A Dirk Pitt Adventure: Pacific Vortex

This isn't the book that started it all publishing wise but it is the story that started it all chronologically.  The first of many Dirk Pitt adventures by Clive Cussler.  Dirk Pitt is a cross between Indiana Jones and James Bond in tone.  If you like adventure, history and action thrillers then this is the book series for you.  This book is a short quick read but introduces us to a slew of characters that you grow to love the more you read this series.  

The story starts off with the mysterious disappearance of vessel at sea this is how most of the Dirk Pitt adventures start off.  One of the great things about this book is that you don't actually meet the villain until you are more than halfway through the book.  The golden eyed villain is so close to a Bond Villain that it is laughable at some points but he is still terrifying as there is a mixture of Captain Nemo from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.  The characters are well put together in this series and very relatable.  You have the damsels in distress and the femme fatales who both fall for our hero.  The book not only introduces us to Dirk Pitt and the women in his life but to part of his ever faithful cast of supporting characters.  Al Giordino and Admiral Sandecker are two of the series mainstays who support Pitt in everything he does.  

The book also sheds light on the N.U.M.A. organization which is a real organization founded by Clive Cussler himself.  Knowing little tidbits like that add an air of credibility to the adventures of Pitt and Giordino.  The Pacific Vortex is similar to the Bermuda Triangle but it lead to a much more sinister end.  Another trait of this series is that Dirk and company are always taking on the corrupt wealthy untouchable villains around the world.  The more untouchable they feel the harder they fall.  If any of this sounds like fun to you then pick up this book and immerse yourself into an adventure.