An exhilarating, action-packed fight between light and darkness propels the narrative of DiPaolo's immersive supernatural thriller. Engrossing right from the beginning, the narrative and plot quickly darken and deepen. The novel's world of good versus evil and terrifying supernatural transformations is casually revealed through a series of otherworldly happenings. Though Storm's mysterious life in the Dragon Loch Castle creates plenty of intrigue, when the action moves to the various task force members, their backstories make a complex tapestry, woven of intricate threads of secrets, dreams, desires, and skills. DiPaolo has an eye for detail, bringing all the character to life: Storm is a clever, courageous, darkly noble protagonist with an appealingly wry voice. The supporting cast is equally compelling. DiPaolo deftly layers in historical and archeological details, old myths, legends, and supernatural, drawing upon the famous monuments and archaeological sites, superstitions, common tropes of urban fantasy literature and the eternal war of good versus evil. From the pitch-perfect opening paragraph to the exhilarating final twist, the narrative unravels layers of revelation, skillfully ratcheting up the tension and horror to the shocking finale. Storm and the special task force members' dangerous mission to locate all the twelve parts of the papyrus and their face off with the pair of demons and other supernatural entities propel the narrative; the mystery surrounding Storm and some unexplained facts about the task force members mean the sequel should be in cards.  A labyrinthine plot with otherworldly darkness and intrigue keeps the pages flying. Immaculate characterization, atmospheric setting, and finely incorporated supernatural intrigue make for a page-turner. Historical fantasy, archeological thriller or urban fantasy—whatever genre you like, this novel is a must-read.
Go, grab it.
-THEPRAIRIESBOOKREVIEW on NOVEMBER 10, 2021

A well-written horror page turner that is highly imaginative, fast-paced and engaging.

Well-researched with a strong female protagonist, this adventurous story is not only chilling, dark and terrifying, but is also entertaining, witty and clever.
- Verified Amazon Review

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.

- Verified Amazon Review

This challenged my mind from the start. I recognized some of the demon names and found myself looking up new characters as I read. The demons are acting in character throughout the book.

Some of the places mentioned in the riddles I had a clue about but others were new. I found I did not want to read just before bedtime because I had dreams. The author connected with my mind.

I loved the length of the book. All to often I am sorry when a book ends because there are loose ends in my mind. When this story closed, I was content. I hope that Alexander Storm shows up again .

- Verified Amazon Review

I am an avid reader and have come across few books that have transported me into the story as if the reader were actually involved.
I look forward to further works by this author. He has a unique talent on par with King.

- Verified Amazon Review

This book was recommended to me by a friend and now she will never let me live this down because I can't put it down! It is wonderfully written, and the story had me hooked so well that I think I found a new fandom and can't wait to read more from Anthony DiPaolo.

-Verified Amazon Review

​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.

- Verified Amazon Review

I’m not going to give any spoilers but I was very content with the ending! I’m a big reader of supernatural plots so believe me when I say that this is a fantastic book. The author did a great job at researching supernatural elements and incorporating those to his story, adding amazing twists and turns. If you decide to read this, then you’re in for a ride!

- Verified Amazon Review

The book started with a slow burn as the author did a great job of building the characters, then became a fast, fun read that I could not put down. As someone who is currently learning Afrikaans, I found the author's use of Afrikaans fun and unique. This was an excellent read!

- Verified Amazon Review

​Well researched archaeological locations and real history with a supernatural twist on old legends. Unique and engaging cast of characters - including the demons. Fast paced - cliff hanger chapters make for a quick read. I recommend it!

- Verified Amazon Review

Action packed and easy to read, this book hits on many areas that will appeal to supernatural readers. It also may touch people who are interested in archaeology, as the author carefully crafted some of the settings in the book.

I'm not a big fan of supernatural books, but I actually thoroughly enjoyed this. Well done!

- Verified Amazon Review

Trying to locate a fabled ancient Egyptian papyrus, Twelve Hours of Night, the enigmatic Alexander Storm finds himself face to face with a pair of demons. But the papyrus is split into twelve parts and is scattered around the globe. Will Alexander locate it fast enough? DiPaolo's plot and setup are superb, and he has created an enormously intriguing character in Alexander, and secondary characters, be it major or minor, are drawn with skill and precision. There is a large cast of characters and disparate plot threads, but DiPaolo handles both with aplomb, tying out all the loose threads skillfully. Descriptions of various archeology sites, including incredible monuments contribute to the feeling of reality, making suspension of disbelief easy. Supernatural intrigue and war between good and evil are densely detailed without overwhelming the characters or slowing the pace as the narrative builds to a tense climax, making readers curious about the author's upcoming work. Lovers of historical/archeological thrillers who like their story with a hefty blend of action and otherworldliness are in for a treat.
- BookView Review
 

I was never a fan of this particular genre, but hearing him speak on a recent interview, I thought I’d give it a read. I’m very glad I did. He tells a story in a way that keeps you glued to the pages. I can’t wait to read more!
- Verified Amazon Review

Now, who here likes The Mummy? I'm not talking about the 2017 Tom Cruises film. That'll be a whole other topic that I will get to one day. I am talking about the 1999 Brendan Fraser film. That film is such a classic and has such a unique style to it. It's a great film. Who doesn't like it? It's got globe-trotting, swash-buckling adventure. It also has some pretty memorable characters in it. It's also safe to say that people have heard of a certain character called John Constantine. He's pretty popular with a long-running comic and been featured in a few different tv series, films, and animated films. He happens dabble in the occult and supernatural. Fancies himself to be a master of the dark arts occasionally as well. What happens if you put the two together?
     The synopsis for The Dragon Storm: Gates is as follows:
     "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 nemeses 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.".
    As I sat reading this book, I couldn't help but be enraptured by the story. It quickly pulls you into the world and its atmosphere. It also has a brilliant pace to it as it moves along fairly quickly. There wasn't a moment where I found myself bored. The tone of the book for me felt like a brilliant mashup of those Mummy films with Constantine/Hellblazer in a very modern setting. The world that is built feels incredibly lived-in. The characters are all very likeable. I found myself invested in everyone's journey throughout the read. It also was incredible seeing the way the different characters start in the beginning, but then the ways they would come together. It is an absolutely fantastic first start to a series. And DiPaolo is hard at work at a follow-up. 
    I don't wish to dive too much further into story details as this is one that has to be experienced. If you are a fan of action and adventures with a supernatural world thrown in for good measure, be sure to check out The Dragon Storm: Gates. 

BlazinBlue's Horror Review: Book Review: The Dragon Storm: Gates from Anthony DiPaolo (blazinbluehorror.blogspot.com)

​Do yourself a favor and get this book. I’m not going to want it to end.

- Verified Amazon Review

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 an 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 chilling 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 lives 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 of much except perhaps swirling demons. But with his crew 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 books, then this would be a book for you.

Highly recommended to all fans of paranormal suspense and a well-deserved five stars.

- Verified Amazon Review

The Dragon Storm is an exciting adventure! I love the mythology-- Egyptian stuff is one of my favorites... the content felt well researched but stood out in its own creative right. The cast of characters is well written and memorable. These elements made it very easy for me to become invested. I highly recommend this book!

- Verified Amazon Review

The narrative voice was flawless: energetic, simple to follow, and brimming with humorous banter. I had the impression that Indiana Jones and Lara Croft were just around the corner, ready to provide a helpful hand and make a snappy retort.
Readers interested in archaeology and history will enjoy learning more about multiple ancient monuments.

- Verified Amazon Review

Moloch and Naamah are a pair of demons hell-bent on releasing Samael. In response, Alexander Storm forms a task force of unique individuals, each with special abilities.

The writing style was impeccable: dynamic, easy to follow, and rich in witty banter.

Readers passionate about archaeology and history will love to discover further information regarding the Sphinx, Petra, Chichen Itza, or the jungle city of Copan.

The book features many supernatural elements; they range from magic and special abilities to exorcism and demons. Romance is not missing from the novel. The subject can be exciting for teens; however, be aware there are several violent situations, erotic scenes, and some profanities.

- Verified Amazon Review

This story flies on the imagination of the reader, transporting them into the pages and beyond. It is a journey that will entice you to no end, compelling your eyes to feast on every word again and again.

- Verified Amazon Review

Dark, mysterious and adventurous read. It includes real-life locations and legends with a twist. The protagonist - Alexander Storm, is a very cool character and makes the story very interesting, engaging and rich. This book is the beginning of the Dragon Storm stories. Overall, a well-written horror with great characters and an intriguing plot.

- Verified Amazon Review