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Oregon Files #11
The Emperor's Revenge: Oregon Files #11
The new rip-roaring Oregon Files adventure from the grand master of adventure Clive Cussler.
Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon face their toughest challenge yet when a violent bank heist during the Monaco Grand Prix decimates the Corporation's accounts. To get the money back, Juan joins forces with an old friend from his days in the CIA so they can track down a rogue hacker and a ruthless former Ukrainian naval officer.
It is only after the hunt begins that the enormity of the plan comes into focus: the bank theft is just the first step in a plot that will result in the deaths of millions and bring the world's economies to a standstill. The catalyst for the scheme? A stunning document stolen during Napoleon's disastrous invasion of Russia.
But two hundred years later, it may be the thing that brings Europe to its knees.
'Cussler is hard to beat'
Daily Mail
'The Adventure King'
Sunday Express
'Nobody does it better... nobody!'
Stephen Coonts
'Just about the best storyteller in the business'
New York Post
'Oceanography's answer to Indiana Jones. Exotic locations, ruthless villains, and many narrow escapes-Cussler's fans come for swashbuckling and he delivers'
Associated Press
Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon face their toughest challenge yet when a violent bank heist during the Monaco Grand Prix decimates the Corporation's accounts. To get the money back, Juan joins forces with an old friend from his days in the CIA so they can track down a rogue hacker and a ruthless former Ukrainian naval officer.
It is only after the hunt begins that the enormity of the plan comes into focus: the bank theft is just the first step in a plot that will result in the deaths of millions and bring the world's economies to a standstill. The catalyst for the scheme? A stunning document stolen during Napoleon's disastrous invasion of Russia.
But two hundred years later, it may be the thing that brings Europe to its knees.
'Cussler is hard to beat'
Daily Mail
'The Adventure King'
Sunday Express
'Nobody does it better... nobody!'
Stephen Coonts
'Just about the best storyteller in the business'
New York Post
'Oceanography's answer to Indiana Jones. Exotic locations, ruthless villains, and many narrow escapes-Cussler's fans come for swashbuckling and he delivers'
Associated Press
464 pages, Hardcover
First published May 31, 2016
1084 people are currently reading
2806 people want to read
About the author
Clive Cussler
645 books8,522 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 502 reviews
August 16, 2023
Napoleon Bonaparte would no doubt be bemused at what was happening two hundred years later as criminals searched for a treasure that he had supposedly hidden away...
As Juan Cabrillo and his exceptional crew of the Oregon came up against their greatest foe yet, the devious minds of two people - father and daughter - were set to disable the world, bring it to its knees and disappear with a fortune. It seemed that only Juan and his crew, along with the backing of the CIA, would be the only ones to stop them in their tracks. But could they?
The Emperor's Revenge is the 11th in the Oregon Files by Clive Cussler and I loved the fast pace, the adventure and the rollicking ride it led me on! I've been reading this author for many, many years now, and he still doesn't disappoint. I was saddened to learn of his death in 2020. Highly recommended.
As Juan Cabrillo and his exceptional crew of the Oregon came up against their greatest foe yet, the devious minds of two people - father and daughter - were set to disable the world, bring it to its knees and disappear with a fortune. It seemed that only Juan and his crew, along with the backing of the CIA, would be the only ones to stop them in their tracks. But could they?
The Emperor's Revenge is the 11th in the Oregon Files by Clive Cussler and I loved the fast pace, the adventure and the rollicking ride it led me on! I've been reading this author for many, many years now, and he still doesn't disappoint. I was saddened to learn of his death in 2020. Highly recommended.
July 11, 2016
The best Oregon Files novel since Plague Ship, The Emperor's Revenge is a long, complex, action-packed ride. The beginning, in which we see the stuff of conspiracy theories - did Napoleon really die in exile, or did someone stage it that way? - is classic Cussler, but then we get a veritable metric ton of insanely fast-paced action dotting the Mediterranean and the former Soviet Union. There's even a very welcome crossover appearance by Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala, who cross paths with Juan Cabrillo in Malta while they're investigating the "incident in Lampedusa" from The Pharaoh's Secret.
And, because it's been a while since we had one of the supporting characters in the Corporation get killed, I lose another favorite of mine. How positively Whedonian. :(
But yes, this really is the best Oregon Files book in quite a while, so of course it goes highly recommended.
And, because it's been a while since we had one of the supporting characters in the Corporation get killed, I lose another favorite of mine. How positively Whedonian. :(
But yes, this really is the best Oregon Files book in quite a while, so of course it goes highly recommended.
October 12, 2017
The Emperor's Revenge is book eleven of The Oregon Files by Clive Cussler. Juan Cabrillo and his team were on a mission when he was told that the Corporation's money was gone. The readers of The Emperor's Revenge will continue to following Juan Cabrillo and his team to see how they got their money back.
At first, I was not sure about The Oregon Files series. However, when I finished the third book in this series, my thoughts about this series changed and I became to love reading books in this series. The Emperor's Revenge has continued my love affair with this series. I like Clive Cussler writing style and how he incorporates an ancient story into the plot of The Emperor's Revenge. Also, Clive Cussler knows how to take his readers on an advantage, and they never know what going to happen until the end of the book. The Emperor's Revenge certainly kept me glued to my chair. I loved Clive Cussler portrayal and how he entwined his characters throughout The Emperor's Revenge.
The Emperor's Revenge highlights if you have a physical disability does not mean you are unable to achieve your dreams. The Readers of Emperor's Revenge would start to think about internet security and the depth web and the consequences for everyone if they misused.
I recommend this book.
At first, I was not sure about The Oregon Files series. However, when I finished the third book in this series, my thoughts about this series changed and I became to love reading books in this series. The Emperor's Revenge has continued my love affair with this series. I like Clive Cussler writing style and how he incorporates an ancient story into the plot of The Emperor's Revenge. Also, Clive Cussler knows how to take his readers on an advantage, and they never know what going to happen until the end of the book. The Emperor's Revenge certainly kept me glued to my chair. I loved Clive Cussler portrayal and how he entwined his characters throughout The Emperor's Revenge.
The Emperor's Revenge highlights if you have a physical disability does not mean you are unable to achieve your dreams. The Readers of Emperor's Revenge would start to think about internet security and the depth web and the consequences for everyone if they misused.
I recommend this book.
June 29, 2016
For those of you who truly enjoy Clive Cussler novels, this is one you do not want to miss out on. This is the eleventh in the "Oregon Files Adventures". I suppose because I am retired Navy; that I am drawn to all of these particular novels on the Oregon characters. Without giving away a lot of the plot (other than what has been provided on the write-up), it will provide you with history, action, adventure and mystery. Do not miss out on a truly great series.
May 11, 2019
Another wonderful, action packed adventure for the Oregon files. Juan Cabrillo and his team respond to a massive 'robbery' at the main bank in Monaco. Where unfortunately Juan has the most of the Corporations' money deposited. Even Napoleon Bonaparte has a role in this mystery!
June 27, 2016
Loved it!
Top class action, adventure and espionage with out-of-this world gadgets, cold war type bad guys, and heroic good guys, who believe risking their lives to save the global financial system is all in a days work.
Top class action, adventure and espionage with out-of-this world gadgets, cold war type bad guys, and heroic good guys, who believe risking their lives to save the global financial system is all in a days work.
April 7, 2021
Still enjoying this series, but I’m so close to the end
October 22, 2016
I always loved the Oregon series. Juan gets it done with some help from his friends.
December 14, 2016
Another entertaining and enjoyable book in the Oregon series by Clive Cussler! Non-stop action from start to the end.
January 8, 2023
This was an absolutely amazing book! It had an intricate plot, great characters and was very well-written.
I continue to love the Corporation. They're a great team and it's always so fun to see their interactions with each other and the antagonists.
And omg, Juan and Gretchen!!! In love. Their whole relationship was really enjoyable to read about.
This had an amazing plot as well. Golov and Ivana were well written villains, and it was cool to see their plan progress. As usual, Cussler included the history of Napoleon really well in this book, and it was great to see the past and the present intertwine in an interesting way.
(spoiler)But my man Trono. *sigh* crying. That moment was really well done, and had a lot of emotion included, which made the moment really sad, and felt as if the reader was in that moment too. (/spoiler)
Overall, this was an amazing book, and I definitely recommend it. It is a standalone, but you should also consider reading the other books in the series, and they are just as good as The Emperor's Revenge.
I continue to love the Corporation. They're a great team and it's always so fun to see their interactions with each other and the antagonists.
And omg, Juan and Gretchen!!! In love. Their whole relationship was really enjoyable to read about.
This had an amazing plot as well. Golov and Ivana were well written villains, and it was cool to see their plan progress. As usual, Cussler included the history of Napoleon really well in this book, and it was great to see the past and the present intertwine in an interesting way.
(spoiler)But my man Trono. *sigh* crying. That moment was really well done, and had a lot of emotion included, which made the moment really sad, and felt as if the reader was in that moment too. (/spoiler)
Overall, this was an amazing book, and I definitely recommend it. It is a standalone, but you should also consider reading the other books in the series, and they are just as good as The Emperor's Revenge.
June 20, 2016
Another fantastic action packed adventure. It's no wonder The Oregon Files is my favorite Clive Cussler series. It had me on the edge of my seat unlike his other series so maybe it is Boyd Morrison doing his wonders. ..... and it had me teary eyed too.
April 4, 2020
Great book with an intriguing historical line. My only teensy complaint is too much time in the beginning of the book rehashing all their history. After 11 books in order, I know all that. I understand it is necessary for someone who hasn't read of the previous books but this one seemed to do it in overkill.
June 24, 2016
The book opened up in the Sahara desert with Juan Cabrillo, Eddie and Link infiltrated into a terrorist group. The terrorists found a downed USAF Strategic Command plane from the Cold War with nuclear weapons aboard. No sooner has the team dealt with this problem, and then they find someone has stolen the corporation’s money that was in an offshore account. They find out they’re up against a skilled and cunning foe with a very sophisticated yacht with weaponry more advanced than that of the Oregon. I cannot believe it: a member of the Oregon crew is killed. Then suddenly the story shifts to Napoleon escaping from St. Helena and then back to modern day hunting for Napoleon’s diary of the failed Russian campaign.
The book is well written with lots of a variety of types, land, sea and air action. The pace is very fast. I have always enjoyed Cussler’s method of intertwining the modern day story to a not so well known fact of history. I enjoy the various Oregon crew members with a surprising range of skills and talent. The variety of characters keeps the story from getting dull. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. As always Scott Brick does an excellent job narrating the story.
The book is well written with lots of a variety of types, land, sea and air action. The pace is very fast. I have always enjoyed Cussler’s method of intertwining the modern day story to a not so well known fact of history. I enjoy the various Oregon crew members with a surprising range of skills and talent. The variety of characters keeps the story from getting dull. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. As always Scott Brick does an excellent job narrating the story.
May 29, 2017
Cussler and his writing partners are always good for a fast moving, entertaining tale. Good guys versus bad guys in the world of high technology. Nothing heavy here.
I've read all "The Oregon Files." A modern warship disguised as a tramp freighter slithering among the villains on the high seas.
I've read all "The Oregon Files." A modern warship disguised as a tramp freighter slithering among the villains on the high seas.
November 20, 2021
This series is like the action show you watch on tv because it's fun, not for deep insight or ideas about the universe. The Oregon is a heavily modified ship, disguised as a barely working freighter, but actually a high-tech marvel that supports a very special band of guns for hire. While they like making a buck, they only work for the right side, and are careful about what contracts they take. Usually, someone like the US government comes and hands them a new case.
This time, trouble finds them. An ingenious bank robbery and computer hack affects finances for a lot of big companies...including the men and women of the Oregon. Eventually, the chaos leads to some government assistance, but they jump in at first because they want their money back. What they end up uncovering is a masterful plot to sow chaos, an unbelievable amount of potential damage, and a ruthless foe who doesn't care who gets hurt along the way. And how does all this link back to an alleged plot to rescue Napoleon from his exile on St. Helena back in the 1800s?
It's a fun adventure story with a crew that, eleven books in, the reader has gotten to know fairly well.
This time, trouble finds them. An ingenious bank robbery and computer hack affects finances for a lot of big companies...including the men and women of the Oregon. Eventually, the chaos leads to some government assistance, but they jump in at first because they want their money back. What they end up uncovering is a masterful plot to sow chaos, an unbelievable amount of potential damage, and a ruthless foe who doesn't care who gets hurt along the way. And how does all this link back to an alleged plot to rescue Napoleon from his exile on St. Helena back in the 1800s?
It's a fun adventure story with a crew that, eleven books in, the reader has gotten to know fairly well.
June 14, 2016
This was a complete letdown. Along with #10 Piranha. These last two ghost writers have been absolutely useless. The quality of the writing and the stories themselves are noticeably lacking compared to the first 9 instalments. This is my favour series concept, so it was a shame to see what has been done to it
July 17, 2020
The Oregon Files has not let me down yet. Just when I think this series will start to fall into the formula routine Cussler and Morrison toss in a few bumps in the sea. I even enjoyed the NUMA crossover.
July 31, 2016
Eleventh in The Oregon Files series and revolving around The Corporation, a covert ops team sailing the world on a converted freighter full of hidden tricks.
This is the story which crosses with Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala in Malta during the warehouse shoot-out in The Pharaoh's Secret , 13.
My Take
I enjoyed this typical Cabrillo and The Corporation story with its terrifying and exhilarating action — especially the one where Zakharin reveals way too much!, undercover scenarios, rescues, escapes, and more. It was quite the James Bond-like story with its über villains and worldwide destructive plans.
What I don't understand is how the robbery thing worked. It's too complicated for me. If it's all online, I would have thought the bank would have backups. That idea was difficult enough to understand, then Morrison started introducing new "treasures" every few chapters that the bad guys were reaching for, and I got even more confused. It was as if Cussler–Morrison couldn't decide what the end was supposed to be, and it kept moving. I never did understand how that final target was supposed to give them all those billions of dollars. Maybe because it all kept changing.
It's all about the money, starting with the prologue which refers to a fictional escape of Napoleon from St. Helena in 1821 as the basis for that final treasure the Achilles crew is after. An escape that is its own betrayal. And a clever use of the arsenic believed to have killed Bonaparte.
It's that brilliantly executed bank job that will turn your stomach, setting up how awful the bad guys were. Meanwhile, the initial undercover op the Corporation is on gets very exciting as well, especially that spectacular escape. Nor is that the only death-defying escape for the team.
It was a mean tease about Gretchen… And even meaner what Golov and his people plan for Napoleon's treasure! All that history!?!?!
I'll confess that I do love the thriller aspects of The Oregon Files series, AND I adore all the gadgets as well as that incredible contrast between the Oregon's exterior and its interior. The characters also contribute; I adore Cabrillo as well as the rest of his crew. Their compassion and skills along with their sense of humor pull me right in. It's too bad the storyline was so complicated and confusing.
The Story
Dynamo is the plan filled with betrayals, and it begins by wiping out the accounts where The Corporation has its assets. A major mistake for it sets The Corporation and Juan, along with an "ex-wife", to track down the hackers responsible.
It's a trail that snakes around Europe to the yard where the Oregon was created, an auction in Malta, blackouts in Germany, and the hunt for a missing emperor.
The Characters
Chairman Juan Cabrillo is the leader of the Corporation and captain of the Oregon. Speaking three languages, a former CIA agent, he will become Blake Charles from Columbia Mutual Insurance.
The Corporation does…
…work that the U.S. can't do directly. Each member of the Corporation is a partner and each gets a share of the profits. Tiny Gunderson is their fixed-wing pilot; George "Gomez" Adams is their helicopter and UAV pilot. Eddie Seng, also former CIA, is the chief of shore operations. Franklin Lincoln is a former Navy SEAL. Max Hanley is the chief engineer, second-in-command, and a former Vietnam War Swift Boat commander. Kevin Nixon is in charge of the Magic Shop where they create the disguises, false IDs, and any necessary made-to-order equipment. A fully staffed medical bay with operating theatre is headed by Dr. Julia Huxley, a Navy-trained medical officer. Linda Ross is the vp of operations, is third-in-command, and had served on an Aegis cruiser and as a Pentagon staffer. Hali Kasim is the communications officer. Maurice is the chief steward, a veteran of the Royal Navy. Mark Murphy, an MIT graduate and a top weapons designer, and Eric Stone, a former naval officer in R&D, are their computer experts and research specialists. Mike Trono had been a pararescue jumper in the Air Force. Marion "McD" MacDougal Lawless is a former Army Ranger.
CIA
Langston Overholt IV is Cabrillo's former boss and the CIA liaison with The Corporation. Gretchen Wagner is a forensic accountant embedded with Interpol who speaks seven languages and is Juan's ex-wife.
NUMA employs…
…Joe Zavala and Kurt Austin, its director of Special Projects.
Monaco
Henri Munier is president of the Credit Condamine bank where most of the Corporation's assets are deposited. Georges Petrie is its vice president, known for elaborate pranks. André and François are guards at the bank. Chief Inspector Rivard is with the Monaco PD. Marie Marceau is the Sûreté's top computer analyst.
The Maltese Oceanic Museum in…
…Malta is hosting an auction. Emvin Spadaro is with the museum. Arturo Talavera is the director. Manwel Alessi is the harbormaster in Malta.
David Kincaid is fascinated by a plane. Marcel Blanc is the director of a cybersecurity firm, Relvat Security. Beatrix Dräger is manager of the Continental Control Hub.
The Dijkstra empire is all about…
…shipping and manufacturing and owned by Lars and Oskar Dijkstra, brothers. Gustaaf Dijkstra is Oskar's son. Yvonne is Gustaaf's assistant. Niels is his cousin and working in Singapore. The Narwahl is one of their containerships with Cobus Visser and Gustaaf Bodeker as part of the crew and the only survivors.
The Achilles is…
…one of the largest yachts in the world and is owned by the extremely wealthy Maxim Antonovich. Ivana Semova is Antonovich's personal secretary and computer expert. Sergey Golov is the captain and formerly a captain of the Ukranian Poltava. Dmitri Kravchuk is his executive officer. Two of Antonovich's most trusted security operatives include Seamus O'Connor, a veteran of the IRA and a weapons expert, and Sirkal, who heads up security; Jablonski and Monroe are more operatives. Pavel Mitkin is a crew member who didn't agree with the plans.
Robertas Kulpa, a senior operations foreman, works for Metanas Energija in Lithuania.
The Saharan Islamic Caliphate is…
…a terrorist organization planning a fundamentalist state in North Africa whose benefactors are based in Saudi Arabia. Mahmoud Nazari is its leader. His team includes the unlucky Hasim.
Shadowfoe is a notorious hacker. Whyvern is the hacker's nemesis. Alexei Polichev was a mathematician.
Dalmat Simaku is…
…a businessman who bought Vlorë Castle and is thought to be one of the biggest crime bosses in the Albanian mafia. Erion Kula is a computer hacker with four children and an aunt held hostage.
1821, St. Helena
Lieutenant Pierre Delacroix is in command of the submarine, Stingray. Yves Beaumont is an experienced alpinist. François Robeaud is the double for Napoleon Bonaparte, the conquered emperor imprisoned on St. Helena. Joseph Fourier had been Napoleon's science advisor. Jacques Aubuchon was a wealthy businessman.
1956
A B-47 strategic bomber, 52-534, of the 369th Bomb Squadron, went missing while transporting a valuable cargo. The crew included Commander Robert Hodgin, his copilot, Second Lieutenant Ronald Kurtz, and Captain Gordon Insley.
Primorskiy Kray Naval Base near Vladivostok has…
…a covered dry dock which customizes ships on the sly. The current base commander is Admiral Nestor Zakharin who took over from Juan's friend Yuri Borodin.
The Cover and Title
The cover is pale in its summer sky and the gray of the racetrack. Front and center is a stripped race car with flames blossoming behind it with a helicopter and people flaming out. On the left are the race stands while the right has the glassed-in overhead viewing. The largest text is black outlined in embossed silver of the inspiring author's name. Next is the title in white with a black embossed outline, then the actual author's name tiny and in a deep red.
The title is The Emperor's Revenge, which was a long time coming.
This is the story which crosses with Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala in Malta during the warehouse shoot-out in The Pharaoh's Secret , 13.
My Take
I enjoyed this typical Cabrillo and The Corporation story with its terrifying and exhilarating action — especially the one where Zakharin reveals way too much!, undercover scenarios, rescues, escapes, and more. It was quite the James Bond-like story with its über villains and worldwide destructive plans.
What I don't understand is how the robbery thing worked. It's too complicated for me. If it's all online, I would have thought the bank would have backups. That idea was difficult enough to understand, then Morrison started introducing new "treasures" every few chapters that the bad guys were reaching for, and I got even more confused. It was as if Cussler–Morrison couldn't decide what the end was supposed to be, and it kept moving. I never did understand how that final target was supposed to give them all those billions of dollars. Maybe because it all kept changing.
It's all about the money, starting with the prologue which refers to a fictional escape of Napoleon from St. Helena in 1821 as the basis for that final treasure the Achilles crew is after. An escape that is its own betrayal. And a clever use of the arsenic believed to have killed Bonaparte.
It's that brilliantly executed bank job that will turn your stomach, setting up how awful the bad guys were. Meanwhile, the initial undercover op the Corporation is on gets very exciting as well, especially that spectacular escape. Nor is that the only death-defying escape for the team.
It was a mean tease about Gretchen… And even meaner what Golov and his people plan for Napoleon's treasure! All that history!?!?!
I'll confess that I do love the thriller aspects of The Oregon Files series, AND I adore all the gadgets as well as that incredible contrast between the Oregon's exterior and its interior. The characters also contribute; I adore Cabrillo as well as the rest of his crew. Their compassion and skills along with their sense of humor pull me right in. It's too bad the storyline was so complicated and confusing.
The Story
Dynamo is the plan filled with betrayals, and it begins by wiping out the accounts where The Corporation has its assets. A major mistake for it sets The Corporation and Juan, along with an "ex-wife", to track down the hackers responsible.
It's a trail that snakes around Europe to the yard where the Oregon was created, an auction in Malta, blackouts in Germany, and the hunt for a missing emperor.
The Characters
Chairman Juan Cabrillo is the leader of the Corporation and captain of the Oregon. Speaking three languages, a former CIA agent, he will become Blake Charles from Columbia Mutual Insurance.
The Corporation does…
…work that the U.S. can't do directly. Each member of the Corporation is a partner and each gets a share of the profits. Tiny Gunderson is their fixed-wing pilot; George "Gomez" Adams is their helicopter and UAV pilot. Eddie Seng, also former CIA, is the chief of shore operations. Franklin Lincoln is a former Navy SEAL. Max Hanley is the chief engineer, second-in-command, and a former Vietnam War Swift Boat commander. Kevin Nixon is in charge of the Magic Shop where they create the disguises, false IDs, and any necessary made-to-order equipment. A fully staffed medical bay with operating theatre is headed by Dr. Julia Huxley, a Navy-trained medical officer. Linda Ross is the vp of operations, is third-in-command, and had served on an Aegis cruiser and as a Pentagon staffer. Hali Kasim is the communications officer. Maurice is the chief steward, a veteran of the Royal Navy. Mark Murphy, an MIT graduate and a top weapons designer, and Eric Stone, a former naval officer in R&D, are their computer experts and research specialists. Mike Trono had been a pararescue jumper in the Air Force. Marion "McD" MacDougal Lawless is a former Army Ranger.
CIA
Langston Overholt IV is Cabrillo's former boss and the CIA liaison with The Corporation. Gretchen Wagner is a forensic accountant embedded with Interpol who speaks seven languages and is Juan's ex-wife.
NUMA employs…
…Joe Zavala and Kurt Austin, its director of Special Projects.
Monaco
Henri Munier is president of the Credit Condamine bank where most of the Corporation's assets are deposited. Georges Petrie is its vice president, known for elaborate pranks. André and François are guards at the bank. Chief Inspector Rivard is with the Monaco PD. Marie Marceau is the Sûreté's top computer analyst.
The Maltese Oceanic Museum in…
…Malta is hosting an auction. Emvin Spadaro is with the museum. Arturo Talavera is the director. Manwel Alessi is the harbormaster in Malta.
David Kincaid is fascinated by a plane. Marcel Blanc is the director of a cybersecurity firm, Relvat Security. Beatrix Dräger is manager of the Continental Control Hub.
The Dijkstra empire is all about…
…shipping and manufacturing and owned by Lars and Oskar Dijkstra, brothers. Gustaaf Dijkstra is Oskar's son. Yvonne is Gustaaf's assistant. Niels is his cousin and working in Singapore. The Narwahl is one of their containerships with Cobus Visser and Gustaaf Bodeker as part of the crew and the only survivors.
The Achilles is…
…one of the largest yachts in the world and is owned by the extremely wealthy Maxim Antonovich. Ivana Semova is Antonovich's personal secretary and computer expert. Sergey Golov is the captain and formerly a captain of the Ukranian Poltava. Dmitri Kravchuk is his executive officer. Two of Antonovich's most trusted security operatives include Seamus O'Connor, a veteran of the IRA and a weapons expert, and Sirkal, who heads up security; Jablonski and Monroe are more operatives. Pavel Mitkin is a crew member who didn't agree with the plans.
Robertas Kulpa, a senior operations foreman, works for Metanas Energija in Lithuania.
The Saharan Islamic Caliphate is…
…a terrorist organization planning a fundamentalist state in North Africa whose benefactors are based in Saudi Arabia. Mahmoud Nazari is its leader. His team includes the unlucky Hasim.
Shadowfoe is a notorious hacker. Whyvern is the hacker's nemesis. Alexei Polichev was a mathematician.
Dalmat Simaku is…
…a businessman who bought Vlorë Castle and is thought to be one of the biggest crime bosses in the Albanian mafia. Erion Kula is a computer hacker with four children and an aunt held hostage.
1821, St. Helena
Lieutenant Pierre Delacroix is in command of the submarine, Stingray. Yves Beaumont is an experienced alpinist. François Robeaud is the double for Napoleon Bonaparte, the conquered emperor imprisoned on St. Helena. Joseph Fourier had been Napoleon's science advisor. Jacques Aubuchon was a wealthy businessman.
1956
A B-47 strategic bomber, 52-534, of the 369th Bomb Squadron, went missing while transporting a valuable cargo. The crew included Commander Robert Hodgin, his copilot, Second Lieutenant Ronald Kurtz, and Captain Gordon Insley.
Primorskiy Kray Naval Base near Vladivostok has…
…a covered dry dock which customizes ships on the sly. The current base commander is Admiral Nestor Zakharin who took over from Juan's friend Yuri Borodin.
The Cover and Title
The cover is pale in its summer sky and the gray of the racetrack. Front and center is a stripped race car with flames blossoming behind it with a helicopter and people flaming out. On the left are the race stands while the right has the glassed-in overhead viewing. The largest text is black outlined in embossed silver of the inspiring author's name. Next is the title in white with a black embossed outline, then the actual author's name tiny and in a deep red.
The title is The Emperor's Revenge, which was a long time coming.
May 27, 2017
I have read most, if not all, of The Oregon Files, but this is the first one which has been co-authored by Boyd Morrison. I am always a little sceptical about new partnerships, so this came as a pleasant surprise. The story flows, no perhaps that should be torrents, along in true Cussler style, but with an unexpected, yet welcome addition in that Mr Morrison obviously a sense of humour. I did find myself laughing occasionally, and that definitely enhanced the read.
Typical of Cussler there is a historical connection, but The Emperor in the title is not one of those I would have expected. If the title had been “The Little Emperor’s Revenge” then I would have known before the first page which has a very courageous attempt to free Napoleon from his island exile. In the present day some of the Russian Treasure that Napoleon was reputed to have hidden somewhere during his retreat from Moscow holds a very important key to the plans of Sergey Golov who not only wants to gain his revenge on Russia for their damage to his career and his home nation of Ukraine, but in the process make himself the richest man on earth, along with the help of his computer genius daughter.
So Juan Cabrillo and his crew have a fascinating problem to solve, including a yacht, Achilles, that has been equipped in almost superior fashion to his own Oregon and, we discover, in the very same shipyard in Vladivostock. The story races from Monaco to Malta, various parts of the Baltic, and on to the border between Denmark and The Netherlands. It even includes something of a crossover in that Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala make a brief, but very valuable contribution.
Yes, you have to be prepared to have your incredulity stretched, but not so far that it becomes unbelievable. A very worthy addition to the Cussler collection.
Typical of Cussler there is a historical connection, but The Emperor in the title is not one of those I would have expected. If the title had been “The Little Emperor’s Revenge” then I would have known before the first page which has a very courageous attempt to free Napoleon from his island exile. In the present day some of the Russian Treasure that Napoleon was reputed to have hidden somewhere during his retreat from Moscow holds a very important key to the plans of Sergey Golov who not only wants to gain his revenge on Russia for their damage to his career and his home nation of Ukraine, but in the process make himself the richest man on earth, along with the help of his computer genius daughter.
So Juan Cabrillo and his crew have a fascinating problem to solve, including a yacht, Achilles, that has been equipped in almost superior fashion to his own Oregon and, we discover, in the very same shipyard in Vladivostock. The story races from Monaco to Malta, various parts of the Baltic, and on to the border between Denmark and The Netherlands. It even includes something of a crossover in that Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala make a brief, but very valuable contribution.
Yes, you have to be prepared to have your incredulity stretched, but not so far that it becomes unbelievable. A very worthy addition to the Cussler collection.
February 22, 2018
Ogni volta che si parla di un romanzo di Clive Cussler scendo in prima linea come lettrice e come blogger. Amo il modo di scrivere degli autori, le avventure sempre così avvincenti e la sensazione di leggere finalmente un bel libro. Clive Cussler e Boyd Morrison danno la giusta dose che serve per sentirsi appagati da una lettura: adrenalina e trama avvincente.
Il libro inizia nel passato, con Napoleone a Sant'Elena e con il fiato già corto e il bisogno di saperne sempre di più. Il passato si mescola con il presente in una vicenda quasi surreale. Andando avanti, pagina dopo pagina ci troviamo di fronte ad una ricca rete di informazioni dove i personaggi se pur tanti sono comunque caratterizzati da diverse sfumature e ricchi di personalità.
Cabrillo e i membri dell'equipaggio si trovano in difficoltà, qualcosa è andato storto portando via tutto il loro denaro, ma in realtà quello che capiremo più avanti è che non è scomparso solo il denaro della compagnia, ma piano piano l'economia intera sembra crollare! Può qualcosa di non fisico creare una situazione drammatica? La situazione tragica non permette di andare avanti e il nostro protagonista si ritrova ad affiancarsi ad un vecchio amico per recuperare ciò che ha perso.
Ma come mai Napoleone si mescola al presente tra arsenico e rapimenti? Il concetto che capiamo tra le pagine è che nulla è come sembra. Se finora la storia può sembrarci un libro che tratta un genere come lo spionaggio, in realtà La vendetta dell'imperatore mescola la storia antica con quella moderna, portando alla luce dubbi e incertezze su un tesoro nascosto, un tesoro capace di cambiare tutte le carte in tavola.
La storia è un continuo mescolarsi, un continuo salto tra un luogo ed un altro, arriviamo a Palermo, passiamo per Malta e Monaco, arriviamo fino alla Danimarca e tutto questo ci lascia con il fiato corto e il bisogno di continuare a sapere. Quello che sembrava solo un furto, in realtà nasconde qualcosa di più grande.
Juan Cabrillo uno dei nostri protagonisti principali, è un personaggio così complesso che, ogni suo dettaglio, ci farà sentire la sua presenza al di fuori della carta. Abile, talentuoso, impulsivo, coraggioso un po' a tratti, Juan Cabrillo incarna perfettamente l'essere umano con i suoi pregi e i difetti e come fan accaniti, ci ritroveremo ad incitarlo, ad invogliarlo a continuare l'avventura, a non mollare. Gli antagonisti della storia, Golov e il suo bisogno di vendetta e ricchezza, in realtà fino alla fine non sembra esser una presenza fisica, ma un'oscura minaccia sempre costante. Pezzo dopo pezzo, il tesoro, l'obiettivo principale dei nostri antagonisti, sembra venir fuori e creare finalmente certezze a quelle che finora erano solo dubbi e indagini.
Le continue fughe, i tradimenti, la continua ricerca in un ritmo serrante ed evocativo, ci porta a sentire l'idea di trovarci su delle montagne russe che fino alla fine ci lasciano senza fiato. L'attenzione non cala mai, la scrittura è fresca e diretta, una scrittura di impatto che permette di concentrarsi e vivere nell'ambientazione descritta. La vendetta dell'imperatore è un libro che si lascia vivere e che si divora letteralmente in poco tempo. Attenzione: mozza il fiato.
Il libro inizia nel passato, con Napoleone a Sant'Elena e con il fiato già corto e il bisogno di saperne sempre di più. Il passato si mescola con il presente in una vicenda quasi surreale. Andando avanti, pagina dopo pagina ci troviamo di fronte ad una ricca rete di informazioni dove i personaggi se pur tanti sono comunque caratterizzati da diverse sfumature e ricchi di personalità.
Cabrillo e i membri dell'equipaggio si trovano in difficoltà, qualcosa è andato storto portando via tutto il loro denaro, ma in realtà quello che capiremo più avanti è che non è scomparso solo il denaro della compagnia, ma piano piano l'economia intera sembra crollare! Può qualcosa di non fisico creare una situazione drammatica? La situazione tragica non permette di andare avanti e il nostro protagonista si ritrova ad affiancarsi ad un vecchio amico per recuperare ciò che ha perso.
Ma come mai Napoleone si mescola al presente tra arsenico e rapimenti? Il concetto che capiamo tra le pagine è che nulla è come sembra. Se finora la storia può sembrarci un libro che tratta un genere come lo spionaggio, in realtà La vendetta dell'imperatore mescola la storia antica con quella moderna, portando alla luce dubbi e incertezze su un tesoro nascosto, un tesoro capace di cambiare tutte le carte in tavola.
La storia è un continuo mescolarsi, un continuo salto tra un luogo ed un altro, arriviamo a Palermo, passiamo per Malta e Monaco, arriviamo fino alla Danimarca e tutto questo ci lascia con il fiato corto e il bisogno di continuare a sapere. Quello che sembrava solo un furto, in realtà nasconde qualcosa di più grande.
Juan Cabrillo uno dei nostri protagonisti principali, è un personaggio così complesso che, ogni suo dettaglio, ci farà sentire la sua presenza al di fuori della carta. Abile, talentuoso, impulsivo, coraggioso un po' a tratti, Juan Cabrillo incarna perfettamente l'essere umano con i suoi pregi e i difetti e come fan accaniti, ci ritroveremo ad incitarlo, ad invogliarlo a continuare l'avventura, a non mollare. Gli antagonisti della storia, Golov e il suo bisogno di vendetta e ricchezza, in realtà fino alla fine non sembra esser una presenza fisica, ma un'oscura minaccia sempre costante. Pezzo dopo pezzo, il tesoro, l'obiettivo principale dei nostri antagonisti, sembra venir fuori e creare finalmente certezze a quelle che finora erano solo dubbi e indagini.
Le continue fughe, i tradimenti, la continua ricerca in un ritmo serrante ed evocativo, ci porta a sentire l'idea di trovarci su delle montagne russe che fino alla fine ci lasciano senza fiato. L'attenzione non cala mai, la scrittura è fresca e diretta, una scrittura di impatto che permette di concentrarsi e vivere nell'ambientazione descritta. La vendetta dell'imperatore è un libro che si lascia vivere e che si divora letteralmente in poco tempo. Attenzione: mozza il fiato.
August 28, 2025
There are some amazing moments in "The Emperor's Revenge." Cussler (and his co-author) offer a novel with enough technological secrets to make Q branch from the 007 universe envious. He tosses in his usual staple, an ancient artifact from the Napoleonic era. The bad guy, is as usual an over-the-top evil genius with a temper, a bit of a meglomaniac.
This novel is pure pulp-- reminiscent in some ways of the old Doc Savage novels (but the writing is a bit better) and comic book action. Figuring out the real evil plot is a complicated task, but following up on some leads seems to have been much too easy. I enjoy the original Dirk Pitt novels much more than this side of Cussler's universe. The Pitt novels always feature a unique antique automobile or airplane. It is also kind of cool when Cussler appears in some of those novels.
Even though I prefer the Pitt novels and some of the action is nothing short of ridiculous, this is still kind of a guilty pleasure to read. It is like the heroic team never misses their shots. This doesn't mean that they are invulnerable. Like far too many fictional characters, they recover from injury faster than people in real life do. Yet, even with all of my complaints, I still enjoyed the book.
This novel is pure pulp-- reminiscent in some ways of the old Doc Savage novels (but the writing is a bit better) and comic book action. Figuring out the real evil plot is a complicated task, but following up on some leads seems to have been much too easy. I enjoy the original Dirk Pitt novels much more than this side of Cussler's universe. The Pitt novels always feature a unique antique automobile or airplane. It is also kind of cool when Cussler appears in some of those novels.
Even though I prefer the Pitt novels and some of the action is nothing short of ridiculous, this is still kind of a guilty pleasure to read. It is like the heroic team never misses their shots. This doesn't mean that they are invulnerable. Like far too many fictional characters, they recover from injury faster than people in real life do. Yet, even with all of my complaints, I still enjoyed the book.
June 26, 2023
4,5 ⭐️
pomijajac obrzydliwą okladke to jestem niesamowicie zadowolona z tej ksiazki,,, akcja nie zwalniala, wszystko bylo spojne i mialo rece i nogi. bohaterowie cudni, ale moim zdaniem byli bardzo plytko przedstawieni, dalo sie z nich wycisnac o wiele wiecej :( co nie zmienia faktu ze ksiazka to bardzo mile zaskoczenie, kocham Juana <33 takie troche call of duty vibes
pomijajac obrzydliwą okladke to jestem niesamowicie zadowolona z tej ksiazki,,, akcja nie zwalniala, wszystko bylo spojne i mialo rece i nogi. bohaterowie cudni, ale moim zdaniem byli bardzo plytko przedstawieni, dalo sie z nich wycisnac o wiele wiecej :( co nie zmienia faktu ze ksiazka to bardzo mile zaskoczenie, kocham Juana <33 takie troche call of duty vibes
December 15, 2025
2 stars for me.
While I belive a lot will enjoy this book for me there was a lot of characters,it had my head spinning and I losed my focus.I would say it's for a pure action fans,just not for me.
While I belive a lot will enjoy this book for me there was a lot of characters,it had my head spinning and I losed my focus.I would say it's for a pure action fans,just not for me.
Read
January 26, 2018excellent
June 23, 2021
Average and pedestrian. Better than some "Oregon" tales yet not as good as some others.
December 25, 2023
Classic Cussler, blending fast moving plot in present day with historical fiction. Entertaining, but plot developments sometimes a bit clunky at times.
March 9, 2019
Fun book
October 21, 2019
As always, Clive's ability to weave fiction and history into a gripping tail of suspense, action and humour is excellent. I have always loved his easy-to-read style and the way his chapters are short, but filled with fast paced narrative, that has you speeding through his books in no time.
May 27, 2024
This was a fun book and a relatively fast read for me. The way the book started off, I fully expected it to be one of "those books" where the villains are omniscient and omnipresent the entire book right up until the moment they no longer are to allow the heroes to save the day. I was pleasantly surprised that the book veered away from that direction and surprised me in the end (well, other than the heroes saving the day, hahahah). The character development was decent (as much as these types of books can be that are a part of a series of books written by multiple authors); there was some development in terms of Juan Cabrillo's character, some development in terms of other members of the main cast, but most of the character development is in the form of side characters - the villains and/or peripheral characters who join the team for just the one book and then tend to disappear "forever" (unless they are brought back in a future book if they survive the current book).
I love the technological aspects of these books, how they take either known technology or theoretical technology and then apply it to the narrative of the story. I think the author does a good job of explaining how the technology works without bogging down the story, and it is fun to read about the described technology in action.
I know I rated this 4 stars, but the fact remains that other than some of my gripes with the plot (and plot devices), I did enjoy this book quite a bit. It was a fun read, and I liked how it tied in some historical event with the narrative of the main story itself. I am glad that I read this book.
I love the technological aspects of these books, how they take either known technology or theoretical technology and then apply it to the narrative of the story. I think the author does a good job of explaining how the technology works without bogging down the story, and it is fun to read about the described technology in action.
I know I rated this 4 stars, but the fact remains that other than some of my gripes with the plot (and plot devices), I did enjoy this book quite a bit. It was a fun read, and I liked how it tied in some historical event with the narrative of the main story itself. I am glad that I read this book.
September 1, 2017
The Oregon stories are some of my favorite Cussler novels. Maybe it's good co-writers, maybe it's just good stories, I don't know but these are normally a bit better. Maybe it's because one of the ships crew dies periodically which can help to keep things a bit new. The emperor in the title is Napoleon and, amongst the treasures he looted from Russia on his failed campaign there are some mathematical papers and logarithms that have current applications in computer viruses. Why is the crew of the Oregon involved? A bank some of their money is in is attacked and has a computer virus installed. They go in to figure things out and are all of sudden wrapped up in the emperor's treasure hunt, sabotage of the European power grid, and contending with a boat maybe more powerful than the Oregon. A crew member is lost in this one and a past colleague of Juan's makes an appearance. More fun at a good clip.
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