Yes, it follows the pattern you would expect from a Cussler novel, but you knew that going into it, unless this is the first of his series you are reading. After a lot of “ho-hum” novels, the story telling picks back up in this novel, and has me excited to read this series again. The plot can be far fetched and dialogue forgettable, but the action was faster paced and has not seemed to lag as in other recent novels. The 5 stars is not because this is the best book ever written, but the entertainment factor was back and made me want to keep reading on!

This is the second novel I’ve read this year that has an ancient Egyptian princess escaping Egypt and landing in Ireland. As an obsessive reader of all things ancient Egypt, I definitely wanted more of Meritaten’s story after fleeing, the events leading up to her fleeing, and this mysterious cure her husband discovered. The Egyptian section didn’t feel quite fleshed out, especially how things went down in the historical record in “Amarna” (PS – ancient Egyptians would not have called Amarna by that more modern name as they do in the book). What happened to Smenkhkare and Nefertiti? The other sisters and Tutankhamun? And Meritaten has a husband that’s thrown into this book: Gaythanos (the choice of husband becomes clear near the end).

As an action-adventure story, it’s a non-stop thrill ride. I couldn’t put the book down as the characters traveled across the world. I enjoyed breaking the story up between Dirk Pitt and Dirk’s twins. Again, loved all the exploration of Egyptian tombs and sites. The science behind everything was quite interesting, particularly extracting DNA from tooth pulp (a known method for what is being used for in the book).

This is my first Clive Cussler book, but I never felt like I was reading book 25 in a series. The characters and their past were succinctly described, and personalities popped off the page easily. It’s clear Mr. Cussler knows his maritime details (especially after reading his bio), and these were great additions to the story.

Stuff I could have done without: Max, the “user-friendly” holographic woman who is designed after the programmer’s wife but in skimpy clothing and speaking in a “seductive” voice. Seriously? No one in the workplace feels offended by this objectified interface?

Also, I could have done without the rationale-man-versus-a-crazy-revenge-seeking-woman-of-power plotline. The women antagonists’ stories were not treated with much empathy at all. Rape, abuse, cheating spouse. Meanwhile, the abuser is thought of as always seeking the betterment of “mankind.” I mean, you couldn’t have used the word ‘humanity’ instead? Just had to go MAN-kind? And making Boudica the name of this secret evil women’s organization? Boudica, who’s daughters were raped by Romans while she was flogged and her title and land stripped from her? At this point in the story, about three-fourths in, I began to root for the villains. Things just came across as overly Roman conquerer by then, especially as Dirk’s wife and daughter got eliminated from the finale, so it was an all-men crew. The worst was the final act of the villain. What a cop out.

All in all, I’m left with mixed feelings. The first half was great. There was lots of intrigue and country hopping and international schemes. The settings were great, and the characters were strong. However, it ended up like a Roman myth with women being villainized simply for existing and men are portrayed as the heroes despite the abuse they’ve inflicted on others.

A fun, formulaic Pitt adventure. I didn't realise how much I've missed Dirk, Lauren, Al, Dirk, Summer, et al. If you like a solid Cussler adventure, this delivers.

Very enjoyable, kept our attention

It was 2020 and I was ready for some escapism, but I liked his earlier books that I read as a teenager much better.

Honestly a 3.5... Just more of the same with the signature Disney ending. If you get to page 415 and think... HOW WILL HE END THIS IN 30 PAGES??? you haven't read Cussler before.