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    Force of Nature
    Force of Nature
    Force of Nature
    Audiobook11 hours

    Force of Nature

    Written by C. J. Box

    Narrated by David Chandler

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    New York Times best-selling author C. J. Box delivers a novel starring Joe Pickett's sidekick, fan-favorite Nate Romanowski. In Force of Nature, trouble comes calling from Nate's past in the Special Forces, and the colleague he once called friend won't stop until those who know a deadly secret are silenced. Everyone close to Nate is at risk, including Joe and his family. To save them, Nate will have to convince law-abiding Joe to finally break a few rules along the way.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateMar 20, 2012
    ISBN9781464028922
    Force of Nature
    Author

    C. J. Box

    C.J. Box is the New York Times bestselling author of fifteen novels including the award-winning Joe Pickett series. Box has won the Edgar Award for Best Novel as well as the Anthony, Macavity, Barry, and Le Calibre .38 awards. His novels have been translated into twenty-five languages. Box lives outside of Cheyenne, Wyoming. 

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    Reviews for Force of Nature

    4/5

    327 ratings38 reviews

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    • 5/5
      One of my favorite from the series, thus far! A great thriller and an even more enjoyable journey in the Nate Romanowski story arc.
    • 5/5
      Awesome love the series love Nate and can't wait for next nook
    • 3/5
      Good action. Good balance between the Job and bits about personal life. Very good description of both heroin and crack addiction. I enjoyed the view of street level New York life.
    • 5/5
      Another great book from Box! I really love this one and it now took first place for me in CJ Box's series starring Joe Pickett.
    • 5/5
      I Love his books. I am Binge listening to them.
    • 5/5
      Very exciting! You learn all about Nate in this book.
      Loved it and loved the reader!
    • 4/5
      This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.---WHAT'S FORCE OF NATURE ABOUT?Nate Romanowski.That's the short version anyway—but it's not a helpful answer.Since we met Nate, we've known that he's living off the grid for more than philosophical reasons—he's not just a modern Thoreau, But we've never been given the story behind that. He's offered to tell Joe, but Joe's smart enough to know he shouldn't know (but he is curious).Well now, those people he's been avoiding are getting close to finding him. They are approaching, questioning, kidnapping (if deemed necessary), and putting all other sorts of pressure on those who may know something about Nate or his whereabouts. This includes new characters as well as well-established characters—including all the Picketts, his friends on the reservation, his mysterious friends in Idaho, and others.To protect those who are important to him, Nate has to stop hiding and go on the offense. Along the way, the reader gets answers to a lot of the questions about him that we've built up over the previous eleven novels.We also get another lesson in watching out for your ears around Nate Romanowski, just in case Free Fire wasn't enough for you.Yes, there are several other things going on, but they all tie back to Nate Romanowski—his past, his present, and if he has a future.A GRIPEThis is semi-spoilery, but without this, I might have rated this higher, so I have to talk about it. I don't think reading this is going to ruin anything plot-wise. Still, feel free to skip down to the next heading.Nate, Joe, and Marybeth all agree that the Picketts have to get out of town for their own safety. So Joe, Marybeth, April, and Lucy get to the airport so they can get out of the reach of those who might try to use them to get to Nate.See the problem there? I said nothing about Sheridan. Sure, she's away at college, but we're talking about people who have gone to Idaho and Colorado to find people to get leverage on Nate. Does anyone really think they can't get to Laramie? Yes, Joe sends his FBI buddy to talk to her, but that's to get information, not to watch out for her.I literally kept talking back to the recording, "What about Sheridan?" Is it possible I missed the two sentences it would've taken for Box to justify this choice, but I don't think that's the case.DAVID CHANDLERThis is book 12, David Chandler has this series down—I'm sure he's not on auto-pilot or anything, but at this point, it's got to be comfortable for him.That said, he's on his game here, and really gets to stretch his wings a little—there's (obviously) more Nate than usual, and Nate has a greater emotional range than usual, too. Bang-up job by Chandler.SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT FORCE OF NATURE?This is the most action-packed, violent, and unpredictable Joe Pickett novel yet. I'm not sure it's even close—I'm not sure it's the best novel in the series, but I'm guessing it's quite the fan-favorite because of all the Nate material.It's the C.J. Box-equivalent of Robert Crais' L.A. Requiem where we get all of Joe Pike's background* in the midst of a gripping thrill ride. There's a version of this post that contains several paragraphs comparing/contrasting these two novels that I'm sorely tempted to write, but I can't imagine anyone wanting to read it all. This will both serve to humanize Nate as well as build up his mystique. A nice trick to be sure.I just got a very real lesson in careful typing by invoking Joe Pike in a discussion about a Joe Pickett novel.Am I happy to have a lot of questions answered about Nate? Yes. Do I have a whole bunch of new questions about him? Yes. Do I sort of hope that he disappears for at least a book so we can refocus on Joe? Yes. Do I think that anyone with a mild interest in the Joe Pickett series will dig this novel? No doubt in my mind.
    • 3/5
      Strong 3 stars, good solid entry in the Joe Pickett mystery series.
    • 4/5
      The novel opens a few weeks after the previous novel closed. In a way it is the second part of "Cold Wind". Nate's story was the secondary story in the previous novel; he takes the leading role here. After losing Alisha and Big Merle, Nate now knows that his old commander is after him - the three local men who try to kill him kinda make it clearer than ever. So he goes on the run - trying to stay a step ahead of the elite team after him. As it turns out that becomes even more of a problem when the sheriff of Saddlestring also wants him - not that this ever stopped (Nate is a Federal fugitive after all) but 3 dead bodies make it a local matter as well. Meanwhile Joe Pickett has a trainee and is really trying to teach the young man, Luke Brueggmann, how to be a game warden. Except that a triple murder means that all law enforcing agencies are helping the sheriff's office (regardless of the sheriff's desires). We rarely see Joe in this novel - it is really a Nate novel and we finally get his backstory - including the reason why he left the army abruptly and why now everyone seems to want him dead. The explanation was a bit under-whelming - while I can see why it can mess with someone's head, it seems almost mild compared to what I expected based on some of the dropped clues and Nate's behavior. The novel is also tied to falconry and C. J. Box uses the birds and the hobby to enhance the story. As the novel progresses, the two stories merge (as usual) and Joe manages to get in trouble (again). He never learns Nate's story (because he does not want to know it) and as with a lot of these novels, the solution does not come almost to the end. It will be interesting to see where this series goes next. Nate is a fugitive again (or more than before anyway - he is wanted for a few murders in additional to the older charges) and Joe will probably end up being blamed for a lot of what happened with Luke - even if as usual he has nothing to do with it.
    • 5/5
      This was my first CJ Box novel and I have to say I'm impressed; normally the blurbers exaggerate the quality of the novel I find whereas this novel has the Lee Child quote stating "A solid-gold A-list must read writer" and I can say I don't disagree. I wasn't sure what to expect starting off on the 12th book of the series, often it seems like the characters are hollow shells with not much attention given to fleshing them out but I found here the was enough detail to give you a good sense of each character without having read the prior books.The story itself was quite enthralling from the get go with a nice mix of mystery, action and law enforcement machinations, this is probably one of the best books I've read so far this year, bested only by Lincoln Child's The Forgotten Room. I think I'll be keeping an eye out for CJ Box novels if any cross my path in the future.
    • 3/5
      First off let me say that I am not a real “dyed in the wool” C.J. Box fan. I know I am in the minority on this. Force of Nature is his latest thriller. His stories usually feature Joe Pickett, and while Pickett is present this story is about his enigmatic friend - Nate Romanowski.

      Nate has been a presence in the Pickett household for years. But the questions abound - why does he live off the grid? Where is he from? What happened to produce the quiet, but lethal man he is? If you like complex moral stories with strong male protagonists, then Force of Nature is great. If you prefer clearer lines dividing right from wrong, give this book a pass.
    • 3/5
      Setting descriptions slow down the pace a bit but Box delivers high octane action, interesting detail about falconry, and complex, likable characters.
    • 4/5
      Welcome addition to my library, another Joe Pickett Novel, this one focused on Nate, Joe's long time family friend, and it doesn't disappoint. Now on to read the new Joe Pickett I won through LibraryThing early reviewers!
    • 4/5
      Nate's past comes back with a vengence. As the body count ticks upward, Joe copes with a trainee and struggles with his conscience.Box should follow Nate around more often.
    • 3/5
      Kind of different one in the series with the focus on Nate rather Joe. I would have thought it would have made for a favorite, but strangely not. I love Joe! Fun was that they made it to my home town of Colorado Springs.
    • 5/5
      Nate Romanowsky and Joe Pickett find themselves in a serious situation, but this is worse than any previous experiences these two have face before. Joe's family is threatened by the bad guy that Nate actually fears since this individual taught him not only about falconry but about being a special force fighter.Sheriff McClanahan is back as only politically motivated taking credit for the good events and trying to blame Joe for everything bad that happens.Good read.
    • 4/5
      Loved this book as I did all of the CJ Box books. This one gives us a lot more information on Nate Romanowsky, who is running from the enemies that are hunting him. Will he and his game-warden friend Joe Pickett and his family survive?
    • 4/5
      As a long-standing fan of Joe Pickett and Nate Romanowski, I look forward to each new book in the series. And they keep getting better and better! The last two (Cold Wind and Force of Nature) are remarkable books. Box has focused his writing on tight plots, timely political and social issues, and vivid descriptions of the natural world. A few of the early novels required that noted "willing suspension of disbelief" but these books are built upon reality. While they may surprise you, they won't puzzle you or make you feel cheated by a clever plot shortcut. This book gives, at long last, the back story on Nate Romanowski, and makes his life of isolation "off the grid" understandable. As always I look forward to the next addition to a terrific series.
    • 3/5
      Although an entry in the Joe Pickett series, this book is really all about Nate Romanowski. We finally get to know more about Nate's secret past. So does Joe, though he really doesn't want to. Joe is the embodiment of the straight and narrow, though his decisions are tempered by right and wrong. Nate is all about right and wrong, and not tempered by the law or social mores at all. Being a law enforcement agent, it's just easier for Joe to know as little as possible about the details of Nate's life. CJ Box does a great job of bringing Joe and Nate together despite their differing world views. And although Nate uses techniques Joe isn't always comfortable with their friendship grows even stronger. If you like complex moral stories with strong male protagonists, Force of Nature is great. If you prefer clear lines dividing right from wrong, give this book (and perhaps CJ Box) a pass.
    • 4/5
      I could have given this book a higher review but for the fact that C. J. Box continues to call the pronghorn an antelope. They are two different species, somewhat related but different. Pronghorns are found only on the plains and grasslands of North America whereas antelopes range from Africa, Asia to the Middle East. I do wish C. J. Box would use his books as a teaching moment when he talks about pronghorns. Although I doubt he believes in the Jackalope or maybe he does and will put in his next book!
    • 3/5
      "No living man can, or possibly ever will, understand the instinct of preservation that we share with our raptorial servant. No man-made machine can, or ever will, synthesize that perfect coordination of eye, muscle, and pinion as he stoops to his kill."- Aldo Leopold, quoted in Forces of Nature by C.J. BoxEx-Special Forces soldier Nate Romanowski, omni-competent and ruthlessly effective, has made critical appearances throughout this Wyoming-based action mystery series featuring game warden Joe Pickett. Now he gets to take center stage. In this falconry-infused entry, Nate's hinted at past comes to light, and with it a whole lot of bad guys looking to take him down. As those who know Nate start to disappear or die, Joe Pickett has to figure out how to help his friend while still protecting his own family. Meanwhile, the stupidity of Pickett-hating Sheriff McLanahan manages to turn bad situations even worse, and those seeking Romanowski seem to have infiltrated everywhere. New characters join the already enjoyable cast, and as usual the author does a great job of building the excitement and keeping the pages zipping along. Joe, of course, remains the epitome of integrity. When a baddie accuses Joe of "trying to get the drop on" him, Joe responds, "I'm not that clever", and when the same baddie accuses him of lying, Joe says, "I don't lie. You know that." That's our guy! If you're looking for a fun, action-packed diversion, this series, including its latest, supplies it.
    • 4/5
      Joe Pickett is a game warden in the Wyoming area. His friend, Nate Romanowski was a former member of a specialized military unit. Nate had seen things he didn't want to remember.Unfortunately, the leader of that unit wants to make sure that Nate can't reveal what he knows and sends a team to kill him.Nate meets a few of his select friends but it seems that his enemies know his movements. They even send a group of locals to try to kill Nate but they are unsuccessful.Nate and Joe's paths connect and lead the reader through an adventurous mystery. In addition, we are given strong lessons about the importance of loyalty and friendship. We also see the results of betrayal.An enjoyable and interesting novel that is recommended.
    • 5/5
      This is my first C.J. Box book, and it won't be my last! Joe Pickett is a character that one can easily relate to, especially readers in the West. I understand from previous book reviews, this book is slightly different in that it mainly focuses on Joe's friend Nate Romanowski, but as a newcomer to this character/book series, I still felt like I knew who Joe was as well. The story line was face paced and was always kept me in suspense. Currently this book is #13 on the NYTimes best seller list for e-books. I can understand why and would highly recommend this author and this book.
    • 5/5
      FORCE OF NATUREC.J. BOXBRAVO!!!!This is his best novel yet. C.J.Box needs to write more on Nate Romanowski.C.J Box now rates with Vice Flynn and Brad Thour. Half way into Force of Nature I wanted Mitch Rapp to come and help Nate out. We all want to know more about Nates life before this book.It will not be soon enough for the next installment.
    • 4/5
      Last year about this time, I picked up the latest C.J. Box novel and reminded myself how much I enjoyed Box's Joe Pickett series. Cold Wind left me wanting to know more about the mysterious Nate Romanowski.... "The secondary storyline involving Joe's friend Nate Romanowski totally grabbed me. Nate is a master falconer and fugitive. He has gone off the grid and underground in the hills of Wyoming. There are those that want him dead. More Nate please! (Fans of Joe Pike and Jack Reacher would like this character)" Well, I got my wish. Force of Nature picks up the story of Nate. Nate knows who's after him - Nemecek - his old commander and falconry mentor from his time in a clandestine special forces unit in '95. Nate has knowledge that Nemecek doesn't want revealed and he'll say and do anything he can to find and kill Nate. Nate goes underground again, but Nemecek has no compunction at 'questioning' those Nate cares about - including the Pickett clan. Recurring characters return - the incompetent local sheriff, up for re election, the one deputy that Joe does trust, Joe's wife Marybeth, a strong character on her own, and Joe's daughters. I have to say though, I am getting tired of foster daughter April's attitude, despite her personal tragedy. Joe has his hands full with a Luke, a new trainee game warden, as well. Joe Pickett is a straight talking, stick to your principles, follow the high road kind of man. "But I really do believe there's nothing wrong with doing your best and doing the right thing." But in Force of Nature, Joe is walking a thin line between honouring friendship and respecting the law. You might be saying how is a game warden involved in hunt for a killer? "We don't have a lot of law enforcement bodies around this county. When something major happens, everybody gets pressed into the effort. Highway patrol, local cops, brand inspectors. And game wardens." Box writes what he knows - he lives in Wyoming and is an avid outdoorsman. His setting descriptions paint vivid pictures. He's a family man as well and his scenes with Joe, Marybeth and his family all ring true. Force of Nature does have mystery elements that kept me guessing (who are the moles working with the killer?), but for the most part it is very much action based. I enjoyed getting Nate's back story. The only false note for me was Nate's feelings for Haley, although she was integral to the plot. I thought Box did a great job incorporating falconry and it's imagery into the story. I did find the final reveal of Nemecek's secret a bit anti-climatic, but this in no way detracted from a really good read. Settling in with the latest C.J. Box novel is like sitting down with an old friend, who has a really great story to tell you. I can't wait for the next installment with the eminently likable Joe Pickett.
    • 4/5
      Force of Nature is the 12th entry in C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett mystery series. Joe is a Wyoming Game Warden and his falconer friend, Nate Romanowski, first introduced in Winterkill, is the main character in this story. Nate is an ex-special ops officer who had gone off the grid for unspoken reasons but now suddenly finds himself at odds with his ex-mentor, John Nemecek. Nemechek is desperate to keep a secret that Nate knows (and it's the secret behind his going underground) and will stop at nothing to keep him quiet. The considerable action in the book involves Nate attempting to learn who he can trust and how he can stop Nemecek as they both travel through Colorado, Idaho, and Wyoming, each leaving a trail of bodies.Why Nate didn’t expose the secret which I felt was a bit of a letdown, and thus prevent all the resulting carnage, didn’t entirely make sense to me. There were some other things about the story that bothered me as well and made me a little uneasy with the story.I liked Nate when he was first introduced in Winterkill and thought he’d make an interesting new character, especially since he's virtually the polar opposite of his all around good guy friend, Joe. And that’s true, but this was a little too much Nate with too high of a body count.But the action moves along briskly – this is really more of a thriller than a mystery - and the chapters with Joe and his family are as entertaining as I’ve come to expect from this author. I seem to be in the minority about my disappointment, so if this sounds like a story line that’d be of interest, give it a try for the entertainment and mayhem if not the plausibility.
    • 4/5
      I received this book from the Early Reviewers program.This is the 12th book in CJ Box's Joe PIckett series, but it is quite different from the others in the series as it focuses much more on Joe's mysterious friend Nate Romanowski and his murky past rather than Joe himself. It is also much more of a thiller than the rest of the series, with conspiracies and cover-ups coming to light. While overall I enjoyed this book, I did get irritated with some of the quasi-spirituality spouted about falconry that was sprinkled throughout. However, I was able to skim past those parts and get back to the good stuff without too much trouble.
    • 4/5
      This entry in the Joe Pickett series is based on the history of Joe’s friend, Nate Romanski. Nate is in some ways as wild as the Peregrine falcons with which he hunts. In Force of Nature, Nate's nemesis, is a man powerful and clever enough to place himself beyond the reach of ordinary forces of law and order, attacks and Nate must release his civilizing restraints in order to battle this threat to his family, his friends and his own survival. As a warden for the Wyoming Department of Fish and Game, Joe Pickett is responsible for the protection of the wildlife in his jurisdiction, which in this case seems to include Nate. While Nate must ultimately fight this battle himself, Joe struggles against constraints of inept law enforcement and harsh natural elements to protect Nate's ability to fight freely. A story exploring mankind’s primitive nature is necessarily a violent story. Some of the violence, however, is awkwardly integrated into the story and seems recklessly superfluous. I also found the motivation in the back story a bit weak.As usual, CJ Box makes good use of the western landscape. His descriptions of the vast skies and sagebrush flats of Wyoming and the rugged mountains of Colorado and Idaho are authentic and add character to the story. This story is more suspense than mystery and there is less development of Joe Pickett’s character than in other books in the series, which I missed, but it was a good, suspenseful read and an enjoyable way to spend an evening.
    • 4/5
      Joe Pickett is a conservation officer who seems to get in the middle of a lot of trouble. His friend Nate Romanowski is a rouge special forces man who seems to cause most of it. This time Nate's past is catching up with him and his mentor is wiping out everyone who could connect him to past crimes. Nate has to go on the defense and find Joe Nemecheck before he finds Nate. Joe was warned by Nate to leave and take his family, but he can't leave his friend to face the bad guys by himself.This was a fast paced action thriller. CJ Box can be counted on to tell an interesting story. I gave it 3 1/2 because although it was interesting, it wasn't something I couldn't wait to get back to.
    • 5/5
      Once again C. J. Box delivers a descriptive narrative without boring the reader with needless details. This story is suspenseful, interesting and makes me want to be in nature even more.