Atlantis (Jack Howard)

This fun book is part adventure, part history lesson, and part action thriller. Those who've always wondered whether Atlantis really existed, and if so, what part it played in civilization, will have a good time with hero Jack Howard and his smart gang uncovering secrets and mysteries in the depths of the Black Sea. Those who find themselves annoyed with Clive Cussler's over-the-top-dialog will find Howard much less insufferable than Dirk Pitt, and just as capable. Gibbins is the real deal in respects to archaeology and history, and undersea knowledge, and it shows. I do agree with other readers that at times so much information was thrown at me it seemed a bit like being in class, albeit a very interesting and informative one. The second half of the book is the big payoff, however, and for me it made it all worth the ride. An ancient scroll with clues to Atlantis is found in an unlikely place, at the same time Jack Howard and his pal Costas and crew have found something in the Black Sea. Old friend Dillon and new friend Katya believe they've found what amounts to the most important historical discovery the world has ever known. Ancient symbols and artifacts lead Jack and crew deep in the Black Sea where they find discoveries that will reshape what we once held as historical truth. A missing Russian sub lies with Atlantis also, however, and dangerous factions who may have ties to Katya are roaming these seas and closing in fast. The excitement of discovery is palpable, but before long a life and death battle will ensue with an enemy as lethal as any the Mediterranean has ever seen. The last third of this adventure is full of excitement and action as good as any in the genre. All the characters involved in Gibbins' Atlantis are experts in their fields of study, so at times it does seem a bit like a lecture as they go back and forth to map out a new history of civilization from what they've discovered. But those interested in the subject won't find it too much of a minus, as it will evolve into an old-fashioned page-turner. Meant to be a very fun ride it succeeds in this respect. A good patio or beach read for many, though it might prove a bit heavy on technical and historical information for some tastes. I liked it a lot, however, and will be joining Jack Howard again for another one.

I have now read all three books by David Gibbins and loved them all. (it helps if you read them in order though!) Lots of action and adventure - sort of like the DaVinci Code in that the author proposed alternate (believable) theories. I hope to see more from this author in the future.

Gibbins has crafted an original, engrossing tale that makes a wonderful addition to the body of Atlantis-themed thrillers. Two separate discoveries, one in the Mediterranean and one in Egypt, provide clues to the true Atlantis: located in a place that no one had previously suspected. The heroes must outwit corrupt Eastern European warlords as they decipher the clues that guide them to their destination. A cold-war throwback subplot is thrown in to add tension. I appreciated the originality of this story. It's not another "Atlantis under the Antarctic ice" story, nor are the Atlantians an alien race. There's no supernatural element. Instead, the back-story is rich in history and archaeology. If you watch enough History Channel or read up on current archaeology, the location of Gibbin's Atlantis will sound familiar, but to most readers this will be a brand new idea, and a highly plausible one. Also, I have to praise Gibbons for the fact that the Vatican plays no part whatsoever in this story. Hopefully that trend is running its course. Gibbins is a marine archaeologist by trade, and his knowledge comes across in his writing. The story is very strong on history, and leaves no gaps unfilled. He also makes a point to be reasonably well-informed on weaponry and related technology. It's not Tom Clancy-level, but neither is it the generic treatment given by many authors. The reader believes Gibbons knows what he's talking about. Pacing of the story is the area in which opinions will be highly divergent. The first two-thirds of the book, while not void of action, is devoted almost exclusively to discussion and analysis of the history, archaeological record and clues regarding Atlantis. The characters are in motion while this is going on, but most of the dialogue and the thoughts of the point-of-view characters are devoted to unraveling the mystery. There's a great deal of, "Dr. Jones, will you please explain to our colleague...." In fairness to Gibbins, he has a great deal of information to share, and he doles it out through dialogue and narrative voice the best he can. Fans of the fast-paced action thriller will find it tedious. Readers like me, who love the history and archaeology, will eat it up. I was never bored, as I love a well-developed back-story, particularly if it involves ancient history. The last third of the book flies by, with the exploration angle almost entirely giving way to action sequences and a kidnapping subplot. The story wraps up with the final secret being unveiled. This is another section many will find boring, as it is pages and pages of conversational analysis. Again, I didn't mind it at all, and enjoyed the way Gibbins tied Atlantis to so many cultures, myths and religions, though it made me wonder what he has left about which to write, so thorough was the linking up of stories. As with so many books in the genre, characterization is very thin, though perhaps more so in this book because the characters spend so much time

I am so glad I bought this book before I read these reviews! I must admit I'm truly shocked at the number of people who did not enjoy the first book from this Author. I love all of the typical Adventure/Archaeology type books; James Rollins, Clive Cussler, Douglas Preston, Jack DuBrul. All of them get far-fetched at times- I mean really, the things that Dirk Pitt gets himself into and out of. But that's the fun of reading fiction- it's not true, nor does it have to be 100 percent plausible. I really liked reading the in-depth discussions and details that were put into this book. It brought Atlantis to life, and the Archaeology aspect was very interesting to me. The academic slant of the story just added to it's appeal, and I found myself really looking forward to his next book. I will admit that their time spent in the submarine under the water was about 3 times longer than it should have been- however, it's the guy's first book. Let's give him a break, and read this book to see for yourself.