Customer Reviews

Deep Fire Rising (Playaway Adult Fiction)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I read this right after reading Dan Brown's DECEPTION POINT and, while it doesn't have the pure adrenaline rush of that novel, this is still one helluva thriller. The ingenious plot has an obscure order of monks who are able to predict when cataclysmic geological events will occur, only they are split between keeping it a secret and using it for their own gain. Geologist Philip Mercer finds himself caught in the middle, and soon finds himself racing against the clock to prevent a geological disaster that could cost the lives of tens of millions of people. Though an intriguing plotline is dropped early on, and there are questions as to how a certain device could have been invented and constructed, these are only minor complaints. In a thick book filled with cutting-edge science and jaw-dropping action scenes, my favorites have to be Mercer's underground discovery at Area 51 and a scene on a ferry halfway through the book. DuBrul is one more name to add to my must-read list.

I don't CARE what ANYONE says, Du Brul is DA MAN! For years I spent a lot of time and wasted energy finding someone, anyone who could compete with Clive Cussler as far as sheer action and adventure was concerned, and after reading a great deal of pure drivel, I finally attempted Du Brul's first novel, 'Vulcan's Forge' and it was obvious from virtually the first page that I had finally found Cussler's heir apparent. Since Clive has been slipping in his writing over the past few years, Du Brul has managed to improve and thus, surpass the Grand Master of adventure fiction. I KNEW it was going to happen, I just thought it would take a bit longer. The latest result from this talented author is 'Deep Fire Rising'.

What if a group of people could accurately predict major world catastrophe's well in advance of their happening? Would it be wise to share this knowledge with the world? If this ability was possible, countless lives could be spared if they were to know of impending disasters before they happened, right? Would anyone actually listen to the warnings? Maybe not at first, but eventually the world would figure out that the accuracy of these warnings were too correct to ignore...right? That is just part of the story that Du Brul has fashioned for us. Another thread has to do with our geologist-hero, Phillip Mercer and his special talent for being in the right place at the right time to help avert tremendous, sometimes world-altering events. Phillip is called to oversee an excavation underneath the highly classified Area 51 only to discover something under the earth that by all rights should NOT be there. The entire project is sabotaged by an amazing bad guy that Du Brul paints with a great deal of tongue-in-cheek humor, and forces us to look forward to the eventual confrontation with Mercer later on when he receives his due. After a very creative fire-fight at the incredible Luxor Hotel on the Vegas Strip (seriously, Kudos to Du Brul, this was one shoot-em-up I would LOVE to see on the big screen) Mercer finds himself inheriting the horrific news that a disaster is soon to happen -- one that will have global consequences if it cannot be stopped. The problem is that Phillip only knows SOME of the information, what he needs desperately is the exact date, and the only way to find this out is to penetrate a hidden complex deep in the mountains of Tibet. Along the way Mercer also finds some romance (I'd be disappointed if he hadn't...) and pulls off another last-minute nail-biter of a near-disaster. Let's face it: there was NEVER any doubt that the outcome would be a favorable one, but its the JOURNEY along the way that makes Du Brul's novels worthwhile. Some have loved this tale and some have been horribly upset with it, but I for one continue to hold Jack in the highest regard for his literary talent. Another Triumph for Mercer and Du Brul, and as far as I'm concerned, the reader as well. Simply FUN.

Those with a scientific bent will be especially drawn to "Deep Fire Rising," an adventure tale with elements of earth science and state of the art technology.

Multi talented voice performer J. Charles offers a commanding reading. His 40 plus years of theatre experience stand him in good stead as he captains listeners on a harrowing course perhaps leading to Armageddon.

Geologist Philip Mercer has been retained to explore and excavate caverns deep under the sea, beneath Area 51. Little does he know that as his probing continues he is drawing closer to the plans and expectations of a group of monks. It is their determination that the world will come to an end, and they will do everything in their power to see that their prediction is correct.

Of course, Mercer has an attractive assistant - Tisa Nguyan. Their task is a formidable one - to prevent the world's destruction.

Exciting listening!

- Gail Cooke

I have been a fan of Jack since his first book. (I am also a Fan of Cussler's work) After six books I know more of who Mercer is. I feel I know what is going on in Mercer's mind (with Cussler's Dirk Pitt, I know what he has done but not who he is) This book shows another aspect of Mercer's life, what is going on in his heart. His knowledge of his craft is uncanny. I don't like comparing Dirk Pitt to Mercer. What they do is so similar. Pitt has so much reference material at hand. You don't find him seeking information on his own. He calls on others friendship to help. Mercer has done that in some of the earler books, but his knowledge has grown.

adventure is what makes you turn the pages in this type of series, and jack does spend a little too much time on mercer's love interest in this edition. kind of the 007/on her majesty's secret servie ploy where the movie was more about his relationship than the action. however, jack does his homework on the technical stuff and incorporates it extremely well as he always does without being pompous. i also like the way he's toned down the language a bit in recent books.

if you're new to the mercer series you might begin with his previous effort river of ruin. it's a great story and helps you get best acquainted with mercer.

jack is beyond a promising author, and i'll pick the next mercer edition up the week it comes out. i'm just ready for 2 things - a) some new characters - who can't love harry, but the booz and smokes at tiny's is starting to get a little old; b) some more original plots that don't wax of cussler, reilly, or preston/child.

In this DuBrul novel Philip Mercer is once again the hero. A mine cavein in the Las Vegas area kills several miners. The federal government is involved in this project so Mercer's friend the admiral calls Mercer in to investigate the mine cave in. He immediately encounters Donny Randle who has a nefarious reputation in the mining industry. Another mine disaster occurs and Randall dissapears. Mercer and his fellow miners go to Las Vegas for rest and relaxation. A group of hired killers tries to kill Mercer. He is rescued by Tisa Nguyen. She reveals to him that these events are being triggered by an organization called the Order. The Order kidnaps
Tisa and takes her to Rinpoche-La which is in China. Mercer goes with a group of
Delta Force commandos and rescues Tisa. Using the Order's book Tisa has predicted an earthquake at La Palma. This earthquake could have devastating results on the world. Tisa's brother Luc Nguyen has taken control of the Order upon the death of the Lama. It turns into a race against time to divert the earthquake. The book has a crashing ending.

By far the best of the Mercer series. This book is a change of pace for DuBrul, and a welcome one. Still action packed and fast paced; the story itself evolves into the storied Phoenix, as life and death come together as one. I enjoyed the character of Tisa, her mysteriousness folds around the story as it does with Mercer. There's not enough Harry and his cane, but it still deserves 5 stars. I couldn't help but equate the character "Luc", with Jordan's Wheel of Time, but alas another horrifying death to Mercer's credit. The ending should be mentioned because of its power. Is it abrupt? Yes. Does it fit with the story? Definitely. I do wonder if Mercer gets his watch back though. What time is it? It's time for another Mercer adventure. Enjoy.

Tired of the same old plots with the same old characters? Well, my friends Phillip Mercer is the perfect fix for all us action/thriller junkies. Mercer has taken over! More over Jack Ryan, Dirk Pitt, and Kurt Austin! There's a new hero on the block! He's kicking tail and taking names. Once again Jack DuBrul has raised the bar, kicked it into high gear, and let it all hang out. Enjoyed every page!! Keep 'em coming Jack!

Decent action thriller by Cussler's heir, Jack DuBrul. My only complaint is that Mercer's girl du jour, Tisa Nguyen, shows up in the book as merely a sex object for him as well as for her brother (in an icky incest subplot). Her ghost haunts him through another book, and I guess the sex was pretty good, because it's not like he took the time to really get to know her well.

Couldn't put it down -- very realistic -- lots of adventure -- and of course, always a girl -- buy it -- won't be disappointed if you like the Clive Cussler type of books