What do you think?
Rate this book
Oregon Files #18
Clive Cussler Ghost Soldier
A deadly war game. An adversary as hard to find as he is to kill. Weapons so sophisticated, none have seen the like before. Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon have finally met their match in this pulse-pounding new adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.When African jihadis attack a Nigerian regiment using American weapons, Cabrillo and the Oregon crew are on the case, investigating from Afghanistan to Kuala Lumpur to track a mysterious arms dealer—a genius, or perhaps a devil—known only as the Vendor. Cabrillo goes undercover to find the Vendor’s base, but his adversary isn’t just an arms smuggler. He’s an arms maker, and Cabrillo just walked into a lethal military game alongside the most dangerous mercenaries in the world, designed to test the Vendor’s cutting-edge AI arsenal. And yet, surviving an arena full of flame-throwing robots isn’t even his biggest problem. The Vendor has an army of high-speed drones headed for a pivotal military site, and if the Oregon crew can’t stop them from releasing a deadly neurotoxin, the entire globe will erupt in conflict.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2024
About the author
Mike Maden
25 books386 followersI grew up working in the canneries, feed mills and slaughterhouses of California’s San Joaquin Valley. A lifelong fascination with history and warfare ultimately lead to a Ph.D. in political science focused on conflict and technology in international relations. Like millions of others, I first became a Tom Clancy fan after reading The Hunt for Red October, and began my published fiction career in the same techno-thriller genre, starting with DRONE and the sequels, BLUE WARRIOR, DRONE COMMAND and DRONE THREAT. I’m honored to be joining “The Campus” as a writer in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Jr., series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
October 27, 2024
Mike Maden is the fourth author to write the Oregon Series since the death of Clive Cussler. I am still adjusting to the different styles of writing even though they attempt to keep Cussler’s style. The Oregon Series was by far my favorite of the various series that Cussler wrote. Cussler had a way of getting the hero out of trouble only to immediately get him into bigger trouble. I found myself exhausted by the end of the book. Maden does not seem to catch that relief I felt when they got out of situations and the sudden anxiety I felt when they suddenly are in bigger trouble. It is a difficult thing to describe but Cussler was a master in building this tension in his story. I will continue to read this series as I feel like I am a crew member of the Oregon.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is thirteen hours and twelve minutes. One of my favorite narrators, Scott Brick, does an excellent job narrating the story.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is thirteen hours and twelve minutes. One of my favorite narrators, Scott Brick, does an excellent job narrating the story.
October 30, 2024
This is the worst book in this series so far.
We get the usual pre-story events, and then...
We get a boring tour of the boat, and just as we are hoping things will finally kick in...
We get pages of a boring biogrpahy.
I think someone doesn't understand how these books work
We get the usual pre-story events, and then...
We get a boring tour of the boat, and just as we are hoping things will finally kick in...
We get pages of a boring biogrpahy.
I think someone doesn't understand how these books work
September 9, 2024
RIP Clive they can never replace you
December 1, 2024
Slow start to the book, but the action was good.
June 11, 2024
Juan and the crew have been tasked to find out about an adversary that is threatening the lives of many with his insane war games!
The Vendor has included Juan and Linc in a new type of war games, that will possibly take the lives of many?
Can the crew of the Oregon and a new woman who has come up with a deep diving special type submarine.
Will Juan and Linc survive the games on the island?
Will the woman and her sub be able to stop a horrid disaster that could cost the lives of many!
Grab this book and dive in to the latest "Oregon Files" series written under Clive Cusslers name!
I highly recommend this as its fast paces, and filled with some new weaponry from both sides!
The Vendor has included Juan and Linc in a new type of war games, that will possibly take the lives of many?
Can the crew of the Oregon and a new woman who has come up with a deep diving special type submarine.
Will Juan and Linc survive the games on the island?
Will the woman and her sub be able to stop a horrid disaster that could cost the lives of many!
Grab this book and dive in to the latest "Oregon Files" series written under Clive Cusslers name!
I highly recommend this as its fast paces, and filled with some new weaponry from both sides!
February 1, 2025
Always enjoy these books. Just great entertainment.
September 29, 2024
I love the Oregon. I really do. I know it's schlocky and weird detail orientated. But this was just Star Trek Into Darkness. A near analog drone fleet, to avoid electronic interference? Check. A long forgotten enemy that languishes on the borders of the known and unknown? Check. Infiltrating the organization to test it? Check. Prevailing against all odds? Check.
Again. Love the Oregon. But when Juan Cabrillo gets shot multiple time in what anyone else would be dead dead but " super lightweight Kevlar that they all wear" and " all hope is lost until he had a shotgun in his leg" in the 23 hour, I got annoyed. Yes, I know the Oregon will always survive. But some of the magical reveals felt like just out of reach. Some of the ages also seemed tight. For a Swift Boat Captain / lead Engineer on the Glomar Explorer, and an 85 year old " emeritus" CIA spook still in the field, to the ageless Cabrillo, this series exists in its own time frame.
Again. Love the Oregon. But when Juan Cabrillo gets shot multiple time in what anyone else would be dead dead but " super lightweight Kevlar that they all wear" and " all hope is lost until he had a shotgun in his leg" in the 23 hour, I got annoyed. Yes, I know the Oregon will always survive. But some of the magical reveals felt like just out of reach. Some of the ages also seemed tight. For a Swift Boat Captain / lead Engineer on the Glomar Explorer, and an 85 year old " emeritus" CIA spook still in the field, to the ageless Cabrillo, this series exists in its own time frame.
September 6, 2024
The important thing when taking over a beloved writer's work is continuity with the feel and characters. Maden has done that in spades.
Langston Overholt, the Oregon's most frequent benefactor has hired Cabrillo and the gang to follow up on where all the military items abandoned by our government in Afghanistan when they pulled out wound up. Turns out they've been showing up around the world in the hands of terrorists.
This ends up setting the crew against a brilliant inventor/arms dealer who hates America and all Americans. An excellent thriller where Cabrillo may have met his match.
Langston Overholt, the Oregon's most frequent benefactor has hired Cabrillo and the gang to follow up on where all the military items abandoned by our government in Afghanistan when they pulled out wound up. Turns out they've been showing up around the world in the hands of terrorists.
This ends up setting the crew against a brilliant inventor/arms dealer who hates America and all Americans. An excellent thriller where Cabrillo may have met his match.
October 17, 2024
Really great book. I am so happy that Mike Maden has been able to continue this series. He makes Clive Cussler proud. I hope he continues this series for a long time....I look forward to the next one!!!
October 14, 2024
Loved it. Definitely top 3 favourite book from the oregon series
November 25, 2024
Good story
September 20, 2024
This was a fast read for me, especially considering how many pages the book is (granted, the print seems kind of "big" compared to the books from the 70s and 80s, and the spacing seems to be wider, too, between the lines). The author introduces a new character - we'll see if she sticks around or is just introduced for this book only. The book held my interest from start to finish. I think it was weak in moments, though, because some of the things the author writes took me out of the story. It did not happen a lot, but it happened four times, which is five times too many.
It was an interesting look .
There were a couple of things that stood out to me:
These were the specific moments that took me out of the story:
The ending involving Callie is kuh-RAY-zee!!!!
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I could maybe see myself reading it again in some distant future. I might have rated it 4 stars but for those moments I was pulled out of the story followed by some other issues that cropped up for me by the end of the book. I might rate it 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars, but I did feel the author was a bit prescient in some of the material and scenes he presented, how he used technology in some of those moments. I am glad that I read this book.
It was an interesting look .
There were a couple of things that stood out to me:
These were the specific moments that took me out of the story:
The ending involving Callie is kuh-RAY-zee!!!!
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I could maybe see myself reading it again in some distant future. I might have rated it 4 stars but for those moments I was pulled out of the story followed by some other issues that cropped up for me by the end of the book. I might rate it 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars, but I did feel the author was a bit prescient in some of the material and scenes he presented, how he used technology in some of those moments. I am glad that I read this book.
September 20, 2024
This was a very good read and very thought provoking. Im not a technical person but do understand the basics of AI and this story really shows what could happen when AI is let loose.
All in all great read some new characters introduced. Lots of action on land sea and under the sea.
All in all great read some new characters introduced. Lots of action on land sea and under the sea.
December 29, 2024
I didn't enjoy it much.
September 26, 2024
The crew of the Oregon tracks a ruthless arms dealer intent on wreaking havoc for profit and revenge. His plot to pit the world strongest powers against each other by destroying a strategic American stronghold and avenging his ancestor's death will lure the United States into World War III. Great action with super intelligent tech wizards, former combat trained patriots and of course, beautiful kick ass women. Great story. A page turner for sure.
September 21, 2024
After being disappointed a third of the way through,I looked back and the other Clive Cussler book I rated low was also by Mike Maden.
His books totally lack the Clive Cussler type of warmth and movement. The plot flows in a similar way but there were some sections that were work to get through.
I've read very many Cussler books often with other authors. Jack DuBral has some really good ones as have others
With Clive being gone, there will obviously have to be other authors but, for sure, I will skip any by Maden.
His books totally lack the Clive Cussler type of warmth and movement. The plot flows in a similar way but there were some sections that were work to get through.
I've read very many Cussler books often with other authors. Jack DuBral has some really good ones as have others
With Clive being gone, there will obviously have to be other authors but, for sure, I will skip any by Maden.
October 14, 2024
Very action packed! I almost thought it was too long, but it all worked out well.
September 11, 2024
I received an eARC courtesy of the publisher. This is Maden’s best Oregon thriller yet. The terrifying possibilities of AI join forces with the insatiable desire for revenge. This creates a fast paced, action packed, and informative ride with Juan and the Oregon crew. Looking forward to more adventures on the high seas!
September 4, 2024
An American flyer is captured and sent to a notorious Japanese biological research facility. Decades later, a notorious gun merchant known only as "The Vendor" is busy facilitating arms sales from the Taliban using abandoned American weapons to wreak havoc around the world. The Vendor is not only a weapons dealer, but he is also a brilliant weapons designer. Using AI, he has created some of the deadliest weapons ever to exist.
An old friend from the CIA contacts Juan Cabrillo and asks him to find out who The Vendor is and how he is moving these weapons undetected. Cabrillo and the ship he commands, The Oregon, agree to take on the mission. The chase leads him from Afghanistan to Kuala Lumpur, and beyond. Along the way, the matter becomes highly personal. Cabrillo is determined to find and stop The Vendor, who is equally determined to put an end to Cabrillo. The Oregon and all her crew will be tested to their limits. Thousands of lives and a shift in the balance of power in East Asia hang in the balance.
Ghost Soldier has a villain worthy of James Bond and a group of protagonists worthy of Mission Impossible. Mike Maden is firmly in control of these characters. In the best Clive Cussler tradition, you start with an event in the past whose shockwaves are felt in the future. You have a strong group of characters, led by Juan Cabrillo, who are dogged in their pursuit of the villain and will do anything to prevent his devastating plans. The ship Cabrillo commands is a technological marvel. The action soars around the world in the air, on land, and at sea. The fight and combat scenes are edge-of-the-seat thrill rides and there are plenty of them. If you like thrillers with high stakes, colorful characters, and lots of action, this book is just what you want. One of my favorite reads of the year.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.
An old friend from the CIA contacts Juan Cabrillo and asks him to find out who The Vendor is and how he is moving these weapons undetected. Cabrillo and the ship he commands, The Oregon, agree to take on the mission. The chase leads him from Afghanistan to Kuala Lumpur, and beyond. Along the way, the matter becomes highly personal. Cabrillo is determined to find and stop The Vendor, who is equally determined to put an end to Cabrillo. The Oregon and all her crew will be tested to their limits. Thousands of lives and a shift in the balance of power in East Asia hang in the balance.
Ghost Soldier has a villain worthy of James Bond and a group of protagonists worthy of Mission Impossible. Mike Maden is firmly in control of these characters. In the best Clive Cussler tradition, you start with an event in the past whose shockwaves are felt in the future. You have a strong group of characters, led by Juan Cabrillo, who are dogged in their pursuit of the villain and will do anything to prevent his devastating plans. The ship Cabrillo commands is a technological marvel. The action soars around the world in the air, on land, and at sea. The fight and combat scenes are edge-of-the-seat thrill rides and there are plenty of them. If you like thrillers with high stakes, colorful characters, and lots of action, this book is just what you want. One of my favorite reads of the year.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.
December 13, 2024
Book Review – Clive Cussler Ghost Soldier – Mike Maden
Dr. Mike Maden is the fourth author to write the Oregon Series – a state-of-the-art spy ship – since the death of well-known thriller author Clive Cussler and has done a fantastic job continuing the now 18 book series. “Ghost Soldier” – the third book that Maden has written for the series – is my favorite so far. I’m committed to the series now if Mike Maden is writing the stories.
Main character Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon meet their match in this pulse-pounding new adventure. When African jihadis attack a Nigerian regiment using American weapons, Cabrillo and the Oregon crew investigate the attack, traveling from Afghanistan to Kuala Lumpur to track down a mysterious arms dealer, known as “the Vendor.”
The Oregon goes undercover to find the Vendor’s hideout, but the villain isn’t just an arms smuggler, he’s an arms maker, and the Oregon team finds themselves in a lethal military situation against dangerous mercenaries and a new cutting-edge AI arsenal.
I enjoyed Maden’s penning of the diversity of the characters, their interactions, the sophisticated high-tech weaponry so adequately detailed and Maden’s well-written and amply researched storyline. Maden is known for his techno-thriller style, and he proved his engaging skills again in this suspenseful action-adventure military thriller.
Big fan of the Oregon series now and hope that author Mike Maden will continue the series.
Dr. Mike Maden is the fourth author to write the Oregon Series – a state-of-the-art spy ship – since the death of well-known thriller author Clive Cussler and has done a fantastic job continuing the now 18 book series. “Ghost Soldier” – the third book that Maden has written for the series – is my favorite so far. I’m committed to the series now if Mike Maden is writing the stories.
Main character Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon meet their match in this pulse-pounding new adventure. When African jihadis attack a Nigerian regiment using American weapons, Cabrillo and the Oregon crew investigate the attack, traveling from Afghanistan to Kuala Lumpur to track down a mysterious arms dealer, known as “the Vendor.”
The Oregon goes undercover to find the Vendor’s hideout, but the villain isn’t just an arms smuggler, he’s an arms maker, and the Oregon team finds themselves in a lethal military situation against dangerous mercenaries and a new cutting-edge AI arsenal.
I enjoyed Maden’s penning of the diversity of the characters, their interactions, the sophisticated high-tech weaponry so adequately detailed and Maden’s well-written and amply researched storyline. Maden is known for his techno-thriller style, and he proved his engaging skills again in this suspenseful action-adventure military thriller.
Big fan of the Oregon series now and hope that author Mike Maden will continue the series.
July 17, 2024
The Corporation is active again! Juan Cabrillo and his multi-talented crew are asked to check into arms that were abandoned in Afghanistan but seem to be showing up in militant and revolutionary groups all around the globe. Cabrillo goes undercover to try and locate where these stores of goods are being hidden and how they are being transported. He is beat up, kidnapped, and put on a pilotless automated plane filled with Humvees guns and ammunition. He manages to escape and dump the contents of the plane in the ocean and barely get out himself when the plane self-destructs. The Oregon crew locate and rescue him. They have a name for the arms dealer, the Vendor, Their search leads them on a perilous journey in their efforts to shut down and capture the Vendors operation. Nail-biting action, personal dangers, undermining plots and a vicious adversary all make this an exciting read. Mike Madden has a more extensive Knowledge of military weapons which adds more realistic action to many of the sequences. This is a very enjoyable read!!!
January 30, 2025
Generally a decent read as it follows the usual set up characteristic of books the Oregon series. If you live and breathe the swashbuckling bond-esque vibes of this series, it'll give you your fix but won't be an exceptional read. Cons: I didn't like how some critical events happened "off screen" and were relegated to recounts after the fact when there was such opportunity for rich detailing. As a reader, the whole point is immersion and the first person perspective of critical scenes. A lot of this was glossed over, particularly towards the end, which made it feel like a rushed closure. This and Fire Strike felt rather heavy handed. I much prefer the earlier books with Cussler at the Helm with Jack Du Brul or Boyd Morrison. Appreciated how AI was central to the plot though & Maden seems invested in trying to keep up with the times.
September 17, 2024
Really enjoy the Oregon series with Juan and crew. The technological advances for warfare are either good imagination or very frightening if real.
Juan is currently testing a new mini sub with maker Callie when Overholt tasks the Corporation with finding an arms dealer trading in US arms left in Afghanistan and now flooding war zones around the world. The Vendor is more than just a dealer but also an advanced tech genius in new military weapons that Juan and crew have never encountered. He has an axe to grind with the US and is planning an attack decades in the making.
There is of course the ubiquitous mole feeding the Vendor information -can Juan determine where and how the attack will happen and stop it before it does? Very detailed, high tech warfare and suspenseful.
Juan is currently testing a new mini sub with maker Callie when Overholt tasks the Corporation with finding an arms dealer trading in US arms left in Afghanistan and now flooding war zones around the world. The Vendor is more than just a dealer but also an advanced tech genius in new military weapons that Juan and crew have never encountered. He has an axe to grind with the US and is planning an attack decades in the making.
There is of course the ubiquitous mole feeding the Vendor information -can Juan determine where and how the attack will happen and stop it before it does? Very detailed, high tech warfare and suspenseful.
November 2, 2024
The Oregon returns again and I loved it. We all miss Clive, that much goes without saying. And it appears as though these authors who have taken over for him have tried to emulate his style. So far, I think Mike nailed it. This book had me on the edge of my seat. Though there were some real ridiculous things at the end (it almost read like Maden was trying to rush the final scenes), it's a work of fiction and in my opinion, that means anything is possible. I must say The Oregon is an impressive beast of a ship, if only something like that really existed in the US Navy. Maybe it does already...who knows? I can see why this book was on the bestseller list for a few weeks. Definitely recommend this. It was action-packed, dramatic, and extremely tense at certain points. It's a winner for me.
November 4, 2024
While no one can replicate Clive Cussler's unique writing style, Mike Maden attempts to capture the essence of the OREGON FILES while infusing some of his own flair. The plot involving AI drones was intriguing, at times feeling more like science fiction than reality, which may have been intentional.
The characters in the story are typical one-dimensional military archetypes, reminiscent of those found in '80s action films. They have just enough depth to serve the plot, adhering strictly to their roles, which results in a somewhat predictable storyline.
Overall, I enjoyed GHOST SOLDIER despite its plot conveniences, cringe-worthy dialogue, and superficial background characters. It still offered enough entertaining moments to keep me turning the pages until the very end. ╌★★★½✰
The characters in the story are typical one-dimensional military archetypes, reminiscent of those found in '80s action films. They have just enough depth to serve the plot, adhering strictly to their roles, which results in a somewhat predictable storyline.
Overall, I enjoyed GHOST SOLDIER despite its plot conveniences, cringe-worthy dialogue, and superficial background characters. It still offered enough entertaining moments to keep me turning the pages until the very end. ╌★★★½✰
December 12, 2024
Mike Maden has done an excellent job of picking up where Clive Cussler left off with the crew of the Oregon. He has seamlessly adapted to Clive's style and produced an excellent thriller. The crew of the Oregon are given the job of finding out how weapons are being transported to various hot spots around the world. Little do the realize that their investigation will take them on a chase of the mysterious "Vendor" to the South Pacific and place themselves in the path of an old plan from WWII to use neurological agents against a large American base. The attack that failed in 1945 now has advanced technology aiding it in its delivery and the only thing that can stop them is the Oregon.
December 21, 2024
This was an easy read and kept a fairly good pace but there were a few too many "what the" moments i.e. plot holes, magical unexplained rescues. The thing that irked the most though was role of the female characters. I mean this has never been great in these novels but this felt worse than average, wallowing in how beautiful they are. Added to which all the women had to be carried off the battlefield but one of the men literally gets blown up and in the final scene, seems just fine with no injuries and no explanation. I'm not expecting realism, just would like some equal opportunity fantasy lol
September 20, 2024
Mike Maden has had a solid bunch of entries, as a legacy author, in the "Jack Ryan Universe" for the Clancy Estate and I have enjoyed them all...He's doing God's work as a legacy author for the Cussler Estate as well with his Oregon Series entries...In "Clive Cussler Ghost Soldier," Jaun Cabrillo and his Oregon crew confront another criminal mastermind, this one a weapons developer and smuggler, whose deliveries threaten most of the World's hot spots...The Vendor" must be stopped and the Oregon is the perfect tool for the job...A real fun page-turning thriller!!!
September 26, 2024
Maybe 4 stars? One huge thing going for this book is that it's clean. No foul language, no graphic sex, even the violence seemed less awful than in other books I've read.
I liked the characters - even though this is an action driven thriller. I like that good wins in the end. I liked that I didn't want to put it down until I was finished.
I'll be looking for this author in the Jack Ryan, Jr. series, also. So happy he's willing to keep things clean and manages to keep you involved and entertained at the same time. Well done.
I liked the characters - even though this is an action driven thriller. I like that good wins in the end. I liked that I didn't want to put it down until I was finished.
I'll be looking for this author in the Jack Ryan, Jr. series, also. So happy he's willing to keep things clean and manages to keep you involved and entertained at the same time. Well done.
October 10, 2024
Never Doubt the Evils of the Past
When things settle around us we tend to forget about the evils from our past and that is what happened here with the Oregon. If we never forget our past it will prepare us for our futures. This was a beautiful reminder of the Oregons previous adventures, and I hope Mike and Dirk can continue to keep all of us entertained for years to come.
Under the main story, Juan and Callie had a quiet magnetic love brewing, quieter than his other, we were left sift clues that something could very easily become of thier caring and time together, along with thier love of the sea and protecting it. I can see her in upcoming adventures as part of the Oreagon crew.This was an excellent story and we'll worth the five stars.
When things settle around us we tend to forget about the evils from our past and that is what happened here with the Oregon. If we never forget our past it will prepare us for our futures. This was a beautiful reminder of the Oregons previous adventures, and I hope Mike and Dirk can continue to keep all of us entertained for years to come.
Under the main story, Juan and Callie had a quiet magnetic love brewing, quieter than his other, we were left sift clues that something could very easily become of thier caring and time together, along with thier love of the sea and protecting it. I can see her in upcoming adventures as part of the Oreagon crew.This was an excellent story and we'll worth the five stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews