FLOOD TIDE

Rating:
Summary: Very disappointing
Review: One of the worst adventure-genre books I have ever read. That is, almost read; I couldn't take it any more at about mid-way through and put the book back on the shelf.

The characters in this book wish they could be called one-dimensional. Plot elements (which I won't give away, though I'm asking myself, why bother?) are so preposterous and unrealistic that the old "A-team" TV series looks like a Ken Burns documentary.

I'm not fussy; I like just about everything I read, but this is too much to take.

Rating:
Summary: Deeply Moving
Review: Pitt is one of the most complicated characters in modern literature. Cussler presents him here as a metaphor for the internal and eternal struggle of good and evil. Brilliantly conceived and realized, the protaginist is developed and explored with a depth of insight seldom achieved by other authors. The classic hero, yet the tragically flawed man.

Rating:
Summary: Super-Dirk again
Review: The first Pitt book I read was "Raise the Titanic" I had never heard of Cussler before, and did know Dirk Pitt was supposed to be a recurring character. I read "~Titanic" in a single sitting (I think with one or two bathroom breaks) from that point I was hooked. Each novel got better, more bombastic, Pitt became more invinceable, the women sexier. I think this book proves that sometimes too much of a good thing is just too much. It was good, and I loved every word, but compared to "Titanic" or "Inca Gold" or "Treasure", this one was just too much. There were few surprises here but tons of action. It is formulaic but what the hell, this is Dirk Pitt! We love the formula!

Rating:
Summary: Truly Great
Review: One of the finest of American authors presents another insightful commentary on the nature of duty, loyalty, and heroism in contemporary society.

Rating:
Summary: A Flood of Action With Low Depth Characters
Review: Like a giant water ride with splashy twists and turns, Flood Tide is a thrill. Too bad thin characters drown in shallow water.

For a few pages Dirk Pitt was close to escaping macho heroism. Recovering from wounds and mourning a lost love, Dirk could have been more sensitive, frail and philisophical. Unfortunately, the bodies in Orion Lake revive our sailor, like spinich. Dirk becomes Superman, his buddy - Al becomes Batman, and they throw in Superwoman.

Wow! . . . exciting! . . . oh well! If you want water and literature, read Walden Pond. Looking for the wave pool? Try Flood Tide.

Rating:
Summary: New villians,unexpected plot twists, and a true hero.
Review: Just when you thought that Dirk Pitt had run out of possible bad guys to battle, author Cussler dreams up an Asian menace to match wits and guts with our hero. The basis of the plot not only has merit, it could actually happen. Author Cussler has been able to successfully keep the central character fresh, exciting, and someone who you want to stand up and cheer for. A truly exciting read.

Rating:
Summary: Masterpiece!
Review: This is simply the finest novel written since the invention of the printing press. In the tradition of the truly great authors, Cussler's writing is sublime. There must be a Nobel in the future for a writer who has created a body of work consistent in power, beauty, and intelligence. One for the ages!

Rating:
Summary: Well done Clive Cussler! Another winner!
Review: Dirk Pitt and NUMA are back with a vengeance! This latest outing sees Dirk and the gang combat a Chinese villian who is suitably Bondish, and much gadgetry which is very much feasible. An underground tunnel system in Washington? Hmm, you never know what they`ve got! Dirk always seems to be in the right place at the wrong time and voila! An adventure is born and this was one I didn`t want to put down. In fact it`s so action packed you want to be part of it! Great to see Clive(and one of his classic cars) making a cameo appearance again. If it`s sheer escapism, lunacy, action, suspense and a wicked sense of humour you want, then read this. As excellent as Sahara, Dragon, Night Probe and Cyclops. In fact, I can`t fault a single Cussler novel I`ve read so far at all!

Rating:
Summary: He's BAACK
Review: After Cussler's last, and somewhat disappointing, Shock Wave, he's back at it again, and better than ever. It makes you wonder if this really could happen, and whether or not one man could stop it like Dirk did. One point though: No one sane would EVER drive a 1929 Dusenberg to the villain's house, knowing that something would happen, especially to a man who always seems to end up in car chases. And no one would ever drive that car through the Washington Reflecting Pool. Dumb move, Dirk. Other than that, a great and thouroughly enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: Another winner by Cussler!
Review: Typical Dirk Pitt - that what I like! Lots of action, twists, and adventure!! Though you can accuse Cussler as being non-PC, you cant call him a boring writer. Cussler hammers the Chinese yet one of the main characters is an intelligent Chinese women... Great read!