Shield of Thunder (Troy Trilogy, Book 2) [Hardcover]

David Gemmell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 27, 2007 | Series: Troy Trilogy, Book 2 (Book 2)

The second novel in David Gemmell’s bestselling Troy trilogy. Interlacing myth and history, and high adventure, this is epic storytelling at its very best.

War is looming, and all the kings of the Great Green are gathering, each with their own dark plans of conquest and plunder.

Into this maelstrom of treachery come three travellers: Piria, a runaway priestess nursing a terrible secret; Kalliades, a warrior with high ideals and a legendary sword; and his close friend Banokles, who will carve his own legend in the battles to come.

Together they journey to the fabled city of Troy, where a darkness is falling that will eclipse the triumphs and personal tragedies of ordinary mortals for centuries to come.


From the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Prolific historical novelist Gemmell continues his imaginative and addictive Trojan War trilogy with this second installment (after Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow). While King Agamemnon schemes and "dreams of a war with Troy," rival monarch Priam of Troy maneuvers to secure his city's future through the marriage of his son Hektor to Princess Andromache of Thebe Under Plakos. Born with a birthmark resembling the shield of Athene—"the Shield of Thunder"—Andromache will, according to prophesy, bear the Eagle Child: a king who will never be defeated and whose city "will be eternal." Faithful to Homeric legend, there is enough intrigue, treachery and sanguinary violence to keep readers riveted as Priam publicly humiliates King Odysseus of Ithaka, who had hoped to remain neutral in the coming conflict. With Odysseus and the demigod warrior Achilles among his allies, Agamemnon attacks Troy in a war for hegemony. Seamlessly blending legend, mythology and history, Gemmell vividly recreates the world of the Greek city-states in all of their nobility and pettiness. Lively and seductive, this is historical fiction at its page-turning best. (Mar.)
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From Booklist

Gemmell's Trojan War continues, with Troy now fully under siege. The Greeks have their champion in Achilles, a young warrior possessed of godlike prowess and self-esteem. In Troy, thanks to Athena, Andromache continues to play a larger role than that of merely Hector's consort. Greek leader Agamemnon has more rank than ability or diplomacy, putting wise Odysseus in the awkward position of being sworn to support him while foreseeing disaster in his leadership. Characterizations and action measure up to Gemmell's usual standards, and since highly readable historical action tales are his metier, fans of such fare will be pleased. Roland Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; 1St Edition edition (March 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345477014
• ISBN-13: 978-0345477019
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #855,884 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David Gemmell was born in London, England, in the summer of 1948. Expelled from school at sixteen, he became a bouncer, working nightclubs in Soho. Born with a silver tongue, Gemmell rarely needed to bounce customers, relying instead on his gift of gab to talk his way out of trouble. This talent eventually led him to jobs as a freelancer for the London Daily Mail, the Daily Mirror, and the Daily Express. His first novel, Legend, was published in 1984 and has remained in print ever since. He became a full-time writer in 1986. His books consistently top the London Times bestseller list.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gemmell's Best? Arguably Yes!, April 15, 2007

By 

"The Woj" (Downers Grove, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shield of Thunder (Troy Trilogy, Book 2) (Hardcover)

I have read every one of Gemmell's novels, some even twice. "Shield Of Thunder" may be his best; and sadly for the reader his last complete novel. Gemmell does a superb job of "filling in" the reader on events from the previous novel "Lord Of The Silver Bow" and expands on the story expertly here in "Troy". (I went back and reread "Silver Bow" to refresh my memory before starting "Troy". Diehard Gemmell fans may choose to do the same although it is not necessary to follow the events in this book.) Where most novels or movies turn the characters of ancient Greece & Troy into comic book characters or mythic heroes, Gemmell creates real people, human beings the reader can identify with on many levels. For me, this is the true genius of Gemmell's writing. Anyone who has any interest in this subject matters owes it to themselves to read this series. I pray the comments about the conclusion of this trilogy are true. Regardless you will not be disappointed here.
Thank you Mr Gemmell for all the enjoyment and inspiration you have provided. Your spirit now dwells in "the source" and will continue to live on in your books.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Trilogy, April 5, 2007

By 

Ron (Jersey) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Shield of Thunder (Troy Trilogy, Book 2) (Hardcover)

For those of you who are fans of Gemmell but have held off buying the Troy series for fear that it will not be finished. (David Gemmell died before finishing the series) Fear not, for David had finished most of the last book Troy: Fall of Kings and his wife who was assisting him with these books will finish up the last few chapters based on his outline and notes. So if you are a fan, don't miss out on his latest and possibly greatest works.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book from Gemmell, April 8, 2007

By 

D Griego "Griego" (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shield of Thunder (Troy Trilogy, Book 2) (Hardcover)

This was a wonderful book, as I knew it would be... It was sad to read knowing that this is the very last book Mr. Gemmell will every complete. As usual he delivered a book with wonderful characters, vivid battles and ordinary flawed people who become heroes. Even though a third book is in the works (I have heard that he finished most of it, and that his wife is completing it based off of his outlines) the book finishes well and does not leave you hanging. I will miss David Gemmell's writing.