Title: Fire Ice
Author: Clive Cussler
First published June 3, 2002
544 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780425190647 (ISBN10: 0425190641)
Rating: 3.93
Overview
Deep in the heart of Russia, a powerful oligarch has declared himself the rightful ruler of the country, citing an ancient lineage of czars. With vast wealth at his disposal, he is determined to overthrow the current government and will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.
But when the United States becomes embroiled in a crisis of its own, he sees an opportunity to strike. As the world teeters on the brink of chaos, a small group of adventurers sets out to stop him.
With heart-pounding action and breathtaking suspense, Fire Ice is another thrilling masterpiece from the incomparable Clive Cussler.
About the Author
Clive Cussler was an accomplished novelist and non-fiction writer. He started writing novels in 1965 and introduced his famous series hero, Dirk Pitt, in 1973.
In 1996, he published his first non-fiction book, The Sea Hunters. The Maritime College, State University of New York, was so impressed with the book that they awarded Cussler a Doctor of Letters degree in May 1997.
This was the first time the college had ever given this degree since it was founded in 1874.
Cussler was a renowned expert on shipwrecks and the founder of the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), a non-profit organization named after the fictional Federal agency in his novels. NUMA is dedicated to preserving American maritime and naval history.
Cussler and his team of marine experts and NUMA volunteers discovered over 60 underwater wreck sites, including the Confederate submarine Hunley and its victim, the Union’s Housatonic, the U-20, which sank the Lusitania, and the Republic of Texas Navy warship, Zavala, which was found under a parking lot in Galveston.
In addition to being the Chairman of NUMA, Cussler was a fellow in both the Explorers Club of New York and the Royal Geographic Society in London. He also received the Lowell Thomas Award for outstanding underwater exploration.
Cussler’s books have been published in over 40 languages in more than 100 countries. His international bestsellers include his Dirk Pitt series, the non-fiction books The Sea Hunters and Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed, and the NUMA® Files and Oregon Files novels.
Clive Cussler passed away on February 24, 2020, at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Editoral Review
Clive Cussler’s “Fire Ice” is a thrilling adventure novel that takes readers on a wild ride through the icy depths of the Arctic. Cussler, a bestselling author known for his action-packed tales of suspense, delivers another gripping tale filled with danger, intrigue, and larger-than-life characters.
The novel follows the adventures of Kurt Austin, a member of an elite group known as the NUMA Special Assignments Team. When a mysterious underwater vessel is discovered in the Arctic, Kurt and his team are called in to investigate.
What they discover is a deadly conspiracy involving a powerful energy corporation, a rogue environmentalist group, and a secret weapon that could destroy the world as we know it. Cussler’s writing is sharp and fast-paced, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the frozen tundras of the Arctic.
He weaves in a variety of scientific and historical elements, from the mysteries of the polar ice caps to the legacy of Nazi Germany. Throughout the novel, Cussler maintains a high level of suspense, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.
The characters in “Fire Ice” are a colorful and diverse bunch, from the steely Kurt Austin to the enigmatic scientist Skye Labelle. Cussler does a good job of developing each character’s backstory and motivations, adding depth to the overall narrative.
However, some of the dialogue can be a bit cliched and predictable, and some of the characters feel like stock archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. One of the real strengths of “Fire Ice” is its exploration of contemporary environmental issues, such as the impact of climate change on the Arctic and the dangers of corporate greed.
Cussler takes a nuanced approach to these topics, highlighting the complexities of the issues while still delivering an exciting adventure story. Overall, “Fire Ice” is a fun and engaging read that delivers on its promises of thrills, chills, and excitement.
While it may not be the most intellectually stimulating work of literature, it is a great beach read that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. For fans of Clive Cussler’s other works, “Fire Ice” is definitely worth adding to your collection.
If you’re new to the genre of adventure novels, this is a great place to start. But be warned – once you start reading, it’s hard to put this book down.
Score: 3.5/5 stars. While “Fire Ice” is not without its flaws, it is an enjoyable and well-crafted novel that will appeal to anyone who loves a good adventure story.