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Spartan Gold (Fargo Adventure #1)
THE EXTRAORDINARY NEW ADVENTURE SERIES FROM THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES- BESTSELLING AUTHOR
A fortune lost for ages . . . a millionaire pursuing his destiny . . . Sam and Remi Fargo are about to encounter both.
When it comes to explosive, adrenaline-charged adventure, Clive Cussler is hailed as "the master of building suspense and tension" (Richmond Times- Dispatch)....more
A fortune lost for ages . . . a millionaire pursuing his destiny . . . Sam and Remi Fargo are about to encounter both.
When it comes to explosive, adrenaline-charged adventure, Clive Cussler is hailed as "the master of building suspense and tension" (Richmond Times- Dispatch)....more
Hardcover, 375 pages
Published
September 1st 2009
by Putnam Adult
(first published 2008)
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Spartan’s Gold, written by Clive Cussler, is a book about a couple exploring on a river and coming up on a weird submarine. Sam and Remi Fargo are their names. They then took a great interest in the finding of the submarine and began to study it. As they study the submarine, they come across a map written by Napoleon, a map that shows 12 bottles of wine. These aren’t ordinary bottles of wine. They have markings on them from years ago and are very valuable. As they go and search for all 12 ...more
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Overall, a disappointing outing from Cussler and Blackwood. In this novel, Remi and Sam Fargo, treasure hunters extraordinaire and generous philanthropists, find themselves up against the forces of a mysterious Ukranian crime boss who traces his ancestry to Persia, and Xerxes the Great. Both are after the secrets of the lost cellar of Napoleon and the potential treasure it will lead them to.
The major issue here is that there is no threat. Remi and Sam repeatedly face down the bad guys,...more
The major issue here is that there is no threat. Remi and Sam repeatedly face down the bad guys,...more
I've read a number of Cussler books over the years, and have enjoyed every one. This was no exception. The story was entertaining, and the characters (although somewhat stereotypical) were engaging. I did have a few problems with it, though. The writing wasn't up to the standard I expected. There were a couple of grammatical errors, and in many places the exact same phrasing was repeated in consecutive sentences. This change in style may be due to Cussler collaborating with another author. I'm n...more
Not my usual read, but it was interesting. There was a lot of historical background injected into the adventures of Remi & Sam Fargo, husband and wife team. The two are treasure hunters that stumble into the mystery of Napoleon's lost wine cellar when they discover a Nazi mini-sub off the coast of Maryland with a 190 year old wine bottle among the sunken cargo. Persian millionaire, Bondaruk, is also looking for this and other bottles that hold clues in the labels. Remi and Sam aren't in this...more
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Okay, I'm done. It was an enjoyable read. I agree with one of the other reviewers that, even though they took some damage, Remi and Sam didn't seem phased in the slightest by the bad guys in a way that I felt they should have. They brushed off the attacks from villains and thugs with a shrug. As for the History-mystery, I liked that part of it. The writing was smoother than I remember Clive Cussler being in the Dirk Pitt Novels. It's worth another book, but not three if Sam and Remi don't ...more
I did like this book a little more than the past few Cussler books I have read, not quite as many impossible situations to escape from and I learned some things
1) If you let the bad guys live only to have them chase you 2 pages later kill them the next time, but the characters in Cussler books never seem to learn that. Just kill them.
2) Any riddle can be solved. The riddles in this story were so silly I didn't even care if they were solved and the path to the gold was crazy.
...more
1) If you let the bad guys live only to have them chase you 2 pages later kill them the next time, but the characters in Cussler books never seem to learn that. Just kill them.
2) Any riddle can be solved. The riddles in this story were so silly I didn't even care if they were solved and the path to the gold was crazy.
...more
I have never read a novel like this! I should call it "The Book of Details."
I feel bad for giving it only 3 starts because the story is quite good (a 4-star rating for the plot) but the style made it difficult to enjoy it. There is no introspection in this book, no description of emotions or thoughts, nothing but tons of details, over details, over details of irrelevant facts. We are not only told that Sam and Remi took a boat tour; we are told the name of the company that o...more
I feel bad for giving it only 3 starts because the story is quite good (a 4-star rating for the plot) but the style made it difficult to enjoy it. There is no introspection in this book, no description of emotions or thoughts, nothing but tons of details, over details, over details of irrelevant facts. We are not only told that Sam and Remi took a boat tour; we are told the name of the company that o...more
I loved this book. This is my first Clive Cussler book, despite the fact my dad has been trying to get me into it for years. My husband and I started listening to it on the way to the Grand Canyon and enjoyed it so much that I got the book from the library, and he (a non-reader) is getting the audiobook to listen on the long drive to and from work. The story has so many thrilling scenes and I love all the obscure historical trivia in the book--making it well-researched. As one reviewer has alrea...more
If you like Scoobie Doo cartoons, you might like this. Too many underground chases and close calls with the bad guys in those constricted, terrain challenging depths. The villain is a standard very wealthy Ukrainian ex-military tyrant with a singular goal - solve the same riddle that the main characters are solving as they go, and hoard the gold at the end of the search.
Nautical scenes of archeological searching from a small boat in near shore river systems match up to the methods actually ...more
Nautical scenes of archeological searching from a small boat in near shore river systems match up to the methods actually ...more
I...am having a hard time figuring out what to say about this novel. I believe the "ARGH" pencilled in near the end of the copy I read may say it all.
(that "ARGH" no doubt had to do with a xiphos, a Spartan sword, being referred to as having "gleaming steel" showing through on the blade. The xiphos was bronze and, in later times, iron. There would be no gleaming steel.)
That, really, says it all. This book read like someone spliced some action sce...more
(that "ARGH" no doubt had to do with a xiphos, a Spartan sword, being referred to as having "gleaming steel" showing through on the blade. The xiphos was bronze and, in later times, iron. There would be no gleaming steel.)
That, really, says it all. This book read like someone spliced some action sce...more
Less enjoyable that most Cussler books. A good plot concept but too although faced with many predicaments, the Fargos seem to sail through almost completely unscathed. At too many points in the story I was waiting for one of them to be kidnapped, trapped or injured but after numerous improbable avoidances of any serious repurcussions it became clear that they live a charmed life.
The Fargos compete with a wealthy Ukranian mafioso for secret Napoleonic treasure. Bottles of wine provide d...more
The Fargos compete with a wealthy Ukranian mafioso for secret Napoleonic treasure. Bottles of wine provide d...more
The Fargos are exploring the Great Pocomoke Swamp in Delaware when they stumble across a WWII German U-boat. Inside, they find a curious bottle, which they identify as coming from Napoleon's "lost cellar." The Fargos set out to find the rest of the collection - but unbeknownst to them, another connoisseur of sorts has been looking for the very bottle they-ve just found: Hadeon Bondaruk, a half-Russian, half-Persian millionaire who claims to be a direct descendant of Persian emperor Xer...more
started 01/25/10 - may have problem due to cataract.
finish 02/4/10 - eyes and other distractions of reading time
good book. the couple is interesting twist. some of the interaction is a little off kilter.
jump quickly from one situation to another without much connecting story in between.
almost dead one minute. having drinks in hot tub before massage.
lot of jumble in story line, between codes and people involved. lot of names dropped once...more
finish 02/4/10 - eyes and other distractions of reading time
good book. the couple is interesting twist. some of the interaction is a little off kilter.
jump quickly from one situation to another without much connecting story in between.
almost dead one minute. having drinks in hot tub before massage.
lot of jumble in story line, between codes and people involved. lot of names dropped once...more
Another great companion for my runs! This book features two treasure hunters, Sam and Remi Fargo, who get sucked into an adventure when they spot a friend being taken away. The characters are believable but a bit over the top, which I like. The action carries through the book and includes history, puzzles and riddles in addition to gun-wielding enemies. The relationship between the two principles is both sweet and filled with respect for each other's abilities. They are tough cookies and I loved...more
Many years ago I asked a librarian for a suggestion of some books to read that I might like. I told her I like the James Bond series. She suggested reading Clive Cussler's books. I have read many of them and very much enjoyed them. He has now started a new series, different than the NUMA books but just as interesting. He is now co-writing rather than writing alone and one interesting thing I noted. He always puts a character in his books with his name. It came much earlier in the book tha...more
LIKED IT!
I ran out of books - so i decided to go with one of my boyfriend's books. I really didn't expect a lot, because he has total other likings, as for books, than i have.
BUT i was really really surprised. the book caught me and finished it within 3 or 4 days.
it has a nice historical background.
the two main characteres - Sam and Remi are treasure hunters. on their search they find an old submarine from the second world war - and so they are winded to a historical tre...more
I ran out of books - so i decided to go with one of my boyfriend's books. I really didn't expect a lot, because he has total other likings, as for books, than i have.
BUT i was really really surprised. the book caught me and finished it within 3 or 4 days.
it has a nice historical background.
the two main characteres - Sam and Remi are treasure hunters. on their search they find an old submarine from the second world war - and so they are winded to a historical tre...more
Little things bug me - every time they write about getting on the phone, they add that they put the person on speaker phone. Over and over - they put this or that person on speaker phone. Fine. And, again, a bit build up to a quick ending. Then there's the idea that our heroes catch a bad guy early on, have the cops on their way and... run away?? Come on. Just not what a normal person would do, I think. It should come as no surprise that, after a while, the author hits a downward slope. ...more
Spartan Gold is the first novel in Cussler's newest series, the adventures of Sam and Remi Fargo, husband and wife treasure seekers. They are very wealthy and so do not seek treasure for monetary gain, but for the sake of history and science and the thrill of the unknown.
Naturally,as in very good Clive Cussler adventure story, they come up against some very bad guys in their travels to find whatever they are after, and sometimes barely get away with their lives! I'm looking forward to m...more
Naturally,as in very good Clive Cussler adventure story, they come up against some very bad guys in their travels to find whatever they are after, and sometimes barely get away with their lives! I'm looking forward to m...more
*** <fan?> "Spartan Gold" (Fargo series) by Clive Cussler "with" Grant Blackwood features brave attractive American philanthropic treasure-hunter couple trailed by commandos from sadistic murdering Russian, simple motives. Both contenders have deep pockets and global resources. I admire the adrenalin adventure; the complex puzzle annoys and bores. My favorite part is holidays to vast scenic jaunts: Florida swamp, dungeon oubliette, Alpine meadow, bigwig shindig, Nazi ca...more
Spartan Gold is a book that follows Sam and Remi Fargo's attempts at trying to recover wine bottles that belong to Napoleon's lost cellar.
However, there are people in the world that do not want them to find these bottles and want them all for themselves.
Their journey starts when they discover a small German submersible n the Pocomoke swamp/lake where they find a wine bottle. This find sparks their interest and leads them to find a second submersible. Whilst finding these...more
However, there are people in the world that do not want them to find these bottles and want them all for themselves.
Their journey starts when they discover a small German submersible n the Pocomoke swamp/lake where they find a wine bottle. This find sparks their interest and leads them to find a second submersible. Whilst finding these...more
5...4...3, you get it. This book is not a countdown that you can't wait for it to end. This story is about the adventure/treasure hunt of a happily married couple, Sam and Remi. The author, Clive Cussler is an actual treasure hunter. He has gone on countless dives to raise old historical ships from the dark and murky waters of rivers and oceans.
This book is a great book that contains countless riddles and puzzles that engages the reader in the troubles of the main characte...more
This book is a great book that contains countless riddles and puzzles that engages the reader in the troubles of the main characte...more
My first Clive Cussler book. I don't know, I think I didn't rate it higher because I have been reading Harlan Coben and Clive can't even compare, in my humble opinion. My main objection, though, lies in the knowledge of the main characters,Sam and Remy. They are portrayed as omniscient about every subject, object, and detail. They do have a research assistant who fills in the blanks and goes more in depth, but truly, it grates on my nerves and is wholly unrealistic to have characters who know...more
The latest series created by Clive Cussler gets off to an amazing start. I've read all of Cusslers novels; this one took me back to when I first read "Inca Gold" way back in the day. This was fun. Yeah, there were death-defying feats and chases and all that, but it was, up until the end, all PG-13 violence.
All in all, I enjoyed the mysteries and the puzzles and the action. This was a really good book. And I think I'm going to be checking Grant Blackwood's solo stuff out, t...more
All in all, I enjoyed the mysteries and the puzzles and the action. This was a really good book. And I think I'm going to be checking Grant Blackwood's solo stuff out, t...more
Kassandra
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Archeologists, millionaires with top secret spy training, couples lacking adventure in their lives
Recommended to Kassandra by:
Costco
If you like Clive, you will like the Fargos: a wealthy couple who use their cartoonesque powers of millionairing, spy training and archeological digging to save national treasures and thwart horrible Russian mobsters in this first adventure in the Fargo series. The best part for me is that Mrs. Fargo is intelligent, attractive, and kicks butt as often as her hubby and is not relegated to being a peripheral character.
I can't wait for the next one in the series!
I can't wait for the next one in the series!
A great plot. Loved the new husband/wife team. I loved all Cussler's previous books and this falls well within line of the Dirk Pitt and Oregon Files adventures. I can definately see this series becoming wildly popular. I wish Cussler would include a glossary with images of the boats he references and a map in the back of the book. It would make following the storyline MUCH easier since all his books tend to bounce all over the world during different time eras.
Well... I read some of the other reviews, and for the most part, I agreed with them. However, I don't think anything in this genre would ever be considered great literature... After all, Cussler ain't no Steinbeck. So, with that being said, I thought Spartan Gold was a rousing good read--not a lot of big words, dense prose, no complex, philosophical ideas, etc. etc. etc. What I did enjoy was looking up all the unusual places the Fargos went. The only thing strange was the relocation of the Khoty...more
These Clive Cussler endorsed books have simply become comic books. Which is fine, if you just want a fun, quick, colorful adventure. If I picked this up and expected a well written unique adventure, I'd have thrown it away after about a third of it. But I knew what to expect, and this sugar-coated stuff is fine by me. They ought to publish a companion comic book with the same story. (I know, now they're called graphic novels, but there is no difference.)
The only one problem I really h...more
The only one problem I really h...more
I usually like anything by Cussler, but I didn't like this one. Must be the joint author. I was looking for books that have no emotional content, and all action. This one is full of action, but too much of no emotional content. This couple always wins. They hardly ever get got caught, or even hurt. They outsmart the bad guys at every turn. You need some dramatic turn of events to keep it interesting. Definitely not his best.
In some ways this is like the Da Vinci Code: ciphers, codes and riddles to unravel; bad guys to elude; treasure to be found...
Cussler introduces new characters in this collaborative work. Sam and Remi Fargo. They also have amazing abilities and can escape any situation no matter how dire. A fun twist on history as it pertains to Xerxes I and Napoleon. You'll have to read it to see how those two figures ever come together!
Cussler introduces new characters in this collaborative work. Sam and Remi Fargo. They also have amazing abilities and can escape any situation no matter how dire. A fun twist on history as it pertains to Xerxes I and Napoleon. You'll have to read it to see how those two figures ever come together!
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Cussler began writing novels in 1965 and published his first work featuring his continuous series hero, Dirk Pitt, in 1973. His first non-fiction, The Sea Hunters, was released in 1996. The Board of Governors of the Maritime College, State University of New York, considered The Sea Hunters in lieu of a Ph.D. thesis and awarded Cussler a Doctor of Letters degree in May, 1997. It was the first time ...more
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