Title: And So the Thunder Comes
Authors: Nicholas Kennedy and Emma Dark
Publisher: AuthorHouseUK
ISBN: 1546283226
Pages: 310
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Pacific Book Review
And So the Thunder Comes begins after Lubeck has been attacked while out fishing, resulting in his son being taken and him being enslaved. Lubeck vows to find his son, but first, to escape he turns to young Malik who helps him free all the slaves. The men wash ashore on a beach where they discover a mysterious woman in a tower. After accusations of being a witch, Freyja was cursed and unable to stray far from the tower, but she sees her chance at freedom when she meets Lubeck and his men. They have something in common. If Lubeck will agree to find the ones who cursed her, she’ll help him find his son and guide him in his quest to stop those who enslaved them.
Co-authors Nicholas Kennedy and Emma Dark weave magical elements and a historical setting for a brilliant adventure and a fight for freedom. And so the Thunder Comes has several instances of violence as Lubeck and the men go to battle and interrogate for information, but the details aren’t overly graphic and fit to the setting. Magic plays a large part in the story, mostly with Freyja and two other prominent women characters. Their magic is a natural part of who they are and often adds to their relationship dynamics. Freyja and her sister Agatha have friction between them rooted in magic as what caused the rift because Agatha was forced to use magic against her sister, but magic also creates a bond between Freyja and Morgana through their gift of healing. Magic is used as a weapon through Agatha who was enslaved, while also used for protection with Freyja healing them, and with her and the dragon figurehead on the boat watch over them. The magic always stays grounded and a natural part to the evolution of the story.
Freedom is the primary theme as it focuses on Lubeck fighting for his and the other slaves freedom and Freyja’s curse which keeps her imprisoned at a tower. All of the characters have lost someone close to them who have been taking into slavery: Lubeck lost his son, Freyja her sister, Thorsten his son, and all the others have lost someone close. The characters are human and layered as they work through their anger and mistrust while also finding a bond with each other. Additionally, woven through the story is Freyja who has been labeled a witch for having the ability to heal and is immediately treated with suspicion. The story is often dark, but does have humor as the characters have clever and familial banter.
Romance is a light part of the story and provides a second chance for two couples. Freyja and Lubeck have a slow start which includes Lubeck facing feelings like he betrayed his late wife while Morgana and Thorsten have a quicker bond that forms, although romance is a minor aspect in the greater scheme of the plot. The story is book ended by a man telling the story of Lubeck, which fits the flowing style of the writing and puts Lubeck in the guise of being a legend even before he’s introduced. He becomes this heroic figure for these men and a loving leader who they all adore so the beginning sets him up as almost a mythic figure. The ship has a significant place in the plot as a symbol for Lubeck’s quest for freedom and his fight to find his son. The characters are lively and the story weaves through multiple perspectives, creating a well-rounded adventure. And so the Thunder Comes is a historical fantasy with romance, magic, family, leadership, loss, bravery, and the battle for freedom.
