I have had this on my To Read List for some time but just never seemed to get around to actually downloading and reading this adventure. Although I had downloaded the Sample, and that probably got me to go back and download and read it.This read was put together like a novel and read like one. I really did like it although where are probably some that will find a bit longish, slow at times (?really) and etc... etc... I read a book for enjoyment and as a break from life.I liked the way the story was broken up into segments of stories within stories and reconnected with their characters in the segments with each segment an individual story. I don't think this book ever really slowed down too much except to move you onto the next series of events.This book also leaned heavily on a lot of historical facts, all interesting, along with the fictional story line. Although while reading this, Mr Cussler passed away so I will probably remember this story for quite sometime. RIP Mr. Cussler. You have all the time you want to write your best works.Take your time in reading the story, and enjoy the book. Don't look for it to be smooth, disjointed or some other literary fault, just the story. Enjoy it. I did.