Clive Cussler Desolation Code

NUMA Files #21

by Graham Brown, Clive Cussler (Series Creator)

Kurt Austin and the NUMA crew face swarms of deadly bio-hacked sea locusts, a runaway AI system, and a sinister cult in the latest explosive new thriller in the NUMA series 'Cussler is hard to beat' Daily Mail ---- When Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala investigate a mass stranding of aquatic life in the Indian Ocean, they accidentally uncover a much deeper mystery. A strange figure soon steals NUMAs findings, forcing a high-speed chasesomeone really didnt want them examining those dead whales. But who, and why? A cryptic text through the NUMA satellite network makes things still these odd phrases and numbers look like NUMA codes. But who could be tantalizing the crew with such specific knowledge of their tech? Are they being helped by an old friend, or lured into a trap by a traitor who knows a little too much about NUMAs inner workings? Kurt, Joe, and even Max, the agencys supercomputer, will have to investigate like never before as they decrypt data, infiltrate a cult of cloned men, and prepare for a battle on two very different one physical; one digital. ---- PRAISE FOR CLIVER 'The Adventure King' Sunday Express 'Just about the best in the business' New York Post

Genres: Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Mystery, Audiobook, Suspense, Science Fiction

379 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Same script, different title.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time for another Clive Cussler Wednesday!

Kurt Austin and Company are on an African island, when the governor pleads with them to save some whales that have beached themselves. Several different species of whales are beached. Nobody knows why. Austin would like to find out, but some bionic thugs desire otherwise. Then there's a ghost in Austin's phone...

While it repeats some of the themes from other recent novels, this one is exciting enough you won't care too much.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This kind of book is like popcorn. Enjoyable but not having any real nutritional value. I enjoy listening to the audiobook version. I've said this before, the audiobook makes it like an old timey radio drama .

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read for CC fans. Brown does a pretty good job of bringing the AI and bioengineering threats to a NUMA adventure in the Indian Ocean.
The issues raised are important though dealt with here in a light CC touch which is appropriate for a beach read.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another acceptable adventure by one of the stable of legacy authors, approved by the estate of the late Clive Cussler, Graham Brown...I enjoyed his earlier "Dark Vector," featuring Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala...In "Desolation Code," Kurt and Joe confront another megalomaniac villain, intent on world domination...This one through, through the use of AI, cloning and genetically mutated plagues...A real page-turner, worthy of the Cussler brand...Just the usual good stuff!!!

[Jessica Nybeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the beginning, another thrilling adventure from the NUMA Files that absolutely delivers! I devoured it in one weekend—packed with action, twists, and just the right dose of suspense to keep you hooked from start to finish. The plot moves fast, the characters are sharp, and every chapter leaves you wanting more. A must-read for Cussler fans and anyone who loves a smart, high-stakes ride.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puts the creep in creepy AI! But please remember: the monster is not at fault, but rather Dr. Frankenstein. I think of a Gary Larson Far Side cartoon with a young Victor Frankenstein being punished in school and having to write lines, "I will not meddle in God's domain!"

[Jim Rickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book

I really enjoyed this book. The subject matter was great and really applies to us today. I'm so glad to see this series continuing

[Rick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Way too far fetched. Not a fan of this, turned way too far into sci-fi.

[Brantley Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best NUMA files books in a long time. Putting this series back onto the footing it should be.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a crazy fast read for me. It moved at a fast pace. It held my interest from start to finish. It has bioengineered sea life that was pretty horrific in what it could do, AI gone nuts, clones, a mad scientist on an island, a chase reminiscent of Dirk Pitt, and general craziness throughout. I could not decide if there were errors in the editing of the book because some of the sentences seemed awkward to me, like they were missing words that would help complete the thought being presented.

To be honest, when I first picked it up and looked at it, the cover did catch my eye but the blurb on the dust jacket almost put me off from reading it. I am glad that I did not let my trepidation keep me from reading the book, hahahah!

I think there were two weaknesses for me in this book. The first is that it is getting a little old where Dirk and . . . oh, wait! I mean Juan Cabrillo . . . no, I mean Kurt and Joe keep finding "stuff" and that "stuff" quickly getting stolen from them throughout most of the book because the villains are always several steps ahead of them until it is time for the bad guys (or girls) to start making the necessary mistakes for the good guys to win. I think that is one "trope" in these books that is getting overused (that includes the Dirk Pitt books and The Oregon Files). I find myself missing the days when Dirk or Al or Kurt or Joe were able to do some kind of quick switcheroo and prevent the bad guys from stealing everything from them because of one reason or another.

The second is that I felt like I had read this before. That's not the author's fault - I am sure I am just confabulating different prior plotlines into this one as I was reading it, which is why it felt familiar. The thing is, though - the premise of blending humanity with machines to live forever really sounded familiar. Not sure if it was in a prior "Cussler series" or a different series, but that was strongly familiar to me. Maybe part of it stems from Ghost Soldiers which also focused heavily on AI and how it could be used in various methods of warfare as well as controlling aircraft and other vehicles?

Actually, I think there was a third weakness for me: the fact that Max was taken offline and Dirk did not know about it. In addition, that Max's being taken offline did not adversely impact NUMA missions or services. I just feel like Max has always had "her hand in the pie", so to speak, and controlled quite a bit of NUMA's operations. I could have misunderstood, and that is fine, but to have Max be hacked like she was (or believed to have been) and Dirk not be told about it seemed out-of-character to me. I don't know - maybe I was "spoiled" with how Dirk and Al always had access to Admiral Sandecker when he was in charge of NUMA despite Rudi being "second-in-command" and yet Dirk never seems to be appraised of missions or issues or setbacks like the Admiral was. Not only that, Max was taken offline - that seems to be a pretty serious thing to me and something Dirk should have known about. I realize the author does not have to write Rudi or Hiram saying, "I'd better let Dirk know about this!", but it seems like Dirk should have been involved at this point in the book. Just my opinion.

Okay, okay. The ending was a bit too convenient for me. It was wrapped up a bit too nicely, on the one hand. Part of me wished "the Overseer" had escaped so he could either reappear as a later villain or face justice in a court and it be discovered what Vaughn did to Blake to "upgrade" Blake's body and mind. But, yeah, Vaughn dies because Tau messed up (or Priya killed Vaughn) in a form of poetic justice, I suppose. Tau "dies with a whimper" because it couldn't upload (download?) its "memory" ("essence"?) into backup servers somewhere else (or maybe it was just going to upload itself into Vaughn's satellite system and wreak havoc from orbit?). There was this huge buildup over the course of the book, and then, BOOM!!!!, it was over. It wasn't a very satisfying ending, on the one hand. So maybe instead of the ending being "too convenient" it wasn't satisfying. It kind of felt rushed and like the author realized he had to wrap things up, so the ending got cut up and abbreviated so he could make his deadline.

The battle between Tau and Max was . . . interesting, I guess. Kind of a letdown, to be honest. The author did a decent job building up to it, but once it happened it was kind-of "meh" for me. The whole "Ghost in the Machine", though, was pretty cool.

Tau was a crazy AI. It experimented on humans to try and better understand them and predict human behavior; I am not sure how well that came across in the book. As much as I despise the second and third book of D.F. Jone's Colossus trilogy, I think he did a better job in the 70s describing human interactions with computers than Brown did in this book. And I think such interactions have been better done in other such books that have Cussler's name on them. As much as I am struggling to try and describe my feelings about how it was written (the blending of human consciousness and A.I. on the island), I felt like the end of the book was a little too trite in saying that Tau had become "addicted" to the emotional rushes it was getting from the humans on which it experimented, so that is why it kept pursuing the experiments in the fashion it did (using pain and torture to generate the strongest emotional responses for its "fix").

I did like that Vaughn realized his "anti-fertility virus" had been removed from his plague of sea locusts after three or four generations, which is why he was interested in Gamay Trout's work involving mosquitos and using them as vectors to stop the spread of some plague. I did not catch that was going through Vaughn's mind when he was wanting to capture her to interrogate her about the missing information she refused to share in her reports. At the same time, the plague of sea locusts that devoured everything organic reminded me of similar "plagues" I have read about in other books. I wish I could remember their titles, hahahah! But I know I have read something similar. Too, it vaguely reminded me of "The Ladybug" episode of A Man Called Sloane from the 70s, hahahah!

I also thought it was clever that Tau came across some of Hiram's old college papers and used those as the basis to create its plans of attacking Max, that it used Hiram's old work to create viruses and commands to continue smashing through Max's defenses. I was, "that is a good idea! Quite clever to come up with that!" when I read it. One of the better parts of the book.

The author also did a nice job creating a word picture of the sea locusts covering the science boat transporting Gamay and Paul across the Indian Ocean. I could picture the insect-covered boat in my mind as well as what the swarm might have been like (especially when they started swarming again and going nuts when it got warm).

Oh! The image of the sharks and whales swelling before their sides burst and more of the eggs were released was horrific! Those were some crazy moments, and the author did an excellent job describing them as well! I could see those images in my mind (much to my stomach's chagrin, hahahah!), and they were gruesome indeed! Perhaps Steve Alton in his Meg books helped create some of the images in my mind, hahahah! But, yeah, the egg sacks swelling and then bursting was just BLECH!!! with the right amount of horror.

I do like how the author did a nice job of balancing Kurt and Joe's story with Paul and Gamay's story (or, parts in the story). The four of them make a great team when they are together, but the author also does a nice job of writing them "separately" in this book, too. I thought it was a solid balance between the four characters. I was actually concerned about Gamay in this book; I thought the author might actually change things up a bit and write her as dying at the end when she was separated from Tau by Kurt. That was an interesting change of pace, as I normally do not worry about any of the main characters truly getting hurt let alone dying.

I was happy to see Priya in this book but sad that she died at the end. It was odd, though, 'cuz the comment is made that she had been gone from NUMA for over five years, yet it did not seem to me to have been that long since she was last in a book. But I could be wrong - I remember her being in Sea of Greed, The Rising Sea, and Nighthawk. I thought she might be in some other more recent books, but I must be wrong. Sea of Greed was published in 2018, which obviously was over five years ago, so perhaps she has been gone longer than I realized. And yet, she still "lives on" in the clone of her created by Vaughn who goes by the name of "Kai". That was pretty cool to a sad part of the ending.

Stuff like this makes me miss what Clive used to do in his books - how how he would provide dates for when each book took place. Granted, he had them starting shortly after the Vietnam War, so Dirk Pitt should be much older than he is in the books, hahahah! But I do miss the use of dates in the books to create a kind of "timeline" and help with the continuity of the stories. What is really interesting is that Max was introduced a loooong time ago in Dirk's adventures, yet the comment is made in this book how Hiram created Max "over twenty years ago" and how Max has been developing, learning, and growing for the past twenty years. So that puts a bit of an interesting timeline on these stories (especially since the first NUMA Files book was written nearly thirty years ago).

The ending was so rushed!!!! The decision of the U.N. to declare that clones of people were real people and entitled to the same rights as "normal"/non-cloned humans was so quick! Quicker than I would have thought possible, but that decision seemed pretty clear to me. I know it is a "technothriller" and not a philosophy book, but I did think the author might have expanded a bit more on "whether or not clones of humans are truly humans themselves" or "are individuals" than he did in the book. Most of the argument seemed to be "Joe had befriended one of the clones, and then two more, and that settled things in his mind about whether or not they were human and unique individuals" more than anything else, but that is okay. The author showed a human side to them on one hand, although elements of this book did remind me of Sigmund Brouwer's book Double Helix in terms of clones.

The discussion about A.I. and whether or not it Max was truly "alive" was a bit of a disappointment to me as well. I felt like the author could have doubled down a bit on this when it came to Max; perhaps he felt he could not since Max was Clive's creation and not his? In any case, Max was written in such a way it felt like she was "more alive" in this book than in prior books, and she does make the decision to disobey the last orders/instructions given to her by Hiram to try and help "save the world" by attacking Tau like she does (and nearly "dies" in the process).

I have blathered on enough. Overall, I enjoyed the book but felt like it was missing "something", some oooomph previous books have had. Too, the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying. That being said, it was still a fun read (and a fast read! I still cannot believe how fast I read this book!). The author does a good job of blending science fact with "what if?" and forecasting how things might go "in the future" (without treading too far into "sci-fi territory"). It has action, adventure, mystery, and horror in it, as well as a touch of sadness at the end. I was going to rate it 2 stars because of how unsatisfying the ending was, but I will rate it 3 stars (say, 2.7-2.9, rounded up) because, overall, I did enjoy it, and it did not bore me in the least bit.

[Anna Williams Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dad lent me this to read and this is SUCH a dad book. I am actually obsessed with it, it was like watching an action movie

[Vaelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its been awhile since I've read a "Cussler" novel and I'd lost contact with the various series, the NUMA files being one of my preferred ones.

Given Clive died (RIP) in 2020 the whole franchise is being ghost written by various authors, which was in fact likely occurring long before his death.

An easy, fun and quick read which was the perfect opposite to reading work-related documents.

Very high chance I'll smash through another one very soon.

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I own this.

[Deborah Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clones are people

This is a thoughtful thriller that is so interesting it transcends genre. I remember thinking, back when clones were first suggested, that it was sad that the first thing people thought of was having clones meant having someone to do work for them, or slaves. This story is also about the increased power of computers, but clones are real people and none want to be slaves.

[David Kee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

Cussler novels are by nature formulaic but entertaining. Desolation Code tries to branch out by riding the wave of AI obsession but ends up devolving into a new version of A Wrinkle in Time.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Stars. NUMA FILES: DESOLATION CODE, bk21, read quickly, kept my interest and provided rather thought provoking (and sobering) possibilities. I enjoyed DC, recommend it and this series to readers who enjoy: action-adventure novels, sea adventures, fast-moving character-driven series and Thriller novels with science ‘somewhat stretched beyond today’s potential.’ I thought this book was somewhat similar to Catherine Coulter-JT Ellingson’s final book in their ‘A Brit in the FBI’ series.

1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved this; it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).

DESOLATION CODE ~
A brilliant but sociopathic billionaire plans to ‘improve’ the world through a three-pronged approach: the spreading of secretly created viruses and genetically altered killer sea-locusts and through AI-controlled cloning.

Two of NUMA’s senior employees, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala, become concerned when a number of seemingly unconnected issues occur nearly consecutively: an unexplainable beaching of whales and dozens of other large marine life occurs along the Indian Ocean coastline. Paul and Gamay Trout begin processing the potential causes for the unusual marine life behavior but they and their crew suddenly and mysteriously disappear. NUMA’s complex and highly secured computer system, headquartered in Washington DC, is indescribably hacked.

Are these situations connected? If so, who or what is causing them? What happened to the Trouts? Where are they, their crew and ship? How did NUMA’s computer get hacked and why? What is happening in the Indian Ocean? Is someone or something causing the reported unusual behavior and sightings? If a cataclysmic clock is ticking off the final hours toward an unknown event, as Kurt & Joe are beginning to suspect, will anyone believe them?

Comments ~
1) DESOLATION CODE is bk21 in Cussler’s NUMA series featuring Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala. This book (bks9-21) was written by Graham Brown. The various main characters & relationships continue to develop throughout the series but each book can be read as a Standalone title, or out of order.
2) As a number of recent books in this series, I found DC’s scenario scarily possible in today’s world. I found myself discussing certain aspects with my science/engineer-minded husband.
3) POV varies between Kurt Austin, Joe, the various members of NUMA’s team and the antagonist computer; scenes switch back and forth frequently and move quickly leaving little time for boredom.
4) I always look forward to reading Cussler’s Adventure novels. As a scuba diver I especially appreciate the inclusion of the many crazy flying, diving and underwater-action scenes written into his books. Such scenes were minimal in DC but I still enjoyed it.
5) Clive Cussler died in Feb 2020 and if it wasn’t for his planning (getting authors alongside to co-author his various series) these books, and this series, might have ended. It’s a pleasure to see them continue.
6) I have read all the books (once or more) in 3 of Cussler’s 5 series: DIRK PITT, NUMA FILES and OREGON FILES. I have enjoyed most of these very much and recommend them to Action-Adventure, Maritime Adventure, Character-driven readers. (The ISSAC BELL series is historical in nature and the FARGO ADVENTURES series features a husband/wife team. I haven’t read the former and didn’t enjoy the 1 bk I read in the latter so much, but YMMV). I feel the older (early books) in the DIRK PITT and NUMA FILES series were shorter books and generally lighter in tone than the later books.

READER CAUTION ~ IMO, DESOLATION CODE is appropriate for most readers who enjoy light, fast Action Adventure novels where the good guys might take a solid beating but always win in the end.

READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Minimal, if any.
VIOLENCE - PG-13. Not overly dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Graham Brown’s Desolation Code, the latest addition to the NUMA Files series, continues the legacy of Clive Cussler with a thrilling adventure that combines cutting-edge technology, environmental intrigue, and relentless action. This 21st installment showcases Brown’s ability to maintain the high-octane excitement that fans of the series have come to love.

This novel opens with a mysterious mass stranding of aquatic life in the Indian Ocean. Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala, key members of the NUMA team, are called in to investigate. Their findings lead them into a high-stakes chase when a shadowy figure steals crucial evidence.

Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala are as dynamic as ever, their camaraderie and expertise driving the narrative forward. The introduction of new antagonists, including a brilliant yet malevolent AI, adds fresh tension and complexity. The supporting cast, including the ever-reliable Max, NUMA’s supercomputer, and other team members, enrich the story with their unique skills and personalities.

Brown’s writing is fast-paced and engaging, capturing the urgency and danger of the NUMA team’s mission. His descriptions of underwater scenes and high-tech gadgets are vivid and detailed, immersing readers in the world of marine exploration and espionage. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with humor, providing a balance to the intense action sequences.

Desolation Code explores themes of technological advancement and its potential dangers, environmental conservation, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The novel also touches on loyalty and teamwork, highlighting the strong bonds between the NUMA team members as they face unprecedented threats.

Desolation Code is a compelling and action-packed addition to the NUMA Files series. Graham Brown successfully continues Clive Cussler’s legacy, delivering a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. Fans of the series will appreciate the familiar elements while enjoying the fresh twists and new challenges.

Highly recommended for fans of action-adventure novels, marine exploration, and techno-thrillers. Desolation Code is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, high-stakes adventure with a touch of environmental and technological intrigue.

[Ami Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on the book blog Creature From the Book Lagoon.

don’t know about anyone else, but this was one of the best NUMA books in…. maybe ever? 😮

Graham Brown has really shaken up the NUMA series. Less historical artifacts and more technology advancement related. Some fans may not like that kind of big change up in the series. I personally feel like Graham is a breath of fresh air in this series.

The new author of NUMA tends to plot stories using cutting edge science. In Desolation Code we have a cloning and AI premise. AI is the hot new trend and I enjoyed seeing it play out as one of the big baddies in the story. It was also nice to see the NUMA super computer, Max, play a bigger role this time around. 🙂

One of my biggest complaints of the last several books in the series is that the action between the 4 main NUMA characters – Kurt, Joe, Paul, and Gamay- has been very uneven. Too much of the story is all on Kurt’s shoulders, with Mr. and Mrs. Trout hardly even having anything to do most books.

This time, the action is much more balanced between all 4 main characters. The dynamics between them reminded me of the early days of the series. 😀 Everyone had an important role to play. Kurt wasn’t just Superman the whole time. He wasn’t the only one with all the answers. It was nice seeing a little bit more equal time for everyone.

The ending was also a little different… it ended on a little bit of a sad note! 😮 Sad happy note? It was a pretty big depature from the usual NUMA ending.

This series has had it’s formulaic set up since the early days. I mean, it is book # 21! I am really happy with Brown taking the series over. He is making changes to the formula and it is nice to have a little bit up a switch up finally.

Desolation Code is an action packed story filled with clones, AI super computers, and genetic engineered bugs. 😮 The whole NUMA team played an important part to the plot. It was nice to see more balance between the characters. Book # 21 is changed up a bit and some fans may not like all the changes. I felt it was a great change of pace from a stale formulaic rut the series was in for a while. 😮

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

DESOLATION CODE is the next installment in Clive Cussler’s NUMA Files series and is one wild ride from start to finish. What I love about Clive Cussler’s books is how he incorporates history and contemporary issues seamlessly together. With author Graham Brown driving the story as well, he does a masterful job in keeping Clive Cussler’s creation of NUMA Files Characters intact while giving the readers a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Meet Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala, two of NUMA’s agents as they help in the Indian Ocean trying to get the beached marine life back out in the ocean before they perish. But when their research is stolen and a high-speed chase ends in more questions, Kurt, Joe and the gang have to figure out just who doesn’t want their findings to be known. What I love about the Numa Books is how the characters are so lifelike, they just flow off the pages into the room. I love how Mr. Brown keeps the core of who these characters are while also giving them more danger to deal with in a high stakes game that is deadly to the core. Clive Cussler was a wonderful author who created these characters among others, and I am thrilled to see his legacy continue his work with other authors helping to keep the series going. DESOLATION CODE delivers lots of twists and turns, a loss of a beloved character that was hard to deal with and more.

DESOLATION CODE has everything I love-advance technology., a storyline that weaves a spell around the reader and an ending you don’t see coming. Clive Cussler and Graham Brown deliver another exciting installment in the NUMA Files series that will surely deliver a bang to the reader. I can’t wait to see what happens next for the NUMA crew in the future.
This is an Objective Review and not an endorsement.

[Thomas Franks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a summary free and spoiler free review of Desolation Code by Graham Brown and the dearly departed Clive Cussler. This is the 21st book of the Kurt Austin NUMA series.

I have read just about every Clive Cussler book and as a person who enjoys action genre, technology, boats and history I am the target demographic. Desolation Code is a very good 4 star outing from Graham Brown (his 13th in the series) with what you would expect, good action, fast pacing and an occassional one liner that makes you laugh.

Desolation Code delivers in a way you would predict. The villians are written well but not deeply, descriptions of action are well done, the description of Reunion Island is well done, but the technology behind the plot could have explained better for me, but I quibble, this is another 4 star book from the Cussler Universe.

If you like me have read most of Cussler books and have not yet read Desolation Code then what are you waiting for, go read it. If you have have enjoyed some of the Cussler Books including the NUMA series but not others, I will tell you this is just more of the same template of Cussler Books.

If you are new to Cussler Universe, then start with the Dirk Pitt books which I in general prefer slightly to the Austin Series, The Fargo series, Oregon series are to me a little lighter and the Issac Bell series is set about 100 years ago and is interesting in that way.

[Papa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read so very many books by Clive and loved them. So often the book started with historical fact and moved into a fascinating fictional story and tied it all together at the end.

However the last two new books I've read that were not written by Clive but using his name (Desolation Code and Medusa) were about world dominance through artificial intelligence and man made pandemics that the books became futuristic and odd. Nowhere I did I feel the artistic touch of Clive Cussler in the books.

Now that I'm thinking about the direction they went in the last two stories I've read and Clive no longer writing the books. I've decided it's time I go back to Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett and start reading historical fiction setback in the middle ages. The battles and struggles were so much simpler and believable back then.

It will be a welcome relief from the futuristic artificial intelligence, pathogens and speculation of what could be, that was in these last two books. Sure is a long way from stories like Raise The Titanic and The Jungle.

Rest in Peace Clive Cussler. You are dearly missed.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A long, long time ago I can remember reading some of the Dirk Pitt adventures by Clive Cussler. For whatever reason, I stopped paying attention to the series after a while, until I saw this book. No, Clive Cussler didn’t write it. He died in 2020. However, there are authors now writing books based on the world he created. Dirk Pitt isn’t here, but an intriguing staff now works for NUMA pressing on with the work I remember from those earlier books.

In Desolation Code, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala of NUMA are called to investigate a mass stranding of marine wildlife on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. While they are able to direct island officials and residents in helping save some of the stranded marine life, there are more questions than answers as to why this happened.

While there, they get a signal from a NUMA marine beacon. What’s strange is that this beacon is sitting in NUMA Headquarters in Washington DC. The group of NUMA scientists split up as Kurt and Joe follow the beacon. The rest of their crew is researching what might have driven the marine life to strand themselves on the beaches like that.

All of this makes for an intriguing mystery that involves artificial intelligence, cloning, and a megalomaniacal villain intent on creating a new version of life on Earth.

To read my full review, please go to Clive Cussler’s Desolation Code: A Novel from the NUMA Files by Graham Brown – An Exciting Thriller with AI Themes

[Jennifer Drabbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast-paced and action-packed story that satisfied my adventurous cravings.
But.. a couple of buts actually.
While every book is a nice work of fiction with underlying truths or what-ifs, I wasn’t a fan of the AI-theme. This is not a fault of the book, this is purely a personal preference. It didn’t feel in line with all the other books. Then again, AI is upcoming, so not that far-fetched, I suppose.
The one thing that threw me off most, causing it to lose stars in my review, is the writing style. It felt rushed sometimes, or with unnecessary explanations, like what someone is thinking when the feelings are made clear by the tone or choice of words. It didn’t feel the same.
That being said, I did enjoy it, I did finish it in no-time. There was action and adventure, all the lovable characters, and an epic adventure. So for that, added a star.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desolation Code has Kurt and Joe rescuing a massive beaching of whales and other sea animals. The beached animals that died have strange wounds and Gaby and Paul from the NUMA team are called in to try to solve the beaching mystery. Things get more complicated and the world is in peril once more.
Desolation Code has cloned humans, a psychopathic billionaire, the psychopathic computer he has created, and computers becoming sentient. As always, the story is a fun read, full of action. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning and found it hard to put down. Graham Brown does an excellent job of continuing the NUMA Files series.
Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Gary Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

a clone of the master?

I struggled a bit with this novel. A lot of hi tech stuff often seemed to big the story down, and at times the plot seemed to get bogged down, just when it seemed to be getting somewhere. It was something I had to work at to keep reading to the end. Plenty of action, but held back by complex details. Truly evil and frightening at times, the insane genius who wants to dictate the future of the world at ahuge cost to mankind. Obviously did not consider Kurt and Joe’s impact on his plans. I persevered to the end, where everything wrapped up nicely.

[Jaume Ayala · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the very begiinig I had the feeling I've already read that story: some remote place where the crazy doctor was experiencing with some poor guys.... but it turned to be something else!!!
They are not just "some poor guys" but something else and, on top of that, the story also includes some "GenAI" spice which made it even more interesting.
Kurt and Joe are like a younger copy of Dirk and Al while secondary roles for Rudi Sandecker, Hiram Yaeger & Max (not really seondary role this time) are shared with Dirk and Al and we also have the dedicated secondaries Paul and Gamay Trout.
I really enjoyed this one!!!

[Durinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting adventure by the late Clive Cussler. I’m an avid fan of Clive Vusdler having bought and read every single book that has been written by him and any co-authors.
A definite page turner, and had me captivated all the way through. I’m too afraid to give much about the story in case I give any spoilers. But safe to say it had me enthralled and very worried that the events in this book could actually happen in today’s world. Very frightening for the earth and mankind.

It’s very sad knowing that any books that were.partly written by the author prior to his passing and then completed by a co-author all are coming to an end in each series.

Thank you to the author for this wild ride of over 35 years of enjoyment of me devouring your books. He is one author that is my automatic go-to no matter what is published I automatically will purchase the new publication.

[Jax · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graham Brown does a fine job presenting a Cussler-style novel filled with action, mystery, an ocean setting and, most of all, a complex, riveting plot. Today’s headlines make this a more frightening read, with human cloning, the deliberate release of a plague, and the power of AI computing. On the negative side, I disagree with the practice of ghostwriting for a famous author, especially one who is deceased and has no say in the decision or control over the content.

Many thanks to Penguin Group-Putnam and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Desolation Code" by Graham Brown is an entertaining Sci-Fi adventure story that's reminiscent of other Sci-Fi tales. An evil genius creates a rogue computer which threatens to become Earth's ultimate god. Think Hal in 2001 Space Odyssey or the machine world in the Matrix there's even an old Boris Karloff flick that connects human brains together to do evil. The action is intense. The connection of Paul & Gamay Trout is wrong, not like Cussler originally portrayed. Having AI supercomputers audibly connecting is a leap. 4stars.