Thunder Game: A Mixed Bag in the Ghostwalker Series
As a long-time fan of Christine Feehan’s Ghostwalker series, I eagerly dove into Thunder Game, the twentieth entry in this captivating saga. The promise of team dynamics, supernatural elements, and nail-biting suspense always pulls me in. However, I must say, after turning the final page, I was left with a rather bittersweet sense of disappointment.
Thunder Game revolves around Diego, who finds himself back in Appalachia for a multitude of reasons that weigh heavily on his psyche. The exploration of mental health is a central theme in the story, but unfortunately, it often feels more like a series of discussions than the action-packed escapades I’ve come to expect from the franchise. It was interesting to see Diego’s character grappling with the shadows of his past—particularly the trauma from childhood and the emotional ties to his brother, Rubin—but the pacing dragged significantly, leaving me yearning for those edge-of-your-seat moments that usually define this series.
One of the more striking aspects of the book is its continued exploration of Diego’s self-worth and his complex relationship with his family. While I appreciated Feehan’s intent to address deep themes, the execution often felt repetitive, particularly when revisiting Diego’s upbringing. Frequent flashbacks juxtaposed against the current narrative turned the story into a tapestry of talk rather than action, which was frustrating at times. This repetitive nature made it the most languid entry in the series, something I never expected to say.
Diego’s romantic connection with Layla also left me feeling a bit cold. As a "warrior woman," she has admirable qualities, but their instant attraction felt almost forced, lacking the organic chemistry we’ve seen in previous pairing dynamics within the series. It’s hard not to compare this connection to the more deeply entwined relationships we’ve seen before, and here I felt it fell flat. The concept of "psychic surgery," while intriguing, continued to baffle me—making me yearn for a more cohesive understanding of these extraordinary powers at play.
As Thunder Game meandered toward its climax, I found myself hoping for the thrilling confrontations that the Ghostwalker saga is renowned for. Yet, even when familiar characters like Ezekiel and Mordecai appeared, the action was minimal, making it difficult to stay fully invested. The finale felt more like a weak congressional discussion than the heart-pounding showdown I craved, leaving me with an unsettling feeling of dissatisfaction.
Ultimately, I would rate Thunder Game 2.5 stars—my lowest rating for any Ghostwalker novel to date. Its exploration of mental health is appreciated, but I long for the re-energized action and suspense that have characterized the series. This book may resonate with readers interested in a deeper psychological journey, but those seeking the traditional thrills may find themselves similarly disenchanted.
If you’re a die-hard Feehan fan looking for emotional depth, Thunder Game might still have some treasure for you. However, if you’re after the electric pace and gripping fights that typically define a Ghostwalker tale, you might want to tread carefully. As for me, I’m hoping for a return to form in the next installment!
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