Corsair [Audiobook] [Audio CD]

This adventure from the Oregon files is a non-stop and fast-paced story that makes you wish you were in the thick of it with Juan Cabrillo battling the bad guys and terrorists. It also gives some more depth and insight into the other characters with the Oregon, and it has some pretty edgy moments when you do not know what is going to happen next.

Corsair soars above the Oregon's tremendous technology to show the triumph of the American spirit in overcoming surprising challenges, heart-pounding danger, historical mysteries, and seemingly impossible problems. The book contains a little of the spirit of John Paul Jones, the U.S. Marines on the shores of Tripoli, Thomas Jefferson, Nelson at Trafalgar, and the brave men and women who fight terrorists every day. I couldn't put the book down and stayed up late to finish it. Wow, what a rush!

The book opens with a naval battle between Barbary pirates (corsairs) and two American warships seeking to rid the seas of the vermin. It's background for a mystery that resonates in today's battles against terrorists. From there, the Oregon pretends to be a prize for today's pirates, terrorists who use what they plunder from ocean-going ships to finance their activities. A lot goes wrong, and the ensuing battle is a terrific one.

Next, the Oregon is brought in to deal with the disappearance of the U.S. Secretary of State on her way to Libya for a peace conference. All the Oregon has to do is find her, get her to the peace conference, and solve the centuries' old riddle in a few hours while getting out in one piece.

The plot is excellent for setting up the good guys and gals against the implacable, despicable foe. Many authors have trouble portraying terrorists as the remorseless enemy they are. In Corsair, Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul have no trouble taking the gloves off and portraying truly evil men seeking horrible purposes.

While the premises of the plot are certainly extreme, we expect that of Cussler and Du Brul as a way to set the stage for making the reader feel excited about winning the conflict. Don't look for a lot of complex character development, but do expect the best in action and adventure in the face of severe adversity.

It's great fun. Don't miss it!

Cussler is one of my all time favorite adventure writers. "Raise The Titanic" being my introduction to the genre back in highschool. However, in recent years I have not been that happy with the Dirk Pitt Series or the other spin off books. The one Exception being the "Oregon Files" Series. And this I attribute to Jack Du Brul (do check out his Philip Mercer series, the most recent of which is Havoc). Corsair is another fun entertaining read in the series. An adventure that mixes history with a great thrill ride! If you are not happy with recent Cussler adventure books, you still should give this one a chance. For a rough little gem of a thriller I also have to recommend the thriller cult hit "A Tourist In The Yucatan."