It is July 2003. In the middle of its maiden voyage, the luxury cruise ship Emerald Dolphin suddenly catches fire and sinks. What caused it? Why didnt the alarms go off? What was its connection to the revolutionary new engines powering the ship? NUMA special projects director Dirk Pitt® races to rescue the passengers and investigate the disaster, but he has no idea of the It is July 2003. In the middle of its maiden voyage, the luxury cruise ship Emerald Dolphin suddenly catches fire and sinks. What caused it? Why didnt the alarms go off? What was its connection to the revolutionary new engines powering the ship? NUMA special projects director Dirk Pitt® races to rescue the passengers and investigate the disaster, but he has no idea of the bizarre chain of events that are about to engulf him. Before the next few weeks are over, Pitt will find himself confronted by an extraordinary series of monsters, both human and mechanical, modern and ancient. He will tread upon territory previously known only to legend. And at the end of it all, though many lives will be lost, and many saved, it is Pitts own life that will be changed forever. . . . Filled with dazzling suspense and breathtaking action, Valhalla Rising is Cussler at the height of his storytelling powers.