Prelude to Glory, Vol. 2: Times That Try Men's Souls

Prelude to Glory #2

by Ron Carter

"These are the times that try men's souls," writes journalist Thomas Paine at the end of 1776, a dark time in America's struggle for freedom. As the dramatic events depicted in volume 2 of the monumental Prelude to Glory series show, the high price of liberty for which the colonists fought would include great sacrifice and endurance--even in the face of apparent defeat. Focusing primarily on events between June and December 1776, this installment in the series follows Billy Weems (friend of Matthew Dunson from volume 1) to the battlefields in the New York area, where General George Washington commands the Continental army. Early on, Billy meets and befriends Eli Stroud, a white man raised by Iroquois Indians, who lends his unusual talents to the Revolutionary cause. But as events unfold, the Americans' situation looks more and more bleak. A series of engagements with the enemy leaves the colonial soldiers pummeled and staggering, driven to disastrous retreat again and again. By December 1776, the war for independence seems all but lost. Nevertheless, determination and hope remain alive, along with a powerful sense that divine providence is watching over the Americans. As with the previous volume, author Ron Carter re-creates these historic episodes in such a way as to transport you back in time. Along with fascinating fictional characters, he provides engaging portraits of such luminaries as George Washington, Nathan Hale, and intrepid John Glover. Through this powerful story, you will come to appreciate the fortitude it took for the Patriots to stand firm and resolute during these times that tried men's souls.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Lds, Religion, American History, Lds Fiction

556 pages, Hardcover

First published September 7, 2010

About the author

Ron Carter (1932-2008) was born in Salt Lake City and reared in Twin Falls, Idaho. He served received a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from Brigham Young University. He received a juris doctor degree in 1962 after attending the law schools at George Washington University and the University of Utah. Recently he has been a research and writing director for the Superior Court system of Los Angeles County, California. He published his first work in 1988.

Ron is married to LaRae Dunn Carter of Boise, Idaho, and they are the parents of nine children. The family resides in Park City, Utah.

Reviews

[Dallin Karren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good for an understanding of the revolutionary war. Really boring at some points but very exciting at others.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love History, especially American History, you’ll enjoy this series. I’m on Vol. 3 now and look forward to it each day. It feels like I’m watching a movie in my imagination. The descriptions of people, places, things and events fill the imagination. I find myself looking at maps from that period and looking up names of people mentioned because they become so real to me.

I would not call this series a “page turner.” I would say it’s a steady, calm beating of a historical drum that places you in the middle of the Revolutionary War action.

I really like how at the end of each chapter the author takes the time to tell the reader which parts of this historical fiction series are real and which are fiction.

I’d recommend this book to any who want to learn American Revolutionary War history in a “you are there” format.

Fun read!

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

A novel about the revolutionary war. I enjoyed the first book of the series and thought that I would enjoy this one as well but found it to be dull and lifeless. His writing style becomes increasingly difficult to read and the entire book covers several battles but it feels like one big battle because it is only about the war...needed something else to break up the monotony (unless of course you enjoy reading war books). I did like that it put history into a more meaningful story than textbooks do!

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have learned so much about the revolutionary war and more than I ever thought I needed to know about war strategy, cannons, rifles, muskets, cartridges, etc. I am so appreciative of the work this author put into these books and even more appreciative of the patriots who made this country. I also love the religous undertone because it really is obvious that this country wouldn't be the USA if God hadn't had a hand in it's creation.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I rarely give up on books but I just couldn't swallow this one. I made it 3/4 of the way through before I couldn't take anymore. For me it was just a matter of writing style preference.

[Leslie Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although war books have not always been my favorite, I’m getting into it. This way, I’m learning/ reviewing our Nations’s history. I like the story about the lady who took the British into her home and fed them royally to distract them while the colonist soldiers were going by. They say they don’t know if it was a true story or not, but I like it. I also like when Thomas Paine comes to see how the colonist soldiers are doing and writes about them, puts it in a newspaper and sends a bunch of them to George Washington. He was feeling defeated and low and just had prayed to God for help. It was then he received the inspiring words printed in the newspaper from Thomas Paine. He has all of his army read it.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Closer to 3.5 stars, this one went back and forth for me as far as the interest level.
Pros- Well documented; there were several examples of unexplained circumstances that came at exactly the right time to prevent total destruction of the inexperienced colonial army; it is a realistic depiction of how horrific things were at times during the Revolutionary War; the reader gets a true glimpse into the faith and character of George Washington, as well as his flaws
Cons- There was more emphasis on detailed military strategy and gruesome battle scenes than I prefer; the author relied heavily on certain sources and not as much on others;

[Rex Cluff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent sequel to volume 1 of the series. Again, the reader gets an everyday outlook on what the American forces experienced and suffered as they strove to gain freedom for America. This covers some of the same dates as volume 1 only on a different theater of operations. The protagonistic families introduced in volume 1 are again portrayed in this volume but not the exact persons due to the different theater of operations. Vol. 1 followed the marine warfare while this follows the land battles. I am enthralled by the story.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My appreciation for the history of the United States grows with each chapter. The writing is so real. The events terrible, wonderful, and true. I love Washington and other good leaders. I love God for the miracles He provided. Some could view the revolution as a pit of despair. In most ways, it was. But it was necessary and the efforts and results oh so glorious to the future! I thank Carter for bringing history to life. For providing me knowledge about events that have been lost from our education systems.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My appreciation for the history of the United States grows with each chapter. The writing is so real. The events terrible, wonderful, and true. I love Washington and other good leaders. I love God for the miracles He provided. Some could view the revolution as a pit of despair. In most ways, it was. But it was necessary and the efforts and results oh so glorious to the future! I thank Carter for bringing history to life. For providing me knowledge about events that have been lost from our education systems.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seriously loved getting to know George Washington’s character better throughout this novel. The Revolutionary War was a very difficult time & not everyone was a fan of Washington either. The introduction of Thomas Paine & his famous writings “these are the times that try men’s souls” right near the end of the novel could not have been more timely. I again feel great respect & admiration for those men who first fought for this great nation & our liberty.

[Lori Field · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I just couldn't get over the format. Setting each volume during the same time period, just in other geographic areas, but with some of the same characters as the other volumes, was confusing and just seemed to make the story line full of holes. The writing went from an interesting tale of historical battles and activity to over-sentimental speculation of thoughts/feelings and trying to hard to fit fictional characters into the history.

[Mackenzie Bleggi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn’t as engaging as the first one for me. There was A LOT of battles and army movements and geography that went in one ear and out the other. But one thing I will say, it does a really good job of conveying how much the odds were stacked against us and that it really was Gods hand that made this nation free.

[Kandace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew that the Revolutionary War was no simple battle, but I have gained an even better respect of how much they went through to fight for America's freedom.
Ron Carter did a great job in his research and selection of what to and what not to include in his story. If he had included every possible detail and reference, I'm sure the book would be like an encyclopedia; but thankfully, it's not.

[Joanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this second, book, though not quite as much as the first. The descriptions of weapons and war strategy would be very interesting to someone into military history, but I found it difficult to not skim over those parts. Otherwise a very compelling read.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying the story. Yet, sometimes I get bogged down in the details he gives. There is a lot of detail about the army and where they are moving, it is hard to follow without a map or knowledge of the area. Good history lessons though.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series continues - I'm so grateful I know the outcome of this war - the devastation men and women are enduring makes you feel it will be impossible for the Americans to win. How grateful we are for the hand of the Lord in this work...all things are possible through Him.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was good.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very captivating story of the fighting in NYC during the revolutionary war. I like the characters that were developed and look forward to reading the next book.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! If you would like to get a feel for what the revolutionary war was like, read this! Can’t wait to read the next one.

[Irene Anderson]

learned so much about the revolutionary war

[Kaye Sivori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great saga

[Swhe641200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby. This is a Historical Fiction on the Revaluation War it is very sad but interesting.

[Hilaree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Vol. 1 slightly more

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book follows the Dunson family (fictional) and introduces us to the beginning events of the revolutionary war. This book follows Billy Weems, a friend of the Dunsons that we met in the first book. The Dunson are still slightly involved - mostly Brigitte. We meet Billy's friend, Eli Stroud - I think we'll be seeing more of him as well. There were a lot of descriptions of various weapons and how they were loaded etc. I could have done with a little less with that. And I'll just be honest, I wanted a little more of a romance line going on. This book actually overlaps in time with the first book.

Through it all, I am continually impressed with those that gave their lives for this country. It's amazing how many battles were lost. With the sheer number of the British and Germans involved and all of their boats and weapons - we really shouldn't have won. Of course, the Lord makes all things possible - from weather changing in our favor to the British changing their fighting strategies. I was also impressed at Washington's fervor in leading the army. I'd vote for him to be president too! Of course, we don't get to the point in history during this book. There were many men and leaders who stayed to fight during different battles, knowing they would probably die, to give others a chance to live, reestablish their forces, and have a better chance at defeating the British. Also, Thomas Paine played such a huge role in writing for the Americans to boost their morale. His words were truly inspired! If it weren't for great men like these, Congress may have surrendered.

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are two reasons I was a bit disappointed with this book. First, I thought much of the book was very slow, and could have been cut out. Billy isn't my favorite character, and most of this book was about him, so it was hard to keep my interest. As I got closer to the end of the book, and there was more action and info about the battles, it got more interesting, but it took me a long time to get through this mainly because it was so slow and I just couldn't stick to it!

Second, I am very disappinted in the way this author has laid out this story. He mentioned somewhere that since there are so many events going on in different locations at the same time, he felt it would be too confusing to do the story in chronological order. So instead he takes the storyline through each character, and tells the story of their whole war experience, and then goes to the next character and starts all over again. I cant understand why this author thought this would be less confusing!?!?! It is so hard to understand time and compare it to other events in other books. I know author Gerald Lund was able to take similar situations with stories, and he did it chronologicaly, and even though it jumps around to different locations and stories, you are able to understand how everything unfolds, and it makes much more sense! I feel like this was a terrible decision made by Ron Carter, and really effects how well we understand all the events and when they happened.

[Freyja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I Know that It took me awhile to read this book but it is not because I wasn't enjoying it. The fact is the first part of the book was a bit slow going not because I wasn't enjoying it but because it was dealing with more technical stuff of how the guns/cannons were loaded and other things of that sort.Not being a gun person it took a bit more to get it figured out.
So I loved this book. I love reading about history. This is the second in a historical fiction series set during the Revolutionary War. What a great time in history to read about. The first book was a very quick read. In it we meet the different characters and it jumps through several years.
Like I said this book was not quite such an easy read. This book goes back to 1776 and follows one Character, Billy Weems, during a few months of the war and actually goes into some more of the details of the war and its battles. During this time in the book it deals a lot with the Battles lost by America, and the thoughts, feelings and fears of those in those battles.
I can't wait to get started on the next book. To see what other characters we get to see more of from the first book.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the was history parts, but sometimes it goes into too much detail about non important things.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, Ron Carter is not a great writer. If I hadn't listened to the book on tape while doing other things, I never would have made it to the end. But the story that he tells is truly a miraculous one. He has done his research well, and tells the story of the Revolutionary War with amazing accuracy.

This particular volume of the series is a rather depressing one, since the Americans were beaten in nearly every battle. I imagine that's why it's titled "The Times That Try Men's Souls." In fact, if I didn't already know the outcome of the war, I would have serious doubts about the Americans surviving at all, let alone winning.

I am grateful to learn more about a war and heroes that, unfortunately, I really didn't know much about. I plan on gritting my teeth and continuing the series. The war can't get any worse from here, and, hopefully, neither can the writing.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is a good series and you do learn a lot about the Revolutionary War. I wish the author would have written things in more chronological order, instead of just following a one or two characters at a time. Sometimes, there is too much narration and less story, but it does give a great overview about what these men went through to fight for our freedoms. They endured incredible hardships - very little food, incredibly long hours of hard physical labor, marching to new locations in the middle of the night and start the next day with very little sleep. Enduring the heat, the cold, the rain, the wind. This series really gives the reader insight into what actually happened. Including fictional characters in and around the events give the readers different perspectives of what happened.