The Golden Buddha

Oregon Files #1

by Clive Cussler, Craig Dirgo

The New York Post called him "just about the best storyteller in the business." Now, Clive Cussler, creator of the bestselling NUMA(r) and Dirk Pitt(r) series, presents his latest and most intriguing high-seas action hero: the enigmatic captain of the Oregon, Juan Cabrillo.

Only Cabrillo could convert the interior of a nondescript lumber hauler into a state-of-the-art spy ship -- and only he could take the helm on the dangerous covert missions it carries out for whichever US agency pays the price.

In this first feature-length adventure, Cabrillo and his crew of expert intelligence and naval men must put Tibet back in the hands of the Dalai Lama by striking a deal with the Russians and Chinese. His gambling chip is a Golden Buddha containing records of vast oil reserves in the disputed land.

But first, he'll have to locate -- and steal -- the all-important artifact. And there are certain people who would do anything in their power to see him fail . . .

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

432 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

Cussler 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.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐
The Oregon spy ship is the coolest! A rusty-looking tramp steamer on the outside, high tech and armed on the inside. I love chairman Juan Cabrillo. The Oregon crew comprised of ladies and gents from intelligence and navy working for "The Corporation". They're mercenaries and are hired by large corporations or countries. They do good work.

Golden Buddha ties in the Dalai Lama's escape from Potala Palace, Tibet in 1959 going into exile and a stolen golden buddha with records of vast oil reserves in the Himalayas. Today, the Oregon crew must locate and bring back the golden statue and reinstate the Dalai Lama.

The Oregon Files is my favorite series from Clive, and my rating is not a mistake. Unfortunately, the first book Golden Buddha with co-author Craig Dirgo doesn't work for me. Too detailed, too long, too many characters, and too complicated (with China and Russia). After reading 6 books in this series, I can say with confidence that the series does get better! Bumping up for Oregon crew and narrator.

[Paul Weiss · Rating 1 out of 5]

My second last Cussler read!

How sad! I'm a Dirk Pitt fan from way, way back. For my money, Clive Cussler is a former heavyweight world champion in the thriller department! But in GOLDEN BUDDHA, he's reduced himself to the status of an overweight, out of shape punch drunk fighter that just doesn't know when to hang up the gloves and retire!

As a musican and former guitar teacher I took personal insult at one point in the story! Cussler would have his readers believe it is possible for a collection of non-musician mercenaries to substitute themselves for a professional band, lip-synch three sets of rock music and fake the instrument playing sufficiently well to stand up to the scrutiny of a few hundred people in close proximity at a private party! Give your head a shake, Clive!

For Juan Cabrillo, the chairman of the Corporation, a collection of high-tech wizards and mercenaries, think Mr Phelps of former Mission Impossible fame! Monica Crabtree is a slutty version of Barbara Bain with boobs on steroids! If that comparison seems a little silly, keep it in mind when you try reading GOLDEN BUDDHA if you feel like you've got a few hours to blow on something that just doesn't make the grade! Some of the one liners will give you a wan smile or two but, frankly, I was generally uncertain as to whether Cussler was trying to be serious or trying to satirize himself and the thriller genre. It doesn't matter - whichever one you believe it is - Cussler didn't succeed anyway!

The thing that makes me angrier than anything else is that I've already purchased THE TROJAN ODYSSEY. So I will read it but unless Cussler pulls a real rabbit out of his hat, he's off my list! Maybe I can persuade a second hand book store to give me a buck or two to take them off my hands.


Paul Weiss

[William · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you take a look at the cover of this book, Clive Cussler's name is clearly the focus of the page, but the words inside are, for the most part, certainly not his words. I know the recent trend of some authors is to allow their names to be used as a launch pad for young and upcoming writers (a la Craig Dirgo) but the Golden Buddha is a great example of why this practice is destined to fail. When I pick up a Cussler novel, I want a Cussler plot: action-packed, detailed, and over the top. And while this wasn't the worst book I have ever read, I don't want this. Golden Buddha was confusing because of the quick changes in the POV in each chapter and the vast array of characters for whom I didn't really care about. Especially Chairman Cabrillo or his crew. In an attempt to come off as modern day Robin Hoods, Cabrillo instead comes off as an uncaring mercenary with few if any ethics. Unlike Dirk Pitt who loathes killing his adversaries (the mark of a true hero) Cabrillo et al pick off their opponents haphazardly and without remorse. He drugs unsuspecting and innocent guests at a party, and supports the violent retaking of Tibet in the name of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama of all people. If you want to read a good Cussler novel, don't pick up this volume of the Oregon Files.

[Kandice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just didn’t enjoy this. Don’t get me wrong, I can tell Cussler knows how to weave a plot, it’s just not one I want to unravel. My favorite part of the book is the fact that this super equipped, awesome-sauce ship is disguised to look like a pile of crap. Unfortunately, a small curiosity is not enough to keep me reading Cussler’s books.

I can honestly say I gave him a shot.

[Fred Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of well financed mercenaries, a boat that looks like a wreck but contains high tech defensive and offensive systems and can travel 70 knots a Golden Buddha that weighs 696 pounds of solid gold, a crooked art dealer, two egotistical billionaires and a standoff between the Russians and the Chinese. Stir it all up and you have a romping adventure.

In Clive Cussler’s spin-off series from his Dirk Pitt series he has established another skilful and charismatic hero.

In the first book of the series we start off with a minor assignment for the Chairman of the Corporation (Juan Cabrillo) in Cuba to rescue some political prisoners in an air tight escape proof jail. However to the employees of the Corporation this just meant a little more planning. With their usual bravado they breached the jail and released the prisoners who were in poor physical condition.

Having the actually carry 5 prisoners on their backs because of the weakened condition they were in the crew were able to get all the prisoners back to the Oregon and swiftly taken to Puerto Rico to be eventually transferred to Florida.

This adventure series is as much about the Oregon as it is about its crew. The Oregon is described as 560 feet long, with a 75 foot beam. It has internal water tanks so it can intake water and sink low so that it looks like it has a load of something on board, or pump the water tanks out and site high. This is particularly important when going for top speed which is noted as 70 knots (approx 80mph).

Also on board are two submarines, a helicopter, ATV’s, sea to air missiles, anti aircraft guns and explosives galore.

The main adventure in the book is return to Golden Buddha to the Dalai Lama the religious leader of Tibet.

The crooked art dealer comes into play as while transporting the Golden Buddha to one billionaire he swaps in a fake and sells the original to another billionaire. It is up to the Corporation to return the real Golden Buddha to the Dalai Lama who is returning to Tibet after 20 years in exile.

For readers who are into politics the story line gives many insights into the political machinations that occurs when political leaders are guessing what is going on and not really aware of what is going on. This is highly entertaining as we know, sort of, what is really going on and can laugh at all the postering going on.

HIGHLY recommended

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Clive Cussler book and I chose it because I needed an audio book both my hubby and I could listen to and enjoy. Normally we choose a Tom Clancy book, but all the ones available from the library were to long. We enjoyed this story and loved the twists and turns of the plot. The men and women of the "Corporation" were nothing short of brilliant in their execution of the plan to reinstall the Dali Lama at the rightful ruler of Tibet, and make a few million on the side.

Juan Cabrillo is the Chairman of the Corporation, an extremely high tech group of white hat mercenaries who operate out of a derelict freighter that they have turned into a state of the art spy ship, The Oregon, while losing none of the charm and disguise of the freighter. The work for whatever agency that will pay their price, but always on the side of the good guys.

Their mission this time is to put the Dalai Lama back on the throne of Tibet. Their first task is to steal the Golden Buddha, which is the key to the success of this endeavor. It all comes down to outwitting cut throats and the Chinese military, but the game is on and with a bit of bait and switch and some slight of hand, they pull it off. Now for the tough part.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decent story, but excessive profanity and some crude allusions messed this up for me.

[Clem · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good God this book was awful.

A trend that I notice when people review books that they don’t like (and I’m guilty of this as well) is that they’ll state “(Author’s Name) could NOT have possibly written this book!....”. The sentiment being that the reviewer has read previous offerings by the author that they really enjoyed, yet the current book being reviewed is way under par. In many cases, the reviewer is just blowing off steam. This book, however, I will go to my grave firmly convinced that Clive Cussler had virtually nothing to do with this disaster.

It should be pointed out that in the last 15 years or so, Cussler “writes” a multitude of books every year, each with different co-authors. It really doesn’t take a genius to see that so many undertakings are simply impossible for anyone, no matter how talented. I’ve read several of his books that have been co-authored, and most fall in the range of anywhere between “o.k.” to “excellent”, so I don’t mind reading these other excursions. This book, however, set a new low.

This is the first of his “Oregon Files” series. He authored it with Craig Dirgo (the two collaborated on a couple of non-fiction books, I think). Cussler is still releasing “Oregon Files” books, but he’s moved on to working with at least one other author (you need a mainframe computer to keep up with all of Cussler’s writing buddies). The only other “Oregon File” I’ve read was “Plague Ship” which Cussler wrote with Jack Dubrul. I really didn’t care for that one either, but it’s miles ahead of this one.

Unlike some other of Cussler’s series of books, the Oregon Files really doesn’t have a central character. Yes, there is a “main guy” (Juan Cabrillo), but he’s not allowed the same amount of spotlight time as characters such as Dirk Pitt, Kurt Austin, Or Isaac Bell. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but Cussler and Dirgo simply have too many characters on the Oregon ship for the reader to stay focused. I simply couldn’t remember who was who, and what everyone’s role was. It seems that this “Oregon” ship, is sort of a spy ship that Cabrillo and company use to perform mercenary missions that are too dangerous for legitimate government agencies.

When the Dalai Lama was exiled out of Tibet in the 1950s, a 600 pound “Golden Buddha” statue was stolen from him. With the powers that be working on reinstating the Dalai Lama, it makes sense that an effort be put into place that will recover the mammoth statue. A pretty monumental task. So Cabrillo and company are called in to set the wheels in motion. O.K. So far, so good.

The rest of the story goes downhill fast. REAL fast. There really isn’t any “story” from this point on. The remainder of the book is basically one long action sequence with a multitude of people running around in every possible direction. I simply couldn’t keep track of all of the players in this farce, but to be honest, at some point I refused to continue to make any effort. I simply didn’t care. The actions within these pages were so absurd, that this book might have actually been better had it been written as a slapstick comedy instead of any attempt at a serious tale. As a “real adventure”, this book simply doesn’t work.

Example: Near the beginning of this caper, the Golden Buddha is “owned” by a billionaire who is throwing a lavish party. Cabrillo and crew figure that they must “infiltrate” the party to steal this thing. The way the crew does this is flat out ridiculous. It seems as though there is a band that is supposed to play at the party, so the Oregon crew somehow prevent the real band from showing up, and several members on the Oregon that have no musical talent nor expertise whatsoever masquerade as the “real” band so they can place themselves directly at the scene of the upcoming crime. They really don’t “need” any musical experience since they have “computers” that they can hook up to the sound system that will masquerade their lack of talent, and they do practice together for a few hours rehearsing all of the hand movements necessary to play the instruments. I can’t believe the authors would believe that their readers could possibly be this stupid to believe such a tactic could possibly work.

Then we have other members of the crew that “disguise” themselves as real people to infiltrate the gathering as well. No problem. They just kidnap the real people and hide them. You would think that people who know these kidnapped individuals would be able to tell the real person from an amateur in disguise. Never mind. There are other ridiculous occurrences as well, but I won’t divulge them in case someone reading this might want to actually tackle this book. Don’t say I didn’t warn you if you do.

The book only gets worse. I tend to be a completest when it comes to reading some of my favorite authors, but someone is going to have to twist my arm pretty hard before I read another one of these “Oregon” deals. A big big waste of time, effort and money.

[Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars for Golden Buddha: Oregon Files, Book 1 (audiobook) by Clive Cussler and Craig Dirgo read by Rich Orlow.

I read Marauder, the fifteenth book in the series recently and liked it. I decided to go back to the beginning and see how these characters got their start.

I think I enjoy the Numa and Dirk Pitt series more. I’m having trouble believing in this mercenary corporation with this unbelievably high tech ship that’s out to do good. Particularly when the Captain is trying to explain to the Dalai Lama that freeing Tibet is profitable for the Coporation.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Clive Cussler series begins with “Golden Buddha” , first novel from the Oregon Files. He weaves together Tibet, Russia, Putin, China, the Dali Lama with a double-crossing art dealer, a newly rich former Macao thug and drug runner named Ho, and a spoiled billionaire software from SF.

The one thing that didn’t appear within this novel was the author himself. Often Cussler writes in a minor character- named Clive Cussler. But that didn’t happen in this one.

This book was well written and I think that if you like thrillers you’ll enjoy this.

[Jay Schutt · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book honestly stank. I got the sense around page 150, but kept going because I have enjoyed so many of Cussler's books in the past. I did not finish this one. Gave up after 250 pages. This was co-written, and I think Cussler had very little to do with it. Just not up to his usual standards like his Dirk Pitt series.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Golden Buddha is Clive Cussler and Craig Dirgo's first foray into a clandestine group of operatives based on a ship that travels international waters in search of mercenary operations both of moral and monetary value. Captain of this ship is Juan Cabrillo, a seasoned ex-CIA operative, whose experienced crew comes from all walks of security life; from helicopters pilots to disguise experts, to computer technicians, to snipers, to seasoned soldiers. Similar to the Dirk Pitt or Kurt Austin series, it's pulp fiction at it's finest, with a fast moving place that rarely offers time to breathe. Cabrillo and his crew begin with an operation in Santiago Cuba rescuing Cuban political prisoners under Castro wishing to make it to the United States.

From there, the plot centers around the Dalai Lama's political exile in India with a priceless Golden Buddha statue that Cabrillo's team steals in Macau alongside the eventual accession of the Dalai Lama back to his native Tibet. On the way the intricate theft and political finesse trick two greedy billionaires, the police of Macau, and the Chinese government itself. It's one of those classic Cussler novels that you get sucked into but doesn't offer much thought when the last page is turned. Still, it'll be interesting to read further into the series to see where it goes.

[矢倉穴熊 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cussler is one of the few authors who have NEVER disappointed me and I buy his books day of release without fail. I even liked his collaborations with Dirgo as it always seemed to me to be a Cussler book, UNTIL NOW. I totally agree with the reviewer who wrote that the book just died. Reading about the Dali Lama got me hooked as i thought there would be a few plots going on at once and the Dali Lama part could be quite intriguing. Did Cussler even see the book before Dirgo went to publisher?
I kept waiting for something other than the one event to happen. All these uninteresting characters that were not developed and no place for them to go. Who cares about this caper? I am on page 300 now and i couldn't believe that it took 300 pages to get to this point in the story so i came to Amazon to see it if was just me. It's not. I am only finishing this book because the name Cussler is attached. If this had been an unknown author, I would have stopped a long time ago as it is a terrible story, terribly concocted with only the first chapter or two having any interest. This is SO NOT CUSSLER. The writing is repetitive and boring as if he is trying to be Cussler but failing miserably. Ok, done. Wish the book was.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the complicated cons the crew of the Oregon pulled with elaborate costumes and disguises. Seemed more like a troup of actors than mercenaries. However these guys are mercenaries working for profit though usually working towards a worthy goal. They just work "at any cost" to get their objective completed. Some of their actions were terrorist-like and that was disturbing. They were hired to return the golden Buddha to Tibet and then they volunteered to put the Dhali Lama back in power. This led to a war between the Russians, the Chinese and the Tibetans.

Had I known that was the ultimate goal in this novel, I wouldn't have read it. I don't like war stories and don't condone terrorist activities so I had trouble finishing this as the military stuff took over the second half of the book. I was totally turned off with all the bloodshed. If you don't mind (or even like) this type of story, you will enjoy this book. It is well written and very complicated with lots and lots of characters.

[Brenda H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new Clive Cussler series for me. Different from the Dirk Pitt books I'm most familiar with, this has an ensemble cast. Yes, it still has the classic cars and the detailed technical descriptions, but you don't get the same character building. I am guessing that will happen as I get to know the members of the team better in later books. In any case, it was an interesting, enjoyable read that I would recommend to readers who enjoy action adventure (or as my favorite used bookstore labels it, Men's Fiction...lol)

Book Description: Juan Cabrillo's first adventure with the Oregon-a state of the art spy ship disguised as a nondescript lumber hauler-takes him and his crew into dangerous waters, as they try to put Tibet back in the hands of the Dalai Lama by striking a deal with the Russians and the Chinese.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book without being a great book. Being the first book in the series it was a good introduction to the many characters that make up the Corporation. It was interesting how the author tried to weave a real situation into the plot line, i.e. The Dalai Lama being in exile. It has caught my interest enough to continue reading on in the series, especially given the recommendations of people whose reading opinions I respect. I do feel the characters could do with a bit more fleshing out and I hope that will come in future books in the series. This book certainly took me around the world, now which country and city doi want to use for my Round the World Challenge!

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave it a 3 just because there were a lot of characters I couldn't keep track of.

Otherwise, It was a good and a detailed one. It feels good to resume Cussler again. I don't regret my decision. I have complains towards the narrator though. It could be better. I did have a feeling that it would be way more fun to read the original book rather than the narration. I did not have this feeling when I was reading other Cussler books(narration) back in 2009/2010. So, yes a little blame on the narrator.

[Challis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty enjoyable. I loved the idea of having unlimited funds, firepower, connections, disguises, skills, intelligence etc in order to accomplish your "righteous" mission. I thought the book should've ended about 3/4 or 8/10 of the way through. It got tiresome towards the end when the espionage aspect took over. The who is schmoozing who, how to connive and buy votes and hide money and so forth was not as interesting to me as the ACTION.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first of a great new adventure series by Clive Cussler, about a "Corporation" that is hired by various conutries to take care of situations for them. The Corporation is extremely well-funded and covert, and pride themselves on only excepting jobs that "right wrongs." This story was about them procuring a golden buddha that had been stolen from the Dalai Lama, as well as helping him return to power in Tibet. It was a fun and exciting read.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

First entry in the Oregon Files series.

Juan Cabrillo and the Corporation steal not one, but two large golden Buddha statues as part of a plan to restore The Dalai Lama back into power in Tibet.

Lots of derring-do and excitement. I really enjoyed it.

[Eli - Bookworm & Vine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, a lot of characters all using two names each. It was a little hard to follow who everyone was but still a good exciting read.

[Andrew · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too dumb even for me.

[Sam Silverwood · Rating 1 out of 5]

Imagine a bad action movie. You know, the kind that's full of plot holes and moves very quickly in the hopes that you won't notice. Now imagine an average person writing everything that happens in that movie, including every little uninteresting and unimportant detail. Also included are a plethora of characters and so many changes in viewpoint that it's nearly impossible to keep track of everyone and everything. That's what this book felt like. I don't even know why I finished it. Probably just because I didn't have anything good at the time.

The book is about some supposedly good mercenaries who make money and help others at the same time. However, the whole thing is about a plot to steal a golden Buddha statue, as well as a fake of it. Both statues were paid for in good faith, although the person who bought the fake thought it was real. So both owners lost out on a huge amount of money due to the thefts. How is this illegal action good?

What I can't figure out is if these so-called good guys really wanted the statue so much, why didn't they just buy it at the auction? They even had a guy there who put in a bid, supposedly just to make the price go higher. That would have been so much easier, and possibly even cheaper, (not to mention legal) than planning to steal it after the auction. And they would have spoiled the plot of the agent who afterward switched the real statue for a fake, and then sold the real one to someone else.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Golden Buddha is the first book in the Oregon Files by Clive Cussler. This is an engrossing action-adventure with all the trademark touches that I have come to expect from Mr. Cussler.
->2023 Reading Challenge.
->Glennie's Collection
-> This one's for you Glennie 🥰🙏💗📚📖
Clive Cussler novels were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up, as both my parents loved his work. He was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I explored at the time, and over the years I have read everything he’s written.
Since my mother passed away over a year ago, I have been making my way through her book collection, finally- reading each one as part of my reading challenge, as well as a way to pay tribute to my mum, who was such a voracious reader..... Reading her collection of books has stirred up a lot of memories, mostly really great ones of our shared love of reading. I am forever grateful that she passed on her love of reading to me. 🥰🙏💗📚📖

[John Strange · Rating 2 out of 5]

An unwitting caper comedy with convoluted action and unlikely to succeed in real life plans (an improvised band of non-musicians? Imposters who just walk in and are accepted?) The number of named-but-irrelevant characters was excessive for a single-volume action thriller. I finished it despite wondering why it hadn't ended much earlier. Quick read though if you don't try to believe what's going on.

[Christian D. D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun-filled and fast-paced first novel in the Oregon Files series. A worthwhile introduction to Juan Cabrillo and his intrepid members of "The Corporation." The book also does a fine job of bringing attention to the injustices suffered by the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet at the hands of the PRC.

[Eadie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining adventure read but I would prefer a little mystery mixed with the adventure. The characters were interesting but too many to keep track of. The plot was a little confusing at times but came together in the end. I look forward to check out his Isaac Bell series as I feel I would enjoy that series better.

[Ben Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good international thriller

This wasn’t it. I found it, frankly, kind of boring. Too many characters, I couldn’t Lee up with the plot threads, and kept forgetting who was who. Tom Clancy would do his readers a favor and when he switched scenes or dialog, he’d skillfully remind you who the character(s) were. This book seemed “hurried” on the one hand and trite on the other. I kept losing interest. I’ve read other books by Cussler and remember enjoying them, so maybe I just wasn’t in the mood.

[Darren · Rating 3 out of 5]

TITLE: The Golden Buddha

AUTHOR(S): Clive Cussler & Craig Dirgo

GENRE: Thriller

PAGES: 365

FORMAT: E-Book

If you are looking for action and adventure, you really need to look no further than Clive Cussler. Widely known for his character, Dirk Pitt, he also has several other series that have garnered a lot of attention.

The Golden Buddha is the first book in his “Oregon Files” series. The hero, Juan Cabrillo, was first introduced in Flood Tide (Dirk Pitt series #14), and has found new life in his own series. His ship, The Oregon, looks like a broken down trawler that is on it’s last day, but looks are deceiving. Inside the rusted hull lie a state of the art spy ship befitting a crew of high priced mercenaries. But this crew is a bunch of mercenaries with a conscience. They are in it for the money, but also for the right cause.

In this book, the right cause is returning the Dalai Lama and his people to Tibet, and break the yoke of Chinese rule. To do this, they must steal a golden statue of Buddha, that belonged to the Tibetan people, and return it to its rightful place. On the whole, this is what the story breaks down to.

So, to be honest, this was a book that i would pick up, then put down, pick up then pout down. I really did not feel compelled to just go ahead and finish it until I got within the last fifty or so pages. That is not to say it was bad, but it was average and in places predictable. Where certain events in the book could have been amped up with some second guessing, I pretty much knew that things were going to work out and the heroes somewhat skate on by. This book had so much potential to do so much more, especially with some of the outlandish plans to meet their objective, in the end they skated on by.

All in all I give this 3.5 bookmarks out of 5

[Carson Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. First of the Oregon files, Corporation has to steal the Golden Buddha to return it to the Dahli Lama and get the Chinese out of Tibet.
Billionaire Po had a party where they snuck in as a band, and they stole a 747. Didn’t like the big part about the golden Buddha flowing through the sewer lines, very confusing about size of tunnels and whatnot.