Black Wind

Rating:
Summary: It's an ill wind that doesn't blow some good...
Review: A word of explanation to Amazon readers about "customer reviews." Those that you find before the line that invites you to write a review are done by reviewers such as myself, who have been provided with an advance copy of the book by the publisher. They are almost always universally upbeat. You may note in the reviews that follow that the tone of them is decidedly less positive. Draw your own conclusions.

I had not read a Cussler novel for some time until I received this one as a Christmas present. The approach to the story is the same as always. An historic event is tied into the current story and bad guys are using the past event to do something dastardly which must be stopped and can only be stopped by Dirk Pitt and his able side kick Al Giordino. In this case the past event was a planned attack on the US by Japan during the waning days of WW2 from aircraft launched from submarines and carrying biological weapons bombs with smallpox. The submarines were destroyed before they could launch their strike, but it seems that someone is after their payload. The question is who and why? The answer is a fellow named Kang, a N. Korean who's plan is to rid the Korean peninsula of US Troops. To this end he has whipped up a frenzy in S. Korea against a US soldier who is accused of the rape and murder of a young Korean girl (he was framed by Kang) and to launch a horrendous bioloical attack on the west coast of the US using a commercial missile launch platform. He has planned it to look like Japaneese dissidents did it and to so occupy the US with the results of the attack in which millions will be affected and die, that they will not object when the S. Koreans demand that our military be withdrawn. Riding to the rescue are Pitts kids, Dirk and Summer. How they get involved and stay involved in the story is a bit tedious, but nothing is more annoying than the wise cracking that goes on throughout the book as they confront serious and life threatening situations. The senior Pitt and Al show up near the end to render some meaningful assistance to thwarting Kang's plot (this is giving nothing away) and in the end Good wins over Evil. Cussler even writes himself into the story (again) which adds little to it, but has become a Hitchcock thing he introduced several novels ago. It is a tired and somewhat contrived story line. If you enjoyed Cussler's early books you are probably not going to find this one your cup of tea. I was delighted to finish it and don't plan to repeat the experience again.

Rating:
Summary: I guess the rip-snorting tales have passed on....
Review: Ever since I read my first Clive Cussler novel while on an oil rig in the North Sea (sometime about 1978 or 1977 or so), I've been a Cussler enthusiast. I've only read the Cussler novels, not the commercialized versions with co-authors. They never seemed to have that spice that makes a Cussler novel whatever it is.

There is not another author for whom I would consistently shell out the cost of a hardback, then take the following day off from work just to read his novel. I've always thought Cussler that good.

His writing has never been, well, elegant. His prose has never been challenging or even slightly mind-bending. His grammar is at times thwarted or convoluted....but....

It's his stories. They have always captivated me. He has always told rip-snorting, exciting yarns.

Imagine my sadness when I bought this latest book at the San Francisco Airport bookstore (paying a premium, I might add, just because it is Mr. Cussler's name on the book) and took it with me on a business trip.

Not even the boredom of a hotel room could entice me to finish it. The novel had all the formula (Mr. Cussler, you've always used the old "formula writing") but none of the storytelling, yarn-stretching, fat-chewing, whopper-telling, enigma-engrossing whatever-it-is-that-makes-Clive-the-best sauce. It was gone. Left in it's place was dry turkey leftover from Thanksgiving, and that was months ago....

It was like returning to a favorite restaurant and discovering that they had lost the recipes that had made the place so compelling to begin with. A most depressing experience.

If Mr. Cussler or his son read these reviews, I hope they take note of this: First, Mr. Cussler, whatever your talent was, it was great. Perhaps you no longer want to practice your art, so you should simply stop. No matter what, these sorts of skills (innate abilities?) cannot be passed on. Stop while your are ahead. For Dirk, I suggest that you do what you feel compelled to do, but whatever you choose, don't choose to ride on Daddy's coat-tails.

The secret Cussler sauce was missing from this novel. Completely. But the others, in their time and space, are absolute magic.

I cannot remember which book Mr. Cussler wrote in the preface/dedication regarding the "Alhambra" (a bar, a place, what?):

Gone, but not forgotten.

I say the same now for Mr. Cussler's books. They are gone, but not forgotten. A tip of the hat to you Mr. Clive. You were the best.

Rating:
Summary: So, I lied
Review: I believe I have read all the novels Clive Cussler has written. These include: THE MEDITERRANEAN CAPER, ICEBERG, RAISE THE TITANIC!, VIXEN 03, NIGHT PROBE, PACIFIC VORTEX, DEEP SIX, CYCLOPS, TREASURE, DRAGON, SAHARA, INCA GOLD, SHOCK WAVE, FLOOD TIDE, ATLANTIS FOUND, VALHALLA RISING and BLACK WIND. I also read three novels he coauthored with Paul Kemprecos which include: SERPENT, BLUE GOLD, and FIRE ICE. In addition, I read THE GOLDEN BUDDHA coauthored by Craig Dirgo. His most recent novels (particularly the ones he coauthored) fail to meet the richness found in his earlier work. I was particularly disappointed with GOLDEN BUDDHA and, as a result, I vowed never to waste my time reading another Cussler novel. So, I lied. After my GOLDEN BUDDHA vow, I received BLACK WIND as a Christmas gift and felt obligated to read it. I am glad I did.

In BLACK WIND, not only does Cussler return to the Dirk Pitt series, but also to an improved plot. Reading a good story makes my mind travel; I forget about my surroundings and get lost watching the vividly described characters. It has been awhile since Cussler has been able to do this. In addition, we see the culmination of character development since his first Pitt novel was published (MEDITERRANEAN CAPER, 1973). Through his 17 novels, Cussler paints a maturing picture of Pitt. In BLACK WIND, Pitt becomes a man too old to continue to save the universe. Enter Summer and Dirk Pitt, Jr. They are the new generation of problem-solvers who inherited their father's wit and daring.

Pitt senior is still around and active, but shares the adventures with his daughter and son. Here, Cussler is able to produce a rare literary symmetry that most author cannot. In a slow calculated manner, Pitt senior is passing the torch. The entire Dirk Pitt series infuses a well thought-out character development that we see unfold over four decades (starting in 1973). Like Dr. Who, Dirk Pitt is maturing out. Unlike Dr. Who, Pitt doesn't have seven regenerations of himself, but Pitt does have two adult children who carry on the storyline and his genes - even if Cussler allows Pitt senior to die of old age, the storyline will continue (just like Dr. Who).

One point must be stressed about Cussler's writing style. Everyone who reads Cussler knows how the novel is going to end. It is identical to knowing that James Bond will triumph. We don't read Dirk Pitt novels (or James Bond) for the surprise ending but rather the twists, turns, and the imaginative encounters. Cussler's skill with the pen is able to make an implausible situation plausible. The "implausible/plausible" storyline is what makes Dirk Pitt series worth reading. With this thought as my guide, I'll continue to read the Pitt novels.


Rating:
Summary: cusslers need to work on it
Review: I have been a fan of Clive Cussler for years. Unfortunately, this book is not up to his usual work. I enjoyed it a bit, but I found myself skimming through pages to get to some action. I have come to expect "non-stop page turning" from this author. I did not find it here. Perhaps the melding of Cussler, Sr., and Cussler, Jr. is the reason. It probably needs some work....hope it will happen in the next!
Until then....this is not a bad book, just a bit dull in places. I look forward to your next, Mr. and Mr. Cussler.

Rating:
Summary: good story
Review: I just loved it. The twist in the story, The range of its setting , the superb manner with which the characters are introduced and made to grow,and the fast pace of the story made this book a page turner.

Clive Cussler has revealed once again his mastery of adventurous and thrilling stories As usual; the plot is fast-paced one, moving so quickly that the reader is not given the opportunity to notice any flaws. I loved the rugged nature of the characters. The plot is amazing, far-reaching and creates a sense of disbelief. Alaska, Korea, Japan.....the scope is wide. I will always continue to read the works of Cussler because I enjoy them as a quick relief from more serious works, and consider then to be good page-turners. If liked Cussler's earlier books, then here is another to enjoy. The story has an interesting plot and the dialogue is great. Once started, you won't want to put it down. The story flows.

Also recommended: DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE, POLAR SHIFT

Rating:
Summary: Implausable yet entertaining adventure story!
Review: I must admit I have never read a Clive Cussler Novel, and started this book with trepidation, it just did not appear to be my cup of tea. Once I started though I could not start, kind of like popcorn! Evidently, the book was written by father and son Clive and Dirk Cussler, and this is enteresting as the Hero of the book is Dirk Pitt Jr. son of Dirk Pitt who is apparently the hero of Cussler's earlier books. The senior Pitt makes a cameo appearence early in the book to save his son and biologist girlfriend (a very exciting scene). The plot centers around two WW2 Japanes Subermarines carrying biological weapons that were to be unleashed on the US at the end of the war. The subs never made the intended destination and were sunk in the pacific. The North Koreans learn about the subs cargo and have a plan to use these weapons of mass destruction against the U.S. with the Japanese taking the blame. They hope to kick American troops out of South Korea then re-unite the country. Without spoiling anything let me say there is plenty of action and international intrigue, all of it not really pretty crazy, but also hard to put down!

Rating:
Summary: Black Wind Review
Review: I've read many of the Dirk Pitt novels and this is the first that felt flat and contrived....I wonder how much was written by Dirk Cussler? The main characters are Pitts two children not Dirk and Al, who are in the story only marginally. For a first time reader I'd recommend Sahara and to the seasoned Pittophile I'd skip this one entirely, you'll be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Nautical experts?
Review: It was hard to believe that the creators of NUMA would make one of the most elementary errors of all seamanship ("knots per hour", page 8), this and other typos throughout the text gave me the feeling the book was rushed to print.

Rating:
Summary: Dirk Pitt (and his children) saves the world
Review: Once again the author has given us the further adventures of America's answer to James Bond but, unlike Bond, Dirk Pitt actually ages. That's the reason we have his two children assisting in this tale,and I assume that they will be featured in future books. The plot is the unsual fast-paced one, going by so quickly that the reader doesn't even notice the holes in it. One thing that bothers me, though, is the way that the author, Alfred Hitchcocklike, insists on inserting himself, as a deus ex machina, in every story. The first time or two it happened, it was new and fun, but now the reader knows that, somewhere down the line when one of the heroes (or heroine) is in trouble, along will come Clive Cussler to assist. Stop it already! Let us enjoy the exciting ride without the annoyiny "stage left" entrance! No matter what, however, I will continue to read these books, because I enjoy them as a quick relief from more serious works, and a good page-turner for cold, wintry nights.

Rating:
Summary: Easy reading comic book fun and adventure!
Review: the Clive Cussler Dirk Pitt books are kind of like popcorn! Evidently, this book was written by father and son Dirk, and this is enteresting as the Hero of the book is Dirk Pitt Jr. son of Dirk Pitt who is apparently the hero of Cussler's earlier books. The senior Pitt makes a cameo appearence early in the book to save his son and biologist girlfriend (a very exciting scene). The plot centers around two WW2 Japanes Subermarines carrying biological weapons that were to be unleashed on the US at the end of the war. The subs never made the intended destination and were sunk in the pacific. The North Koreans learn about the subs cargo and have a plan to use these weapons of mass destruction against the U.S. with the Japanese taking the blame. They hope to kick American troops out of South Korea then re-unite the country. Without spoiling anything let me say there is plenty of action and international intrigue, all of it not really pretty crazy, but also hard to put down! If you like this kind of book you should check out "A Tourist in the Yucatan" another adventure thrill ride, though I thought with better characters.