Serpent : A Novel from the NUMA Files

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Summary: A romp with NUMA with characters you already know
Review: Though there are new characters in Serpent, Dirk and Al are back as Kirk and Joe. Other than that, though, it is business as usual for Clive Cussler, which is to say a wonderful read. It was disappointing that the book came out as a paperback, and that the editor's quality control left something to be desired. But I read Cussler for the story, and he delivers!

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Summary: OK, but not as good as past efforts.
Review: Maybe it's because I read Serpent after just having finished a new WWII novel, The Triumph and the Glory, which I literally could not put down, but Cussler's latest could not hold me interest like his earlier books always had.

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Summary: A Winner for Cussler and a great read for us.
Review: Buy this book. Cussler has created 2 new characters that delve into the mystery of earlier civilizations. Well developed characters and a strong story line make this a must read for his fans.I didn't think I would like the book because Dirk wasn't in it. Surprise! I want more of these characters and soon. One of my favorites was Dr. Chi and would like to see him in other adventures.I also liked the size presentation of this book, much like a hardcover book.Thank you Mr. Cussler.

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Summary: Does not grab you like all of his other Books.
Review: I am somewhat disappointed in this book. This story does not grab you and demand to be read. Maybe it is because of the co-author? I am not sure, I just know it is missing his normal flowing style. But it is better than not having a Clive book at all.

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Summary: Classic Cussler
Review: Clive Cussler continues his streak of wonderful adventure fiction with Serpent. In introducing new characters Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala, Mr. Cussler breathes new life and freshness into NUMA. Pitt fans, never fear, I am one as much as anyone. This book will not disappoint. It is written in Mr. Cussler's proven formula starting with an historical prologue, the sinking of the Andrea Doria. Leading readers around the globe from the beaches of Morocco, to the deserts of Arizona, to the jungle of the Yucatan, the story ends with a revelation that will make you ponder all you have ever learned about the history of America. Enjoy!

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Summary: Excellent read, but not what I expected.
Review: Despite the gleeful reviews by others, I am somewhat disappointed with Serpent. I have read and collected all Cussler's novels and was looking forward to a hardback copy. This is now the second soft-cover. Furthermore, I noticed more distracting typographical errors than ever before. While I impatiently yet eagerly awaited the arrival of Cussler's newest, it's as if this volume was pushed through press too quickly. Though there were several delightful Dirk and Al moments in the lives of Kurt and Joe, eliciting fond memories, the novel seemed characterized by more description and less action than in previous adventures. I think I would have appreciated a transitional novel with Dirk, Al, Kurt and Joe all seen together, because, as I read, I kept making comparisons, though I granted that both duos should have their own unique characteristics. The two teams resembled each other too much. It may have even been better if we had an entirely new kind of team, say, Kurt and Kate, though I'd lose the alliteration.

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Summary: I inserted Dirk for kurt and Al for Joe. It works.
Review: This book was a long time coming and I found myself inserting Dirk for Kurt and Al for Joe. When Gamay and Dr.Chi had their little mishap, it could have been Dirk and Al. But all in all uit took you on a wild ride and I wasn't dissappointed.

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Summary: Bring back Dirk Pitt
Review: Clive Cussler may need to pay more attention to the platitude: If it's not broken, don't fix it. Kurt and Joe are great heroes, but they seem far too close to Dirk and Al for comfort. If Cussler wants to introduce a new line of novels, he should make some real changes (as in take out NUMA, or not focus so much on one character) Instead, it seems the reader is getting Dirk Pitt and Al, just with different names and hobbies. But Cussler's skills as a writer keep the story flowing, so the novel is still a good read. But to be honest, I found the Dirk Pitt stories and especially "The Sea Hunters" much more fascinating.

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Summary: Clive Cussler hooks me again!
Review: Just when I thought my literary life consisted of as many Dirk Pitt adventures as I could handle, Mr. Cussler gives us Serpent and more new friends at NUMA. Thank you, thank you! Serpent is excellent and I will impatiently await each new book in the series. But I have NOT tired of Dirk and crew so please bring on more of his adventures.

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Summary: Not the same with out Dirk and Al
Review: Well I read it and thought it was good. But I miss Dirk and Al. It is just not the same with out those two. Kurt doesn't have the flair of Dirk nor the powerful presence. Joe is not as witty as Al and is more of a nerd than a hard hitter. The story over all was pretty bland and predictable. Not one of Clive's shining stars. I hope in the future that Clive will abandon Kurt and Joe and continue on with the heroes that so many of us have grown to love, the esteemed Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino.