This book is touching, deeply moving, with a profound reflection on life.
The story, the characters, the settings — everything is described with remarkable skill.
We are drawn into this world from the very first lines, completely captivated.
The characters are well-developed and incredibly endearing.
Congratulations to the author for this brilliantly accomplished first volume.

I was surprised — and absolutely delighted — by the tone of this story.
It truly feels like listening to an old-fashioned oral tale, told by a storyteller who witnessed much of what happened. He guides us through the story of Athanor and Anna, Athanor’s quest for vengeance, and the quest for the Thunder Bird.

“Athanor: The Legend of the Thunder Eagle” by Thierry Joubert is like a mythological road trip set in 652 BC—no GPS, and with a bunch of capricious gods as backseat drivers.
From page one, you’re swept into a richly woven universe where Greek and Celtic mythologies collide in a kind of legendary Molotov cocktail. Heads up: it’s heavy, it’s poetic, and at times, downright terrifying (special shoutout to the haunted forests, where the trees probably judge you in silence).

The sacred Thunder-Eagle—guardian of balance and local weather rockstar—has vanished. And boom, in comes Athanor. Think tortured hero vibes: mourning, pain, and a beard as wild as his broken heart. He embarks on a desperate quest to find the Thunder-Eagle… and maybe save the world while he’s at it.

But this isn’t your average “retrieve the magic item and save the day” adventure. This is a true introspective journey, with epic brawls and the occasional existential crisis thrown in. Athanor faces mythical beasts, terrifying mortals (looking at you, ancient corrupt politicians), and even the gods themselves—who, spoiler alert, aren’t the nicest bunch. Between Greek gods treating mortal lives like snack food and grumpy Celtic spirits, it’s fair to wonder whether it’s all worth the trouble.

The cultural clash between Greeks and Celts? Picture a family dinner where two generations go head-to-head: the Greeks, always ready for philosophical debates, and the Celts, deep in sacred groves and shamanic visions. Joubert doesn’t just show us their differences—he cleverly explores their shared struggles (hint: everyone’s really good at making life complicated).

What hit me hardest were the characters. Athanor, with his questionable decisions and heartbreaking vulnerability. And Smérix, the shaman—kind of a spiritual ancestor of Gandalf, but more mysterious and without the “You shall not pass!” drama. Smérix is the moral compass of the story: he’ll point you in the right direction but won’t stop you from faceplanting into your own mistakes—because “that’s how we learn, kid.”

The story is rooted in ancient myth, but its heart beats with modern relevance. Protecting nature? Searching for meaning in a chaotic world? Yeah, this book tackles the big stuff, wrapped in legend and adventure that remind us how timeless human questions really are.

And let’s talk about the writing. Thierry Joubert’s prose is nothing short of gorgeous—poetic when it needs to be, sharp when it counts. He’ll have you laughing one moment and tearing up the next. Some passages gutted me. Others held me breathless. A few made me chuckle, because even gods, it turns out, can have a wicked sense of humor.

Bottom line? “Athanor: The Legend of the Thunder Eagle” is an epic adventure with everything you want: stunning landscapes, mythological showdowns, annoying gods, and a hero you’ll both cheer for—and yell at. A masterful work for anyone looking to dive into a poetic, gripping, and delightfully hair-raising tale.

What an incredible story Athanor’s is.
He lived through so much that it would take several lifetimes to experience his full journey. Though, to be honest, I don’t envy his destiny at all.

I truly enjoyed the clash of cultures. The encounter between two great civilizations is no small thing. Let’s admit it—both the Celts and the Greeks are seriously impressive peoples. At least, I’ve always found them fascinating. Maybe it’s because I’ve always had a deep affection for both of these cultures.

I have to say, the little game between two of the gods made me smile—even if it’s at the expense of the common folk. And the myth of the Thunder-Eagle was absolutely thrilling to follow.

There were definitely moments that made me cry. I admit it—I’m a very emotional person, but even so, there was good reason to be moved. The author really knew how to hit where it hurts. So just imagine—if we as readers felt the pain that deeply, what must the characters have gone through? It must have been torture…

Honestly, the author is extremely talented, because I couldn’t put the book down. I had to know what happened next. I couldn’t be left hanging in mystery.

So I want to thank Thierry Joubert for his incredible retelling of Smérix’s memories. And I truly hope I’ll get the chance to hear him tell us the legends of Amage and Lygdamis too—I’m very curious now!

Dear readers, do you love Greek and Celtic mythology? Are you drawn to epic adventures? Then wait no more and dive into the story of Athanor: The Legend of the Thunder Eagle. You’re in for a magnificent journey.

I especially love the way the author describes the landscapes, the characters, and the heroes’ emotions with such care and precision.
It’s a beautiful and captivating story, filled with endearing characters and plenty of twists and turns.
I'm diving back in!

I went on a beautiful journey with The Legend of the Thunder Eagle.
A captivating story that took me through history as well as ancient myths and legends.
Only downside: the sequel isn’t out yet!

I devoured this novel...
A fantastic journey through different mythologies, revealed from a whole new perspective. Between action, mystery, and depth, this story completely swept me away.

A must-read for fans of historical and epic fantasy.

And the cherry on top? There’s something for everyone... but I won’t say more!

An amazing book that fully met my expectations...
This novel keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end!

What a wonderful discovery for me.

I was drawn into the story right from the first pages, and the tale really gives you something to reflect on — about the mystery of life and our reason for being...

I highly recommend this novel!

Athanor: The Legend of the Thunder Eagle draws us into a universe rich with ancient myths and legends. The author succeeds in weaving an epic plot, where each character brings their own unique color to this fascinating adventure. The descriptions of landscapes and fantastic creatures are vivid and evocative, creating an immersive atmosphere that quickly pulls the reader into this mysterious world.

However, the complexity of the plot can sometimes affect the fluidity of the reading experience. The numerous characters and plot twists require particular attention, and some passages might feel a bit too dense for readers less familiar with the genre. Additionally, certain references to ancient legends lack explanation, which may leave those unfamiliar with these myths feeling a little lost.

All in all, this is an adventure that will delight fans of fantasy and epic tales, but it does require a certain level of commitment from the reader. Despite a few moments of confusion, the fascinating world-building and the profound themes explored make Athanor a worthwhile read for those who enjoy diving into the legends of the past. A promising start to what looks to be an exciting saga.

"A very well-written and truly captivating novel. I can’t wait to read the next ones!"