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First the Thunder
From award-winning author Randall Silvis comes a riveting exploration of the unforgivable secrets that families keep—and the consequences that come from exposing them.
Products of their run-down Pennsylvania mining town, three brothers grapple with their lives in decline. Harvey drives a delivery truck; Stevie works odd jobs; and Will is a struggling bar owner whose wife, Laci, is edging toward desperation when her boss offers her more money…for a price. Then, in this tight circle where prosperity is rare—and hope, even rarer—comes a breaking point in a simple but indefensible slight…
When Harvey gets shafted by his brother-in-law in a deal over a vintage Indian motorcycle, he enlists the help of Stevie and Will to set things right. But the revenge plan goes awry, and the three men stumble upon a shocking secret that, if revealed, would upend their lives.
As they’re crushed under the weight of a nightmarish truth and the damning evidence in their possession, it’s up to Laci to save her family from the coming storm the brothers have wrought. And no one is prepared for the fallout.
Products of their run-down Pennsylvania mining town, three brothers grapple with their lives in decline. Harvey drives a delivery truck; Stevie works odd jobs; and Will is a struggling bar owner whose wife, Laci, is edging toward desperation when her boss offers her more money…for a price. Then, in this tight circle where prosperity is rare—and hope, even rarer—comes a breaking point in a simple but indefensible slight…
When Harvey gets shafted by his brother-in-law in a deal over a vintage Indian motorcycle, he enlists the help of Stevie and Will to set things right. But the revenge plan goes awry, and the three men stumble upon a shocking secret that, if revealed, would upend their lives.
As they’re crushed under the weight of a nightmarish truth and the damning evidence in their possession, it’s up to Laci to save her family from the coming storm the brothers have wrought. And no one is prepared for the fallout.
- GenresMystery
Audio CD
First published November 6, 2018
189 people are currently reading
1143 people want to read
About the author
Randall Silvis
48 books305 followersRandall Silvis is the internationally acclaimed author of over a dozen novels, one story
collection, and one book of narrative nonfiction. Also a prize-winning playwright, a
produced screenwriter, and a prolific essayist, he has been published and produced in
virtually every field and genre of creative writing. His numerous essays, articles, poems and short stories have appeared in the Discovery Channel magazines, The Writer, Prism International, Short Story International, Manoa, and numerous other online and print magazines. His work has been translated into 10 languages.
Silvis’s many literary awards include two writing fellowships from the National
Endowment for the Arts, the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Prize, a Fulbright Senior Scholar Research Award, six fellowships for his fiction, drama, and screenwriting from the Pennsylvania Council On the Arts, and an honorary Doctor of Letters degree awarded for “distinguished literary achievement.”
collection, and one book of narrative nonfiction. Also a prize-winning playwright, a
produced screenwriter, and a prolific essayist, he has been published and produced in
virtually every field and genre of creative writing. His numerous essays, articles, poems and short stories have appeared in the Discovery Channel magazines, The Writer, Prism International, Short Story International, Manoa, and numerous other online and print magazines. His work has been translated into 10 languages.
Silvis’s many literary awards include two writing fellowships from the National
Endowment for the Arts, the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Prize, a Fulbright Senior Scholar Research Award, six fellowships for his fiction, drama, and screenwriting from the Pennsylvania Council On the Arts, and an honorary Doctor of Letters degree awarded for “distinguished literary achievement.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 6, 2018
Not for me Stars
A story of three brothers who are struggling and trying to make sense of their lives. Times are tough and when one of the brothers (Harvey) feels cheated out of a motorcycle by his brother-in-law, he is so enraged that all he wants is revenge.
I really enjoyed this author's novel Only The Rain that was published in 2018 and I had high hopes for this one, but it wasn't a good fit for me. I do enjoy novels that focus on family dynamics, but in this case it was too distressing that the plot even seemed to be suffering from depression. The violence was uncomfortable for me and this was ultimately too dark.
He is no doubt a talented writer and this was a thought=provoking story, but it sadly didn't work for me. I would recommend his Ryan DeMarco series or his stand-alone Only The Rain.
I'm not sure I could recommend this one, but check out some of the more favorable reviews.
A story of three brothers who are struggling and trying to make sense of their lives. Times are tough and when one of the brothers (Harvey) feels cheated out of a motorcycle by his brother-in-law, he is so enraged that all he wants is revenge.
I really enjoyed this author's novel Only The Rain that was published in 2018 and I had high hopes for this one, but it wasn't a good fit for me. I do enjoy novels that focus on family dynamics, but in this case it was too distressing that the plot even seemed to be suffering from depression. The violence was uncomfortable for me and this was ultimately too dark.
He is no doubt a talented writer and this was a thought=provoking story, but it sadly didn't work for me. I would recommend his Ryan DeMarco series or his stand-alone Only The Rain.
I'm not sure I could recommend this one, but check out some of the more favorable reviews.
Read
November 27, 2018I absolutely love Silvis’ Ryan DeMarco series perhaps because I also adore Ryan DeMarco as a character. I was certain that a novel by Silvis, rather than a thriller, would be equally as good especially considering that Silvis is an award winning writer – books, plays and more. Sadly, First the Thunder fell short of my expectations.
Set in mining country Pennsylvania, this is the story of three brothers whose lives have not quite gone according to plan. Harvey drives a truck, Stevie does odd jobs here and there after he was in an accident that made him a bit “slow,” and Will owns a bar that is struggling after a new highway came through on the other side of town. His wife, Laci, is a crime scene photographer who is struggling to keep her life together for the betterment of her daughter. It is, however, the Rust Belt and there is not a lot of hope to be found. The situation worsens when Harvey, believing he has been “slighted” by his brother-in-law, convinces his brothers to help him get revenge. Matters go from bad to worse for this trio and a secret, long buried, threatens them all.
I really do like reading stories set in the new America – the nation with a southern region steeped in poverty and racism, a Rust Belt that is decaying and/or dying and overflowing with too much machismo and running rampant with drugs and a west that is slowly running out of water and heating up too fast for its people to combat the issue. This is America today and the authors who are addressing these issues should be commended for tackling ugly, depressing topics that no one really wants to think about much less read. But they do write about them and, generally, weave tales that are mesmerizing, if not utterly depressing and hopeless.
Silvis captures all of those feelings and more. He nails the characterization of the white male whose pride is gone, whose dreams are shattered and who turn instead to being the testosterone laden bully that many of us have come to know far too well. So why did the book fall short for me? It was, simply put, too dark, too depressing and too full of idiotic men doing incredibly inane things just because they are men. When we, as women, have to live with this type of stupidity day in and day out, when it is the fabric of our country right now, reading more of it is a strain; finding any redeemable quality on which to grasp and resonate was simply asking too much. I’m sick to death of these people in real life and I was sick of them in this book too. I honestly did not care one whit what happened to these three brothers and, when that is the case for any book character, there really is no point reading. I don’t expect happy endings, but I do expect to have some thread, regardless of how tenuous it may be, that will keep me involved. With First the Thunder, I never found that thread. For the record, I just finished Bone on Bone by Julia Keller that also is about the failing rust belt and mining towns gone bust. I highly recommend that book to those looking for books in this genre.
*I received an advanced ebook from the publisher via Netgalley. A review was expected in return.
Set in mining country Pennsylvania, this is the story of three brothers whose lives have not quite gone according to plan. Harvey drives a truck, Stevie does odd jobs here and there after he was in an accident that made him a bit “slow,” and Will owns a bar that is struggling after a new highway came through on the other side of town. His wife, Laci, is a crime scene photographer who is struggling to keep her life together for the betterment of her daughter. It is, however, the Rust Belt and there is not a lot of hope to be found. The situation worsens when Harvey, believing he has been “slighted” by his brother-in-law, convinces his brothers to help him get revenge. Matters go from bad to worse for this trio and a secret, long buried, threatens them all.
I really do like reading stories set in the new America – the nation with a southern region steeped in poverty and racism, a Rust Belt that is decaying and/or dying and overflowing with too much machismo and running rampant with drugs and a west that is slowly running out of water and heating up too fast for its people to combat the issue. This is America today and the authors who are addressing these issues should be commended for tackling ugly, depressing topics that no one really wants to think about much less read. But they do write about them and, generally, weave tales that are mesmerizing, if not utterly depressing and hopeless.
Silvis captures all of those feelings and more. He nails the characterization of the white male whose pride is gone, whose dreams are shattered and who turn instead to being the testosterone laden bully that many of us have come to know far too well. So why did the book fall short for me? It was, simply put, too dark, too depressing and too full of idiotic men doing incredibly inane things just because they are men. When we, as women, have to live with this type of stupidity day in and day out, when it is the fabric of our country right now, reading more of it is a strain; finding any redeemable quality on which to grasp and resonate was simply asking too much. I’m sick to death of these people in real life and I was sick of them in this book too. I honestly did not care one whit what happened to these three brothers and, when that is the case for any book character, there really is no point reading. I don’t expect happy endings, but I do expect to have some thread, regardless of how tenuous it may be, that will keep me involved. With First the Thunder, I never found that thread. For the record, I just finished Bone on Bone by Julia Keller that also is about the failing rust belt and mining towns gone bust. I highly recommend that book to those looking for books in this genre.
*I received an advanced ebook from the publisher via Netgalley. A review was expected in return.
May 19, 2019
Dark, moody, and compelling.
From the bestselling international acclaimed author, Randall Silvis comes another gripping tale of family, revenge, secrets, desperation, and the ties that bind—FIRST THE THUNDER. A powerful story of love and betrayal.
Silvis takes us to the Pennsylvania mining town (where he is from). You can feel the despair of this family. Their urgent need to right the wrong.
Harvey is the oldest, a truck driver for Jimmy Dean. Harvey is married to Jennalee and despises his brother-in-law, Kenny.
Two years younger, the middle brother Will is married to Laci, a photographer for the local newspaper and they have a daughter named Molly.
Will and Laci purchased a bar, and they live upstairs in a small cramped two-bedroom apartment. The business was not going well due to the economy and a major highway taking the business. The golf business did not turn out the way he planned.
Will and Laci did not want to move back to this town from West Virginia but the pull of his brothers brought them back and now Laci and Molly were trapped, and Will was too attached to his brothers. She is concerned. Molly would be headed off to college in four years and they needed money.
Laci could not live like this. She had an affair but knew she had to save her family before they were sinker further into depth and darkness by Will’s brothers. She has her own secrets.
Harvey was always a problem and seemed to be angry and bitter all the time. He typically went from job to job.
The younger brother Stevie works odd jobs as a handyman and helps out at the bar. After a childhood accident on the off everyone treats him like he was brain damaged. They try to protect him. The brothers are guilt-ridden.
Kenny Fulton, Jennalee’s brother, and Harvey do not get along. An old grudge is simmering. Harvey wanted rid of Kenny so badly he was willing to risk losing Jennalee. Will couldn't quite figure out this triangle his older brother was immersed in.
Laci wonders about this life she had married into and the brothers who shared secrets. She decides to take on extra work, photographing crime scenes to get an air conditioner for their hot apartment or as an escape from this life.
If you read Silvis’ The Indian, you will catch up with the vintage motorcycle. They were restoring it for three years and Harvey thought the old man wanted him to have it. He told him so. But he died. Kenny refuses to give it to him nor sell it to him.
Now there is nothing to prove this wish. Nothing on paper or none that he can locate. Was Kenny jealous of Harvey’s relationship with Kenny and Jennalee’s dad? Or is Harvey jealous of Jennalee’s relationship with her mother and brother? What is the source of continued conflict between the brothers-in-law?
From this point on, Harvey would not leave the topic alone. He was determined to get this motorcycle when he knew Kenny did not have passion for the bike. Harvey and Kenny soon are in a war over the bike.
Harvey begins to scheme and plan how to get this bike, obsessed. Of course, brings in his brothers to assist. However, things go wrong and the plan backfires. Will is caught in the middle with his brothers, Molly, and Laci.
Stevie would do anything for his brothers. The bond must never be broken.
Laci must get Will to sell the bar to get out of this town to have more opportunities for a better life, but soon she is caught up in this web of deception as well and the entire family secrets soon will be unraveled!
You can feel darkness lurking and a strong sense of foreboding. A tragedy occurs, and the secrets are revealed. Everyone is sucked in by the other's behavior. You feel the despair and the darkness and the yearning for a better life. But how far will they go to achieve them? There is a slow burning twist you do not anticipate as the suspense builds.
As I have stated many times, trust me, when you once read a Randall Silvis book, you will want to read and learn more. His writing is addictive, and he adds a new twist to literary suspense. You will fall in love with his inspiring lyrical "prose" and memorable characters. He possesses a rare talent of combining literary, suspense, mystery with a strong sense of place, and well-developed characters, who make you think and feel.
The author has a way of bringing out the darkness, humans in search of a better life, and due to greed, envy, desperation, revenge or other selfish motivations, they dig themselves further into a hole with dire consequences and there are no do-overs.
I first discovered the author when I read Two Days Gone Ryan DeMarco #1 (2017) and since then became immersed in this series: #2 Walking the Bones (2018) and #3 A Long Way Down (coming 6/4/2019).
Each book is captivating and unique. Another good one, Only the Rain (2018).
Look for my interview with the author, coming June 4 to learn more about this gifted author and his third in the Ryan DeMarco mystery series A LONG WAY DOWN I look forward to reading more of his essays and earlier works.
Enter a book giveaway contest: May 24-June 3 Enter Here US only (1 of 5) Paperback ARCs. A LONG WAY DOWN (coming June 4, 2019)
If you have not read this author, get started! Highly recommend his books. An excellent storyteller, rich in character and emotion! His characters are authentic and relatable and as a reader, you are fully engaged in his vivid settings.
A special thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.
For fans of Silvis' THE INDIAN.
#JDCMustReadBooks
From the bestselling international acclaimed author, Randall Silvis comes another gripping tale of family, revenge, secrets, desperation, and the ties that bind—FIRST THE THUNDER. A powerful story of love and betrayal.
Silvis takes us to the Pennsylvania mining town (where he is from). You can feel the despair of this family. Their urgent need to right the wrong.
Harvey is the oldest, a truck driver for Jimmy Dean. Harvey is married to Jennalee and despises his brother-in-law, Kenny.
Two years younger, the middle brother Will is married to Laci, a photographer for the local newspaper and they have a daughter named Molly.
Will and Laci purchased a bar, and they live upstairs in a small cramped two-bedroom apartment. The business was not going well due to the economy and a major highway taking the business. The golf business did not turn out the way he planned.
Will and Laci did not want to move back to this town from West Virginia but the pull of his brothers brought them back and now Laci and Molly were trapped, and Will was too attached to his brothers. She is concerned. Molly would be headed off to college in four years and they needed money.
Laci could not live like this. She had an affair but knew she had to save her family before they were sinker further into depth and darkness by Will’s brothers. She has her own secrets.
Harvey was always a problem and seemed to be angry and bitter all the time. He typically went from job to job.
The younger brother Stevie works odd jobs as a handyman and helps out at the bar. After a childhood accident on the off everyone treats him like he was brain damaged. They try to protect him. The brothers are guilt-ridden.
Kenny Fulton, Jennalee’s brother, and Harvey do not get along. An old grudge is simmering. Harvey wanted rid of Kenny so badly he was willing to risk losing Jennalee. Will couldn't quite figure out this triangle his older brother was immersed in.
Laci wonders about this life she had married into and the brothers who shared secrets. She decides to take on extra work, photographing crime scenes to get an air conditioner for their hot apartment or as an escape from this life.
If you read Silvis’ The Indian, you will catch up with the vintage motorcycle. They were restoring it for three years and Harvey thought the old man wanted him to have it. He told him so. But he died. Kenny refuses to give it to him nor sell it to him.
Now there is nothing to prove this wish. Nothing on paper or none that he can locate. Was Kenny jealous of Harvey’s relationship with Kenny and Jennalee’s dad? Or is Harvey jealous of Jennalee’s relationship with her mother and brother? What is the source of continued conflict between the brothers-in-law?
From this point on, Harvey would not leave the topic alone. He was determined to get this motorcycle when he knew Kenny did not have passion for the bike. Harvey and Kenny soon are in a war over the bike.
Harvey begins to scheme and plan how to get this bike, obsessed. Of course, brings in his brothers to assist. However, things go wrong and the plan backfires. Will is caught in the middle with his brothers, Molly, and Laci.
Stevie would do anything for his brothers. The bond must never be broken.
Laci must get Will to sell the bar to get out of this town to have more opportunities for a better life, but soon she is caught up in this web of deception as well and the entire family secrets soon will be unraveled!
You can feel darkness lurking and a strong sense of foreboding. A tragedy occurs, and the secrets are revealed. Everyone is sucked in by the other's behavior. You feel the despair and the darkness and the yearning for a better life. But how far will they go to achieve them? There is a slow burning twist you do not anticipate as the suspense builds.
As I have stated many times, trust me, when you once read a Randall Silvis book, you will want to read and learn more. His writing is addictive, and he adds a new twist to literary suspense. You will fall in love with his inspiring lyrical "prose" and memorable characters. He possesses a rare talent of combining literary, suspense, mystery with a strong sense of place, and well-developed characters, who make you think and feel.
The author has a way of bringing out the darkness, humans in search of a better life, and due to greed, envy, desperation, revenge or other selfish motivations, they dig themselves further into a hole with dire consequences and there are no do-overs.
I first discovered the author when I read Two Days Gone Ryan DeMarco #1 (2017) and since then became immersed in this series: #2 Walking the Bones (2018) and #3 A Long Way Down (coming 6/4/2019).
Each book is captivating and unique. Another good one, Only the Rain (2018).
Look for my interview with the author, coming June 4 to learn more about this gifted author and his third in the Ryan DeMarco mystery series A LONG WAY DOWN I look forward to reading more of his essays and earlier works.
Enter a book giveaway contest: May 24-June 3 Enter Here US only (1 of 5) Paperback ARCs. A LONG WAY DOWN (coming June 4, 2019)
If you have not read this author, get started! Highly recommend his books. An excellent storyteller, rich in character and emotion! His characters are authentic and relatable and as a reader, you are fully engaged in his vivid settings.
A special thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.
For fans of Silvis' THE INDIAN.
#JDCMustReadBooks
September 22, 2020
Terrific stand-alone character study from Silvis about family and the ties that bind. Three brothers trying to cope with the varying disappointments in their lives while the world around them keeps turning, trying to keep their families together despite the pressures building each and every day. Each of these characters has a subtle depth to them and the story moves along with well-written prose. Silvis is one of the better authors out there right now and deserves much more recognition. His Ryan DeMarco series is top-notch. If you haven't read any of his books, you should really start. 4.5 stars. Highly recommended.
October 16, 2018
I was excited to have the opportunity to obtain an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book on NetGalley.
FIRST THE THUNDER is the story of three brothers, who live in a town hit hard by economic downfall. Will, the middle brother, worked hard in the strip mines to save up to buy a bar so he could own his own business. A business that slowly sucks the money and joy out of his life. In order to make ends meet, his wife brings in extra cash by shooting crime scene photos. A job, which proves to be emotionally devastating. Harvey, the oldest, has a great job and adores his wife, but resents her constant need to spend most of her free time with her mother and brother. Stevie, the youngest, was never quite right after a childhood accident. He lives in a trailer and does odd jobs. The brothers work together to avenge a wrong. In the process, a secret is revealed and all of their lives are forever changed.
The book examines the deep bond and natural tension between siblings. Each brother has a different approach to life, yet similarities between them abound. Harvey is easily angered as is Will when he feels protective of his young daughter. There are glimpses of Stevie’s happy-go-lucky attitude in Will as he fantasizes about traveling the world with his family. All three men share a love of women.
Everyone has dreams, but must settle for whatever life brings. Reality relentlessly pummels the brothers. They go round after round, until the inevitable knockout punch comes.
The characters are authentic, and full of the blessings and curses of humanity. Like all of Silvis’s stories, FIRST THE THUNDER is full of lush prose, providing the perfect balance between a literary work and a thriller novel.
FIRST THE THUNDER is the story of three brothers, who live in a town hit hard by economic downfall. Will, the middle brother, worked hard in the strip mines to save up to buy a bar so he could own his own business. A business that slowly sucks the money and joy out of his life. In order to make ends meet, his wife brings in extra cash by shooting crime scene photos. A job, which proves to be emotionally devastating. Harvey, the oldest, has a great job and adores his wife, but resents her constant need to spend most of her free time with her mother and brother. Stevie, the youngest, was never quite right after a childhood accident. He lives in a trailer and does odd jobs. The brothers work together to avenge a wrong. In the process, a secret is revealed and all of their lives are forever changed.
The book examines the deep bond and natural tension between siblings. Each brother has a different approach to life, yet similarities between them abound. Harvey is easily angered as is Will when he feels protective of his young daughter. There are glimpses of Stevie’s happy-go-lucky attitude in Will as he fantasizes about traveling the world with his family. All three men share a love of women.
Everyone has dreams, but must settle for whatever life brings. Reality relentlessly pummels the brothers. They go round after round, until the inevitable knockout punch comes.
The characters are authentic, and full of the blessings and curses of humanity. Like all of Silvis’s stories, FIRST THE THUNDER is full of lush prose, providing the perfect balance between a literary work and a thriller novel.
October 28, 2018
First the Thunder is the first book I have read by Randall Silvis and I am glad I did. This thought provoking thrill was a good read centering around three brothers. I enjoyed the characters, the storyline and the unraveling of secrets throughout. I look forward to reading more by this author
June 7, 2021
3.5 I had a hard time trying to decide how to rate this book. At the end, I liked the book and the writing was good but it was pretty slow, not boring but just didn't seem to have a plot until about half way through. I will say the writing reminded me of Richard Russo with a mystery/thriller ending.
November 4, 2018
This book. This is why I read -- in hope of finding a story peopled with interesting, complex, believable characters, who are confronted with events that test them to their marrow. First the Thunder may not be a typical thriller, but the sense of dread intensified from very early in the book, as we follow Will, a bar owner in a declining town, his wife and daughter and his two brothers through a few fateful days in their unexceptional lives.
The complications of love -- between siblings, spouses, and parents and children -- are central to Randall Silvis' story. The characters' relationship to money (having it or not) is also paramount. The writing is spare yet lovely.
But back to that dread: we know that something chilling is ahead for Will's extended family. How horrifying it will be, and who will survive it -- Randall Silvis handled these elements so skillfully. I'm now on a search for the rest of his books.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
The complications of love -- between siblings, spouses, and parents and children -- are central to Randall Silvis' story. The characters' relationship to money (having it or not) is also paramount. The writing is spare yet lovely.
But back to that dread: we know that something chilling is ahead for Will's extended family. How horrifying it will be, and who will survive it -- Randall Silvis handled these elements so skillfully. I'm now on a search for the rest of his books.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
November 26, 2018
Randall Silvis is an author’s author. Those who write for a living (or aspire to do so) could hardly do better than to study his significant body of work, which has been critically acclaimed and recognized throughout the world. His straightforward storytelling style does not meander or wander, yet he gently nudges readers into the story that takes place off the printed page. While there is occasional violence in his work, it is neither gratuitous nor does he rely on it to move the narrative through otherwise transitory passages. Instead, it is sharp characterization in real-world settings that immerses us in a novel that demands to be read.
That brings us to FIRST THE THUNDER, a slow-boiling yet fast-moving rustbelt thriller that doesn’t have a lot of moving parts and doesn’t need them. The book’s basic thread is provided by three brothers living in a small Pennsylvania town that has seen much better days. Stevie, the youngest, scrabbles through life picking up unskilled jobs. He is regarded as somewhat mentally deficient and treated as such, due to an accident in his early teens, but is actually more plagued by underachievement occasioned by low expectations than anything else. He is quite content to go through life working odd jobs by day and eating pizza at night.
Will, the middle brother, owns a bar that he envisioned would provide him with a comfortable living with minimal effort. He is wrong on both counts. The bar barely covers its own expenses, forcing his wife, Laci, to support the family (including their teenage daughter) by working as a newspaper and police department photographer.
Harvey, the oldest, runs a sales and delivery route for a sausage company and makes a good living while being married to Jennalee, the woman of his dreams. He should be the happiest of the three (at least on paper) but is far from it. His brother-in-law, Kelly, used to be his best friend, but a series of incidents, most of which Harvey will not discuss, upended their relationship. He appears to be angry primarily over a vintage Indian motorcycle Kelly is selling that he believes rightfully belongs to him.
The first half of the book is devoted to setting the mood of this piece, and a wondrous first half it is, as Harvey’s anger grows and he draws his brothers into a vague plan of revenge. A plot is hatched and carried out, but its execution happens to reveal a longstanding secret, which in turn ripples through the small community where the brothers have lived their entire lives. The cataclysmic results are by turns tragic and uplifting, as an unintentional sacrifice leads to unexpected redemption, at least for some involved.
FIRST THE THUNDER is an impressive work --- one of this year’s best --- by an author who never disappoints. Set aside a long evening and start reading. You won’t want to stop, even as you reach the end of the story.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
That brings us to FIRST THE THUNDER, a slow-boiling yet fast-moving rustbelt thriller that doesn’t have a lot of moving parts and doesn’t need them. The book’s basic thread is provided by three brothers living in a small Pennsylvania town that has seen much better days. Stevie, the youngest, scrabbles through life picking up unskilled jobs. He is regarded as somewhat mentally deficient and treated as such, due to an accident in his early teens, but is actually more plagued by underachievement occasioned by low expectations than anything else. He is quite content to go through life working odd jobs by day and eating pizza at night.
Will, the middle brother, owns a bar that he envisioned would provide him with a comfortable living with minimal effort. He is wrong on both counts. The bar barely covers its own expenses, forcing his wife, Laci, to support the family (including their teenage daughter) by working as a newspaper and police department photographer.
Harvey, the oldest, runs a sales and delivery route for a sausage company and makes a good living while being married to Jennalee, the woman of his dreams. He should be the happiest of the three (at least on paper) but is far from it. His brother-in-law, Kelly, used to be his best friend, but a series of incidents, most of which Harvey will not discuss, upended their relationship. He appears to be angry primarily over a vintage Indian motorcycle Kelly is selling that he believes rightfully belongs to him.
The first half of the book is devoted to setting the mood of this piece, and a wondrous first half it is, as Harvey’s anger grows and he draws his brothers into a vague plan of revenge. A plot is hatched and carried out, but its execution happens to reveal a longstanding secret, which in turn ripples through the small community where the brothers have lived their entire lives. The cataclysmic results are by turns tragic and uplifting, as an unintentional sacrifice leads to unexpected redemption, at least for some involved.
FIRST THE THUNDER is an impressive work --- one of this year’s best --- by an author who never disappoints. Set aside a long evening and start reading. You won’t want to stop, even as you reach the end of the story.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
April 2, 2019
Went No Where . . .
I had to revise my review. The more I think about this book the more I realize what a waste of my time. Ten days for me to get through it.
First of all Harvey was a stupid man. He really loved his wife even though he knew she was unfaithful and when he found out for certain it was true and the sick part was with her brother. Yep, her brother. Any normal male would of just flown the coop. He had a good job in a dead end town, he could of started over. I am sure there were enough women in that depressing town to have a family he wanted. Just walk away. He knew from an early age his wife's family was sick. It was too unbelievable that someone could be so stupid.
Will was another dumbass. Really, your bar is a flop. Get out and get a job with your brother. Stop whining. His wife Laci another unlikable character. She cheats and has no guilt about it. She claims she loves her husband, really?
Stevie has mental issues from a fall or was born that way. He has an affair with his older teacher from his schools years. Really a bunch of sickos. But to be fair regarding Stevie, he was the most normal one.
This book was just plain depressing about life . Do not waste your time. The ending was unsatisfying.
I had to revise my review. The more I think about this book the more I realize what a waste of my time. Ten days for me to get through it.
First of all Harvey was a stupid man. He really loved his wife even though he knew she was unfaithful and when he found out for certain it was true and the sick part was with her brother. Yep, her brother. Any normal male would of just flown the coop. He had a good job in a dead end town, he could of started over. I am sure there were enough women in that depressing town to have a family he wanted. Just walk away. He knew from an early age his wife's family was sick. It was too unbelievable that someone could be so stupid.
Will was another dumbass. Really, your bar is a flop. Get out and get a job with your brother. Stop whining. His wife Laci another unlikable character. She cheats and has no guilt about it. She claims she loves her husband, really?
Stevie has mental issues from a fall or was born that way. He has an affair with his older teacher from his schools years. Really a bunch of sickos. But to be fair regarding Stevie, he was the most normal one.
This book was just plain depressing about life . Do not waste your time. The ending was unsatisfying.
March 19, 2020
Thank you Goodreads. First the thunder then can follow a refreshing spring or summer shower, or a good soaking rain to raise our crops, or a deluge bringing floods and landslides and devastation. Thunder in one's heart or mind can also bring devastation. Three quite different brothers loved each other but never really learned to communicate. They lived in a dying small mining town in Pennsylvania. The oldest was crazy in love and worked hard to give everything she wanted to his wife who was the most beautiful woman in town. The middle had a solid, loving marriage and daughter and struggled to keep his bar afloat, his wife supplementing their income as a reporter and photographer. Unfortunately, the sweet youngest one had suffered brain damage when the friend of the eldest dared him to jump off the roof, a feat he was too small to accomplish. The thunder of ill-advised behavior, schemes, and actions can lead to terrible and unfixable consequences. Some descriptive scenes are very hard to take but I recommend the book.
November 16, 2018
"People die, Merle said, “and then they’re out of this mess. The rest of us have to keep dealing with it, though. The best way we know how. That’s Act 4. It all takes place behind the curtain.”
I've not read this author before, pleased to have discovered him. His writing is exceptional. A dark, depressing, emotional story about 3 brothers living (surviving?) In their slowly dying hometown.
What I loved about this book was the authenticity of the Male voice dealing with and processing (or not) highly emotional, volatile topics.
I received, and so happy I did, this book from a Goodreads Giveaway.
I've not read this author before, pleased to have discovered him. His writing is exceptional. A dark, depressing, emotional story about 3 brothers living (surviving?) In their slowly dying hometown.
What I loved about this book was the authenticity of the Male voice dealing with and processing (or not) highly emotional, volatile topics.
I received, and so happy I did, this book from a Goodreads Giveaway.
August 5, 2024
I find myself wondering why Mr Silvis isnt more famous than he is. In my opinion, he belongs right up there with Hemingway, Faulkner, and every other highly regarded author I’ve ever read. His prose are sublime, his stories are authentic, and the emotions that his characters reveal resonate on a deep, spiritual level. He has a unique ability to touch every nerve with truth. Perhaps that's the problem. I know plenty of people who shy away from the truth...who can't handle the truth...But not me. I yearn for it. I cannot thank him enough for sharing his perspective and stirring me on such a profound level. Thank you, thank you Mr Silvis.🤓
November 6, 2018
First the Thunder by Randall Silvis
Three brothers and family drama in a depressing story that includes cheating, murder, suicide and then trying to pick up the pieces ~ I never really got into the story and had trouble relating to any of the characters. I think I had hoped for something a bit different and though not a book that I tend to gravitate to see that some truly loved this realistic look into the lives of people wading through difficult times.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.
2-3 Stars
Three brothers and family drama in a depressing story that includes cheating, murder, suicide and then trying to pick up the pieces ~ I never really got into the story and had trouble relating to any of the characters. I think I had hoped for something a bit different and though not a book that I tend to gravitate to see that some truly loved this realistic look into the lives of people wading through difficult times.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.
2-3 Stars
December 3, 2018
Got to 29% and couldn’t finish. So many things wrong. Was this really the plot? Get even with someone because the didn’t give you a motorcycle? I listened to this on audiobook. The narrator’s voice was so intriguing but it was so anticlimactic that I couldn’t take it seriously. I’d love to hear that it got better! I hate giving up on books! But I just couldn’t stomach this “nothing” plot any longer! You’ve been warned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2018
Interesting story about family dynamics.
It was a fast read which I liked for my phone. I got caught up in the differences in the brothers and their struggles in life. Yet when push came to shove they did what they could to protect one another unselfishly. It was nice to see how Will and Molly finally formed a bond at the end. Will needed that to help him and his family to continue on.
It was a fast read which I liked for my phone. I got caught up in the differences in the brothers and their struggles in life. Yet when push came to shove they did what they could to protect one another unselfishly. It was nice to see how Will and Molly finally formed a bond at the end. Will needed that to help him and his family to continue on.
February 21, 2019
This stand-alone novel had a long setup, leaving me wondering where it was going. However, I enjoy Silvis's writing style, so I was willing to stay with the story until the 'something bad' happened. I was left feeling incredibly sad for the brothers in this tale. The latter half of the book includes a clever murder scene which leaves the investigators stymied as they try to figue out what happened. Felt a tiny bit like a Coen brothers tale!
April 4, 2019
I want to thank the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book through Goodreads' giveaway program.
First the Thunder is the first book I have read by Randall Silvis and I am glad I did. This book about three brothers, their families, problems and secrets. Secrets you may not believe. This thought provoking thriller was a great read. The twists and turns will keep you on your toes all the way to the end.
First the Thunder is the first book I have read by Randall Silvis and I am glad I did. This book about three brothers, their families, problems and secrets. Secrets you may not believe. This thought provoking thriller was a great read. The twists and turns will keep you on your toes all the way to the end.
July 3, 2019
The man's point of view
Excellent writing. Brilliant storyline and characters the readers really get to know. This novel, even more than the preceding novel in this series, told the story from a man's emotional perspective, in a way I've never read elsewhere. I'm glad to see this author has written several novels. I've read the two in this series and hope his other books are as good. Very talented writer.
Excellent writing. Brilliant storyline and characters the readers really get to know. This novel, even more than the preceding novel in this series, told the story from a man's emotional perspective, in a way I've never read elsewhere. I'm glad to see this author has written several novels. I've read the two in this series and hope his other books are as good. Very talented writer.
October 31, 2018
What happens when economic prosperity comes to a halt? That's the dilemma facing these brothers- Harvey, Stevie, and Will. They each have different pressures and are in different spots in their lives but they are each affected by a bad decision. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Dark and in many ways quite sad.
December 18, 2018
Overall it was a well-written and thought provoking story. It did take me a very long time to become interested in the book. I was over half-way through before I was interested enough to not put it down. But, once the story line really started moving I did enjoy the book and found the characters to be relatable in one way or another. I would recommend this to others.
January 25, 2019
Slow start
Took a while for it to become interesting. Strange twists and turns in the family. Made you believe they were all incapable of moving forward. Brother and sister were sick and twisted. Poor Harvey was a broken man. With Harvey’s death Stevie and Will are able to crawl out from the poverty. Last few chapters became riveting and was unable to put it down.
Took a while for it to become interesting. Strange twists and turns in the family. Made you believe they were all incapable of moving forward. Brother and sister were sick and twisted. Poor Harvey was a broken man. With Harvey’s death Stevie and Will are able to crawl out from the poverty. Last few chapters became riveting and was unable to put it down.
December 6, 2018
My first novel written by Randall Silva, very in depth characters and many twists and turns. Not a fast read for me, but one that by the middle I didn’t want to put down. I’m impressed enough with Mr Silas works to purchase another of his works, seems I may be a fan.
December 8, 2018
First the Thunder
A very well written story. A family secret can often come to life causing a multitude of new wish to be handled. This story goes from the tormenting of a younger brother to a family paying for its sins.
A very well written story. A family secret can often come to life causing a multitude of new wish to be handled. This story goes from the tormenting of a younger brother to a family paying for its sins.
February 6, 2019
Still trying to figure out the title...
A very bizarre tale filled with too much sex and a convoluted plot line. Harvey, Will and Stevie have nice lives, Hard lives. Not sure there was an ending....
A very bizarre tale filled with too much sex and a convoluted plot line. Harvey, Will and Stevie have nice lives, Hard lives. Not sure there was an ending....
October 28, 2019
GoodReads Giveaway Winner
I enjoyed the book because I could relate to a small town, and all the drama and twisted relationships that can bloom from such toxic situations. It seemed to run-on at a few points, but other than that, I was lost in the story.
I enjoyed the book because I could relate to a small town, and all the drama and twisted relationships that can bloom from such toxic situations. It seemed to run-on at a few points, but other than that, I was lost in the story.
November 24, 2022
I won the Kindle version of this book in the Goodreads giveaway, however, I haven't received the book yet. Upon receiving and reading it, I will definitely edit this review. Sorry for putting this here, but I didn't see other options to contact someone regarding this issue.
November 19, 2018
I was interested in this book because it was set in rust-belt Pennsylvania where I grew up. I was lucky enough to have won an e-copy of the book. The book is focused upon three brothers whose lives are less-than-picture-perfect. The book deals with issues of limited opportunities, family ties and history, and the consequences of poor life choices.
November 18, 2018
Good read
Took awhile to get into this book but when I did I loved it the story the lives and how it played out is good
Took awhile to get into this book but when I did I loved it the story the lives and how it played out is good
January 19, 2019
Liked the characters. Felt the story left some unanswered questions, could have gone deeper in my opinion.
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