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NUMA Files #17
Journey of the Pharaohs
**Kurt Austin and the NUMA crew risk everything to stop a cutthroat arms dealer from stealing a priceless ancient treasure in the thrilling new novel from the #1 *New York Times* -bestselling grand master of adventure.**
In 1074 B.C., vast treasures disappear from the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs. In 1927, a daredevil American aviator vanishes on an attempted transcontinental flight. And in the present day, a fishing trawler--along with its mysterious cargo--sinks off the coast of Scotland. How are these three mysterious events connected? And, more importantly, what do they mean for Kurt Austin and his NUMA team?
As they search for answers, the NUMA squad join the agents of the British MI5 to take on a wide-reaching international conspiracy. Their common enemy is the Bloodstone Group, a conglomerate of arms dealers and thieves attempting to steal ancient relics on both sides of the Atlantic. Kurt and his team soon find themselves wrapped up in a treacherous treasure hunt as they race to find the lost Egyptian riches. . . before they fall into the wrong hands.
In 1074 B.C., vast treasures disappear from the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs. In 1927, a daredevil American aviator vanishes on an attempted transcontinental flight. And in the present day, a fishing trawler--along with its mysterious cargo--sinks off the coast of Scotland. How are these three mysterious events connected? And, more importantly, what do they mean for Kurt Austin and his NUMA team?
As they search for answers, the NUMA squad join the agents of the British MI5 to take on a wide-reaching international conspiracy. Their common enemy is the Bloodstone Group, a conglomerate of arms dealers and thieves attempting to steal ancient relics on both sides of the Atlantic. Kurt and his team soon find themselves wrapped up in a treacherous treasure hunt as they race to find the lost Egyptian riches. . . before they fall into the wrong hands.
10 pages, Audiobook
First published March 10, 2020
2197 people are currently reading
2116 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 417 reviews
May 20, 2022
NUMA series is definitely another favorite of mine. This book was exciting and takes you on a fun ride. I especially love the beginning at the coast of Scotland, how can you have NUMA without water?
Journey of the Pharaohs ties in 1074 B.C lost Egyptian treasure. Following the clues from Scotland, the story takes you to England and eventually Arizona, an exciting adventure from sea to cave. Clive Cussler's new (old) car 1919 Kissel Speedster made a cameo.
Thank you Clive for giving us a wonderful escape with your novels.
Journey of the Pharaohs ties in 1074 B.C lost Egyptian treasure. Following the clues from Scotland, the story takes you to England and eventually Arizona, an exciting adventure from sea to cave. Clive Cussler's new (old) car 1919 Kissel Speedster made a cameo.
Thank you Clive for giving us a wonderful escape with your novels.
January 17, 2021
Kurt Austin and his friend Joe Zavala were holidaying on the Isle of Skye when a trawler foundered on the rocks in a violent storm. Kurt and Joe rescued the crew, although the one passenger didn’t survive. What followed led Kurt and Joe first to London where they joined forces with MI5, and around various countries following the trail of a plane with an American pilot onboard that had gone missing in 1927, plus an event of historical significance that took place in 1074 BC, when a Pharaoh vanished along with many treasures.
The Bloodstone Group were not just common criminals. Arms dealers, killers and thieves of ancient relics had meant the group was on the law’s radar and had been for some considerable time. As Kurt and Joe, Paul and Gamay Trout and Morgan Manning from MI5 joined forces to track down the group before they found the latest treasures, Kurt wondered if they’d be too late…
Journey of the Pharaohs is the 17th in the Numa Files by Clive Cussler and as is always the way when I read a Cussler, I’m impressed with the action, electric pace and sheer entertainment which comprises a Cussler novel. Brilliant. It was great to catch up with Kurt, Joe, Paul and Gamay, plus Hiriam Yaeger and Rudi Gunn, as well as Admiral Sandecker. Such a great cast of characters! Highly recommended.
The Bloodstone Group were not just common criminals. Arms dealers, killers and thieves of ancient relics had meant the group was on the law’s radar and had been for some considerable time. As Kurt and Joe, Paul and Gamay Trout and Morgan Manning from MI5 joined forces to track down the group before they found the latest treasures, Kurt wondered if they’d be too late…
Journey of the Pharaohs is the 17th in the Numa Files by Clive Cussler and as is always the way when I read a Cussler, I’m impressed with the action, electric pace and sheer entertainment which comprises a Cussler novel. Brilliant. It was great to catch up with Kurt, Joe, Paul and Gamay, plus Hiriam Yaeger and Rudi Gunn, as well as Admiral Sandecker. Such a great cast of characters! Highly recommended.
March 12, 2020
You can never be sure with these book mills that churn out novel after novel under the name of a successful author, but this might very well be the last Clive Cussler novel ever. On the other hand, there are plenty authors that have passed away and still publish an impressive body of work each year around the times the bestsellers sell best...
Long story short: for the first time this is a CC novel that has all the swing and pizzaz of his early work. The storyline goes up and down and round and round, and has all the characteristics of a CC novel: sympathetic heroes known to all and sundry, evil masterminds, corrupted scientists, and this time a really surprising twist in the plot when our heroes have won and get the treasure.
If there will be more Clive Cussler novels, let them please be of this quality. It's what he would have wanted.
Long story short: for the first time this is a CC novel that has all the swing and pizzaz of his early work. The storyline goes up and down and round and round, and has all the characteristics of a CC novel: sympathetic heroes known to all and sundry, evil masterminds, corrupted scientists, and this time a really surprising twist in the plot when our heroes have won and get the treasure.
If there will be more Clive Cussler novels, let them please be of this quality. It's what he would have wanted.
July 19, 2021
4.5 really. An unputdownable great read.
Based on historical fact: there is some archaeological evidence there may have been ancient Egyptian's who travelled to North Amera.
Jake Melboune was a American pilot who was meant to have flown his purpose built plane for the 1927 Orteig Prize. He was later found murdered. It is unknown who actually flew the plane. It did not reach it's Paris destination.
Based on historical fact: there is some archaeological evidence there may have been ancient Egyptian's who travelled to North Amera.
Jake Melboune was a American pilot who was meant to have flown his purpose built plane for the 1927 Orteig Prize. He was later found murdered. It is unknown who actually flew the plane. It did not reach it's Paris destination.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2020
Cussler may be an acquired taste—which takes nothing away from his success and the devotion of so many fans. I've been meaning to read one of his books, and his last (he passed away recently) combines two of my interests—Egypt and archaeology—so I ordered it.
Although I read thriller, mystery, and suspense, I didn't engage with the characters. The female lead is stereotypic and one-dimensional. The swaggering bonhomie between the males is probably what attracts readers to his novels. There's a lot of telling (instead of showing). The dialogue is flat and predictable. In other words, this particular manuscript isn't in the league with Silva or Penney or Child.
But maybe that's the point. The (late) author, obviously an intelligent, learned, and adventurous man, shared (somewhat unrealistic) adventures that drew readers to his stories, and I'm sure that they'll miss his work.
Recommended for all the couch swashbucklers out there.
Although I read thriller, mystery, and suspense, I didn't engage with the characters. The female lead is stereotypic and one-dimensional. The swaggering bonhomie between the males is probably what attracts readers to his novels. There's a lot of telling (instead of showing). The dialogue is flat and predictable. In other words, this particular manuscript isn't in the league with Silva or Penney or Child.
But maybe that's the point. The (late) author, obviously an intelligent, learned, and adventurous man, shared (somewhat unrealistic) adventures that drew readers to his stories, and I'm sure that they'll miss his work.
Recommended for all the couch swashbucklers out there.
April 25, 2020
This is sadly the last Clive Cussler novel to be published before his death earlier this year. I'm sure that his plentiful series will continue thanks to his co-authors, including his son, but there was such sadness reading Journey of the Pharaohs. I am delighted to report, though, that poignantly this is classic Cussler. It is absolutely fantastic! I have days where I find it difficult to read but I looked forward to each page of this adventure, which is also as full of surprises as it is action. A joy to read. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
June 14, 2020
Probably the last book written before Cussler's death, this is the best Kurt Austin book so far. I didn't feel like I should be reading about Dirk Pitt instead.
A Pharaoh like Egyptian hid his treasure somewhere, and a group of mercenaries are going to find it. Kurt Austin gets in the middle of things and shoots the works. Of course, an antique car is involved.
Pretty exciting.
A Pharaoh like Egyptian hid his treasure somewhere, and a group of mercenaries are going to find it. Kurt Austin gets in the middle of things and shoots the works. Of course, an antique car is involved.
Pretty exciting.
March 12, 2020
A fun, fastpaced adventure. Everything I've come to expect (and sincerely appreciate) from a Cussler/Brown collaboration. You will be missed, Clive! You were a giant among men.
April 10, 2020
Seventeenth in The NUMA Files action thriller series and revolving around Kurt Austin and his partner, Joe Zavala.
My Take
It's starts with a daring and brilliant rescue...very Kurt and Joe. Then it segues too easily into Kurt and Joe being loaned out to MI5. Oh, well. There's still plenty of excitement with gun battles, chases, and clues to follow. It's action that closely aligns to those stereotypical characters of good, evil, and greedy.
I did appreciate Kurt's approach. It's very much a NUMA thing to be more interested in the science and history, in knowledge, and not treasure for the sake of it.
Cussler/Brown use a third person global subjective point-of-view from the perspective of a number of characters, enabling us to "hear" their thoughts and "feel" their emotions. I did have to laugh at Sofia's comment about Americans not being allowed to learn other languages. We can learn. We're just too lazy with no incentives.
I dunno. Sending marine scientists to all these inland areas seems rather pointless. Sure, Paul has that geology expertise, but this is more like Cussler/Graham were only allowed the use of core characters. Whether their use makes sense or not, in a real-world sense anyway. I mean, would any agency spend the money and time to use a pair of scientists whose main expertise is marine-based and not a single expert whose specialty was geology, maybe combined with Egyptian history?? I did like the concept of the Toymaker, but...really? All these incompetent bad guys? Oh. Boy.
The trail Cussler/Brown laid down through the story took awhile, but the background they laid out and the search for a perpetual sun did make sense.
Huh. I think I had known that about the Horse Latitudes, but it was so long ago... Poor horsies.
And, of course, Cussler/Brown manage to work in a vintage automobile, a Kissel.
The Story
That's some vacation for Kurt and Joe, starting with a search for the wreck of an ancient Viking ship and ending with the rescue of the crew of a ship foundering on the rocks.
Once they (and NUMA) know how important MI5's mission is, they bring it on and go up against the Bloodstone Group of vicious mercenaries and gun runners.
The Characters
Kurt Austin is the director of Special Projects for NUMA. Joe Zavala, Kurt's partner and best friend, is a brilliant engineer and Kurt's second-in-command at NUMA.
NUMA is...
...a.k.a., the National Underwater and Marine Agency founded by now-Vice-President James Sandecker. (Morris is Sandecker's lead Secret Service agent.) Dirk Pitt is the current head. Rudi Gunn is second-in-command at NUMA and handles day-to-day operations. Hiram Yaeger is the director of the Technology and Information Systems Unit. He's the creator of Max, a one-of-a-kind supercomputer that has a personality all its own. I do love Max *grin* Paul and Gamay Trout are a pair of married scientists; his expertise is in ocean sciences and geology while hers is in marine biology.
FBI
Trotter is the nighttime desk administrator. Ms Miranda Curtis works in the FBI archives. Do not make her mad.
MI5
Morgan Manning claims to be a reporter for UK News 1. Turns out she's deepwater-certified. Colonel Pembroke-Smythe is in charge; he'd once worked with Pitt in Sahara , 11. Thames House is their official HQ.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Vincennes paid for the trip; the captain knows about the Bloodstone Group. The McCloud Tavern overlooks the loch.
The Punter is Professor Henry Cross, an expert in the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean and the dynastic authority on Egypt, who has a photographic memory — that sounds handy! — and who enjoys punting on the River Cam.
Villa Ducal de Lerma in Navia, Basque country, Spain
San Sebastián de las Montañas is the church where Father Torres is the priest. Sofia is the young granddaughter who helps at her grandmother's café.
Silver Box Ravine, Navajo Nation, Arizona
Eddie Toh-Yah is an old friend of Kurt's from his Navy days. His grandfather had been the protector, and he'll pass the baton to Eddie.
The Bloodstone Group is...
...a conglomerate of arms dealers and thieves led by Solomon Barlow, a.k.a., Prince of the Arms Trade. Robson, a thug formerly known as Inky, leads both crews. Slocum is on the first crew. The second crew consists of childhood "friends": Fingers, Snipe, and Daly and Gus, a part-time enforcer for a local thug, who are competitive half-brothers. Kappa's crew are straight-up mercenaries, including Gunther. MV Tunisian Wind is a bulk carrier used to ferry arms around the world.
The Collector is a competitor of the Bloodstone Group. Omar Kai is a flamboyant, fearless mercenary who is always broke. The Toymaker is actually a pair of assassins, a brother and sister, Fydor and Xandra. The Granzinis are a complex family of smugglers.
Francisco DeMars is the grandson of the Frenchman who found the Writings of Qsn. That DeMars had a theory that North Africans were the origin of much of European culture and its population.
May-to-December 1927, Roosevelt Field, Long Island, New York
Jake Melbourne is a showman, a daredevil celebrity aviator, a World War I ace, and a gambler in over his head, who plans to fly his Golden Ram. Stefano Cordova is a freelance mechanic and friends with Jake; he was also the nephew of Carlo Granzini, a known smuggler. The Orteig Prize will be awarded to the first pilot to fly nonstop from New York to Paris. Charles "Slim" Lindbergh is participating as well. L'Oiseau Blanc is the missing French plane piloted by Charles Nungesser and François Coli. The Wanamakers are sponsoring Byrd. Sikorsky is sponsoring Fonck.
Bags Callahan was part of the Irish Syndicate. J. Edgar Hoover is the power-mad head of the Bureau of Investigation.
1913 is...
...when the National Heritage Protection and International Stability Act was passed by Congress and is intended to classify material important to American heritage and international stability.
1074 B.C., 18th Dynasty
Qsn is also known as the Bringer of Sorrow and "Sparrow", an insult. He left behind the Writings of Qsn . The Medjay guard the pharaohs' tombs. Khemet is their captain. Had been. Ramses rules in Memphis and Alexandria. Herihor was a commoner who became a successful general, then High Priest of Amun, who then made himself pharaoh in Upper Egypt.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a scene from the beginning. A sky of deep reds gradating to a circular yellow, representing a sunset or the fierce fire from the helicopter firing on the ship caught in the jagged rocks as Joe Zavala races away on his JetSki through storm-tossed black and green waves. There's a nice bit of movement with the horizon all a'tilt. An info blurb in yellow is at the very top with the authors' names below that: the primary author is in a pale gray gradation and is outlined in white with the secondary author in white with a deep gray shadow. The title is below Joe in white with the series information at the very bottom in a paler yellow.
The title is the trail everyone follows, the Journey of the Pharaohs.
My Take
It's starts with a daring and brilliant rescue...very Kurt and Joe. Then it segues too easily into Kurt and Joe being loaned out to MI5. Oh, well. There's still plenty of excitement with gun battles, chases, and clues to follow. It's action that closely aligns to those stereotypical characters of good, evil, and greedy.
I did appreciate Kurt's approach. It's very much a NUMA thing to be more interested in the science and history, in knowledge, and not treasure for the sake of it.
Cussler/Brown use a third person global subjective point-of-view from the perspective of a number of characters, enabling us to "hear" their thoughts and "feel" their emotions. I did have to laugh at Sofia's comment about Americans not being allowed to learn other languages. We can learn. We're just too lazy with no incentives.
I dunno. Sending marine scientists to all these inland areas seems rather pointless. Sure, Paul has that geology expertise, but this is more like Cussler/Graham were only allowed the use of core characters. Whether their use makes sense or not, in a real-world sense anyway. I mean, would any agency spend the money and time to use a pair of scientists whose main expertise is marine-based and not a single expert whose specialty was geology, maybe combined with Egyptian history?? I did like the concept of the Toymaker, but...really? All these incompetent bad guys? Oh. Boy.
The trail Cussler/Brown laid down through the story took awhile, but the background they laid out and the search for a perpetual sun did make sense.
Huh. I think I had known that about the Horse Latitudes, but it was so long ago... Poor horsies.
And, of course, Cussler/Brown manage to work in a vintage automobile, a Kissel.
The Story
That's some vacation for Kurt and Joe, starting with a search for the wreck of an ancient Viking ship and ending with the rescue of the crew of a ship foundering on the rocks.
Once they (and NUMA) know how important MI5's mission is, they bring it on and go up against the Bloodstone Group of vicious mercenaries and gun runners.
The Characters
Kurt Austin is the director of Special Projects for NUMA. Joe Zavala, Kurt's partner and best friend, is a brilliant engineer and Kurt's second-in-command at NUMA.
NUMA is...
...a.k.a., the National Underwater and Marine Agency founded by now-Vice-President James Sandecker. (Morris is Sandecker's lead Secret Service agent.) Dirk Pitt is the current head. Rudi Gunn is second-in-command at NUMA and handles day-to-day operations. Hiram Yaeger is the director of the Technology and Information Systems Unit. He's the creator of Max, a one-of-a-kind supercomputer that has a personality all its own. I do love Max *grin* Paul and Gamay Trout are a pair of married scientists; his expertise is in ocean sciences and geology while hers is in marine biology.
FBI
Trotter is the nighttime desk administrator. Ms Miranda Curtis works in the FBI archives. Do not make her mad.
MI5
Morgan Manning claims to be a reporter for UK News 1. Turns out she's deepwater-certified. Colonel Pembroke-Smythe is in charge; he'd once worked with Pitt in Sahara , 11. Thames House is their official HQ.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Vincennes paid for the trip; the captain knows about the Bloodstone Group. The McCloud Tavern overlooks the loch.
The Punter is Professor Henry Cross, an expert in the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean and the dynastic authority on Egypt, who has a photographic memory — that sounds handy! — and who enjoys punting on the River Cam.
Villa Ducal de Lerma in Navia, Basque country, Spain
San Sebastián de las Montañas is the church where Father Torres is the priest. Sofia is the young granddaughter who helps at her grandmother's café.
Silver Box Ravine, Navajo Nation, Arizona
Eddie Toh-Yah is an old friend of Kurt's from his Navy days. His grandfather had been the protector, and he'll pass the baton to Eddie.
The Bloodstone Group is...
...a conglomerate of arms dealers and thieves led by Solomon Barlow, a.k.a., Prince of the Arms Trade. Robson, a thug formerly known as Inky, leads both crews. Slocum is on the first crew. The second crew consists of childhood "friends": Fingers, Snipe, and Daly and Gus, a part-time enforcer for a local thug, who are competitive half-brothers. Kappa's crew are straight-up mercenaries, including Gunther. MV Tunisian Wind is a bulk carrier used to ferry arms around the world.
The Collector is a competitor of the Bloodstone Group. Omar Kai is a flamboyant, fearless mercenary who is always broke. The Toymaker is actually a pair of assassins, a brother and sister, Fydor and Xandra. The Granzinis are a complex family of smugglers.
Francisco DeMars is the grandson of the Frenchman who found the Writings of Qsn. That DeMars had a theory that North Africans were the origin of much of European culture and its population.
May-to-December 1927, Roosevelt Field, Long Island, New York
Jake Melbourne is a showman, a daredevil celebrity aviator, a World War I ace, and a gambler in over his head, who plans to fly his Golden Ram. Stefano Cordova is a freelance mechanic and friends with Jake; he was also the nephew of Carlo Granzini, a known smuggler. The Orteig Prize will be awarded to the first pilot to fly nonstop from New York to Paris. Charles "Slim" Lindbergh is participating as well. L'Oiseau Blanc is the missing French plane piloted by Charles Nungesser and François Coli. The Wanamakers are sponsoring Byrd. Sikorsky is sponsoring Fonck.
Bags Callahan was part of the Irish Syndicate. J. Edgar Hoover is the power-mad head of the Bureau of Investigation.
1913 is...
...when the National Heritage Protection and International Stability Act was passed by Congress and is intended to classify material important to American heritage and international stability.
1074 B.C., 18th Dynasty
Qsn is also known as the Bringer of Sorrow and "Sparrow", an insult. He left behind the Writings of Qsn . The Medjay guard the pharaohs' tombs. Khemet is their captain. Had been. Ramses rules in Memphis and Alexandria. Herihor was a commoner who became a successful general, then High Priest of Amun, who then made himself pharaoh in Upper Egypt.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a scene from the beginning. A sky of deep reds gradating to a circular yellow, representing a sunset or the fierce fire from the helicopter firing on the ship caught in the jagged rocks as Joe Zavala races away on his JetSki through storm-tossed black and green waves. There's a nice bit of movement with the horizon all a'tilt. An info blurb in yellow is at the very top with the authors' names below that: the primary author is in a pale gray gradation and is outlined in white with the secondary author in white with a deep gray shadow. The title is below Joe in white with the series information at the very bottom in a paler yellow.
The title is the trail everyone follows, the Journey of the Pharaohs.
April 21, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this fast paced adventure story. I found myself immersed in the historical parts of this book as well as the battle between greed and good.
October 15, 2024
I’ve been at this book for five months now. It’s been in my bag and gone with me to work every day. Then if I ever had to wait for a few minutes here or there, I could dive back into the action. It’s almost guaranteed that there would be a discovery, double cross, wild fight, or maybe even a mummy, even if I could only squeeze in a page or two. But – Once I got close to the end, I just couldn’t wait anymore and raced through to the end one weekend.
It starts off in the deserts of ancient Egypt and from there it draws together flying aces, arms dealers, and of course the heroes from NUMA. As always, these colorful characters end up in some of the most colorful, exotic locations on the planet. This one ends up in an especially fun location, but to tell you where it all ends would be to spoil the wildly fun twist that made me read straight on to the end.
There were a couple of “mild” curse words. Other than that it was very clean.
It starts off in the deserts of ancient Egypt and from there it draws together flying aces, arms dealers, and of course the heroes from NUMA. As always, these colorful characters end up in some of the most colorful, exotic locations on the planet. This one ends up in an especially fun location, but to tell you where it all ends would be to spoil the wildly fun twist that made me read straight on to the end.
There were a couple of “mild” curse words. Other than that it was very clean.
March 19, 2020
The last book by Clive Cussler. He has passed away just recently.
In this book a huge fortune disappears from the Valley of the Kings in Egypt in the year 1074.
An American aviator attempting to cross the Atlantic vanishes during the transatlantic flight.
Kurt Austin and his friend Joe Zavala are searching for a Viking ship in Scotland, when a fishing trawler starts to founder in a raging storm.
So the story starts: Kurt and Joe come to the rescue of the crew who had no way off the trawler in the storm without being crushed to death on the rocks.
What is the cargo that was so worth the lives of the trawler that they ran into the storm on purpose?
Kurt and Joe have joined an agent of MI5 in trying to find the answers to this. This leads to an international gang of thieves and arms dealers stealing relics.
Kurt and Joe are racing against time to find the lost treasure before these thieves and killers can get there first. Action and adventure! I will miss the books of Mr Cussler. And thank you for many hours of adventures and great entertainment! RIP.
In this book a huge fortune disappears from the Valley of the Kings in Egypt in the year 1074.
An American aviator attempting to cross the Atlantic vanishes during the transatlantic flight.
Kurt Austin and his friend Joe Zavala are searching for a Viking ship in Scotland, when a fishing trawler starts to founder in a raging storm.
So the story starts: Kurt and Joe come to the rescue of the crew who had no way off the trawler in the storm without being crushed to death on the rocks.
What is the cargo that was so worth the lives of the trawler that they ran into the storm on purpose?
Kurt and Joe have joined an agent of MI5 in trying to find the answers to this. This leads to an international gang of thieves and arms dealers stealing relics.
Kurt and Joe are racing against time to find the lost treasure before these thieves and killers can get there first. Action and adventure! I will miss the books of Mr Cussler. And thank you for many hours of adventures and great entertainment! RIP.
March 20, 2020
Another adventure book wonderfully read by Scott Brick. As evidenced by the title, there is an Egyptian treasure to find. Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala, like the protagonists of other such tales, find themselves in the right place at the right time (or maybe wrong place and time?). They were on vacation in Scotland and had to rescue a sinking fishing trawler from stormy seas. This led to being chased and shot at by a band of mercenaries/treasure hunters. Turns out this group is trying to find clues to an ancient, unknown, Egyptian treasure. This treasure was spirited away from Egypt and disappeared. For Clive Cussler fans, this book's plot and pace would be very familiar. One thing, though, the ending kind of made me go "Huh???" No spoilers, but the tale did not end in how I expected. I'm still not sure how I feel about it. Would've rated higher but for this.
On a personal note, I was saddened to hear of Clive Cussler's passing away recently. Not sure if his writing partners (one of which is his son), will continue with the series of books. I am grateful, though, to Mr Cussler for giving me a ton of fun reads through the years.
On a personal note, I was saddened to hear of Clive Cussler's passing away recently. Not sure if his writing partners (one of which is his son), will continue with the series of books. I am grateful, though, to Mr Cussler for giving me a ton of fun reads through the years.
May 8, 2024
Journey of the Pharaohs was a fast paced read and full of non-stop action from start to finish. I have not read any of the previous NUMA books in the series. The good guys and the bad guys were super stereotypical. I wasn’t sure if the author intended the book to be a “tongue in cheek” American gung-ho action thriller, or whether as readers we should take it seriously? If it was tongue in cheek then i think it worked and I loved it and I would give it 4 stars. If i’m being asked to take it seriously then i just couldn’t. It was over the top and far fetched and simply not believable and I would give it 3 stars. Not too sure about the ending as it left me a bit flat. Several typos also throughout the book which always annoy me. Overall a fun 3.5 star read.
July 30, 2020
Other than the curious substitution of one of Pitt's classic car tropes as opposed to an Austin's classic gun trademark it's a spot on adventure from the Cussler factory.
April 6, 2020
As I understand this is the last one published before Clive Cussler's passing...From the variety of authors he's partnered with, I think the franchise is in good hands as we move forward...In this one Kurt Austin, Joe Zavala and the Fargo's confront the Bloodstone Group a gang of illegal arms dealers who finance the trade through the stealing and selling of antiquities...They're all after relics that have traveled from Egypt to the shores of the New World...This story with a 3,000 year span of history will thrill all of the Cussler fans...Good Stuff!!!
April 3, 2024
I’ve only read a few of these NUMA books, but the title drew me in. I visited Egypt in 2010 so anything with an Egyptian theme is a book I want to read. I enjoy the main characters. The bad guys are well developed as well.
Like all the Clive Cussler books I’ve read, they take place all over the world. There is also a quest of some type. This time it’s the stolen treasure of many pharaohs by another pharaoh. The ending was definitely unexpected but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and the ending.
Like all the Clive Cussler books I’ve read, they take place all over the world. There is also a quest of some type. This time it’s the stolen treasure of many pharaohs by another pharaoh. The ending was definitely unexpected but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and the ending.
October 25, 2020
Interesting premise, some fascinating historical back story and some intrigue. To many attempts at tongue and cheek comedy and a bit scattered on story telling. Trying to fit too many different characters into one story.
February 27, 2024
A thrilling adventure novel that takes readers on an exhilarating ride through the world of archaeology, intrigue, and danger. An instalment of the NUMA Files series, Cussler delivers a fast-paced narrative filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
In this novel, Cussler masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, seamlessly blending historical mysteries with modern-day action. The protagonist, Kurt Austin, along with his team from the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), finds themselves embroiled in a high-stakes quest to uncover the secrets of an ancient Egyptian tomb. However, they soon discover that they are not the only ones interested in the tomb's treasures, as a shadowy organization with its own sinister agenda is hot on their trail.
One of the strengths of Cussler's writing is his ability to vividly depict exotic locales and historical settings. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, the author's attention to detail immerses readers in a world filled with ancient artifacts, hidden tombs, and treacherous villains.
Furthermore, the characters in "Journey of the Pharaohs" are well-developed and engaging, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. Whether it's Kurt Austin's daring heroics, the cunning of the novel's antagonists, or the camaraderie among the members of the NUMA team, readers will find themselves invested in the fate of these characters as they navigate the perils of their quest.
Overall, "Journey of the Pharaohs" is a riveting adventure novel that delivers all the excitement, intrigue, and suspense that fans of Clive Cussler have come to expect. With its compelling storyline, richly drawn characters, and pulse-pounding action, this book is sure to delight both long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike.
In this novel, Cussler masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, seamlessly blending historical mysteries with modern-day action. The protagonist, Kurt Austin, along with his team from the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), finds themselves embroiled in a high-stakes quest to uncover the secrets of an ancient Egyptian tomb. However, they soon discover that they are not the only ones interested in the tomb's treasures, as a shadowy organization with its own sinister agenda is hot on their trail.
One of the strengths of Cussler's writing is his ability to vividly depict exotic locales and historical settings. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, the author's attention to detail immerses readers in a world filled with ancient artifacts, hidden tombs, and treacherous villains.
Furthermore, the characters in "Journey of the Pharaohs" are well-developed and engaging, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. Whether it's Kurt Austin's daring heroics, the cunning of the novel's antagonists, or the camaraderie among the members of the NUMA team, readers will find themselves invested in the fate of these characters as they navigate the perils of their quest.
Overall, "Journey of the Pharaohs" is a riveting adventure novel that delivers all the excitement, intrigue, and suspense that fans of Clive Cussler have come to expect. With its compelling storyline, richly drawn characters, and pulse-pounding action, this book is sure to delight both long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike.
April 12, 2020
I have never read Clive Cussler before, and now I’m addicted. If you like watching movies like Sahara, Indiana Jones, and The Mummy, then this book is your new best friend.
Clive Cussler and Graham Brown teamed up to write this adventure packed story, following Kurt Austin and his team as they trace the mystery of a hidden stash of Egyptian antiquity treasures, racing from the coast of Scotland to a round the world battle of explosions and chases, as the Bloodstone Group of dealers and thieves try to get to the loot first.
This book reads straight into your brain like a fast, action packed adventure film, with short (sometimes two page long) chapters that keep you on the edge of your bookish seat the whole way through. Even when I thought the book had come to its natural conclusion and was feeling miffed that I wanted something else to happen, the final chapter gave me what I didn’t even know I wanted.
Now I have to enter bookish bankruptcy, as I must go buy all of Cussler and Brown’s collaborations, and read them immediately. If they are anything like this book, then I’m going to have an excellent time reading them.
Clive Cussler and Graham Brown teamed up to write this adventure packed story, following Kurt Austin and his team as they trace the mystery of a hidden stash of Egyptian antiquity treasures, racing from the coast of Scotland to a round the world battle of explosions and chases, as the Bloodstone Group of dealers and thieves try to get to the loot first.
This book reads straight into your brain like a fast, action packed adventure film, with short (sometimes two page long) chapters that keep you on the edge of your bookish seat the whole way through. Even when I thought the book had come to its natural conclusion and was feeling miffed that I wanted something else to happen, the final chapter gave me what I didn’t even know I wanted.
Now I have to enter bookish bankruptcy, as I must go buy all of Cussler and Brown’s collaborations, and read them immediately. If they are anything like this book, then I’m going to have an excellent time reading them.
March 26, 2020
This filles the need for some mindless adventure action. Great link to an Egyptian back story. Kurt and joe are great caricature of the action hero. They bounce of eachother very well. It has all the cliches but its fun. Recommend this for anyone wanting a great fun read which allows them to escape for awhile.
October 5, 2020
Clive Cussler passed away on 24th February this year and this book was released on the 3rd March, over a week after this death. This is the latest of Kurt Austin and the NUMA adventures. With the treasure of the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs disappears in 1074BC and an attempted transcontinental flight in 1927 completely vanishes, why are these two historical events connected. NUMA joins forces with Britain’s MI5 to help solve this mystery. A very worthy story for Clive’s final outing, once which I love and brings good old fashioned adventure stories right into the 21st century, a book fitting for Clive’s swansong.
April 12, 2020
I will miss Clive Cussler and his books!
December 24, 2020
It is nice that the NUMA line of Cussler books stands on their own, they are not just a second rate Pitt series. Good use of the main characters (and not much Paul and Gamay thankfully) and some interesting new bad guys added to the mix. Nice plot that weaves around seamlessly.
May 20, 2021
Goed, maar jammer dat het zich niet in of rond het water afspeelt.
July 25, 2022
The usual exciting adventure book from Clive Cussler. Really enjoyed it for it's escapism
February 11, 2023
This was a fun and enjoyable adventure novel. I liked the different plot twists, and was actually surprised by one. As always, the novles are a fun read to clear the mind after a weightier read.
December 21, 2021
Mais um livro da NUMA que não dá para parar de ler.
December 16, 2023
Outside of the Isaac Bell adventures, this was the best Clive Cussler book I've read. This one was a real page turner and I wanted to read ahead but somehow gathered the resolve to resist the urge. A very interesting story that included elements of archaeology, aviation history, and high adventure. Considering that the book wasn't expected to be this good, I was pleasantly surprised. A worthy effort and well worth the time spent.
November 13, 2020
You almost always know what you're going to get when you read a Cussler book. He didn't disappoint me with this one! (Can't really remember reading a bad Cussler book!) It was a fast enjoyable read.
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