There is much to be excited due to the long-awaited new Kurt Austin adventure. A new author, Graham Brown, helps take over the series, and it is an excellent choice. The usual Cussler customs are present (historical conflict, breathtaking adventure, wittiness, etc.), yet there is some noticable differences. First off, Brown refers in the dialogue with the first name as "Kurt" and "Joe", rather than Austin and Zavala. Second, Dirk Pitt plays a more prominent role, yet this time as the adminstrative head of NUMA (which he is, yet unaccustomed to him in that role, seems like what Sandecker would do). However, it did not detract from the story. A ruthless dictator, a mercenary, a pretty Russian scientist.....testament of a wide variety of characters. It's worth of your time!