Valhalla Rising

Rating:
Summary: Not nearly good
Review: The only reason I finished reading this book was to see how it all tied together. Unfortunately it ended more ridiculously than it began. I won't make the same mistake again.

Rating:
Summary: Ehh..great
Review: This book was another generic Clive Cussler book, still great. The book has more of a historical twist to it than many of his other books. The role of the past and connection with the present to solve the universal marine mysteries are outstanding. The ending however, left much to be desired. Not in the cliff- hanging- sequel-desiring kind of way, but in the unsatisfied sense. The climax just didnt push me to the edge like many of his others have. Rather writing one large conflict resolving climax at the end, there are many sporatic spread out ones.

Rating:
Summary: The Book Cussler Needed to Write
Review: Valhalla Rising is the book Cussler needed to write. Those of us who have followed Dirk Pitt's adventures since the seventies are aware that the hero is aging. So is Cussler. With the future of the NUMA Files series in question, Cussler tried inventing a new character, Kurt Austin. Despite two pretty good attempts with Paul Kemprecos, we still want Dirk. What to do? Cussler solves the problem brilliantly in Valhalla Rising. I won't spoil it for you. Let's just say that the ending is slam-bang on target, with clues liberally sprinkled through the text. Dirk Pitt swims on! One or two relatively minor carps. The editing could use work. Early in the book, Pitt's nemesis is called Omo Kanai. Then he is Ono Kanai, only to return to the original first name. When we first learn of the dastardly plot to destroy an American city, the explosives are on board a ship named the Pacific Chimera. Later the ship has a different name. Such mistakes throw readers off stride. Also, Cussler continues the irritating habit of writing himself into the story. In one way this is endearing. In another, it seems egotistical. It doesn't advance the story. Still, Valhalla Rising is Cussler's best attempt to date. The subplots, involving Vikings (hence the title) and Captain Nemo, are fascinating and raise the story beyond slash-and-burn. Read it and enjoy, and let's see what Cussler does next.