As you probably have read, this book contains two Doc Savage novels. I'll give my impressions without spoilers.

-- The Polar Treasure --

This was Lester Dent's 4th Doc story. Of the Doc stories I've read, this is easily among the most exciting. Dent really pulls you into the setting and carries you along with all of the struggles and triumphs of the heroes. I really like the way everything worked out in this book. I'm looking forward to reading this again down the road.

-- The Pirate of the Pacific --

This was Lester Dent's 5th Doc story. While I didn't like it quite as much as The Polar Treasure, it was still a thrilling adventure. The action never stops as Doc faces off against amazingly powerful and dangerous foes. I would recommend not reading the blurb on this story. It will mislead you. The focus of the story turns out to be much different than the blurb would suggest.

You've got two excellent stories in one book here, folks. If you like adventure, look no further. Lester Dent has some great tales for you. It was very hard to put this book down. ( )

Too a large degree, the Doc Savage stories are an acquired taste. I was introduced during my tour in Iraq, when some blessed soul had sent, in a care package of books, several Doc Savage novels to my FOB. I recognized the name from my interest in pulps, and snagged them to read.

They're most assuredly something from an earlier age--jazz era racism and cultural attitudes jar with modern mores. However, the adventures that Doc and his crew go on are rowsing, exciting, and generally fun.

Additionally, Doc Savage is not a modern sort of hero--he has no flaws, admirable in all ways. A lad could do a lot worse then aspire to be like Doc Savage when he grows up.

For exciting adventures, led by a true hero, one needs to look no further than Doc Savage. ( )