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Summary and Reviews of Valhalla Rising by Clive Cussler

Valhalla Rising by Clive Cussler

Valhalla Rising

by Clive Cussler
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  • First Published:
  • Aug 1, 2001, 544 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Jul 2002, 528 pages
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About This Book

Book Summary

The past and the future collide for Dirk Pitt in the most audacious novel yet from the grandmaster of adventure fiction.

Ancient Legends Collide with the Future. Ancient Evils Rise from the Deep.

The past and the future collide for Dirk Pitt in the most audacious novel yet from the grandmaster of adventure fiction.

"Clive Cussler has no equal," writes Publishers Weekly, and he proved it again with the intricate plotting and astonishing set pieces of his number-one bestselling Atlantis Found. Fans wanted to know how he could possibly top itand the answer is Valhalla Rising.

It is July 2003. In the middle of its maiden voyage, the luxury cruise ship Emerald Dolphin suddenly catches fire and sinks. What caused it? Why didn't the alarms go off? What was its connection to the revolutionary new engines powering the ship? NUMA special projects director Dirk Pitt races to rescue the passengers and investigate the disaster, but he has no idea of the bizarre events that are about to engulf him.

Before the next few weeks are over, Pitt will find himself confronted by an extraordinary series of monsters, both human and mechanical, modern and ancient. He will tread upon territory previously known only to legend. And, at the end of it all, though many lives will be lost, and many saved, it is Pitt's own life that will be changed forever...

Filled with dazzling suspense and breathtaking action, Valhalla Rising is Cussler at the height of his storytelling powers.

Chapter One
June 1035
Somewhere in North America

They moved through the morning mist like ghosts, silent and eerie in phantom ships. Tall, serpentine prows arched gracefully on bow and stern, crowned with intricately carved dragons, teeth bared menacingly in a growl as if their eyes were piercing the vapor in search of victims. Meant to incite fear into the crew's enemies, the dragons were also believed to be protection against the evil spirits that lived in the sea.

The little band of immigrants had come across a hostile sea in long, elegantly shaped black hulls that skimmed the waves with the ease and stability of trout in a peaceful brook. Long oars reached from holes in the hulls and dipped into the dark water, pulling the ships through the waves. Their square red-and-white striped sails hung limp in the listless air. Small lapstrake boats twenty feet long and carrying extra cargo were tied to the sterns and towed behind.

These people were the precursors of...

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Reviews

Media Reviews

Publishers Weekly
The master of action/adventure fiction strikes oil with this nonstop thriller.... nothing will prepare even longtime Cussler fans for the major surprise he drops at the end.

Booklist
As somewhat of a bonus, a plot twist dropped in during the last few pages hints at a follow-up work. This novel is great fun to read and will prove to be as popular as the rest of the series.

Library Journal
No one will ever mistake Cussler's works for great literature, but they are great fun. For any beach, vacation cabin, or library.

Reader Reviews

Salys

By far Cussler's best!!
Valhalla Rising was my 12th Cussler book in under a year and I must say it was definitely the best. The best part of Dirk Pitt's adventures is that they don't have to be historically accurate in order to be a good story. The shocking twists make the ...   Read More
uber

awesome!!!!!!!!!
Ryon

Great book. This is my first Dirk Pitt novel, and I thought it was fantastic. The surprise at the end was difficult to believe, but I thout it was exiting. I am a 14 year old from Canada, and was deeply entertained.5/5
Nathaniel

Cussler has done it again!!! Now, it's surprising that some people would say, "This book stinks," when this is one of his best books ever. He is soooooo good!!!! I just can't wait for his next book!!

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