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loverofromance's review
5.0
My Review
What a POWERFUL story and what a painful story to read at times. This is the roughest period of LDS church history. As it deals with secret combinations, and the Order 44---Extermination order issued by the government of Missouri and the tortures that they suffered but it also showcases some beautiful miracles that happen along the way. So while I went through a box of tissues doing a reread of this book it also delivered messages of love and hope and resilience in a time of such hate!
What a POWERFUL story and what a painful story to read at times. This is the roughest period of LDS church history. As it deals with secret combinations, and the Order 44---Extermination order issued by the government of Missouri and the tortures that they suffered but it also showcases some beautiful miracles that happen along the way. So while I went through a box of tissues doing a reread of this book it also delivered messages of love and hope and resilience in a time of such hate!
idonttcareeeee's review
4.0
best and most interesting book of the series.
the sexism was turned down quite a few notches, which i was happy about.
also, matthew and Jenny's relationship is so out-of-the-blue, like it really confuses me. seriously, they met for one second and everybody was like "ohh, they MUST end up together" and then they kissed at the end (which i don't know if this was socially correct in america in the 1800s, but i KNOW it at least was DEFINITELY NOT socially appropriate to kiss in public in London, especially in that time period), but there was 0 development???????? hopefully, they get lots more development in the next one, cause i checked and they do get married sometime in the next book. i mean, Matthew and Peter had way more chemistry than Matthew and Jenny, and Matthew and Peter aren't really even into each other, which is funny (i still ship them, tho. don't hate)
the sexism was turned down quite a few notches, which i was happy about.
also, matthew and Jenny's relationship is so out-of-the-blue, like it really confuses me. seriously, they met for one second and everybody was like "ohh, they MUST end up together" and then they kissed at the end (which i don't know if this was socially correct in america in the 1800s, but i KNOW it at least was DEFINITELY NOT socially appropriate to kiss in public in London, especially in that time period), but there was 0 development???????? hopefully, they get lots more development in the next one, cause i checked and they do get married sometime in the next book. i mean, Matthew and Peter had way more chemistry than Matthew and Jenny, and Matthew and Peter aren't really even into each other, which is funny (i still ship them, tho. don't hate)
emerygirl's review
4.0
Another great book. I love the title of this book, Thy Gold to Refine. This book illustrates just what the early saints went through for their faith. I admire their strength and courage
andreagraves5's review
3.0
I stopped reading this series halfway thru this book, since this part of the history breaks my heart - all about Haun's Mill, and then I finally came and finished it and moved on. It was really written perfectly, just a hard part of history to read, kwim?
christieb123's review
4.0
I like this series. The characters are all known. This was a little difficult to read through the middle just because there is so much horrible stuff that happens to them.
amibunk's review
4.0
My original rating would have been 4 stars, but my re-read rating this year is right about a 3.5 stars.
Probably the biggest gaps in knowledge that I have in my Church's history come during this time period so this book is a much needed resource for filling in the missing information I have.
Looking back this novel, and the next installment in the series, are probably some of my favorites. The Steed fictional family hasn't grown so large as to be somewhat unwieldy and the timing and pacing of these novels feels the smoothest.
The trick with these books is to remember two things. First, remember what is fictional and what is taken from actual accounts. Mr. Lund does a solid job at the end of each chapter delineating between truth and make believe. Second, the reader needs to keep in mind that these novels were created with the purpose of showing the sweeping history of the beginning years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; NOT because the author has high literary ambitions. So while the writing is decent, I must overlook any failings and keep the true purpose of Mr. Lund in mind.
Probably the biggest gaps in knowledge that I have in my Church's history come during this time period so this book is a much needed resource for filling in the missing information I have.
Looking back this novel, and the next installment in the series, are probably some of my favorites. The Steed fictional family hasn't grown so large as to be somewhat unwieldy and the timing and pacing of these novels feels the smoothest.
The trick with these books is to remember two things. First, remember what is fictional and what is taken from actual accounts. Mr. Lund does a solid job at the end of each chapter delineating between truth and make believe. Second, the reader needs to keep in mind that these novels were created with the purpose of showing the sweeping history of the beginning years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; NOT because the author has high literary ambitions. So while the writing is decent, I must overlook any failings and keep the true purpose of Mr. Lund in mind.
chelse34's review
3.0
The fictional Steed family parts are so cheesy and fake to me. I only keep reading this series because the history in it comes alive for me. I found such fascination with the background behind the extermination order (lies from both sides, and nobody double checking facts), the Haun's Mill Massacre (follow the prophet people!), the exodus out of Missouri, and what the mobs did while Joseph was in liberty jail.
Definitely a trying time for the saints, and this book made their sacrifice more meaningful to me.
Definitely a trying time for the saints, and this book made their sacrifice more meaningful to me.
kibbles15's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book definitely pulls on your emotions. I think I felt the entire spectrum of emotions through out the book. Be aware, there is a lot of triggering content through out the story. Also, as a part of long series, there are references to events and character's in previous books that might be confusing if you have not read the previous novels in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Vomit
Minor: Child death and Kidnapping