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Summary: Who wrote it?
Review: It was a typical (and good) Clive Cussler story. But I had the same feeling as the "reader from Wisconsin" who said it "was not his style!" I wonder who did most of the writing?
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Summary: Will the REAL Clive Cusler please write the next NUMA book!
Review: Cusler's books are memorable for the two action heros Dirk Pitt and Al Giordano but it is Cusler's crisp and compelling writing that keeps the reader turning the pages trying to read each new book in a single sitting. This latest pseudo-Cusler book is an enjoyable read, it's just not Cusler. Why give us the shadow when we can have the substance? The Kurt Austin/Jose Zavala characters don't really do anything, and what action there is, is flat and unimaginative. Yes, there is a tantalizing combination of mysteries to be solved and yes, there is an attempt to weave the series' regulars into the plot, but the book lacks the genius that characterizes the earlier books in which each new paragraph, sentence and word compelled the soul of the reader to gnash teeth, shiver in excitement or even shed a tear for the NUMA team. If Cusler is gone forever, then RIP Dirk and NUMA, the new team isn't getting the job done.
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Summary: Cardboard cut-outs of Pitt and Giordino
Review: Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala are so similar to Pitt and Giordino that Serpent feels like a really bad Pitt/Giordino book that was retooled -- by changing about 200 words -- to create new characters. Don't get me wrong; I've read all of Cussler's adventures, and I generally enjoy them a great deal, but it was a struggle to finish Serpent. The characters are paper-thin and the story never gets a consistent head of steam going. Re-read some of Cussler's older stuff (Sahara is one of his best) if you need an adventure fix, or read Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, or....
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Summary: Supermodel archeologists everywhere you look!
Review: I loved the new "Pitt-less" Dirk Pitt novel. As I told my husband, Dirk & Al ARE NOTHING like Kurt & Joe; Dirk has dark hair, Kurt has white hair....Dirk had green eyes, Kurt has blue eyes....Dirks father is a rich politician, Kurts father is a rich salvage boat owner....Dirk collects antique cars, Kurt collects antique dueling pistols....Dirk lives in a remodeled airplane hanger, Kurt lives in a remodeled boathouse....Dirks sidekick is Italian, Kurts sidekick is Hispanic.......As you can see, they are nothing alike.As with any Dirk Pitt novel, a boat sinks in the first chapter, the hero saves the girl in chapter two and saves the world by the end of the book. My main objection, (are you listening Clive?) is why do all the heroines look like supermodels and how may times do you have to tell us how slim their hips are? A final question: Clive Cussler made a cameo appearance in a Dirk Pitt novel, will Dirk Pitt be doing cameos in the NUMA Files? Oh well, if Hitchcock can do it, why not Dirk. Clive, keep them coming - I don't like going to the beach without them!
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Summary: Not his style
Review: This book is not Clive's style. The first few chapters, not dealing with NUMA were too different from other Clive Cussler Books. I felt I was not reading a Clive Cussler Book. Once NUMA appeared it was like being back "home"
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Summary: A FUN AND EXCITING READ
Review: Although Dirk and Al were not the main characters, Kurt and Joe were excellent. It was the same adventure and story telling I have come to expect from Clive Cussler. I am always amazed how he takes a real life event and weaves it into an exciting adventure. I enjoyed every minute and look forward to more of the novels from the NUMA files.
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Summary: It was very good but I kept on comparing Kurt and Dirk
Review: The book Serpent bt Clive Cussler was good in a sence of plot, but the charactors (Kurt and Joe) are nothing like the infamous Dirk Pitt and Albert Giorodino or however you spell it.
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Summary: A quick read for a quick write!
Review: When I went to my local bookstore and saw a new novel by CLIVE CUSSLER, I just HAD to get it. The next day, I hopped on the PWC, found a secluded lakeside spot, and read the book in one sitting. Historically motivated plot, new characters, cameos by our old favorites, Cussler at his best, right? Well, not exactly! My favorite author takes so long between Dirk Pitt novels that it almost seems like he HAD to quickly create a novel to tie his fans over until ATLANTIS FOUND. I liked the new characters and the fresh writing style of his co-author, but it seemed a bit rushed and unsatisfying overall (I'm spoiled by DP novels, what can I say!). Knowing CUSSLER, the next one will be much better ... RIGHT Mr.C?
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Summary: The American James Bond now has a blonde twin!
Review: Dirk Pitt will always be the dark-haired American James Bond, but, no one ever said he couldn't have a blonde twin brother. Kurt Austin is that twin. Austin and his partner,Joe Zavala, are the complete package. They deliver the same energy and adventure that the previous Pitt series did, but kept the familiar characters that we have grown to love. It was also a nice touch to have Pitt and Giordino make a brief appearance in the "Serpent", although I must admit I kept waiting for Mr. Cussler to show up as he has is the past. Cussler with Paul Kemprecos has done it again. I have a select number of books that I cherish and re-read because they always give me so much enjoyment.....this book will join the others. The only small wrinkle that I could point out was that there was something, that I couldn't put my finger on, but, something that just was a little off on the Kurt Austin character. I am sure that as the books develop so will he. Now when is the next book going to be coming out!
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Summary: Very good, but somewhat lacking from his Dirk Pitt books
Review: Have read all Cussler's books so even though no Dirk Pitt I had to read this. Except for the name changes, much is as it always was. But regardless of the name, the main character's part seemed less. Pages go by and he wasn't even mentioned. Also the killing of the bad guy left alot to be desired. Very tame. Not like one book where the bad guy was made to drink the toxic waste he created. Still and all well worth the read. But Clive, bring back Dirk, SOON.
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