jesssika's review against another edition
4.0
Dirk Pitt, adventurer and deep-sea expert, is witty and sarcastic as he plunges into the perilous waters of the Pacific Vortex—a fog-shrouded area where dozens of ships have vanished without a trace. The latest victim is the awesome supersub Starbuck, bearing America’s deep-diving nuclear arsenal. Its loss poses an unthinkable threat to national defense. Pitt’s job is to find it and salvage it before international forces beat him to the prize or the sea explodes in a nuclear blast—whichever comes first.
I enjoyed this book because it was fast paced, witty, and fun. Dirk Pitt is a manly man who doesn’t make excuses for how he is. You accept him or you don’t. His no nonsense attitude made this story and easy read and him a likeable character. The only set back is the villain is a bit silly for such a serious set up. I mean nuclear subs being stolen, and then the guy behind it is lack luster. But the adventure in solving this mystery will keep you turning pages to laugh and find out more. I even liked the side kick who came in towards the end and the banter between the two. A mysterious area where ships go missing, a weird fog, a sunken island of history, and much more make this a great read.
I enjoyed this book because it was fast paced, witty, and fun. Dirk Pitt is a manly man who doesn’t make excuses for how he is. You accept him or you don’t. His no nonsense attitude made this story and easy read and him a likeable character. The only set back is the villain is a bit silly for such a serious set up. I mean nuclear subs being stolen, and then the guy behind it is lack luster. But the adventure in solving this mystery will keep you turning pages to laugh and find out more. I even liked the side kick who came in towards the end and the banter between the two. A mysterious area where ships go missing, a weird fog, a sunken island of history, and much more make this a great read.
balthazarlawson's review against another edition
4.0
Major Dirk Pitt is dragged into the middle of the mystery of a missing submarine. It launches him into a life threatening adventure where he comes out on top as one would expect. He is dragged into the mystery but circumstances means it falls on him to solve the case. Especially after someone tries to kill him and girl he is dating.
Although not the first book published this is the first story featuring Dirk Pitt and it's easy to see why there have been over 20 more books published. It's adventure with action, action and more action. Although some might say it's predictable it's still an enjoyable read and why I enjoy the books of Clive Cussler.
Although not the first book published this is the first story featuring Dirk Pitt and it's easy to see why there have been over 20 more books published. It's adventure with action, action and more action. Although some might say it's predictable it's still an enjoyable read and why I enjoy the books of Clive Cussler.
aimeemarie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
This isn’t typically my kind of book, but listened to the audiobook with my dad, who loves Clive’s work, while on a road trip.
The story itself is fine, and actually somewhat interesting, I just really struggled with the blatant misogyny written into the story as I really didn’t feel like it added anything to the storyline or the character development.
The story itself is fine, and actually somewhat interesting, I just really struggled with the blatant misogyny written into the story as I really didn’t feel like it added anything to the storyline or the character development.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Blood
Minor: Rape
lucasm12333's review against another edition
2.0
Ehh.. kind of like Mack Bolan underwater. Nothing remarkably bad or offensive, just nothing that really stood out. Of course, Pitt knows all, can do all, and has women throwing themselves at him. I can definitely see the appeal of this book for those in the right frame of mind, but I was hoping for something a bit more in-depth or something. I've read that this is not a fair representation of all of Cussler's books (this was my first), so maybe I'll check out some of his later fare.
butterpoached's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I was really expecting this to be a little more grounded of a story. Really, it might was well have been in the science fiction section. If you're looking for a quick and crazy action romp, and you don't mind that female characters exist entirely for the main character to have sex with, you could do worse.
jiska_bloem's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The first time I read this book was many years ago, I didn't write a review then but according to goodreads I gave it 4 stars.
This time around I'm giving it 3 stars. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I liked the story, I've just read better written books. It sometimes felt as there were parts of the story missing. I also remember Dirk Pitt differently. I can't remember what my thoughts on him were the first time, but I do know I always liked Kurt Austin better. But since I'm attempting to re-read al Clive Cussler's books, I'm sure to find out if he lives up to that this time around.
Any way I hope Dirk Pitt grows as a person in the following books, because how good he may be at his job, how smart he may be, his personality could use some growing. Since there are now 26 books, there are 26 opportunities for this to come true. Plus he features in other books too, so lots of chances. I do really like his relationship with Al Giordino. I'm looking forward to reading more about him/them together.
It's obvious enough time has passed that I can't really remember what happens in the books and my opinions on them, so I can't wait to find out how I'm going to like the other books. I've read the Dirk Pitt serie till number 23, so 24 - 26 are going to be new to me. Same goes for the other series, there are going to be a few of the newer ones I haven't read yet. It will be a while till I've (re-)read them all.
(At the time I read all his books in physical form borrowed from the library, this time I'm planning to read them all on my e-reader)
This time around I'm giving it 3 stars. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I liked the story, I've just read better written books. It sometimes felt as there were parts of the story missing. I also remember Dirk Pitt differently. I can't remember what my thoughts on him were the first time, but I do know I always liked Kurt Austin better. But since I'm attempting to re-read al Clive Cussler's books, I'm sure to find out if he lives up to that this time around.
Any way I hope Dirk Pitt grows as a person in the following books, because how good he may be at his job, how smart he may be, his personality could use some growing. Since there are now 26 books, there are 26 opportunities for this to come true. Plus he features in other books too, so lots of chances. I do really like his relationship with Al Giordino. I'm looking forward to reading more about him/them together.
It's obvious enough time has passed that I can't really remember what happens in the books and my opinions on them, so I can't wait to find out how I'm going to like the other books. I've read the Dirk Pitt serie till number 23, so 24 - 26 are going to be new to me. Same goes for the other series, there are going to be a few of the newer ones I haven't read yet. It will be a while till I've (re-)read them all.
(At the time I read all his books in physical form borrowed from the library, this time I'm planning to read them all on my e-reader)
bookhawk's review against another edition
3.0
My first Clive Cussler book. A good, light adventure/mystery read. I wasn’t crazy about the ending but fun and quick nonetheless.
vinfernalis's review against another edition
1.0
Nearly 300 pages of nothing smattered with some startling sexism and, on occasion, a somewhat interesting scene.