4.06

4

Jun 11, 2013

I was a little apprehensive about reading this, I have always thought books by fake authors from soaps and TV series to really be bad and just a way to cash in on a successful show. Having said that, I'm sure that is still the case for the Richard Castle books. Don't know why I decided to pick this up and read it, but I'm glad I did. It's pretty good! Not the best spy story I've ever read, but not bad. It was a little hard to get into the first chapter but I hung in there and it got better. The I was a little apprehensive about reading this, I have always thought books by fake authors from soaps and TV series to really be bad and just a way to cash in on a successful show. Having said that, I'm sure that is still the case for the Richard Castle books. Don't know why I decided to pick this up and read it, but I'm glad I did. It's pretty good! Not the best spy story I've ever read, but not bad. It was a little hard to get into the first chapter but I hung in there and it got better. The cast of the book, especially Derrick Storm actually feel like they were written by Richard Castle from the show. I also loved bringing Nikki Heat and Rook into the story. The mutual admiration between Rook and Storm made me laugh, and it sounded just like something Castle would put into a book. I also liked the name drops from the Castle series.

If you haven't picked up a Castle book yet, I would suggest this one to start. You won't try to picture the cast of Castle while you're reading, which I've done with the Nikki Heat books. ...more

4

May 28, 2013

If this were a "serious" mystery novel that I was reading on its own, I wouldn't give it as many stars as I did, but as a fun tie-in to one of my favorite TV shows? This book is quite enjoyable. The little call backs (particularly in character names) just make me smile and Chapter 23 is super fun! Worlds collide! I won't give anything away, though I did peg what I think could be described as the main "twist" pretty early on. All in all, I'd recommend this to anyone who watches and enjoys the If this were a "serious" mystery novel that I was reading on its own, I wouldn't give it as many stars as I did, but as a fun tie-in to one of my favorite TV shows? This book is quite enjoyable. The little call backs (particularly in character names) just make me smile and Chapter 23 is super fun! Worlds collide! I won't give anything away, though I did peg what I think could be described as the main "twist" pretty early on. All in all, I'd recommend this to anyone who watches and enjoys the Castle TV show, particularly if they'd read any of the other tie-in novels (the Nikki Heat series). Richard Castle's books are perfect summer reading - fun and quick with little tongue-in-cheek touches throughout. ...more

4

Jun 03, 2018

This book is an offering from the fictional main character on the television series Castle. It is not known who the actual writer is of the two different series. In this one, several high influential bankers are being tortured to death and Derrick Storm is brought into to investigate. This book is basically a spy thriller book.

If you take these books in this series and the Nikki Heat series for face value they are very enjoyable. They are entertaining and not meant to be serious. Storm is This book is an offering from the fictional main character on the television series Castle. It is not known who the actual writer is of the two different series. In this one, several high influential bankers are being tortured to death and Derrick Storm is brought into to investigate. This book is basically a spy thriller book.

If you take these books in this series and the Nikki Heat series for face value they are very enjoyable. They are entertaining and not meant to be serious. Storm is basically a copy version of James Bond and there are other tropes that this book borrows. That is part of the charm of this book. It doesn't take itself too seriously and is meant for a fun adventure. The tropes that are borrowed range from silly names like Ling Xi Bang (pronounced she bang) to the eye patched villain that is set on financial domination. Like I said it is not a serious book. I was never bored with the pace and I loved the connection to the other series written by this author. The ode to a character from the television show was perfect too.

This is a prime example of a beach read book. Not too dramatic but pure fun to read. I do believe that fans of the show are more primed to read this because they would have the feel of the mood and atmosphere setting. This book also reminded me of how much I miss the television series. ...more

2

Jul 16, 2014

I finished the book. My mother would not be proud. She told me to quit awhile ago. However, I stuck it out for no really good reason. But I finished it. That's about the only positive comment my review has.

SPOILER ALERT

1) Manufactured financial crisis story line. Ugh. Please stop writing these and pretending they are thrilling. They aren't. They're boring. So. So. Boring.

2) Unlikeable characters. They are all over the place! I am still finding it hard to believe the trope that claims that Storm I finished the book. My mother would not be proud. She told me to quit awhile ago. However, I stuck it out for no really good reason. But I finished it. That's about the only positive comment my review has.

SPOILER ALERT

1) Manufactured financial crisis story line. Ugh. Please stop writing these and pretending they are thrilling. They aren't. They're boring. So. So. Boring.

2) Unlikeable characters. They are all over the place! I am still finding it hard to believe the trope that claims that Storm is Castle's beloved character and people actually want him back from the dead. If he was supposed to be this type of person in previous works, I certainly would not have read more than the first one. I definitely wouldn't have wished him back. The only really likeable character was the Chinese agent.

3) Lame crossover chapter. So there is a Storm/Heat crossover moment. That might have been okay. What was really awful was having Storm and Rook play the "ruggedly handsome" game on and off for pages. I can see Castle the character making some crack about doing it in the show, but I don't see him doing that in the actual novel. His characters is portrayed as taking his craft mostly seriously when it comes down to it. The Heat novels have a ghost writer that does a better job of capturing what I think of as Castle's voice than this writer does. I accept that Jameson Rook is a Mary Sue for Castle. I don't accept that Derrick Storm is as well.

4) Tribute to Captain Montgomery. Okay. You, ghost writer/producers/whomever, get props for that touch. THAT was something I could see Castle doing. Well played. Doesn't make up for the half-baked novel, though. ...more

2

Jan 18, 2014

There's a patch-wearing psycho torturing and killing bankers across the globe. The CIA brings in Derrick Storm to hunt him down. Okay, I admit I picked this up because I'm a fan of the tv show Castle and I thoroughly enjoyed the Nikki Heat novels. This must have been written by somebody different as it lacked the charm of the Heat books. It was trashy and cheesy and not as good as I was expecting it to be. Slightly disappointed.

4

Jun 03, 2013

If you want a serious spy thriller, don't read this. If you want a James Bond-style spy who accomplishes daring and physically impossible feats, this is a "to read." If you are a Castle/Beckett fan, it is a must read (with cameo appearances by Nikki Heat and Jameson Rook; a nod to Captain Montgomery with a character named after him; and numerous references to how "ruggedly handsome" Derrick Storm is). It may not be great literature, but it is a great addition to the Nikki Heat books.

3

May 06, 2013

"Richard Castle" books are fun, quick reads. The Nikki Heat books are love letters to the TV show fans. The Derrick Storm books lack the parallel to the show, but retain the fun. This installment, however, is replete with wink-wink references to the TV show and a heroic character named after a show character that feels authentic - it's something "Rick Castle" would do in his writing. I hope this promotional gimmick continues as I'm really enjoying both the Storm and Heat series.

3

Oct 25, 2014

Well, this book was meant to be read...for I follow the author's supposed personal life so closely, right till the latest episode ;)

Its rare that you find that a character in your series is made so believable that there are people who write books and publish under his pen name...why would one do that you wonder...and then you pick up the book, just out of curiosity...debating that the book might actually be good because the series is still decent in the 7th season and you still like the author Well, this book was meant to be read...for I follow the author's supposed personal life so closely, right till the latest episode ;)

Its rare that you find that a character in your series is made so believable that there are people who write books and publish under his pen name...why would one do that you wonder...and then you pick up the book, just out of curiosity...debating that the book might actually be good because the series is still decent in the 7th season and you still like the author whose name has been used for the book...wondering that the book would be a crap for its banking on the name of a fictional character...

But well, this one doesn't disappoint...its worthy of a 4, but I just am not an action figure...all the angles of shooting...and the thrill of chase...well, they kind of are lost in me...so while I did enjoy the story and am sure that the book is a good attempt and had a story, I just lose my interest in the runs, chase, action and fight sequence...

All in all, I would one day definitely pick another name penned by Mr. Castle...and it might be the one on Miss Heat rather than our Mister Storm! ...more

2

Mar 14, 2014

The ABC TV series Castle began with the premise that a James Patterson/Robert Ludlum type author was shadowing a NYC detective to write a new series of novels. Someone at the show cleverly hired a ghost writer to write Heat Wave, a novel about 'Nicki Heat' Richard Castle's supposed book on the show. It wasn't bad. So they wrote more.
However, the TV show back story was that Richard Castle had originally become famous for a series character named Derrick Storm. After the success of the Nicki Heat The ABC TV series Castle began with the premise that a James Patterson/Robert Ludlum type author was shadowing a NYC detective to write a new series of novels. Someone at the show cleverly hired a ghost writer to write Heat Wave, a novel about 'Nicki Heat' Richard Castle's supposed book on the show. It wasn't bad. So they wrote more.
However, the TV show back story was that Richard Castle had originally become famous for a series character named Derrick Storm. After the success of the Nicki Heat someone decided to hire a ghost writer to create some short ebooks and this novel Storm Front.
To maintain the illusion, TV star Nathan Fillon's photo graces the cover of both series and the author is listed as Richard Castle.
I found Storm Front lacking whatever made the Nicki Heat books work, was lacking in this Storm book. The novel was formalistic and would have probably been turned down for publication if it had not had the conceit of the ABC series behind it.
If you're a Castle TV fan and are interested in Richard Castle's books, I'd suggest Heat Wave instead of Storm Front. ...more

4

Nov 29, 2018

This was far better than the e-book trilogy for Derrick Storm. Yes it was a little slow but the action and the crossover and oh the tribute to Capt. Roy Montgomery all were awesome points. Love Storm in action and and the action packed scenes. I loved this Storm novel and would suggest that you also check it. Because it's supposed to be done by Castle before he came to work with Beckett there is no character to map the characters but the crossover moment was just pure Gold and the like I said This was far better than the e-book trilogy for Derrick Storm. Yes it was a little slow but the action and the crossover and oh the tribute to Capt. Roy Montgomery all were awesome points. Love Storm in action and and the action packed scenes. I loved this Storm novel and would suggest that you also check it. Because it's supposed to be done by Castle before he came to work with Beckett there is no character to map the characters but the crossover moment was just pure Gold and the like I said the tribute to Montgomery towards the end was too hit the mark.

So yes I would suggest that you do read this novel by fictional author Richard Castle from the TV show castle and do so ASAP and then Keep on Reading. ...more

4

Sep 12, 2013

I have read and enjoyed the other Richard Castle books and was surprised that this book is based on Castle's character (or should I say alter-ego) Derrick Storm. It is a fun, fast-paced read; lots of tongue-in-cheek sarcasm and impossible action. The characters from the TV show make a brief appearance, and I caught myself laughing when Castle and Storm were complimenting each other on their good looks. I could definitely get into a Derrick Storm series -- hunky and likeable.

5

May 25, 2013

Just as good as the Nikki Heat books. I laughed when Nikki & Jameson actually popped up in this book. Jameson & Derrick together though is definately not a good idea. That much ego in one room though did prove entertaining and I felt bad that Nikki had to deal with both (even if it was just briefly). Can't wait for Deadly Heat (September can not come fast enough) and I wonder if any mention of Derrick will pop up.

4

Jan 13, 2014

Another really fun romp with the devilishly charming and determined Derrick Storm. It's beautifully written and exciting, but I do get the occasional feeling like it's a little overstuffed with extraneous information. Bells and whistles kind of thing, but overall, very enjoyable. The only other thing that irked me a bit was the cliche of having the love interest die in order to enrage the male hero and make him zero in on revenge with his archnemesis. Other than that, I enjoyed it quite a bit.

5

Mar 29, 2015

I enjoy watching Richard Castle on TV but didn't realize "he" wrote books!

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will definitely pick up other Derrick Storm books in the future. Sometimes it's necessary to suspend belief while reading a book. Derrick's chasing a plan by running down the runway was just such an event.

Still the action is non-stop and it's a nice mystery for cold winter (I mean spring) evenings.

5

Apr 25, 2015

Once upon a time, there was James Bond and Matt Helm, spies who could do fantastic things and make their own rules. Derrick Storm is a character of the dame type, a fantasy of good guy impossibilities. The plot has been up-dated somewhat. The villain wants money instead of world domination, but he's going to cause massive damage to get that money. I did like the wooden gun and wooden bullets. It is a Castle show book and Nikki Heat has a cameo.

5

Sep 04, 2019

An incredibly well written book. It's written with a lot of humor and wit. The timing is fast paced and it kept me engaged from the opening scene. Very much 007 on steroids! I enjoyed Castle the TV show and this story does not disappoint. Whoever is writing these books is clearly a talented comedy writer with fun and adventure thrown in. I like stories where I don't see the twists and turns coming. I will continue to read these books. I need this kind of humor and lightheartedness in my life. An incredibly well written book. It's written with a lot of humor and wit. The timing is fast paced and it kept me engaged from the opening scene. Very much 007 on steroids! I enjoyed Castle the TV show and this story does not disappoint. Whoever is writing these books is clearly a talented comedy writer with fun and adventure thrown in. I like stories where I don't see the twists and turns coming. I will continue to read these books. I need this kind of humor and lightheartedness in my life. More than anything, I enjoy the story setup and delivery. ...more

5

Jan 09, 2015

From Tokyo, to Bonn, to London, high-level bankers are being tortured and murdered. The killer, caught in a fleeting glimpse on a surveillance camera, has been described as a psychopath with an eye patch. And that means Gregor Volkov, Derrick Storm's old nemesis, has returned. Knowing only one man can match Volkov's strength and cunning, the CIA calls on Storm to track him down, figure out who he's working for and why. With the help of a beautiful and mysterious foreign agent, Storm discovers a

From Tokyo, to Bonn, to London, high-level bankers are being tortured and murdered. The killer, caught in a fleeting glimpse on a surveillance camera, has been described as a psychopath with an eye patch. And that means Gregor Volkov, Derrick Storm's old nemesis, has returned. Knowing only one man can match Volkov's strength and cunning, the CIA calls on Storm to track him down, figure out who he's working for and why. With the help of a beautiful and mysterious foreign agent, Storm discovers a plot that could destroy the global economy bringing with it untold chaos and the time he has to stop it is running short. It's the novel Castle fans have been clamoring for: there's a STORM FRONT coming!

...more

5

Apr 02, 2015

I loved this book! The story was fast passed so I never lost interest as I was listening to it. There were a few things that made me smile because they were obvious nods to the Castle series- like naming the pilot Roy Montgomery. At the same time, the brief cross over where Storm meets Nikki Heat was awesome- but I did find myself wondering for a few minutes if that would have happened because the show gives us the impression that the concept of Nikki Heat didn't come around until AFTER he met I loved this book! The story was fast passed so I never lost interest as I was listening to it. There were a few things that made me smile because they were obvious nods to the Castle series- like naming the pilot Roy Montgomery. At the same time, the brief cross over where Storm meets Nikki Heat was awesome- but I did find myself wondering for a few minutes if that would have happened because the show gives us the impression that the concept of Nikki Heat didn't come around until AFTER he met Detective Beckett, which was after this book would have been published. However, that wasn't enough to detract from the story. If you like the Castle TV series and/or the Nikki Heat series, I highly recommend this book. ...more

2

May 14, 2013

Not really impressed with this. I really enjoyed the Derrick Storm short stories, but this one felt really disconnected. One thing that really irritated me was the lack of editing (or overuse of the auto-correct/correct all function). I lost count of the times the words budget and pilot were misspelled. Budget was turned into bud get, and pilot was pi lot. There were a couple other words that this also happened with, but those just stuck out for me.

Fictional author or not, I would expect much Not really impressed with this. I really enjoyed the Derrick Storm short stories, but this one felt really disconnected. One thing that really irritated me was the lack of editing (or overuse of the auto-correct/correct all function). I lost count of the times the words budget and pilot were misspelled. Budget was turned into bud get, and pilot was pi lot. There were a couple other words that this also happened with, but those just stuck out for me.

Fictional author or not, I would expect much more from the ghost author to at least make it seem the TV version of Castle wrote this.

The Nikki Heat series, on the other hand, completely fits my vision of Richard Castle's writing persona.
...more

3

Mar 13, 2017

New direction from the previous two works. Chasing Volkov, a Russian political zealot/criminal mastermind. Geopolitical and international economic crises.

5

May 29, 2013

Starting in Venice with "The gondolier could only be described as ruggedly handsome....." you smile and are confident that you're in for an entertaining read. From one action filled adventure straight into the next as Derek gets called in to get insider information where the FBI can't go. As a rogue agent you can only envisage him suited and booted to look exactly the role he's playing. Hints at having learnt several languages to aid his characters fit the "00" casting perfectly.

All the way Starting in Venice with "The gondolier could only be described as ruggedly handsome....." you smile and are confident that you're in for an entertaining read. From one action filled adventure straight into the next as Derek gets called in to get insider information where the FBI can't go. As a rogue agent you can only envisage him suited and booted to look exactly the role he's playing. Hints at having learnt several languages to aid his characters fit the "00" casting perfectly.

All the way through reading this, I found myself chuckling with the familiarity of the characters. This is mainly due to me being a huge fan of the t.v. show "Castle" so when there were references to other Castle counterparts albeit loosely i.e. Katya Beckesscu, the orphan with whom Storm holds dear, I thought it clever and endeared me to the narrative more so. Richard Castle even managed to wedge in his two other literary stars with a hilarious chance encounter that had the men complimenting each others physiques, much to the disgust of Ms Heat.

Derek Storm is a Bond-esque fun filled hero who really is handsome, in a rugged way. I can't wait for the next one!

...more

5

Jan 30, 2015

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Storm Front is definitely my favorite Derrick Storm novel so far. For me, it was more exciting than A Brewing Storm, A Raging Storm, and A Bloody Storm combined. I didn't mind feeling so confused at fist because there were so many things happening with so many different characters in so many different places because it was so much fun to make sense of it all later on. I loved the twists and how I think I went through every emotion I was familiar with while reading the book, from confusion to joy Storm Front is definitely my favorite Derrick Storm novel so far. For me, it was more exciting than A Brewing Storm, A Raging Storm, and A Bloody Storm combined. I didn't mind feeling so confused at fist because there were so many things happening with so many different characters in so many different places because it was so much fun to make sense of it all later on. I loved the twists and how I think I went through every emotion I was familiar with while reading the book, from confusion to joy to love to anger to hate to shock to pain to relief.

Major plus points to having characters named Javi Rodriguez, Kevin Bryan, and Captain Roy Montgomery (may he rest in peace). Plus plus points to the cameos of Nikki Heat, Jameson Rook, and Dr. Lauren Parry. I could not stop laughing at the exchange between Storm and Rook. That was, without a doubt, my favorite scene next to Storm and Ling Xi Bang's chase up the abandoned building and the car chase with the improvised Molotovs.

The book had me biting my nails and I couldn't put it down.

A million points to Castle! This book was great. I would definitely consider reading it again. ...more

5

May 31, 2013

Richard Castle's Storm Front brings something new to the table for the Derrick Storm series; a fresh new look at a rouggedley handsome spy. For those who are not familiar with the television show Castle, Derrick Storm is write Richard Castles firs creation. A spy, who of course, always gets the ladies and the bad guys. Castle killed off Storm at the start of the television series but recently decided to bring him back in a way only the FBI and the CIA could pull off. After three mini e-novels it Richard Castle's Storm Front brings something new to the table for the Derrick Storm series; a fresh new look at a rouggedley handsome spy. For those who are not familiar with the television show Castle, Derrick Storm is write Richard Castles firs creation. A spy, who of course, always gets the ladies and the bad guys. Castle killed off Storm at the start of the television series but recently decided to bring him back in a way only the FBI and the CIA could pull off. After three mini e-novels it was clear that Derrick Storm was back and even better than before.

Storm Front brings us on the first complete full fledged mission that Derrick Storm has taken on since his death. The mystery is completely original bringing in a political side that was entertaining and that I didn't see coming. Though some characters who were in the e-novels were not in this one I did in enjoy the new characters. Some characters continue to remain a mystery particularity one woman who I didn't think we would be seeing anytime soon!

Overall Richard Castle takes us on a great thrill ride with Derrick Storm that keeps the pages turning, the questions brewing, and leaves the reader with one question; are you ready to take on the Storm? :D ...more

3

Jul 28, 2013

Imagine a tongue-in-cheek novel parodying another set of tongue-in-cheek novels -- the James Bond series. That's what this book is: an over-sexed hero doing over-the-top deeds of derring-do, getting into (and out of, naturally) impossible situations, and in bed with gorgeous women. Of course the dialog is completely asinine, with jokes and double-entendres and the like, all far too lighthearted for the situation at hand. Not to mention shadowy, more secret than top secret, sections of US Imagine a tongue-in-cheek novel parodying another set of tongue-in-cheek novels -- the James Bond series. That's what this book is: an over-sexed hero doing over-the-top deeds of derring-do, getting into (and out of, naturally) impossible situations, and in bed with gorgeous women. Of course the dialog is completely asinine, with jokes and double-entendres and the like, all far too lighthearted for the situation at hand. Not to mention shadowy, more secret than top secret, sections of US intelligence organizations, a corrupt US Senator, lots of high-flying currency exchange manipulators, almost all less than impressive human beings, and of course a couple of gorgeous members of the female persuasion.

The book is, undoubtedly, trite and banal, but it is written with so much tongue-in-cheek, it is entertaining -- but certainly not believable, especially in the final scene. Whether you enjoy the book depends on how much banality you can take!

The "author", ostensibly Richard Castle, is (presumably) the same pseudo-author of the "Nikki Heat" series on which the "Castle" TV series is based. In fact, the two main characters of the "Nikki Heat" book series, Nikki Heat and Jameson Rook, play brief cameo roles in this book, which (other than that) has nothing whatsoever to do with the "Nikki Heat" books.

Here's an example how tongue-in-cheek this book gets (this will only be understood by those who have watched the "Castle" TV series):
A minor character in this book, who is a 5-year old Romanian orphan, is named Katya Beckescu. I rest my case. ...more

1

May 17, 2015

Storm Front (Derrick Storm, #4) by Richard Castle

First impression: 1 star
Have you ever started reading a book that was so bad that you became convinced the author was doing it on purpose? With characters names like 'Graham Cracker' and 'XXXX Wormsley' and 'Xiangbang'(pronounced she-bang in the book), I quickly decided I must have picked up an audio edition of a comic book. Even the reader gave it a comic-book like cadence.

I admit it, I didn't get the joke. After reading great authors like Storm Front (Derrick Storm, #4) by Richard Castle

First impression: 1 star
Have you ever started reading a book that was so bad that you became convinced the author was doing it on purpose? With characters names like 'Graham Cracker' and 'XXXX Wormsley' and 'Xiangbang'(pronounced she-bang in the book), I quickly decided I must have picked up an audio edition of a comic book. Even the reader gave it a comic-book like cadence.

I admit it, I didn't get the joke. After reading great authors like Vince Flynn and Steve Berry, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. So I popped out CD #3 and took it back to the library.

I mentioned my impression to one of the librarians and was a bit taken aback when she started to laugh. (Not the normal reception I'm used to receiving there.) She apologized and asked "Do you watch the TV show 'Castle'?" I said no, but I'd seen commercials for it. So she took pity on me and explained the joke.

'Richard Castle' is the name of the main character on the TV show 'Castle'; he's a wanna-be mystery writer and through his connections he has convinced somebody to let him tag along with a real police detective (female) to get ideas for his stories. Hilarity and romance supposedly ensues.

Someone decided it would be great fun to publish stories by Richard Castle and they would be of the same quality that the TV character would write.

Okay, now that I'm in on the joke I can take the book for what it is and not expect great dialog/plotting/serious anything. The next time I'm in the mood for a lighter read, I may try one of these books again. But for now, I'm done. I quit 2 1/2 discs into it. ...more