| Clive Cussler and Paul Kemprecos weave a fine tale of mystery that spans three thousand years and international borders. They incorporate Phoenician sailing lore, the Queen of Sheba, King Solomon, and missing artifacts from the Baghdad Museum to provide a maritime adventure. Kurt Austin of the NUMA special assignments team joins UNESCO inspector Carina Mechadi in an attempt to uncover ancient mysteries. Unfortunately, Baltazar, the arch-villain in this novel thwarts them at every turn.
The Navigator provides an entertaining story about hidden treasure from about 900 BC. A bronze statue called the Navigator depicts an ancient Phoenician navigator, possibly the son of King Solomon which may contain clues to the treasure. The statue disappeared from the Baghdad Museum, when it was plundered during the United States attack on the Iraq National Guard. United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Agency (UNESCO) investigator, Carina Mechadi recovered the statue from an antiquities black market dealer in Egypt. While transporting it by ship to the United States for an exhibition, thieves once again attempted to steal the statue. Kurt Austin of National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA) performed a daring at sea rescue saving the ship, Carina, the statue, and an oil rig. Hang on tight, the adventure begins.
Besides the statue, correspondence between Meriwether Lewis and Thomas Jefferson may also offer hidden clues to the treasure. The American Philosophical Society’s archives house the documents that lead to murder and intrigue at one of the nation’s oldest scholarly organizations. From archives, the story leads us to Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia home in the search for more clues. Cussler blends historical facts and places into his stories. These facts and places increase the reader’s interest, and authenticate the story. Cussler’s use of historical facts lends credence to the story, but his interpretations of those facts don’t always follow accepted ideologies. His interpretations tend to make the story more fun.
The story would not be complete without an arch-villain. Baltazar provides the perfect bad guy. He comes from an extremely old, wealthy European family with its own mercenary army. I should also add ruthless megalomaniac to the descriptors of Baltazar. Of course, Baltazar wants the treasure and Carina for himself, and wants Austin dead.
Clive Cussler’s stories always provide excellent entertainment, and a unique perspective on history. His vast knowledge of boats, underwater exploration, and cars with his attention for detail adds merit to his stories. I always enjoy reading Cussler’s stories, and The Navigator certainly entertained.
Note: Benjamin Franklin, among others, founded the American Philosophical Society in1743 as an organization to seek and discuss knowledge. In addition to Franklin, its membership included but is not limited to John J. Audubon, Charles Darwin, and Thomas Edison. It is located next to Independence Hall in Philadelphia. I had a chance to visit the museum during the American Library Convention mid- winter meeting 2008, and was surprised to see Cussler use the society in The Navigator. If you are in Philly, and taking in the sights swing by the APS museum, but photographs are prohibited.
BGS 7/15/2008
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