Title: The Silent Sea
Author: Clive Cussler
First published March 9, 2010
403 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780399156250 (ISBN10: 0399156259)
Rating: 4.14
Overview
Clive Cussler’s latest novel is a thrilling adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Join Juan Cabrillo and his team of fearless individuals as they embark on their most dangerous mission yet.
When a mysterious artifact is discovered on a remote island, Cabrillo is determined to uncover its secrets. But as he delves deeper into the mystery, he realizes that there is far more at stake than he ever could have imagined.
With time running out, Cabrillo and his team must use all of their skills and expertise to unravel the ancient curse that has been unleashed. Will they succeed in their quest, or will they fall victim to the deadly consequences of their actions?
Find out in this pulse-pounding adventure from one of the greatest thriller writers of our time.
About the Author
Clive Cussler was a prolific writer who started penning novels in 1965. He created his recurring protagonist, Dirk Pitt, and published his first book in the series in 1973.
In 1996, he released his first non-fiction work, The Sea Hunters. Cussler’s vast knowledge of shipwrecks and maritime history led to the Board of Governors of the Maritime College, State University of New York, awarding him a Doctor of Letters degree in May 1997 for his book, making him the first recipient of this degree since the college’s inception in 1874.
As an internationally recognized expert on shipwrecks, Cussler founded the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving American maritime and naval history. Cussler and his crew of marine experts and NUMA volunteers discovered over 60 historically significant underwater wreck sites, including the Confederate submarine Hunley, which sank the Union’s Housatonic, and the U-20, the German U-boat that sank the Lusitania.
Cussler was the Chairman of NUMA and a fellow of the Explorers Club of New York and the Royal Geographic Society in London. He received the Lowell Thomas Award for outstanding underwater exploration.
Cussler’s books were translated into over 40 languages and published in more than 100 countries. He wrote many international bestsellers, including the Dirk Pitt series and the NUMA Files novels, which he co-wrote with Paul Kemprecos.
He also collaborated with his son Dirk Cussler on several books, including Black Wind. Cussler’s non-fiction works include Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed and The Sea Hunters.
Clive Cussler passed away on February 24, 2020, at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Editoral Review
The Silent Sea by Clive Cussler is a thrilling action-adventure novel, first published on March 9, 2010. Cussler is a renowned author of marine-themed novels, with over 70 novels to his name.
The Silent Sea is the seventh book in the popular “The Oregon Files” series, written in collaboration with co-author Jack Du Brul. The book is a hybrid of a thriller and a maritime adventure, featuring a crew of misfits and adventurers on board the Oregon, a state-of-the-art research vessel that doubles as a covert intelligence-gathering operation for hire.
The book is set in modern times but draws heavily on historical events, particularly those of World War II. The main plot revolves around a secret mission to recover a lost German submarine that is believed to have valuable information that could alter the course of history.
The mission is fraught with danger, as the Oregon and its crew navigate treacherous waters, evade enemy forces, and uncover a nefarious conspiracy that threatens global security.
The Silent Sea has a rich cast of characters, ranging from the stoic captain to the quirky tech wizard, each playing an integral role in the story.
Cussler’s pacing is relentless, with one heart-stopping set-piece after another, making it difficult to put the book down. The intricate plot is filled with twists and turns, culminating in a satisfying and unexpected climax.
The book’s strength lies in Cussler’s ability to combine meticulously researched historical events with modern-day adventure. He paints vivid descriptions of the submarine’s last days, which are both fascinating and informative.
The Silent Sea is also reminiscent of classic adventure novels, such as those of Jules Verne or Robert Louis Stevenson, but with modern sensibilities.
However, the book is not without its flaws.
The character development can feel a little thin at times, with some characters feeling underdeveloped or formulaic. Cussler’s prose is also at times functional rather than ornate, but this is a minor quibble given the book’s broader strengths.
Overall, The Silent Sea is a thrilling and engaging read that will appeal to fans of the genre. It is an expertly crafted and well-researched novel that combines fascinating history with modern-day action.
Cussler’s ability to balance historical detail with contemporary themes is impressive, making the story both informative and entertaining.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action-packed adventure, maritime thrillers, or historical fiction.
Its wide-ranging appeal means it will be enjoyed by all types of readers. For its exciting plot, compelling characters, and seamless blend of fact and fiction, I rate The Silent Sea a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
