Iceberg (Dirk Pitt Adventure) by Clive Cussler
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Book Reviews of Iceberg (Dirk Pitt Adventure)
Book Review: Dirk Pitt in Iceland
Summary: 4 Stars
I enjoy Clive Cussler novels as a light, refreshing adventure for a summer afternoon at the beach. The action can be a bit outrageous at times, but usually on the same level as a James Bond plot. After I devoured Iceburg, I happened to look at the copyright page and I was stunned to see it was from 1975. I think the storyline holds up well over the 30+ years since it was written and that the style of Dirk Pitt has not changed overly much. While other reviewers have said that this novel does not represent the other Dirk Pitt adventures, I myself don't see overly much variation. Start the book with the idea that you're reading a light adventure instead of a chilling ultra-accurate thriller and I think you'll have a lovely few hours of suspended disbelief.Book Review: Early work but still good read
Summary: 4 Stars
Another installment of Dirk Pitt saving the world. I enjoy the light reading Cussler has to offer and look forward to each of his books. I know he is not the "World's Greatest Author" but he a good change of pace from the in-depth and dense books I read as a historian.Book Review: Early Cussler work still delivers the goods
Summary: 3 Stars
It is close to heretical to say so in Clive Cussler fan circles I am sure, but I enjoyed this Dirk Pitt adventure (the second one published though the third actually written by Clive) precisely because of the absence of Dirks close friend and NUMA colleague Al Giordino.
You see, my favorite novels of the fantasy/action-adventure/thriller genre include those where it is the individual battling the good fight. So I was pleased as I came to realize reading this early Cussler work to find that it was Pitt doing all the investigative work and mixing it up with an assortment of hoods and villains.
One thing I did find distressingly absent from this work was the trademark Cussler style of tying in some seemingly unrelated preludes together. My favorite preludes (I have so far read) is the Viking history and Capt. Nemo chapters that formed the beginning of the later `Valhalla Rising.' I imagine their absence here is due to this being one of Cussler's early works when he was still searching for his own voice and still using Alistair MacLean's style as a template on which to paint Dirk Pitts adventures.
The plot revolves around the discovery of the burnt remnants of a ship encased in an iceberg and sinister goings on that takes Pitt from Iceland to Disney. I really enjoyed the early chapters with Pitt and Dr. Honeywell investigating the iceberg though I was surprised to find the Cold War references somwhat dating the piece.
With some fun action sequences and a decent plot this novel isn't half as bad as some Cussler fans might have you believe. Certainly the author still has yet to hit his stride (a feat he probably first achieved with `Raise the Titanic') and it is almost intolerably politically incorrect in its portrayal of the female characters but for page turning entertainment I liked this novel.
Book Review: Iceberg, a review
Summary: 3 Stars
Iceberg is a novel that is filled with danger, excitement and mysterious circumstances, taking place during the 20th century in and around places from Iceland to Disney. The story follows the charming hero Dirk Pitt, as he discovers a mysterious ship that holds only burnt remains and gold rings as a clue to where the missing cargo has gone. This novel is filled with action and vivid descriptions. Recommended for ages 14 and up for innuendoes and descriptions of violent events.
Cussler is not the run of the mill author, and neither are his books. In this, the next installment of Dirk Pitt adventures, ruggedly charming hero Dirk Pitt starts off finding himself circling the Atlantic Ocean searching for a massive iceberg with a ship hidden inside. As luck would have it, he is not the only one who is looking for this lost vessel, but he finds it first. What he finds, burnt bodies and gold rings, and missing cargo, leads Pitt into his next adventure. Cussler does an excellent job describing what is going on and what everything looks like, the reader feels as if they are there. For example, "Neth reached over and placed the book in the crudely constructed rack hanging from the side panel by a coat hanger." Even with all the amazing imagery, there is one disappointment, Pitts longtime friend and `partner in crime,' Al Giordino is absent from the book. Although not one of his best books, Cussler still has a gift for writing and embracing the spirit of adventure.
Book Review: Good read
Summary: 3 Stars
This was my first trip into the "NUMA files" and I have to say it was a very fun read. The plot held my attention and kept me turning page after page, I ended up reading it in about three days...becuase I couldnt put it down.
There was a bit of a sexest attitude toward women..."DOnt worry your pretty little head, and go make me some coffee" attitude throughout. But, it was still a good book. I am going out to get the rest of the Dirk Pitt novels.