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NUMA Files #2
Blue Gold
From the #1 New York Times bestselling Grand Master of Adventure Clive Cussler comes a breathtaking thriller from the Numa Files series about a primitive Brazilian tribe whose secrets could save the world from the billionaire tycoon set on destroying it.
An investigation into the sudden deaths of a pod of gray whales leads National Underwater & Marine Agency leader Kurt Austin to the Mexican coast, where someone tries to put him and his mini-sub permanently out of commission. Meanwhile, in South America’s lush hills, a specially assigned NUMA® team discovers a murdered body—a member of a mysterious local tribe, who live like ghosts beyond a five-part waterfall the locals call the Hand of God, and are rumored to be led by a mythical white goddess. Now they are in danger from a vicious cadre of bio-pirates intent on stealing medicinal discoveries worth millions.
Soon, Austin and his crew realize that they’re working opposite ends of the same grand scheme and must race against time to save the world’s freshwater supply from a twisted eco-extortionist. But every step toward salvation takes them deeper into a dense jungle of treachery, blackmail, and death.
An investigation into the sudden deaths of a pod of gray whales leads National Underwater & Marine Agency leader Kurt Austin to the Mexican coast, where someone tries to put him and his mini-sub permanently out of commission. Meanwhile, in South America’s lush hills, a specially assigned NUMA® team discovers a murdered body—a member of a mysterious local tribe, who live like ghosts beyond a five-part waterfall the locals call the Hand of God, and are rumored to be led by a mythical white goddess. Now they are in danger from a vicious cadre of bio-pirates intent on stealing medicinal discoveries worth millions.
Soon, Austin and his crew realize that they’re working opposite ends of the same grand scheme and must race against time to save the world’s freshwater supply from a twisted eco-extortionist. But every step toward salvation takes them deeper into a dense jungle of treachery, blackmail, and death.
452 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2000
1818 people are currently reading
3539 people want to read
About the author
Clive Cussler
634 books8,484 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 350 reviews
November 12, 2023
A good story, plenty of action...but a bit too many bizarre analogies.
EDIT: I enjoyed this more the second time around.
EDIT: I enjoyed this more the second time around.
October 8, 2014
This is the only Cussler I've read, so maybe it's a bad sampling, but bottom line, Cussler has too much tell and not enough show in his writing. You could make a great drinking game out of taking a shot for every explained simile/analogy. His heroes are too perfect and his villains are... also pretty perfect, so nobody has any flaws to overcome. All his notable women are shapely and dedicated to working out at the gym, and all his notable men are playboys who love jazz and beautiful, shapely women. It's almost bad enough to be funny--almost.
July 21, 2017
Not the best Cussler I've read, but not bad. The adventure was good & the plot OK. Just typical fun read, or in this case listing to, to pass time while driving around town on various errands. I gave it 4* because of David Purdham's masterful narration.
July 18, 2023
Amazon Indians & neo-Vikings ? Surprisingly, the twin stories of Austin & the Trouts works !
With a love interest that has a hint of Summer & a global peril that foreshadows the global real-world issue of water shortages by an uncomfortably close margin.
With a love interest that has a hint of Summer & a global peril that foreshadows the global real-world issue of water shortages by an uncomfortably close margin.
February 26, 2022
Standard fare with the bad people trying to control the world's fresh water supply. But fear not as our heroes win in the end.
March 24, 2009
Clive Cussler once had my attention. His books were well-researched, he seemed to understand a great deal about geology, archaeology, etc. and the first few Dirk Pitt novels I read were outstanding.
Over the years, his books have slowly lost their appeal to me. They seem to grown in absurdity and unimaginative coincidences.
I thought it might be different to read some of the stuff he has written with other authors. Would the Austin novels be rehash of the Pitt novels, or could other authors bring freshness to the adventures of the National Underwater and Marine Agency heroes.
Fans of the series need not plan on rejoicing. This book reminded me of the many "Doc Savage" novels I read back in the day. Completely ridiculous story line with an absurd villainess and silly henchmen. It is almost as if this book was written for the same juvenile audiences that used to read Doc Savage or The Avenger-- the pulpy/comicy magazines of the 1930's. etc.
I regret that I did not enjoy this book. I have others sitting on my shelf and will likely try another from this series before completely giving up on it.. but this one was so silly and absurd that I was left with bitter disappointment. Poorly written, poorly plotted, and simply terrible.
Over the years, his books have slowly lost their appeal to me. They seem to grown in absurdity and unimaginative coincidences.
I thought it might be different to read some of the stuff he has written with other authors. Would the Austin novels be rehash of the Pitt novels, or could other authors bring freshness to the adventures of the National Underwater and Marine Agency heroes.
Fans of the series need not plan on rejoicing. This book reminded me of the many "Doc Savage" novels I read back in the day. Completely ridiculous story line with an absurd villainess and silly henchmen. It is almost as if this book was written for the same juvenile audiences that used to read Doc Savage or The Avenger-- the pulpy/comicy magazines of the 1930's. etc.
I regret that I did not enjoy this book. I have others sitting on my shelf and will likely try another from this series before completely giving up on it.. but this one was so silly and absurd that I was left with bitter disappointment. Poorly written, poorly plotted, and simply terrible.
January 18, 2009
Currently reading. I've read Cussler's books since I was a teenager. It was a habit I obtained from my father. I was fairly certain I had read all of them (except for the most recent two), but I came across this one at the Niantic Book Barn.
All of Cussler's stories are pretty much the same:
1) Some fictional historical event occurs which causes some important object to become lost and subsequently forgotten.
2) Modern-day megalomaniac James Bond villain-type is placing in motion a scheme to take over the world or financial markets, or other such thing.
3) Either Dirk Pitt, Kurt Austin, or the crew of the Oregon thwarts said villain’s plan. In the process, the aforementioned historical object is found. Oh, and someone gets the girl.
Even though they are formulaic, I still enjoy reading Cussler's books. They are good when you don't have time to enjoy anything too deep.
All of Cussler's stories are pretty much the same:
1) Some fictional historical event occurs which causes some important object to become lost and subsequently forgotten.
2) Modern-day megalomaniac James Bond villain-type is placing in motion a scheme to take over the world or financial markets, or other such thing.
3) Either Dirk Pitt, Kurt Austin, or the crew of the Oregon thwarts said villain’s plan. In the process, the aforementioned historical object is found. Oh, and someone gets the girl.
Even though they are formulaic, I still enjoy reading Cussler's books. They are good when you don't have time to enjoy anything too deep.
March 5, 2021
Got 29 % in this book and I just couldn't take it anymore. Feel like the writing and the dialogue to be cluncky and don't have a good flow to it. It doesn't feel well written and was a slough to get through, yes it seems to be well researched but not even that could safe it for me. Don't know why I enjoyed the first book so much more, maybe I just didn't notice the writing then?
May 22, 2013
" Gamay furrowed her brow as she examined the flat, round object. 'A mirror? It appears that vanity is not confined to women.'"
"Zavala had a deserved reputation as a ladies man, so his ears perked up at the mention of a woman."
"The old ring aficionados used to say that a good big man can beat a good small man any day. Zavala hoped the same truism didn't apply to a big woman"
"The fact that they hid something underwater indicates that they don't want anyone to know what they are doing."
"They talked a while and maintained eye contact that sent messages of mutual interest."
It makes fun of itself for me. If any of those sentences seem like something that belong in a novel, then you might like this book.
"Zavala had a deserved reputation as a ladies man, so his ears perked up at the mention of a woman."
"The old ring aficionados used to say that a good big man can beat a good small man any day. Zavala hoped the same truism didn't apply to a big woman"
"The fact that they hid something underwater indicates that they don't want anyone to know what they are doing."
"They talked a while and maintained eye contact that sent messages of mutual interest."
It makes fun of itself for me. If any of those sentences seem like something that belong in a novel, then you might like this book.
May 26, 2018
The book is based on a scary concept of privatization that you hope never becomes reality. it shows how vulnerable the world could be to the greed, power and wealth of a few individuals or corporations seeking control of something we all consider to belong to the world. It is a fast paced race between two of the Numa agents to combat this evil plan. I enjoyed the book!
June 4, 2021
Clive Cussler once again delivers in a thrilling action/adventure. Blue Gold is the second entry in the NUMA (Kurt Austin) series, so far I've only read
, and now Blue Gold, obviously, HAHA!
NUMA team leader of Special Assignments Kurt Austin and his sidekick Joe Zavala are investigating the sudden deaths of a rare Whale breed which leads them to the Mexican coast, where they discover a diabolical plot by a ruthless businesswoman who's planning to seize control of the world's water supply, by any means necessary.
The sub-plot revolves around a white tribal goddess deep within the Venezuelan rain forest, whom Austin believes has some real roots in science, and may be the key to locating the secret formula which could turn the amounts of seawater into fresh.
I enjoyed the chemistry and wise-cracks between Austin and Zavala, they're like the new generation of Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino, only not as good.
, and now Blue Gold, obviously, HAHA!NUMA team leader of Special Assignments Kurt Austin and his sidekick Joe Zavala are investigating the sudden deaths of a rare Whale breed which leads them to the Mexican coast, where they discover a diabolical plot by a ruthless businesswoman who's planning to seize control of the world's water supply, by any means necessary.
The sub-plot revolves around a white tribal goddess deep within the Venezuelan rain forest, whom Austin believes has some real roots in science, and may be the key to locating the secret formula which could turn the amounts of seawater into fresh.
I enjoyed the chemistry and wise-cracks between Austin and Zavala, they're like the new generation of Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino, only not as good.
December 6, 2024
3.5 not my favorite of his but always interesting historical nuggets exploited to make it interesting.
January 25, 2009
I've never read Cussler, but I really enjoyed the movie version of his book Sahara, and this NUMA Files tale was no less exciting. Nor does it star Dirk Pitt.
To begin, Dr. Francesca Cabral has discovered a process that can cheaply and efficiently desalinate water, and is on her way to the UN to present her findings and give the process to the world for free. But someone else has other things in mind, and her plane never makes it out of South America, crashing deep in the jungle.
Ten years later, Kurt Austin and his partner Joe Zavala are racing their powerboat when the come abruptly upon a pod of dead whales. Curious as to what could have killed them, as research seems to indicate they were boiled, they begin to investigate. This leads them to a Tortilla Factory in Baja California, Mexico, which fronts for an underwater operation. Before they can discover much about the underwater dealings, the facility explodes, nearly taking Austin and Zavala with it.
Meanwhile, in the jungle, NUMA reasearchers Paul and Gamay Trout have gotten wrapped up in twisted dealings between locals, and end up escaping only to stumble into the territory of the most freaed tribe---the Chulo. With no other options for escape, however, they decide to attempt to steal a Chulo canoe, only to end up discovered and escorted to the center of their village, where they come face to face with the White Goddess, Francesca Cabral.
Dr. Cabral and the Trouts make a daring escape from the Chulo, who are staging a coup to overthrow their leader. It seems hopeless, but with some luck and a helping hand from their NUMA friends, they're saved, and return to the states, where everything starts to come together, and therefore falls apart.
The deaths of the whales, the explosion, and Dr. Cabral's attempted kidnapping, are all related to the business dealings of a trans-national corporation who is slowly and silently taking over the world's water supply. Led by a giantess of a woman who is never seen, hidden in a fortress of a house on the shores of Lake Tahoe, it seems there can be no stopping Gogstad or their monopoly on Blue Gold.
This book will keep you turning pages and on the edge of your seat right down to the last sentence.
To begin, Dr. Francesca Cabral has discovered a process that can cheaply and efficiently desalinate water, and is on her way to the UN to present her findings and give the process to the world for free. But someone else has other things in mind, and her plane never makes it out of South America, crashing deep in the jungle.
Ten years later, Kurt Austin and his partner Joe Zavala are racing their powerboat when the come abruptly upon a pod of dead whales. Curious as to what could have killed them, as research seems to indicate they were boiled, they begin to investigate. This leads them to a Tortilla Factory in Baja California, Mexico, which fronts for an underwater operation. Before they can discover much about the underwater dealings, the facility explodes, nearly taking Austin and Zavala with it.
Meanwhile, in the jungle, NUMA reasearchers Paul and Gamay Trout have gotten wrapped up in twisted dealings between locals, and end up escaping only to stumble into the territory of the most freaed tribe---the Chulo. With no other options for escape, however, they decide to attempt to steal a Chulo canoe, only to end up discovered and escorted to the center of their village, where they come face to face with the White Goddess, Francesca Cabral.
Dr. Cabral and the Trouts make a daring escape from the Chulo, who are staging a coup to overthrow their leader. It seems hopeless, but with some luck and a helping hand from their NUMA friends, they're saved, and return to the states, where everything starts to come together, and therefore falls apart.
The deaths of the whales, the explosion, and Dr. Cabral's attempted kidnapping, are all related to the business dealings of a trans-national corporation who is slowly and silently taking over the world's water supply. Led by a giantess of a woman who is never seen, hidden in a fortress of a house on the shores of Lake Tahoe, it seems there can be no stopping Gogstad or their monopoly on Blue Gold.
This book will keep you turning pages and on the edge of your seat right down to the last sentence.
April 7, 2014
Sometimes I just need to read these mindless predictable books.
September 20, 2025
Blue Gold by Clive Cussler (written with Paul Kemprecos) is the second book in the NUMA Files series, and it’s got all the classic Cussler trademarks: high-stakes adventure, eco-thriller vibes, and a dash of over-the-top heroics. The story dives into a global conspiracy involving the world’s dwindling freshwater supply essentially, water is the “blue gold” here, a resource as precious as oil.
The plot kicks off with Kurt Austin investigating the mysterious deaths of rare whales, which leads him to uncover a much larger scheme involving eco-extortion, bio-pirates, and a megalomaniac tycoon who wants to monopolize the Earth’s water reserves. It’s action-packed and features plenty of underwater escapades, daring rescues, and wild twists, as you’d expect from a Cussler novel. There’s even a subplot involving tribal mythology and a “white goddess,” which adds a layer of eccentricity to the whole thing.
While the book delivers on adventure and stunts, some readers feel it leans into formulaic territory. The villains are stereotypically evil, the heroes impossibly perfect, and the female characters are… well, let’s just say they’re straight out of the “supermodel genius” mold. But hey, you don’t pick up a Cussler book for realism you grab it for escapism and thrills. And on that front, Blue Gold delivers, even if it’s not breaking new ground.
Overall, it’s a fun read if you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, globe-trotting adventure, but it might not stand out as one of Cussler’s best.
The plot kicks off with Kurt Austin investigating the mysterious deaths of rare whales, which leads him to uncover a much larger scheme involving eco-extortion, bio-pirates, and a megalomaniac tycoon who wants to monopolize the Earth’s water reserves. It’s action-packed and features plenty of underwater escapades, daring rescues, and wild twists, as you’d expect from a Cussler novel. There’s even a subplot involving tribal mythology and a “white goddess,” which adds a layer of eccentricity to the whole thing.
While the book delivers on adventure and stunts, some readers feel it leans into formulaic territory. The villains are stereotypically evil, the heroes impossibly perfect, and the female characters are… well, let’s just say they’re straight out of the “supermodel genius” mold. But hey, you don’t pick up a Cussler book for realism you grab it for escapism and thrills. And on that front, Blue Gold delivers, even if it’s not breaking new ground.
Overall, it’s a fun read if you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, globe-trotting adventure, but it might not stand out as one of Cussler’s best.
January 20, 2020
I have been tempted to create a shelf for hysterically stupid fiction. Blue Gold would qualify, as would most all of Cussler. I still read the occasional book in these various series: Dirk Pitt, NUMA, Oregon Files and the Fargos because they are amusing escapist fun. I’m glad this one was abridged. The plot meanders through an increasingly dumb collection of episodes: an explosion at a tortilla factory, escape from a primitive Amazon tribe, a ridiculous CIA assassination order, a Korean War era jet that is fully fueled and works after 30 years of neglect, and destruction of our Blofeld cloned villain in an underwater lab in Lake Tahoe.
At least it made me laugh.
At least it made me laugh.
November 24, 2018
I would give this 2.5 stars if I could. it wasn't horrible, it just read like escapist fiction for men who want to be action heroes with a lot of money and beautiful ladies on both arms. a bit maudlin, and the writing is really just there to get the job done. I'm not the target demographic by any means.
May 25, 2019
Definitely enjoyed... though I'm a huge Cussler fan, it's a fun one but he's probably written better books (cough, Dirk Pitt, cough) so you might want to start with some of his earlier ones if you're new to Cussler. Still a solid read though!
June 13, 2021
Great read
January 9, 2025
Intriguing!!!
August 21, 2023
Similar in pace to the first one - this one about water purification and monopolisation
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2020
A little bit more technical than I would have liked, but still very good.
May 8, 2020
Move over Ian, There is a new writer in town, I am a Great Fan of Pitt but these Numa Files are just as well put together, And the possible ways to ruin the world are a bit scary, I hope the super villians never get their hands on these stories. This was a Good Read.
April 6, 2011
Blue Gold by Clive Cussler
I'm a massive fan of Clive Cussler and all his works, especially Dirk Pitt, Kurt Austin and the new Isaac Bell stories. As expected, Blue Gold is a great addition to the collection. The story features Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala, a recent addition to Cussler's world. It's classic Cussler, spans over years and is full of action and adventure.
I'm a massive fan of Clive Cussler and all his works, especially Dirk Pitt, Kurt Austin and the new Isaac Bell stories. As expected, Blue Gold is a great addition to the collection. The story features Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala, a recent addition to Cussler's world. It's classic Cussler, spans over years and is full of action and adventure.
May 2, 2018
Great Adventures
If you have read any of Cussler's books you know your in for a wild and adventures ride. His books are suspenseful and Heart felt. Blue Gold has you on the edge of your seat and keeps you up all night. Read just one of his books and you'll be hooked forever waiting for his next new story to be published. Thanks for the Journey
If you have read any of Cussler's books you know your in for a wild and adventures ride. His books are suspenseful and Heart felt. Blue Gold has you on the edge of your seat and keeps you up all night. Read just one of his books and you'll be hooked forever waiting for his next new story to be published. Thanks for the Journey
September 16, 2015
I love reading Cussler but this is an early book (number 2 with Kurt Austin. Preposterous pitot, silly secondary plot and cardboard characters. Poorly done. Read some newer titles as he develops into a better writer.
July 8, 2021
This was one of the better books I've read in a while. The story was exciting, and it took turns I never thought were coming. Good surprises. I didn't want to quit reading it when other things come up to do.
May 19, 2017
Finally caught up
I am glad that I got to catch up on this wonderful book. Great story. I enjoyed the plot, the pace and how Clive Cussler entwined the many subplots into a great read . I recommend fully.
I am glad that I got to catch up on this wonderful book. Great story. I enjoyed the plot, the pace and how Clive Cussler entwined the many subplots into a great read . I recommend fully.
February 22, 2011
The book has too many coincidences and several parts seemed too far fetched. Not worth the time. The only reason I finished the book is because I started it in the first place.
October 31, 2012
I am really enjoying the adventure story genre....another great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews