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Aug 22, 2011SCOTT K CURRIE rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The exquisite quality of story-telling and character-development continues unabaited in this second book of Gemmell's magnum opus. The focus shifts to another of the main characters and results in one of the most wonderfully rich and nuanced female characters I have ever read (that is not saying much, to my shame). Gemmell doesn't try too hard with this second volume which means that there is nothing that is added or subtracted to the story that seems anachronistic or extraordinary. The flow is steady. The other benefit to reading through a series like this is the appreciation for supporting characters. This is the case in "Shield of Thunder." Though not as substantive nor subtle, Gemmell's supporting characters offer great fun and provide texture for the story. My one incredulity with the story is the apparent gratuitous swipe he takes at the Jewish narrative. He includes the character of Elisha (without actually naming him) as a tertiary figure that provides some significant aid at a crucial time. The question of historical peerage notwithstanding, Gemmell offers a strictly mundane explanation for the events concerning Naaman recorded in 2 Kings 5. Given the acceptance of prophecy and spirits within the context of his story (i.e., the super-mudance), including this brief exchange under-cutting part of the story of Israel seems at best unnecessary. It was not, however, enough to spoil this story for me (when trying to offer some kind of criticism for a great story such as this, one is forced to nitpick). I can't wait for part 3!