Customer Reviews

Shadow of the Thunderbird

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Native American myth and cutting-edge technology, all wrapped up in a cryptozoological mystery that reads like a detective story. Throw in some well-researched paleontological info and a lovable, Walter Mittyish hero, and you've got yourself a story that's gosh-darned difficult to put down. I know I couldn't do it.

Oughta be a movie.

This is a fascinating story with a strong Native American myth storyline. The chapters flow well and keep you wanting to continue with the story. The characters are interesting and the creatures are fully explained as to why they might exist. I am looking forward to reading the second installment in the trilogy.

This series is exciting and entertaining for even the uninformed in cryptozoology.

This novel introduced me to the field of cryptozoology. There is something for everyone in this book. If you enjoy exotic and mysterious creatures or beyond cutting edge technology you will find plenty. It took me a little while, 4 or 5 chapters to get to know and like the title character and begin really pulling for him to be successful. I enjoyed the book and found it hard to put down. It is an excellent book, especially for a first effort from a new author.

I was very interested in reading this book, based on the other reviews written. However, I had a difficult time with it. The writing was very jarring. At one point, a manuscript has almost 300 pages, but a few paragraphs later the same manuscript is barely 200 pages. The heroine has curly hair, and a little later has straight hair.

... I found myself spending more time saying "Hey, wait a minute..." and going back to check facts that didn't jive.

...

D.L.Tanner weaves a wonderfully appealing story around characters that you can love, hate, pity, and understand.The interplay of characters, especially Ian, Alma, and the controlling powers of the mission, keeps your imagination soaring like the cryptid thunderbird.
Whether you are a believer, skeptic, or complete disbeliever in the legend of the thunderbird, you come away from the book with a warm feeling that Ian and Alma are two people you would really love to know better.
This is a book that, as a retired teacher ,I could recommend to students with the knowledge that it is exciting and that there would be no need to apologize for profanity and vulgarity.There is plenty of action and far-out technology, as well as a foundation well rooted in the ancient world.

Mr. Tanner is perched at the edge of an exciting new literary genre. His first book is both well researched and well written. The story flows well and the characters are rich and personable. This book is an easy an fun read. I look forward to reading the rest of his works. Mr. Tanner researches his subjects extensivey which makes his writings attractive to those interested in Cryptozooligy.

As a reader of all things cryptid I was surprised that I had not come across Dallas' work before. Once I got "Shadow" I noticed two things right away, 1. this was a first effort book and suffered from common gaffs all first authors make and 2. despite that this was a great tale and compelling story. Because of the second I can easily ignore the first. I had never really looked into the Thunderbirds but after reading this book I can say I have a knowledge of them I did not have before and a penchant to look up more often. Doesn't every good book leave you with a little something you never had before? I believe Dallas' real gift is the fact that he uses real, documented animals that maybe as McQuade says "out of place or out of time". My recommendation to you is to buy this book and enjoy it. You won't be sorry.

Never having heard the thunderbird legend before, I feel D.L.Tanner weaves a story of human shortcomings,passions,and intrigue which will keep anyone on the edge of his seat, usually wishing he could be there and help.
His characters interplay with each other, and you love, hate, and pity almost each one in turn. The magnificent birds inspire wonder as well.
A well written and inspiring story for people who may be jaded in their outlook on the world.

I read this book over a long weekend and couldn't put it down. This is a good read. It's an exciting story about an under-utilized area of fiction(?). The facts were detailed and obviously well researched. I now know more than I thought there was to know about thunderbirds. I've contacted Mr. Tanner and the minor editing problems he had will be fixed in the edition coming out this spring. I attended his SCCS Conference in November and was impressed with the width and breath of his knowledge. I look forward to his next book about bigfoot.

I can't remember having such a great time reading a book. The main character is humanly flawed, allowing the readers to identify with him. The humor is witty and on target. D.L Tanner has taken a Native American legend and turned it into a believable reality. The journey he takes you on is well thought out and wonderfully vivid in detail. I felt like I was making the trek right along side Ian and Alma. I was deeply moved by the ending and the characters I have grown to love.

How refreshing to pick up a book that is not inundated with sex, violence and bad language. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-researched adventure. Kudos, D.L.Tanner!!