Vulcan's Forge: A Suspense Thriller (Onyx Novel)

This is his first book and although it is late in saying this, (and possibly completely wrong!), it should have been his last. This story covers the globe and it's protagonist is a geologist who sometimes works for the CIA/FBI and the President. What I didn't like about the book is, a) it had no research. Du Brul seemingly never served in the military, intelligence community or a police force and didn't seem to consult anyone who did. He writes that the President of the US could actually turn over the Navy Base at Pearl Harbor to insurrectionist without calling in soldiers from Schofield Barracks or Marines from Kanahoe or any of the other dozen bases on Oahu. b) It is totally unrealistic; the "hero" breaks a few ribs, gets wounded and has a semi crushed chest and manages to defeat a master of martial arts, then dons a wet suit, jumps from a helo into a ragging sea, boards a Russian sub, (which has a freighter superstructure welded on, [I wonder how that would work and would it be seaworthy and submersible], takes over the sub by hiding a pepperbox gun in his crotch, swims back to the helo with a person in tow and saves the world... or a nuclear war). c) The politics of this is ridiculous. Thinking that the government of the US would turn over one of it's states to a bunch of insurrectionists and a billionaire boggles the mind. And the ending is equally so... but you have to read this fantasy to find out how ridiculous it really is!

I bought my first DuBrul book when I was on a business trip and needed some distraction. When I saw glowing words by Cussler I took a chance. This is my second book of his that I have read and it make more sense to read them in order. Cussler and Clancy should take the time to read his works, it will remind them of the books they wrote when they first started out. These books are fresh, with an unlikely hero, a geologist who thinks he is James Bond and sometimes is. The writing is very good, especially for a first novel the plot interesting and the main character a Clark Kent in disquise.The book has subplots and they all tie together unlike some famous authors of late who write subplots with no bearing on the main story to make political statements.It was a great read, with well developed characters, fast paced and well written. I have bought his other two books for my next trip and have already started reading. His works remind me of Fleming, Ludlum, Cussler and Clancy when they first started writing, I couldn't get enough of them, and am awaiting to see what he will write next.

I read this from cover to cover without putting it down. Again excellent book.

If you enjoy reading Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, or Stephen Coonts, then get ready to add Jack Du Brul to your list. Phillip Mercer could be a brother to Dirk Pitt. They both get into more trouble than humanly possible. It's how Mercer gets out of it that is riveting. Vulcan's Forge keeps the action going by mixing plots, action, and double-crossing double agents. Be prepared to stay up late reading this book. You will be as exhausted and bruised and Mercer is by the time you get to the very last page. The story twists and turns until you think that you can't take anymore suspense, then it twists some more. Add this future bestselling author to your list. You will not be disappointed!

Jack Du Brul is the new king of action!!! He outwrites Clancy and Cussler with more plot twists and turns than you can shake a stick at. Just when you think you have everything all figured out, Jack spins you for another 180 and turns everything around on you yet AGAIN!!! Vulcan's Forge is an awesome book to introduce his hero, Dr. Philip Mercer, a down to earth, devilishly cunning geologist who saves the United States from a horrible fate from both within and without. I reccomend this book to all those who like Clive Cussler and other authors along those lines. This book makes for a long night of GREAT reading.

To say this book is excellent is an understatement. In my 40 + years of reading I thought I had read them all. Du Brul ranks with Cussler as a master story teller. This is a "can't put down" book for all readers. Not in the least bit gender biased as so many adventure writers are. Mercer is a man's man as well as a woman's man!(different from a lady's man) Easy to follow and associate with the characters and interesting background information. I like a book that excites as well as informs. This one has it all.