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The Dragon Storm - Gates
Join Alexander Storm as he leads a diverse team of would-be-heroes around the world in search of the Twelve Hours of Night. The fabled Ancient Egyptian papyrus has been split into twelve parts and secreted around the globe at major archaeological sites. With only a set of intricate riddles as their guide, the team must face all manner of supernatural nemesis as they race against time and a duo of enigmatic demons who are hellbent on acquiring the Twelve Hours and opening the gates to Hell on Earth.
748 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2021
49 people are currently reading
12046 people want to read
About the author
Anthony DiPaolo
2 books527 followersAnthony is an author from New York whose own literary interests lie in the classic realms of Lovecraft and Poe, and the modern works of Preston & Child and Stephen King. A deep passion for Egyptology and archaeology, as well as the tales and legends that surround ancient cultures, led to the basis of his current tale: The Dragon Storm - Gates.
Writing in the sphere of what some have termed "Archaeo-Horror" - Anthony melds together the real life locations and legends of the ancient world and his own brand of supernatural plot twists and turns - to bring us fast paced, cliffhanger chapters and a cast of enigmatic characters.
Visit WWW.DRAGONSTORMNOVEL.COM for more details.
Writing in the sphere of what some have termed "Archaeo-Horror" - Anthony melds together the real life locations and legends of the ancient world and his own brand of supernatural plot twists and turns - to bring us fast paced, cliffhanger chapters and a cast of enigmatic characters.
Visit WWW.DRAGONSTORMNOVEL.COM for more details.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 28, 2022
THE DRAGON STORM–GATES by Anthony DiPaolo is a slow starter. The first few chapters are introductions that give you a broad picture of each character and where they would fit in this 622-page book. Yes, it is a long story with hours of enjoyment to follow. Each character was in a different area which made this a around the world trip book that promises mystery and suspense between its pages and told with incredible credibility.
The book is excellently written, and I found the Afrikaans translations intriguing. It’s not something I found often in a book, so this was a pleasant surprise. The richly descriptive plotline keeps you interest the entire time. The threads of storytelling skillfully woven in this supernatural thriller that guarantees you an enjoyable read. And the illustrations within the book added more mystery and depth to it.
This book had me turning the pages from beginning to end. The book’s description only gave the reader a sneak preview into the challenging read: ‘Join Alexander Storm as he leads a diverse team of would-be-heroes around the world in search of the Twelve Hours of Night.”
Alexander Storm himself was an enigmatic philanthrope that lived on an island and could raise any red-blooded woman’s blood pressure, but he was more than what meets the eye. He was a skilled action man, not scared for much excepts swirling demons. But with his pets and Asar, even that proved not to be too difficult.
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot surprises that added to the book’s mystique.
The book had every element a good story should have. An intriguing plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. It’s one of those stories that comes along once in a while that makes you want to read it in one sitting until you reach the end. I’m giving nothing further away. If you are a fan of paranormal thriller mystery, then this would be a book for you.
Highly recommended to all fans of paranormal suspense and a well-deserved five stars.
The book is excellently written, and I found the Afrikaans translations intriguing. It’s not something I found often in a book, so this was a pleasant surprise. The richly descriptive plotline keeps you interest the entire time. The threads of storytelling skillfully woven in this supernatural thriller that guarantees you an enjoyable read. And the illustrations within the book added more mystery and depth to it.
This book had me turning the pages from beginning to end. The book’s description only gave the reader a sneak preview into the challenging read: ‘Join Alexander Storm as he leads a diverse team of would-be-heroes around the world in search of the Twelve Hours of Night.”
Alexander Storm himself was an enigmatic philanthrope that lived on an island and could raise any red-blooded woman’s blood pressure, but he was more than what meets the eye. He was a skilled action man, not scared for much excepts swirling demons. But with his pets and Asar, even that proved not to be too difficult.
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot surprises that added to the book’s mystique.
The book had every element a good story should have. An intriguing plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. It’s one of those stories that comes along once in a while that makes you want to read it in one sitting until you reach the end. I’m giving nothing further away. If you are a fan of paranormal thriller mystery, then this would be a book for you.
Highly recommended to all fans of paranormal suspense and a well-deserved five stars.
January 12, 2022
Loved the story and the author's writing style . It doesn't just have dragons, there's an epic adventure to save the day with all things from witches to demons sprinkled in. It was just the right length for me, as I love details and world building... With more details we feel like we're part of the action. If you love a good book unwind with this one. Never a dull moment from the time you start reading! Can't wait for Anthony's next book!
November 14, 2021
Intriguing
This book has demons, witches ,fantasy and more. Plenty of action and fascinating characters. It will keep entertained from start to finish.
This book has demons, witches ,fantasy and more. Plenty of action and fascinating characters. It will keep entertained from start to finish.
January 25, 2022
Anthony DiPaolo’s thriller, suspense story is superbly written and richly descriptive. The characters are brilliant, and the settings are so vibrant. The story is so wonderfully woven in this supernatural thriller. The story grabs the attention of the reader from the beginning to the last word. It is an incredible story that will have you reading until it is all done.
The story is a fabled Ancient Egyptian papyrus which has been split into twelve parts and placed discretely around the globe at all the major archaeological sites. These people face quite a few mysteries that guide their investigations. The group of investigators must face all manner of supernatural nemesis as they race against time. They also face two enigmatic demons who are determined to acquire The Twelve Hours and opening the gates to Hell.
This is a story that is very analytic and reflective. It will make the reader think and wonder if there is more to the story than meets the eye. It is a story that has amazing breath and depth. It will have the reader coming back for more. It has perfect pacing, wonderful world building, and just the right balance of suspense and angst to keep the reader entranced.
I look forward to reading a lot more by this author. DiPaolo is a great storyteller, and he crafts a story that is believable and unforgettable. It is a story that will linger with you, no matter how you try to solve the mystery.
If you want a good story, this one is for you. Just sit down, pour yourself a drink of choice and start reading. There is never a dull moment in this story.
The story is a fabled Ancient Egyptian papyrus which has been split into twelve parts and placed discretely around the globe at all the major archaeological sites. These people face quite a few mysteries that guide their investigations. The group of investigators must face all manner of supernatural nemesis as they race against time. They also face two enigmatic demons who are determined to acquire The Twelve Hours and opening the gates to Hell.
This is a story that is very analytic and reflective. It will make the reader think and wonder if there is more to the story than meets the eye. It is a story that has amazing breath and depth. It will have the reader coming back for more. It has perfect pacing, wonderful world building, and just the right balance of suspense and angst to keep the reader entranced.
I look forward to reading a lot more by this author. DiPaolo is a great storyteller, and he crafts a story that is believable and unforgettable. It is a story that will linger with you, no matter how you try to solve the mystery.
If you want a good story, this one is for you. Just sit down, pour yourself a drink of choice and start reading. There is never a dull moment in this story.
October 14, 2022
A fascinating and immersive dive into horror!
New York Author Anthony DiPaolo is an attorney and an Egyptologist with a passion for archaeology and mythology and the secrets of ancient cultures. He blends these with a polished pen to create on of the most involving paranormal thrillers this reader has encountered!
While some writers of suspense thrillers focus on the sources of terror and strange accoutrements that seduce readers of horror tales, DiPaolo instead elects to create vivid characters to transport his vivid mystery. Both paranormal characters and ‘real people’ are brought to life on the pages of this immersive novel. The book is lengthy, but appropriately so, in that the events that transpire require periods of time to realize, and the author glues the readers’ attention through the journey from page one to the finish.
One overview of the story follows: ‘Alexander Storm spends his days in the Dragon Loch Castle, acknowledging that it is his legacy to protect mankind from evil. When Moloch and Naamah, a pair of demons, set their eyes on the Twelve Hours of Night, the fabled Ancient Egyptian papyrus, in order to release a dark force, Storm knows he must prepare himself for a horrendous war. He creates a special task force of would-be-heroes. With the papyrus separated into twelve parts and hidden around the globe at major archaeological sites, the team must solve a set of intricate riddles to locate each part while facing a horde of supernatural enemies who intend to acquire the Twelve Hours and open the gates of Hell on Earth.’
DiPaolo wisely opens his story in the present with all of the contemporary gadgets of our less than mythological world in view: the first character, Kate, receives a strange ‘invitation’ to which she responds with Googling on her PC, communicating with her cell phone etc – all elements of which vanish as the mystery unfolds to far more interesting items! The author balances his worlds beautifully, and reading this book is both an education and a rollercoaster ride of a supernatural wonder. Very highly recommended.
New York Author Anthony DiPaolo is an attorney and an Egyptologist with a passion for archaeology and mythology and the secrets of ancient cultures. He blends these with a polished pen to create on of the most involving paranormal thrillers this reader has encountered!
While some writers of suspense thrillers focus on the sources of terror and strange accoutrements that seduce readers of horror tales, DiPaolo instead elects to create vivid characters to transport his vivid mystery. Both paranormal characters and ‘real people’ are brought to life on the pages of this immersive novel. The book is lengthy, but appropriately so, in that the events that transpire require periods of time to realize, and the author glues the readers’ attention through the journey from page one to the finish.
One overview of the story follows: ‘Alexander Storm spends his days in the Dragon Loch Castle, acknowledging that it is his legacy to protect mankind from evil. When Moloch and Naamah, a pair of demons, set their eyes on the Twelve Hours of Night, the fabled Ancient Egyptian papyrus, in order to release a dark force, Storm knows he must prepare himself for a horrendous war. He creates a special task force of would-be-heroes. With the papyrus separated into twelve parts and hidden around the globe at major archaeological sites, the team must solve a set of intricate riddles to locate each part while facing a horde of supernatural enemies who intend to acquire the Twelve Hours and open the gates of Hell on Earth.’
DiPaolo wisely opens his story in the present with all of the contemporary gadgets of our less than mythological world in view: the first character, Kate, receives a strange ‘invitation’ to which she responds with Googling on her PC, communicating with her cell phone etc – all elements of which vanish as the mystery unfolds to far more interesting items! The author balances his worlds beautifully, and reading this book is both an education and a rollercoaster ride of a supernatural wonder. Very highly recommended.
March 24, 2023
The Dragon Storm Gates by Anthony DiPaolo starts off a little slowly as the first few chapters introduce the reader to the characters. I liked this as it gave me a chance to get to know all of the characters before the adventures really kicked in. It was also great to see the characters develop as the story unfolded, with a greater understanding of them because of the layers at the beginning. As the story progressed I found it became a powerful and impactful plot-line and a number of unexpected twists. All in all The Dragon Storm Gates was a pleasure to read and potentially one of the better Fantasy books I've read recently.
If you want a good thriller story, this one is for you. Just sit down, pour yourself a drink of choice and start reading. There is never a dull moment in this story.
If you want a good thriller story, this one is for you. Just sit down, pour yourself a drink of choice and start reading. There is never a dull moment in this story.
March 30, 2023
Join Alexander Storm as he leads a diverse team of would-be-heroes around the world in search of the Twelve Hours of Night. The fabled ancient Egyptian papyrus has been split into twelve parts and secreted around the globe at major archaeological sites. With only a set of intricate riddles as their guide, the team must face all manner of supernatural nemesis as they race against time and a duo of enigmatic demons who are hellbent on acquiring the Twelve Hours and opening the gates to Hell on Earth.
This was an interesting one for me as I listened to the audiobook version rather than reading the ebook, and I think overall I found it even more interesting because of this.
I thought The Dragon Storm Gates was a great story with a lot of twists that I didn't see coming. It would be hard to talk about the book without giving some of the plot away, but it kept me reading, and was truly hard to put down. The story's twists and turn with an interesting blend of Fantasy and Supernatural forces, and all the way through an engaging narrative in the audiobook version. The author's descriptive prose I found offered a realistic image of the environment and the characters in an interesting and flowing writing style. The conversation is well-written and the plot moves along smoothly, giving each scene a highly authentic and immersive feel to it. DiPaolo does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, and I felt a part of proceedings all the way through.
This was an interesting one for me as I listened to the audiobook version rather than reading the ebook, and I think overall I found it even more interesting because of this.
I thought The Dragon Storm Gates was a great story with a lot of twists that I didn't see coming. It would be hard to talk about the book without giving some of the plot away, but it kept me reading, and was truly hard to put down. The story's twists and turn with an interesting blend of Fantasy and Supernatural forces, and all the way through an engaging narrative in the audiobook version. The author's descriptive prose I found offered a realistic image of the environment and the characters in an interesting and flowing writing style. The conversation is well-written and the plot moves along smoothly, giving each scene a highly authentic and immersive feel to it. DiPaolo does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, and I felt a part of proceedings all the way through.
December 29, 2021
A lengthy but worthwhile read...
THE DRAGON STORM – GATES by Anthony DiPaolo is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this supernatural thriller that it guarantees the attention of the reader. This book had me turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.
The book description gives only a sneak preview: ‘Join Alexander Storm as he leads a diverse team of would-be-heroes around the world in search of the Twelve Hours of Night. The fabled Ancient Egyptian papyrus has been split into twelve parts and secreted around the globe at major archaeological sites. With only a set of intricate riddles as their guide, the team must face all manner of supernatural nemesis as they race against time and a duo of enigmatic demons who are hellbent on acquiring the Twelve Hours and opening the gates to Hell on Earth.’
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a well-written supernatural suspenseful thriller with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears here, which is just the way fans of the mystery, thriller and suspense will want it.
THE DRAGON STORM – GATES had every element a good story should have. An intriguing plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. It’s one of those stories that come along once in a while that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!
I’ll be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Highly recommended to all fans of paranormal suspense and a well-deserved five stars from me.
THE DRAGON STORM – GATES by Anthony DiPaolo is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this supernatural thriller that it guarantees the attention of the reader. This book had me turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.
The book description gives only a sneak preview: ‘Join Alexander Storm as he leads a diverse team of would-be-heroes around the world in search of the Twelve Hours of Night. The fabled Ancient Egyptian papyrus has been split into twelve parts and secreted around the globe at major archaeological sites. With only a set of intricate riddles as their guide, the team must face all manner of supernatural nemesis as they race against time and a duo of enigmatic demons who are hellbent on acquiring the Twelve Hours and opening the gates to Hell on Earth.’
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a well-written supernatural suspenseful thriller with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears here, which is just the way fans of the mystery, thriller and suspense will want it.
THE DRAGON STORM – GATES had every element a good story should have. An intriguing plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. It’s one of those stories that come along once in a while that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!
I’ll be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Highly recommended to all fans of paranormal suspense and a well-deserved five stars from me.
December 10, 2021
Saving the world requires an epic adventure. This is it. I think the story could have been told a little shorter, still, it was masterfully written so I stayed with it and it did not disappoint. I went along for the ride and it was fun. Good work!
January 29, 2022
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. The storyline of this book has a lot of promise. I like that it takes you to so many cool archeological sites throughout the world. The character interaction was stilted, frequently snapping from neutral immediately to a fairly extreme response to situations during character interaction. This continually broke me from immersion with the story making the book plod. I think there is promise in the bones of what is presented, but there is more work necessary to raise it to the level of a book I would recommend.
February 15, 2022
What would you do if tasked with the responsibility to restrain demons, who eventually find an escape route? How many people will risk their lives to protect the entire globe from demonic infestation and subsequent extinction? What does it take to fight evil with the villains that keep abetting its dominion on earth? “The Dragon Storm - Gates” by Anthony DiPaolo is a coming-of-age science fiction text with metaphysical forces and high technological advancements.
The book revolves around dynasties tasked with keeping evil at bay when tragedy happens as the demons find a way of releasing the beast. Alexander Storm narrates to his handpicked companions how the demons had been locked up by two brothers, who ended up committing suicide to avert leakage of the hideous places they shut the demons up in. However, the two brothers told their third brother what it would take to release the demons - the twelve riddles. They did this to provide access whenever an opportunity to destroy them arose.
Moloch tricked Ebbers into taking the papyri that contained the riddles out in public. He then reassembled the Book of Gates, which would facilitate him free of the beast. Will he restrain Alexander and his group from interfering? What danger lies ahead for the group, who are already skeptical about the supposed conference invitation?
I loved the character development and commend the author for the excellent composition. Being a long text well over six hundred pages, I could relate to each character and enjoyed their role in furthering the plot expansion. I did not find Alexander’s protagonist’s role diverted away from him because of the many characters used in the novel, but I admired how each personality played their roles satisfactorily. Despite superhuman powers, the characters had their tragic flaws, which made them original and resonated with my opinions. For instance, although Alexander was rich and intelligent in dealing with the villains, he recognized he could not handle them alone. It was also quite appealing to observe that the lack of cooperation from a single character would jeopardize the entire project, which meant that they either had to work or perish together.
This book is narrated from multiple viewpoints, often involving the characters themselves. These shifting perspectives gave me different views of the storyline as it advanced and enhanced my comprehension of each stage. Anthony infused suspense as a major stylistic, which was somewhat a page-turner for me because I kept desiring to read more actions. I benefited from the rational dialogues the characters engaged in, which foregrounded their traits and personalities.
There is nothing I liked least in this book, which exemplarily employed vivid descriptions; I could not help making mental notes of each scene as it unfolded, thus aiding my enjoyment of the book. The supernatural background of the text would appeal to the wildest imagination of readers who love reading “old age” texts with contemporary tastes.
The book revolves around dynasties tasked with keeping evil at bay when tragedy happens as the demons find a way of releasing the beast. Alexander Storm narrates to his handpicked companions how the demons had been locked up by two brothers, who ended up committing suicide to avert leakage of the hideous places they shut the demons up in. However, the two brothers told their third brother what it would take to release the demons - the twelve riddles. They did this to provide access whenever an opportunity to destroy them arose.
Moloch tricked Ebbers into taking the papyri that contained the riddles out in public. He then reassembled the Book of Gates, which would facilitate him free of the beast. Will he restrain Alexander and his group from interfering? What danger lies ahead for the group, who are already skeptical about the supposed conference invitation?
I loved the character development and commend the author for the excellent composition. Being a long text well over six hundred pages, I could relate to each character and enjoyed their role in furthering the plot expansion. I did not find Alexander’s protagonist’s role diverted away from him because of the many characters used in the novel, but I admired how each personality played their roles satisfactorily. Despite superhuman powers, the characters had their tragic flaws, which made them original and resonated with my opinions. For instance, although Alexander was rich and intelligent in dealing with the villains, he recognized he could not handle them alone. It was also quite appealing to observe that the lack of cooperation from a single character would jeopardize the entire project, which meant that they either had to work or perish together.
This book is narrated from multiple viewpoints, often involving the characters themselves. These shifting perspectives gave me different views of the storyline as it advanced and enhanced my comprehension of each stage. Anthony infused suspense as a major stylistic, which was somewhat a page-turner for me because I kept desiring to read more actions. I benefited from the rational dialogues the characters engaged in, which foregrounded their traits and personalities.
There is nothing I liked least in this book, which exemplarily employed vivid descriptions; I could not help making mental notes of each scene as it unfolded, thus aiding my enjoyment of the book. The supernatural background of the text would appeal to the wildest imagination of readers who love reading “old age” texts with contemporary tastes.
December 20, 2023
"The Dragon Storm - Gates" by Anthony DiPaolo sets the stage for an enthralling adventure that spans the globe, weaving together ancient mysteries, supernatural forces, and a race against impending doom. In this riveting tale, readers are introduced to Alexander Storm and his eclectic team of heroes, embarking on a perilous quest to secure the Twelve Hours of Night—a fabled ancient Egyptian artifact scattered across the world.
The narrative unfolds as the team navigates a treacherous path marked by intricate riddles, leading them to renowned archaeological sites, each harboring a segment of the coveted Twelve Hours. However, their pursuit is fraught with peril, pitting them against a myriad of supernatural adversaries and challenges that test their courage and intellect at every turn.
At the heart of this gripping tale are two enigmatic demons, relentless in their quest to seize the Twelve Hours, unleashing catastrophic consequences by opening the gates to Hell on Earth. As the stakes escalate, Alexander Storm and his team find themselves racing against time, grappling with adversaries of unimaginable power, and deciphering cryptic clues to prevent a global catastrophe.
DiPaolo adeptly crafts an immersive narrative teeming with suspense, mystery, and pulse-pounding action. The story seamlessly blends elements of ancient mythology, history, and the supernatural, drawing readers into a world brimming with danger and intrigue. The vividly depicted global settings and intricate riddles add depth to the narrative, enhancing the sense of urgency and adventure.
The characters, each with their unique strengths and vulnerabilities, contribute to the richness of the story, offering a diverse and dynamic ensemble that engages readers on an emotional level. The relentless pursuit of the Twelve Hours propels the narrative forward, ensuring a thrilling and immersive reading experience.
"The Dragon Storm - Gates" is an exhilarating journey that captivates with its blend of ancient lore, high-stakes quest, and the battle against malevolent forces. DiPaolo's skillful storytelling and imaginative world-building make this book a must-read for fans of action-packed adventures steeped in mythology and mystery.
The narrative unfolds as the team navigates a treacherous path marked by intricate riddles, leading them to renowned archaeological sites, each harboring a segment of the coveted Twelve Hours. However, their pursuit is fraught with peril, pitting them against a myriad of supernatural adversaries and challenges that test their courage and intellect at every turn.
At the heart of this gripping tale are two enigmatic demons, relentless in their quest to seize the Twelve Hours, unleashing catastrophic consequences by opening the gates to Hell on Earth. As the stakes escalate, Alexander Storm and his team find themselves racing against time, grappling with adversaries of unimaginable power, and deciphering cryptic clues to prevent a global catastrophe.
DiPaolo adeptly crafts an immersive narrative teeming with suspense, mystery, and pulse-pounding action. The story seamlessly blends elements of ancient mythology, history, and the supernatural, drawing readers into a world brimming with danger and intrigue. The vividly depicted global settings and intricate riddles add depth to the narrative, enhancing the sense of urgency and adventure.
The characters, each with their unique strengths and vulnerabilities, contribute to the richness of the story, offering a diverse and dynamic ensemble that engages readers on an emotional level. The relentless pursuit of the Twelve Hours propels the narrative forward, ensuring a thrilling and immersive reading experience.
"The Dragon Storm - Gates" is an exhilarating journey that captivates with its blend of ancient lore, high-stakes quest, and the battle against malevolent forces. DiPaolo's skillful storytelling and imaginative world-building make this book a must-read for fans of action-packed adventures steeped in mythology and mystery.
April 17, 2023
I have to preface this review with the fact that I am in love with Egyptian history and mythology, so this entire book catered to the Egyptian fanboy in me. The further you get, the more you see in the author's massive knowledge cache. DiPaolo did a lot of research for this book, and it shines.
As far as the story itself, the premise is exceptionally creative. Kate is a great character, and her excitement when ETES reaches out to her (and Keith) feels like a genuine win for any researcher. However, I would have loved to see a blurb about her Tanis paper on the ETES website. Keith was more challenging for me to connect with. Not because he was written poorly (he was written quite well), but because he was incredibly flawed from the start. He grew on me later in the story, but I spent the first bit hoping Kate would leave him behind. Kate recognizes Keith's differences more than once, and their dynamic, by far, keeps the story's pace moving. I was just as invested in her growth as in the Egyptian parts.
Overall, great book. It was fun and exciting and definitely caught my attention from the beginning!
As far as the story itself, the premise is exceptionally creative. Kate is a great character, and her excitement when ETES reaches out to her (and Keith) feels like a genuine win for any researcher. However, I would have loved to see a blurb about her Tanis paper on the ETES website. Keith was more challenging for me to connect with. Not because he was written poorly (he was written quite well), but because he was incredibly flawed from the start. He grew on me later in the story, but I spent the first bit hoping Kate would leave him behind. Kate recognizes Keith's differences more than once, and their dynamic, by far, keeps the story's pace moving. I was just as invested in her growth as in the Egyptian parts.
Overall, great book. It was fun and exciting and definitely caught my attention from the beginning!
June 15, 2023
Wow what a great book this book is 22 hours long impact with Supernatural sci-fi goodness. Although the beginning doesn’t have action because we are being introduced to the character and the storyline I really appreciated that about the book because knowing these characters will be important as the story gets going each recruit comes with a certain set of skills and eventually they will all be necessary and useful this is such a good book and despite it being so long once they start in search of the 12 hour night the Time just flies by I can only hope and pray there is a second book because even the characters that are so lovable you will definitely love to dislike them. What a great book so freaking awesome and one I highly recommend. If you are a sci-fi paranormal ancient scribe fan then you will definitely love The Dragon Storm by Anthony Depollo. This book is the force to be reckon with and I think Alexander storm and his team are definitely the ones to make sense of it all. Although this is an epic story it is well towed well plodded and deathly executed. I totally loved this book! Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
March 20, 2023
Anthony DiPaolo's The Dragon Storm-Gates is excellent storytelling. This thriller with immersive descriptions and well-crafted characters is a great read and one that pulls you in right away. The supernatural tale revolves around an ancient Egyptian papyrus divided into twelve parts hidden around the world, with the characters facing dangerous enemies. The thought-provoking story's depth and nuance will leave you craving more. With perfect pacing, intricate world-building, and a balanced mix of suspense and the supernatural, this is a fun read. Of note are some areas of the book that could use further editing, but otherwise a fine story.
March 11, 2022
I received a copy in a giveaway and felt I had to finish this to write a review. I thought the plot had so much potential that wasn’t delivered. There was no character development, and no real sense of why Storm brought in the team. I would have liked more character development and the search for each papyrus to have its own book. It seemed all the characters besides Storm did very little to aid the plot. What was the good power in the plot? How did Storm get these powers? How did his tools work to control evil forces? Despite the length of the book, I had many unanswered questions.
July 13, 2022
An exciting novel that reads like a suspenseful action film. I felt as if I was not only reading this archaeological, paranormal story but watching it happen. The writing is fast paced despite it’s 600+ pages.
This story includes a large, likable cast of characters. DiPaolo writes in a matter where I was never overwhelmed by the amount of characters or forgetting who they were.
I think lovers of The DaVinci Code/Robert Langdon books, Indiana Jones and archaeological/paranormal fiction would gobble this up! I know I did!
This story includes a large, likable cast of characters. DiPaolo writes in a matter where I was never overwhelmed by the amount of characters or forgetting who they were.
I think lovers of The DaVinci Code/Robert Langdon books, Indiana Jones and archaeological/paranormal fiction would gobble this up! I know I did!
April 21, 2023
3.75 ⭐️The premise of this book is great. The plot line, story and action are all fun to read. The problem with this book is the character portrayal. The behavior of the characters, banter, and some interactions feel very forced and unlike what would actually happen.They also follow some irritating stereotypes in my opinion. The character interactions would often take me out of the story, which was unfortunate because the action scenes were usually really engaging. If the characters were better developed and their interactions/behaviors were more realistic this would be an amazing book.
May 11, 2023
I started this book a while ago but put it aside when I was about 25% through. I won't lie, the beginning had a lot of information and characters! However, I am glad I continued through. It is a jam-packed book indeed. I love the riddles and the different functions each character had. I even liked the villains, because they were demons!
The book is incredibly long, but it is separated into 2 parts. There is also a lot of action happening throughout, so if you like that, you would enjoy this book!
The book is incredibly long, but it is separated into 2 parts. There is also a lot of action happening throughout, so if you like that, you would enjoy this book!
April 6, 2022
The end of the world?
Alex Storm and a hand picked gathering solve 12 riddles. But, are they in time to stop Moloch and his demons from retrieving the prizes and calling forth Hell on Earth?
The characters are well drawn and the action is believable. Although it took a bit to read, it is going on my "re-read" list.
Alex Storm and a hand picked gathering solve 12 riddles. But, are they in time to stop Moloch and his demons from retrieving the prizes and calling forth Hell on Earth?
The characters are well drawn and the action is believable. Although it took a bit to read, it is going on my "re-read" list.
August 1, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads givaway.
I found it very well written. it seemed a little YA to me, not sure if it is supposed to be. It has great well formed charactors but too many for me and at the begining it was a bit confusing as to who was who. lots of fantasy action for those who like that kind of thing. it kind of had an Indiana Jones feel to it too.
I found it very well written. it seemed a little YA to me, not sure if it is supposed to be. It has great well formed charactors but too many for me and at the begining it was a bit confusing as to who was who. lots of fantasy action for those who like that kind of thing. it kind of had an Indiana Jones feel to it too.
December 23, 2024
Interesting story. Definitely some problems w/ formatting, * followed by a # would pop up regularly for no reason. Inconsistent use of names. Ex) one sentence he is "Alex", next sentence he is "Storm". With so many characters, it made it very confusing. A couple instances of the wrong name.
November 29, 2025
THE DRAGON STORM – GATES by Anthony DiPaolo is a thrilling supernatural adventure that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The book follows Alexander Storm and his team as they search for the Twelve Hours of Night, a fabled Ancient Egyptian papyrus that has been split into twelve parts and hidden around the world. The team must solve intricate riddles and overcome supernatural obstacles to find the pieces before a pair of enigmatic demons can open the gates to Hell on Earth.
DiPaolo's storytelling is expertly woven, with plenty of plot twists and surprises to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The characters are well-developed and believable, with unique personalities that add depth and complexity to the story. The attention to detail is impeccable, transporting the reader to various exotic locations around the world.
The pacing of the book is perfect, building suspense and tension with every page turn. The dialogue is natural and flows seamlessly, adding to the overall immersive experience of the story. The book is a well-written and engaging supernatural suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Overall, THE DRAGON STORM – GATES had every element of a good story. The intriguing plot, attention to detail, and well-rounded character development make it a must-read for fans of mystery, thriller, and suspense. DiPaolo's writing is superb, with brilliant descriptions and expertly woven threads of storytelling. It is a book that will leave you wanting more and eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the series.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
DiPaolo's storytelling is expertly woven, with plenty of plot twists and surprises to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The characters are well-developed and believable, with unique personalities that add depth and complexity to the story. The attention to detail is impeccable, transporting the reader to various exotic locations around the world.
The pacing of the book is perfect, building suspense and tension with every page turn. The dialogue is natural and flows seamlessly, adding to the overall immersive experience of the story. The book is a well-written and engaging supernatural suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Overall, THE DRAGON STORM – GATES had every element of a good story. The intriguing plot, attention to detail, and well-rounded character development make it a must-read for fans of mystery, thriller, and suspense. DiPaolo's writing is superb, with brilliant descriptions and expertly woven threads of storytelling. It is a book that will leave you wanting more and eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the series.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
January 29, 2024
The Dragon Storm Gates by Anthony DiPaolo is a novel full of action, mysteries, and the supernatural, where evil forces try to take over the world and Alexander Storm and his new crew need to stop it. An ancient Egyptian papyrus and a pair of demons are all it takes to start the havoc. Will Alexander and his colorful team be able to find the pieces of the papyrus first and stop the evil forces?
The main aspect that I really liked about the book was the quality and attention to detail. From creating the characters and their backgrounds, resulting in a beautiful and successful act of instilling life in one’s creation, to the detail of each supernatural creature, myth, or description of different sites, the author did an amazing job. The book is not a fast read; the amount of detail and characters can confuse the reader a little, as it did to me because I sometimes kept forgetting the names of some of the side characters. I also liked the touch of the illustrations, which kept adding mystery and validity to the story, although they were not so detailed.
The main aspect that I really liked about the book was the quality and attention to detail. From creating the characters and their backgrounds, resulting in a beautiful and successful act of instilling life in one’s creation, to the detail of each supernatural creature, myth, or description of different sites, the author did an amazing job. The book is not a fast read; the amount of detail and characters can confuse the reader a little, as it did to me because I sometimes kept forgetting the names of some of the side characters. I also liked the touch of the illustrations, which kept adding mystery and validity to the story, although they were not so detailed.
November 5, 2021
I want to believe that there is a good book hidden deep within this one. The elevator pitch is sound but between there and the page something was lost. The book is long, needlessly so, and information that could have been tossed off as an aside or passed on in a short conversation instead is given a full chapter if not two. Important information is often repeated multiple times, with the reader getting to witness each and every character being told said information separately. I feel that with a strong editorial hand this book could be half as long but four times as good. Unfortunately what is there now just doesn’t work.
I read this in the Kindle edition, and there were some odd typos and what appeared to be footnotes without footnotes attached.
I read this in the Kindle edition, and there were some odd typos and what appeared to be footnotes without footnotes attached.
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