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Thunderstruck
The world is full of magic that most of us should never see. Covert organizations are tasked with keeping this magic in check, and for centuries, they’ve been able to do so. That is, until Zev O’Connell showed up on the scene. Zev never wanted to be special. He was happy with his quiet life in hiding, running an antique store and occasionally using his unique magical abilities to play around with electricity. But when a mysterious tycoon sends Zev on a mission to Savannah, Georgia, to purchase a cryptic artifact on his behalf, Zev begins to realize there may be more to himself and his world than he ever imagined.
Fast-paced and absolutely electrifying, Thunderstruck is a journey into the fantastic that will have you laughing, biting your nails, and begging for more!
Fast-paced and absolutely electrifying, Thunderstruck is a journey into the fantastic that will have you laughing, biting your nails, and begging for more!
- GenresFantasy
405 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2023
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 29, 2024
This is such a fun book and a promising start to a series I will absolutely be reading!
Meet Zev, a down-on-his-luck cocky son-of-a-gun who happens to also have the ability to pull and control electricity from around him. Zev is comfortable living a humble life in hiding, not fully recognizing his magical ability, until he is unexpectedly roped into a mission that sends him right into the heart of the world of magic.
Zev is one of the most lovable characters I have ever read. Or perhaps the most hatable? Oh, I got it, the most love-to-hate him character ever. He reminds me of Shawn from Psych. No matter what awful situation he has gotten himself into—and this man has a knack for getting himself into awful situations—he never fails to come up with a quip to summarize his feelings on the situation. His breezy and sarcastic personality makes this such a fun and lighthearted read, and his voice and inner monologue was very well written.
One of the themes that comes up in this novel surrounds the mistreatment of magical beasts, and I found this commentary really intriguing. It wasn’t hard to believe that humans really would treat magical, ancient, powerful creatures poorly the second we found them, which spoke volumes on the ignorance of some people. Zev’s love for these creatures was unexpected and sweet, and Quigley’s narrative regarding such beasts was harrowingly beautiful. To have such a breezy and carefree character feel so deeply about the pain of these magical creatures brought the issue to light well, and I applaud the author.
I hope that Sophia and Lorrie Lee come back into the next book, because I did find myself feeling like their stories were unfinished. The author is clearly setting the story up so that there are threads of mystery that need to be resolved in future installments of the series, but luckily, the story does still resolve satisfactorily.
I can’t wait to pick up the next book by this author!!!
Meet Zev, a down-on-his-luck cocky son-of-a-gun who happens to also have the ability to pull and control electricity from around him. Zev is comfortable living a humble life in hiding, not fully recognizing his magical ability, until he is unexpectedly roped into a mission that sends him right into the heart of the world of magic.
Zev is one of the most lovable characters I have ever read. Or perhaps the most hatable? Oh, I got it, the most love-to-hate him character ever. He reminds me of Shawn from Psych. No matter what awful situation he has gotten himself into—and this man has a knack for getting himself into awful situations—he never fails to come up with a quip to summarize his feelings on the situation. His breezy and sarcastic personality makes this such a fun and lighthearted read, and his voice and inner monologue was very well written.
One of the themes that comes up in this novel surrounds the mistreatment of magical beasts, and I found this commentary really intriguing. It wasn’t hard to believe that humans really would treat magical, ancient, powerful creatures poorly the second we found them, which spoke volumes on the ignorance of some people. Zev’s love for these creatures was unexpected and sweet, and Quigley’s narrative regarding such beasts was harrowingly beautiful. To have such a breezy and carefree character feel so deeply about the pain of these magical creatures brought the issue to light well, and I applaud the author.
I hope that Sophia and Lorrie Lee come back into the next book, because I did find myself feeling like their stories were unfinished. The author is clearly setting the story up so that there are threads of mystery that need to be resolved in future installments of the series, but luckily, the story does still resolve satisfactorily.
I can’t wait to pick up the next book by this author!!!
December 21, 2024
First of all I am not giving this 5 stars just because we have the same last name 🤣 From the very beginning I couldn’t put this book down! I loved all of the magical creatures that were introduced and loved a view of Zeus backround. I cannot wait for the 2nd book.
“ it’s not how you fall down , it’s how you get back up. “ This quote is said throughout the book & I love this perspective.
“ it’s not how you fall down , it’s how you get back up. “ This quote is said throughout the book & I love this perspective.
December 3, 2023
You can consider me thunderstruck, and more of a fan of Daniel Quigley's than I already had been prior to reading this novel. An exhilarating ride chock full of energy from the first page to the very last that left me staving off sleep so I could read one more page. One more chapter. Okay, another chapter. One more.
Wonderful world building without info-dumping on the reader, drew me in and gave me all the details as I needed them without overloading the text itself. The actions scenes, the characters, the voices. Everything felt real, ready to leap right off the page. Zev's quips, the snark, all of it. I'm ready for more, please.
My only regret with this book is that I didn't read it sooner.
Wonderful world building without info-dumping on the reader, drew me in and gave me all the details as I needed them without overloading the text itself. The actions scenes, the characters, the voices. Everything felt real, ready to leap right off the page. Zev's quips, the snark, all of it. I'm ready for more, please.
My only regret with this book is that I didn't read it sooner.
October 12, 2023
I just finished Thunderstruck by Daniel Quigley. What a fun read!
If you love fantasies with extraordinary, magical creatures, lots of action and clever writing – this book is for you.
It’s fast paced, with loads of interesting characters. In particular I loved the snarky humor of our hero, Zev O’Connell. You’ll live this “electrifying” adventure right along with Zev, and witness his fear, confusion, tenacity and courage when facing other-world demons.
It’s a well-written mystery, a rollercoaster ride that’s hard to put down.
I’m looking forward to a sequel!
If you love fantasies with extraordinary, magical creatures, lots of action and clever writing – this book is for you.
It’s fast paced, with loads of interesting characters. In particular I loved the snarky humor of our hero, Zev O’Connell. You’ll live this “electrifying” adventure right along with Zev, and witness his fear, confusion, tenacity and courage when facing other-world demons.
It’s a well-written mystery, a rollercoaster ride that’s hard to put down.
I’m looking forward to a sequel!
April 6, 2024
This may be the weirdest flex for Thunderstruck, but I think it fits:
I love how much I hate this book. No, wait... I hate how much I love this book.
To be more precise, it's Zev. He's the type of character that gets under your skin and irritates the sh*t out of you, while simultaneously being too d*mn charming and way too much fun. His heart is always guarded and hidden, but the glimpses you get into who he really is underneath it all make the story relatable and endearing.
Thunderstruck hits like a sudden storm in the middle of summer and is utterly riveting. It's destructive and engaging in ways that make you care as Zev pulls you through his version of reality.
The author's ridiculously amusing use of one-liners, puns, and twists of pop culture, legends, and mythology is truly unique and so much fun.
If you like unreliable narrators that seem to be their own worst enemy, this book is definitely for you! If dad jokes secretly make you laugh, like you put your hand over your mouth to hide your amusement, this book is for you!
Oh, if you're gonna read this book, make sure you know what AC/DC's song Thunderstruck sounds like! I'm so mad I missed my chance!
My only qualm with this book—it's the first book in a series and I just read the advanced readers copy which means I'm gonna have to wait a really long time for the next book.
Be warned, you get sucked in, beat up, and spit back out in ways that leave you wanting more.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Readers Copy from Lost Boys Press in exchange for an honest review.
I love how much I hate this book. No, wait... I hate how much I love this book.
To be more precise, it's Zev. He's the type of character that gets under your skin and irritates the sh*t out of you, while simultaneously being too d*mn charming and way too much fun. His heart is always guarded and hidden, but the glimpses you get into who he really is underneath it all make the story relatable and endearing.
Thunderstruck hits like a sudden storm in the middle of summer and is utterly riveting. It's destructive and engaging in ways that make you care as Zev pulls you through his version of reality.
The author's ridiculously amusing use of one-liners, puns, and twists of pop culture, legends, and mythology is truly unique and so much fun.
If you like unreliable narrators that seem to be their own worst enemy, this book is definitely for you! If dad jokes secretly make you laugh, like you put your hand over your mouth to hide your amusement, this book is for you!
Oh, if you're gonna read this book, make sure you know what AC/DC's song Thunderstruck sounds like! I'm so mad I missed my chance!
My only qualm with this book—it's the first book in a series and I just read the advanced readers copy which means I'm gonna have to wait a really long time for the next book.
Be warned, you get sucked in, beat up, and spit back out in ways that leave you wanting more.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Readers Copy from Lost Boys Press in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2023
What I Did Like:
+EXCELLENT voice. Within the first few pages you’ve completely connected with the kind of sarcastic main character you’re dealing with. It reminds me of the voice in Magnus Chase in the best way.
+The setup was fascinating. Every plot point makes you want to know more. You completely understand every decision our MC makes because your curiosity would drive you the same way.
+Fight scenes are well done. I like the focus on learning the limits of the elemental gifts through the MC using them or planning for them from enemies instead of teaching them to us in some sort of lecture format. It’s more natural and more interesting.
Who Should Read This One:
-Supernatural power fans (specifically elemental powers).
-Epic quest fans … but in a modern day setting, which is great!
My Rating: 4 Stars
Well done and recommended!
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2023/08/...
+EXCELLENT voice. Within the first few pages you’ve completely connected with the kind of sarcastic main character you’re dealing with. It reminds me of the voice in Magnus Chase in the best way.
+The setup was fascinating. Every plot point makes you want to know more. You completely understand every decision our MC makes because your curiosity would drive you the same way.
+Fight scenes are well done. I like the focus on learning the limits of the elemental gifts through the MC using them or planning for them from enemies instead of teaching them to us in some sort of lecture format. It’s more natural and more interesting.
Who Should Read This One:
-Supernatural power fans (specifically elemental powers).
-Epic quest fans … but in a modern day setting, which is great!
My Rating: 4 Stars
Well done and recommended!
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2023/08/...
September 26, 2023
I enjoyed this book from the start. It captures you right from the first line. You have no choice but to keep reading it. I can not wait for book 2 to come out.
June 1, 2024
This book was so fun! I found myself laughing and highlighting all of the funny remarks Zev made. I took my time reading this one but I don’t regret a second of it! This book constantly had me wondering “What did Zev do this time” and that was so much fun!
The only comment I have on this book is that sometimes I got lost. Sometimes while I was reading it felt like the words were all morphing together and suddenly I was rereading a full page. I also found some things repetitive. For example, if Zev was tired it was say it in 5 different paragraphs in 3 different ways.
But overall, this book was SO MUCH fun! I will be recommending it to everyone who will listen AND I even used the pickup lime. It totally worked! You could say I left the boy Thunderstruck.
The only comment I have on this book is that sometimes I got lost. Sometimes while I was reading it felt like the words were all morphing together and suddenly I was rereading a full page. I also found some things repetitive. For example, if Zev was tired it was say it in 5 different paragraphs in 3 different ways.
But overall, this book was SO MUCH fun! I will be recommending it to everyone who will listen AND I even used the pickup lime. It totally worked! You could say I left the boy Thunderstruck.
August 12, 2024
Cross-posted from Cozy with Books
Zev’s just sitting, minding his own business, ready to dig into his meal (because self-care is important!) when his steak goes missing. It was there half a second ago!
Gnomes! If only they were as cute and lawn-ornamenty as the legends say. But no, they’re terribly unfun, worse to fight, and very very powerful…and one has just yoinked Zev’s steak right off his plate! I mean, come on, WHO STEALS A STEAK?!?
Naturally, Zev, against all the legends about how strong they are, against self-preservation instincts, and most importantly, against everything he’s been raised to do (which is to keep his magic hidden) takes off after the crook (and his steak!)…and of course his steak rescue plan is a flop, and he gets his behind handed to him HARD. This is exactly the moment in the book that I’d fallen for this dork of a character because, as cornered as he is, Zev still dishes out insult after insult and those jabs are…so…so…CHEESY and CORNY. The king of getting his butt kicked and still manages to squeak out one last “Yo mama” joke.
It’s the longest afternoon for Zevo, because the steak fight leads to a beachside magical brawl leading to a band of unhappy acquaintances of the steak-thief leading to a pair of mysterious men including a wealthy tycoon and his robot very much human of a henchman who forces hires Zev for a very easy job of purchasing a cryptic artifact. Travel costs to Savannah, Georgia, will be handled. They will even provide the money for the auction and heck, for his work expenses, a zero-limit credit card. Easy job. Easy money! What could go wrong?
In this world, there’s magic everywhere, but the general population just doesn’t see it. There are covert organizations that keep both people with magic and magical creatures in check (and ensure these creatures are also safe) and things have been alright for a long time. It is for the public’s best interest and safety that they don’t know about the magical world. They don’t take kindly to mages that aren’t on the “in”; externalists or rogues, as they call them, and Zev is one of those people. Raised away from his mother, by his uncle (also a Gnome), he’s been hidden from the world much of his life. The most he knows is that magical people and creatures exist, that there’s an Assembly, and that there’s a Council of 7. But otherwise? Zev’s pretty sheltered and cut-off from the magical world because that’s how he was raised.
If people knew of his existence, bad things will happen. And that’s why he agreed to live away from his mother. For her protection. And all the same, he doesn’t have too many close relationships either.
This world is fascinating, and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. There are mages and then there’s Zev (who affectionately dubs himself an electrician because electric + magician = electrician, (yes yes, corny I know. I love it). Zev is an electric/lightning element based mage, and then there are gnomes who command the earth element. There are Salamanders (fire mages), Sylphs (air), and the Undines (water). That accounts for just the mages, because then there werecoyotes and vampires, then magical creatures like the leviathan and gargoyles. I’m in love with the mix of magical mythical creatures along with magical powers.
And don’t get me started with how they interact with their elements. We only ever get a close-up of it via Zev’s lightning element, but these mages can feel and bond with their elements. Zev can call electricity from around him and therefore, he’d be at a disadvantage in the middle of the woods, but in his element in the city…but also very prone to breaking most electronics around him.
The scenes are all so humorous (ALL thanks to Zev). This guy is the type of guy that gets booed off comedy show stages, but makes you smile even when he’s terribly scared deep down. He’s also the type of guy who makes you go, “I kinda see why the enemy popped you in the face…” But, he’s so dorky, so cute, and makes the book so much fun to read. He does go through a moment of growth and development, smack in the middle of a life-or-death battle, but he doesn’t lose his charm or his natural ability to make a quick quip.
The fighting and battle scenes are intense. Zev gets into a fight (and gets his ass handed to him) at least once a day. Every one seems to want to throttle the guy to death so that this book has a bit of slapstick feel to it. However, every fight is a foot in the grave because at least once a day, I feel like Zev is 10 seconds from dying. Yet, Zevo just doesn’t die. Very very close, but never actually thrown off this mortal coil. My guy is a Nokia phone.
Overall, a fantastic and entertaining read. If I had to give it a Cozy Award of the Year, it’d be the comedy read of the year. I love Zev, his new friends(?), the stunning world-building, the storytelling and plot, and how the book ends with an epic battle that alludes to how all of this is just the beginning. Someone out there is MUCH bigger than the events that transpired in this book and I’m fork, knife, and bib ready for my next meal at the Daniel Quigley table.
Zev’s just sitting, minding his own business, ready to dig into his meal (because self-care is important!) when his steak goes missing. It was there half a second ago!
Gnomes! If only they were as cute and lawn-ornamenty as the legends say. But no, they’re terribly unfun, worse to fight, and very very powerful…and one has just yoinked Zev’s steak right off his plate! I mean, come on, WHO STEALS A STEAK?!?
Naturally, Zev, against all the legends about how strong they are, against self-preservation instincts, and most importantly, against everything he’s been raised to do (which is to keep his magic hidden) takes off after the crook (and his steak!)…and of course his steak rescue plan is a flop, and he gets his behind handed to him HARD. This is exactly the moment in the book that I’d fallen for this dork of a character because, as cornered as he is, Zev still dishes out insult after insult and those jabs are…so…so…CHEESY and CORNY. The king of getting his butt kicked and still manages to squeak out one last “Yo mama” joke.
It’s the longest afternoon for Zevo, because the steak fight leads to a beachside magical brawl leading to a band of unhappy acquaintances of the steak-thief leading to a pair of mysterious men including a wealthy tycoon and his robot very much human of a henchman who forces hires Zev for a very easy job of purchasing a cryptic artifact. Travel costs to Savannah, Georgia, will be handled. They will even provide the money for the auction and heck, for his work expenses, a zero-limit credit card. Easy job. Easy money! What could go wrong?
In this world, there’s magic everywhere, but the general population just doesn’t see it. There are covert organizations that keep both people with magic and magical creatures in check (and ensure these creatures are also safe) and things have been alright for a long time. It is for the public’s best interest and safety that they don’t know about the magical world. They don’t take kindly to mages that aren’t on the “in”; externalists or rogues, as they call them, and Zev is one of those people. Raised away from his mother, by his uncle (also a Gnome), he’s been hidden from the world much of his life. The most he knows is that magical people and creatures exist, that there’s an Assembly, and that there’s a Council of 7. But otherwise? Zev’s pretty sheltered and cut-off from the magical world because that’s how he was raised.
If people knew of his existence, bad things will happen. And that’s why he agreed to live away from his mother. For her protection. And all the same, he doesn’t have too many close relationships either.
This world is fascinating, and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. There are mages and then there’s Zev (who affectionately dubs himself an electrician because electric + magician = electrician, (yes yes, corny I know. I love it). Zev is an electric/lightning element based mage, and then there are gnomes who command the earth element. There are Salamanders (fire mages), Sylphs (air), and the Undines (water). That accounts for just the mages, because then there werecoyotes and vampires, then magical creatures like the leviathan and gargoyles. I’m in love with the mix of magical mythical creatures along with magical powers.
And don’t get me started with how they interact with their elements. We only ever get a close-up of it via Zev’s lightning element, but these mages can feel and bond with their elements. Zev can call electricity from around him and therefore, he’d be at a disadvantage in the middle of the woods, but in his element in the city…but also very prone to breaking most electronics around him.
The scenes are all so humorous (ALL thanks to Zev). This guy is the type of guy that gets booed off comedy show stages, but makes you smile even when he’s terribly scared deep down. He’s also the type of guy who makes you go, “I kinda see why the enemy popped you in the face…” But, he’s so dorky, so cute, and makes the book so much fun to read. He does go through a moment of growth and development, smack in the middle of a life-or-death battle, but he doesn’t lose his charm or his natural ability to make a quick quip.
The fighting and battle scenes are intense. Zev gets into a fight (and gets his ass handed to him) at least once a day. Every one seems to want to throttle the guy to death so that this book has a bit of slapstick feel to it. However, every fight is a foot in the grave because at least once a day, I feel like Zev is 10 seconds from dying. Yet, Zevo just doesn’t die. Very very close, but never actually thrown off this mortal coil. My guy is a Nokia phone.
Overall, a fantastic and entertaining read. If I had to give it a Cozy Award of the Year, it’d be the comedy read of the year. I love Zev, his new friends(?), the stunning world-building, the storytelling and plot, and how the book ends with an epic battle that alludes to how all of this is just the beginning. Someone out there is MUCH bigger than the events that transpired in this book and I’m fork, knife, and bib ready for my next meal at the Daniel Quigley table.
August 28, 2023
This is the first book in a planned series. That being said, I enjoyed that it wrapped up well. It left space for more adventures without obvious cliff hangers or questions left unanswered. And the questions that were left unanswered fall into the “obvious reasons for a series” category and leave just enough encouragement to read the next book if you want to.
This was a quick read for me. The words flowed easily, and the plot moved along well. I especially liked that even though it was a chosen one trope, Zev had his powers and could use them from the get-go. That was a refreshing change of pace, as was his age. It had many of the bits that make YAF (young adult fantasy) fun reads but with more mature characters, themes, and wit.
The writing style was occasionally too repetitive for my taste, using multiple examples to get the point across. However, Zev has a unique personality; what felt like overuse to me fit his persona really well, as did the many social and cultural references. The author even included a running joke, the word gadzooks, which was a cute, creative touch.
I also enjoyed the use of older myths, monsters, and folklore. Along those lines, as with any fantasy book, there are magic rules, creature traits, and vocabulary created for this book, but the author did a good job explaining and working them into the story. It helps that Zev, though his power isn't new to him, the magical world is. Written from his point of view (POV), he asks, explains, and gets the answers the readers may need.
If you like snarky MC (main characters), secret government agencies, mythical creatures, and general hi-jinks, this is a good book for you.
This was a quick read for me. The words flowed easily, and the plot moved along well. I especially liked that even though it was a chosen one trope, Zev had his powers and could use them from the get-go. That was a refreshing change of pace, as was his age. It had many of the bits that make YAF (young adult fantasy) fun reads but with more mature characters, themes, and wit.
The writing style was occasionally too repetitive for my taste, using multiple examples to get the point across. However, Zev has a unique personality; what felt like overuse to me fit his persona really well, as did the many social and cultural references. The author even included a running joke, the word gadzooks, which was a cute, creative touch.
I also enjoyed the use of older myths, monsters, and folklore. Along those lines, as with any fantasy book, there are magic rules, creature traits, and vocabulary created for this book, but the author did a good job explaining and working them into the story. It helps that Zev, though his power isn't new to him, the magical world is. Written from his point of view (POV), he asks, explains, and gets the answers the readers may need.
If you like snarky MC (main characters), secret government agencies, mythical creatures, and general hi-jinks, this is a good book for you.
June 24, 2024
A very fun read, easy to enjoy, and you get the constant image of Quigley grinning out of the pages at you.
I felt it meandered a little in jumping between different threads, not all of which ended up getting fully resolved, but that's not necessarily a bad thing when you're trying to set up a series. And I sort of get the sense that there's a kind of deliberate looseness going on: I don't think Quigley was going for the tightest structure of all time, but the most fun one, and I think he's pulled that off.
I also don't think Quigley's going for realism here, for what it's worth. Zev is very, very silly in situations in which no human being has any right to be silly, so if you're looking for serious drama, be aware that you may find it undermined by constantly reverting to humour. If you go in looking for a fun, easy, silly read, though, that's exactly what you're going to get. Zev's not a real person; he's the kind of campy, genre-aware protagonist who gets kicks out of making one-liners at the most inopportune moments and doing Jar Jar Binks impressions, and in that capacity you can't really ask for more from him.
Basically, go into Thunderstruck with the willingness to enjoy a thoroughly silly adventure for what it is and I think you'll have a great time.
I felt it meandered a little in jumping between different threads, not all of which ended up getting fully resolved, but that's not necessarily a bad thing when you're trying to set up a series. And I sort of get the sense that there's a kind of deliberate looseness going on: I don't think Quigley was going for the tightest structure of all time, but the most fun one, and I think he's pulled that off.
I also don't think Quigley's going for realism here, for what it's worth. Zev is very, very silly in situations in which no human being has any right to be silly, so if you're looking for serious drama, be aware that you may find it undermined by constantly reverting to humour. If you go in looking for a fun, easy, silly read, though, that's exactly what you're going to get. Zev's not a real person; he's the kind of campy, genre-aware protagonist who gets kicks out of making one-liners at the most inopportune moments and doing Jar Jar Binks impressions, and in that capacity you can't really ask for more from him.
Basically, go into Thunderstruck with the willingness to enjoy a thoroughly silly adventure for what it is and I think you'll have a great time.
September 20, 2023
Zev O'Connell is an idiot. But I love him.
Quigley has created a wonderfully endearing character whose shenanigans and one-liners had me laughing and face-palming. Occasionally both at once. But these are interspersed with moments of brilliance and skill, even if it's Zev just doing the bare minimum to escape death for the hundredth time.
The magic system is thoughtful and deliberate, as we (the readers) are learning Zev's abilities and capabilities alongside him, often being just as surprised as he is when something actually goes his way.
In short, THUNDERSTRUCK is fast-paced and full of heart and character, and Quigley's mastery of voice and tone bring Zev O'Connell to life. Love him for his resourcefulness or hate him for his antics, Zev is fully realized, well-rounded, and has great depth.
THUNDERSTRUCK is a fantastic introduction into what is shaping up to be an incredible new urban fantasy series, and I eagerly await the sequel.
I was sent an ARC of THUNDERSTRUCK in exchange for an honest review.
Quigley has created a wonderfully endearing character whose shenanigans and one-liners had me laughing and face-palming. Occasionally both at once. But these are interspersed with moments of brilliance and skill, even if it's Zev just doing the bare minimum to escape death for the hundredth time.
The magic system is thoughtful and deliberate, as we (the readers) are learning Zev's abilities and capabilities alongside him, often being just as surprised as he is when something actually goes his way.
In short, THUNDERSTRUCK is fast-paced and full of heart and character, and Quigley's mastery of voice and tone bring Zev O'Connell to life. Love him for his resourcefulness or hate him for his antics, Zev is fully realized, well-rounded, and has great depth.
THUNDERSTRUCK is a fantastic introduction into what is shaping up to be an incredible new urban fantasy series, and I eagerly await the sequel.
I was sent an ARC of THUNDERSTRUCK in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2024
With supernatural creatures and conflicts at every turn, THUNDERSTRUCK reads like an action movie. It’s fast. It’s punchy. It’s hilarious.
Get ready to see the true power of Gnomes. No, not like the little dudes who hang out in your garden. Zev O’Connell knows—and hates Gnomes—and he’s not afraid to tell you about them.
Zev’s voice is perfect, and elicited quite a few chuckles from me. He’s the type of character I’m automatically rooting for because—even if he gets the pulp beat out of him… repeatedly—he’s still giving snark, still wheedling at his antagonists. Furthermore, he stands up for what he believes is right. I’m definitely Team Zev.
Not all my questions were answered by the end of THUNDERSTRUCK, but that just means there’s more to come, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next!
Get ready to see the true power of Gnomes. No, not like the little dudes who hang out in your garden. Zev O’Connell knows—and hates Gnomes—and he’s not afraid to tell you about them.
Zev’s voice is perfect, and elicited quite a few chuckles from me. He’s the type of character I’m automatically rooting for because—even if he gets the pulp beat out of him… repeatedly—he’s still giving snark, still wheedling at his antagonists. Furthermore, he stands up for what he believes is right. I’m definitely Team Zev.
Not all my questions were answered by the end of THUNDERSTRUCK, but that just means there’s more to come, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next!
September 5, 2023
I was excited when I received an ARC of this one from the publisher because I am a sucker for a snarky anti-hero who finds themself in often ridiculous (and ridiculously dangerous) situations. Zev definitely fits the mold. He's been brought up by a mysterious uncle who subjected him to mercilessly harsh training that left him uniquely prepared in some ways but woefully unprepared in very important ones for being drawn into a world of magic and mayhem that goes well beyond what he had ever imagined. I liked that Zev was sort of hapless to start with and only slowly figures out what he is doing (sort of), and the Savannah, Georgia setting adds some nice atmospheric touches. The cryptids are fun and out of the ordinary way and there are genuine high stakes. Maybe because it appears to be the beginning of a possible series, I found the introduction of a large cast of characters a bit rapid fire at times and felt some of them got lost along the way. There were a few plot points which were muddy to me but not so much as to detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. A fun find for readers who enjoy a healthy dose of humor and absurdity with their horror/fantasy.
April 7, 2024
As the first book in the Crytpid Protection Agency series, Thunderstruck by Daniel Quigley is a fun and exciting read.
We are introduced to Zev O’Connell, a guy who just wants a simple life working in his antique shop. Unfortunately for him, he finds himself dragged into a mysterious adventure full of monsters, special agents, and bad guys. Luckily, Sev has an advantage. A special ability that is much more than even he knows.
For a first book, this is a great start! With plenty of action and a lot of humour, I found myself rooting for the reluctant hero, as well as wondering what was going to come next. There’s plenty of action, a clever plotline and characters you really want to know more about.
Can’t wait to see what happens next!
We are introduced to Zev O’Connell, a guy who just wants a simple life working in his antique shop. Unfortunately for him, he finds himself dragged into a mysterious adventure full of monsters, special agents, and bad guys. Luckily, Sev has an advantage. A special ability that is much more than even he knows.
For a first book, this is a great start! With plenty of action and a lot of humour, I found myself rooting for the reluctant hero, as well as wondering what was going to come next. There’s plenty of action, a clever plotline and characters you really want to know more about.
Can’t wait to see what happens next!
October 17, 2023
This book is a behemoth tome full of boy humor, pop culture references, one liners, unique magic systems, not your average gnomes, and slapstick violence.
Seriously, this book is so so good! It keeps you guessing at who the puppeteers are, and their angle. Zev is infuriatingly dopey, and he is as clueless as the reader in this multiple player chess game.
You will love this book, and be demanding more!
Seriously, this book is so so good! It keeps you guessing at who the puppeteers are, and their angle. Zev is infuriatingly dopey, and he is as clueless as the reader in this multiple player chess game.
You will love this book, and be demanding more!
December 13, 2023
An absolute blast.
The first four chapters will suck you into a great world of the peculiar and the magical and the ridiculous. You can feel Quigley just grinning behind the keyboard. The third act is full of great action, and Zev's voice just pours off the page. If you want your urban fantasy to move quick and hit hard, this book's for you. Fans of HARRY DRESDEN are going to be right at home! Zev is definitely one of my favorite narrators in years.
The first four chapters will suck you into a great world of the peculiar and the magical and the ridiculous. You can feel Quigley just grinning behind the keyboard. The third act is full of great action, and Zev's voice just pours off the page. If you want your urban fantasy to move quick and hit hard, this book's for you. Fans of HARRY DRESDEN are going to be right at home! Zev is definitely one of my favorite narrators in years.
September 12, 2023
Thunderstruck is a fast and witty book that keeps you enthralled from the very beginning. It’s fast and feels so seamless you find yourself looking up and wondering where the time went. I can’t wait to see where this world takes us in book 2!
January 26, 2024
Great story and world building. Main character is a bit of an ass sometimes, but builds towards his character development. Very exciting ending to this story, but look forward to all the questions you still have. Can't wait for book 2!
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