Another installment from the NUMA files, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala are once again thrust into a dangerous situation.Maximillion Thero is a brilliant physicist. He is also mad and suffering from a split personality. He has figured out how to tap into zero point energy, an almost limitless energy source present in all molecules. At first, the research was meant to be a power supply to replace oil and coal. But the perceived slights by several countries caused him to switch his research to weapons.Enter Kurt Austin. On vacation in Australia, trouble seems to find Kurt. He and Joe become involved in the race to stop Thero before he uses his weapon to destroy Australia, and eventually Russia and the United States.This book follows the same form as all the other NUMA files books. A lot of action, narrow escapes, and saving the world in the end. There was nothing special in this book, but it was full of action and a fun read. Genre Confusion I started Clive Cussler and Graham Brown’s most recent collaboration; Zero Hour, and it’s vivid and exciting first chapter was terrific. My problem was that I was expecting one of three genres’ when I picked up this book; thriller, action or suspense, and that is how it was marketed. So I was left a bit confused by the prologue, in that it was written more like a science fiction piece. As stated before I really liked the pace of the action in the first chapter and I was enthusiastic about the adventure ahead. Alas, the authors didn’t keep me turning the pages at a pace which would make it difficult for me to put the book down. I even left it behind, half finished, as I went off to Kentucky. I found, over all, the book was okay, even though I was required frequently to suspend my belief system. The book never reached the heights of true science fiction, but enough that it spoiled its credibility as an action/adventure piece. The story was at least consistent in its mediocrity, and I did finish it. I expected more from Clive and though I was disappointed, it wasn’t like I was horribly disappointed. Nonetheless, overall I like Mr. Cussler’s work, I will try again. I have not read any of Graham Brown’s endeavors, other than this particular collaboration.
What do You think about Zero Hour (2013)?
While pretty predictable these days, still a pretty good old Disneyland E ride. Nice light pastry!
—SugaSpice
Another good Cussler novel. A great action adventure.
—Sabrina
Classic Cussler fantasy. Always a good read.
—Estrogen
