From Kirkus sA debut thriller introducing Philip Mercermine engineer, geological consultant, and the only Bond clone who carries a Derringer strapped to his testicles. A study in triple crosses, Du Brul's story tells of a 40-year plot contrived by the Russians, who want to own a newly risen underwater volcano 200 miles off Hawaii. Geological physicist Pytor Borodin and an American physicist who's studying the oceanic Bikini A-bomb test have independently discovered the same fact: that enormous underwater thermal heat, when mixed with lava, can produce the hardest fuel known to manbikinium, which, once put to use, gives off more energy than is needed to burn it. Back in 1954, Borodin had also discovered that the thinnest part of the tectonic plate in the Pacific is just 200 miles past Hawaii. So the Reds secretly sink a ship carrying an A-bomb. The plan is to detonate it on the seafloor, creating a volcano whose lava can then be processed very cheaply for bikinium, leaving the Soviets as the most powerful people on earth. But during the 40- year wait for this secret volcano to break to the surface, at which point it can be claimed as Soviet territory, the USSR empire collapses and a KGB officer decides to sell the whole plan for Vulcan's Forge to North Korea for $100 million. Enter Philip Mercer, out to save the life of on old friend's daughter, a member of a geologic survey team lost near the volcano. Much bang-bang but little kiss-kiss ensues. Meanwhile, a superbillionaire Japanese racist plots the secession of Hawaii, and Mercer, empowered by the US President, finds himself in cliffhangers more wonderfully outrageous than you'll find in Clive Cussler or Ian Fleming. A finely tuned first installment in the Mercer series, buoyed by strong, fresh writing. Remember, Fleming could never top From Russia With Love, so come aboard now. -- Copyright 1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. "An exciting, well-honed thriller that will have Clive Cussler fans taking note of the new kid on the block."--William Hefferman, Edgar Ward Winner, author of The Dinosaur Club"Du Brul's well-calculated debts to Fleming, Cussler, Easterman, and Lustbader, his technological, political, and ecological research, and his natural gift for storytelling bode well."--Publishers Weekly what type of genres are there for books Vulcan's Forge (Onyx Novel)
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Loved it! A action-packed thriller!By Thomas D. JohnPhilip Mercer, Geologist, is perhaps an unlikely hero. In this, the first book in the Philip Mercer series, we have a plot that spans decades involving the KGB, a remote Hawaiian location, the CIA, the South Koreans, and a plot to break Hawaii away from the USA. It's far too complicated to cover in a review, but Du Brul is a master storyteller, pays attention to geography, local flavor, and authenticity, and his description of weapons and tactics is also very good. Besides, the story is compelling, imaginative, and you simply don't want to stop reading. I stumbled across a later book, and had to go back and start the series from the beginning. I have not been disappointed. If you're a fan of Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, and the like, there is a lot here you will enjoy. If you're a fan of Matthew Riley, Clive Cussler, and the like, there is also a lot you will enjoy as well. Du Brul is simply a great author.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book series and love reading from this authorBy CustomerGreat book series and love reading from this author. He is a master at suspenseful adventure and I love the unique twists and turns this all takes through out the book and the action is practically non-stop and you immediately start feeling like you're Dr. Philip Mercer himself. Overall a wonderful read and this book series is definitely a series I would recommend this series for those who enjoy action and a little romance.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fast readinBy paulbocaGreat story and packed with lots of action and suspense. Cannot put the book down until the very last chapter.