Reviews and Reader Comments
A Question of Consequence
by Midwest Book Review
: "Matthew Sterling is a recent Brigham Young University law school graduate and the assistant city manager of Snowy Ridge, Utah, a small community in the Wasatch Front. Julia Wells is the newly elected mayor of this predominantly Mormon community. Upon entering the duties of their respective offices, Matt comes to find himself entangled in a web of City Hall corruption. Should Matt "go along to get along" or should he put his reputation, and perhaps his life, on the line? Matt's own tangled life is reflected in a similar situation of an ancestor of his, a Revolutionary War hero, when he discovers the personal journal of Major Andrew McBride. The stories of Matt and Andrew are woven together into an impressive and memorable climax. A Question of Consequence is as thoughtfully reflective as it is engagingly entertaining reading and documents Gordon Ryan as a writer of skill and originality."
Association of Mormon Letters
"Do what is right. Let the consequences follow." Easier said than done?
Matt Sterling is a young attorney, serving as assistant city manager for the small town of Snowy Ridge, Utah. When his grandmother dies, she specifies that Matt should travel to her east coast home and supervise the demolition of their family's ancestral home. As the building is being razed, he discovers a small cache of documents that date back to the American Revolution. These documents would change Matt's life forever.
Part of his grandmother's legacy demanded that a large amount of money be given to BYU's Molecular Genealogy program. There he meets Kasia Somerset, and falls in love with the beautiful young British doctoral candidate.
But back in Snowy Ridge, there is trouble afoot. A new mayor has been elected, and she has promised to clean up the city and root out corruption, a prospect that sends a chill through Matt's superiors and some of his co-workers. The bulk of this book deals with the attempted professional and personal destruction of a fine young lawyer, Matt Sterling.
I found this book remarkable in several ways:
First, it holds nothing back in its depiction of the human condition, and the extent to which even Latter-day Saints will go to achieve their less-than-honest aims. There are observations about Utah Mormonism that really hit hard. Black and white hats no longer sufficed. Denominational affiliation did not guarantee honesty.
Second, it does a masterful job of weaving three storylines in a way that even the casual reader can follow with little difficulty.
And, finally, it introduces truly multi-dimensional characters. The people come across as real folks, just like us, some better and some worse. And this realism is reflected in the unfolding scenarios that surround each character.
"A Question of Consequence" is something of a morality tale. While it incorporates Church teachings about faith and the Atonement, it also recognizes that we "see through a glass, darkly," subject to the highs and lows that accompany real life.
This was a terrific read. I enjoyed every page of it. Once again, author Gordon Ryan has given us a thoughtful, entertaining, and ultimately satisfying work of fiction. I recommend this book without reservation.
Jeff Needle, Association of Mormon Letters
"Fabulous! Gordon Ryan is a master story-teller whose imagination is matched only by his attention to detail. This fascinating story of Matthew Sterling and his sixth-great grandfather Andrew McBride genuinely entertains, yet at the same time addresses important issues. Does choosing the right thing always lead to success and happiness? And if not, should we still choose the high road? A Question of Consequence is a must-read book for everyone."
Gordon Ryan has created a novel which brings to reality the ties we have with our ancestors and how their actions can influence us down through the generations. A Question of Consequence is a compelling story of integrity, honor, and courage which will make you think about your own convictions and inspire you to live up to the name you carry.
Spirit of Union Series
"For days after I had finished reading Spirit of Union I couldn't get it out of my mind. It transported me into the past and introduced me to unforgettable people I grew to care about. I especially appreciate the historical perspective that Gordon Ryan has so carefully provided for his saga of Utah in the 1890's."
"Gordon Ryan is my kind of writer in that his historical research is substantial. I like the way Ryan's main character, feisty Tom Callahan, wastes no time falling in love as he flees Ireland to see his fortune in the New World."
"In Destiny, Gordon Ryan explores some of the challenges and conflicts existing in Utah at the turn of the century, when a variety of peoples and religions were altering the face of the newly formed state. His detail is vivid and colorful. He draws strong, believable characters in a story of deception, compassion, sacrifice, and triumph over self. Well worth reading."
"Church history and world events come together in this fast-paced novel. This novel is very captivating. I was very impressed by the unexpected turn of events and fast-moving plot. The book pleasantly surprised me and exceeded all of my expectations. The characters are real and interact in a very believable way. It is the great beginning to a compelling series, that ties the history of the Church with world events. A great gift idea."
"An excellent series with wonderful characters. Once more Gordon Ryan brings us a top rate novel. I can only find one problem with this novel. I can't get any work done until I finish the whole thing! Tom and Katrina will find a place in your heart, and they will become like treasured friends. Don't miss out on this series."
"One of the great tests of a novel is whether one cares about the characters. I began to care very much - - at one point wishing I could crawl between the lines and knock one of the characters soundly on the head."
"Spirit of Union: Destiny has a wonderful story line and keeps you reading from cover to cover. The only shortcoming of this author is that he isn't coming out with the sequel fast enough."
"Just when all hope seems lost, it is found again . . . and again. Thank you for reaffirming that enduring is worth the sacrifice. It is faith promoting to read Tom and Katrina's story and fun to go back in time to an earlier setting. Thanks for an exciting adventure."
"I stayed up late last night completing Destiny. Thanks so much for your wonderful addition to LDS literature."
"I have just finished reading Destiny. I sincerely hope there will be a sequel. I really want to know what happens to Katrina and Tom and also to the baby, Sebastian. The book is excellent."
"Being of Irish descent, a past Catholic seminarian, as well as a convert to the Church, I read your book with interest. I especially appreciated your even-handed approach to the Mormon-Catholic issues. I look forward to the sequel."
"Read the complete series, its worth it. This is Ryan's best! The first chapters capture you and I couldn't put it down to find out what happens to Tom. Ryan has the talent to make the characters come alive and seem real. I feel like I know them and can feel what they feel."
"Gordon Ryan has added another masterpiece to the LDS book collection. Heritage breezes it's way through 31 years with Tom and Katrina, share the adventure as they and their children find out what life holds for us all as they face challenges, romances and religious experiences. A success from the start!"
"Can I give this book 6 stars? I would if I could. Gordon Ryan does it again, bringing a book and it's characters to life. I find myself really caring what happens to Tom, Katrina and their family as they struggle with life's challenges, and I rejoice with them in their joys. I would suggest this book for almost any age."
Threads of Honor
"A 'must-read' book for all American Citizens. I have both seen and touched the flag that is the 'hero' in Threads of Honor. We had the privilege of having that flag at our son's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. I have read the book twice and shed tears both times. A 'must-read' book for all American Citizens."
"A moving, inspiring story, a "must read" This is one of the best books I have ever read. My husband is in the US Army, and our country and it's flag hold a deep respect and meaning for me. I am thankful for Gordon Ryan for writing this story, and helping myself and others to see not only the respect that our flag deserves, but a wonderful and moving story of a boy scout troop and its leader. I would recommend this book for anyone who has not read it, and because there probably are not too many people who have NOT read this book, I would recommend it highly to give as a special gift for someone."
Dangerous Legacy
"Move over Tom Clancy. Gordon Ryan has spun an arresting tale. Dangerous Legacy is a great read that will hold you spellbound."
"Shades of John LeCarre, Ludlum, and Forsyth. I am greatly impressed. Dangerous Legacy is in every way an accomplished creation: the plot immensely credible, the unfolding of events meticulously handled, and the binding threads of narrative ensure that the reader's interest is maintained from page to page."
"This compelling story takes you around the globe: into the white house, on board a yacht on the South Pacific, and to the Middle East. With solid, believable characters - this is a great book. Definitely not your typical LDS novel. It is a unique work- and frighteningly very believable."
"This is a great idea for those of us who love good spy and intrigue novels, but don't like the "worldliness" of the best sellers out there now. Gordon Ryan gives a great plot and lots of suspense in this wonderful adventure. This is a definite must read, and you won't be sorry you picked it up, you just won't be able to put it down!!"
