This was the first Dirk Pitt story Clive Cussler wrote, though it wasn’t published until 8 years after the first book was published. Dirk is a little rough around the edges here, but he’s lacking a little of the machismo/misogyny that plagues him in the first few books in the series. This is a good thing. In fact, Pitt uncharacteristically falls in love in this book, and you have to wonder if that puts his behavior in the next several stories in a different light. Regardless of Pitt’s behavior with the ladies, this story gives you exactly what you expect from Clive Cussler — action, adventure, and a completely unbelievable plot, complete with pontificating bad guy. All things I love when Cussler is involved. Overall, this is a quick, fun read.
