Clive Cussler's Condor's Fury

NUMA Files #20

by Graham Brown, Clive Cussler

A freighter carrying top-secret computers of unparalleled capability disappears in the Western Pacific. While searching for a lost treasure that once belonged to the famous pirate queen, Ching Shih, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala are redirected to look for the missing vessel.
Discovering that the sinking of the ship is just part of an intricate web of deception, they find themselves in the middle of a cyber-war between rival groups of hackers, both of whom want to control the flow of data around the world.
With no allies except a group of pirates who operate under their own crude laws, Kurt and Joe must rescue a colleague held hostage—while keeping the computers out of Russian or Chinese hands and the world’s digital information safe from the hackers.

Genres: Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Audiobook, Action, Mystery, Military Fiction

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2023

About the author

Graham Brown grew up in Illinois, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, moving often with his family. As far as he knows they weren't in the witness protection program or part of any top secret government agency - but then - would they really tell him?

A former pilot and lawyer and later part of a start up health care firm, Graham decided he hadn't had enough different careers yet and decided to become a writer.

A huge fan of Clive Cussler, Michael Crichton, Stephen King and television shows like the X-files and Lost, Graham's first novel Black Rain debuted in January 2010. The second Hawker/Laidlaw novel, Black Sun published in September 2010. Devil's Gate a Numa Files novel co-written with Clive Cussler published November 2011. The Eden Prophecy will be available January 31, 2012.

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm such a sucker for these kind of books, but I find them easy to read and enjoyable with very little effort needed. As usual, listening to the audiobook is a great way to entertain oneself while doing bothersome household chores. Don't know how realistic having luxury airships are, but that's not really my objective in opening these books. (A tri/billionaire out there probably has something like these ships in the works somewhere. )

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the best books in The NUMA Files series. We get not one, but two ghost sips, Havana Syndrome, UFOs, airships, and an eccentric billionaire.

Lots of excitement and derring-do. Give it a shot!

[Deborah Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary potential

The Cussler stories are always great adventure. Let's hope this plot is not as realistic as it might be. But it is definitely scary.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good addition to the NUMA Files series. Yes, it is formulaic, predictable, and improbable. But it is also well written, entertaining and harmless fun. I listened to the book on a long car trip with my spouse and it was a great diversion from the long drive.

[Mhd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up to 4-stars, I'm in a generous mood. Pretty good for the Cussler-wanna-be genre. Could be tighter. Moves along fairly well. I enjoyed it and will look for more by Brown.

[Andrew Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book. Action packed and well-written, I couldn’t help but root for these characters. Felt like I was watching a movie as I read it. May be a little predictable here and there, and have a few too many McGuffins, but I was thoroughly entertained throughout. Shout out to the pacing as well, just when you think it’s gonna get boring for a bit, there’s a shootout or chase to loop you back in. Makes me really excited to dive into this series.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether or not the Cussler thrillers are written by the original Clive Cussler, his son Dirk or any of the myriad of legacy authors, they're all full of the action, mystery and a tad of cutting-edge fantasy we’ve become used to...In "Clive Cussler's Condor's Fury," we have the NUMA gang confronting a Cuban supervillain's threat via giant airships and nano technology that can change the balance or World power...Love these tales!!!

[Al Menaster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pacing was good, but this veered into sci fi with a plot kinda hard to believe.

[Colleen Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars for it being a wildly imaginative page turner!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The technology in this book was really interesting and the final confrontation was a very detailed account of how futuristic airships would actually handle being under attack.

[Jo Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as some of his

[Hope Ormiston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!! Full of suspense and action. Would make an awesome movie as well.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A freighter is towing a sinking disabled ship in the Carribean when they are swarmed with blinking lights and the crew becomes crazed . Enter Kurt and Zavala from NUMA who receive a distress signal from the freighter only to find just a few alive and their symptoms very odd.

Enter Dr. Pascal from the NUMA ship who seems to think it's a kind of brainwashing. They follow clues to a new company manufacturing magnificent airships that can bring freight much faster and more efficiently than freighters. Paul & Gamay are sent to the comanpy for a tour however, something seems off with the CEO of the firm. The more Kurt & Zavala investigate, the more they find former Cuban intelligence involved with the company and the strange disappearences of retired sailors from around the world all specializing in running nuclear subs.

Colon, former Cuban intelligence is determined to get all of Cuba back by dosing Guantanamo with the brainwashing dust and capturing a US nuclear sub to ransom for money to save Cuba. Somehow it doesn't end well for him

The usual crazy Kurt & Zavala impossible adventures.

[Craig Carignan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the story was pretty lame.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).

NUMA FILES: CONDOR’S FURY, bk20 read quickly, kept my interest and provided rather thought provoking ideas. (I recommend this series, as well as the other two of five I have read by Cussler: DIRK PITT series and OREGON FILES, to those who read: action-adventures, sea adventures, fast-moving character driven series).

CONDOR’S FURY ~
While working on a NUMA project in the Bahamian waters, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala become involved with pirate activities. A nearby cargo freighter sends an SOS for help and they are the closest to respond.

Upon arriving on the freighter, Kurt and Joe discover the captain has been shot and the rest of the officers and crew are either dead, missing, comatose or unable to recall clear details. A few tell of seeing “blinding lights in the sky,” of experiencing sudden unexplainable, severe head and body aches, and that pirates arrived out of nowhere. But fearing hallucinations occupying a deadly virus, the Bahamian government shrouds this latest incident in secrecy. (There have been 59 similar, unexplainable, global shipping incidents in the past 2yrs). The next day, as Kurt and Joe participate in the official investigation on the ship, now moored just off the Bahamas, a second swift and violent attack again occurs aboard the beleaguered freighter.

With its own people now drawn into the deadly mystery, NUMA leadership begins digging for answers regarding the violent events of the past 2yrs - Are all the thefts and attacks connected? If so, who leads this rogue group? Is the stolen cargo the main goal? Where are the various crewmen, who appear to be missing from the ships? Since a portion of the stolen cargo has negligible value, is there another ultimate goal beyond obtaining black-market goods?

Once NUMA begins digging, certain officials in the US Navy approach them for shared information. Some fear this uptick in piracy may be indicative of a much larger problem. And now that Kurt and Joe are involved, it is difficult to call them off.

Comments ~
1) CONDOR’S FURY is bk20 in Cussler’s NUMA series featuring Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala. This book (bks9-20) was written by Graham Brown. The various main characters & relationships continue to develop throughout the series but each book can be read as a Standalone title, or out of order.
2) I found CONDOR’S FURY scenario scarily possible in today’s world. I found myself discussing certain aspects with my aerospace husband. Yikes.
3) POV varies between Kurt Austin, the NUMA team and the antagonists; scenes switch back and forth frequently, and move quickly.
4) I always look forward to reading Cussler’s Adventure novels. As a scuba diver and the spouse of a pilot/engineer, I especially appreciate the inclusion of the many crazy flying, diving, and underwater-action scenes written into his books.
5) Clive Cussler died in Feb 2020 and if it wasn’t for his planning (getting authors alongside to co-author his various series) these books, and this series, might have ended. It’s a pleasure to see them continue.
6) I have read all of the books (once or more) in 3 Cussler series: DIRK PITT, NUMA FILES and OREGON FILES. I have enjoyed most of these very much and recommend them to Action-Adventure, Maritime Adventure, Character-driven readers. (The ISSAC BELL series is historical in nature and the FARGO ADVENTURES series features a husband/wife team. I haven’t read the former and didn’t enjoy the 1 bk I read in the latter, but YMMV). I feel the older (early books) in the DIRK PITT and NUMA FILES series are generally lighter in tone than the later books.

READER CAUTION ~ IMO, CONDOR’S FURY is appropriate for most readers who enjoys light, fast Action Adventure novels where the good guys might take a beating but always win in the end.
PROFANITY - Minimal, if any.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
VIOLENCE - PG/13+. Skirmishes and gun shots fired. Not particularly dark or graphic.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a thrilling read as ever. Kurt and Joe in the Caribbean against pirates, and governmental renegades, and the impending terror of PSYOPS and mind control and the renaissance of dirigibles.

[Ami Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published on the book blog Creature From the Book Lagoon.

Wow! Book # 20!? Where does the time go?? 😮

I think this is the first NUMA book since Clive passed away? I’m not sure…? I’m also not sure if Clive had left notes for this book before he died or if this was 100% a Graham Brown idea(s)?

I really enjoy Graham’s non-Clive books. His stories are very fun. His past work with Clive has been up and down. Condor’s Fury was………………. ok.

Condor’s Fury was ok because Kurt is just SO perfect!! He always wins his fights. He always knows the answers. When he doesn’t, he’s the first to figure shit out. He is basically Superman! How is that any fun?? :/ I know he is the leader of the (main characters) group, but with him being an ultra badass, none of the other characters really get a chance to stand out.

And once again, my favorite NUMA peeps, the Trouts, are barely doing anything the whole book. It felt like it was forever before they even show up!! 😡 The whole team is what makes this series work well. Condor’s Fury felt too one sided. Just not as fun! :/

The plot is also ok. I miss the historical tie-in the plots used to have. I guess that was more of Clive’s idea? And I didn’t fully understand the bad guy’s plan? Brainwashing and…. transportation…. or drugs…..? Huh, ok.

I’m going to keep reading the NUMA series, but this outing felt pretty mid.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was fun to read; it had a good mix of mystery, humor, and action. The character development is decent (mostly the new characters; Kurt and Joe remain pretty true to form throughout the book). I liked how the idea of using airships in the modern world was introduced and developed over the course of the novel; I could see something like that happening (maybe). The other bits of technology the various drones, the solid-state battery, and the ability to create nearly microscopic wafers in the form of "silicone dust particles" that allowed a person to be controlled once inhaled "scattered" throughout the book helped make the book fun to read as well; I thought the author did a solid job of blending the technology in with the story and not overwhelming the reader with information dumps. The book held my interest from start-to-finish, and it was a fast read for me.

It was interesting - I felt like the book focused almost exclusively on Kurt and Joe, that Gamay and Paul were strongly sidelined in this story. I don't think they showed up until nearly halfway through the book, and even then, they do not appear very much afterwards, either. Considering how an important part they have played in previous stories, I was surprised at how little they played in this book.

I wasn't sure how Kurt was going to beat being injected with the silicone dust particles, but I thought the author did a reasonable job explaining how Kurt was able to beat the villainous programming and retain his own mental faculties. On the one hand, he overrode some of the initial 'programming" through sheer force of will, and then once he regained control of his thoughts, he was able to create his own "mental programming" that allowed him to overcome the foes around him and then free his friend Joe from the mental programming. I think he may have jolted himself with electricity, too, which helped disrupt the initial effects of the attempts at mind control. It was pretty hard-core, though how Kurt ensured the particles inside of him were "shut down" - he zapped himself several times with electricity to ensure the dust-sized miniature control panels were completely short-circuited and no longer an issue.

Joe got the electroshock treatment as well, which was somewhat humorous in its own way.

I also thought it was interesting how the two airships at the end (Condor and Eagle) fought their "air battle" before the "good guys" won in the end. It was a crazy idea on the part of the Cuban officer/master spy - to take control of a U.S. nuclear submarine to blackmail the United States into acquiescing to Cuban demands while Cuba rewrote their future. He intended to create an incident at Guantanamo Bay using the dust to distract the Americans while he used some sleight of hand to capture a ballistic submarine and swap out the crew. The prize in the form of the submarine waited on the surface as the two airships battled overhead. It was a well-written segment of the book.

I thought at first all of the villains were going to be captured by the end of the book, so I was a little surprised when Kurt uses either a grenade launcher or heat-seeking missile to take out the main villain has he fled in a motorboat.

I strongly enjoyed that the enemies were not "omniscient" in this book like has seemed to be the case in other books. Those kinds of stories are always frustrating, when the enemy is "always" omniscient and omnipotent throughout the entire story, except for the moments where the villain cannot be omniscient or omnipotent in order to give the heroes a chance. That was not the case in this book, for which I was grateful because I felt it improved the book. The heroes were not given "cheats" that insulted the reader to win in the end, to overcome the villain's villainy. Instead, the heroes were able to win based on their smarts, their skills, and their grit (determination).

The last line of the book is fun: when asked, "where should we go?", he replies "to wherever the next adventure begins!" A solid ending for a fun book.

One thing that is somewhat funny to me is how the authors introduce some women into the mix for either Kurt or Joe, but it never really seems to go anywhere. There are two women introduced in this book as potential partners for Joe and Kurt, and only Joe seems to end up with a promise of a future "date" from the NUMA doctor (Dr. Pascal) upon his return to NYC. I thought Kurt might develop more of a relationship with Commander Wells, but it was not to be.

Also, it was odd having Commander Wells in the story - there were times it felt like the author forgot he had included her in the escapades of Kurt and Joe. She would "be there" in the mix with them, and then just suddenly seem to disappear, only to reappear when her presence was most needed. I kinda felt bad for her - she was a pretty cool character, and it seemed a shame the author did not utilize her more than he did and even forgot she was with Kurt and Joe at times it would have been beneficial for her to be there and be a part of their team.

It was fun seeing Rudy and Hiram in the story, too. I liked the parts they played, and I felt that Rudi got a bit more character development in this story than he usually does because we were introduced to an old Navy friend of his who was still in the Navy, but in Naval Intelligence. And kudos to the author on making Rudi's Navy friend an unwilling mole and spy; I felt something was off about him when he was introduced, but then I decided the author was just messing with me about this Navy officer's status, but then the author pulled a nice "triple cross" and introduced this commander as a brainwashed flunky. I wasn't "surprised"-surprised, but still thought it was nicely done. it is always funny to me to read Kurt and Joe interacting with these two characters. I think it is because Dirk and Al always interacted with Admiral Sandecker directly as well as Rudi and Hiram in nearly every story, and yet Kurt and Joe rarely seem to interact with Dirk and Al anymore. It feels like something is "missing", sometimes, but I also understand the dynamics "have changed" with Dirk now being in charge of NUMA and Sandecker being the V-P of the United States.

It was a fast read; it was a fun read. It held my attention from start to finish, and I am glad that I read this book. I could see myself reading it again. Next time I might bump it down to 3-stars, but for now, 4-stars it is.

[Cynde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysterious piracy is happening in the Caribbean, ghostly lights and men being attacked mentally, disappearances of men and machinery none of which makes sense to Kurt and Joe of NUMA. They come upon a freighter that is drifting - the crew is disabled and confused, some are comatose. It is evident they have been attacked by something. The crew that is alive and able to talk babble about lights in the sky and piercing noises. Kurt and Joe join an investigative team to search the ship as it is being transported by a dry dock to shore but the ship is attacked again and almost sinks the dry dock ship with the investigative team on board. Kurt and Joe manage to get the team off safely and save the ships. This begins a rash of attacks and dire situations that the team must work through to keep everyone safe and find out what is behind this all.. This book's villain and his means of attack are one of the most frightening I have read. I almost didn't want to read on for fear of one or more of the team would be harmed or killed.
This was a very exciting albeit frightening read that will be enjoyed by all readers of this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Gary Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

the sky’s the limit

Obviously Kurt and Joe are indestructible, with endless energy, and always with plans to win through. So another disaster averted, and the boys win out over evil. A lot of fantasy in the tale, but some good adventure, and Colon exits with a bang, whilst it’s all smiles for the Numa crew.
An enjoyable ride - so what’s the next great adventure?

[W.R. Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Condor's Fury" takes Clive Cussler's NUMA Files series on a high-flying adventure that blends cutting-edge technology with classic Cussler action. Imagine a world where mind control isn't just a sci-fi fantasy, and you'll have a taste of the intrigue that awaits Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala this time around.

Our intrepid NUMA duo find themselves embroiled in a dangerous game when a routine training mission in the Caribbean turns into a rescue operation with a sinister twist. A distress call leads them to a seemingly abandoned freighter, but what they find onboard is more perplexing than a ghost ship: a dead captain, a missing trawler, and a crew exhibiting bizarre, almost robotic behavior.

Cussler, with co-author Graham Brown at the helm, keeps the action coming at a breakneck pace. From underwater chases to daring aerial maneuvers, Kurt and Joe face a foe who wields technology as a weapon, pushing them to their limits. Expect thrilling confrontations, mind-bending mysteries, and enough technical jargon to make your head spin like a turbine engine.

Of course, it wouldn't be a NUMA Files adventure without a healthy dose of "how did they DO that?!" moments. Whether it's escaping a collapsing underwater cave or outmaneuvering a high-tech drone, Kurt and Joe's resourcefulness knows no bounds.

"Condor's Fury" is a thrilling blend of action, suspense, and cutting-edge science. It's a classic Cussler adventure with a modern twist, perfect for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Just be prepared to question the limits of technology and the power of the human mind. And maybe don't try those aerial stunts at home...unless you happen to have a super-advanced submersible plane handy.

[Joel Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent continuation of the adventures of Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala and their usual cast of accomplices. This book involves giant helium airships being hijacked to use in drone/chemical attacks which mind control the targets.

Once again, this book establishes the world of NUMA (National Underwater Marine Agency) as being just slightly outside of the one we know. In Raise the Titanic an anti-missile system is established that will knock missiles out of the sky (though this is never mentioned again in any of Cussler's books) and in this novel we have massive zeppelins plying the skies, carrying passengers and cargo during the COVID age when other shipping routes were being shut down or the ports completely backed up.

Another thing I've noticed about these books is that they are generally status quo stories. In other words, there aren't events that will change the course of future books. Everything must return to its original equilibrium. A reader might note that Kurt and Joe never seem to get into a romantic relationship that will last beyond that current book of the series, etc... This makes it easy entry for a reader. A reader can pick up any book of the series and not need a primer on past events. On the other hand, the series lacks some narrative momentum because of that.

These are merely observations of how the series and world are structured. I found this book highly enjoyable and I believe that the Kurt Austin books have eclipsed Cussler's other series when it comes to which series I most anticipate another book being released.

[Sandy Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Havana Syndrome gone wild. What if you could influence and/or overcome your enemies without losing a single soldier or destroying any of the loot in the process? An ambitious former Cuban Intelligence officer manages to insinuate himself into the Ostrom Airship Corporation run by a Brazilian visionary who has reimagined the zeppelin and created an almost indestructible, light weight, heavy load-bearing airship. A Cuban neuroscientist has expanded the possibilities of techniques used in the Havana syndrome to include the ability to insert post-hypnotic suggestion. Combining the two, the USA is the target. Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala of NUMA join forces with Naval Intelligence to find who in Naval Intelligence has been leaking information. It is another exciting novel in Clive Cussler's series (written expertly by Graham Brown) as our team experiences exciting adventures to stop the madman's plan.

[Mike Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Pyles adventure with Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala and crew. Curtain Joe once again stumble upon a conspiracy to cause chaos in the world. Evil man doing evil things. Toss in some communists and pirating on the Pisces along with kidnapping of sailors and cargo. What is going on as the only survivors claim to see UFOs and are halfway psychotic when they are found. Kurt and Joe get together with the Navy intelligence officer that is off the reservation trying to find out what happened to her partner and seek out what is going on. How bad can it get? Well throwing some UFOs a bit of mind control and some sci-fi extraordinaire and you’ll find out. Once again Clive Kessler cool riders have taken up the mantle of Clive Kessler and continued his great series of books and stories. Following in Clive path of imagination and daring the adventures continue.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A non-sanctioned faction in Cuba developed an experimental new neurological weapon. But it’s stolen by the developer for a personal vendetta.

The story takes Kurt & Joe on a search for deadly light drones and Paul & Gamay investigating a private airship builder.

I thought Paul and Gamay did a lot of swimming and scuba diving and now he’s concerned about getting sunburned?

Footnote: 1) The Hercules is very cool, but how in the world would the Bahamas able to afford a gigantic floating dry dock and why? I can see the US having one, maybe even Mexico, but the Bahamas?

Fave scenes: Dr. Pascal’s rule number one for Kurt, deploying the Hercules lifeboat, Max answering Yaeger’s inquiries and Captain Handley’s treatment.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a dull moment. Chock-full of thrills, this narrative is written with characters having no shades of gray. The good guys, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala employed by NUMA, a quasi US Government enterprise, are up against dastardly bad guys who intend to capture a US nuclear submarine and take over the world using its deadly weapons. Mostly, the story is set in the Caribbean, including Cuba.

Over the course of this action-packed, dangerous adventure, the mystery of Havana Syndrome is resolved; modern helium airships battle like pirate ships above the ocean in the sky; and human bioelectricity is manipulated to induce reliable hypnosis control of Cuban mercenaries using manufactured smart dust.

If you need a dose of pure, high-voltage entertainment, then this book is calling your name.

[Jerry Mount · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reviews of various Clive Cussler books must sound like a broken record. That is, my reviews are very similar, because the books are very similar. Within each series, the "NUMA Files" in this case, the books follow a rather strict formula. Two omnipotent, indestructible swashbucklers as the MCs, with a small supporting cast of secondary characters. There will be far flung high action adventures involving the oceans or other bodies of water. The action and adventure writing is good, worthy of a large budget action movie. The two weak points of all these books are: 1) Unrealism / Difficulty in suspending disbelief; and 2) Terrible villains that are totally cliched and stereotypical. If these two factors don't affect your reading enjoyment, then these books are an enjoyable thrill ride.

[David Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graham Brown does yet another outstanding job of continuing Clive Cussler's legacy. Racing in response to a distress call in the Caribbean, Kurt Austin and his sidekick Joe Zavala find themselves embroiled in a mystery of crews going psychotic or missing babbling about lights in the sky. They follow the evidence they discover to a multi-billion dollar airship company with an ex-Cuban intelligence officer as VP. The mystery becomes even more harrowing as they discover the diabolical plot that will have major repercussions for the United States unless it can be stopped. A great adventure that keeps you glued right up to the end.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC -- A typical NUMA read. I always enjoy the way that the 2 or 3 story lines are merged together at the end. From the very beginning, there was tons of action. I did find it strange and unusual that there was no real conclusion to the episode with the submersible. It was nice to see a larger focus on the Trout's and I'm hoping that we'll see more of Jodi Wells ( and that perhaps there could be a romance with Zavala). All in all, an enjoyable and engaging read. As always, I look forward to the next installment.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite good; if a little bit creepy. The main story focuses on Havana Syndrome. If you're not familiar with the term, look it up on Google. It's basically a new type of a directed energy weapon thought to have been employed recently against US embassy workers in Cuba. The main gist is that it can be used to hypnotize people and even control thought patterns in the human brain. This book fully explores its dangers and explains a theory about a countermeasure. This was one of the better Clive Cussler books I've read.