I have two concerns over what this book means for Clive's future:

1) Is this a Clive Cussler book, like Iceberg or Night Probe, or is it a book written by his son that he's just lent his name (and universe) to, like Golden Buddha? It makes a difference to me, as I really haven't cared much for the "Clive Cussler with..." novels.

2) If Clive's son did all the heavy lifting in this novel, as I've heard rumored, and that Dirk (sr.) and Al are more or less relegated to supporting roles, then what does this mean for Clive going forward? Is Clive going to take on Dirk (sr.) and Al's stories while Dirk takes Dirk (jr.) and Summer's stories? (whew!) Or are they going to write them all together? Or are Dirk (sr.) and Al retiring? Or why does everyone in the question have the same damn name? Anyway. What's next?

First of all, welcome to the board, mattoly!! w:
Clive has said in the past that he plans on stepping back and eventually let Dirk Cussler continue the adventure on his own (at least this is his hope), with Dirk Jr and Summer playing the hero part in the new stories, with Dirk Sr and Al becoming (more-or-less) supporting characters.

The future of the "Dirk Pitt" series has been passed to Dirk Cussler. Clive will help out with the next Dirk Pitt installment as he did with Black Wind, then he'll officially retire from taking part in the series.

Over time, the character name, "Dirk Pitt" will soon become synonymous with Dirk Pitt jr. Treat the current clashing of names confusion as temporary while DP jr. takes the helm.

Hate to see Dirk Sr. and Al get relegated as they get older. Maybe if we see some stories that occured between the currently published books about other adventures they've had could be a way to keep them fresh.

So then, all in all, the Clive-writes-alone era is over, and what we're getting in the future is someone else + Clive, or Clive's son with Dirk's son, correct? Or will there be any more Clive on his own doing Dirk on his own (er, with Al) books?

Obviously we can't discount the possiblity that Clive will pen another Dirk Pitt adventure at some later stage, like an encore, but at this stage, all indications are is that he's retired from writing the series.

There is talk about Clive writing a children's book and also a coffee table book featuring his classic car collection.

Now I understand. Well then this brings about the final question: Is Black Wind for Clive fans, or it it more like the cussler-with books? I mean, as a huge Clive fan who's steered clear of the cussler-with books, is it worth my $27? Or would I be as let down as a reader of a Kurt Austin book? (No offense to Mr. Austin, but I couldn't get my heart around those. Sorry!)

Personally I think it is well worth your $27 ;)

w: Spend the money, I don't think you'll be disapointed. I wasn't. th:

Cheaper to buy paperback. :)

Personally I have no interest in the Kurt Austin stories, and really have no clue what the other series is about. Black Wind felt familiar, although I have to agree that it seems like Dirk Pitt Jr is just a young DP with the word Jr. attached. I can't help but visualize Dirk Cussler in my mind when I read, though, as there was a picture of him next to Clive and the car on my jacket cover.

It's hard to imagine that I've read an original DP book for the last time. I'm sure the DP Jr. books will be great but they won't be the same. I will certainly continue to read them though, and not the Kurt Austin books yet.

Guess I am in the minority here. Personally I thought Black Wind was quite entertaining. Not exactly the best Pitt story but still better than 99% of the fiction that adorns the shelves of your local Borders.

Apparently, I'm also in the minority in liking Austin/Zavala as well. Serpent and Fire Ice are among my favorites that Cussler has written. I liked Lost City a lot too but found it to be a bit more Sci-Fi than I am used to with Cussler.

Lastly, I am eagerly awaiting another Oregon Files novel as well. Sacred Stone was quite a page turner for me and I enjoyed Golden Buddha quite a bit as well. I think the non-affiliated mercenary do-gooder group works well.

I think Dr. Cussler has spoiled us all quite a bit over the years. His newer novels that are co-written may not be quite as good as his classics but I'd rather read a new Cussler than most of the new tripe that comes out day to day and lands on the fiction bestseller list.

Personally, I'd love to see him end the Pitt series with a bang. Possibly a book involving Dirk, Al and the original Numa cast in an adventure with Austin, Zavala, and the Trouts, as well as Dirk Jr. and Summer. A little cameo help by Cabrillo and the Corporation would make a nice subplot as well. I think Cussler could weave a very interesting book involving the characters from all the series's that bear his name as author or co-author.

Lastly, as was suggested, perhaps Clive could write a 'new' Pitt Sr. novel that takes place between earlier adventures. I'm also a big fan of Bernard Cornwell's 'Richard Sharpe' series set in the Napoloenic Wars. He wrote the 'last' chapter about Waterloo years ago but has since used the character in 7 more novels that take place at various points in his career between the time frames utilized in the earlier installments of the series.

I like the Kurt Austin novels too. It's nice to have other people to look forward to. I like Serpent and Fire Ice. It's worth the $27.00. But if your get them on sale they're only $19.99. Don't know if you a Media Play where you are . If you do it's a better place for prices. th:w:

JamieNYY has hit it on the nailhead with one wrap-up novel with all of the characters Clive has created and then D. Cussler can fill in stories that fell between the published books and only continue the kids of DP with the trouts or Kurt. They could use some mentoring. And of course the Oregon series should of course continue. w:

Yeah I really am not a fan of Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala either. They seem to me like nearly exact copies of Dirk and Al, but severly lack their charisma and coolness (if that's a word) . I would love to see Clive just write one last book by himself with only Dirk and Al as the grand finalee. t: