Thunder Girl

By: T. K. Arispe

Narrated by: Benjamin Fife

Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

All Cat wanted was an ordinary summer internship at the American Museum of Natural History. But when the fossils on display command her to use an ancient amulet to restore balance to the sacred lands out West, she and her robot companion Hermes find themselves journeying across an alternate-history 1890s America to set things right in the Native States.

If that wasn’t enough, a powerful railroad tycoon also wants the amulet - which is rumored to be cursed.

With danger always at their heels, can Cat and Hermes make it to the sacred lands and fulfill the fossils' quest?

From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the untouched plains of the West, one thing is clear: Cat’s summer will be anything but ordinary in this fun-filled, slightly nerdy steampunk fantasy Western.

©2019 T. K. Arispe (P)2021 T. K. Arispe

Creative and original

I was very surprised by this book. I was just not sure how all of these random elements could come together into a cohesive story. But they did and I enjoyed it.

The first strange element was the thunder stone that brings fossilized animals back to life. It was very mystical and was enough on it's own to hold it he story. But add a niece robot and you have steampunk gold.

Then there was the addition of Iapetus, the grandson of Frankenstein's monster. I was blown away, how it's this a thing? But it worked. it was an easy transition from Frankenstein to adding a werewolf.

The only part that didn't work was when the robot brought up evolution, and it was too much. You don't get to have native spirits, magic stones, gothic monsters, and evolution. No. one of these things is not like the others. Thankfully I'm a Christian so I'm already use to tuning out all mentions of evolution.

Anyway, I really did love this book, the humor, the quirky characters, and especially the narrator.

Benjamin Fife is a brilliant narrator. He does all the voices and even adds a tiny effect when he does the robot's voice.

If you are looking for something different, and clever then this is the he book you need.

Fun Mix of Dinosaurs, Fantasy, Sci-fi & Steam Punk

I really enjoyed the historical side of this and I could see this being a great read for those that love paleontology. It starts with a girl working at a museum along side a paleontologist robot and she gets thrust on an adventure to help the Native Americans. Her amulet brings fossils to life to help her on her journey so there's lots of information and learning that takes place. If anything there were times in the story that it did feel a little too informative or instructional but overall I did really enjoy the book. This is a clean read and I would place it as an elementary read 2nd-3rd grade and up and definitely recommend for the dinosaur enthusiast.

The narrator did a wonderful job with all the characters voices, acting, and made the story more fun to listen to.

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Imagination runs wild in this awesome adventure!

Thunder Girl takes place in an American alternate history steampunk setting where Native American tribes oversee the western states, technology is both behind reality and advanced beyond it, and fantasy creatures are real! The setting is so creative and alive, it demands to be adventured in, and author T.K. Arispe is up to the challenge! What results are escapades in continually fresh and imaginative settings, filled with great twists, charming friendship, palpable danger and touching morality. The writing on display here is appropriately descriptive of the various wonders, but never hangs too long; the author knows how to keep the story flowing! Everything is paced to both keep the reader's interest and make sure not to lose them! Mr. Benjamin Fife, the narrator for the audiobook version, must have had fun with this story! He keeps pace with the events very well, and skillfully differentiates between the cast with different tones, accents, and even voice filters where necessary! If not for the narrative denoting who was speaking (as it must, by necessity), then listeners would easily be able to tell who is speaking simply by listening to Mr. Fife's performance! Bravo! With well-researched facts about American history, an inspired dose of fantasy and sci-fi, and a story that knows exactly what it wants to do, Thunder Girl enters the market and reminds readers and authors alike what a healthy imagination can do! Pick this book up and move it right to the front of your queue - and while you're at it, follow the author, because I can tell you from experience that all of her work is this great!

A fun cozy story by a wonderful narrator

This was such a fun and wholesome book. Set in an alternate history of the United States in the late 1800s, with robots and various supernatural beings, Cat works at the American Museum of Natural History. While cataloging some new items for the museum, she discovers an amulet which is far more than a simple amulet.

When the amulet awakens, she is suddenly placed on a quest to go to the sacred lands identified. Simple, right? It sure seems that way, for all of about 10 minutes. First, she is approached by a gentleman wanting to purchase the amulet. She refuses. Then she is chased by a monster. And then, when trying to begin her trip, some henchmen falsely accuse her of stealing the amulet and set a mob and a spark-gun-wielding machine after her. And that's in only the first couple chapters. LOL.

If you like historical steampunk fantasy with a wholesome feel, then you should really give this book a try. Cat is such a nice character - not quite Polyanna level, but the kind of person that you know would always support you in times of need, just because you needed the help. She has no ulterior motives and it was refreshing. Joining her on her journey is Hermes, who is her mechanical helper. He serves as a great helper as well as provides some wonderful comedic episodes with his concerns about the knowledge that human researchers have been getting wrong.

As Cat and Hermes continue their journey, they meet other wonderful characters along the way. They are all well-written and add wonderful color to the story. I think the best way I could describe this book is like a good hug. There are ups and downs, but it never gets really tense or scary. With all the other fantasy and sci-fi I read, reading books by this author (this is my second) is like a nice palate cleanser when I need something light and cozy.

In addition, I listened to the audiobook for this read. It was narrated by Benjamin Fife, who is quickly rising the ranks on my list of favorite narrators. He is one of the few that I don't have to actually speed up to get to a normal speaking speed, which is great, and the intonation and inflection he injects as he's reading really helps pull me into the story. If you have the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book, I recommend taking it. I doubt you will be disappointed.

Forget the cover this book is brilliant

Imaginative and Cleverly creative, this futuristic fantasy was so entertaining and a pleasure to listen to. The narration was wonderful, really painting each scene vividly. Perfect for kids, young adults and anyone with an imagination at any age.

Steampunk, dinosaurs, and monsters, oh my

I picked up this audiobook review copy because I have an interest in steam punk and alternate histories, and this turned out to be a fun romp in that area. Plus, what adult doesn't like to briefly relieve the dinosaur hyper fixation most children go through at some point? So many references to how our understandings of dinosaurs have changed over the years!

As a Frankenstein fan, I have to say I almost squealed when that book was significantly referenced for the plot, too!

I do have my slight concerns about the portrayal of Native Americans. There is no obvious disrespect that I caught, indeed the story seemed to be actively trying to respect them.

But I still cannot help but notice they are all side characters in a story that focuses on an artifact from one of their nations, while a presumed white girl (judging by the cover) has the spotlight and saves the day. I'm not native American and I cannot speak for them, but I did want to call attention to this.

Otherwise, this was a mostly light and fun romp that I enjoyed.

I have no complaints about Benjamin Fife's performance. He continues to amaze me with the sheer number of voices he can affect for a cast of characters. Again, I received a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

Not what I was expecting

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I actually didn’t ask to review this book. I had asked to review another but when they didn’t have a copy available I was sent this one. So I decided what the heck let’s see what it’s all about.
Long story short I’m glad I did end up reading it. It’s a wonderful mindedness tale of how an upcoming archeologist who works at a museum and is finishing up her college schooling has to decide what’s she is going to do now that the thunder stone has chosen her for an important mission. Of course which some reservations she does decide to go on this mission. Her mission is to stop a power hungry madman from making treaties with the local tribes to build his railroad on their sacred lands.
The amazing talent of the thunder stone is soooo awesome!!! I wish I could talk to these creatures! Definitely makes archeology so much fun.
This is a good family friendly book that is full of surprises. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

An Entertaining Adventure with Dancing Fossils

Cat is an intern at the American Museum of Natural History, who only wants to register for the Fall semester and do her job well when the fossils in the museum begin to talk and tell her to take a particular amulet and "Make the thunder lizards dance." And this is the beginning of strange things happening. Several robot companions, a werewolf, a circus performer and descendant of Frankenstein, several Native American tribes, and the expansion of the railroad all come together in this bizarre tale. It is steampunk, historical fantasy, science fantasy, children's fiction, and a good reminder that true friendship and doing the right thing can lead to a happily ever after for everyone.

I received a free copy of the audiobook from Benjamin Fife the narrator who does amazingly fun character voices. I have reviewed it willingly.