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NUMA Files #6
Polar Shift
Polar Shift: it is the name for a phenomenon that may have occurred many times in the past. At its weakest, it disorients birds and animals and damages electrical equipment. At its worst, it causes massive eruptions, earthquakes and climatic changes. At its very worst, it would mean the obliteration of all living matter! Sixty years ago, an eccentric Hungarian genius discovered how to artificially trigger such a shift, but then his work disappeared, or so it was thought. Now, the charismatic leader of an anti-globalization group plans to use it to give the world's industrialized nations a small jolt, before reversing the shift back again. The only problem is, it can't be reversed. Once it starts, there is nothing anyone can do. Austin, Zavala and the rest of the NUMA Special Assignments Team have certainly faced dire situations before, but never have they encountered anything like this. This time even they may be too late.
531 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2005
343 people are currently reading
3279 people want to read
About the author
Clive Cussler
622 books8,438 followersCussler began writing novels in 1965 and published his first work featuring his continuous series hero, Dirk Pitt, in 1973. His first non-fiction, The Sea Hunters, was released in 1996. The Board of Governors of the Maritime College, State University of New York, considered The Sea Hunters in lieu of a Ph.D. thesis and awarded Cussler a Doctor of Letters degree in May, 1997. It was the first time since the College was founded in 1874 that such a degree was bestowed.
Cussler was an internationally recognized authority on shipwrecks and the founder of the National Underwater and Marine Agency, (NUMA) a 501C3 non-profit organization (named after the fictional Federal agency in his novels) that dedicates itself to preserving American maritime and naval history. He and his crew of marine experts and NUMA volunteers discovered more than 60 historically significant underwater wreck sites including the first submarine to sink a ship in battle, the Confederacy's Hunley, and its victim, the Union's Housatonic; the U-20, the U-boat that sank the Lusitania; the Cumberland, which was sunk by the famous ironclad, Merrimack; the renowned Confederate raider Florida; the Navy airship, Akron, the Republic of Texas Navy warship, Zavala, found under a parking lot in Galveston, and the Carpathia, which sank almost six years to-the-day after plucking Titanic's survivors from the sea.
In addition to being the Chairman of NUMA, Cussler was also a fellow in both the Explorers Club of New York and the Royal Geographic Society in London. He was honored with the Lowell Thomas Award for outstanding underwater exploration.
Cussler's books have been published in more than 40 languages in more than 100 countries. His past international bestsellers include Pacific Vortex, Mediterranean Caper, Iceberg, Raise the Titanic, Vixen 03, Night Probe, Deep Six, Cyclops, Treasure, Dragon, Sahara, Inca Gold, Shock Wave, Flood Tide, Atlantis Found, Valhalla Rising, Trojan Odyssey and Black Wind (this last with his son, Dirk Cussler); the nonfiction books The Sea Hunters, The Sea Hunters II and Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed; the NUMA® Files novels Serpent, Blue Gold, Fire Ice, White Death and Lost City (written with Paul Kemprecos); and the Oregon Files novels Sacred Stone and Golden Buddha (written with Craig Dirgo) and Dark Watch (written with Jack Du Brul).
Clive Cussler died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 24, 2020.
Cussler was an internationally recognized authority on shipwrecks and the founder of the National Underwater and Marine Agency, (NUMA) a 501C3 non-profit organization (named after the fictional Federal agency in his novels) that dedicates itself to preserving American maritime and naval history. He and his crew of marine experts and NUMA volunteers discovered more than 60 historically significant underwater wreck sites including the first submarine to sink a ship in battle, the Confederacy's Hunley, and its victim, the Union's Housatonic; the U-20, the U-boat that sank the Lusitania; the Cumberland, which was sunk by the famous ironclad, Merrimack; the renowned Confederate raider Florida; the Navy airship, Akron, the Republic of Texas Navy warship, Zavala, found under a parking lot in Galveston, and the Carpathia, which sank almost six years to-the-day after plucking Titanic's survivors from the sea.
In addition to being the Chairman of NUMA, Cussler was also a fellow in both the Explorers Club of New York and the Royal Geographic Society in London. He was honored with the Lowell Thomas Award for outstanding underwater exploration.
Cussler's books have been published in more than 40 languages in more than 100 countries. His past international bestsellers include Pacific Vortex, Mediterranean Caper, Iceberg, Raise the Titanic, Vixen 03, Night Probe, Deep Six, Cyclops, Treasure, Dragon, Sahara, Inca Gold, Shock Wave, Flood Tide, Atlantis Found, Valhalla Rising, Trojan Odyssey and Black Wind (this last with his son, Dirk Cussler); the nonfiction books The Sea Hunters, The Sea Hunters II and Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed; the NUMA® Files novels Serpent, Blue Gold, Fire Ice, White Death and Lost City (written with Paul Kemprecos); and the Oregon Files novels Sacred Stone and Golden Buddha (written with Craig Dirgo) and Dark Watch (written with Jack Du Brul).
Clive Cussler died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 24, 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
April 3, 2017
Spirited ole' NUMA Files. WWII backdrop.
Backstory
I read this book over a period of 8 years.
Not because it was boring.
Not because I have an OCD that a started book must be finished.
I started it multiple times over different cities that I carried but could never end. Jinxed perhaps.
Finally, I completed it and here's the review.
Plot
Polar shift : By definition a natural phenomenon where the poles of the earth undergo a change in their geological location.
Nothing to be afraid of. Unless it is man-made. Monster waves that sink ships are a reality when some madmen phantasms the whole idea of global power.
The crazy lobbyists are planning to do this with technology they hope can deliver world power to them. These have already started to back fire. The schools of fish are affected by it and could be used for over-fishing. Another not-so-good a thing for the environmentalists.
The age old Kovacs theorem is at the center of the aforementioned technology and NUMA rings up the guy of all seasons, Austin to solve the problem.
Can he do it?
Story ingredients
A mix of World War II, Nazi soldiers hunting for Kovacs and a chase by Russians - make the book exceedingly well based. The background of the theorem and its application seem far fetched given the book was penned down in 2005 but the plot makes you enjoy it. Someone rightly said "a book that you can take to the beach".
The guardian angel in the old man who is the god father of the lineage of Kovacs is a good one to introduce into a story that needed a central character. A lot of things happen at the same time which is exactly what thrill lovers want.
To top it, the blue of the ocean is the theme and you are going to love every bit of it. Even if you are afraid of the ocean - believe me it is intriguing.
There's loads of shooting and killing. Bloodshed is second nature and writing is powerfully built. My first shot at Clive Cussler does not impede me from trying his other books and recommending this one to you. Well paced, well written and a good mayday read.
Verdict : Not completely a geeky stuff once you scratch beneath the surface.
3.5 stars for the brainiac wrong doers who think bigger than hacking computers and robbing banks.
They hack poles.
March 19, 2021
Cussler & Kemperos are in shape here. The science behind the apcalyptic polar shift is fiction, but Uncle Karl's one-man army puts backbone into the action. He could've filled his own novel. The mammoths are a nice nod to Atlantis Found.
July 22, 2009
It seems Cusslers’ collaboration with Kemprecos produces better stories than the books shared with his son. Or maybe Kurt Austin isn’t as overworked a character as Dirk Pitt. Either way, this is almost classic Cussler. Almost, because the divergent story elements aren’t there like his early couple decades of novels—but the idea here is a good one. An evil nefarious villainous corporation has devised a way to shift the poles (gee—I think you could get that from the title) and, in turn, blackmail the planet because we are all doomed.
Doomed, I say! Save us, Kurt, save us! He does. You’re still here aren’t you? And your compass still points north (if you’re above the equator)? Along the way towards our salvation, there is a pretty good adventure. The beautiful, brainy, yet slightly slutty arm candy is in peril just enough times for Kurt to flex and ooze. I am talking about his buddy Zavalia—what were you thinking?
What is it they say? Mozart wrote a hundred concertos. Vivaldi wrote one concerto a hundred times? Substitute Cussler for Vivaldi. Yet I keep reading his book and loving them. Perhaps they are like M & M’s—addictive in a guilty sort of way.
The book is better than some and not as good as others. There. How’d you like that? Still—a great beach (or desert, or ice berg) read.
Doomed, I say! Save us, Kurt, save us! He does. You’re still here aren’t you? And your compass still points north (if you’re above the equator)? Along the way towards our salvation, there is a pretty good adventure. The beautiful, brainy, yet slightly slutty arm candy is in peril just enough times for Kurt to flex and ooze. I am talking about his buddy Zavalia—what were you thinking?
What is it they say? Mozart wrote a hundred concertos. Vivaldi wrote one concerto a hundred times? Substitute Cussler for Vivaldi. Yet I keep reading his book and loving them. Perhaps they are like M & M’s—addictive in a guilty sort of way.
The book is better than some and not as good as others. There. How’d you like that? Still—a great beach (or desert, or ice berg) read.
March 19, 2016
I don't like giving negative reviews, so I'll keep this short...
Good points: Easy to read, flowing, simple prose, for the most part. Some nice scientific ideas and the bits of technical speak, aside from being a bit clumsy, were fun.
Bad points: Sexist, a teensy big misogynist, not very exciting (which is an issue when you're reading action), and a few unforgivable writing sins. The one that sticks out is beginning dialogue with "as you know", which is just rubbish, such a clumsy way to tell the reader what's going on.
Easy to read, but I can't really recommend it.
Good points: Easy to read, flowing, simple prose, for the most part. Some nice scientific ideas and the bits of technical speak, aside from being a bit clumsy, were fun.
Bad points: Sexist, a teensy big misogynist, not very exciting (which is an issue when you're reading action), and a few unforgivable writing sins. The one that sticks out is beginning dialogue with "as you know", which is just rubbish, such a clumsy way to tell the reader what's going on.
Easy to read, but I can't really recommend it.
October 23, 2020
Science fiction. Science banana-nut fantasy fiction! Flipping the magnetic poles with an...antenna? An underground crystal city with wooly mammoths found on a Siberian island? A car chase with a Stanley Steamer car tearing through an active Civil War battlefield? This was my first Clive Cussler book, but I can't say it's my last because my Mom gave me two of them and I just can't do her like that. Sigh.
March 5, 2009
Já havia uns tempos em que anda curioso em relação a este Autor. Talvez fosse pelo grafismo apelativo dos livros, ou pelo seu nome engraçado, ou ainda pelo fascínio que uma aventura com contornos científicos, passada em locais exóticos e no mar, me suscita.
A verdade é que finalmente decidi pegar num livro de Cussler e descobri-lo. E em boa hora. O livro escolhido foi o Mutação Polar, de todos era o que tinha uma sinopse que mais me agradava (e também o mais barato smile.gif).
Foi o primeiro livro editado em Portugal, mas cronologicamente é o sexto na obra dedicada a Kurt Austin. Weard!
Como podem ver pelo pequeno resumo que deixei em cima, trata-se de um Thriller/Aventura, onde acompanhamos Kurt Austin, um funcionário da NUMA, e seus companheiros, na luta contra uns tiranos neo-anarquistas, que pretendem provocar uma "mutação" polar por forma a poderem controlar todos os sistemas de informação no mundo.
Como Geólogo, achei engraçada a abordagem a este fenómeno, que na realidade se denomina por "Inversão Polar", e consiste na inversão da polaridade do planeta, isto é, os pólos magnéticos trocarem de posição (numa bússola a seta passaria a apontar para Sul). É um fenómeno que já aconteceu dezenas de vez ao longo da História da Terra, e que tem um período de retorno de 500mil anos. A última foi há 700mil anos. E o magnetismo da Terra tem vindo a enfraquecer de há uns anitos para cá!
Na verdade, as consequências seriam elevadas, mas sobreviveríamos.
Em relação à obra, é de muito fácil leitura, e embora tenha algum teor técnico e cientifico não interfere no assimilar da história. É um livro hollywoodesco, cheio de acção, romance, aventura...e descobertas, no mínimo, peculiares (e que como é óbvio não revelarei quais).
Eu gostei bastante, pelo menos passei bons momentos de leitura. E portanto, mais livros dele já estão na calha...
A verdade é que finalmente decidi pegar num livro de Cussler e descobri-lo. E em boa hora. O livro escolhido foi o Mutação Polar, de todos era o que tinha uma sinopse que mais me agradava (e também o mais barato smile.gif).
Foi o primeiro livro editado em Portugal, mas cronologicamente é o sexto na obra dedicada a Kurt Austin. Weard!
Como podem ver pelo pequeno resumo que deixei em cima, trata-se de um Thriller/Aventura, onde acompanhamos Kurt Austin, um funcionário da NUMA, e seus companheiros, na luta contra uns tiranos neo-anarquistas, que pretendem provocar uma "mutação" polar por forma a poderem controlar todos os sistemas de informação no mundo.
Como Geólogo, achei engraçada a abordagem a este fenómeno, que na realidade se denomina por "Inversão Polar", e consiste na inversão da polaridade do planeta, isto é, os pólos magnéticos trocarem de posição (numa bússola a seta passaria a apontar para Sul). É um fenómeno que já aconteceu dezenas de vez ao longo da História da Terra, e que tem um período de retorno de 500mil anos. A última foi há 700mil anos. E o magnetismo da Terra tem vindo a enfraquecer de há uns anitos para cá!
Na verdade, as consequências seriam elevadas, mas sobreviveríamos.
Em relação à obra, é de muito fácil leitura, e embora tenha algum teor técnico e cientifico não interfere no assimilar da história. É um livro hollywoodesco, cheio de acção, romance, aventura...e descobertas, no mínimo, peculiares (e que como é óbvio não revelarei quais).
Eu gostei bastante, pelo menos passei bons momentos de leitura. E portanto, mais livros dele já estão na calha...
July 15, 2015
This was my intro to this author and really had a difficult time in getting used to the author's slang. The story line as usual... dominated by masculine characters (super-human in fact), escaping all odds and saving the world from cataclysm without much unaccounted twists... Readers who are fond of only action will enjoy this
January 23, 2021
Foi uma leitura muito agradável, com alguns momentos de humor e muita ação, e com factos históricos e científicos à mistura. Gostei muito!
Opinião completa aqui: https://momentosdemagia.wordpress.com...
Opinião completa aqui: https://momentosdemagia.wordpress.com...
Read
April 29, 2023.
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Cussler is interessant. Lijkt het terrein goed te kennen.
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Cussler is interessant. Lijkt het terrein goed te kennen.
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December 21, 2019
Polar Shift was a well written novel with the expected tension of a Clive Cussler thriller. The idea of a man-made polar shift causing giant waves and whirlpools in the ocean could allow an antiglobalization anarchist group to take control of mankind was intriguing. But again, Kurt Austin and the NUMA team is challenged to figure out how to prevent it and save the world.
April 5, 2023
Kurt Austin takes the place of Dirk Pitt - very predictable - poor imitation of the Dirk Pitt novels
August 12, 2025
Classico Clive Cussler, libro per rilassarsi tra una lettura più impegnativa e l'altra. Da leggere senza pretese. Questo però ho fatto un po' più di fatica a finirlo rispetto ad altri, ma in ogni caso andrò avanti con la serie.
June 12, 2017
1944 Professor Kovacs wordt door duitsers "ontvoerd". Hij is een duits-hongaarse electrisch genie. Hij krijgt valse papieren van iemand die behoord tot de "kriesaukreis."
- Er daagde licht in de ogen van de professor."De Kriesau kreis?"
Hij had geruchten gehoord over de ondergrondse verzetsgroep -
We maken in het heden kennis met kurt Austin. Werkzaam bij NUMA.
- De roep van de sirene die hem steeds weer terug lokte, was het ondoorgrondelijke mysterie van de zee. Mysteries als de vreemde ontmoeting met de zwaardvissen. Hij dacht na over het voorval met de orka's. Hij vroeg zich ook af wat hij moest denken van de man met de vreemde tatoeage en het doel van het electrische apparaat dat hij op de boot van Barrett had gezien. -
Aan boord van een NUMA schip verteld dr. Adler aan kurt & Zavala, een college van kurt over monstergolven vastgelegd met satelieten.
- "Ze merkten dat het niet zo eenvoudig was. In 1995 kreeg de Queen Elisabeth II in het noordelijke gedeelte van de Atlantische Oceaan te maken met een golf van zwventwintig meter. In 2001 kregen twee cruiseschepen, de Bremen en de Caledonian Star, ver van de stroom zware klappen van zevenentwintig meter hoge golven. Beide schepen konden het navertellen".
- Het project werd MaxWave genoemd. Het doel was om te zien of deze golven bestonden en te onderzoeken welke invloed dit kon hebben op het onderwerp van schepen en booreilanden. De satellieten zouden "beeldjes " maken die een gebeid bestreken van niet meer dan vijf bij tien kilometer. Gedurende een periode van drie weken ontdekten de satellieten meer dan tien monstergolven die allemaal hoger waren dan vijfentwintig meter."-
Trout & Gamay zijn een onderzoekers echtpaar en ook werkzaam voor NUMA. Zij onderzoeken draaikolken op de oceaan.
-"Er zijn betere manieren om deze jonkies te vinden dan het nazitten van potvissen.
Thermische uitzetting is er de oorzaak van dat het water in een draaikolk een bult in de oceaan vormt die door een satelliet kan worden opgespoord."-
De trouts komen tijdens hun onderzoek knap in de problemen.
- "Wat...doe....jij....verdomme...hier?"
"Zo te zien amuseerde jij je wel, dus vond ik dat ik je maar eens gezelschap moet houden."
"Je bent gek."
Austin schonk hem een doorwekte grijns. Hij spande zich in om hun redingsvesten aan elkaar te gespen.-
Zoals altijd is het weer een boek vol avontuur en vreemde ontmoetingen, ontsnappingen die spectaculair zijn en op het randje. De personages zijn gedeeltelijk bekend uit andere boeken van dezelfde schrijver maar je hoeft ze niet gelezen te hebben om het boek te volgen.
Polar shifts..... is het de oorzaak van de vele walvissen aangespoeld op de stranden?
Het magnetisch veld van de aarde verandert.
Oorzaak van de natuur of toch de hand van de mens die voor God speelt?
- Er daagde licht in de ogen van de professor."De Kriesau kreis?"
Hij had geruchten gehoord over de ondergrondse verzetsgroep -
We maken in het heden kennis met kurt Austin. Werkzaam bij NUMA.
- De roep van de sirene die hem steeds weer terug lokte, was het ondoorgrondelijke mysterie van de zee. Mysteries als de vreemde ontmoeting met de zwaardvissen. Hij dacht na over het voorval met de orka's. Hij vroeg zich ook af wat hij moest denken van de man met de vreemde tatoeage en het doel van het electrische apparaat dat hij op de boot van Barrett had gezien. -
Aan boord van een NUMA schip verteld dr. Adler aan kurt & Zavala, een college van kurt over monstergolven vastgelegd met satelieten.
- "Ze merkten dat het niet zo eenvoudig was. In 1995 kreeg de Queen Elisabeth II in het noordelijke gedeelte van de Atlantische Oceaan te maken met een golf van zwventwintig meter. In 2001 kregen twee cruiseschepen, de Bremen en de Caledonian Star, ver van de stroom zware klappen van zevenentwintig meter hoge golven. Beide schepen konden het navertellen".
- Het project werd MaxWave genoemd. Het doel was om te zien of deze golven bestonden en te onderzoeken welke invloed dit kon hebben op het onderwerp van schepen en booreilanden. De satellieten zouden "beeldjes " maken die een gebeid bestreken van niet meer dan vijf bij tien kilometer. Gedurende een periode van drie weken ontdekten de satellieten meer dan tien monstergolven die allemaal hoger waren dan vijfentwintig meter."-
Trout & Gamay zijn een onderzoekers echtpaar en ook werkzaam voor NUMA. Zij onderzoeken draaikolken op de oceaan.
-"Er zijn betere manieren om deze jonkies te vinden dan het nazitten van potvissen.
Thermische uitzetting is er de oorzaak van dat het water in een draaikolk een bult in de oceaan vormt die door een satelliet kan worden opgespoord."-
De trouts komen tijdens hun onderzoek knap in de problemen.
- "Wat...doe....jij....verdomme...hier?"
"Zo te zien amuseerde jij je wel, dus vond ik dat ik je maar eens gezelschap moet houden."
"Je bent gek."
Austin schonk hem een doorwekte grijns. Hij spande zich in om hun redingsvesten aan elkaar te gespen.-
Zoals altijd is het weer een boek vol avontuur en vreemde ontmoetingen, ontsnappingen die spectaculair zijn en op het randje. De personages zijn gedeeltelijk bekend uit andere boeken van dezelfde schrijver maar je hoeft ze niet gelezen te hebben om het boek te volgen.
Polar shifts..... is het de oorzaak van de vele walvissen aangespoeld op de stranden?
Het magnetisch veld van de aarde verandert.
Oorzaak van de natuur of toch de hand van de mens die voor God speelt?
September 25, 2022
This was a fun, fast-paced book to read. It held my interest from start-to-finish; the character development was decent. The premise of the book was interesting, and I still find myself enjoying how Cussler (and now his co-authors) have been able to blend fact and fiction to create some wild-and-crazy stories that are a lot of fun to read. Granted, I don't expect much from these books other than being entertained; most of the time, I am not disappointed.
There is one line in this book that really stood out to me and has to be the best line in this book, bar none. I was laughing pretty hard over this line.
In terms of characters, Karl Schroeder was a solid character, I thought. Granted, he was also necessary for certain elements of the story to take place. But I still liked that he was in the story and how necessary he was for the story to continue like it did. I thought the authors did a good job with his initial introduction, and I did not really expect him to show up again in the book when he did, so that was well done.
Probably the weakest part of me was the ending.
I am glad I took a chance on reading this book. If I think of anything else, I will add it to my review. Otherwise, I could see myself reading it again at some point in the future.
There is one line in this book that really stood out to me and has to be the best line in this book, bar none. I was laughing pretty hard over this line.
In terms of characters, Karl Schroeder was a solid character, I thought. Granted, he was also necessary for certain elements of the story to take place. But I still liked that he was in the story and how necessary he was for the story to continue like it did. I thought the authors did a good job with his initial introduction, and I did not really expect him to show up again in the book when he did, so that was well done.
Probably the weakest part of me was the ending.
I am glad I took a chance on reading this book. If I think of anything else, I will add it to my review. Otherwise, I could see myself reading it again at some point in the future.
February 5, 2009
I liked the action in this book and really enjoyed the scenes where the main character was racing to stop this or that disaster. But, there was a lot of slow in between periods that kind of dragged the book down not to mention how it seems a little improbable how all the nations of the world worked together so well to bring down the evil genius that was going to destroy the world. The book was also a little formulaic (shocker I know). 1. Evil genius has some terrible technology that the nations of the world have never been able to develop but for some reason Mr. X has been able to, 2. a hero (irresistible to women) finds out about said technology, 3. there is some beautiful, intelligent woman that has some clue how to defeat Mr. X, 4. hero rescues beautiful, intelligent woman who of course is smitten with irresistible hero, 5. together (but with our hero firmly in the lead) hero and beautiful woman are able to defeat Mr. X who either dies, so there is no messy court scenes, or escapes to return in some future episode with an even more diabolical plan. But, for the most part the book was a good easy read right when I needed one.
January 22, 2013
I enjoyed this book, it was a fun adventure story with great characters that were bright and hard working. Although the science was probably not accurate, it made for a fun and scary "what if" scenario with lots of plot twists, but not enough to distract from the main story and woven together nicely to provide a satisfying ending.
May 30, 2011
Very quick fun read. Perfect to take to the beach. Interesting writer with a lot of adventure in his stories.
Definetly recomend to people who love this kind of adventures and wanna try something diferent!
it's a 3.75 stars.
Definetly recomend to people who love this kind of adventures and wanna try something diferent!
it's a 3.75 stars.
May 18, 2012
Another good book by Cussler. He has to be one of the top authors for co-authoring books. This has the Cussler winning formula of a multi-threaded story that starts off with a twist on an historic event. Lots of action with plausable if unlikely scenarios.
January 20, 2024
The storyline is getting more and more bizarre. This is not even close to reality but it is a fun, non thinking read. The template is in place with the meglomanic, beautiful girl, world at risk, big sea etc. All included.
November 22, 2021
Fun book
This was a good plot and exciting story. It was my second time reading it and I enjoyed it. Have fun reading it.
This was a good plot and exciting story. It was my second time reading it and I enjoyed it. Have fun reading it.
March 16, 2022
Meh... Just a little too far "out there" for my taste... dwarf MASTODONS?!? Racing Stanley Steamers?!?
January 31, 2023
Disappointing. Definitely not horrible, but three stars would be way to kind.
December 5, 2018
I confess that sometimes I’ll read what other reviewers have to say about a particular book before I write my own. When I looked at some of the reviews on Amazon.com for this one, I came across one that hits the nail pretty well when describing Clive Cussler. The reviewer stated (and I’m paraphrasing here) that Cussler’s books are a bit like eating at a Burger King restaurant. No matter where you go in the country, if you stop at a Burger King to eat, you know exactly what’s on the menu, what you want to eat, and how it’s going to taste. It’s never phenomenal, never different and always predictable. You know exactly what you’re going to get. This, of course, is why if you like Burger King, so you keep going to the restaurant whenever you get the urge.
This is one of the “NUMA Files” books, which essentially means our hero is Kurt Austin instead of the familiar Dirk Pitt. Not that this matters one iota to the average reader. To most, both of these guys are exactly the same except in hair color. Kurt and his band of familiar regulars are trying to find out why and how mysterious whirlpools have been appearing across the oceans. These things are pretty huge and pretty serious. How serious? Well, one manages to swallow up an entire freighter, killing the entire crew. Is this a natural phenomenon? Or is it man made? Regardless, can these things be stopped?
Ironically, Kurt and his cronies seem to always be in the right place at the right time (i.e. wrong place at the wrong time) when these disasters appear, which seem to be odd coincidences, but do make for some good thrilling rescue scenes. If you’ve read a Cussler, the rest of the plot isn’t really necessary to describe here.
I confess that when I’m really hungry, I enjoy Burger King a lot. I can say the same thing about most of Cussler’s work. Although I have a hard time differentiating these books – especially over time, this one seemed to be par for the course if not a little better than most. Yes, things did get a bit hoaky near the end. We really didn’t need that scene where our old friend Dirk puts in an obligatory appearance (filled with a lot of classic cars – go figure), and there’s one scene where a complex code is “broken” rather easily.
Still, I knew what I was getting into, so I therefore really enjoyed the ride. These books aren’t for everyone, and maybe you enjoy them but suffer a bit from Cussler overkill (he writes a lot of books with many different co-authors). If you’re a casual fan and pick this one up, I think you’ll enjoy it overall.
Regardless of whether you prefer onion rings or French fries.
This is one of the “NUMA Files” books, which essentially means our hero is Kurt Austin instead of the familiar Dirk Pitt. Not that this matters one iota to the average reader. To most, both of these guys are exactly the same except in hair color. Kurt and his band of familiar regulars are trying to find out why and how mysterious whirlpools have been appearing across the oceans. These things are pretty huge and pretty serious. How serious? Well, one manages to swallow up an entire freighter, killing the entire crew. Is this a natural phenomenon? Or is it man made? Regardless, can these things be stopped?
Ironically, Kurt and his cronies seem to always be in the right place at the right time (i.e. wrong place at the wrong time) when these disasters appear, which seem to be odd coincidences, but do make for some good thrilling rescue scenes. If you’ve read a Cussler, the rest of the plot isn’t really necessary to describe here.
I confess that when I’m really hungry, I enjoy Burger King a lot. I can say the same thing about most of Cussler’s work. Although I have a hard time differentiating these books – especially over time, this one seemed to be par for the course if not a little better than most. Yes, things did get a bit hoaky near the end. We really didn’t need that scene where our old friend Dirk puts in an obligatory appearance (filled with a lot of classic cars – go figure), and there’s one scene where a complex code is “broken” rather easily.
Still, I knew what I was getting into, so I therefore really enjoyed the ride. These books aren’t for everyone, and maybe you enjoy them but suffer a bit from Cussler overkill (he writes a lot of books with many different co-authors). If you’re a casual fan and pick this one up, I think you’ll enjoy it overall.
Regardless of whether you prefer onion rings or French fries.
May 6, 2022
Another enjoyable Cussler story, but for me this was probably the weakest entry since book 1. Not that it's a bad book by any means, but there are definitely issues. Slight spoilers to follow.
The plot deals with Austin trying to foil a scheme to reverse the magnetic poles, causing untold destruction and probably the end of the world. OK, that's a little crazy, but why not - it's exactly the kind of megalomaniacal scheme I'd expect in a Cussler book. The bad guys try and achieve this using a formula of electromagnetic frequencies developed by a scientist during World War II, and several subplots deal with them trying to capture the scientist's granddaughter to help them, while Austin gains help from the enigmatic Spider Barret, who helped the villains develop their machine of mass destruction
The problem here is that I can't take the aforementioned villains, Gant and Margrave, and their crew of anarchists, seriously. There's nothing memorable about them, and they aren't really sinister, despite their doomsday plans. They don't seem particularly intelligent, and certainly aren't physically intimidating, so it was hard for me to believe Austin and company were ever in serious jeopardy. There's also virtually no physical interaction between them and Austin, which doesn't help matters. That said, by far the silliest part of the book comes when Karla (this book's Austin love interest, which like her predecessors, I doubt we'll ever hear from again) discovers a stone age city built into a volcano with - wait for it - a few hundred wooly mammoths running around. I'm not kidding. They're dwarf versions that have somehow lived on an island for a few thousand years unmolested. I expect to have to suspend disbelief in Cussler books, but this event took the plot straight into absurdity. I half expected the good guys to take one home as a pet.
In any event, I've yet to find a Cussler book that I didn't enjoy on some level, and there is some good stuff here, but when I'm done with this series I doubt this is one I'll remember.
The plot deals with Austin trying to foil a scheme to reverse the magnetic poles, causing untold destruction and probably the end of the world. OK, that's a little crazy, but why not - it's exactly the kind of megalomaniacal scheme I'd expect in a Cussler book. The bad guys try and achieve this using a formula of electromagnetic frequencies developed by a scientist during World War II, and several subplots deal with them trying to capture the scientist's granddaughter to help them, while Austin gains help from the enigmatic Spider Barret, who helped the villains develop their machine of mass destruction
The problem here is that I can't take the aforementioned villains, Gant and Margrave, and their crew of anarchists, seriously. There's nothing memorable about them, and they aren't really sinister, despite their doomsday plans. They don't seem particularly intelligent, and certainly aren't physically intimidating, so it was hard for me to believe Austin and company were ever in serious jeopardy. There's also virtually no physical interaction between them and Austin, which doesn't help matters. That said, by far the silliest part of the book comes when Karla (this book's Austin love interest, which like her predecessors, I doubt we'll ever hear from again) discovers a stone age city built into a volcano with - wait for it - a few hundred wooly mammoths running around. I'm not kidding. They're dwarf versions that have somehow lived on an island for a few thousand years unmolested. I expect to have to suspend disbelief in Cussler books, but this event took the plot straight into absurdity. I half expected the good guys to take one home as a pet.
In any event, I've yet to find a Cussler book that I didn't enjoy on some level, and there is some good stuff here, but when I'm done with this series I doubt this is one I'll remember.
November 25, 2023
4 Stars
Polar Shift is the sixth book in The NUMA Files series by Clive Cussler. This is a bit of a spin-off/related to the Dirk Pitt series – so provides the same sort of engrossing action adventures. The series follows Kurt Austin, the charismatic leader of the NUMA Special Assignments Division (NUMA -> National Underwater Marine Agency – the agency explores the ocean and protects the marine environment). Kurt, along with his team, find themselves whisked off to exotic locations on intriguing missions through the series that include ancient mysteries, environmental threats, historical secrets, global conspiracies, dangerous situations, facing ruthless villains, agendas, dramatic developments, and so much more. Woven into gripping, action-packed adventures – each comes with all of the trademark touches that I have come to expect from Mr. Cussler.
->2023 Reading Challenge.
->Glennie's Collection
-> This one's for you Glennie 🥰🙏💗📚📖
Clive Cussler novels were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up, as both my parents loved his work. He was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I explored at the time, and over the years I have read everything he’s written.
Since my mother passed away over a year ago, I have been making my way through her book collection, finally- reading each one as part of my reading challenge, as well as a way to pay tribute to my mum, who was such a voracious reader..... Reading her collection of books has stirred up a lot of memories, mostly really great ones of our shared love of reading. I am forever grateful that she passed on her love of reading to me. 🥰🙏💗📚📖
Polar Shift is the sixth book in The NUMA Files series by Clive Cussler. This is a bit of a spin-off/related to the Dirk Pitt series – so provides the same sort of engrossing action adventures. The series follows Kurt Austin, the charismatic leader of the NUMA Special Assignments Division (NUMA -> National Underwater Marine Agency – the agency explores the ocean and protects the marine environment). Kurt, along with his team, find themselves whisked off to exotic locations on intriguing missions through the series that include ancient mysteries, environmental threats, historical secrets, global conspiracies, dangerous situations, facing ruthless villains, agendas, dramatic developments, and so much more. Woven into gripping, action-packed adventures – each comes with all of the trademark touches that I have come to expect from Mr. Cussler.
->2023 Reading Challenge.
->Glennie's Collection
-> This one's for you Glennie 🥰🙏💗📚📖
Clive Cussler novels were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up, as both my parents loved his work. He was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I explored at the time, and over the years I have read everything he’s written.
Since my mother passed away over a year ago, I have been making my way through her book collection, finally- reading each one as part of my reading challenge, as well as a way to pay tribute to my mum, who was such a voracious reader..... Reading her collection of books has stirred up a lot of memories, mostly really great ones of our shared love of reading. I am forever grateful that she passed on her love of reading to me. 🥰🙏💗📚📖
June 28, 2023
Stran zápletky zatím nejujetější ze série (a to se v předchozí knize ). Beru to jako takové milé oddechové čtení u kterého není radno příliš přemýšlet. Svůj účel to plní - královsky se bavím a nevěřícně protáčím oči v sloup. Hrdinové mi stihli přirůst k srdci prakticky hned v první knize, a s dalšími díly se tam jenom víc zavrtávají.
Oceňuji cameo Dirka Pitta, toho času už ředitele NUMA, a hlavně opětovný výskyt Viktora "Ivana" Petrova - u těch scén jsem se culila jak měsíček nad hnojem. NUMA girl byla taky tentokrát mnohem více podle mého gusta, leč příběhová linie s ní a s jejím strýčkem mě až tak úplně nebavila. Záporáci dostali naneštěstí až příliš mnoho prostoru, což je, dle mého mínění, u tohoto typu příběhů na škodu.
A pěkně prosím, nemohli by se překladatelé u jedné série sjednotit v detailech, aby pak kupříkladu oči hlavního hrdiny nependlovaly mezi korálově zelenou a poměnkově modrou? Shledávám to při čtení za značně rušivý element...
Oceňuji cameo Dirka Pitta, toho času už ředitele NUMA, a hlavně opětovný výskyt Viktora "Ivana" Petrova - u těch scén jsem se culila jak měsíček nad hnojem. NUMA girl byla taky tentokrát mnohem více podle mého gusta, leč příběhová linie s ní a s jejím strýčkem mě až tak úplně nebavila. Záporáci dostali naneštěstí až příliš mnoho prostoru, což je, dle mého mínění, u tohoto typu příběhů na škodu.
A pěkně prosím, nemohli by se překladatelé u jedné série sjednotit v detailech, aby pak kupříkladu oči hlavního hrdiny nependlovaly mezi korálově zelenou a poměnkově modrou? Shledávám to při čtení za značně rušivý element...
May 7, 2025
I tried reading about Kurt Austin when the first books about him was released. Didn't really like them then. Felt too much like a cheap copy of Dirk Pitt (even though it's written by the same author). But since it is hard to find books like this, that is, light adventure books that's just a good ride, and I have read all Dirk Pitt books, I had no choice but to give them a try again.
This time around it was easier to like. Kurt Austin, even though he is overpowered, feels a bit more down to earth than Pitt. Which for me was a good thing.
There are some parts that felt rushed, and given the tempo these books are released in, it's no wonder. Some plot points felt more like a 4th grader who unleashes his fantasy than something that alignes with the rest.
In my opinion Cussler is best when he's writing the more intense sequences. The pacing is usually great. He's weaker in between these events. The instense parts, along with the salt water sprinkled feel you get reading about water, is what brings me back to his books.
All in all, I liked it and it kept me hooked throughout.
This time around it was easier to like. Kurt Austin, even though he is overpowered, feels a bit more down to earth than Pitt. Which for me was a good thing.
There are some parts that felt rushed, and given the tempo these books are released in, it's no wonder. Some plot points felt more like a 4th grader who unleashes his fantasy than something that alignes with the rest.
In my opinion Cussler is best when he's writing the more intense sequences. The pacing is usually great. He's weaker in between these events. The instense parts, along with the salt water sprinkled feel you get reading about water, is what brings me back to his books.
All in all, I liked it and it kept me hooked throughout.
April 22, 2021
Polar Shift isn’t a great novel, at least compared to other Cussler works, but it’s a big step up when compared to the previous NUMA Files book.
Polar Shift is, in a word, fun. It’s never really boring or bogged down by mediocrity. The story is actually a bit more interesting than Lost City, and while the action can’t hold a candle to anything from the Oregon books, there’s still enough here to please most readers.
Yes it’s formulaic. Yes it’s nothing original or thought provoking. Yes, there’s a side plot that’s pointless to the grand scheme of the novel, but honestly, after the terrible The Tombs, I’m just glad there are still decent Cussler books still out there.
Polar Shift is, in a word, fun. It’s never really boring or bogged down by mediocrity. The story is actually a bit more interesting than Lost City, and while the action can’t hold a candle to anything from the Oregon books, there’s still enough here to please most readers.
Yes it’s formulaic. Yes it’s nothing original or thought provoking. Yes, there’s a side plot that’s pointless to the grand scheme of the novel, but honestly, after the terrible The Tombs, I’m just glad there are still decent Cussler books still out there.
October 6, 2020
NUMA operative Kurt Austin takes on a madman fronting as an environmentalist. Sixty years ago, a Hungarian genius discovered how to artificially trigger such a shift in the polar ice caps, which could cause massive eruptions, earthquakes, and even climate changes. His work disappeared. Now, the charismatic leader of an antiglobalization group plans to use it to give the world’s industrialized nations a small jolt, before reversing the shift back again. The only problem is, it cannot be reversed. Once it starts, there is nothing anyone can do.
Interesting read. Different kind of plot. What is true north? Could that change? As usual with Cussler books, this one had action.
Interesting read. Different kind of plot. What is true north? Could that change? As usual with Cussler books, this one had action.
October 16, 2022
Obvious errors which any decent editor should have caught drive me crazy. “Adler and Hibbet had the look of men who had just been given tickets for a boat ride on the river CHARON.” The river is the Styx. The ferryman is Charon. Come on. Basic mythology.
Let’s address the misogyny. “The gods must be laughing themselves to tears at their latest practical joke. They had locked the secret that could save the world in the finally sculpted head of a lovely young woman.” Really? I’m sorry but this is just offensive. I guess Cussler thinks it’s time for the men to come to the rescue again for the stupid woman.
Let’s address the misogyny. “The gods must be laughing themselves to tears at their latest practical joke. They had locked the secret that could save the world in the finally sculpted head of a lovely young woman.” Really? I’m sorry but this is just offensive. I guess Cussler thinks it’s time for the men to come to the rescue again for the stupid woman.
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