Rating: 
Summary: Austin and Zavala versus the Giant Water Queen?
Review: Cussler and Kemprecos team up for a second time to tell us about the newest action heroes on the block, Austin and Zavala. These new characters were first introduced in the novel "Serpent" and like their predecessors, (the famous Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino) they are seemingly super-human and unstoppable.A male chauvanist's nightmare, Brynhild Sigmund (a world dominating, seven foot tall woman with a brain) is plotting to totally control fresh water supplies across the world, providing it to only those who can afford the luxury of this "blue gold." To assure her position of power, she must perfect a miraculous water desalination process aided by a rare chemical element. Austin and Zavala race against the clock to save the world from certain doom, and capture the heart of the fairest of fair maidens in the process. Sound corny? You're right, it is. But dear reader must recall that this book was not read in hopes of calling it "The Feel Good Story of the Year." It just provided a dose of outlandish adventure that everyone needs once in a while. All we engineers who read this story will remember that the "Law of Conservation of Energy" will immediately contradict the explanation that the authors provide of this miraculous desalination process. Cussler and Kemprecos seem to be getting the hang of working together. "Blue Gold" makes for the second in the series of Austin and Zavala adventures and seems much improved since their initial creation. We've got to cut the duo some slack, since we will recall that Cussler's first creation in the Dirk Pitt adventures had its flaws, as well. Practice makes perfect... so I expect that the next novel (and there darn well BETTER be a "next" novel!) will be even better! I only hope that it is published in a hardbound format. These paper back editions don't seem to hold up to being read over and over as I'm sure you will do!
Rating: 
Summary: What More Could You Want?
Review: I'm so glad that Clive Cussler started another series! Waiting for a year plus for another Dirk Pitt was torture. I have been a fan of Mr. Cussler since Rise The Titanic. His books have always been such a pleasure to read. Fun adventure, total escapism. The good guys win and the bad guys get theirs. A new take on the old western books. Mr. Cussler does a wonderful job of explaining the high tech end of things and makes the story in his books seem real. This book is no exception. The four main characters are fun and interesting. Kurt and Joe the two lead characters are as much fun as Dirk and Al. May be even a bit funnier. The addition of a married couple is an added bonus, for a anchor to the plot. The plot of this book is tight with some very nasty villains. The "heroine in distress" in this book could use a bit more fleshing out. But you do understand her and root for her. Over all a very fun book to escape into for a couple of days.
Rating: 
Summary: not up to par
Review: We love Cusslers books and really enjoyed Serpent. Blue Gold seems to have been written quickly and without much thought for any orginality. Totally predictabl. We are hoping that this is a one time deal.
Rating:
Summary: Never get tired of reading Cussler¿s work
Review: Somehow Clive Cussler seems to keep me coming back for more. His book releases are timed just perfectly to whet and hone my appetite for outlandish action and adventure. The new NUMA Files series is still in character development mode but "Blue Gold", the second installment, is nonetheless a very entertaining read that I highly recommend. Admiral Sandecker, (Cussler's alter-ego) and some of the other regular characters from the Dirk Pitt series are also included in the story which makes for a very good series tie-in. Cannot really say which character I personally would select for an alter ego but I'd wager a guess it would be NUMA's in-house computer geek, Hirum Yaeger. Everyone needs an alter ego you know....
Rating:
Summary: Another Wonderful book by Clive Cussler
Review: Got the book and couldn't put it down. How the plot is put together draws the reader into mystery, suspense and unbeleivable adventure. A wonderful way to relax. Where is Kurt Austin when you need him?
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful escapism.
Review: Suspend your disbelief, open the book and take another great ride by Clive Cussler. Mr. Cussler is a master at tying together a myriad of subplots and weaving them into one great plot and resolution. This new NUMA pair is exciting and just as compelling as Dirk and Al. The situations are just close enough to the edge that you can imagine that, "yes, maybe this really could happen." Expect a fast pace, clearly defined characters, contemptible villains and a satisfying ending. The multiple locations, NUMA resources and manpower are all here. It's a treat to have appearances from Admiral Sandecker, Rudy Gunn and Hiram Yeager. I look forward to additional adventures from Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala. This is another series winner for Clive Cussler. Great fun.
Rating:
Summary: outstanding cussler
Review: This newest novel by Clive Cussler is outstanding. I have been a fan of this author for many years, and like his other novels had a hard time putting it down. The new characters Kurt Austin and his partner are as talented as Dirk Pitt and company. Very glad to see that Cussler has kept some of the old gang around also. This is a must book for anyone who is a fan of Cussler. Can't wait to read more from the NUMA files and await the return of Dirk Pitt.
Rating:
Summary: Blue Gold- TOO Simplistic
Review: The story line is good but the manner in which it is written is simplistic and predictable. Where is the suspence that would make this a page turner, and where is the keep them guessing plot twists ? Everything is predictable from the 3rd chapter onward. I have read 5 of these novels and all rate the same review. Will not waste my time on future readings.
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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 . . .)
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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.
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