Rating: 
Summary: Hardy Boys for adults
Review: Yes, I read all the Hardy Boy books until I was about 16, had over 100 titles . . . hope Cussler can keep 'em coming like that too. This was a pleasant surprise - happened across this title in Media Play - I had no idea there was a new Cussler out. Same cookie cutter characters, but always a pleasure to read. I read that Cussler was Anti-Hollywood after the dreadful Raise the Titanic, and that he would never allow any of the Dirk Pitt novels to be filmed. I was curious as to whether this was the answer to that position - create another set of characters and let Hollywood do what they will . . . I'm having trouble casting Austin though . . . a few years ago, George Peppard would have fit the bill . . . Anyway, for new and old Cussler fans, this book will not disappoint (except to the extent I wanted it to be longer . . .)
Rating: 
Summary: Blue Gold is Pure Magic
Review: Cussler does it again. A fantastic story made proabbale. Water and humankind's need for it (coupled with the greed of those who would control it) are the backdrop for this wonderful story. Cussler provides us with the expected "odd" creature, a 7 foot tall female villian, who, bent on controlling the water supply, leaves no body unharmed. Also look for quick shifts of scene from the rainforest to California to ... Well, I don't want to give it away, but I do want you to read this book. Cussler fans are never disappointed. And they won't be this time.
Rating:
Summary: Where are Dirk and Al?
Review: The style is still there...adventure, but the main characters seem like "remakes" of our favorites, Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino. The story line is very good and holds your interest throughout the book. I just kept waiting for Dirk and Al. I'll read more of these, of course, because they are always exciting.
Rating:
Summary: Oh No, Not Again!!
Review: Jeez, ya mean I gotta make room for two more heroes in my imagination?? Kinda reminds me of John Lennon's, "Double Fantasy." Now if Clive could just get on a six-month cycle, my life would be complete and I could die a happy hero.
Rating:
Summary: Blue Gold is True Gold
Review: The faithful followers of Clive Cussler will find Blue Gold to be a great summer read. While I was initially drawn to the new series by Cussler and Kemprecos as a way to quench my thirst for Cussler in between the Dirk Pitt novels, the series starring Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala is clearly coming into its own. Blue Gold, the second installment in the series, is a classic Cussler story of good versus evil. An important event from the past - in this case a downed airplane carrying a beautiful scientist with an invention that will benefit mankind - sets the stage for the remainder of a novel filled with all of the action, suspense, and frequent plot twists that have become Cussler's trademark. Like Serpent, Blue Gold provides a broader character set from NUMA that the typical Dirk Pitt novel, with each character's personality adding to the depth and breadth of the story. The ongoing inclusion of crossover characters from the Pitt novels (i.e. Admiral Sandecker, Hiram Yeager) also adds substance. All-in-all, this book was a great read and very difficult to put down. The only downside was that, given that the book was under 400 pages, the enjoyment was over all too quickly.
Rating:
Summary: What would summer be like without a Clive Cussler novel?
Review: While it is true that I have a pre-existing affinity for the indomitable Dirk Pitt, Kurt Austin and his buddy Zavala have their share of exciting adventures that grab your attention and keep your interest throughout this book. I finished it way, way too quickly. I liked the way Cussler describes the importance of water and who controls it. I liked how the diverse elements of the story finally wove together to solve the mystery. WOW! I read Serpent earlier this year and suggest that if you like Cussler, be sure to read it, too.
Rating:
Summary: The definition of intelligent collaboration
Review: Other best-selling Authors who have "co-authored" books that have gotten a marginal or strongly negative reception, heads up, "Blue Gold" is how it's done.This was not quite a five star read but the quality of the book that Mr. Cussler has put his name on and given to fans is not the compromised mess that other established stars of the genre have dealt recently. And while the paternity of the book is apparent, the outrageous "escape from Cuba in a bathtub" story lines have been toned down. They all were fun reads; I just enjoyed this work, as it didn't stretch credulity on every page. The result is this latest effort that I enjoyed as much as some of Mr. Cussler's best work. I mean no slight to Mr. Kemprecos, as I have no way of knowing to what degree he created this work, but whatever his involvement, he deserves high marks. The book is very tightly written, well paced, and even though a bit less outlandish, is every bit as good as the previous 16 bestsellers this storyteller has given readers. The series while continuing more toward a stand-alone status still retains some crossover, and in this case Admiral Sandecker and Hiram Yaeger were very well integrated. This tale did not have a fairy tale ending, and for me that added a great deal to the book. The villain brought to mind an extended Cruella DeVil, which these authors brought off very well when it could have fallen flat. Per the book's description the "metal mouthed morons" were bordering on the annoying, but didn't cross the line. All considered a well-done work worthy of a genre that Cussler can almost claim as his own. That the book is priced at about half of what many hardcover books demand, is a bonus. Unlike some others who have attempted this new outlet for their work, I hope Mr. Cussler and Mr. Kemprecos produce many more. The book is a nice bonus as it arrived within days of Mr. Cussler successfully bringing ashore the Confederate submarine "Hunley" which had lain on the ocean floor for almost 150 years.
Rating:
Summary: Worth waiting for
Review: I wait with baited book light for Mr. Cussler's books to appear and this was no disappointment. Austin and Zavala are a great team, although no one will replace Dirk and Al. I find only a few flaws in this book. Austin and Zavala seem to "win" a little to easily in this book. While I don't hope that they get hurt, it seemed as though they really didn't have to work at anything in this book. I do have to disagree with the Amazon.com's reviewer where it says that Zavala and Austin went into the jungle to find the "White Goddess." This is completely incorrect, as Austin only sends a helicopter to get them out and doesn't meet the "White Goddess" until they are in NUMA headquarters. All in all this is a good book that ended too fast. I can't wait for the next installment!
Rating:
Summary: A Page Turning Adventure, but Kurt cant compare with Dirk.
Review: No matter how many bad guys he kills, and how many woman he woos, Kurt Austin can not compare to Dirk Pitt. Classic car collections are much cooler than dueling pistols, and Dirk is a much more Suave charector. But in the end, this book was packed with adventure, and fills in the gaps between the Dirk Pitt novels, because lets face it, for me no function in this wolrd, I need my fix of Clive Cussler adventure. A very exciting book.
Rating:
Summary: Another thrillingly fun read from Mr. Cussler!!!
Review: No Dirk Pitt but this is still a hell of a ride! Kurt Austin and his partner Joe Zavala take over where Dirk and Al left off. Regular readers of Mr. Cussler will not be dissapointed, this book delivers all the thrills, mystery, and excitement we have come to expect! Also Check out: "A Tourist in the Yucatan."
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