What if the ancient gods weren't dead... but only asleep, buried deep within the roots of the world? “A gripping mythological odyssey, poetic and philosophical in style, which I highly recommend to fans of mythological fiction.” — K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite (5★) 652 BC, the Arverni lands of Gaul. Athanor, Celtic guardian of the sacred mountains of Alisanos, respected by his people and loved by Anna, thought he would live in peace under the protection of the ancient gods. But one terrible night, his destiny is turned upside the sanctuary is desecrated, Anna—the light of his life—is torn from him, and the Thunderbird, messenger of the gods, disappears, kidnapped by mysterious strangers from distant lands. Now the wrath of the gods is rumbling. His people, and perhaps even the balance of his world, are in peril. From the mountains of Gaul to the ancient lands of Greece, across impenetrable seas, the haunted forests of Thrace, and the wild steppes of Cimmeria and Scythia, Athanor embarks on a hellish quest where capricious gods, mythological creatures, and heart-wrenching choices will forge his legend. But this novel is not just a tale of battles and blood. It is an adventure where action rubs shoulders with introspection, where mythology dialogues with destiny, where the visible is never the only thing that speaks. Some battles are won with the sword. Others require listening to what whispers in the silence of the world... “A hero we love to support (and yell at). A masterful work for anyone who wants to dive into a captivating, poetic, and slightly mind-blowing story.” — Les chroniques d'Eva D. (4★) Why is this novel a true gem of its genre? ✓ A unique, lyrical and immersive style, carried by Smérix, an old Celtic shaman and storyteller from a bygone era. ✓ A multi-faceted adventure, where epic intensity does not prevent depth or emotion. ✓ A spiritual journey, at the crossroads of Le Guin, Holdstock and Barjavel, combining reflection, myth and sacred inspiration. ✓ A fascinating historical fantasy, rooted in Celtic, Cimmerian, Scythian, and Greek cultures. The Legend of the Thunderbird is not just a novel. It is an ancient song. A mirror held up to humanity. A legend with two meanings, for those who love to feel as much as they love to think. “Everything that is, everything that surrounds us has meaning... It is up to you to discover it.” — Smérix, Celtic shaman of Arvernes, 652 BC 📽 Trailer and making-of available on Instagram & @ThierryJoubertAuteur