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Fire and Steel #5
Out of the Smoke
In Volume 5 of the Fire and Steel saga, the Eckhardt and the Westland families move into one of the most turbulent times in history. Facing tectonic shifts like few generations have ever seen, they are caught up in a whirlwind that will permanently and profoundly alter their lives.
Mired in the depths of a global economic depression, the world takes little notice of a 1930 Parliamentary election in the floundering democracy of Germany. But overnight, Hitler and his Nazi Party catapult from the smallest to the second-largest political party in the country. And he would not stop there. From the compulsory indoctrination of Germany's youth to the persecution of Jews and the Nazi book burnings (which included Latter-day Saint classics such as Jesus the Christ), Hitler's policies deeply affect the Eckhardt family, particularly Hans's oldest daughter who must keep the real identity of her best friend a secret at all costs.
For Hans, Hitler's meteoric rise to power reveals a horrifying truth: Hitler has no intention of abiding by the rules of democracy he claims to espouse his goal is total dictatorship, and it is now in his grasp. For the Westland family, the Great Depression brings hardships and sacrifices they never imagined. The fifth volume of Fire and Steel weaves together the story of two families on opposite sides of the world, each caught in a maelstrom of events that will test their faith to the very core.
Mired in the depths of a global economic depression, the world takes little notice of a 1930 Parliamentary election in the floundering democracy of Germany. But overnight, Hitler and his Nazi Party catapult from the smallest to the second-largest political party in the country. And he would not stop there. From the compulsory indoctrination of Germany's youth to the persecution of Jews and the Nazi book burnings (which included Latter-day Saint classics such as Jesus the Christ), Hitler's policies deeply affect the Eckhardt family, particularly Hans's oldest daughter who must keep the real identity of her best friend a secret at all costs.
For Hans, Hitler's meteoric rise to power reveals a horrifying truth: Hitler has no intention of abiding by the rules of democracy he claims to espouse his goal is total dictatorship, and it is now in his grasp. For the Westland family, the Great Depression brings hardships and sacrifices they never imagined. The fifth volume of Fire and Steel weaves together the story of two families on opposite sides of the world, each caught in a maelstrom of events that will test their faith to the very core.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2018
41 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Gerald N. Lund
87 books747 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 79 reviews
December 26, 2018
Gerald Lund has been one of my favorite authors since I was a teenager. I’ve read all of his books. His historical novels are my very favorite! You need to make sure that you read these ones in order. You’re not going to understand what’s going on if you haven’t read them in order.
This series is about Germany right before World War II. It’s a bit unique in the way the author has approached it. He’s put good people in Hitler’s inner circle. It’s really interesting to see just how good people followed and believed Hitler.
I like Hans and Emily’s family. Emily is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Hans isn’t. That makes their family dynamics interesting, but they make things work. Emily is one of my very favorite characters ever. She’s kind and really just the perfect mother. Hans works for Hitler. But as things unfold, he knows that something is really wrong.
I liked that this book has some parts that are told through Hans and Emily’s oldest daughter, Alisa. Alisa is a good girl who wants to do what’s right in Church and in life.
And then there’s the Westlands. I love the Westlands. They live in Utah. Hans and Emily’s family and the Westlands have known each other since the beginning of the series. I loved seeing how things were in America during this time period. It’s the Great Depression and there are tons of things going on that don’t make a lot of sense. Things like killing perfectly good animals and letting crops rot in the fields.
This time period is a great time period to read about. I learned tons about history from this book and series. Make sure to read them, starting at the beginning.
This series is about Germany right before World War II. It’s a bit unique in the way the author has approached it. He’s put good people in Hitler’s inner circle. It’s really interesting to see just how good people followed and believed Hitler.
I like Hans and Emily’s family. Emily is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Hans isn’t. That makes their family dynamics interesting, but they make things work. Emily is one of my very favorite characters ever. She’s kind and really just the perfect mother. Hans works for Hitler. But as things unfold, he knows that something is really wrong.
I liked that this book has some parts that are told through Hans and Emily’s oldest daughter, Alisa. Alisa is a good girl who wants to do what’s right in Church and in life.
And then there’s the Westlands. I love the Westlands. They live in Utah. Hans and Emily’s family and the Westlands have known each other since the beginning of the series. I loved seeing how things were in America during this time period. It’s the Great Depression and there are tons of things going on that don’t make a lot of sense. Things like killing perfectly good animals and letting crops rot in the fields.
This time period is a great time period to read about. I learned tons about history from this book and series. Make sure to read them, starting at the beginning.
October 3, 2018
Wow!! I am a big fan of this series! Gerald N. Lund, knows how to pull me into a book and keep me there. I listened to the CD of this book, it is narrated by Kirby Heyborne, who does an excellent job! I love both the Eckhart and Westland families. This time period is so heart wrenching, the early days before WWIi started, and the dust bowl. Finally learn what's happening with Celeste and Frank and Han's and Emily's family. He also introduces new characters and I can't wait to read, more about them. Even though he has a descriptive writing style, I felt like it wasn't excessive. I can't wait for the next book to come out!!
October 25, 2020
Gerald N. Lund is one of the best writers I have ever read. This book was riveting and made more meaningful knowing where the story would go, but not knowing how it would affect the people both in the USA and Germany. If you have wondered how the German people could have allowed Hitler to come to power, you must read this series. If you have wondered if racism is only a cultural norm, read this series. I highly recommend this series for its historical accuracy, its humanity, its evenness of judgment, and its excellent, sweet and evil characters.
October 29, 2018
It must be difficult to write a story in a present that has already passed in an unforgettable and global way. Still, Lund does a good job of putting his characters into the story. The American story is not as intriguing as the German story. Perhaps when they meet on the battlefield things will become more interesting.
July 15, 2019
This series has gone on for WAY too long. The author takes forever to get to the point. Also, Celeste is a spoiled brat who acts like a 5-year-old who didn't get their way. The author does not write female characters well.
February 9, 2019
Wonderfully written and researched, I enjoyed this fifth in the series and it helped me to understand how Hitler gradually and cunningly rose to power, without the general public in Germany realizing what he really stood for. The fictional families in the series are endearing and fun.
March 16, 2019
It was a good book, but parts were disturbing. This is because real life events were disturbing. It was interesting to learn more about what happened to bring the Nazis to power. The parts about the book burning were very sad.
May 25, 2019
Your book are wonderful. I think I've read almost all of them!! I pray that you will continue to write more of these
beautiful historical novels. I hope you will write a sequel to Out of the Smoke...please. Thank you so very much.
beautiful historical novels. I hope you will write a sequel to Out of the Smoke...please. Thank you so very much.
May 28, 2019
Well written- the rise of Hitler and the historical details presented in ways that show how the people were turned towards him. I appreciate that every chapter references the sources of the historical detail and makes sure the reader understands what really happened.
April 21, 2025
The Lord truly gave the church a gift in the form of Gerald Lund. He uses a story to teach history (vs. using history to tell a story). He makes it possible to see how Hitler was able to come to power.
Love his work.
Love his work.
February 2, 2020
This book is probably my favorite of the series so far!! I was upset when it was over!! Excited to see what is in store for the final book!
January 3, 2024
How Hitler maneuvered, manipulated, and deceived his way to amassing total power into his hands.
November 3, 2018
Yes, this book is book #5, and it only covers the years 1930-1933. This part of the world's history is so unique in how horrible the Nazis were and how impactful it is on our present world. There's so much that has happened in those two decades (from when Hitler started trying to get power to the end of the war) that people don't know about.
You can tell the author did his research. I didn't know about the burning of the Reichstag or the details of the book burnings, among other things. The quote from Heinrich Heine was chilling and so prophetic. All the details about the political maneuverings do seem a bit excessive, but it provides a good understanding of how Hitler made it to power. It's horrifying how many people fell into line with Hitler's plans and how they viewed him. But I do appreciate the neutrality in presenting the information about what was happening in Germany at the time. We already know Hitler was an evil, evil man, but it helps to see how things panned out, how the Germans were, how propaganda was utilized, and especially how criminal behavior before the war was not accepted, and then became accepted later in the cause that Hitler brought forth.
To be honest, I'm not really looking forward to reading about Kristallnacht and the Holocaust, because that part of the war is just devastating, especially knowing that if I had lived in Germany or Poland or any of the other occupied countries, I would've been sterilized or maybe sent to a concentration camp because of my being deaf.
You can tell the author did his research. I didn't know about the burning of the Reichstag or the details of the book burnings, among other things. The quote from Heinrich Heine was chilling and so prophetic. All the details about the political maneuverings do seem a bit excessive, but it provides a good understanding of how Hitler made it to power. It's horrifying how many people fell into line with Hitler's plans and how they viewed him. But I do appreciate the neutrality in presenting the information about what was happening in Germany at the time. We already know Hitler was an evil, evil man, but it helps to see how things panned out, how the Germans were, how propaganda was utilized, and especially how criminal behavior before the war was not accepted, and then became accepted later in the cause that Hitler brought forth.
To be honest, I'm not really looking forward to reading about Kristallnacht and the Holocaust, because that part of the war is just devastating, especially knowing that if I had lived in Germany or Poland or any of the other occupied countries, I would've been sterilized or maybe sent to a concentration camp because of my being deaf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2018
I like this series, but it seems to be moving at a very slow pace, with a lot of detail that showcases the author's research but is a bit of a drag on the story. I keep thinking "maybe things will get going in the next book." After five volumes, Hitler has barely come to power and the Great Depression has been going for a while in the United States. (Lund hasn't yet mentioned the inflation and economic upheaval in Europe--maybe that comes a little later.) It seems like the author could have combined some of the volumes to make a more satisfying and economical experience for the reader. But I like the characters and it looks like maybe in the next volume, things could really get going. Fingers crossed. Without more character involvement in the history so far, the combination of the personal stories and all the history are a bit flat.
June 4, 2019
It is a period of difficult and turmoil. In the United States, the Great Depression is in full swing and not even the EDW Ranch can escape the devastating effects of it. In Germany, where most of the book takes place, Hitler rises to power. Hans Eckhardt, a longtime friend of Adolf Hitler, begins to become disenchanted with the things happening in the Nazi Party. But he can't possibly leave, can he? Just imagine the repercussions that would have on him and the people he loves.
This book begins in 1930 and goes up to May 10, 1933--the night of the book burnings in Germany. (That's not a spoiler--just look at the front cover). It's a little gut-wrenching to think that already so many bad things are happening, and we are still six years away from World War II officially beginning.
The next book comes out this fall. I am very interested in learning more from that time period!
This book begins in 1930 and goes up to May 10, 1933--the night of the book burnings in Germany. (That's not a spoiler--just look at the front cover). It's a little gut-wrenching to think that already so many bad things are happening, and we are still six years away from World War II officially beginning.
The next book comes out this fall. I am very interested in learning more from that time period!
March 10, 2019
This is certainly not a hard core history of the rise of the Third Reich, but it is factual enough to be frightening. It is interesting to see how easily people followed the Nazi party. It also makes one wonder how many followed from fear, and how many truly believed the propaganda.
As in the previous books in this series, the Westland story and the Eckhardt story are interesting, but for different reasons. In this volume there was very little direct contact between them. For me the story in Germany was perhaps the more intriguing due to the danger, and the fact that we know where it is going and how it is going to end, but just have to wait and watch it happen. I am anxiously waiting for the next volume.
As in the previous books in this series, the Westland story and the Eckhardt story are interesting, but for different reasons. In this volume there was very little direct contact between them. For me the story in Germany was perhaps the more intriguing due to the danger, and the fact that we know where it is going and how it is going to end, but just have to wait and watch it happen. I am anxiously waiting for the next volume.
August 7, 2019
This series is getting better with each book and now the story has really gotten moving. However it is also beginning to address parts of history that are really challenging to read about. The Nazi’s come to power in this book and you begin to see the conflict of Hans and his family as they begin to realize that not all the things Hitler stands for match with their beliefs and how that affects not just them individually but their children and family too. Reading about the burning or the books at the end broke my heart and the fear they must have felt as they had to go along with it must have been heartbreaking and frustrating.
In the storyline in the US we see the heart wrenching effects of the Great Depression on families.
In the storyline in the US we see the heart wrenching effects of the Great Depression on families.
October 29, 2018
I read these books for the historical value, but the characters are hard to relate to. The story is taking way too long to tell. No one in the series can ever say anything by getting straight to the point. When telling a story they first wait for everyone to be seated, then quiz them in their remembrance of events or knowledge about a subject, to which the other characters will take a long time answering. No one can ever have a conversation without being interrupted several times. Every breath or sigh or sip they take is described. One whole chapter is just someone getting ready to tell something. I want to like these books, but it is frustrating.
December 2, 2018
History explained
I love this series. It gives a different look of the back ground to WWII. How Hitler rose to power and the ego of the man. I have always wondered how intelligent people could fall for the Nazi regime and allow them the power but this tells all. Waiting impatiently for the next book.
I love this series. It gives a different look of the back ground to WWII. How Hitler rose to power and the ego of the man. I have always wondered how intelligent people could fall for the Nazi regime and allow them the power but this tells all. Waiting impatiently for the next book.
January 30, 2019
These series of books have really given me a better understanding of how Hitler and the Nazi power were able to come into power. The story around that is always good, since it is from Gerald Lund. I would have liked this book to have been a little longer, as it makes me wonder how many more there are to come in the series.
April 2, 2019
Fiction and Facts Mixed Beautifully
I chose this book because this talented and intelligent author always writes so well. I look forward to finding out what happened to the main families in this novel. I hope they escaped their oppressors and had satisfying lives. Thank you, G Lund. Carole
I chose this book because this talented and intelligent author always writes so well. I look forward to finding out what happened to the main families in this novel. I hope they escaped their oppressors and had satisfying lives. Thank you, G Lund. Carole
May 13, 2019
Wow, this book takes your breath away with the sheer speed with which the Nazi party became the dominant party in Germany--and now the really ugly parts are starting to show their heads. Very good book. My only complaint is the same one I have with most of Lund's books, that it gets a bit pedantic in parts. But otherwise, a very good, eye-opener of a novel. Looking forward to the next one.
May 14, 2019
In this 5th book in the Fire and Steel series, the plot thickens as Hitler's true colors are revealed after he is appointed Chancellor. It was a dark time in our world's history but also a story of hope through those who sacrificed so much for others. A lot is happening in the Westland and Eckhardt families. I'm looking forward to reading the 6th novel.
May 30, 2019
Loved all of these. It was a good listen to book I would get somewhere and want to stay in the car to listen. Hitler was a fascinating character. I have read a ton of historical fiction or real war stories surrounding WW2 but to get the lead up to the war side and just a glimpse into Hitler was for me refreshing and different.
July 15, 2019
This series gets more chilling by the book - what a great read though! This is absolutely the best way to learn history and Lund is an awesome historian. The story is wonderful, full of endearing characters, and yet I'm learning so much actual history at the same time. I highly recommend this series!
January 3, 2019
I have really enjoyed this series. I enjoy historical fiction and the in-depth look we get at what happened in the past. It is just so hard to fathom how many people were taken with Hitler. I am now anxiously waiting for the next installment in this series.
June 8, 2019
I finished this months ago but put off writing my review.
Volume Four really had some promise-the storytelling pace was picking up, the book covered more than just one year (this volume only covers one year, 1932-1933) and there were some real character arcs to draw the reader in and keep them turning pages.
I kept waiting for that to happen in this (for me highly anticipated) next installment of Volume Five but it was all just filler. In fact, a good part of the storytelling seems to have moved on to the children's POV-Han's daughter Lisa has several interesting coming-of-age encounters such as confronting a bully at Hitler Youth Camp, making a new friend who is Jewish and ending with a scene right out of Markus Zusak's "The Book Thief" when she finds a half burned copy of The Book of Mormon after the famous "purging rally" when all books in Germany were collected and burned while crowds cheered and slips it under her coat-an act that could get her in trouble.
Meanwhile, back on the ranch with the Westland Clan in Monticello, Utah Mitch and Edie's children are also growing up during the Great Depression, Frank and his non-member wife Celeste appear to be reconciling and...that's about it.
I agree with other reviews on this book and the series in general: it is going on way too long, Lund is taking forever to get to the point, whole chapters are wasted with nothing but one character getting ready to tell something with every sigh and sip described and nothing much else happening.
Elder Lund, I beg you, don't let your writing skills go the way of Anita Stansfield!
Volume Four really had some promise-the storytelling pace was picking up, the book covered more than just one year (this volume only covers one year, 1932-1933) and there were some real character arcs to draw the reader in and keep them turning pages.
I kept waiting for that to happen in this (for me highly anticipated) next installment of Volume Five but it was all just filler. In fact, a good part of the storytelling seems to have moved on to the children's POV-Han's daughter Lisa has several interesting coming-of-age encounters such as confronting a bully at Hitler Youth Camp, making a new friend who is Jewish and ending with a scene right out of Markus Zusak's "The Book Thief" when she finds a half burned copy of The Book of Mormon after the famous "purging rally" when all books in Germany were collected and burned while crowds cheered and slips it under her coat-an act that could get her in trouble.
Meanwhile, back on the ranch with the Westland Clan in Monticello, Utah Mitch and Edie's children are also growing up during the Great Depression, Frank and his non-member wife Celeste appear to be reconciling and...that's about it.
I agree with other reviews on this book and the series in general: it is going on way too long, Lund is taking forever to get to the point, whole chapters are wasted with nothing but one character getting ready to tell something with every sigh and sip described and nothing much else happening.
Elder Lund, I beg you, don't let your writing skills go the way of Anita Stansfield!
December 30, 2024
The series continues to be excellent as it shifts to the next generation. The last book ended with the 1929 stock market crash. This book has a quick prologue discussing the repeated elections in Germany in the early 1930’s. Mostly covers 1932-33. Lisa and Jo have some negative interactions with Hitler youth and save some Jewish girls in the park. They become good friends with the Ziedner family who is hiding in plain sight as no one knows they are Jews.
Hans is disenchanted with Hitler and the Nazis for the thuggery and repeated elections. The telling of how the Nazis came to power constitutionally and capitalized on the Reichstag fire in narrative form is more compelling than Shirer but less thorough. Hans is injured in a sledding accident and is on medical leave when Hitler finally seizes full control so he is fully ready to leave the party but knows the risk. The book ends with the two families attending the book burnings and complying despite their disagreement. Lisa sneaks a Book of Mormon from the pile.
One the Westland front, Celeste and Frank seem to have recovered their marriage. The depression ruined the family trip to the passion play. They are surviving but they are killing their cattle and letting them rot due to a government program. Benji takes in an unemployed black sharecropper and realizes how cash poor the family is so they run off looking for cash work. Book ends in spring of 1933. Shorter than some of the books but I’m hopeful the series makes it to WW2.
Hans is disenchanted with Hitler and the Nazis for the thuggery and repeated elections. The telling of how the Nazis came to power constitutionally and capitalized on the Reichstag fire in narrative form is more compelling than Shirer but less thorough. Hans is injured in a sledding accident and is on medical leave when Hitler finally seizes full control so he is fully ready to leave the party but knows the risk. The book ends with the two families attending the book burnings and complying despite their disagreement. Lisa sneaks a Book of Mormon from the pile.
One the Westland front, Celeste and Frank seem to have recovered their marriage. The depression ruined the family trip to the passion play. They are surviving but they are killing their cattle and letting them rot due to a government program. Benji takes in an unemployed black sharecropper and realizes how cash poor the family is so they run off looking for cash work. Book ends in spring of 1933. Shorter than some of the books but I’m hopeful the series makes it to WW2.
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.
October 17, 2023
The more I read this series, the more I am in awe. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres because it combines real life events with dreamt up people interacting with those events. Though I still find myself hurting or emotionally connected to these characters and their hardships, it reminds me that real people lived through this. Real people were swindled by the ideologies. Real people took their own lives in desperation as an answer to their financial woes caused by the stock market crash.
These stories stir up so many emotions. Lund does a masterful job intermingling drama, suspense, and levity. As the Eckhardts and Westlands navigate their dilemmas, I can’t stop turning pages to see how Lund is going to resolve it.
These stories stir up so many emotions. Lund does a masterful job intermingling drama, suspense, and levity. As the Eckhardts and Westlands navigate their dilemmas, I can’t stop turning pages to see how Lund is going to resolve it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews