Clive Cussler’s Desolation Code: NUMA Files, Book 21

by Graham Brown, Scott Brick (Narrator)

Brought to you by Penguin.

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 NUMA’s findings, forcing a high-speed chase—someone really didn’t 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 NUMA’s inner workings?

Kurt, Joe, and even Max, the agency’s 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.

The aquatic stranding was just the beginning of a sinister plan concocted by a mind more brilliant than any they’ve ever faced—the mind of a machine. A new, terrifying world order is being plotted. First marine ecosystems will be devastated, then the entire globe’s . . .Unless the NUMA crew can stop this code of desolation.

Genres: Fiction

Audible Audio

Published November 7, 2024

About the author

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

Reviews

[Craig Carignan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very believable, I didn't enjoy it as much as his earlier novels.

[G Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin & Zavala are at it again. Trouble of world- wide proportions just seem to find them. This time it’s another guy who has decided he wants to rule the world and everyone bow down to him. One of the things I love about Clive Cussler books is the many different ways he finds to end our existence. Always saved in the end, but entertaining throughout the reading. Graham Brown has captured Cussler’s style and prose so well. He is an excellent writer to take up the Cussler mantle. I’ve read several books, so far,and eagerly await his next novel.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

50/50 Reject: Thought I’d check in with the franchise. It still sucks. Kurt and Joe on life support. Unrealistic premise with AI-generated mosquitos stored on the high seas, and stitched up clones. Add in bad guy on island. You could finish the book, but why bother? We know how it ends.

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[Doug Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kurt and Joe save from a world wide catastrophe which would have wiped out all of humanity and pretty much all living things just for starters. And there is major conflict between Max and another super computer. Considering the scale of events I will be surprised if author can top this one. But their publisher will prevail I am sure.

[Rod · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insight to AI in the hands of a megalomaniac..scary

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite with all these little inventions and machines that will destroy humanity!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Soc Page]

41 - a book by the oldest author in your TBR pile

88 years old at his death in 2020 (Covid?). His universe lives on.

[John Mulholland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very different story.

[Mark Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

I miss the actual writing of Clive Cussler. Story was decent.

[Katie Shanahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent but miss Cussler's voice.