Valhalla Rising

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Summary: Valhalla Rising
Review: an interesting tie together of Norsmen,Nemo and Vernes.. and I would never have ever guessed the final ending... a quick read of course I really enjoy Cussler

Richard

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Summary: Quick read, fairly shallow premise
Review: Knowing I would buy Valhalla Rising when it came out, I went through two other Cussler works that I've read over many times in the past. For those of you familiar with Vixon and Night Probe, you'll know that behind the sub-plots, humor, female seduction, battles, etc there is a vast, pretty deep premise.

Vixon deals with the kidnapping and brainwashing of the president, while NP involves a long lost treaty that unites the US and Canada. Pretty cool stuff. But in Valhalla, as with some of his current works... eh, it's pretty clear that one of my favorite authors is running out of grand ideas.

I don't want to give away how the book ends up, but I was really disappointing to see that the title of the book didn't play into the greater scheme of things. It more.. "collided" with the other main story arc. Tsk.

But, all in all, as what the others below said, it's a good and entertaining read. I just didn't find it as meaty or get a sense of wonder as in his previous works. Read over every other one after the Med Caper, yet before Sahara, and that's when he truly wrote some good stuff.

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Summary: Couldn't be Worse (Warning: Spoilers)
Review: Utter disappointment after long-time anticipation. Very tired and predictable plot. Normally, the historical overlays in these books serve an important purpose in driving the story along. Not so in this book...the Viking and Jules Vernes sub-plots do nothing for the main story.

Speaking of the main plot, it requires an even bigger suspension of disbelief than any of the previous books. The main villain gets incredibly stupid towards the end (e.g. restaurant confrontation), while all the investigators aside from our two heroes seem to be brain dead in figuring out who the bad guy is and what he wants.

The re-introduction of all the main characters from previous books feel very cut and paste...extreme dejavu...only advantage is that it allows the reader to skim past wide sections of the book.

Finally, the Dirk-related surprise ending is utterly unbelievable, thrown in hurriedly as the 531 pages come to an end. Only rationale seems to be to set the stage for a franchise extension.

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Summary: DIRK PITT'S SWEET SIXTEEN
Review: As a mystery author with my debut novel in its initial release, I eagerly look forward to each new Dirk Pitt novel. Clive Cussler's sixteenth Pitt adventure, VALHALLA RISING, involves the sinking of the world's most celebrated new cruise ship. Dirk rescues the most of the passengers, but the inventor of the ship's revolutionary engines drowns. Our hero saves Dr. Egan's beautiful daughter Kelly, and soon Dirk and Al Giordino are attempting to foil a plot to corner the world's oil supply. By the way, Dirk also finds time to save Kelly from a second brush with death, discover the remains of an early submarine, and prove the Vikings landed on the Hudson. VALHALLA RISING is a fun read, though I used to buy my son the latest Cussler to read on cruise ships. I doubt if I will with this one. I'll let him read VALHALLA RISING on dry land.

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Summary: Tons of fun
Review: Cussler has done it again! I read this book in a day and a half because I could not put it down. It was great to see Dirk Pitt back in the game always there to save the day. It makes for a great read any time or anywhere, (except if you are on a cruise!). Of course there were spots where I would roll my eyes due to the stereotyping cussler puts in some of his charcters, (especially the women.) But all in all, it was a fantastic read. And the last four pages left Cussler the option to write for another 30 years!

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Summary: Another great book
Review: Some may be bored with Dirk Pitt and his adventures, but not me. If Mr. Cussler ever wrote a "bad book", I would still buy and enjoy it. This book did not disappoint me and I hope that Mr. Cussler plans or entertaining us with another great book really soon. I don't think that I can wait for the next one. Highly recommended--you won't be sorry.

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Summary: ELECTRIC, EXCITING READINGS
Review: Actor and writer Scott Brick gives a high energy interpretation to his reading of Clive Cussler's latest intricately plotted thriller. Brick's stage credits include Hamlet, Cyrano, and Macbeth.

A double treat for this action/adventure is the electric performance by Ron McLarty on the abridged cassette and CD recordings. A veteran of stage, film and television, McLarty is remembered for his appearances on "Spenser: For Hire," "Sex and the City" and "Law & Order."

"Valhalla Rising" is set in the year 2003 when a high ticket cruise ship goes up in flames. There were no alarms. Enter Dirk Pitt, NUMA special projects director, who arrives to investigate the disaster totally unaware of the surreal set of circumstances awaiting him. What nefarious doings caused the sinking of this luxury liner, and how to combat human and mechanical monsters?

This is vintage Cussler, once again in top form as he catapults readers from a fiery inferno to a frightening aerial confrontation in Manhattan. Villainy on the high seas has never been more enthralling or listening more supremely suspenseful.

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Summary: It's simply bad
Review: I've read CC since I've been 13. And I enjoyed every one of his books, including the Kurt-Austin-Books. This one is the worst book. It was slower, not as funny,the story was boring and repeated, and it has the most ridiciulus ending. I've been really looking forward to read it, ever since I've known about it, but it wasn't worth waiting for it!

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Summary: The best ending ever!
Review: I just finished reading this book last night and it is a typical Clive Cussler - lots of action and Dirk is always right in the middle of it! I have to say the last few pages were a total surprise from out of the blue but it's a perfect setup for future books! I always love Clive's books and this one was no exception. I thought I would have to fight my husband off long enough for me to finish it because he loves these books, too. He just discovered them in the last few years but I have read them all! Thanks, Clive, for an exciting read.

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Summary: More Fun From Cussler
Review: This new novel by Clive Cussler is perfect vacation reading. Anyone interested in things both nautical and historical will find a wealth of fascinating detail woven in with his trademark face-paced plotlines. With innumerable twists and turns to keep you guessing, "Valhalla Rising" is a compelling thriller. As summer reading goes, I put this novel right up there with "Radio Rage" at the top of my summer reading list.