David Gemmell, Troy: Shield of Thunder

Troy: Shield of Thunder

David Gemmell

Ballantine, Apr 2007, $25.95

ISBN: 0345477014

Helen resides inside the safe walls of Troy under the protection of her husband Menelaus. Her former lover Paris fumes helplessly, outraged by his beloved being in the arms of another. Meanwhile, using the rescuing of Helen as a ploy, King Agamemnon of Mycenae begins to gather armies and a thousand ships to sail across the Great Green Sea with plans to invade Ilium so he can loot and destroy the great city of Troy. King Priam of Troy prepares his city for the war by arranging a marriage between his son Hektor and Princess Andromache of Thebe as he anticipates the Greek siege that he feels he can outlast until his new marital ally arrives to help him; Priam also believes the Princess will one day bear the legendary Eagle Child monarch and so having her inside the walls adds to his confidence of survival.

Across the Great Green Sea, men seeking to become heroes or running away from troubles merge under Agamemnon's banner. However, strange bedfellows arise when Priam debases King Odysseus of Ithaka, who planned to remain out of the war. Insulted, Odysseus leads his mighty military, joining Agamemnon's assault on Troy as the war ignites on the Plains of Ilium.

The second Troy thriller, as did its precedent (see TROY: LORD OF THE SILVER BOW), pays homage to Homer, but also to talented author David Gemmell who passed away recently. Mr. Gemmell provides a deep look at the legendary figures involved in the tale of Helen of Troy as he gets behind the scenes to "expose" those who used her to launch the thousand ships. The tale remains true to its Ancient Greek roots, yet has a modern day feel to it as political intrigue and avarice become key motivators. As with the Lord of the Silver Bow, Shield of Thunder is a superb rendition of a classic that can be read without the first story, but clearly builds on the saga of Troy as Mr. Gemmell provides a fitting tribute as a great legends teller.

Harriet Klausner