The Thunder

“Francis looked at Master Knox’s still form and bit his lower lip. ‘Either they’ll hang us all on the spot . . .’ He paused. ‘Or enslave us in the galleys of the French.’ . . .

“I at first felt grateful that they did not hang us. There were a number of times in the nineteen months that followed, however, when I wondered if hanging would have been far better.”



John Knox, the Thundering Scot, lives a life of adventure and danger in turbulent, corrupt sixteenth-century Scotland. Finding himself a wanted man, Knox is besieged in a castle by French soldiers, seized, and made a galley slave. Yet he is unflinching in his stand for the gospel, even in the face of assassins and death, and even when his fiery preaching makes him an enemy of Mary, Queen of Scots.


Told from the perspective of a young student resolved to protect Knox no matter the cost, Douglas Bond’s thrilling biographical novel provides a look at the harrowing life story of a giant of the faith. Discover the fascinating story of a timid man transformed by the grace and power of the gospel into one of the most influential figures in Scottish history. 



“Rich, descriptive passages paint a vivid picture of Scotland and England during the Reformation. The spiritual aspect of the story is richer still, inviting the reader to wrestle with the gospel truths Knox so fearlessly preached.”

—Liz Curtis Higgs, author, the Lowland of Scotland series


“Historically informative and spiritually inspiring, as well as highly enjoyable and fast-paced. . . . A gripping novel sure to stir the faith of anyone who longs to see the triumph of God's Word in our own time.”

— Richard D. Phillips, senior minister, Second Presbyterian Church 



Douglas Bond is the author of a number of books of historical fiction and biography. He and his wife have two daughters and four sons. Bond is an elder in the Presbyterian Church of America, a teacher, a conference speaker, and a leader of church history tours. Visit his website at www.bondbooks.net.