"Thunder and Light" is the second volume in Blais's trilogy chronicling the apocalyptic mood of our times. It reunites us with many of the characters from the first book as well as a fresh cast: Jessica, a young pilot sacrificed for her parents' ambitions; the Blessed Bag Lady, who lives among the Manhattan skyscrapers and, like a modern-day Joan of Arc, follows the voices she hears in her head; and Caroline and Jean-Mathieu, aging artists fighting against the forces attempting to separate them. Sequel to "These festive nights" (RC15391). 2001.