Book Review: Dark Watch by Clive Cussler

Dark Watch (The Oregon Files)
by Clive Cussler with Jack Du Brul
published in 2005 by the Berkley Publishing Group

I am playing catch up on reviews as I have read six books since the last review was posted so please bear with me.

Summary: Three global political problems loom in this novel: 1) the stability of a gold backed economy when the gold reserves have been compromised, 2) piracy on the open seas, and 3) illegal immigration.  Not to mention a quick excursion into the political dangers of North Korea to open the book.  Juan and the Corporation crew are once again called upon from both deliberate channels and spontaneous encounter to combat the global evils that have flourish in a post-Cold War world.  The book spends most of its time in Southeast Asia interacting with numerous cultures and some very controversial political issues.  As they shadow floating docks around the ocean; rescue people from sinking ships and track illegal immigrants into a natural disaster riddled area the Corporation will cause you to think and inspire you to act as you flip page after page.

Review: In true Cussler fashion, Dark Watch (The Oregon Files) leaps out of the gates with a pacing and intensity that keeps us readers on the edge of our seats as he weaves a story rooted in modern technology, current global political issues and an integrity of character that reveals ancient souls birthed in a system of honor and sacrifice.  This is the third installment of the Oregon Files series, but the first with the new co-author Jack Du Brul.  From the beginning of the book the reader can feel a difference from the first two.  The characters are the same, but the cast has been greatly reduced and we are being given a much more intimate window into the hearts and minds of those who are left enabling us to better connect with and understand them.  Where it was easier to discern Cussler material from Dirgo material in the first two.  Du Brul's writing style is very similar to Cussler's and together they have woven a story stemming from a very plausible global problem that is solved in ways that are creative, inspirational and believable.  The book is well paced, the intensity keeps you wanting to turn the next page, and the characterization is much more in line with what we are used to from Cussler's Pitt and Austin series.

Reading Recommendation: Yes, this is the first book in the Oregon Files series that will have you really falling in love with the characters and hungering for the next installment in the series.