Valhalla Rising

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Summary: Vahalla Rising and rising and rising
Review: Once again Mr. Cussler steps up to the plate and knocks it out of the park. Readers of the Dirk Pitt saga have come to expect an intriguing mix of adventure, treachery, history and science, all with a distinctly salty taste. Vahalla Rising delivers all that and more. It compares quite favorably to Treasure and Atlantis Found, two of the best (in my personal opinion) novels of the series. The fact that the author has now put together two strong novels in a row is a welcome change from his pattern of following a strong effort with a lesser one (Shock Wave in particular). Few and far between are the authors who could realistically combine Vikings, Jules Verne, and the energy crisis. Critics of this series may rightly point out that the books are quite formulatic in nature, but what series isn't?

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Summary: Great new suspensful book from Cussler
Review: What a great new book! I admit that I wait with baited breath for the newest Dirk Pitt book and this one certainly lived up to my hopes. Three stories interwoven with Pitt being his normal charming self makes for a wonderful book. I learn something new every time I read a book of his and this one was no exception, the Vikings, submarines, as well as new forms of ship propulsion, what's not to like? And I know that some people hate it, but I love it that he puts himself into each one of the books! It may be egotistical, but the man sells books! The end will surprise you and amaze you so be sure and get this great fun book. It's a long one, a little over 500 pages but it was a true page turner for me!

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Summary: The best Dirk Pitt yet.....
Review: I LOVED this book!! I have all of his novels and greatly enjoyed reading this one! I like the way he always entwines the past with the present. He, in my opinion, outdid himself on this story. I liked it so much, that I hated to go to work and stop reading!! I was very surprised and happy with the ending. I liked that he finally gave Dirk some closure. I can hardly wait for the next book to be published!! Thank you very much, Mr. Cussler.

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Summary: Clive Cussler is back.
Review: Way to go, Clive! You've once again delivered a masterpiece for the Cussler/Dirk Pitt fans of the world. Not since Atlantis Found or Treasure have I so enjoyed a Dirk Pitt novel. The thing I always like about a good Cussler book is the interesting plots with science mixed in not to mention the interesting twists and turns of a good adventure and Valhalla Rising has this in spades. As always, I look forward to receiving the book and feel depressed when I read the last line. How soon can we have another?

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Summary: Always a good read anyway
Review: Clive Cussler was not at his best with this book.. The historic part that he always starts his books with is always very interesting and it is fun to see how it fits in with the story. However, in his last book, Atlantis Found, he had Dirk and Al ready to settle down (marry?) with their lady loves but in this book they have changed their minds. Huh? Come on Mr Cussler let them retire and have a life - bring back Kurt Austin and pal..Have Dirk take over NUMA (The Admiral could retire)...And that last small chapter? Whatever were you thinking?? That was a bit too much for this faithful reader.

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Summary: Seems like Clive has lost it.
Review: I have loved Dirk Pitt since "Raise the Titanic" and have never missed an installment. This book however was a big disappointment for me. The story was totally beyond credibility - normal for Pitt, but this one abuses the priviledge. For Dirk, doing the impossible is now so routine it is not even fun or interesting anymore. The mechanics of the story should have been pulse-pounding, but the action sequences are stilted, mechanical and - sorry Dirk - boring. Cussler needs a new formula. Change the names and this story is exactly like the last half-dozen books. I am almost tempted to think that Cussler developed a computer program to generate out Dirk Pitt adventures. Even the descriptive metaphors sprinkled liberally throughout the book are overused and unimaginative. I guess I am a loyal Pitt fan and will always continue to read his books, but I am kind of hoping CC closes them out and retires Dirk and Al while we still have good memories of them. I did enjoy CC's attempt at Dirk's introspection. It was the best part of the book if that tells you anything about the rest of it.

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Summary: Valid Cussler
Review: This is not one of the author's best books, but it's not his worst by a long shot. Having read all his books, I can see that this was both a door to future books as well as an invitation to people that may not have read his previous works. It brings out the same characters and weaves the same deep plots that Cussler is famous for, and succeeds in keeping interest until the final page. I for one am interested in how his next work unfolds...

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Summary: Still Going Strong
Review: What can I say about this book? I've liked Clive Cussler for a lot of years and this has to be one of his best ones yet. It seemed a bit long at first, but I was swept into it. I loved the references to Jules Verne. I'm almost tempted to go back and reread some of his works. The main plot, with the Cerberus Corp, seemed almost a side story to the search for Dr. Egan's lab. I was more interested in how that would turn out. I was not disappointed! The jacket flap stated that Pitt's life would be changed forever. Let's just say that I had to read the last few pages a couple of times. I did not see it coming. All in all, a great book. Anyone who likes thrillers and page turners should try this one out.

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Summary: Typical Cussler
Review: If you like Cussler, you will enjoy this book. No surprises, just good, entertaining reading.

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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.