Like a River Glorious

Like a River Glorious continues the story of Leah Westfall, a young woman with the supernatural ability to sense gold in California during the 1849 Gold Rush. After establishing a mining camp with her friends, Leah must protect her secret power while navigating the dangers of the frontier. The novel traces Leah's encounters with ruthless claim jumpers, corrupt officials, and her own toxic uncle who seeks to exploit her abilities. Her relationships with fellow settlers and prospectors become entangled with questions of loyalty, greed, and survival in the lawless territory. Life in the mining camps brings Leah face-to-face with the brutal realities faced by Native Americans and Chinese laborers during westward expansion. She must make difficult choices about using her power while witnessing the human cost of the gold fever sweeping the nation. This historical fantasy explores themes of power, responsibility, and the moral complexities that arise when extraordinary abilities intersect with a pivotal moment in American history. The story raises questions about the price of progress and what people will sacrifice in pursuit of wealth.

Readers note this second book maintains the momentum of the Gold Seer trilogy while delving deeper into darker historical themes around the California Gold Rush and treatment of Native Americans and Chinese immigrants. Readers appreciated: - The natural progression of Leah's powers and character growth - Historical accuracy and research into mining techniques - Romance that doesn't overshadow the main plot - Handling of difficult historical topics without sugarcoating Common criticisms: - Slower middle section compared to first book - Some found the villain one-dimensional - Less adventure/action than Walk on Earth a Stranger Ratings: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (12,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (120+ reviews) Several reviewers called out the "realistic portrayal of 1849 California" and "compelling expansion of the magic system." Critics noted "pacing issues in the middle chapters" and that "secondary characters could be more developed."

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson A girl with gold-sensing abilities flees west during the California Gold Rush while evading those who want to exploit her power.

The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters A suffragist in 1900s Portland gains the ability to see people's true natures after being hypnotized by a mysterious performer.

The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig A time-traveling pirate ship's navigator uses historical maps to cross centuries and continents while searching for her mother.

Gold Seer Trilogy by Jessica Turner The daughter of a mining family discovers she can detect precious metals in Colorado's mountains during the 1850s gold rush.

These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly A young woman in 1890s New York City investigates her father's death while navigating high society and dangerous underground networks.

🌟 Author Rae Carson based many of the historical details on real accounts from women who traveled west during the California Gold Rush, including their experiences with gold panning and frontier medicine 🌟 The book tackles the dark history of Native American exploitation during the Gold Rush era, specifically highlighting the California Genocide of indigenous peoples 🌟 Like a River Glorious is the second book in The Gold Seer Trilogy, following Walk on Earth a Stranger, and features a protagonist with the magical ability to sense gold 🌟 The novel's title comes from the Christian hymn "Shall We Gather at the River," which was written in 1864 during the American Civil War period 🌟 The author extensively researched 19th-century mining techniques and incorporated authentic details about prospecting tools, claim-staking procedures, and mining camp life into the story