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cctblog's review
4.0
Thunder is a teen dystopian novel in the vein of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy and Veronica Roth's Divergent trilogy. It also bears similarities to Krista McGee's excellent Christian trilogy, the Anomaly series (which is probably my favorite YA dystopian series).
I really enjoyed the main plot of Thunder—Selah trying to find her father and learn who she really is. Her relationship with a young girl she meets on her way to the mountain is really endearing, and I appreciated the growth in her from beginning to end.
I did feel that a few too many characters were focused on throughout the novel: Selah, Bodhi, Selah's brother Cleon, the leader of the Company (the Mountain's "government"), his wife, a rival scientist, a lab assistant, the head of security, etc. I had no trouble keeping these people straight as Calhoun did an excellent job of character development, but I did feel overwhelmed with information. I think if Calhoun had focused on just two characters (Selah and Treva, the lab assistant) and let the events unfold from their perspectives, I would have stayed more engaged with the story throughout the novel.
I also think it's worth mentioning that, while Thunder is published by Revell, part of the Baker Publishing Group, it doesn't really have any spiritual content. I don't think that's a bad thing, but someone who purchases a book from a Christian publisher will probably expect it to have a Christian message. I have no idea what's in store for the rest of the Stone Braide Chronicles, and I wouldn't be surprised if Calhoun brings in spiritual content along the way. Even if she doesn't, there's nothing wrong with that. I just don't want you to purchase the book expecting one thing and finding another. (Isn't that the worst?)
I really did enjoy Thunder, and I'd love to continue the series. Teens (and adults) who enjoy dystopian novels should definitely check it out. 3-1/2 stars.
Content note: This novel is action-packed and violent ... probably on par with The Hunger Games. Again, not a bad thing, as long as you know what you're getting into. I would have no qualms giving an older teen this book, but I probably wouldn't give it to a 7th grader. Think PG-13.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed the main plot of Thunder—Selah trying to find her father and learn who she really is. Her relationship with a young girl she meets on her way to the mountain is really endearing, and I appreciated the growth in her from beginning to end.
I did feel that a few too many characters were focused on throughout the novel: Selah, Bodhi, Selah's brother Cleon, the leader of the Company (the Mountain's "government"), his wife, a rival scientist, a lab assistant, the head of security, etc. I had no trouble keeping these people straight as Calhoun did an excellent job of character development, but I did feel overwhelmed with information. I think if Calhoun had focused on just two characters (Selah and Treva, the lab assistant) and let the events unfold from their perspectives, I would have stayed more engaged with the story throughout the novel.
I also think it's worth mentioning that, while Thunder is published by Revell, part of the Baker Publishing Group, it doesn't really have any spiritual content. I don't think that's a bad thing, but someone who purchases a book from a Christian publisher will probably expect it to have a Christian message. I have no idea what's in store for the rest of the Stone Braide Chronicles, and I wouldn't be surprised if Calhoun brings in spiritual content along the way. Even if she doesn't, there's nothing wrong with that. I just don't want you to purchase the book expecting one thing and finding another. (Isn't that the worst?)
I really did enjoy Thunder, and I'd love to continue the series. Teens (and adults) who enjoy dystopian novels should definitely check it out. 3-1/2 stars.
Content note: This novel is action-packed and violent ... probably on par with The Hunger Games. Again, not a bad thing, as long as you know what you're getting into. I would have no qualms giving an older teen this book, but I probably wouldn't give it to a 7th grader. Think PG-13.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
longtimereader's review
5.0
Oh my goodness! This dystopian book will keep you turning page after page as you read about all the mysteries it holds inside! I'm going to start with Selah's name, I really like that. I know this word, from the Bible. I was taught the meaning of that name was like saying Amen or So Be It. I had to look it up though, and I found that it has been said that selah is a pause to praise, to praise and lift up, and or to be valued. The greatest feed back on it seems to be to seriously consider the important of what was said. That has bearing because in this book Selah is uplifting and she is definitely of great, great value. Also, the Celtic trinity knot image that is the emblem, it is fantastic how it is worked into the covers! The Trinity Knot speaks of Christianity right from the cover forward.
Now - more about this book!
On Selah's 18th Birth Remembrance day, her entire life changed. Nothing will ever be the same again for her. Something she can't get rid of, something she had to hide has changed her, and her life. She is now marked. Marked as one of the hunted - the Landers. In short, Selah isn't at all who she thought she was. Now she is on the run, headed to the Mountain, focused on catching the Lander who triggered the rest of this huge change in her. The things that are happening in there are page turning. Experiments with laminin and trimeric protein changes are just the start of questions we have with slowly unfolding answers, including what exactly is the Stone Braide?
As Selah finds out that she has abilities she never knew about, she is still struggling to figure out who she is, and what she can do, and why. Each new mystery leads to some answers, and each new answers, more questions. I am looking forward to the day I get to read the second book in this series. I came away from the first half of this book thinking... "His strength is make perfect when I am weak.:" I'm waiting for the next installment of this series thinking..... what if, and what comes next for these characters that are so brave and have so much to learn, to forgive and to grow through.
Please don't keep us waiting tooooo long for the second book. I have so much more I want to learn. So many questions waiting to be answered as the many mysteries of this series unfold like a flower blooming.
My copy of this book came from Revell books in exchange for my honest review, and nothing more.
Now - more about this book!
On Selah's 18th Birth Remembrance day, her entire life changed. Nothing will ever be the same again for her. Something she can't get rid of, something she had to hide has changed her, and her life. She is now marked. Marked as one of the hunted - the Landers. In short, Selah isn't at all who she thought she was. Now she is on the run, headed to the Mountain, focused on catching the Lander who triggered the rest of this huge change in her. The things that are happening in there are page turning. Experiments with laminin and trimeric protein changes are just the start of questions we have with slowly unfolding answers, including what exactly is the Stone Braide?
As Selah finds out that she has abilities she never knew about, she is still struggling to figure out who she is, and what she can do, and why. Each new mystery leads to some answers, and each new answers, more questions. I am looking forward to the day I get to read the second book in this series. I came away from the first half of this book thinking... "His strength is make perfect when I am weak.:" I'm waiting for the next installment of this series thinking..... what if, and what comes next for these characters that are so brave and have so much to learn, to forgive and to grow through.
Please don't keep us waiting tooooo long for the second book. I have so much more I want to learn. So many questions waiting to be answered as the many mysteries of this series unfold like a flower blooming.
My copy of this book came from Revell books in exchange for my honest review, and nothing more.
shelfesteem's review
3.0
I am really trying to stretch myself this year by sampling a number different authors and genres within Christian fiction. This week I had the pleasure of reading Thunder the first title in Bonnie S. Calhoun's Stone Braide Chronicles. Thunder is a young adult (YA) title in the speculative fiction genre. I chose to read this particular book after being so pleasantly surprised by Mary Weber's 2014 title Storm Siren. This book is in the same speculative fiction vein as Storm Siren but instead of being set in a fantasy world it is set in post apocalyptic America - Norfolk, VA to be exact.
Speculative fiction lends itself to a good deal of descriptive writing. Bonnie Calhoun successfully captures her readers' attention and imagination as she draws them into her imagined world. Her characters use an interesting blend of primitive and new technology...picture horse drawn hovercrafts. I felt she was a little heavy handed in describing the use and development of the technology and weapons; however, I'm sure the young adult audience this book was written for won't give it a second thought. Calhoun instantly made the reader-character connection for me. We meet the main character, Selah, just before her 18th birthday. Like a lot of young adults I've known, she is learning who she is and developing her own sense of self-worth. She is brave, intelligent, resourceful, and caring towards others.
Thunder touts a lot of Christian speak: Bohdi is from "The Kingdom" across the sea, he was banished for self-centered rebellion and lack of repentance. Landers can feel "The Presence," and Selah's father was always watching over her even when he wasn't with her. I didn't find any predominant Christian themes or feel that the characters demonstrated any spiritual growth. As I read, it became clear to me that the author was setting the stage for future titles in this series. While the reader is given everything they need to follow this story, I was left with many unanswered questions.
For parents who are screening YA titles for their teens I will share a few observations. There is an attraction that develops between the main character Selah and the Lander named Bodhi. Beyond a tingly feeling Selah when she sees Bodhi without a shirt, a few brief embraces meant to provide comfort, and a kiss, the book is devoid of sexual overtures. From the moment Bohdi is captured through the end of the book it reads like an action packed tale of escape and evasion. There is enough violence, in my opinion, to hold off recommending the title to anyone under the age of 15 or who especially sensitive. One particular scene (6 sentences) describes a man being burned alive, was a little graphic even for me. If your teen is into dystopian novels they will enjoy Thunder.
I give Thunder 3.5/5 stars due to the touch of graphic violence and the burning questions that remained unanswered.
**I received this book free as a member of the Family Christian Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Speculative fiction lends itself to a good deal of descriptive writing. Bonnie Calhoun successfully captures her readers' attention and imagination as she draws them into her imagined world. Her characters use an interesting blend of primitive and new technology...picture horse drawn hovercrafts. I felt she was a little heavy handed in describing the use and development of the technology and weapons; however, I'm sure the young adult audience this book was written for won't give it a second thought. Calhoun instantly made the reader-character connection for me. We meet the main character, Selah, just before her 18th birthday. Like a lot of young adults I've known, she is learning who she is and developing her own sense of self-worth. She is brave, intelligent, resourceful, and caring towards others.
Thunder touts a lot of Christian speak: Bohdi is from "The Kingdom" across the sea, he was banished for self-centered rebellion and lack of repentance. Landers can feel "The Presence," and Selah's father was always watching over her even when he wasn't with her. I didn't find any predominant Christian themes or feel that the characters demonstrated any spiritual growth. As I read, it became clear to me that the author was setting the stage for future titles in this series. While the reader is given everything they need to follow this story, I was left with many unanswered questions.
For parents who are screening YA titles for their teens I will share a few observations. There is an attraction that develops between the main character Selah and the Lander named Bodhi. Beyond a tingly feeling Selah when she sees Bodhi without a shirt, a few brief embraces meant to provide comfort, and a kiss, the book is devoid of sexual overtures. From the moment Bohdi is captured through the end of the book it reads like an action packed tale of escape and evasion. There is enough violence, in my opinion, to hold off recommending the title to anyone under the age of 15 or who especially sensitive. One particular scene (6 sentences) describes a man being burned alive, was a little graphic even for me. If your teen is into dystopian novels they will enjoy Thunder.
I give Thunder 3.5/5 stars due to the touch of graphic violence and the burning questions that remained unanswered.
**I received this book free as a member of the Family Christian Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
georgiedawn's review
3.0
ARC provided by Revell through NetGally.
This book had a lot of promise, but it didn't quite pull through. The first hundred pages were difficult to read and I very nearly stopped; it didn't pick up until almost halfway through. When it did, though, it was considerably improved.
The first problem I had with this story was that it didn't flow. Scenes were choppy and rushed, and it bothered me that in a post-apocalyptic world where things like mobile phones don't exist, people are still using words like "jerk" and "loser". It just seemed so normal, when the setting was not. The second thing that bothered me were the characters, all expect one. The main character, Selah - she was annoying, so plainly so. When she wasn't demanding to be treated like an adult, she was whining, complaining and crying, and that's really where I lost interest. Three other noticeably bland characters were Selah's mother, and two doctors that we see a lot of - Dr. Everling and Ganston. They're 60 year old men, yet there was an actual scene where they were throwing insults at each other across the room as if they were school children trying to initiate a scrape. It bothered me, but I persevered.
The character that I did love was Bohdi - you know how people always say they should put one character in a musical that has no idea what's going on? Bodhi was like that. He was the love interest yet he didn't care to be there, didn't care what happened to the people he was with - he was there for himself, to find solutions to his own problems. I liked watching him grow and become softer throughout the story, but I definitely loved his indifference to everything.
The second half of this book was very, very similar to Divergent, not that that's a bad thing. I liked the way all the characters we'd been following throughout the book came together, but I just wish there had maybe been more background information added to the story. I expect the next book, Lightning, might have more of that and will be a better read. :-)
I realise it sounds like I'm stomping all over this book, but I do think it deserves it's 3 stars! I don't see myself reading this again anytime soon, though I'm adding the sequel to my TBR list. If you're interested in this story, maybe borrow it from your library or a friend instead of buying it. :-)
This book had a lot of promise, but it didn't quite pull through. The first hundred pages were difficult to read and I very nearly stopped; it didn't pick up until almost halfway through. When it did, though, it was considerably improved.
The first problem I had with this story was that it didn't flow. Scenes were choppy and rushed, and it bothered me that in a post-apocalyptic world where things like mobile phones don't exist, people are still using words like "jerk" and "loser". It just seemed so normal, when the setting was not. The second thing that bothered me were the characters, all expect one. The main character, Selah - she was annoying, so plainly so. When she wasn't demanding to be treated like an adult, she was whining, complaining and crying, and that's really where I lost interest. Three other noticeably bland characters were Selah's mother, and two doctors that we see a lot of - Dr. Everling and Ganston. They're 60 year old men, yet there was an actual scene where they were throwing insults at each other across the room as if they were school children trying to initiate a scrape. It bothered me, but I persevered.
The character that I did love was Bohdi - you know how people always say they should put one character in a musical that has no idea what's going on? Bodhi was like that. He was the love interest yet he didn't care to be there, didn't care what happened to the people he was with - he was there for himself, to find solutions to his own problems. I liked watching him grow and become softer throughout the story, but I definitely loved his indifference to everything.
The second half of this book was very, very similar to Divergent, not that that's a bad thing. I liked the way all the characters we'd been following throughout the book came together, but I just wish there had maybe been more background information added to the story. I expect the next book, Lightning, might have more of that and will be a better read. :-)
I realise it sounds like I'm stomping all over this book, but I do think it deserves it's 3 stars! I don't see myself reading this again anytime soon, though I'm adding the sequel to my TBR list. If you're interested in this story, maybe borrow it from your library or a friend instead of buying it. :-)
r_j_setser's review against another edition
5.0
MY GENERAL THOUGHTS: What a fantastic book! The way both of these books were written was fabulous and I loved the characters. The plot was really neat and I loved the originality. Though the beginning of the book was kind of difficult to follow everything began to make sense as the book continued on, so just keep reading ;-) I also enjoyed reading about the “super-powers” that Landers have as it was slightly different than what I normally read.
QUESTIONABLE CONTENT: There was really nothing sexual in this book that stood out to me enough to warn you away from. However some violence was slightly descriptive but not necessarily gruesome. There are also experiments that are done on people that often ends in death, and some slavery issues.
RATING AND RECOMMENDATION: Overall, I think that this book was a fabulous dystopian tale and I look forward to reading the rest of the series, as well as more books from this author. 5 out of 5 stars!
If you enjoyed The Safe Lands series by Jill Williamson, you will definitely want to read this series!
“I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”
QUESTIONABLE CONTENT: There was really nothing sexual in this book that stood out to me enough to warn you away from. However some violence was slightly descriptive but not necessarily gruesome. There are also experiments that are done on people that often ends in death, and some slavery issues.
RATING AND RECOMMENDATION: Overall, I think that this book was a fabulous dystopian tale and I look forward to reading the rest of the series, as well as more books from this author. 5 out of 5 stars!
If you enjoyed The Safe Lands series by Jill Williamson, you will definitely want to read this series!
“I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”
marie_thereadingotter's review against another edition
4.0
Review:
http://pagestoexplore.blogspot.com/2014/09/thunder-by-bonnie-s-calhoun.html
http://pagestoexplore.blogspot.com/2014/09/thunder-by-bonnie-s-calhoun.html
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