As media tie-in’s go, ‘A Brewing Storm’, is a huge success for Richard Castle and ABC’s show Castle. This e-book novella is the first of three, set to be published by Hyperion. In so many ways, this work accurately mirrors the fictional life of Richard Castle, a character created by a team for the TV show ‘Castle’. 

Derrick Storm is the principal character created by Castle, portrayed by Nathan Fillion, who’s character is a mystery thriller writer.  It is a tricky job to write a fictional short, about Derrick Storm, from the perspective of a fictional mystery author. Castle, in actuality a team of writers from ABC, writes about people who aren’t real but draws on “real life experiences” created within the TV show. 

Derrick Storm is an earlier character of Richard Castle’s creation, most likely based on himself. Similarly the character of Nikki Heat is based on the ‘Castle’ character of Detective Beckett, the current muse and partner of Richard Castle. In the program Stana Katic plays Detective Beckett. Derrick Storm is therefore not only the precursor to Nikki Heat but also a gauge for Richard Castle’s writing skills. It will be interesting to find out if ABC, and its writers, change the writing style at all in the next short stories that are due to come out soon.

This book gives readers a brief flash into the mind of Richard Castle. Shorter than a full length novel, this action thriller is a quick and addictive read as Derrick Storm follows his instincts and goes back into deep cover operations after four years of hiding. Found and brought to the U.S. Capitol against his wishes and better judgement, Storm is embroiled in a scheme against senators, money men, greedy loved ones, and the nagging feeling that all is not what it seems.

How this showcases Castle’s train of thought requires a deeper look beneath the surface. The character of Clara Strike will be a huge hit with fans that saw the episode where her CIA character appeared. Clara Strike is based on ‘Castle’ character Sophia Turner, an ex-flame of Castle’s that he reunites with briefly on a case in the TV show.

This impacts the telling of the story in a unique way, since readers who have seen this specific episode, are drawn further into the story making it seem more real for them. In ‘A Brewing Storm’, Clara isn’t a featured character and yet her presence is like a ghost during the start of the story. Her character peppers the beginning of the story with a flashback of a different Derrick Storm. That Derrick Storm, the one who had loved fast and hard, loved deeply and foolishly, is no longer the guy readers find themselves reading about in ‘A Brewing Storm’.

Instead, this Derrick Storm, a true reflection of the maturation of the character, is not cocky and arrogant. This Derrick Storm, after four years of peace and solitude, wants to go back to his quiet life and not be found again. Castle’s character, as designed by ABC, shines through as he superimposes his thoughts over those of Storms’s, showing a detailed mind and a keen instinct that helps him solve crimes and stay alive.

Furthermore, ‘A Brewing Storm’ shows Castle before he created Nikki Heat and Jameson Rook.  This is a fictional short that should not disappoint fans that are clamoring for some Castle action after the ending of the most recent season of the television show. Those fans that have been wondering how Derrick Storm is on paper, but haven’t read into the comic book, have another chance to really learn about the man behind Derrick Storm.

In the end, though this book is intended to be a precursor for the Nikki Heat series, it is very much influenced by the events of season four of Castle. This Derrick Storm is, perhaps a little too mature and jaded for an earlier fun and fancy free Storm persona but still fits in with the current storyline and characterization. Storm is still creative, still illusive, and still every bit as resourceful as Castle is in life, brilliantly making connections that others miss or dismiss.

The next E-book, due out in July, promises to continue the exciting cliffhanger where ‘A Brewing Storm’ leaves off. Fans are no doubt upset, as they impatiently wait for the story to continue but rest assured that the next installment, and the following third part, show excellent promise.

Score: 4/5 Great Work- A Must Read for Fans. 

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