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Like a River Glorious (The Gold Seer Trilogy #2)

by Rae Carson

4.08 · Rating Details · 1,845 Ratings · 386 Reviews

After a harrowing journey across the country, Leah Westfall and her friends have finally arrived in California and are ready to make their fortunes in the Gold Rush. Lee has a special advantage over the other new arrivals in California—she has the ability to sense gold, a secret known only by her handsome best friend Jefferson and her murdering uncle Hiram.

Lee and her frie ...more

Kindle Edition, 432 pages

Published September 27th 2016 by Greenwillow

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Sep 28, 2016 Emily May rated it liked it

Shelves: young-adult, historical-fiction, paranormal-uf, arc, coverly-love, 2016

A decent sequel, even if it is marred by uneven pacing and some problematic misrepresentation of North American history.

With an equally beautiful cover and intriguing title, Like a River Glorious picks up where the last book left off. Leah Westfall, Jefferson, and accompanying crew have reached California and set about gold digging on a new piece of land. It's the California Gold Rush and they have the biggest advantage ever - Leah can magically sense the presence of gold. Good times.

However, Le ...more

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Laurie Brumbaugh Emily May wrote: "You see, I don't think it was portrayed as a negative. It was portrayed negatively in Hiram's case, but not when it came to Leah and ...more
Nov 19, 2016 05:26PM

june I only read the part of your review where you said there was some "problematic misrepresentation of North American history". I don't disagree with thi ...more
Nov 29, 2016 08:00PM

Sep 10, 2016 Sarah rated it really liked it

Shelves: r2r-read, netgalley-edelweiss, young-adult, romance, fantasy, historical, 2016-resolutions, read-2016

(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)

“The truth is I’ve got witchy powers that lead me to gold as sure as the west leads the sun.”

This was an interesting sequel, and Leah finally got to put her gold-finding powers to good use!

Leah was a strong character in this, and she tried really hard to be honest with people, and to keep them from danger in whatever way she could. It was unfortunate that she once again ...more

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Sep 27, 2016 Stacee rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: edelweiss, title-in-the-story, read-in-2016

I'm not normally a fan of westerns, but I do adore Rae's words, so I was definitely going to continue this series.

I've liked Leah from the start. She's smart and strong and not afraid to stick up for herself. The cast of characters who have joined her on this crazy adventure is just as awesome as she is.

As always, I didn't bother doing a reread of the first book because I was excited to start. Thankfully it was easy to settle right into what was going on. The plot is a bit of a slow burn, but th ...more

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Oct 11, 2016 Nastassja rated it liked it

Shelves: best-young-adult, young-adult, western, fantasy, historical-fiction, fell-short-of-expectations, trilogy, excellent-writing, 1st-pov, admirable-hero, 2016, blonde-haired-heroine

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

Bad men are never all bad, and good men are never all good, and it makes it hard to know up from down.

The thing with Like a River Glorious is that it's weaker than its predecessor. Simply like that. When I first read Walk on Earth a Stranger, it felt like I've found a gem of a book. Authentic historical settings, flawless language fitting the era, likable characters and Wild West adventures. What more could a girl dream of in a book? So, it was obvious I'd want the simila

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

Bad men are never all bad, and good men are never all good, and it makes it hard to know up from down.

Alas my dreams did not turn as glorious as the title promised. I felt like there could've been more to the plot and character development. As the heroine - Lee - noticed:

I’ve come so far, but in some ways, I haven’t gone any distance. I’m still hiding from bad men. I’m still trying to figure how to make my own way, my own fortune.

It felt like we were reading the same book as the first one, only with slightly changed settings. The strange thing is, though, this book actually has more action than the previous one, it felt more slow-paced and lacking events. It doesn't mean it was boring - no, I rather enjoyed the plot, but I still wanted more from it.

The author, again, rises important questions like slavery, women's rights, genocide, and I immensely enjoyed the writing style, which was easy-flawing and suited the Gold Rush era perfectly. Plus Lee was a strong reliable heroine I wanted to hug more than once.

I need air and light and a kind word. I need my friends. I need Peony.

I need my guns.

The romance part was extended, so to say, and for me Jefferson was not only a likable love interest, but also a character whose view on things I highly respected. As we know, he's half Native American (Cherokee if I am not mistaken), and it was a hard time for people like him to live back than, but he never bent under horrible circumstances and was a resolute, head-strong young man; his strengths did not only help Lee to keep going, but also helped her to see the world in a more optimistic way. Plus they were so cute together I totally shipped them.

The other thing that bothered me was the ending. Strangely, we have a logical conclusion with tied ends. But there's going to be the third book, and I can't imagine what it will be about, or what there's to write when everything was already said? Maybe there will be different characters to follow or our old characters will find a new adventure? Who knows.

To top it all off, a highly recommended series with authentic historical settings and likable characters. I am sure it will be fun to join the Wild West adventure if you haven't started the series yet.

...more

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Feb 18, 2016 Michelle marked it as to-read

Another amazingly beautiful cover reveal. Thanks Epic Reads.

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Sep 05, 2016 Maja (The Nocturnal Library) rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites, young-adult, historical-fiction, harper-teen, western, arc-2016, best-of-2016, reviewed-iin-2016

4.5 stars
Like a River Glorious, Rae Carson’s fifth novel and the second book in her Gold Seer trilogy, cements her status as one of the best, most reliable authors of YA fiction. Her long string of literary successes without a single glitch shows us that we can indeed trust an author to always deliver and constantly stay at the top of her game.

Walk on Earth a Stranger left Lee and her friends finally in California, trying to find a good settlement and put down roots. The losses they’d suffered a 4.5 stars
Like a River Glorious, Rae Carson’s fifth novel and the second book in her Gold Seer trilogy, cements her status as one of the best, most reliable authors of YA fiction. Her long string of literary successes without a single glitch shows us that we can indeed trust an author to always deliver and constantly stay at the top of her game.

Walk on Earth a Stranger left Lee and her friends finally in California, trying to find a good settlement and put down roots. The losses they’d suffered along the way left an indelible mark on all of them. Some are strong enough to recover, and some decide that safety is more valuable than any amount of gold. Those who remain, Lee and Jefferson among them, are a tight-knit group, practically a family, and only the danger caused by Lee’s powers has the ability to tear them apart.

As a non-American, I didn’t know much about the fate of Native Americans during California Gold Rush. The abhorrent treatment shown in this book might be a bit exaggerated, but likely not by much. Lee has to face a very ugly reality in her uncle’s mine, both towards Native American and the Chinese. With Jeff and Tom by her side, she has to move past sympathizing and come up with a way to save not only herself, but all those slaves as well.

Leah’s witchy ability to sense gold is explored more and constantly developed in this book. She grows along with it and becomes braver and more open about what she can do. It’s a dangerous secret, but Lee and Jefferson finally have a large family to share it with, people they can trust to always have their backs, even when the risk is too great for them all.

Henry and Tom, two of our “confirmed bachelors”, play a more important role in this book. Their relationship could be considered queerbaiting if not for the historical context. As it is, theirs is a kind of don’t ask, don’t tell situation, but I’m hoping for a more open approach in the final book, at least among the folks in Glory. If they can handle a witchy girl who can sense gold, they can surely handle two gay men being a bit less discreet about their relationship.

The book has a brilliant, well-rounded ending that could be quite enough for most readers, even without the final part of the trilogy. Knowing a third book is coming makes me equal parts excited and afraid for Lee and her people at Glory, California. Apparently there’s still a difficult road ahead of her and with the way things are going, the final part might just be the best of them all.

...more

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Sep 09, 2016 Lucia rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical, ya

Like a River Glorious is pleasant read and great sequel to amazing first book - Walk on Earth a Stranger. Once again, Rae Carson transported me right into the 19th century California Gold Rush era and provided engaging and believable YA historical novel. Smart and realistic characters in this series make such a nice change from all those annoying teenage characters that are so very often present in YA literature. And for that I am incredibly thankful to Mrs. Carson.

My favorite part of this novel ...more

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May 11, 2016 Giselle (Book Nerd Canada) marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: borrowed, 2016, ebook, genre-historical, genre-fantasy, age-young-adult

I'm in love with this cover..Makes me want to jump in that lake :P

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Feb 24, 2016 Whitney marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, 2016-publication, favorite-authors

Oh man.

THIS IS JUST SO BEAUTIFUL. I keep looking at it over and over....

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Oct 09, 2016 Mogsy (MMOGC) rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, historical-fiction, western, magic, review-copy, arcs-and-galleys, edelweiss

4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2016/10/09/...

I was super excited to read this sequel to Walk on Earth a Stranger, and not least because the first book was one of my favorite Young Adult reads of last year. Knowing how rare it is for a series to strike gold twice though (pun intended) I wasn’t surprised to find that I didn’t find Like A River Glorious quite as earth-shattering as its predecessor, but it was still an excellent sequel and a fun YA fantasy western.

At the 4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2016/10/09/...

I was super excited to read this sequel to Walk on Earth a Stranger, and not least because the first book was one of my favorite Young Adult reads of last year. Knowing how rare it is for a series to strike gold twice though (pun intended) I wasn’t surprised to find that I didn’t find Like A River Glorious quite as earth-shattering as its predecessor, but it was still an excellent sequel and a fun YA fantasy western.

At the end of Walk on Earth a Stranger, a novel which takes place in the midst of the great California Gold Rush, protagonist Leah “Lee” Westfall and the survivors of her party had managed to reach their destination at last. They’d wasted no time in settling in and staking their claims, and thanks to Lee’s remarkable secret, she and her friends have done pretty well for themselves.

After careful consideration though, Lee decides to let her trusted circle in on how she’s been helping them find the best plots. The truth is that she has a mysterious magical ability to sense gold in the environment around her, and being in gold-rich California, her powers have been practically humming within her. However, Lee also wanted to come clean to her friends to warn them that being close to her may have its own dangers. Her uncle Hiram, who knows about her secret, is still hunting her and wants to use her gold sense to his advantage. He had already killed Lee’s parents, and now she’s afraid that she’s put everyone associated with her at risk too.
Lee had good reason to be worried. Despite their best efforts to remain discreet, news of Lee and her group’s success begins to spread, and it’s just a matter of time before Hiram tracks them down. Unwilling to put her friends through more pain and grief, Lee ultimately decides to take matters into her own hands and begins to plot a plan to confront her uncle.

First, the good stuff: Readers who felt that the first book did not have enough “fantasy” in it will be a lot happier with this sequel. Lee’s gold sense plays a bigger role this time around, and has a much greater impact on the outcome of the story. Her power is also evolving, growing stronger somehow. And as to why this is happening, that’s a mystery Lee is also trying to figure out for herself.

Then there’s the romance. While it wasn’t a big part of the first book, Rae Carson did plant a seed of something between Lee and her best friend Jefferson, and those feelings finally come to fruition. The pacing of the romance remains slow-burn though, which for me is a breath of fresh air especially after having read a string of YA novels featuring instalove, or female protagonists who immediately hurl themselves at a guy the moment he shows a hint of interest. I liked how Lee kept a level head despite her growing feelings for Jeff, keeping in mind what she would be gaining and sacrificing for marriage in an era where women have little power. It may seem like a rather cold, unromantic way to think about love, but it does show that Lee is mature, independent and insightful—traits that I admire in a protagonist.

Despite the book’s strengths though, I did have some issues with the depiction of Lee and her friends, especially given the historical setting and social climate of the times. I understand that, especially in a YA novel, we need our protagonists to be the good guys to cheer for and look up to, and true to form, Lee is heroine who wants to buck the system and fight against injustices. The problem is that it’s not subtle at all, and it’s immersion-breaking when looking at this book through a historical fiction lens. When it comes to historical novels I think it’s important to look at how context shapes character motivations and attitudes, and while I can understand why a lot of Lee’s experiences would shape her opinions on land ownership, slavery, religion, women’s rights, etc., a lot of the actions of her and her settler friends do come across a bit revisionist. At some point in this novel, Lee also started to feel too much to me like a present-day teenage character transported to the 1850s, but this probably didn’t bother me as much as it would have if this had been an adult novel.

Other than that minor issue, I honestly have no complaints. Overall I really enjoyed Like A River Glorious, and like the first book this one was also blessedly free of pesky cliffhangers. I like how both installments have so far ended with all its major story conflicts resolved, while still being a part of a greater narrative. This is another chapter in Lee and Jefferson’s lives, and I loved the happy conclusion. Looking forward to where the next book will take them. ...more

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Nov 03, 2016 Drew (Drew’s Cup of Tea) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, historical-fiction, paranormal

Though Like a River Glorious was definitely enjoyable - Rae Carson is a wonderfully descriptive, gifted writer - I definitely preferred the first book. At first I was certain I was going to love this, as the beginning was very thrilling - but as it went on, the plot sadly became scattered and messagey.

Carson does a great job at the historical part of this series; within the first few pages I was transported back into the 1800s, into a time of rough cowboys and claim jumpers, a time when people w ...more

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Sep 28, 2016 nick rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, 2016-favorites, all-the-swoons, otp-otp-otp, boy-stole-my-heart, i-want-to-be-bffs-with-heroine, there-were-tears-involved, young-adult, historical, best-female-friendships

Wow! Like a River Glorious was simply put … glorious! I’m in complete awe of what Rae Carson has crafted with this series. If you thought Walk on Earth a Stranger was a good story, wait until you pick up this sequel that surpassed every monumental expectation that I have. It’s official, I’m obsessed with this series.

Leah Westfall is probably the fiercest and most badass character I have ever come across in a YA series. And I’m not saying just physically. It was clear from the first book that Lea
Wow! Like a River Glorious was simply put … glorious! I’m in complete awe of what Rae Carson has crafted with this series. If you thought Walk on Earth a Stranger was a good story, wait until you pick up this sequel that surpassed every monumental expectation that I have. It’s official, I’m obsessed with this series.

Leah Westfall is probably the fiercest and most badass character I have ever come across in a YA series. And I’m not saying just physically. It was clear from the first book that Leah was a strong-willed and brave girl, especially after she found her parents dead bodies and traveled over the Oregon Trail to reach California. Here, she was even stronger and I didn’t realize that was even possible. Rae Carson constantly tested Leah, with the threats of her Uncle Hiram looming throughout the book, but she was so resilient faced every obstacle with a courage that not many people possess. Lee is the sort of heroine that will inspire readers, young and old, as she navigates the dangers of the Gold Rush era.

Thankfully, Lee is no longer alone. She’s found herself an incredible group of people to call her family. Rae Carson does a wonderful job with these characters, making each and everyone of them rich, complex and layered. The kinship that they’ve formed with each other, despite being from such diverse backgrounds, was beautiful to watch develop even further in Like a River Glorious. These are characters that will stay with you long after you finish the book. I also can’t forget Lee’s slow-burn romance with her friend, Jeff. I love how these two were always there for each other no matter what. It’s hard not to root for these two because they are so sweet together, and pretty much the perfect complements.

One reason why I think this series is unique and refreshing is its setting of the Old West. Rae Carson has a simple, yet vivid writing. The descriptiveness of her writing is in the little things. Here, I particularly loved the scenes in the gold mines and of Leah and her group building their small town in California. I was so invested in the story that I almost felt like I was there along with these characters. We also see some real life historical issues such as slavery and discrimination, especially when it came to the Chinese and the Native Americans at Hiram’s camp. Violence and death plagued that camp, and it was hard to stomach at times, but I have to hand it to Rae Carson for showing those realities in a harsh, yet raw way. We also get to know more about Lee’s gold-sensing powers in this installment, and while we don’t have all the background yet, it was enough to satisfy me.

I’m thrilled with how this series has evolved over the course of these two books. While Like a River Glorious ended on a positive and hopeful note with no cliffhanger, I’m still eager to get my hands on the final book in the Gold Seer Trilogy and to be back with one of my favorite ensemble cast. ...more

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Oct 12, 2016 Jennifer rated it liked it

Shelves: young-adult-genre, magic, historical-fiction, listened-to-audiobook, read-2016

Like a River Glorious is the second installment in Rae Carson's mildly magical, historical fiction series titled The Gold Seer Trilogy. Although this ongoing story feels like a refreshing addition to the young-adult genre due to its originality and gold-rush setting, it's not as engaging as I hoped it would be. This may be an expectation issue on my part as the storyline focuses primarily on group dynamics versus the magical element, and based on her previous work, I was expecting more of a bala ...more

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Sep 29, 2016 Christy (TheReaderBee) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: e-arcs-to-review, young-adult-fiction, ya-fantasy, ya-historical, read-in-2016

Like a River Glorious is definitely one of my most anticipated reads of 2016. I read Walk on Earth a Stranger last year, and really, really enjoyed the unique and captivating story, and I was dying to know what was going to happen next for Leah and her crew. This sequel was great, and I'm thrilled to add it to my collection!

Leah has been a character that I have loved since I first met her in Walk on Earth a Stranger. She's such a strong, well written young lady, and I swear her character just gr
Like a River Glorious is definitely one of my most anticipated reads of 2016. I read Walk on Earth a Stranger last year, and really, really enjoyed the unique and captivating story, and I was dying to know what was going to happen next for Leah and her crew. This sequel was great, and I'm thrilled to add it to my collection!

Leah has been a character that I have loved since I first met her in Walk on Earth a Stranger. She's such a strong, well written young lady, and I swear her character just grows more and more as the story goes along. And not just as a person, but with her ability as well, which is just amazing. She's definitely a fave character of mine, as are SO many of the secondary characters in the story. There are a LOT of them, and I really love them all!

Even though this book is 400+ pages, I devoured it in just a few hours time. It seriously felt like I was flying through the pages, and I just couldn't get enough of it. Unfortunately I do not have any other books in my collection that are set in the same time period as this book, or have the same setting. That needs to be fixed, because both are completely fascinating, and leave me wanting more. Although, as with a lot of our history, there were some things in the story that made me sad, and ANGRY. The sexism towards women made me rage, but it was the treatment of Chinese immigrants and Native American's that was completely horrific and heartbreaking. I cannot imagine living during this time period. At all. And not only because of this treatment, which is bad enough, I'm just not sure I could survive the hardships that these people faced. I'm glad there are people willing to tell us the story, so that we will know, and never forget.

Overall; Like a River Glorious is a wonderful sequel to Walk on Earth a Stranger! I'm not even more excited to get my hands on the third book, which is going to release in 2017! THAT is a book that I will be preordering as soon as possible. If you've not yet read this series, and are curious about the Gold Rush time period, you should definitely check out The Gold Seer Trilogy!!

Happy Reading!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BK31NUyh-k4/?

...more

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Sep 27, 2016 Danielle (Love at First Page) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: genre-young-adult, crush-worthy-boys, favorites-young-adult, fantasy-scifi-paranormal, amazing-writing, own-physical-book, so-otp-it-hurts, best-of-the-best-boys, extra-swoony, cover-love, historical, challenge-a-series-a-month-2016, most-anticipated-2016, read-in-2016, series-unfinished

4.5-5 stars

I have SO much love for this series. And for Jefferson (OMG SWOON). And especially for Leah. It will be a long wait for the last book!

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Jan 26, 2016 Cookie marked it as to-read

Shelves: 2016-publication, cover-lust

Despite not having read the first book, I'm still excited for this.
I mean, have you seen the title?

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Jul 24, 2016 Jaime (Two Chicks on Books) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Ok so I may be biased because this book is set in my hometown and around where I live but I think this is better than the first book! I loved the Oregon Trail of book 1 but I LOVED seeing Sacramento and the area around it front and center in a book! I plan on doing a photo trip of the places in this one!!!

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Jan 12, 2017 Karen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

Once again I was captivated by this historical fiction of the gold rush days in California in the mid 1800's along with Lee, our heroine, and her companions.

Having grown up with Laura Ingalls and Little House On The Prairie, this book series was like an old favorite.

Leah (Lee) has an ability to sense gold which helps and hinders. Along the way she forms her family and they'll do anything for each other.

I can't wait to see how Rae Carson continues this story!!

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Sep 21, 2016 Alexa rated it really liked it

Shelves: owned, read-in-2016

4.5 stars. I really, really, really enjoyed Like a River Glorious! I was a little nervous, because I generally always have expectations going into them. But Carson's writing is just as wonderful as I know it to be, and the story unfolds beautifully. It begins right where it left off at the end of the first one, and it continues Leah's story with new challenges and exciting new things too.

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Jul 20, 2016 Hannah (The Irish Banana Review) rated it it was amazing

Partial Review (full review in Sept):

LARG picks up where book 1 left off, with Lee and her friends having survived the Oregon Trail and Lee’s uncle, Hiram Westfall. They stake their claims and start to settle down, carving out a home and a community for themselves … which you know can’t end well for anyone.

For those wondering … Yes. There’s romance. More romance than in WOEAS. You will groan, you will swoon, you will gasp … but that’s all I’m saying.

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Sep 20, 2016 Shannon (It Starts At Midnight) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2016, own-physical, read-for-review, september-2016, oops-i-preordered-you

Full review (and a GAME!) here!

4.5*

So, this book was full of awesome. In the very beginning, I was the teeniest bit concerned, because the book started off a little predictably. But that was basically my only qualm whatsoever, and that was out of the way within the first 50-75 pages or so. Then things got awesome, but in a totally different way than the first book.

Where Walk on Earth a Stranger was all about the actual getting to California, Like a River Glorious is about actually surviving it. Full review (and a GAME!) here!

4.5*

So, this book was full of awesome. In the very beginning, I was the teeniest bit concerned, because the book started off a little predictably. But that was basically my only qualm whatsoever, and that was out of the way within the first 50-75 pages or so. Then things got awesome, but in a totally different way than the first book.

Where Walk on Earth a Stranger was all about the actual getting to California, Like a River Glorious is about actually surviving it. California circa 1849 is... not great. The author does a phenomenal job of showing why it isn't great, too. The era comes to life on the page, and I could almost feel the discomfort of the unknown, undeveloped land. Lee is of course used to this harsh way of living after months on the trail, but it doesn't really get easier- she just has to keep coping, as to her companions.

This book also goes even further in depth with a lot of issues that were touched upon in the first book. Sexism, racism, discrimination of pretty much all kinds are rampant in California. And since the laws are murkier (and in some cases, non-existent) the treatment of women and minorities is downright appalling. Really, it's quite hard to read, but in a good way because it is clear that this is accurate. The author sugarcoats nothing; she shows us the way people really were treated.

Lee gets even stronger in this book- but in much different ways. Yes, we know she can handle herself on the trail, but this book has Lee in some very difficult situations that require a lot of mental strength.

A few other things I really loved:

•I feel like we get to know the secondary characters so much better, and I love them! They are very multifaceted, and I love getting to know them better, and as more than just a wagon party.
•The romance is still super slow burning and sweet- and I still ship it a lot.
•There's still plenty of adventure- no one is just hanging around in California!
•The fantasy element plays more of a role in this book. While I was fine without it as much in book one, I did like how it was worked into book two.

Bottom Line: An awesome sequel with very well developed characters (who I also happen to love!) and a raw and honest look into life in 1849 California. I cannot wait for the third book!

*Copy provided for review ...more

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Sep 18, 2016 Lauren (YABookers) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, historical-fiction, urban-fantasy, would-rate-more-than-5-if-i-could, awesome-protoganist, edelweiss, highly-anticipated-2016, poc-diversity, fav-authors, fav-2016-reads

Disclaimer: I received a free copy via Edelweiss for review purposes.

Following on from the events in WALK ON EARTH A STRANGER, Lee and her group make home at a prosperous settlement, rich in gold, picked by Lee and her gift of sensing out the richest deposits of gold. As they settle down, their existence becomes threatened by Lee's Uncle Hiram who isn't giving up on controlling Lee and her power. To save her friends, Lee vows to destroy her Uncle and the empire he is attempting to build, even if ...more

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Nov 24, 2016 Lela rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-i-m-hyped-for-2016, fantasy, kickass-heroine, all-about-the-cover, 2016-releases, historical-fiction, after-semester-tbr

THAT COVER!!!!

So Beautiful.

So Glorious.

So hyped for the book..Yesss....Woohooo!!!

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Feb 21, 2016 Liz marked it as to-read

Shelves: anticipated-2016

I love this cover! I love it. Let me just stare at it forever.

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Sep 04, 2016 Jessi (Novel Heartbeat) rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-i-own, prettiest-covers, signed-copy, 4-star

Just like with the first book, I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. As I stated in my review of Walk on Earth a Stranger, I went into the series expecting a historical fantasy. This book is NOT fantasy. The only thing fantasy about this series is Leah's ability to witch gold. This series is hardcore Historical Fiction, set during the gold rush. I think it's the latter part that makes it interesting to me. It's no secret that I hate anything historical. I think these books are the first historical books I've ever enjoyed so much, actually!

Just like the first book, this is a very character driven novel. The focus in this series is the characters and the bonds that they've created. Something I loved so much about WoEaS is that it's about a young woman trying to make her way in a man's world. There's not quite as much about Leah's struggle as a woman. But she does struggle with the decision not to marry and her feelings toward Jeff, as she doesn't want to be his property. She wants to be her own woman.

Carson's writing has seriously improved since Girl of Fire and Thorns (which I hated). Her writing in Like a River Glorious is quite beautiful and engaging! I never got bored, despite the fact that it's outside of my genre comfort zone. Carson did a beautiful job capturing the historical feel of a world ruled by white men. The sense of unfairness and injustice was strong toward the way that women and other races were treated. Especially the indians in Hiram's camp. I was absolutely appalled! Hiram was such an awful man. The way he treated his ~~workers~~ slaves as well as Leah (his own family) was horrendous!

(view spoiler) I'm eager to see where things go in book 3!

LaRG gunpowder grit

This review was originally posted on Novel Heartbeat. To see a breakdown of my assessment, please visit the full review here. ...more

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Sep 22, 2016 Vilma's Book Blog rated it really liked it

Full review to come. It was great!!!

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Sep 16, 2016 Heidi rated it really liked it

Four and a half stars: An epic, historical adventure with danger, romance and a bit of magic.

Leah and her friends have finally arrived safely in California. It is time to put down some roots and find some gold. Leah has a heavy heart because she knows that her friends are in danger, thanks to her uncanny ability to sense gold. Leah is being hunted by her greedy uncle, who will stop at nothing to retrieve her. Leah knows she must come clean with her friends and tell them of the danger that she f Four and a half stars: An epic, historical adventure with danger, romance and a bit of magic.

Leah and her friends have finally arrived safely in California. It is time to put down some roots and find some gold. Leah has a heavy heart because she knows that her friends are in danger, thanks to her uncanny ability to sense gold. Leah is being hunted by her greedy uncle, who will stop at nothing to retrieve her. Leah knows she must come clean with her friends and tell them of the danger that she faces, and she fears that they will reject her. All too soon, the danger finds Leah, and once again, she could lose all that she has fought for, and all those she loves. Will Leah ever escape her uncle?
What I Liked:
*I loved the first book in this series: Walk on Earth a Stranger, so I was more than eager to jump back in and pick up the adventure. Thankfully, this book doesn't suffer from second book syndrome. I got another thrilling, action packed adventure set in the Wild West during the Gold Rush era. This is a terrific series. Don't miss it.
*Leah is a wonderful main character. I admire her strong spirit, her courage, and her ability to to be comfortable in her own skin. Leah doesn't fit into the mold of a proper lady. She is fierce, good with a gun, and not afraid to do a man's work. She values her friends above all else, and despite her ability to sense gold, she is never greedy or cruel. She continues to grow in this book, and I appreciated that she harbored no prejudices, and instead she chose to help others who were being harmed and abused, regardless of race.
*The romance continues to evolve and blossom, and I am loving every minute of it. This series features one of the best kind of romances: friends to lovers. I like that it is slow and sweet, building and building to the sweet spot. No love triangles, stumbles or miscommunication. Simple and sweet, just the way I like it.
*I love the era and the setting of this series. I grew up in the West, and so I have always had an affinity for Westerns. The author does a fantastic job of transporting the reader back to California during the gold rush of the 1849 period. In the first book, you experience the hardship of journeying across the country to reach the promised land of California, and then in this book, you get to experience all the danger, and troubles that the settlers encountered once they were in California. There is no sugar coating in this one. You can expect lots of danger and plenty of action.
*I appreciated that the author called attention to the horrid and appalling way that the Chinese and Native Americans were treated. It is tough to read, and eye opening. I liked that Leah never saw these people with prejudiced eyes, instead, to her they were people who were suffering, and she wanted desperately to help them.
*The ending was neat and it surprisingly tied off most of the main story lines. The series could stop here, but I am excited to know that another book is ahead, and I am interested to see the direction the series will go from here.
And The Not So Much:
*I am still struggling with the whole concept of Leah's ability to sense gold. In this second book, her power grows and evolves, but there is no explanation for the how or why, you just have to accept it for what it is.
*Mary and Wilhelm, two secondary characters that Leah meets in this book, were both fascinating. I wanted to know more about them and their history. At the end, there were hints that more of their past will be revealed, and I am anxious to learn more.
Jasper and Henry are interesting because they are gay. I wish the author was a bit more upfront with them. Instead, there is a lot of dancing around, and their relationship just isn't discussed. I am hoping it will evolve a bit more in the final book.
*I was hoping that a secondary romance was in the works, but alas, it was left hanging. Perhaps in the final book.
*I worry that because this series is listed as YA that it will be overlooked by adult readers. This series does not at all have a YA vibe. It is mature, smart and informative, and it will appeal to readers of all ages. If you like historical books, give this series a go.

Like a River Glorious was a sequel that lived up to its predecessor. I love the historical era, the action and danger, the pinch of magic and the many characters of different races that make up this wonderful, eclectic cast. If you want a thrilling series set during the California Gold Rush era, this is a terrific series to try. Don't hesitate for one minute thinking this is YA, it is sophisticated and informative, and it can be appreciated by readers of all ages.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

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Oct 26, 2016 Lauren rated it really liked it

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

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Oct 04, 2016 Sara Price. rated it it was amazing

This book was so diverse and so historical and just so amazing. I seriously can't wait for more!

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Jul 12, 2016 hayden marked it as wishlist

wow... that cover...

i don't even know what it's about, but it's so preeeeeeeetty.....

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About Rae Carson

I write books about teens who must do brave things. I'm originally from California, but I now live in Arizona with my husband, who is the smartest and therefore sexiest man I know. My books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. I especially love to write about questions I don't know the answers to.

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Other Books in the Series

The Gold Seer Trilogy (3 books)

Books by Rae Carson

The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1)

The Crown of Embers (Fire and Thorns, #2)

The Bitter Kingdom (Fire and Thorns, #3)

Walk on Earth a Stranger (The Gold Seer Trilogy, #1)

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“We’re tying off string at the edge of Hampton’s claim when I notice Jefferson staring at me. “You don’t have to watch my eyes,” I grumble. “When I sense gold, I’ll tell you straight.”

“That’s not why I’m looking,” he replies, and Hampton fails to keep the grin from his face.” — 2 likes

“I think you’d better stay extra alert tonight.”

“Okay.”

“I’m serious, Jeff. Someone snuck up on both Hampton and Martin, and neither of them are shirkers.”

He grins. “You’re worried for me, aren’t you?”

“Course I am.”

“Know what I think?”

I scowl at him, which only widens his grin.

He steps closer, puts a hand to my chin, and lifts it so I can’t avoid his gaze. “I think you’re in love with me,” he says.

I stare at his lips. What comes out of my mouth is: “Jefferson McCauley Kingfisher, you have the swagger of a rooster and the swelled head of a melon.” — 1 likes

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