could not put it down. I found it fascinating to see how Chad Daybell takes prophesy found in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants and shows how things COULD happen. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

um, okay. I didn't enjoy this book near as much as the first. I'm not saying the things in it regarding the last days couldn't happen...although it DID seem as worst case scenario as possible...I simply don't believe that every soul on earth that isn't a mormon will be wiped out. At one point some invading soldiers were killing off "bad guys" and they said they were all wearing Budweiser t-shirts. I mean, come ON!!! Every so-called bad guy drinks beer and then wears a t-shirt saying the brand they like? Give me a break. I almost put the book down at that point.
And again, things seemed TOOOOOO easy. If you escaped to the areas you were told to go...life just went along and worked out, and I just dont' think it will be so peachy for all of us.
Anyhow...interesting...I always enjoy reading about the future and different points of view . (there are so many!!!)

[Reagan Feil]

so awesome

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tfox100 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't really sure I wanted, or was ready, to read this book because the first one was so disturbing, but here I am without anything else to read right now. I started this book today at lunch.

Well, I finished it, and it wasn't as disturbing as the first book. It made me stop and think of whether or not I could handle what these saints are doing. I thought a lot about the pioneers too. Amazing people doing amazing things.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it just about as well as the first one. I love the way the story is developing, though this time it seemed the author was trying to "get to point B" rather than giving the reader more details about what was going on, or giving characters as much "growing" as they got in the first one.

Still, an Excellent series, and I'm already anxious for book 3.

[Rebecca Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Standing in Holy Places and I think I have read this book also. I enjoyed it, however, and will be finishing all 5 books this time around.

I love picturing the places in Utah, where I used to live, that Chad has incorporated into his book. I can see these people in these areas and it is kind of fun.

[Marty]

This is an excellent book, second in a series of 5. I really enjoyed it because I may have to live through some of the times it talks about. It gave me a lot of insight as to how much stronger in my faith I need to be.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

the Celestial City adds to the adventure of Emma and family. knowing that this could be the future makes the story exciting. Emma learns more about herself in this addition. Another adventure for her.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fairly entertaining book (about the saints and there preparation to build the New Jerusalem). It is certainly silly in parts and the writing isn't that great, but it does have some good, "What if's."

[Swhe641200 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Standing in Holy Places. The saints are in Manti. This is about the saints going to Missouri to start the temple there and getting rid of the Coalation. Again makes you stop to think what can happen. Reread 2/14/2020

[Stephanie C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting thoughts on the gathering/building of New Jerusalem. But again, too simple in the writing department. I might not read the next books just to avoid possible messing up of what should be very spiritual, reverent events.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is interesting to read about what could happen to get the world ready for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. I really liked this book. It was just as good at the second reading as it was at the first reading.

[Steven Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seems most all futures are dystopian, and you would think that we have George Orwell to thank for that. But as this story is rooted in scripture, it has a bit of a different twist that gives it a bit more believability.

[Kelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again going on with this series. It makes you think, and can freak you out a little, but it's like the first one. Its just the author's listing of fictional events, not much else in the way of story development. But of course I'm invested and have to finish the series.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED this sequel! LOVE the whole series.

This particular one made me want more than ever to be sure to be on the right side...and if you have to be in a battle between good and evil, make sure you're on the Lord's side, 'cause having Him call the shots makes it not an even fight!!

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems like the author could have gone a lot deeper, fleshed out the character development, and made it more "enjoyable" to read. It seems "amateurish". But very interesting story and very thought provoking. I'll certainly be recommending it even if he isn't the best story teller.

[Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book moves so quickly that you feel like you're reading the outline for a novel, not a novel.

[Janiece · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book like I did the first one in the series, The Great Gathering. I am looking forward to reading the entire series as each book is published.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit too speculative for my taste.

[Wendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

(2nd book in the Standing in Holy Places series.) This book was just as good as the first one in the series. I think this series is right up there with The Work and The Glory!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book really makes you want to be prepared for the last days. it is verry probable, but I sujest you read the first one first! great book for mormons!