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"They moved through the morning mist like ghosts, silent and eerie in phantom
ships. Tall, serpentine prows arched gracefully on bow and stern, crowned with intricately
carved dragons, teeth bared menacingly in a growl as if their eyes were piercing the vapor
in search of victims."
The images of majestic Viking ships drifting down the uncharted waterways of the North
American continent form the historic backdrop for yet another wild adventure featuring
Dirk Pitt, Al Giordino, and the phenomenal team of Cussler's fictional NUMA. With his
usual mastery of plotting, Cussler gives readers an intricate story of ancient mysteries
and present day terrorists that brazenly pushes the fictional limits even as it grasps you
by the hand and yanks you firmly into the suspense. The action is nonstop and the finale
brings the legendary Norsemen, the modern day adversaries and a touch of Jules Verne
fantasy together into one remarkable framework of interlocking pieces.
Good versus evil is always at the heart of Dirk Pitt's troubles and VALHALLA RISING has
enough evil to fill three volumes. The action begins when a luxury cruise ship is
destroyed costing the lives of hundreds and Pitt uncovers evidence that foul play may have
been responsible. The motive for the terrorist act is a revolutionary new oil invented by
an eccentric scientist who became the target of a sadistic group of killers, known as
Viper, intent on stealing the formula at any cost. As the investigation into the
catastrophe progresses, it becomes apparent that these men are merely the mercenary army
of the international corporation Cerberus, headed by a sociopath who is obsessed with
manipulating world oil markets and gaining unlimited wealth and power. As the deadly hunt
continues to find the secret formula, Pitt and the NUMA team place themselves squarely in
the path of the assassins as they try to gather evidence against the corporate
conglomerate and prevent further loss of life.
As in any Dirk Pitt story, this larger-than-life hero faces his formidable adversary with
Al Giordino at his side and a beautiful woman hanging on his arm. However, Cussler now
ushers in a new phase in Pitt's life, as we see an aging hero pondering the face in the
mirror and the emotional scars of a long ago love affair that ended tragically. While his
current relationship with the lovely Congresswoman Loren Smith has endured through several
novels, they have avoided commitment. Their disparate careers have always presented what
seemed to be an insurmountable obstacle. While still retaining his charming veneer and
lady-killer image, it's apparent that Pitt is approaching an inevitable crossroad and is
uncertain which direction to take.
Cussler's unparalleled talent for mixing history and legend with contemporary heroes and
villains are why his novels are consistently found on the bestseller lists. And in no
small way each novel is an education --- tales spun from the intriguing mysteries of the
ocean depths and the discoveries made through his real life NUMA expeditions. In VALHALLA
RISING Cussler brings readers a complex drama that delves into early Viking explorations
and inspires a thirst to know more. He examines 19th century literature, drawing parallels
between Jules Verne's genius for science fiction and modern day technology. He flirts with
the theory that Captain Nemo and the Nautilus may have had origins other than
Verne's fertile imagination and leaves the reader wondering the same. Dirk and company may
ultimately reach a satisfying conclusion to their perilous adventure, but readers are left
with a mind full of tantalizing questions just begging to be researched.
--- Reviewed by Ann Bruns (BkPageWC@aol.com)
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