Clive Cussler v Wilbur Smith?

[Authour]

Well, all over the internet, both of them are acclaimed as the two best adventure authours in popular fiction. Id like to know who is considered a better storyteller in these parts.

Personally Id go for Wilbur Smith, since I prefer costume adventures to high-tech, globe trotting ones. I rate both as masters of their craft though. Their stories may not be as thought-provoking or original as the greats of the literature, but as far as mass-market projects go, they are among the best.

 

[dele]

I'm a huge Cussler fan. Never read any Wilbur Smith though, I'll look for some of his books next time I go to the bookstore.

 

[phil_t]

I have nearly every Cussler going, just one Wilbur Smith book. Definately prefer Cussler, the Smith book took an absolute age to get going and wasnt really that exciting - at least the Dirk Pitt books always have plenty of action.

Phil

 

[Mouse]

Indiana Jones underwater

I haven't read any Wilbur Smith, but I find Clive Cussler's books choc full of adventure and easy escapism. I started reading them from Sahara onwards, so must find time to go back to some of the earlier Dirk Pitt ones. I also haven't tried any of the ones written in conjunction with someone else, as I'm a bit suspicious that they are probably a pale imitation - with his name added on to sell copy.
It will be interesting to see how the film of Sahara is done - they are great as far-fetched adventure stories on the page, but I suspect will look daft on screen.
Also I do wish Clive would stop putting himself in the stories. It was amusing the first couple of times, now it's just embarrassing!

 

[Jenem]

I LOVE Wilbur Smith books. I've read almost all of them, his historical ones are my favorites. I can't put them down once I start. I've tried to buy Cussler novels but when I read the backs of them I don't get the same feel for them - they seem modern and technical. Smith's books are sweeping sagas, loaded not only with adventure, but politics and romance. Smith describes the most breathtaking scenery from all over the world (especially Africa), and he touches on such a variety of themes. I'm sure Cussler's books do much of this also, maybe sometime I will make myself buy one (or borrow from the library) so I can make a fair comparison.