What do you think?
Rate this book
NUMA Files #13
The Pharaoh's Secret
When the NUMA crew is exposed to a dangerous toxin, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala will stop at nothing to find a cure foretold by Ancient Egyptian lore in this exhilarting novel in the #1 New York Times –bestselling series
Head of NUMA special assignments, Kurt Austin and his most trusted friend, Joe Zavala tangle with a ruthless powerbroker scheming to build a new Egyptian empire as glorious as those of the Pharaohs. Part of their adversary's plan rests on the manipulation of a newly discovered aquifer beneath the Sahara, but an even more devastating weapon at his disposal may threaten the entire a plant extract known as the black mist, discovered in the City of the Dead and rumored to have the power to take life from the living and restore it to the dead.
With the balance of power in Africa and Europe on the verge of tipping, Kurt, Joe, and the rest of the NUMA team will have to fight to discover the truth behind the legends—but to do that, they have to confront in person the greatest legend of them Osiris, the ruler of the Egyptian underworld.
Head of NUMA special assignments, Kurt Austin and his most trusted friend, Joe Zavala tangle with a ruthless powerbroker scheming to build a new Egyptian empire as glorious as those of the Pharaohs. Part of their adversary's plan rests on the manipulation of a newly discovered aquifer beneath the Sahara, but an even more devastating weapon at his disposal may threaten the entire a plant extract known as the black mist, discovered in the City of the Dead and rumored to have the power to take life from the living and restore it to the dead.
With the balance of power in Africa and Europe on the verge of tipping, Kurt, Joe, and the rest of the NUMA team will have to fight to discover the truth behind the legends—but to do that, they have to confront in person the greatest legend of them Osiris, the ruler of the Egyptian underworld.
464 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 2015
765 people are currently reading
3023 people want to read
About the author
Clive Cussler
646 books8,543 followersCussler began writing novels in 1965 and published his first work featuring his continuous series hero, Dirk Pitt, in 1973. His first non-fiction, The Sea Hunters, was released in 1996. The Board of Governors of the Maritime College, State University of New York, considered The Sea Hunters in lieu of a Ph.D. thesis and awarded Cussler a Doctor of Letters degree in May, 1997. It was the first time since the College was founded in 1874 that such a degree was bestowed.
Cussler was an internationally recognized authority on shipwrecks and the founder of the National Underwater and Marine Agency, (NUMA) a 501C3 non-profit organization (named after the fictional Federal agency in his novels) that dedicates itself to preserving American maritime and naval history. He and his crew of marine experts and NUMA volunteers discovered more than 60 historically significant underwater wreck sites including the first submarine to sink a ship in battle, the Confederacy's Hunley, and its victim, the Union's Housatonic; the U-20, the U-boat that sank the Lusitania; the Cumberland, which was sunk by the famous ironclad, Merrimack; the renowned Confederate raider Florida; the Navy airship, Akron, the Republic of Texas Navy warship, Zavala, found under a parking lot in Galveston, and the Carpathia, which sank almost six years to-the-day after plucking Titanic's survivors from the sea.
In addition to being the Chairman of NUMA, Cussler was also a fellow in both the Explorers Club of New York and the Royal Geographic Society in London. He was honored with the Lowell Thomas Award for outstanding underwater exploration.
Cussler's books have been published in more than 40 languages in more than 100 countries. His past international bestsellers include Pacific Vortex, Mediterranean Caper, Iceberg, Raise the Titanic, Vixen 03, Night Probe, Deep Six, Cyclops, Treasure, Dragon, Sahara, Inca Gold, Shock Wave, Flood Tide, Atlantis Found, Valhalla Rising, Trojan Odyssey and Black Wind (this last with his son, Dirk Cussler); the nonfiction books The Sea Hunters, The Sea Hunters II and Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed; the NUMA® Files novels Serpent, Blue Gold, Fire Ice, White Death and Lost City (written with Paul Kemprecos); and the Oregon Files novels Sacred Stone and Golden Buddha (written with Craig Dirgo) and Dark Watch (written with Jack Du Brul).
Clive Cussler died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 24, 2020.
Cussler was an internationally recognized authority on shipwrecks and the founder of the National Underwater and Marine Agency, (NUMA) a 501C3 non-profit organization (named after the fictional Federal agency in his novels) that dedicates itself to preserving American maritime and naval history. He and his crew of marine experts and NUMA volunteers discovered more than 60 historically significant underwater wreck sites including the first submarine to sink a ship in battle, the Confederacy's Hunley, and its victim, the Union's Housatonic; the U-20, the U-boat that sank the Lusitania; the Cumberland, which was sunk by the famous ironclad, Merrimack; the renowned Confederate raider Florida; the Navy airship, Akron, the Republic of Texas Navy warship, Zavala, found under a parking lot in Galveston, and the Carpathia, which sank almost six years to-the-day after plucking Titanic's survivors from the sea.
In addition to being the Chairman of NUMA, Cussler was also a fellow in both the Explorers Club of New York and the Royal Geographic Society in London. He was honored with the Lowell Thomas Award for outstanding underwater exploration.
Cussler's books have been published in more than 40 languages in more than 100 countries. His past international bestsellers include Pacific Vortex, Mediterranean Caper, Iceberg, Raise the Titanic, Vixen 03, Night Probe, Deep Six, Cyclops, Treasure, Dragon, Sahara, Inca Gold, Shock Wave, Flood Tide, Atlantis Found, Valhalla Rising, Trojan Odyssey and Black Wind (this last with his son, Dirk Cussler); the nonfiction books The Sea Hunters, The Sea Hunters II and Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed; the NUMA® Files novels Serpent, Blue Gold, Fire Ice, White Death and Lost City (written with Paul Kemprecos); and the Oregon Files novels Sacred Stone and Golden Buddha (written with Craig Dirgo) and Dark Watch (written with Jack Du Brul).
Clive Cussler died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 24, 2020.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 494 reviews
March 8, 2017
I've read a few books in Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt Series, which I enjoyed.
The Pharaoh's Secret is the first novel I've read in The NUMA Files Series and it is also the no 13 in the series.
The main characters in this series, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala were introduced in the Dirk Pitt Series.
The two are likeable characters...they enjoy an easygoing camaraderie and are fun and very entertaining.
The story revolves around an unidentified virus that puts humans and animals into a coma and eventual death. The NUMA team race against time to save the world once again.
A rather far-fetched but enjoyable plot, filled with action, some really bad guys, a beautiful woman helping them......talk about kickass heroine!!! She drives mean cars around hairpin bends, shoots and is a doctor to boost!!!! Lots of chases, flying over deserts, diving under the Nile River..............the excitement never ends.
Naturally the team saves the world at the end.
This was a very pleasurable read..........easy, nothing too heavy!!!
The Pharaoh's Secret is the first novel I've read in The NUMA Files Series and it is also the no 13 in the series.
The main characters in this series, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala were introduced in the Dirk Pitt Series.
The two are likeable characters...they enjoy an easygoing camaraderie and are fun and very entertaining.
The story revolves around an unidentified virus that puts humans and animals into a coma and eventual death. The NUMA team race against time to save the world once again.
A rather far-fetched but enjoyable plot, filled with action, some really bad guys, a beautiful woman helping them......talk about kickass heroine!!! She drives mean cars around hairpin bends, shoots and is a doctor to boost!!!! Lots of chases, flying over deserts, diving under the Nile River..............the excitement never ends.
Naturally the team saves the world at the end.
This was a very pleasurable read..........easy, nothing too heavy!!!
February 19, 2017
Author Clive Cussler never fails to deliver a fast paced, action packed, fanciful plot, full of nasty, ruthless villains. The NUMA team are back to save the world from an unidentified black mist which appeared out of nowhere on a small populated island. Stepping onto the deserted beaches they soon found a disturbing scene of bodies, animals, and birds, sprawled on the streets with no life to be found. Countless exciting chase scenes, intense shoot outs, along with a mixture of slap sticky monologue to lighten the atmosphere. The Pharaoh’s Secret is entertaining, fun, and an easy to read book from beginning to the end. Just strap in and enjoy the ride. Recommended.
November 27, 2015
Am I the only one who feels his books are getting churned out rather than written? Is quantity over quality that important? I keep reading each new Clive Cussler novel with high hopes and end up being disappointed with the quality of writing. Throw in a multitude of dangerous situations, add a character or two from another series and ask us to to suspend all disbelief? Perhaps it's the fault of the readers for demanding new books constantly and not being willing to wait in-between novels.
November 15, 2019
As usual, Clive Cussler delivers an outstanding action/adventure yarn. It's easy to see why his books continue to be bestsellers.
The only downside was there were occasional profanities and a few unnecessary moments.
The only downside was there were occasional profanities and a few unnecessary moments.
December 28, 2015
Great adventure and action. Love how the authors tie history and fiction together.
March 14, 2016
If you enjoy the thriller/adventure genre, Clive Cussler' s NUMA series is a must read! This installment grabs the reader at the start and doesn't let go till the end. Very enjoyable and entertaining read!
August 5, 2016
My personal opinion - Cusslers collaborations do not reach the same heights as his individual novels. It appears to me that the writing does not flow as seamlessly as in previous novels and the wisecracking between Dirk and Joe is forced as opposed to what you would expect between two old friends.
The saving grace is setting the story in the current middle-east situation.
The saving grace is setting the story in the current middle-east situation.
December 21, 2016
Non-stop action and chase. There is a threatening villain, nice plan to make the world go wrong, and every other thing. This being the first book from Clive Cussler I have ever read, I don't have a reason to compare it to his other works, so not disappointed by planned redundancy if there exists any. But I do think Graham Brown has done lot of work in it. I read his other book and liked that too.
What makes me happy about this book is, there are lots of characters who gets involved. It's not an one man show. There are throughout companions, lady sidekick, minor active dudes, side story heroes and so on. One thing though, at times our main hero feels a little bit invincible. And all his bullets hits, while his attackers misses almost everything. Other that that, it's mostly fine.
If you want a downright adventure, chase, sneaking, action, and a promising problem threatening humankind, then this is a nice book to dive in.
What makes me happy about this book is, there are lots of characters who gets involved. It's not an one man show. There are throughout companions, lady sidekick, minor active dudes, side story heroes and so on. One thing though, at times our main hero feels a little bit invincible. And all his bullets hits, while his attackers misses almost everything. Other that that, it's mostly fine.
If you want a downright adventure, chase, sneaking, action, and a promising problem threatening humankind, then this is a nice book to dive in.
April 3, 2016
While I've always enjoyed Mr. Cussler's books, after exploring a variety of other authors I've added another reason in his favor. There is no foul language in Cussler's books, and the characters manage to express their frustrations through humor. History has never been my favorite subject but Cussler presents in a palatable serving. Since many believe that water may become the new gold this story is thought provoking on an environmental plane as well as well as the 'good old boys looking out for themselves and all they can get'!
April 12, 2025
Another intense & exciting adventure for the NUMA characters!
September 16, 2016
A return to form for Clive Cussler, well supported by Graham Brown, a fine thriller author in his own right. Great settings, lots of thrills and spills, and some fab one-liners. Loved Kurt and Joe.
February 6, 2018
Interesting, but not a thriller
This is the first Clive Cussler 'brand' book I've read. I had expected top notch adventure, action, intrigue, and twists. What I got was just a story with characters that I weren't really invested in.
This is the first Clive Cussler 'brand' book I've read. I had expected top notch adventure, action, intrigue, and twists. What I got was just a story with characters that I weren't really invested in.
February 1, 2016
Thirteenth in the NUMA Files series and revolving around Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala.
My Take
I gotta admit that I started this story, and then got bored. It was the same ol', same ol'. And I mean, really, what else did I expect? Of course it's following the formula for a NUMA action suspense story!? Duhh.
It begins in 1353 BC with a very confusing, almost useless, prologue that really doesn't say much. It continues this confusion with the interlude in 1798. I suspect this is why I got bored. I was too confused. To be honest, you could probably skip the prologues and move right into the part where Kurt appears. Yeah, there's a sort of introduction before Kurt and Joe appear that sets up the conflict that sets it all in motion. That contemporary intro didn't pull together for me either about the ship that sets off the toxic cloud.
There's an interesting summary of back history on the military-industrial complex of Egypt. The one that ruled the country from 1952 until the Rebellion in 2011.
I do enjoy how Cussler weaves history into his contemporary stories. That bit about the Italian spies was one of those tidbits that brings an extra depth to the overall story. I also enjoyed how enthusiastic Edo became and the way his contacts rallied around him.
It was fun with lots of action, but not quite up to the usual excitement. Yeah, that same ol', same ol'…
The Story
A toxic cloud puts Lampedusans into a deadly coma. An example of what Tariq Shakir is willing to do to control North Africa and only part of a diabolical plan to bring these desert countries to their knees.
The Characters
Kurt Austin, Director of Special Assignments, and Joe Zavala, a genius with anything mechanical, are partners and troubleshooters for NUMA, the National Underwater and Marine Agency. Dr. Paul Trout, a geologist, and his wife, Dr. Gamay Trout, a marine biologist, are the ideal couple to encounter when aquifers suddenly start drying up. Reza al-Agra is a surveyor and director of water recovery for the Libyan government.
The Sea Dragon is…
…captained by Gary Reynolds and excavating relics on the floor of the Mediterranean. Michelle Woodson is one of the divers.
Lampedusa is…
…an island that belongs to Italy and has a small population. Constantine Bracko is the ship's master aboard the M.V. Torino. Ammon Ta, a.k.a., the Egyptian by the crew, paid handsomely to have his cargo shipped. Dr. Renata Ambrosini, a specialist in neurobiology, is at the island hospital, but is really undercover for the Italian government. Dr. Hagen is a suspect. Cody Williams was the Roman antiquities expert heading up the research. Dr. Ravishaw is part of the revival team.
Malta is…
…where the Maltese Oceanic Museum is located. Dr. William Kensington is its frightened curator. The D'Campion Conservancy is a nonprofit group that retrieves relics. Etienne, a descendant of Emile, and Nicole D'Campion head it up.
Egypt
Former Brigadier General Edo is now working in advertising for his brother-in-law.
France
Camila Duchene is descended from the family who once housed Admiral Velleneuve.
Osiris International is…
…an organization put together by Colonel Tariq Shakir, a former member of the Egyptian secret police, who is a goal-oriented sociopath. Hassan is his second-in-command and closest advisor. "Talon" is one of the Maltese hitmen. The very scarred Number Four is a sniper who becomes "Scorpion". Farouk is manning the compressor. Katz is one of the guards. Brad Golner and Zia are biologists.
Alberto Piola is a powerful Italian lawmaker. Anna-Marie is probably dead at this point.
Battle of the Nile at Aboukir Bay, August 1, 1798
An artist and one of Napoleon's savants, Commissioner Emile D'Campion is with the Commission of Science and Art. Admiral Horatio Nelson. Admiral Brueys is aboard L'Orient. Rear Admiral Pierre-Charles Villeneuve is aboard the Guillaume Tell.
At the Time of Akhenaton in 1353 BC
Manu-hotep is a priest of Akhenaton, the pharaoh who insisted everyone worship one god, Aten. Abydos is the City of the Dead. Osiris is the god of the afterlife and fertility.
James Sandecker, the founder and former head of NUMA, is currently the vice-president of the United States. Terry Carruthers is his aide and very good at following orders but not much on initiative. Rudi Gunn is the assistant director of NUMA while Dirk Pitt is its director. There's a "guest" appearance by Juan Cabrillo, the Chairman of the Corporation (see The Oregon Files), in relation to an incident in Monaco.
The Cover and Title
The cover is pretty cheesy actually. It's blue-green and a collage of what the story is about. A beautiful woman in an orange bikini, snorkel, mask, and fins is swimming toward a bust of a pharaoh's head, tablets, and amphorae lying on the sea floor. I'm really impressed that she can snorkel down that deep when the divers in the story need to be concerned about the bends. Yeah, yeah, I know. It's fiction.
The title is also a metaphor, as it's not so much The Pharaoh's Secret as his priests'.
My Take
I gotta admit that I started this story, and then got bored. It was the same ol', same ol'. And I mean, really, what else did I expect? Of course it's following the formula for a NUMA action suspense story!? Duhh.
It begins in 1353 BC with a very confusing, almost useless, prologue that really doesn't say much. It continues this confusion with the interlude in 1798. I suspect this is why I got bored. I was too confused. To be honest, you could probably skip the prologues and move right into the part where Kurt appears. Yeah, there's a sort of introduction before Kurt and Joe appear that sets up the conflict that sets it all in motion. That contemporary intro didn't pull together for me either about the ship that sets off the toxic cloud.
There's an interesting summary of back history on the military-industrial complex of Egypt. The one that ruled the country from 1952 until the Rebellion in 2011.
I do enjoy how Cussler weaves history into his contemporary stories. That bit about the Italian spies was one of those tidbits that brings an extra depth to the overall story. I also enjoyed how enthusiastic Edo became and the way his contacts rallied around him.
It was fun with lots of action, but not quite up to the usual excitement. Yeah, that same ol', same ol'…
The Story
A toxic cloud puts Lampedusans into a deadly coma. An example of what Tariq Shakir is willing to do to control North Africa and only part of a diabolical plan to bring these desert countries to their knees.
The Characters
Kurt Austin, Director of Special Assignments, and Joe Zavala, a genius with anything mechanical, are partners and troubleshooters for NUMA, the National Underwater and Marine Agency. Dr. Paul Trout, a geologist, and his wife, Dr. Gamay Trout, a marine biologist, are the ideal couple to encounter when aquifers suddenly start drying up. Reza al-Agra is a surveyor and director of water recovery for the Libyan government.
The Sea Dragon is…
…captained by Gary Reynolds and excavating relics on the floor of the Mediterranean. Michelle Woodson is one of the divers.
Lampedusa is…
…an island that belongs to Italy and has a small population. Constantine Bracko is the ship's master aboard the M.V. Torino. Ammon Ta, a.k.a., the Egyptian by the crew, paid handsomely to have his cargo shipped. Dr. Renata Ambrosini, a specialist in neurobiology, is at the island hospital, but is really undercover for the Italian government. Dr. Hagen is a suspect. Cody Williams was the Roman antiquities expert heading up the research. Dr. Ravishaw is part of the revival team.
Malta is…
…where the Maltese Oceanic Museum is located. Dr. William Kensington is its frightened curator. The D'Campion Conservancy is a nonprofit group that retrieves relics. Etienne, a descendant of Emile, and Nicole D'Campion head it up.
Egypt
Former Brigadier General Edo is now working in advertising for his brother-in-law.
France
Camila Duchene is descended from the family who once housed Admiral Velleneuve.
Osiris International is…
…an organization put together by Colonel Tariq Shakir, a former member of the Egyptian secret police, who is a goal-oriented sociopath. Hassan is his second-in-command and closest advisor. "Talon" is one of the Maltese hitmen. The very scarred Number Four is a sniper who becomes "Scorpion". Farouk is manning the compressor. Katz is one of the guards. Brad Golner and Zia are biologists.
Alberto Piola is a powerful Italian lawmaker. Anna-Marie is probably dead at this point.
Battle of the Nile at Aboukir Bay, August 1, 1798
An artist and one of Napoleon's savants, Commissioner Emile D'Campion is with the Commission of Science and Art. Admiral Horatio Nelson. Admiral Brueys is aboard L'Orient. Rear Admiral Pierre-Charles Villeneuve is aboard the Guillaume Tell.
At the Time of Akhenaton in 1353 BC
Manu-hotep is a priest of Akhenaton, the pharaoh who insisted everyone worship one god, Aten. Abydos is the City of the Dead. Osiris is the god of the afterlife and fertility.
James Sandecker, the founder and former head of NUMA, is currently the vice-president of the United States. Terry Carruthers is his aide and very good at following orders but not much on initiative. Rudi Gunn is the assistant director of NUMA while Dirk Pitt is its director. There's a "guest" appearance by Juan Cabrillo, the Chairman of the Corporation (see The Oregon Files), in relation to an incident in Monaco.
The Cover and Title
The cover is pretty cheesy actually. It's blue-green and a collage of what the story is about. A beautiful woman in an orange bikini, snorkel, mask, and fins is swimming toward a bust of a pharaoh's head, tablets, and amphorae lying on the sea floor. I'm really impressed that she can snorkel down that deep when the divers in the story need to be concerned about the bends. Yeah, yeah, I know. It's fiction.
The title is also a metaphor, as it's not so much The Pharaoh's Secret as his priests'.
November 25, 2017
I received The Pharaoh's Secret as a 2015 Christmas gift from my parents. About twenty years ago, I use to read a good bit of Clive Cussler. It was fun revisiting his adventure genre, although The Pharaoh's Secret is from the Numa Files series, and I use to read the Dirk Pitt series.
The Pharaoh's Secret is a fast-paced, escapist read - a perfect Thanksgiving vacation thrill ride that takes place in Egypt, Lampedusa, Malta, D.C., Tunisia, Libya, and Rome.
The Pharaoh's Secret is a fast-paced, escapist read - a perfect Thanksgiving vacation thrill ride that takes place in Egypt, Lampedusa, Malta, D.C., Tunisia, Libya, and Rome.
April 7, 2016
With a global setting and a terrifying cast of shifty, ruthless rogues, the 13th NUMA novel is a captivating blend of history and fast-paced adventure fiction that I am sure will meet the approval of all Clive Cussler devotees.
January 15, 2018
Another great fun and easy to read adventure. Perfect if like me after work you need something not to challenging on the mind occasionally.
September 20, 2020
I stayed up all night listening to this, had to finish it!! I loved the ending!
April 10, 2022
Leggere un testo della banda Cussler è come mangiare le lasagne della nonna: il gusto è garantito. Ho recuperato questo testo delle avventure di Austin e Zavala, che mi era sfuggiro ai tempi, con grande piacere. A parte l'ambientazione parzialmente italiana, come la coprotagonista femminile della storia, il canovaccio è quello classico di Cussler: gli eroi che salvano il pianeta, attraverso uan serie di mirabolanti trovate contro il cattivissimo di turno. Il tutto ovviamente viene trattato con grande professionalità e stile, i riferimenti storici sono sempre impeccabili e, per chi ama certi punti misteriosi della storia, ti danno spunto per interessanti approfondimenti. Una garanzia per il lettore.
October 26, 2018
[RECENSIE] Het geheim van de farao van Clive Cussler & Graham Brown
DE VOLGENDE GOOI NAAR DE ABSOLUTE MACHT DIENT ZICH AAN
++ ‘De dieren reageerden onmiddellijk. Ze vlogen erop af. De ene had een arm te pakken, de ander een been’ ++
Oorspronkelijke titel: The Pharaoh’s Secret
ISBN: 978 90 443 5239 9
Uitgegeven door: The House of Books, Overamstel Uitgevers
Pagina’s: 365
Beoordeling: ⭐️⭐️⭐️, ½ ⭐️
De Amerikaanse auteur Graham Brown kan rustig in een adem met Clive Cussler worden genoemd, voor wat betreft de serie NUMA-files met Kurt Austin in de hoofdrol en Joe Zavala als zijn vaste maatje. NUMA staat voor National Underwater and Marine Agency, een organisatie die zich voornamelijk bezighoudt met oceanografisch onderzoek dat voornamelijk bestaat uit duikwerkzaamheden naar historische schepen.
In Het geheim van de farao is het niet anders en vangt hun avontuur aan in een, op dat moment nog, rustige Middellandse Zee.
Het onderzoeksschip Sea Dragon met o.a. Kurt Austin en Joe Zavala aan boord, dobbert rustig op de golven in de Middellandse Zee als het onverwachts noodsignalen opvangt. Het Italiaanse eiland Lampedusa is getroffen door een gifwolk en een groot gedeelte van de vijfduizend-koppige bevolking die op dat moment buiten waren, zijn neergevallen. De oproep voor hulp komt van Renata Ambrosini, een arts uit het lokale ziekenhuis.
In Libië komen Paul Trout en Gamay in contact met Reza al-Agra, een medewerker van de Libische overheid die opdracht heeft gekregen het voortdurende waterverlies te doen stoppen. De regering doet er alles aan om het probleem op te lossen en daarmee de onrust onder de bevolking te stoppen. Wat echter maar bij een kleine groep ingewijden bekend is, is dat het verschijnsel kunstmatig op gang is gebracht. Tariq Shakit van de Egyptische geheime dienst streeft naar meer macht en is overtuigd dat hij zijn doelen in korte tijd zal behalen.
++ ‘In een verafgelegen wijk van de stad lichtte een felle flits op. De knal volgde een paar seconden later. Daar was iets ontploft’ ++
Het geheim van het verhaal begint met twee korte terugblikken in het verleden die beide de Egyptische historie als basis hebben. Met het gegeven dat de Franse bevelhebber Napoleon Bonaparte tijdens zijn terugtrekking uit Egypte destijds, zoveel mogelijk waardevolle spullen, zoals artefacten en schilderijen uit dat land roofde.
Het is belangrijk te weten dat de giftige stof, Zwarte mist genaamd, een tegenmiddel heeft om de gevolgen te kunnen stoppen. Met het grondwaterverlies zit dat anders, dat is door criminele geesten tot stand gebracht en het is voor de NUMA-bemanning om dit stop te zetten en daarmee een politieke ramp te voorkomen.
Beide auteurs beheersen inmiddels alle details tot in de kleinste finesses om ook weer van bovengenoemde problemen een aantrekkelijke avonturenroman te schrijven. Ook al is bij de Cussler-fans alom bekend hoe de afloop uiteindelijk zal zijn, de weg ernaar toe is meestal een aantrekkelijk geschreven avontuur met interessante technologische wetenswaardigheden en vaak inventieve oplossingen voor de op hun pad komende problemen. Toch kan niet worden ontkend dat na de vele tientallen boeken die Cussler op de markt heeft gebracht, het onverwachte en verrassende gevoel een beetje achterwege blijft. Dat geldt niet in die mate voor de nieuwsgierigheid naar de route, al dan niet voorzien van beren, die leidt naar de oplossing. Waarbij tenslotte nog aan kan worden toegevoegd dat de plot zich aangenaam en dicht tegen de actiethriller aan schurkt. Maar daar is ook niks mis mee.
Eindoordeel: 3,5 sterren
Spanning: 3 sterren
Plot: 4 sterren
Leesplezier: 4 sterren
Schrijfstijl: 4 sterren
Originaliteit: 3 sterren
Psychologie: 3 sterren
DE VOLGENDE GOOI NAAR DE ABSOLUTE MACHT DIENT ZICH AAN
++ ‘De dieren reageerden onmiddellijk. Ze vlogen erop af. De ene had een arm te pakken, de ander een been’ ++
Oorspronkelijke titel: The Pharaoh’s Secret
ISBN: 978 90 443 5239 9
Uitgegeven door: The House of Books, Overamstel Uitgevers
Pagina’s: 365
Beoordeling: ⭐️⭐️⭐️, ½ ⭐️
De Amerikaanse auteur Graham Brown kan rustig in een adem met Clive Cussler worden genoemd, voor wat betreft de serie NUMA-files met Kurt Austin in de hoofdrol en Joe Zavala als zijn vaste maatje. NUMA staat voor National Underwater and Marine Agency, een organisatie die zich voornamelijk bezighoudt met oceanografisch onderzoek dat voornamelijk bestaat uit duikwerkzaamheden naar historische schepen.
In Het geheim van de farao is het niet anders en vangt hun avontuur aan in een, op dat moment nog, rustige Middellandse Zee.
Het onderzoeksschip Sea Dragon met o.a. Kurt Austin en Joe Zavala aan boord, dobbert rustig op de golven in de Middellandse Zee als het onverwachts noodsignalen opvangt. Het Italiaanse eiland Lampedusa is getroffen door een gifwolk en een groot gedeelte van de vijfduizend-koppige bevolking die op dat moment buiten waren, zijn neergevallen. De oproep voor hulp komt van Renata Ambrosini, een arts uit het lokale ziekenhuis.
In Libië komen Paul Trout en Gamay in contact met Reza al-Agra, een medewerker van de Libische overheid die opdracht heeft gekregen het voortdurende waterverlies te doen stoppen. De regering doet er alles aan om het probleem op te lossen en daarmee de onrust onder de bevolking te stoppen. Wat echter maar bij een kleine groep ingewijden bekend is, is dat het verschijnsel kunstmatig op gang is gebracht. Tariq Shakit van de Egyptische geheime dienst streeft naar meer macht en is overtuigd dat hij zijn doelen in korte tijd zal behalen.
++ ‘In een verafgelegen wijk van de stad lichtte een felle flits op. De knal volgde een paar seconden later. Daar was iets ontploft’ ++
Het geheim van het verhaal begint met twee korte terugblikken in het verleden die beide de Egyptische historie als basis hebben. Met het gegeven dat de Franse bevelhebber Napoleon Bonaparte tijdens zijn terugtrekking uit Egypte destijds, zoveel mogelijk waardevolle spullen, zoals artefacten en schilderijen uit dat land roofde.
Het is belangrijk te weten dat de giftige stof, Zwarte mist genaamd, een tegenmiddel heeft om de gevolgen te kunnen stoppen. Met het grondwaterverlies zit dat anders, dat is door criminele geesten tot stand gebracht en het is voor de NUMA-bemanning om dit stop te zetten en daarmee een politieke ramp te voorkomen.
Beide auteurs beheersen inmiddels alle details tot in de kleinste finesses om ook weer van bovengenoemde problemen een aantrekkelijke avonturenroman te schrijven. Ook al is bij de Cussler-fans alom bekend hoe de afloop uiteindelijk zal zijn, de weg ernaar toe is meestal een aantrekkelijk geschreven avontuur met interessante technologische wetenswaardigheden en vaak inventieve oplossingen voor de op hun pad komende problemen. Toch kan niet worden ontkend dat na de vele tientallen boeken die Cussler op de markt heeft gebracht, het onverwachte en verrassende gevoel een beetje achterwege blijft. Dat geldt niet in die mate voor de nieuwsgierigheid naar de route, al dan niet voorzien van beren, die leidt naar de oplossing. Waarbij tenslotte nog aan kan worden toegevoegd dat de plot zich aangenaam en dicht tegen de actiethriller aan schurkt. Maar daar is ook niks mis mee.
Eindoordeel: 3,5 sterren
Spanning: 3 sterren
Plot: 4 sterren
Leesplezier: 4 sterren
Schrijfstijl: 4 sterren
Originaliteit: 3 sterren
Psychologie: 3 sterren
September 14, 2021
When I chose to pick this book up after seating on my shelf for years, I believed I was picking up a mystery novel that centered around an Acient Egyptain myth. While in the broad scope of the story this is true, in the fine details and actions it was at best a secondary plot point. Now while that disappointed me little bit I found the over-all story fast paced, action packed, and easy to read. Which made it overall and engaging and enjoyable read. While I enjoied this individual story I will probably not be picking up any other books in this series or by this author again.
June 16, 2021
Cussler does it again with another action novel. I’m always fascinated by the weaving in of Egyptian history. This one really had me thinking regarding the Black Mist and how it caused an entire island to “die”. I was curious the whole time how they were going to get the island out of that debacle. Sad to see how easy it was for them to make all or Northern Africa have a draught and the immediate panic and uprising that caused. But Kurt and Joe always save the day and turned things around like they know how.
This one was great because it had a huge Egyptian history and present day influence, the struggle of power between world powers and poorer countries as well as lots of action and diving adventure.
I also like to think that there are more tunnels and ruin and history or Egyptian treasures to be found that hold such secrets as the Black Mist and Angel Breath (which was really just African bull frogs hibernating!)
This one was great because it had a huge Egyptian history and present day influence, the struggle of power between world powers and poorer countries as well as lots of action and diving adventure.
I also like to think that there are more tunnels and ruin and history or Egyptian treasures to be found that hold such secrets as the Black Mist and Angel Breath (which was really just African bull frogs hibernating!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2021
I'm a huge fan of Clive Cussler. The fast paced action, different locations, interesting story lines. However, I felt like this book was just churned out to meet a publishing requirement. It's a real shame. Hopefully Clive Cussler's other recent books aren't like this.
December 13, 2019
Voy a extrañar mucho a todos los personajes, ahora me toca conocer los personajes "secundarios" de esta saga.
April 18, 2020
Predictably Clive Cussler. Which is a good thing when I'm in the mood for it.
June 22, 2022
4,5 stars - English Ebook
When the NUMA crew is exposed to a dangerous toxin, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala will stop at nothing to find a cure foretold by Ancient Egyptian lore in this exhilarting novel from the number one New York Times best-selling series.
Head of NUMA special assignments, Kurt Austin and his most trusted friend, Joe Zavala tangle with a ruthless powerbroker scheming to build a new Egyptian empire as glorious as those of the Pharaohs. Part of their adversary's plan rests on the manipulation of a newly discovered aquifer beneath the Sahara, but an even more devastating weapon at his disposal may threaten the entire world: A plant extract known as the black mist, discovered in the City of the Dead and rumored to have the power to take life from the living and restore it to the dead.
With the balance of power in Africa and Europe on the verge of tipping, Kurt, Joe, and the rest of the NUMA team will have to fight to discover the truth behind the legends - but to do that, they have to confront in person the greatest legend of them all: Osiris, the ruler of the Egyptian underworld.
As usual, Clive Cussler spins an epic tale of the battle of good versus evil.
This time these thing is Egypt and the Sahara Desert. A group of fanatics attempts to rule Egypt and the surrounding Saharan countries by stealing their ground water and effectively causing a panic by the citizens of those countries as water supplies dry up.
Kurt Austin and the usual group of NUMA agents investigate a phenomena dating back early Egypt known as the Black Mist which induces paralysis and an antidote called the Angels Breath.
The agents of NUMA stumble upon a series of bizarre clues which leads to a secret society intent on ruling a major portion of Saharan Africa.
This book grabs your attention and hold it through the amazing conclusion.
I recommend this book to all readers who enjoy thrillersor adventures. If you've read any other of Cussler's books, you know the kind of excitement ahead!
When the NUMA crew is exposed to a dangerous toxin, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala will stop at nothing to find a cure foretold by Ancient Egyptian lore in this exhilarting novel from the number one New York Times best-selling series.
Head of NUMA special assignments, Kurt Austin and his most trusted friend, Joe Zavala tangle with a ruthless powerbroker scheming to build a new Egyptian empire as glorious as those of the Pharaohs. Part of their adversary's plan rests on the manipulation of a newly discovered aquifer beneath the Sahara, but an even more devastating weapon at his disposal may threaten the entire world: A plant extract known as the black mist, discovered in the City of the Dead and rumored to have the power to take life from the living and restore it to the dead.
With the balance of power in Africa and Europe on the verge of tipping, Kurt, Joe, and the rest of the NUMA team will have to fight to discover the truth behind the legends - but to do that, they have to confront in person the greatest legend of them all: Osiris, the ruler of the Egyptian underworld.
As usual, Clive Cussler spins an epic tale of the battle of good versus evil.
This time these thing is Egypt and the Sahara Desert. A group of fanatics attempts to rule Egypt and the surrounding Saharan countries by stealing their ground water and effectively causing a panic by the citizens of those countries as water supplies dry up.
Kurt Austin and the usual group of NUMA agents investigate a phenomena dating back early Egypt known as the Black Mist which induces paralysis and an antidote called the Angels Breath.
The agents of NUMA stumble upon a series of bizarre clues which leads to a secret society intent on ruling a major portion of Saharan Africa.
This book grabs your attention and hold it through the amazing conclusion.
I recommend this book to all readers who enjoy thrillersor adventures. If you've read any other of Cussler's books, you know the kind of excitement ahead!
October 23, 2021
Przyjemna lektura z cameo pewnej postaci z cyklu Oregon 😉 Dużo akcji, nie męczący ani wkurzający bohaterowie, akcja w Egipcie, trochę mitologii i historii - jestem na tak.
August 24, 2023
Clive Cussler books are always a fun little adventure. I wish more of his books were movies.
September 7, 2023
twas okay
December 19, 2017
Konnte mich leider nicht wirklich überzeugen. Die Charaktere kamen mir ziemlich flach vor, wie zwei Indiana Jones Verschnitte in Taucherkleidung irgendwie. Mir war es auch zu viel Action irgendwie, man hatte kaum Zeit, durchzuschnaufen, von einer brenzligen Situation wurde in die nächste gestolpert und dieses Superheldentum (wir können alles, wir wissen alles, wir sind ja so super) ging mir schon dezent auf die Nerven. Als Film würde das möglicherweise noch funktionieren (obwohl es teilweise schon sehr übertrieben war), aber ein Buch braucht für mich einfach mehr. Vielleicht war ja in den ersten Bänden der Reihe mehr Charakterentwicklung und es ist für Quereinsteiger einfach nicht so gut geeignet.
February 3, 2016
One of Cussler's best books in quite a long time, for many reasons. Chief among them, for me at least, is the inclusion of Malta as a primary setting for what might be the first time ever in a Cussler book. And then there's the downright nasty threat from a freaky, freaky ancient Egyptian weapon that's designed to put its victims into seemingly incurable comas...don't ask. Those ancient Egyptians meddled in things that really ought not to be meddled in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 494 reviews