Review of Thunder Game (GhostWalker #20) by Christine Feehan
From the moment I cracked open Thunder Game, I anticipated the thrill and action characteristic of Christine Feehan’s GhostWalker series. The ghosts of team dynamics and psychic powers always kept me on my toes. As a long-time reader of the series, I was eager to see how Feehan would weave the elements of action, suspense, and the complex nuances of mental health into the narrative. However, I found myself hoping for more—as it turns out, not all installments in a beloved series hit the mark.
A Deep Dive into Mental Health
Thunder Game centers around Diego, one of the series’ endearing characters. This installment feels more like a heartfelt exploration of his struggles with self-worth and the ghosts of his past than a high-stakes mission. While I genuinely appreciate the importance of mental health in storytelling, the book hovered far too long in Diego’s memories of childhood trauma rather than picking up on the action I crave. The repetitive nature of revisiting Diego’s history with characters like Luther Gutherie and his brother Rubin starts to feel exhausting. It raises potent questions, but the pacing suffers in the process.
Some might argue that the emotional depth enriches character development, but for me, it detracted from the pulse-pounding thrill of the GhostWalker experience. The slow build ultimately felt disconnected from the franchise I’ve come to adore.
A Puzzle of Relationships
Diego’s interactions with Layla and her family add a new layer to the story. While she’s referred to as his “warrior woman,” it seemed like their instant attraction was skimmed over, lacking the depth and authentic connection that powers earlier books. The forced nature of their relationship, compounded with a lack of gripping action, made it hard for me to fully invest in their story. The idea of psychic surgeries remains fascinating, yet confusing—it’s one of those concepts that might require multiple reads to even begin to grasp.
The occasional appearance of familiar faces like Ezekiel and Mordecai offered some excitement, but even that felt overshadowed by bureaucratic proceedings. I expected a fierce showdown rather than a dialogue reminiscent of a congressional hearing. The latter section finally brought us into action, but it felt like a patchwork without the wholesome rhythm I’ve come to cherish in Feehan’s novels.
Overall Impressions
Thunder Game marks a rare misstep for me in the GhostWalker series—a collective sigh over what could have been. I rated it a humble 2.5 stars, a departure from the glowing reviews I’ve given previous titles. If you’re a die-hard fan eager for deeper character insights, you might find solace in its themes. But if you, like me, pick up a GhostWalker book with the expectation of a gripping, action-fueled adventure, you might want to temper your expectations.
In closing, while this story fell flat for me personally, I can see its appeal to readers interested in a slower, more contemplative take on the character dynamics. As I closed the final page, I found myself reflecting on the balance between character exploration and maintaining the high stakes that usually define this thrilling franchise. Here’s hoping the next installment swings us back into the exhilarating embrace of danger, romance, and intrigue that made the earlier books so captivating!
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