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Sons of Thunder #1
Sons of Thunder
Connor Merritt risks his life to save the cashier in a convenience store robbery. He’s shot three times in the torso and once in the head. He walks away without a scratch on him. Anna Wales is held captive in a government cell with no windows, one locked door, and zero way out. The next morning she’s gone without a trace. Together, the two of them will learn that God is doing something new in our time. A new age of miraculous gifts is breaking out in the world. Now a team of young people will have to learn how to use their God-given Gifts for the good of all, while an evil counterfeit arises to oppose them. Their friends and family choose sides, their commitment will be tested, and they will learn what it really means to serve God. In a classic battle of good against evil, a new kind of hero will rise to take up a mantle and a name dating back to the time of Jesus: the Sons of Thunder.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2014
34 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Bowen Greenwood
32 books37 followersBowen Greenwood: Marksman, martial artist, motorcyclist. Once a resident of Washington D.C., once a political operative, once a reporter. He reviews other indie writers' books and posts updates about his own at www.bowengreenwood.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 6, 2024
This is a Christian super hero / action (comic book stye, not a comic book) adventure where the basis for everyone's super powers is the gifts of the Holy Spirit - and Satan's mimicry of those supernatural / spiritual abilities. Intriguing take on the mutant super hero trope, with the story fairly well executed, albeit on a middle grade to young adult level. It's short, action-packed, a bit on the violent side, but with a redeeming resolution. For me, 3.5 stars.
Three factions are involved - 1) the government who wants to test and utilize the powers of the developing mutants; 2) those who want to use their abilities for good; and 3) a group of resistance fighters who are fighting the gov't and trying to control all the others. If you want clean thriller fiction with a moral message, you might like this short novel. I think it's free on the author's website. A sequel is available and is on my TBR.
Three factions are involved - 1) the government who wants to test and utilize the powers of the developing mutants; 2) those who want to use their abilities for good; and 3) a group of resistance fighters who are fighting the gov't and trying to control all the others. If you want clean thriller fiction with a moral message, you might like this short novel. I think it's free on the author's website. A sequel is available and is on my TBR.
October 16, 2025
Sons of Thunder is a cross between the miracles in the Bible with the X-men from the comics. Teenagers are developing different abilities based on miracles in the New Testament. There is a good set of teens and a bad set of teens. The bad outnumber the good by quite a lot and then there’s the government trying to track them all down and “study” them. The good set of teens have an older person mentoring them while the bad set is led by one of the teens. About the only difference between the good teens group and the X-men is the mentor is not bald.
Even with these similarities, I enjoyed reading this book. The plot wasn’t heavy with twists and turns. A lot of it was predictable, but it was fast paced throughout. These was a Christian message tied into the plot lines, which is to be expected since the powers were pulled from the Bible, but I didn’t feel it was heavy handed.
Even with these similarities, I enjoyed reading this book. The plot wasn’t heavy with twists and turns. A lot of it was predictable, but it was fast paced throughout. These was a Christian message tied into the plot lines, which is to be expected since the powers were pulled from the Bible, but I didn’t feel it was heavy handed.
May 6, 2017
Extraordinary!
Really love how Greenwood takes a story, weaves an intricate plot and makes you feel like you're living right there with them. Special abilities of ordinary people placed in God's hands for good, but Satan always makes the counterfeit. This awesome book that is a fantasy, but is it really? Many parallels and truth can be pulled from this storyline.
Really love how Greenwood takes a story, weaves an intricate plot and makes you feel like you're living right there with them. Special abilities of ordinary people placed in God's hands for good, but Satan always makes the counterfeit. This awesome book that is a fantasy, but is it really? Many parallels and truth can be pulled from this storyline.
October 24, 2019
I hate giving books this low of a rating, but by the end I was forcing myself to finish it. The Christian message was good, there were just some things (like dialogue, plot, character development) that could be improved. For example, an 18-19 year old is not going to say “I’m so ashamed!” But anyway, I do appreciate the Christian message. We need more Christian superhero books. 🦸♀️
May 21, 2017
Very good
This is a very good read. Dealing with doubts and self worth is a big part of life. It is not only when you are young but also as you grow older and face different situations.
This is a very good read. Dealing with doubts and self worth is a big part of life. It is not only when you are young but also as you grow older and face different situations.
June 6, 2019
Sons of Thunder is the first book in the Sons of Thunder series. This should not be read as a standalone. From the description, I thought I would like this book more than I did. It isn't bad, just isn't as good as I thought it could have, and should have, been.
August 1, 2020
Interesting
It reads well. It is an interesting story. It starts out with the 'gifts' being "misused". Toward the end there are others who are using them as God intended. I like how there is change in the characters. Looking forward to reading the next book.
It reads well. It is an interesting story. It starts out with the 'gifts' being "misused". Toward the end there are others who are using them as God intended. I like how there is change in the characters. Looking forward to reading the next book.
July 31, 2022
Marvel Mag Fan
Even before Marvel, I was a Superman fan. 65 years ago I hid behind a curtain listening to the radio. This book is a natural progression for me. Be aware of a Sunday school atmosphere though.
Even before Marvel, I was a Superman fan. 65 years ago I hid behind a curtain listening to the radio. This book is a natural progression for me. Be aware of a Sunday school atmosphere though.
November 30, 2017
A young man finds himself being bullet proof after interrupting an attempted robbery. The government wants to poke and prod, but another group wants his allegiance to the "Legion".
July 26, 2020
Not well written
The dialogue didn't flow well. Seemed choppy to provide just enough information to explain context
Keep trying. God bless you.
The dialogue didn't flow well. Seemed choppy to provide just enough information to explain context
Keep trying. God bless you.
April 11, 2024
[Read 2023] biblical superpowers, the best thing since sliced bread!
September 15, 2015
OK, urban fantasy, thriller, action/adventure, superhero, genre bustin’ stuff, all right? It started out and I says to myself, “Self. This is silly stuff.” It seemed to be fluffy teenage entertainment. But, I quickly got into the book and really enjoyed it, except for one fact: just as it was coming together, I get the note, “Sorry book over. Come back for the next installment.”
Bowen assures me there will be one, but he said, “I have to confess though, it may be a while before that’s ready.” I hope he changes his mind on that.
Rating the book as a whole
The story is about old teenagers who start manifesting magical abilities. Or, maybe not. The reluctant hero finds himself in a convenience store getting robbed. He gets shot several times, his coat and clothes ruined with holes, yet there’s no damage to his body… freaks him out. Here’s the blurb:
What if God gave ordinary people miraculous abilities?
Connor Merritt risks his life to save the cashier in a convenience store robbery. He’s shot three times in the torso and once in the head. He walks away without a scratch on him. Anna Wales is held captive in a government cell with no windows, one locked door, and zero way out. The next morning she’s gone without a trace. Together, the two of them will learn that God is doing something new in our time. A new age of miraculous gifts is breaking out in the world. Now a team of young people will have to learn how to use their God-given Gifts for the good of all, while an evil counterfeit arises to oppose them. Their friends and family choose sides, their commitment will be tested, and they will learn what it really means to serve God. In a classic battle of good against evil, a new kind of hero will rise to take up a mantle and a name dating back to the time of Jesus: the Sons of Thunder.
Yet, with all of this, it’s a compelling story.
As I read it, my disbelieving mind was won over as I realized that all these miraculous gifts were matched with Gospel works of power. Let’s mention a few:
Healing: This one’s obvious, right?
Indestructible: tied to Paul’s miraculous survivals of stonings, and so forth
Teleportation: Jesus gets in the boat and it’s suddenly miles away on the other side of the lake, and Philip takes his leave of the Ethiopian eunuch in the same manner
Telekinesis: Mustard seed faith to move mountains
Walk on water: Need I say more?
Replication: The multiplication of the fish and bread
And more…
For me, the interesting side is the evil counterpart.
We know about that in the real world of the occult. Revelation tells us that the enemy will do this during the Great Tribulation. But Bowen handles all of this very well and produces a believable, involving thriller that I found myself caring about.
The characters are developed fairly well, though there’s not much back story for any of them. The world-building part of things was basically ignored even though it’s obvious that this is in the future and things have changed somewhat. The story is a fairly stock plot, but the details are well-done.
It’s all believable, but a little thin. However, this is a short novel, under 200 pages, and that always leaves me wanting more. Basically, this entire tale is an intro where Bowen sets up the world and future thrillers, but this scenario only comes together on the last pages of the book (actually, the very last page).
Spiritually, this is 3-star, surprisingly
You would think with all the works of power that a solid Christian reality would be there. It’s really not. The kids pray a little, and the prayer is crucial to the work for the believers. The bad guys think they’re doing it all by their focus and will power. Doubt messes up the believers’ works. All of that makes sense.
But there is no personal relationship with the Lord and King of kings. In fact, I do not recall Jesus being mentioned (though He probably is). Stunningly, the Holy Spirit is not named and has no place in the story.
So, it’s mainline stuff, but it’s not even religious. In fact, all the characters are anti-religious, with few exceptions. The good guys do come to faith, but there’s no transforming regeneration. Interestingly, the miraculous powers do not include anything from Acts and the Epistles, other than healing and Paul’s indestructible flesh (which is a stretched understanding in my eyes).
Beyond that, the standard gifts of the Holy Spirit: knowledge, wisdom, prophecy, discernment, and the rest are not even mentioned outside except for one character who can foretell a bit. God does not speak to his kids at all. So, it’s a mixed bag.
However, I really liked the book. I’m giving it four-stars overall, for spiritual inventiveness I guess. It’s clean, fun, exciting, and youth should really enjoy it. If course, I had fun reading it, and I don’t really qualify as youth (except in my mind where I’m the same guy I’ve always been). I recommend this book.
Bowen assures me there will be one, but he said, “I have to confess though, it may be a while before that’s ready.” I hope he changes his mind on that.
Rating the book as a whole
The story is about old teenagers who start manifesting magical abilities. Or, maybe not. The reluctant hero finds himself in a convenience store getting robbed. He gets shot several times, his coat and clothes ruined with holes, yet there’s no damage to his body… freaks him out. Here’s the blurb:
What if God gave ordinary people miraculous abilities?
Connor Merritt risks his life to save the cashier in a convenience store robbery. He’s shot three times in the torso and once in the head. He walks away without a scratch on him. Anna Wales is held captive in a government cell with no windows, one locked door, and zero way out. The next morning she’s gone without a trace. Together, the two of them will learn that God is doing something new in our time. A new age of miraculous gifts is breaking out in the world. Now a team of young people will have to learn how to use their God-given Gifts for the good of all, while an evil counterfeit arises to oppose them. Their friends and family choose sides, their commitment will be tested, and they will learn what it really means to serve God. In a classic battle of good against evil, a new kind of hero will rise to take up a mantle and a name dating back to the time of Jesus: the Sons of Thunder.
Yet, with all of this, it’s a compelling story.
As I read it, my disbelieving mind was won over as I realized that all these miraculous gifts were matched with Gospel works of power. Let’s mention a few:
Healing: This one’s obvious, right?
Indestructible: tied to Paul’s miraculous survivals of stonings, and so forth
Teleportation: Jesus gets in the boat and it’s suddenly miles away on the other side of the lake, and Philip takes his leave of the Ethiopian eunuch in the same manner
Telekinesis: Mustard seed faith to move mountains
Walk on water: Need I say more?
Replication: The multiplication of the fish and bread
And more…
For me, the interesting side is the evil counterpart.
We know about that in the real world of the occult. Revelation tells us that the enemy will do this during the Great Tribulation. But Bowen handles all of this very well and produces a believable, involving thriller that I found myself caring about.
The characters are developed fairly well, though there’s not much back story for any of them. The world-building part of things was basically ignored even though it’s obvious that this is in the future and things have changed somewhat. The story is a fairly stock plot, but the details are well-done.
It’s all believable, but a little thin. However, this is a short novel, under 200 pages, and that always leaves me wanting more. Basically, this entire tale is an intro where Bowen sets up the world and future thrillers, but this scenario only comes together on the last pages of the book (actually, the very last page).
Spiritually, this is 3-star, surprisingly
You would think with all the works of power that a solid Christian reality would be there. It’s really not. The kids pray a little, and the prayer is crucial to the work for the believers. The bad guys think they’re doing it all by their focus and will power. Doubt messes up the believers’ works. All of that makes sense.
But there is no personal relationship with the Lord and King of kings. In fact, I do not recall Jesus being mentioned (though He probably is). Stunningly, the Holy Spirit is not named and has no place in the story.
So, it’s mainline stuff, but it’s not even religious. In fact, all the characters are anti-religious, with few exceptions. The good guys do come to faith, but there’s no transforming regeneration. Interestingly, the miraculous powers do not include anything from Acts and the Epistles, other than healing and Paul’s indestructible flesh (which is a stretched understanding in my eyes).
Beyond that, the standard gifts of the Holy Spirit: knowledge, wisdom, prophecy, discernment, and the rest are not even mentioned outside except for one character who can foretell a bit. God does not speak to his kids at all. So, it’s a mixed bag.
However, I really liked the book. I’m giving it four-stars overall, for spiritual inventiveness I guess. It’s clean, fun, exciting, and youth should really enjoy it. If course, I had fun reading it, and I don’t really qualify as youth (except in my mind where I’m the same guy I’ve always been). I recommend this book.
April 24, 2015
Bowen Greenwood has departed from his political thrillers Death of Secrets and Life of Secrets with his latest project, Sons of Thunder. A speculative, super-hero novel, this book will appeal to fans of the genre, especially YA and New Adult readers. With a strong good-guy/bad-guy tone, Greenwood explores God’s gifts.
Connor Merritt’s late night run to a convenience store turns violent as he is shot three times at close range and survives! This shocking turn of events soon lands him in a secret government facility devoted to studying supernatural abilities showing up in young adults. Determined not to be manipulated by the officials, a band calling themselves Legion rises up. But Connor is unsure just what is going on and runs. A showdown begins and Connor must choose a side.
When I think of spiritual gifts, I think of prayer, prophesy, preaching, etc. But Greenwood takes the idea and expands it to include the miraculous things Jesus did — controlling weather, teleportation, walking on water, etc. Beginning with a clever premise, Sons of Thunder makes the reader think about gifts and the Giver. When he adds free will, it makes for a twisting and turning story that keeps the reader on his toes. Trust in God is a major theme and the characters must decide where their focus will be centered. The ending is open for more books to come.
Fun and a bit over the top (aren’t all super-hero stories), Sons of Thunder would be a great book for youth group discussions.
Recommended.
Audience: older teens to adults.
To purchase this book, click HERE.
(Thanks to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Connor Merritt’s late night run to a convenience store turns violent as he is shot three times at close range and survives! This shocking turn of events soon lands him in a secret government facility devoted to studying supernatural abilities showing up in young adults. Determined not to be manipulated by the officials, a band calling themselves Legion rises up. But Connor is unsure just what is going on and runs. A showdown begins and Connor must choose a side.
When I think of spiritual gifts, I think of prayer, prophesy, preaching, etc. But Greenwood takes the idea and expands it to include the miraculous things Jesus did — controlling weather, teleportation, walking on water, etc. Beginning with a clever premise, Sons of Thunder makes the reader think about gifts and the Giver. When he adds free will, it makes for a twisting and turning story that keeps the reader on his toes. Trust in God is a major theme and the characters must decide where their focus will be centered. The ending is open for more books to come.
Fun and a bit over the top (aren’t all super-hero stories), Sons of Thunder would be a great book for youth group discussions.
Recommended.
Audience: older teens to adults.
To purchase this book, click HERE.
(Thanks to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
November 15, 2014
What if? ... A simple two-word word question filled with power and infinite possibility. Rather than denial or questioning of that which is written in 1 Corinthians 12, what if we truly believed? What if? Author Bowen Greenwood brings this very possibility to life in his latest work, "Sons of Thunder." Set in a contemporary setting, Greenwood's protagonist, young Connor Merritt, must struggle with the reality that he has been given a gift; a gift which may be used for good or evil in accordance with the individual's free will. Along the way, Connor meets others who too have been selected to positively influence humanity. The battle between light and dark plays out using martial arts, government control, charismatic control, and the all too human emotion of fear. Greenwood's characters face all the challenges of living in a modern world. A good read. Had me in tears, more than once, due to the depth of understanding and frailty found in the book's characters. My greatest appreciation to Bowen for the opportunity of a pre-release, sneak-peek. Official release date: Sunday, November 9, 2014. Most worthy of your consideration.
December 28, 2014
Social Gospel a la Crime Fantasy Fiction
For those who find the reference in the title a bit obscure, the Social Gospel movement was prominent about a century ago, applying Gospel principles to social problems. The most prominent advocate was the Baptist theologian Walter Rauschenbusch. The social problems have changed, but the author has pegged them well. Violence mystically produced returns readers to the eternal battle between good and evil, with the generation approaching adulthood amply represented on both sides. The book is an interesting mashup for those who like that sort of thing.
For those who find the reference in the title a bit obscure, the Social Gospel movement was prominent about a century ago, applying Gospel principles to social problems. The most prominent advocate was the Baptist theologian Walter Rauschenbusch. The social problems have changed, but the author has pegged them well. Violence mystically produced returns readers to the eternal battle between good and evil, with the generation approaching adulthood amply represented on both sides. The book is an interesting mashup for those who like that sort of thing.
August 17, 2015
Connor survived being shot several times when he jumped in front of a robbery victim. Unfortunately, a shadowy government agency found out and wants to test him to see if he can do it again. Then, a separate anti-government group of similarly "gifted" young people comes in and rescues him. Except he's not too fond of their methods either. Luckily, he's also been noticed by a couple of Christian people -- a cute young woman who can teleport, and an older rich man who doubles as a prophet -- whose motives he likes better.
Although the book was a bit repetitive at times (I lost track of how many times Connor bemoaned his "bad choices"), it was a cute and fairly quick read. 4 stars.
Although the book was a bit repetitive at times (I lost track of how many times Connor bemoaned his "bad choices"), it was a cute and fairly quick read. 4 stars.
August 3, 2016
An interesting Christian take on superpowers. It is sadly in need of a proofreader. But I quite enjoyed the story with its theme of trust in God. I liked seeing the contrast between the group using their powers to control and conquer and the group using theirs to help others. Even for how short it is, it has great characters with some good development. 3.5 stars
May 24, 2021
Connor had ten years and a black belt, he says a prayer, then jumped in front of the cashier, and then shots were fired. None of them penetrated him. God has other plans, for him and his friends. The plot was unusual, the characters, were they were coming from. Faith was well done, showing another way of trusting and doing things in the world. For young or older, was a good plot to read.
August 17, 2015
Really great read
This is a good fantasy story with a great Christian twist. There is good action, a good moral and it makes you look deeper than the surface. It does not bash you over the head with God. It is a very natural progression. I hope this becomes a series.
This is a good fantasy story with a great Christian twist. There is good action, a good moral and it makes you look deeper than the surface. It does not bash you over the head with God. It is a very natural progression. I hope this becomes a series.
November 18, 2015
Great read!
I loved the reality of people developing extraordinary abilities given by God and using them for good to fight against evil. Soon this world would understand the extraordinarily greatness that is only provided by God.
I loved the reality of people developing extraordinary abilities given by God and using them for good to fight against evil. Soon this world would understand the extraordinarily greatness that is only provided by God.
June 17, 2016
Outstanding!
The battle of good and evil has always been with us, and this is the major theme in this book. With God all things are possible. Thanks for an exciting read. Love the title!
The battle of good and evil has always been with us, and this is the major theme in this book. With God all things are possible. Thanks for an exciting read. Love the title!
May 30, 2015
What a refreshing story! I really enjoyed it.
November 23, 2014
Good Book
I enjoyed this book. It had a fast moving plot and I like stories about special powers so I will look for more by this author.
I enjoyed this book. It had a fast moving plot and I like stories about special powers so I will look for more by this author.
September 5, 2015
I like what I've read so far. Can't wait for more.
December 31, 2015
At first I thought the story was not going anywhere but as I continued reading it got more interesting
April 6, 2016
It started out well, meandered in the middle and ended with a bang. Some parts felt a bit predictable & repetitive. Left with the wonder of what next? The characters were being built in a good way.
January 14, 2015
Good book, I like the idea of it.
August 2, 2015
Didn't like
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews