Customer Reviews

Numa Files 1: Serpent (The Numa Files)

5 star:		(50)
4 star:		(55)
3 star:		(47)
2 star:		(26)
1 star:		(19)

 

 

I was (and always am) thrilled to see a new Clive Cussler book on the shelves...but was immediately skeptical because it wasn't in hardback. As many know, certain authors ALWAYS produce new novels in hardback, and lately, authors like Clancy, have lent their name to paperback novels who are written by 'other' people (OP Center), OBVIOUSLY less talented then they--and of course I wondered whether or not this was the case here with 'Serpent'. It didn't take long to recognize the trademark 'Cussler

Style' and as far as I could tell, it was just a novel about Dirk Pitt going by another name. With that said, I found the book VERY entertaining. I was pleasantly surprised that all the 'regular' elements of a fun and exciting Dirk Pitt novel were all there, including a sidekick (almost exactly like Al Giordino). Now this is only a SMALL complaint, since I have been an avid follower of Cussler since I read 'Raise The Titanic' shortly after it was published. I

have been hooked ever since, and since his 'style' has worked so far, it was just fine with me on this one as well. If you are struggling with the decision of buying this book, here's a suggestion: read it, and substitute Dirk Pit for Kurt Austin, do that every time you read it and TRUST me, you WON'T be able to tell the difference. And for all those who have negative comments about this book, they MUST have an attachment to Dirk that cannot be broken, because this is really a fun book. Don't get me wrong, nobody is gonna increase their IQ by reading this--or ANY other Cussler novel for that matter--but just like his past books, he provided me with several hours of escapism and fun, which is really the only reason why I read him to begin with, I have FUN while reading his stuff. Give it a try, and just remember, Kurt is just Dirk in disguise. Enjoy.

I have read all of Cussler's books thus far and have enjoyed each and every one. At the beginning of this one, I was a bit wary because his usual characters (Pitt, Rudy, and Al) were not the main stars. However, I feel that the new guys (and gal) have proved themselves well. The historical information is great and was woven into an interesting and plausible story. One can believe that people like Halcon do exist and ARE in power. I always enjoy the tight spots the heros get into and the ingenious ways they escape. Keep it up Clive!

I liked this book. As a big Cussler fan, I didn't mind a break from Dirk Pitt.I read this after Atlantis (in which I think Cussler indicates Dirk is going to take a break for a while), so I enjoyed the new characters. Dirk does do a brief cameo, but I missed the Clive Cussler appearance from the Pitt novels. I do recommend. Good read start to finish!

A very good effort to try to venture off in a slightly different direction for Mr. Cussler. Still every page seemed to have Dirk written all over it. If "Dirk" were not going to return then this would be a good substitute. I enjoyed the book, but not quite up to his most resent release, but still much better than most of today's contemporary writers. I couldn't stop till I finished the book which in my opinion is always a good sign.

I have read all of the reviews on "Serpent" and I find that most so called fans can't make up there minds on what is to me an excellent read. So Mr. Austin is not Dirk. but the book has a great solid story line. In my own opion Clive Cussler should keep doing what he has been doing. He has taken yet another sunken ship story and transfered it into a thrilling world. With danger, pretty ladies, cameo apperenceas by Dirk and Al. plus of course, a new hero for the new century. I look forward to a younger, stronger numa hero. after all dirk has his cars to drive in his retirement. But I agree lets do it in hardback next time.

I have been a Clive Cussler fan for a long time. His books are full of continuous action and contain interesting historical information. Regretably, "Serpent" falls far short of his previous efforts. Serpent's characters are never fully developed and remain, at the best, one dimensional The story is draggy and never really reaches a final conclusion. Do not waste your money on this one. You will be disappointed as I was

I've read all of the Dirk Pitt books, so I bought this book knowing that I would inevitably compare Kurt Austin with Dirk Pitt. Even with the help of Paul Kemprecos, it was clearly evident that this would be yet another adventure straight from the Cussler formula machine. Every single Dirk Pitt novel is pretty much the same. There's 1) some kind of maritime accident/crime that happened in the past, 2) some kind of fantastic treasure or valuable cargo on it, 3) an evil psychopath that wants to destroy the world, 4) a woman in jeopardy, and 5) Dirk/Kurt to the rescue.

Having said that, I thought this book was entertaining. Even though all of Cussler's books tend to be the same, I still thought it was a rip-roaring adventure. I couldn't really detect what value Kemprecos added, though. It was as if Cussler wrote this book himself.

My only major complaint would be that I'm a little disappointed that since he was starting a new series, that Cussler couldn't even try to make it more unique. The pairing of a tall, thin Anglo Saxon man who collects strange things (cars/pistols) with a short, stocky, strong ethnic (Italian/Latino) partner who smokes cigars.... oh well. People complain that this is a Dirk/Al clone, and rightly so.

Concerned that this was co-written and not a strict Cussler I still bought this book and I can honestly say I was not dissapointed at all. This is a terrific novel that centers around the mysterious efforts of an unknown person/group that is sabotaging archaeological expeditions that deal with Columbus and pre-Columbian history. The first part of this wonderful novel begins on the Andrea Dorea on the eve of its sinking and raises many interesting questions. The story proceeds from there and involves a hot button topic involving the forecast secession of the Southwest United States. I have read about this issue from several sources, so I found this particularly fascinating that it would be involved in a novel. As always the beautiful characters of Clive Cussler fill the pages with life. Kurt Austin is a terrific character, even to a hard-core Dirk Pitt fan!!

It was nice to see a different set of charaters by Cussler. Though I do have to admit I missed Dirk Pitt. The overall book kepy me intrigued but it was not his best work. I would still recommend it to others that are interested in Cussler's work.

I have read and loved all of Cussler's books. I was hesitant at first about reading this one. I was torn between loyalty to Dirk and Al, while at the same time realizing that after so many novels there had to be an infusion of new character blood. I was thrilled with this joint venture. There are similarities between the two action heros, but at the same time there are definite differences. The new team of Kurt and Joe have their moments. While this plot is not as complex, tension filled or as fast paced, as some of Cussler's other books, it is nonetheless in the true Cussler style. I was not disappointed with the new boys on the NUMA team nor with Nina, Kurt's apparent love interest. Cussler skillfully linked all four action characters and hopefully in a future novel the four will be able to share in a joint adventure. I am optimistic that Cussler will also rev the Kurt/Joe team up to the nail biting adventures that Dirk/Al seemed to constantly land in. I am excited that Mr Cussler would accept the challenge of bringing new characters into a well establish cult following of his. He not only accepted the challenge; he has won me over with them. Looking forward to more adventures of these new characters - soon I hope.