The Iron Storm: A Gripping Isaac Bell Adventure of War and Intrigue – Must Read Review

Disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book from the publisher. This post also contains Amazon affiliate links [*]. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I have a love-hate relationship with fictional series that continue long after the author's death. It's a contentious issue in the literary community—it sparks debates, deliberations, and, at times, outright fury. Whether the extension of a beloved series was part of the author's grand design or a last-minute decision made by their estate or publisher, fans react with passion. Personally, I fall into the camp that doesn’t mind as long as the new author or authors are given proper credit on the cover and it's not, cough, cough, ghostwritten. In my eyes, the utmost priority is that the story is well-crafted. Different writers have their own narratives and styles, but I want to see these new authors treat the source material with respect rather than mimicry.

Take, for example, the late Clive Cussler (1931-2020). His novels have continued to thrill fans even after his passing. And you know what? The new authors get their due credit right on the cover—although let’s be real, Clive’s name still dominates the page like a ship's captain who refuses to be overshadowed. The latest installment is The Iron Storm, written by Jack Du Brul, marking the 15th adventure in the Isaac Bell series that kicked off in 2007 with The Chase. It follows the relentless, no-nonsense private investigator Isaac Bell, who prowls the streets of early 20th-century America like a sleek cat on the hunt.

Set against the backdrop of 1917, the narrative kicks off when President Wilson tasks Bell with a special mission. For Bell, the only appropriate answer to such a directive is, "Right away, sir." He’s supposed to keep a low profile as an official observer, but let’s face it—asking a detective to stay out of trouble is like asking a fish to stop swimming. Before long, Bell finds himself fighting on the front lines, side by side with Allied aviators, only to be captured by the enemy. Imagine being locked away in a medieval castle, teetering on the edge of freedom, with escape hinging on the latest advancements in battlefield technology.

But wait—freedom is a slippery little devil. In the midst of a World War, Bell realizes that some adversaries are willing to toss out the rules of engagement like yesterday's news; they want to bring their chaos back to the streets of America. And there’s only one man who can thwart their wicked plans—none other than Isaac Bell.

What I love about The Iron Storm is that Jack Du Brul isn’t a stranger to Cussler’s world; he collaborated closely with him before Cussler’s passing as a ghostwriter and researcher. He's got the pulse of this series running through his veins, which lends a natural, heartfelt flow to the narrative. His talent shines through in his vivid descriptions and his earnest attempts to stay true to historical accuracy, or at least the spirit of it, in this thrilling historical fiction.

Now, I read an advanced uncorrected proof, so if there were any glaring factual errors, don’t come for me—I’m no historian, just an enthusiastic reader venturing into a world of medieval castles, roaring tanks, and relentless action. What you get within the pages of The Iron Storm is everything you could hope for in an Isaac Bell adventure—think of it as a James Bond thriller, but with more grit and possibly a few more mustaches.

The book didn’t disappoint me one bit. So, trot on down to your local bookstore because The Iron Storm hits the shelves today— grab a copy, ^[*] and plunge into a riveting adventure. Trust me, your next great escape is waiting between those covers! ╌★★★★★

〜B.J. Burgess