The Spirit of Thunder

The Fallen Cloud Saga #2

by Kurt R.A. Giambastiani

In an alternate history of the American West, the battle between the U.S. government and the nations of the Cheyenne Alliance takes a bizarre turn when George Custer, Jr., the only son of President Custer, falls into the hands of the Cheyenne and decides to fight with them against the armies of his father. Original.

Genres: Alternate History, Steampunk, Fantasy, Fiction

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Kurt R.A. Giambastiani is the author of nine novels, including the acclaimed alternate history series, The Fallen Cloud Saga. He is known for blending genres in his novels, and for strong historical and cultural detail.

Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, he studied music at SFSU and at the Rubin Academy in Jerusalem, Israel. He played viola for many years in orchestras and chamber groups, until he took up writing in the early '90s. Kurt now lives in Seattle, where he works as a software developer and blogs about writing and living in the Pacific Northwest.

When not working or writing, he likes to cook, garden, and repair antique clocks and pocketwatches.

Reviews

[Debbie is on Storygraph · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more I see of this world Giambastiani has created, the more I want to never leave it. The characters are wonderfully crafted and I love all the 'what-ifs' that he deals with. The plot heats up in the second book in the series and this book is much stronger than the first. Though President Custer is still not much of a sympathetic character, there are hints that he cares very much for George and despite all the political grandstanding, he is still at heart a father who misses his son. George continues to grow in his understanding of his adopted people and gets a taste of just what he must have been like when he first met the Indians with the introduction of a new character, Vincent, whose knowledge of gold-mining allows him access into the Unorganized Territories, and the Cheyenne peoples' home. Vincent's role in betraying George will, I suspect, be played out in future books. I look forward to reading the other two books in the series that are currently out, and for any others that Giambastiani will write in the future.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up where the first book left off and didn't miss a beat. #3 wasn't out yet when I finished this one, or the beat would have just gone on... Highly recommend.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in Giambastiani's Fallen Cloud saga. So far, I am loving this alternative history series. It is based on General George Custer surviving the Battle of Little Bighorn and is now President of the United States. His son, George Jr. was in a dirigible crash while flying over Cheyenne territory in the previous book. Now, he decides to fight, side by side, with the Cheyenne people - against the US army/government. When I picked up the first book (Fallen Cloud), I thought is was very far fetched that, instead of horses, the Cheyenne people road dinosaur creatures. But, Giambastiani made it work and now I am hooked on the storyline and the characters. If you liked Dances with Wolves, you may enjoy this story as well. Looking forward to reading the 3rd book - The Shadow of the Storm.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

2025 reread, 4.5 stars

The next installment in Giambastiani's Fallen Cloud Saga, The Spirit of Thunder contains the same great storytelling, writing style, and culture as its predecessor. I loved this book, remembering some from reading a few years ago but happily surprised again by the rest! I can't wait to dig into book 3 again!

[Matt D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book. It's a rather interesting twist, even for an alternative history novel. Giambastiani makes the characters come to life so vividly, and weaves such a fantastic story that I hate to think there are only two books left in this series.

[Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for number 3 to come in

[Mark Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The follow-up to "The Year the Cloud Fell!