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NUMA Files #1
Serpent
Clive Cussler, the author of sixteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers, unleashes a hero for the next millennium in an electrifying new series of unrelenting action and edge-of-your-seat thrills.
When Kurt Austin, the leader of a courageous National Underwater & Marine Agency exploration team, rescues beautiful marine archaeologist Nina Kirov off the coast of Morocco, he becomes the next target of Texas industrialist Don Halcon. A madman bent on carving a new nation out of the southwestern United States and Mexico, Halcon's scheme hinges on Nina's recent discovery involving Christopher Columbus, and a priceless pre-Columbian antiquity buried in the battered remains of the sunken Italian luxury liner Andrea Doria. Only Kurt Austin and his crack NUMA team stand between Halcon and the Andrea Doria's silent steel hull -- and if their deadly mission fails, Halcon will ride to power on a wave of death and destruction.
When Kurt Austin, the leader of a courageous National Underwater & Marine Agency exploration team, rescues beautiful marine archaeologist Nina Kirov off the coast of Morocco, he becomes the next target of Texas industrialist Don Halcon. A madman bent on carving a new nation out of the southwestern United States and Mexico, Halcon's scheme hinges on Nina's recent discovery involving Christopher Columbus, and a priceless pre-Columbian antiquity buried in the battered remains of the sunken Italian luxury liner Andrea Doria. Only Kurt Austin and his crack NUMA team stand between Halcon and the Andrea Doria's silent steel hull -- and if their deadly mission fails, Halcon will ride to power on a wave of death and destruction.
480 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1999
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About the author
Clive Cussler
648 books8,546 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 469 reviews
January 20, 2020
4,75 sterren - afgerond 5 sterren - Nederlandse paperback 🍀🍀🍀
*** Nogmaals hallo. Welkom bij een van de grootste Midden-Amerikaanse mysteries. In 1938 zonden de Nationaal Geographic Society en het Smithsonian een expeditie die naar Mexico om onderzoek te doen naar reusachtige basalten, tot aan de wenkbrauwen begraven hoofden die daar gevonden zouden zijn. Op drie plekken in en rond La Venta, het heilige centrum van de Olmeense beschaving, troffen ze elf van dit soort Afrikaans-achtingen stenen figuren aan. Dertig kilometer van de kust van de Golf van Mexico. Tussen de twee en drie meter hoog, met een gewicht van zo’n veertig ton per stuk. Niet slecht als je bedenkt dat de plek waar ze gemaakt werden zich ruim vijftien kilometer verderop bevond en er bij het transport over land geen gebruik van wielen of trekdieren was gemaakt. ***
Een Actie-thriller. Ja zo kun je het rustig noemen. Je wordt vanaf de eerste pagina’s meegenomen op een rit die vele continenten aantikt. Niet alle, we gaan niet naar Australië en de beide poolen. Het verbind de vijfde reis van Christopher Columbus met de Feniciërs, de Maya’s ect. Maya’s hadden centra waarin ze woonde, wekte, offerde. Maar in dit verhaal verschijnen ondergrondse tempels gericht op Venus. Dat de Maya’s een obsessie voor Venus hadden bevestigen de Maya codexen. Tenminste de paar die de inquisitie van de Spanjaarden overleefde. Wederom is dit een boek waar veel research naar is gedaan. De tijdslijn is ook weer kloppend. Vele waarheden worden verweven met fictie. Heb weer van de belevenissen van Kurt en Joe genoten. En van de andere leden van de Numa. 😉🌹😉🌹
*** Nogmaals hallo. Welkom bij een van de grootste Midden-Amerikaanse mysteries. In 1938 zonden de Nationaal Geographic Society en het Smithsonian een expeditie die naar Mexico om onderzoek te doen naar reusachtige basalten, tot aan de wenkbrauwen begraven hoofden die daar gevonden zouden zijn. Op drie plekken in en rond La Venta, het heilige centrum van de Olmeense beschaving, troffen ze elf van dit soort Afrikaans-achtingen stenen figuren aan. Dertig kilometer van de kust van de Golf van Mexico. Tussen de twee en drie meter hoog, met een gewicht van zo’n veertig ton per stuk. Niet slecht als je bedenkt dat de plek waar ze gemaakt werden zich ruim vijftien kilometer verderop bevond en er bij het transport over land geen gebruik van wielen of trekdieren was gemaakt. ***
Een Actie-thriller. Ja zo kun je het rustig noemen. Je wordt vanaf de eerste pagina’s meegenomen op een rit die vele continenten aantikt. Niet alle, we gaan niet naar Australië en de beide poolen. Het verbind de vijfde reis van Christopher Columbus met de Feniciërs, de Maya’s ect. Maya’s hadden centra waarin ze woonde, wekte, offerde. Maar in dit verhaal verschijnen ondergrondse tempels gericht op Venus. Dat de Maya’s een obsessie voor Venus hadden bevestigen de Maya codexen. Tenminste de paar die de inquisitie van de Spanjaarden overleefde. Wederom is dit een boek waar veel research naar is gedaan. De tijdslijn is ook weer kloppend. Vele waarheden worden verweven met fictie. Heb weer van de belevenissen van Kurt en Joe genoten. En van de andere leden van de Numa. 😉🌹😉🌹
August 9, 2011
Meh. Think there's a reason why I haven't picked up one of his books for at least 5 years. In my defense, I was on vacation and finished the books that I had brought along and this 'novel' was one of the only reasonably good choices available at the hotel gift shop.
At one time in my life, I thoroughly enjoyed the Dirk Pitt series of books from Cussler. Sort of a modern swash-buckling adventurer who always knows the right thing to do, the right thing to say and always gets the girl and the villain in the end. While this was not a Pitt novel per se (although he does show up early on...), the same formulaic approach applies - historical event, usually the sinking of some type of floating object, shift to modern times and the emergence of some villain affecting random person while the protagonists (Kurt Austin and his crew in this case) just happen to be close by. Story progresses and more amazing discoveries are learned, the villain intensifies action and the action is cleanly wrapped up in the end, again, with crazy discovery of historical event object that has been underwater for 100s of years. I guess maybe I've just tired of this formula but also noticed an increased discomfort with the dialogue - nobody I've ever heard talks like any of the people in this book.
Oh well, bottom line, I guess I'd recommend this book if you were stuck at a hotel with no other reading materials and this was the only choice at the hotel gift shop. Other than that, probably best to leave this alone and if you really must read Cussler, try to locate some of his earlier, fresher Dirk Pitt efforts.
Cheers.
At one time in my life, I thoroughly enjoyed the Dirk Pitt series of books from Cussler. Sort of a modern swash-buckling adventurer who always knows the right thing to do, the right thing to say and always gets the girl and the villain in the end. While this was not a Pitt novel per se (although he does show up early on...), the same formulaic approach applies - historical event, usually the sinking of some type of floating object, shift to modern times and the emergence of some villain affecting random person while the protagonists (Kurt Austin and his crew in this case) just happen to be close by. Story progresses and more amazing discoveries are learned, the villain intensifies action and the action is cleanly wrapped up in the end, again, with crazy discovery of historical event object that has been underwater for 100s of years. I guess maybe I've just tired of this formula but also noticed an increased discomfort with the dialogue - nobody I've ever heard talks like any of the people in this book.
Oh well, bottom line, I guess I'd recommend this book if you were stuck at a hotel with no other reading materials and this was the only choice at the hotel gift shop. Other than that, probably best to leave this alone and if you really must read Cussler, try to locate some of his earlier, fresher Dirk Pitt efforts.
Cheers.
March 14, 2018
A madman wants to create a new nation from the Southwestern US and Mexico, and the only one standing in his way is Dirk Pi--I mean Kurt Austin.
Kurt rescues a woman from a hit team that massacred an archaeological dig, which also destroyed some of the artifacts found. Kurt and his team start a game of cat and mouse with the mysterious killers, and eventually gets to the bottom of things.
This is Cussler Inc's first attempt at a spin off series. They take the safe route of creating a group that is almost exactly like Pitt's group of people. The only problem is, every page reminds us we'd rather be reading about Pitt.
Kurt rescues a woman from a hit team that massacred an archaeological dig, which also destroyed some of the artifacts found. Kurt and his team start a game of cat and mouse with the mysterious killers, and eventually gets to the bottom of things.
This is Cussler Inc's first attempt at a spin off series. They take the safe route of creating a group that is almost exactly like Pitt's group of people. The only problem is, every page reminds us we'd rather be reading about Pitt.
March 1, 2021
I haven't read other books by Clive Cussler. But found the first book in the Numa series and decided to give it a go. I quite enjoyed this adventure like book, fast paced and a lot going on and had fun reading it. Want to read the next book in the series but not sure if my bookapp has it or not
May 20, 2024
Ad Hoc Read May 2024
So with the legendary House Move From Hell still ongoing, it was time to grab another Cussler book to escape into. And this was the one, well tbh, most of our books are packed and boxed up for the move that got cancelled, aaaggghhh.
Anyway this is, I think, my first non Dirk Pitt, Cussler. Was it set on the sea, full of adventure, well yes; was it exactly the same character with a different name, well surprisingly no, it wasn't. Kurt Austin is definitely different to Dirk, albeit still a NUMA employee and a man of adventure. And because it was different I was impressed and enjoyed it all the more.
Luckily somewhere amongst the boxes of books, I have a few more Kurt Austin books and so will look forward to them when the day comes to unpack. In the meantime it's either the half dozen random books I kept out, one of the 500 or so audiobooks I have on Kindle, or one of the few thousand Kindle ebooks I have. Now which shall it be ?
So with the legendary House Move From Hell still ongoing, it was time to grab another Cussler book to escape into. And this was the one, well tbh, most of our books are packed and boxed up for the move that got cancelled, aaaggghhh.
Anyway this is, I think, my first non Dirk Pitt, Cussler. Was it set on the sea, full of adventure, well yes; was it exactly the same character with a different name, well surprisingly no, it wasn't. Kurt Austin is definitely different to Dirk, albeit still a NUMA employee and a man of adventure. And because it was different I was impressed and enjoyed it all the more.
Luckily somewhere amongst the boxes of books, I have a few more Kurt Austin books and so will look forward to them when the day comes to unpack. In the meantime it's either the half dozen random books I kept out, one of the 500 or so audiobooks I have on Kindle, or one of the few thousand Kindle ebooks I have. Now which shall it be ?
May 9, 2011
"I'm a Dirk Pitt fan so when I first picked this up my first thought was "Who's this Kurt Austin guy?" But I started reading anyway. Glad I d...moreI'm a Dirk Pitt fan so when I first picked this up my first thought was "Who's this Kurt Austin guy?" But I started reading anyway. Glad I did. Kurt is a great guy, has a fun sidekick, lots of NUMA people make an appearance (I LUV MAX!) and the plot rocks. I like the historical and archeology details. My only complaint is the chauvenism of the genre. I mean, the whole Bond-esque feel to the women. They all have brains and degrees, but you still get the feeling the bod comes first. My only "grrr" moment. Seems to be universal enough to be a genre requirement? I find that sad. Book was fun, but the "helpless little woman" aspect made me sigh
March 27, 2019
Hello random book for a random challenge!
Serpent had an interesting synopsis.. but in the end was just kind of meh. I have never read a book from this author before so I didn't really have any expectations for it. I thought Kurt was interesting guy that kind of reminded me of Indiana Jones? However, I was also getting some Bones feelings too and that is probably when I started getting bored.
It had an interesting plot that just sort of fell flat on me. I wish I was more interested than I was but it didn't happen. I might go to the next book but maybe if I could get it in audio form...
Serpent had an interesting synopsis.. but in the end was just kind of meh. I have never read a book from this author before so I didn't really have any expectations for it. I thought Kurt was interesting guy that kind of reminded me of Indiana Jones? However, I was also getting some Bones feelings too and that is probably when I started getting bored.
It had an interesting plot that just sort of fell flat on me. I wish I was more interested than I was but it didn't happen. I might go to the next book but maybe if I could get it in audio form...
January 2, 2023
My type of book! Lots of action based off a historical twist in history. I have read several Dirk Pitt books so was pleased with alot of the characters are included in this book. I have read all the Oregon Files and the Isaac Bell books and this is my next adventure with Cussler :) The Numa Files!
May 12, 2019
I have had this author on 'To read' radar for ages. And so after taking up some fellow bookworms advice on where to start I thought I would go with Serpent as its number one in the NUMA files and the thought of NUMA interested me.
The books introduction is about the Italian luxury liner Andrea Doria sailing and we learn about the crew, passengers and what it holds. However very quickly the story turns as there seems to be a conspiracy to capsize the Doria and suspicious activity is witnessed onboard. All this pulled me straight right in to the story.
I enjoyed how action packed it is, its a real adventure mystery which includes the Spanish mafia and Mayan culture. It is a skilful woven tale which builds the tension well. I was kept hanging trying to understand why the archaeologist divers were been hunted as they tried to retrieve the artefacts.
I enjoyed the characterisation too. The most difficult thing about the book was the numerous plots that intertwined as sometimes I lost my way but they did tie up at the end.
I will be reading more by this author
The books introduction is about the Italian luxury liner Andrea Doria sailing and we learn about the crew, passengers and what it holds. However very quickly the story turns as there seems to be a conspiracy to capsize the Doria and suspicious activity is witnessed onboard. All this pulled me straight right in to the story.
I enjoyed how action packed it is, its a real adventure mystery which includes the Spanish mafia and Mayan culture. It is a skilful woven tale which builds the tension well. I was kept hanging trying to understand why the archaeologist divers were been hunted as they tried to retrieve the artefacts.
I enjoyed the characterisation too. The most difficult thing about the book was the numerous plots that intertwined as sometimes I lost my way but they did tie up at the end.
I will be reading more by this author
June 3, 2022
4,25 sterren - Nederlandse paperback
I enjoyed Serpent, the first of the NUMA Files Books. It made a nice introduction to the main characters and the story moved well and engaged my brain. KURT is a good new character. Brave, a little James Bond, a charm into the mix. I felt that the story could have lasted another 50 or 100 pages to really provide a satisfying, well developed and creative ending. But it's the first. So we do not know what's instore for us in the next book.
I enjoyed Serpent, the first of the NUMA Files Books. It made a nice introduction to the main characters and the story moved well and engaged my brain. KURT is a good new character. Brave, a little James Bond, a charm into the mix. I felt that the story could have lasted another 50 or 100 pages to really provide a satisfying, well developed and creative ending. But it's the first. So we do not know what's instore for us in the next book.
June 12, 2016
3.5 stars.
I read this book for a book club pick. The first 200 pages or so were rather boring. I found consistently the author was using very rich, lengthy description, reminding me a bit of The Fellowship of the Ring, but rather than describing the strange and wondrous, he seemed to be always only describing the boring and mundane. He didn't give rich descriptions of the Mayan ruins at the center of the story, instead reserving most of his description for cars, planes, boats, faces, hair, eyes, and the surface of the ocean. This guy seemed to want to describe everything in great detail - if he had seen it himself. If he hadn't seen it, then his description was one line with no information.
About halfway though, the story started to become involving and it was interesting enough that I skimmed my way through to the end. The premise is unbelievable - not because it is a thriller, but because the villains are never given a good motive for a massive, globe-spanning campaign of destroying old artifacts and hiding evidence of a pre-Columbian connection across the Atlantic Ocean. But it was somewhat exciting.
Others in the book club complained that the book established and gave many different perspectives and only gradually wove them together. I did not find this bothersome - it is a common practice in fantasy and science fiction novels and there really weren't that many important characters - five heroes, two villains, more or less. And I felt there was less suspense than I would have expected.
Some of the ocean fight scenes reminded me of Fire and Ice which was a pulse-pounding sea adventure with less in the way of strange, irrational conspiracies and mentions of supernatural abilities that are never brought up again.
I read this book for a book club pick. The first 200 pages or so were rather boring. I found consistently the author was using very rich, lengthy description, reminding me a bit of The Fellowship of the Ring, but rather than describing the strange and wondrous, he seemed to be always only describing the boring and mundane. He didn't give rich descriptions of the Mayan ruins at the center of the story, instead reserving most of his description for cars, planes, boats, faces, hair, eyes, and the surface of the ocean. This guy seemed to want to describe everything in great detail - if he had seen it himself. If he hadn't seen it, then his description was one line with no information.
About halfway though, the story started to become involving and it was interesting enough that I skimmed my way through to the end. The premise is unbelievable - not because it is a thriller, but because the villains are never given a good motive for a massive, globe-spanning campaign of destroying old artifacts and hiding evidence of a pre-Columbian connection across the Atlantic Ocean. But it was somewhat exciting.
Others in the book club complained that the book established and gave many different perspectives and only gradually wove them together. I did not find this bothersome - it is a common practice in fantasy and science fiction novels and there really weren't that many important characters - five heroes, two villains, more or less. And I felt there was less suspense than I would have expected.
Some of the ocean fight scenes reminded me of Fire and Ice which was a pulse-pounding sea adventure with less in the way of strange, irrational conspiracies and mentions of supernatural abilities that are never brought up again.
July 25, 2021
Serpent by Clive Cussler is the first book in his NUMA series. NUMA stands for National Underwater & Marine Agency. The main characters in this story are NUMA operatives Kent Austin and Antonio Zavala, both part of NUMA's Special Ops division.
It's definitely a wandering story, moving from the sinking of the Andrea Doria (hint: not an accident) back in 1956. Observed in the hold as the ship is sinking is the murder of guards protecting an armored car. Why, you ask? It will all come clear. We move to Morocco in present days with an archaeological dig and an attack by bandits, killing everybody but American archaeologist Nina Kirov. She is saved by the NUMA boat sailing nearby. We move to China where another dig is attacked, to the Mayan peninsula where marine archaeologist Gamay and Mexican historian Chi search Mayan ruins and get taken hostage. There is also a trip to Texas, well, you get the picture.
The story has lots of action, historical references to Columbus's voyages to America and whether he was the first European or not. There is a historical secret society, The Brotherhood, with a diabolical plan to create a new country and they are bumping off any perceived threats. It's a complex plot and I didn't totally understand the whole Columbus thingee, but it was kind of neat, what I did get. The ending unfortunately was kind of flat after all the build-up but it was an entertaining thriller / adventure (3.5 stars)
It's definitely a wandering story, moving from the sinking of the Andrea Doria (hint: not an accident) back in 1956. Observed in the hold as the ship is sinking is the murder of guards protecting an armored car. Why, you ask? It will all come clear. We move to Morocco in present days with an archaeological dig and an attack by bandits, killing everybody but American archaeologist Nina Kirov. She is saved by the NUMA boat sailing nearby. We move to China where another dig is attacked, to the Mayan peninsula where marine archaeologist Gamay and Mexican historian Chi search Mayan ruins and get taken hostage. There is also a trip to Texas, well, you get the picture.
The story has lots of action, historical references to Columbus's voyages to America and whether he was the first European or not. There is a historical secret society, The Brotherhood, with a diabolical plan to create a new country and they are bumping off any perceived threats. It's a complex plot and I didn't totally understand the whole Columbus thingee, but it was kind of neat, what I did get. The ending unfortunately was kind of flat after all the build-up but it was an entertaining thriller / adventure (3.5 stars)
January 30, 2021
If you want to lose yourself in an action packed adventure, this is the book for you! Kurt Austin and his buddies at NUMA, National Underwater Marine Agency, uncover clues to vast riches and a tie with Christopher Columbus. Enjoy!
July 26, 2020
Remekül szórakoztam. Igazi kalandregény régészettel, gyilkossággal, titkos társasággal.
October 7, 2024
Konu olarak ilginç ancak işleyiş olarak epey "meh" bir kitaptı. Yer yer Indiana Jones, yer yer Nathan Drake & Victor Sullican & Elena Fischer üçlüsü.
Herkese keyifli okumalar!
Herkese keyifli okumalar!
April 9, 2010
This is a seriously convoluted tale revolving around the Spanish mafia from Christopher Columbus's time and the Mayan culture. Two things that really shouldn't have anything to do with each other. Did Columbus really discover America? That is the ultimate question and if not, who did? And why are archeologists being killed when they find certain types of artifacts. A skillfully woven tale that is wholly believeable. The death defying adventures, the life threatening artifact thieves and the underwater (of course) adventures. Just a wonderful roller coaster of a ride. Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala are great characters who really can think on their feet...er, flippers.
March 18, 2011
Probably the worst Cussler book I'll ever read, from what I hear, and so far it is the worst I've read. The plot is awesome and very detailed but the story moves slow and a few times he even insults the readers intelligence. I know it was writen in 1999 but I know what a Hovercraft is Clive and I knew then too...shesh! I didn't find the ending that exciting either and I would suggest that people only read this book if they are fans of Cussler. I would never let a new reader have this as thier first ever Cussler read. Overall it was ok but there's just too much garbage that didn't need to be in here. It actually would have been an awesome book if it was say 150-200 pages shorter.
August 24, 2024
Cussler is famous for bringing together numerous seemingly unconnected strands and not only explaining their connections but also making it sound like of course they are connected didn't see it. This book is no exception from the traditional historical event that kick off the show to the grand finale which in this book happened too quickly and felt a little flat as compared to some show downs. However the pace was fast and furious and once it to it the 450 odd pages soon passed although it did feel that that explanations took longer than the actions that resulted from them. A good read and a nice cameo from other Cussler characters
March 26, 2021
It's quite charming to see Pitt & Austen run into each other at NUMA headquarters to symbolize the continuity of the Custerverse by a new series... but didn't we have that ploy to create a Hispanic state on U.S. territory in Treasure earlier ?
February 4, 2019
I loved the characters and the plot, but it seemed like it took forever to finish and sometimes I got lost with the different storylines
July 31, 2021
Serpent is the first book in the NUMA Files series of books. This one was co-written by Clive Cussler and Paul Kemprecos. It was published in 1999.
The main plot is about a group of men who call themselves "The Brotherhood". They have ties to a 15th-century religious order. The group has attempted to hide and destroy all evidence of pre-Columbian contact between the New and Old Worlds. It's a convoluted tale about the Spanish mafia stretching from Christopher Columbus to the Mayan times.
It's a formulaic tale. A disastrous historical event moves onto modern times. Here we get a villain doing something bad while the protagonists coincidently happen to be close by. Discoveries lead to more action culminating in a neatly wrapped up ending.
I got half way though it before I bailed out. Meh.
The main plot is about a group of men who call themselves "The Brotherhood". They have ties to a 15th-century religious order. The group has attempted to hide and destroy all evidence of pre-Columbian contact between the New and Old Worlds. It's a convoluted tale about the Spanish mafia stretching from Christopher Columbus to the Mayan times.
It's a formulaic tale. A disastrous historical event moves onto modern times. Here we get a villain doing something bad while the protagonists coincidently happen to be close by. Discoveries lead to more action culminating in a neatly wrapped up ending.
I got half way though it before I bailed out. Meh.
August 25, 2021
A new series is introduced--the NUMA Special Assignments Team led by Kurt Austin, ex-CIA. Joe Zavala is his sidekick. He lives in a boathouse and collects dueling pistols.
The mystery begins in Morocco when an archaeological team is killed--except for one. This leads to Halcon--in charge of a movement to destroy all traces of pre-Columbian contact with the Mayans. But NUMA prevails. Andrea Doria tie-in. Eventually find a submerged Mayan temple with a Phoenician treasure--and the body of Columbus. Halcon and his henchmen are foiled. Austin gets the girl.
Not as good as the Dirk Pitt books, but maybe in time.
The mystery begins in Morocco when an archaeological team is killed--except for one. This leads to Halcon--in charge of a movement to destroy all traces of pre-Columbian contact with the Mayans. But NUMA prevails. Andrea Doria tie-in. Eventually find a submerged Mayan temple with a Phoenician treasure--and the body of Columbus. Halcon and his henchmen are foiled. Austin gets the girl.
Not as good as the Dirk Pitt books, but maybe in time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2017
The plot is a bit too far fetched and several scenes even more but as an adventure story and intriguing historical information, it was enjoyable to read.
January 5, 2019
Reminds me of the DaVinci Code.
July 29, 2019
Excellent characters and story!
November 9, 2019
First book of NUMA, verry exciting and thrilling
September 13, 2025
Serpent by Clive Cussler (co-written with Paul Kemprecos) is the first dive into the NUMA Files series, and it’s a classic Cussler cocktail: underwater archaeology, globe-trotting adventure, shadowy villains, and a dash of conspiracy that keeps the pages turning. If you’re a fan of high-stakes thrillers with a maritime twist, this one’s a solid starting point for a new hero, Kurt Austin, who takes the stage alongside his sidekick Joe Zavala. Think of them as the spiritual successors to Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino but with their own flair.
The story kicks off with a gripping prologue about the 1956 Andrea Doria shipwreck, setting the tone for a plot that weaves historical mysteries with modern-day danger. When marine archaeologist Nina Kirov stumbles upon ancient ruins in Morocco, things escalate fast her team is slaughtered, and she’s hunted down by assassins. Enter Kurt Austin, who saves her life in dramatic fashion (classic underwater heroics) and gets pulled into a larger conspiracy involving a secretive group called "The Brotherhood." Their mission? Erase all evidence of pre-Columbian transatlantic contact. Yeah, we’re talking ancient Phoenicians, stone heads, and a whole lot of intrigue.
The action is relentless, bouncing from shipwrecks and gunfights to high-speed chases across continents. Cussler and Kemprecos throw in everything from hovercraft pursuits to secret Mayan ruins, so there’s never a dull moment. Kurt and Joe bring plenty of charm and wit to balance out the danger, and Nina adds a touch of brains and bravery, though as with many early Cussler books the female characters could’ve been written with a bit more depth. They’re smart and skilled, sure, but they still get described in terms of their looks first.
The villains are classic Cussler baddies: rich, powerful, and willing to kill anyone who gets in their way. The Brotherhood’s plot to eliminate archaeological evidence ties back to historical theories, which gives the story some fascinating layers. It’s not groundbreaking stuff, but it’s fun to see ancient history collide with modern-day chaos.
On the downside, the formulaic structure might feel predictable if you’ve read a lot of Cussler’s work. Some of the science and historical theories are more “don’t think too hard about it” material, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. You’re here for the ride, not a history lecture.
Serpent is a fast-paced, popcorn thriller with plenty of underwater flair and a solid introduction to Kurt Austin’s world. While it doesn’t stray far from the Cussler playbook, it’s a fun, escapist read with enough twists to keep you hooked. If you love maritime adventures and high-stakes action, this one’s worth a spot on your shelf.
The story kicks off with a gripping prologue about the 1956 Andrea Doria shipwreck, setting the tone for a plot that weaves historical mysteries with modern-day danger. When marine archaeologist Nina Kirov stumbles upon ancient ruins in Morocco, things escalate fast her team is slaughtered, and she’s hunted down by assassins. Enter Kurt Austin, who saves her life in dramatic fashion (classic underwater heroics) and gets pulled into a larger conspiracy involving a secretive group called "The Brotherhood." Their mission? Erase all evidence of pre-Columbian transatlantic contact. Yeah, we’re talking ancient Phoenicians, stone heads, and a whole lot of intrigue.
The action is relentless, bouncing from shipwrecks and gunfights to high-speed chases across continents. Cussler and Kemprecos throw in everything from hovercraft pursuits to secret Mayan ruins, so there’s never a dull moment. Kurt and Joe bring plenty of charm and wit to balance out the danger, and Nina adds a touch of brains and bravery, though as with many early Cussler books the female characters could’ve been written with a bit more depth. They’re smart and skilled, sure, but they still get described in terms of their looks first.
The villains are classic Cussler baddies: rich, powerful, and willing to kill anyone who gets in their way. The Brotherhood’s plot to eliminate archaeological evidence ties back to historical theories, which gives the story some fascinating layers. It’s not groundbreaking stuff, but it’s fun to see ancient history collide with modern-day chaos.
On the downside, the formulaic structure might feel predictable if you’ve read a lot of Cussler’s work. Some of the science and historical theories are more “don’t think too hard about it” material, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. You’re here for the ride, not a history lecture.
Serpent is a fast-paced, popcorn thriller with plenty of underwater flair and a solid introduction to Kurt Austin’s world. While it doesn’t stray far from the Cussler playbook, it’s a fun, escapist read with enough twists to keep you hooked. If you love maritime adventures and high-stakes action, this one’s worth a spot on your shelf.
February 2, 2024
Ik heb laatst het boek "Serpent" van Clive Cussler gelezen waarin archeologie, mysterie en spanning. Het hoofdpersonage is Dirk Pitt, een avonturier die betrokken raakt bij een zoektocht naar een verloren stad in de oceaan.
In het boek is de historische en archeologische informatie in groot detail beschreven wat ervoor zorgt dat je veel te weten komt, maar dit zorgt er wel voor omdat het boek zeer lang is, het sneller saai wordt en ik vaak geen zin had om verder te lezen. Ik vind wel dat de schrijver er goed in slaagt om complexe onderwerpen toegankelijk te maken, zonder de onderwerpen te makkelijk te maken. Ik vond de mix tussen fictieve en feitelijke informatie redelijk verwarrend, maar het was wel fijn om eens een fictie te lezen waar ook feiten in staan.
Het aspect van het boek dat ik het best vond was de manier waarop de auteur spanning kon opbouwen, daarom is dit voor mij ook het spannendste boek dat ik al gelezen heb. Het fijne was dat de spanning niet teleur stelde, want na de spanning kwamen goede en levendige actiescènes met onverwachte wendingen en cliffhangers. Wanneer ik bij deze hoofdstukken zat was het makkelijk om verder te lezen, omdat ik graag nog wou weten wat er nog ging komen.
Echter waren er soms ook de perfecte antwoorden of gebeurtenissen wat het minder realistisch maakte en wat voor mij sommige actiescènes minder goed maakte.
De maatschappelijk relevantie van dit boek is archeologisch erfgoed, op vlak van behoud van dit erfgoed en hoe de mens dit erfgoed beïnvloedt.
Het beeld uit het boek dat ik het meest heb onthouden was de verzonken stad, omdat het zo mooi was beschreven met levendige details. Waardoor ik de ruïnes helemaal voor me zag. Dit beeld zal ik niet snel vergeten.
Ik vond het op de saaie stukken na een fijn en spannend boek. Ook ben ik benieuwd of het nieuwere boek er beter in slagen om veel informatie te geven zonder het saai te maken.
In het boek is de historische en archeologische informatie in groot detail beschreven wat ervoor zorgt dat je veel te weten komt, maar dit zorgt er wel voor omdat het boek zeer lang is, het sneller saai wordt en ik vaak geen zin had om verder te lezen. Ik vind wel dat de schrijver er goed in slaagt om complexe onderwerpen toegankelijk te maken, zonder de onderwerpen te makkelijk te maken. Ik vond de mix tussen fictieve en feitelijke informatie redelijk verwarrend, maar het was wel fijn om eens een fictie te lezen waar ook feiten in staan.
Het aspect van het boek dat ik het best vond was de manier waarop de auteur spanning kon opbouwen, daarom is dit voor mij ook het spannendste boek dat ik al gelezen heb. Het fijne was dat de spanning niet teleur stelde, want na de spanning kwamen goede en levendige actiescènes met onverwachte wendingen en cliffhangers. Wanneer ik bij deze hoofdstukken zat was het makkelijk om verder te lezen, omdat ik graag nog wou weten wat er nog ging komen.
Echter waren er soms ook de perfecte antwoorden of gebeurtenissen wat het minder realistisch maakte en wat voor mij sommige actiescènes minder goed maakte.
De maatschappelijk relevantie van dit boek is archeologisch erfgoed, op vlak van behoud van dit erfgoed en hoe de mens dit erfgoed beïnvloedt.
Het beeld uit het boek dat ik het meest heb onthouden was de verzonken stad, omdat het zo mooi was beschreven met levendige details. Waardoor ik de ruïnes helemaal voor me zag. Dit beeld zal ik niet snel vergeten.
Ik vond het op de saaie stukken na een fijn en spannend boek. Ook ben ik benieuwd of het nieuwere boek er beter in slagen om veel informatie te geven zonder het saai te maken.
April 16, 2020
while i've seen his books everywhere, i've never read this author before.
I can understand why he's so popular. I also see the point some make about him being "too formulaic" but as this was my first of his, i didn't have much of a frame of reference.
apparently, this was a story with a spin-off character from his more popular Dirk Pitt series. (which i've never read)
the characters were likable. good story that kept my interest.
lots of action. moved at a good pace.
and like a lot of action-adventure thrillers, there are a lot of characters & a lot going on. (ie. multiple locations around the world...) which was my negative.
i would read another of his books but not in ebook format. It just took too long that way. (the page count increases by about 3X)
I can understand why he's so popular. I also see the point some make about him being "too formulaic" but as this was my first of his, i didn't have much of a frame of reference.
apparently, this was a story with a spin-off character from his more popular Dirk Pitt series. (which i've never read)
the characters were likable. good story that kept my interest.
lots of action. moved at a good pace.
and like a lot of action-adventure thrillers, there are a lot of characters & a lot going on. (ie. multiple locations around the world...) which was my negative.
i would read another of his books but not in ebook format. It just took too long that way. (the page count increases by about 3X)
January 8, 2020
When Kurt Austin, head of NUMA, rescues a beautiful archaeologist after she discovers a carved stone head that brings into question that Columbus may not have been the first person to discover the Americas, he finds that other archaeology teams are also disappearing. All clues lead to the sinking of an Italian luxury liner. What could this possibly have to do with Christopher Columbus?
Kurt and Nina must find out what is happening because Nina is not out of danger.
This was an interesting read with its reference to Christopher Columbus and the advanced culture that lived in South America. A good interesting cast of characters. Enough facts to be believable. A good story.
Kurt and Nina must find out what is happening because Nina is not out of danger.
This was an interesting read with its reference to Christopher Columbus and the advanced culture that lived in South America. A good interesting cast of characters. Enough facts to be believable. A good story.
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