Book Review: The Eye of Heaven, by Clive Cussler

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Clive Cussler, probably The Master of adventure

Clive Cussler has been one of my favorite authors since I picked up a copy of Raise the Titanic many years ago. It was such a fun adventure featuring Dirk Pitt that subsequently the rest of his books landed in my cart.  Still today I read most of them.  He has several series now, some written solo, others co-written with a variety of writers.

This is the sixth book in the Fargo series, this one  co-written by Cussler and Russell Blake.  This particular series has had a variety of co-authors, including Thomas Perry (author of The Butcher’s Boy and the Jane Whitefield series) and Grant Blackwood (author of the Brigg Tanners series), who has co-authored with Tom Clancy and James Rollins as well as Clive Cussler.

The Arctic Ice to the Mexican heat

On a trip north to Baffin Island in the arctic, deep sea treasure hunters Remy and  Sam Fargo, are helping chart glacial melting using special equipment. When the equipment signals something metal in the ice ahead, the last thing they expect to find is an ancient viking ship, completely encased deep in ice.  The ship is preserved so well, that even the remaining crew are there on board,  frozen as they were when they died.

As a historical find, it’s hugely significant but what the ship carries takes it far beyond that.  It’s carrying pre-Colombian artifacts from Mexico.  It shouldn’t have been possible. There was no record of the Vikings traveling that far south. The shock of it overrides everything else to the Fargos and the adventure begins.

What was the Eye of Heaven

The find sends Remy and Sam on a worldwide search.  One of their specialties is research.  Their knack for rooting out hidden and lost treasure is unsurpassed.  What their research finds this time is the Eye of Heaven, a perfect emerald as big as a man’s heart.

There are others who follow the Fargos, knowing their abilities, and it seems they are always just a step behind them. They too are soon after the emerald, but for completely different reasons.

History and archaeology combined in a treasure hunt

First we get a bit of Viking history, then we head to Mexico to learn more about the civilizations that were once there.  t was fascinating to read about Toltec serpent god Quetzalcoatl, and very interesting to follow their research and discovery.  All in all it was an exciting story that went fast!

While I did enjoy this tale, I have to admit that the Fargo series is not my favorite from Mr. Cussler.  Dirk Pitt and N.U.M.A. will always hold first place, but the Oregon Files with Juan Cabrillo and his derelict ship and the N.U.M.A Files featuring Kurt Austin are somehow more to my liking.

Yet, a treasure hunt makes for a fun, entertaining read.   No doubt I will be back with book seven when it is released.

Havana Storm is the latest Dirk Pitt adventure. It’s waiting in my cart right now.  The 23rd in the series, Dirk is always up for an adventure, and always so skilled at what he does!  You can’t go wrong with his series.

 

Piranha, co written by Clive Cussler and Boyd Morrison is the 10th book that will be released in the Oregon Files series.  It is scheduled for release on May 26, 2015 and is now available for pre-order.  If you haven’t read of Juan Cabrillo, cruising around in what looks like a derelict ship, you are in for a surprise.  Another terrific character and crew that is always a pleasure to sail with.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry Citarella, often writing as Merrci, writes on a wide range of topics. Recently relocated to the Oregon Coast in the northwest United States, she frequently writes travel features on the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She specializes in health and aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, food, lifestyle, and book reviews. For more information you can see her on The Writers’Door. You can read more articles here or at her websites Alzheimers HQ and Simple Living Ideas

Author: Merry

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