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Fargo Adventures #12
Wrath of Poseidon
Husband-and-wife team Sam and Remi Fargo come up against an old enemy while searching for a treasure that has been lost for centuries in this exciting adventure in the bestselling series by the Clive Cussler, Grand Master of Adventure.
Ten years ago, a chance meeting at the Lighthouse Caf� in Redondo Beach led Sam Fargo and Remi Longstreet on the adventure of a lifetime, hunting the legendary riches stolen from the Persian King Croesus in 546 B.C. But they weren't the only ones. Someone else is after the gold, and he's willing to kill anyone who gets in his way.
When Sam and Remi run afoul of a criminal drug-running operation, their hopes of finding the treasure are dashed. But with Sam's ingenuity and Remi's determination, they survive their confrontation with the drug runners, and manage to send one of the key players to prison. Though the cache of gold is never found, life goes on. Sam and Remi marry--and years later return to Greece to find the one treasure that got away.
Time becomes their enemy when the kingpin they helped send to prison over a decade ago is released--and he has two goals in mind. Find the legendary hoard of King Croesus, and kill Sam and Remi Fargo. The Fargos know that as long as this gold is out there, no one is safe. They return to Greece for a final showdown--and one last chance to find that elusive treasure.
Ten years ago, a chance meeting at the Lighthouse Caf� in Redondo Beach led Sam Fargo and Remi Longstreet on the adventure of a lifetime, hunting the legendary riches stolen from the Persian King Croesus in 546 B.C. But they weren't the only ones. Someone else is after the gold, and he's willing to kill anyone who gets in his way.
When Sam and Remi run afoul of a criminal drug-running operation, their hopes of finding the treasure are dashed. But with Sam's ingenuity and Remi's determination, they survive their confrontation with the drug runners, and manage to send one of the key players to prison. Though the cache of gold is never found, life goes on. Sam and Remi marry--and years later return to Greece to find the one treasure that got away.
Time becomes their enemy when the kingpin they helped send to prison over a decade ago is released--and he has two goals in mind. Find the legendary hoard of King Croesus, and kill Sam and Remi Fargo. The Fargos know that as long as this gold is out there, no one is safe. They return to Greece for a final showdown--and one last chance to find that elusive treasure.
512 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2020
1464 people are currently reading
1753 people want to read
About the author
Clive Cussler
648 books8,546 followersCussler 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 since the College was founded in 1874 that such a degree was bestowed.
Cussler was an internationally recognized authority on shipwrecks and the founder of the National Underwater and Marine Agency, (NUMA) a 501C3 non-profit organization (named after the fictional Federal agency in his novels) that dedicates itself to preserving American maritime and naval history. He and his crew of marine experts and NUMA volunteers discovered more than 60 historically significant underwater wreck sites including the first submarine to sink a ship in battle, the Confederacy's Hunley, and its victim, the Union's Housatonic; the U-20, the U-boat that sank the Lusitania; the Cumberland, which was sunk by the famous ironclad, Merrimack; the renowned Confederate raider Florida; the Navy airship, Akron, the Republic of Texas Navy warship, Zavala, found under a parking lot in Galveston, and the Carpathia, which sank almost six years to-the-day after plucking Titanic's survivors from the sea.
In addition to being the Chairman of NUMA, Cussler was also a fellow in both the Explorers Club of New York and the Royal Geographic Society in London. He was honored with the Lowell Thomas Award for outstanding underwater exploration.
Cussler's books have been published in more than 40 languages in more than 100 countries. His past international bestsellers include Pacific Vortex, Mediterranean Caper, Iceberg, Raise the Titanic, Vixen 03, Night Probe, Deep Six, Cyclops, Treasure, Dragon, Sahara, Inca Gold, Shock Wave, Flood Tide, Atlantis Found, Valhalla Rising, Trojan Odyssey and Black Wind (this last with his son, Dirk Cussler); the nonfiction books The Sea Hunters, The Sea Hunters II and Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed; the NUMA® Files novels Serpent, Blue Gold, Fire Ice, White Death and Lost City (written with Paul Kemprecos); and the Oregon Files novels Sacred Stone and Golden Buddha (written with Craig Dirgo) and Dark Watch (written with Jack Du Brul).
Clive Cussler died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 24, 2020.
Cussler was an internationally recognized authority on shipwrecks and the founder of the National Underwater and Marine Agency, (NUMA) a 501C3 non-profit organization (named after the fictional Federal agency in his novels) that dedicates itself to preserving American maritime and naval history. He and his crew of marine experts and NUMA volunteers discovered more than 60 historically significant underwater wreck sites including the first submarine to sink a ship in battle, the Confederacy's Hunley, and its victim, the Union's Housatonic; the U-20, the U-boat that sank the Lusitania; the Cumberland, which was sunk by the famous ironclad, Merrimack; the renowned Confederate raider Florida; the Navy airship, Akron, the Republic of Texas Navy warship, Zavala, found under a parking lot in Galveston, and the Carpathia, which sank almost six years to-the-day after plucking Titanic's survivors from the sea.
In addition to being the Chairman of NUMA, Cussler was also a fellow in both the Explorers Club of New York and the Royal Geographic Society in London. He was honored with the Lowell Thomas Award for outstanding underwater exploration.
Cussler's books have been published in more than 40 languages in more than 100 countries. His past international bestsellers include Pacific Vortex, Mediterranean Caper, Iceberg, Raise the Titanic, Vixen 03, Night Probe, Deep Six, Cyclops, Treasure, Dragon, Sahara, Inca Gold, Shock Wave, Flood Tide, Atlantis Found, Valhalla Rising, Trojan Odyssey and Black Wind (this last with his son, Dirk Cussler); the nonfiction books The Sea Hunters, The Sea Hunters II and Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed; the NUMA® Files novels Serpent, Blue Gold, Fire Ice, White Death and Lost City (written with Paul Kemprecos); and the Oregon Files novels Sacred Stone and Golden Buddha (written with Craig Dirgo) and Dark Watch (written with Jack Du Brul).
Clive Cussler died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 24, 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
June 16, 2020
Yes! The Fargos are back with treasure hunting adventure. I love the storytelling in this one since it was mostly a flashback to when/how they met. Exciting!
February 3, 2021
4.5 Stars for Wrath of Poseidon: Sam and Remi Fargo Adventure (audiobook) by Clive Cussler and Robin Burcell read by Scott Brick. Another great adventure. It’s was fun to see how Sam and Remi met. The narration was great.
May 31, 2020
It was interesting to finally go back and see how the characters met, particularly have so many books in the series. After so many allusions to their past, it was great to go back and fill in the history. Not only that, but the backstory was also impressively full and satisfying. That's no small accomplishment given the longevity of the series and that multiple authors have worked on it.
May 18, 2022
I loved the how they met :) an added benefit? Another great adventure included! This was I expect to get when I read a Fargo adventure.
June 6, 2020
I'm a sucker for Clive Cussler books, even though the quality of the books goes up and down through the years. One wonders if these books will continue in the future though, since Cussler unfortunately passed away recently. Hopefully, the co-authors of his many different series will continue the work. This book is the origin story of Sam and Remy Fargo. It narrates how they met and fell in love. Of course, there's a treasure hunt, totally on brand for this couple. They find themselves going up against a criminal drug-smuggling family, who are not afraid to kill people to get their way. If you're a fan of this series, this look back into Sam and Remy's first adventure together would be up your alley. As always, listening to this as an audiobook is wonderful. Scott Brick is a good narrator.
September 12, 2020
Ever since "Raise the Titanic," I've been a Clive Cussler fan and I'm glad the estate has "legacy" authors to continue the multiple series..."Wrath of Poseidon" is the first posthumous release and it is the fifth time he collaborated with Robin Burcell on the Fargo series...This is a prequal, giving us the "origin backstory" of the Fargo's and their interests in ocean archeology...Good enough for the biggest Cussler fans!!!
July 7, 2020
The origin story of Sam and Remi Fargo. They meet by chance, and immediately fall in love. We get a few hurdles to their romance: Remi gets kidnapped for one, but things all come together for them.
Better than most books in this series, IMHO.
Better than most books in this series, IMHO.
December 16, 2020
Wrath of Poseidon
Excellent story. I really enjoyed the background of when Sam and Demi met and how it all tied together at the end. In what may be the last book in the series, an excellent entry.
Excellent story. I really enjoyed the background of when Sam and Demi met and how it all tied together at the end. In what may be the last book in the series, an excellent entry.
June 6, 2020
It's time for the latest Sam and Remi Fargo adventure story! It feels great to state this because it proves how authors have the ability to move us with their words and stories even after they have gone. We all know that the great Clive Cussler left us some months back --- but not without leaving a few books in the pipeline awaiting release. WRATH OF POSEIDON is the first posthumous release and it is the fifth time he collaborated with Robin Burcell on the Sam and Remi Fargo series.
This tale, like many from Clive Cussler, is rooted in the annals of history. In this case, both oceanic and world history. It begins back in the year 546 B.C. at Sardis which was part of the Persian Empire. There is a small uprising that is squashed by King Cyrus II. It appears that the uprising may have involved Samian Pirates. We then switch our gaze to Korseai off the coast of what we know as Greece. There, two young boys are boating out to Poseidon's Trident --- two sculpted carvings reaching up from the sea like part of the Ocean God's famous weapon. The boy's purpose was to land on the island by the Trident so that they may whisper in great Poseidon's ear to send their recently deceased father home. The boys' innocent quest is stopped short by a man named Drakon, a Samian Pirate, who fears that they are seeking out the great treasure that is said to be in the caves at this location. Our step back into the past ends with none of the parties involved accomplishing their goals or finding any hidden treasures.
We return to present day, with Sam and Remi Fargo in Washington D.C. Their visit to the Georgetown area involved dinner with a man named St. Julien Perlmutter. Perlmutter was a striking character standing at six-foot-four, fully bearded in the manner of King Henry VIII, and a renowned authority on maritime history. Their dinner quickly gets to the heart of the matter --- a cache of gold stolen from King Cyrus II in 546 B.C. after he conquered King Croesus. This subject matter makes our protagonists, the very married and in love Sam and Remi Fargo, step back into their own timeline to a point ten years prior. The moment in question is the night the two of them met, for their initial meeting would soon tie into the very treasure that Perlmutter is referring to.
For Sam and Remi, it was pretty much love at first sight. One evening at their favorite bar/restaurant --- The Lighthouse of Hermosa Beach, CA, Sam sends a bottle of Sangria to Remi's table of four because they are obviously celebrating something. Sam stops at the table to announce that he was on his way out but that they should enjoy the bottle on him and their celebration. Remi immediately recognizes Sam because he was sort of a local hero who had just saved the life of a surfer the day prior. Sam admits that this was indeed him and he then discovers that Remi's table of friends were celebrating her finally getting her diver's license. It seems like a match made in heaven. Even though Sam was currently only a shelf stocker at a local market, he was quite enthusiastic about anything involving maritime history and antiquarian searches for treasure. The setting is thus made for the two of them to combine their individual hobbies and converge somewhere in the area of Greece.
The specific area where Remi is planning to go diving for treasure is the same spot where a dangerous billionaire is also focused --- Fourni Korseon, Greece. The billionaire is one Adrian Kyril, who has made his wealth and dangerous reputation from importing and exporting more than merely olive oil. Remi and her friend Dimitris get too close for comfort, as far as Kyril is concerned, and they are forcibly taken from their dive boat and placed on to a speed boat where they are whisked away to parts unknown. Initially, they think their captors are pirates. During their time with these dangerous 'Greeks with guns', Remi gets some messages out for help. One is to Sam, who is still back in CA. Sam Fargo, as his loyal readers are aware, is a very resourceful person who seems to have a contact for almost anything he needs. He leaves his job at the supermarket and jets over to Greece to help out his soon-to-be forever love, Remi.
Sam, being guided by Dimitris's father, Nikos, eventually finds the two captives who manage to slip away from the partying Mirage yacht they were being held on. Now, with time to reconvene, the four of them realize that they must find out everything they can about Adrian Kyril as he looks to be a dangerous threat they will not be able to easily shake. Sam reaches out to an old Hungarian woman named Ms. Wondrash who provides him with everything she can turn up on Kyril. He bears all the traits of a modern-day pirate, or at least he has the wealth to act as such by way of the billions he has acquired in his role of mob boss. Sam and Remi learn about a Casino Fund Raiser Kyril is hosting and they infiltrate it to see what they can find out. Of course, not being James Bond or anywhere close to a professional spy, their cover is quickly blown and they have to flee for their very lives from Kyril's event. They have now made themselves quite well known to Adrian Kyril and he has made squashing Sam and Remi part of his primary to-do list.
During one of their self-guided missions, Dimitris is taken. Was it actual modern-day pirates or Adrian Kyril behind this? A good portion of the novel finds Sam, Remi, and company in and out of trouble as they try to get close to Adrian Kyril and his organization. Through some amazing stroke of luck, they are able to take photos of some of Kyril's 'product', information which makes Interpol very happy. Adrian Kyril is actually apprehended and put away based on the information Sam and Remi are able to uncover. Now, with him temporarily out of the way, they can focus on finding the hidden treasure Remi initially came to Greece to locate. They read an old story called "The Pirates Of Poseidon" and they are intrigued to learn if those fictional exploits were true or not. All the while, the eventual return of Kyril or some of his dangerous cohorts looms over the entire story and provide tension which remains there right up to the break-neck finale. WRATH OF POSEIDON is written in compact-style chapters, much in the manner that has made James Patterson very popular and immensely readable, and Cussler & Burcell are able to end each one with some sort of cliff-hanger or effective plot twist that keeps those pages turning.
I must confess that I was not very knowledgeable about author Robin Burcell before reading this story. Many years ago I had read one of her novels entitled THE BONE CHAMBER, and it was good, but it then just slipped back into the plethora of authors writing in the genre that emerged after Dan Brown came on the scene. Well, it seems that the late, great Clive Cussler obviously infused Burcell with his swaggering, pirate-like spirit because the literary pairing works. It's a shame we won't see any more from Cussler. Readers can only hope that Burcell, having now co-authored several Sam & Remi Adventures, might be able to keep the series going on her own.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
This tale, like many from Clive Cussler, is rooted in the annals of history. In this case, both oceanic and world history. It begins back in the year 546 B.C. at Sardis which was part of the Persian Empire. There is a small uprising that is squashed by King Cyrus II. It appears that the uprising may have involved Samian Pirates. We then switch our gaze to Korseai off the coast of what we know as Greece. There, two young boys are boating out to Poseidon's Trident --- two sculpted carvings reaching up from the sea like part of the Ocean God's famous weapon. The boy's purpose was to land on the island by the Trident so that they may whisper in great Poseidon's ear to send their recently deceased father home. The boys' innocent quest is stopped short by a man named Drakon, a Samian Pirate, who fears that they are seeking out the great treasure that is said to be in the caves at this location. Our step back into the past ends with none of the parties involved accomplishing their goals or finding any hidden treasures.
We return to present day, with Sam and Remi Fargo in Washington D.C. Their visit to the Georgetown area involved dinner with a man named St. Julien Perlmutter. Perlmutter was a striking character standing at six-foot-four, fully bearded in the manner of King Henry VIII, and a renowned authority on maritime history. Their dinner quickly gets to the heart of the matter --- a cache of gold stolen from King Cyrus II in 546 B.C. after he conquered King Croesus. This subject matter makes our protagonists, the very married and in love Sam and Remi Fargo, step back into their own timeline to a point ten years prior. The moment in question is the night the two of them met, for their initial meeting would soon tie into the very treasure that Perlmutter is referring to.
For Sam and Remi, it was pretty much love at first sight. One evening at their favorite bar/restaurant --- The Lighthouse of Hermosa Beach, CA, Sam sends a bottle of Sangria to Remi's table of four because they are obviously celebrating something. Sam stops at the table to announce that he was on his way out but that they should enjoy the bottle on him and their celebration. Remi immediately recognizes Sam because he was sort of a local hero who had just saved the life of a surfer the day prior. Sam admits that this was indeed him and he then discovers that Remi's table of friends were celebrating her finally getting her diver's license. It seems like a match made in heaven. Even though Sam was currently only a shelf stocker at a local market, he was quite enthusiastic about anything involving maritime history and antiquarian searches for treasure. The setting is thus made for the two of them to combine their individual hobbies and converge somewhere in the area of Greece.
The specific area where Remi is planning to go diving for treasure is the same spot where a dangerous billionaire is also focused --- Fourni Korseon, Greece. The billionaire is one Adrian Kyril, who has made his wealth and dangerous reputation from importing and exporting more than merely olive oil. Remi and her friend Dimitris get too close for comfort, as far as Kyril is concerned, and they are forcibly taken from their dive boat and placed on to a speed boat where they are whisked away to parts unknown. Initially, they think their captors are pirates. During their time with these dangerous 'Greeks with guns', Remi gets some messages out for help. One is to Sam, who is still back in CA. Sam Fargo, as his loyal readers are aware, is a very resourceful person who seems to have a contact for almost anything he needs. He leaves his job at the supermarket and jets over to Greece to help out his soon-to-be forever love, Remi.
Sam, being guided by Dimitris's father, Nikos, eventually finds the two captives who manage to slip away from the partying Mirage yacht they were being held on. Now, with time to reconvene, the four of them realize that they must find out everything they can about Adrian Kyril as he looks to be a dangerous threat they will not be able to easily shake. Sam reaches out to an old Hungarian woman named Ms. Wondrash who provides him with everything she can turn up on Kyril. He bears all the traits of a modern-day pirate, or at least he has the wealth to act as such by way of the billions he has acquired in his role of mob boss. Sam and Remi learn about a Casino Fund Raiser Kyril is hosting and they infiltrate it to see what they can find out. Of course, not being James Bond or anywhere close to a professional spy, their cover is quickly blown and they have to flee for their very lives from Kyril's event. They have now made themselves quite well known to Adrian Kyril and he has made squashing Sam and Remi part of his primary to-do list.
During one of their self-guided missions, Dimitris is taken. Was it actual modern-day pirates or Adrian Kyril behind this? A good portion of the novel finds Sam, Remi, and company in and out of trouble as they try to get close to Adrian Kyril and his organization. Through some amazing stroke of luck, they are able to take photos of some of Kyril's 'product', information which makes Interpol very happy. Adrian Kyril is actually apprehended and put away based on the information Sam and Remi are able to uncover. Now, with him temporarily out of the way, they can focus on finding the hidden treasure Remi initially came to Greece to locate. They read an old story called "The Pirates Of Poseidon" and they are intrigued to learn if those fictional exploits were true or not. All the while, the eventual return of Kyril or some of his dangerous cohorts looms over the entire story and provide tension which remains there right up to the break-neck finale. WRATH OF POSEIDON is written in compact-style chapters, much in the manner that has made James Patterson very popular and immensely readable, and Cussler & Burcell are able to end each one with some sort of cliff-hanger or effective plot twist that keeps those pages turning.
I must confess that I was not very knowledgeable about author Robin Burcell before reading this story. Many years ago I had read one of her novels entitled THE BONE CHAMBER, and it was good, but it then just slipped back into the plethora of authors writing in the genre that emerged after Dan Brown came on the scene. Well, it seems that the late, great Clive Cussler obviously infused Burcell with his swaggering, pirate-like spirit because the literary pairing works. It's a shame we won't see any more from Cussler. Readers can only hope that Burcell, having now co-authored several Sam & Remi Adventures, might be able to keep the series going on her own.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
June 6, 2020
Another wonderful Cussler adventure made even better by the golden voice of Scott Brick. I'm going to miss Cussler's books! :(
June 8, 2020
It's time for the latest Sam and Remi Fargo adventure! It feels great to say this because it proves how authors have the ability to move us with their words and stories even after they are gone. Clive Cussler passed away earlier this year, but not without leaving a few books in the pipeline awaiting publication. WRATH OF POSEIDON is his first posthumous release and his fifth collaboration with Robin Burcell.
This tale, like many from Cussler, is rooted in the annals of history --- in this case, both oceanic and world history. It begins in the year 546 B.C. at Sardis, which is part of the Persian Empire. A small uprising that may have involved Samian pirates is squashed by King Cyrus II. We then switch our gaze to Korseai off the coast of what we now know to be Greece. There, two young boys are boating out to Poseidon's Trident, two sculpted carvings that reach up from the sea like part of the ocean god's famous weapon. Their purpose is to land on the island by the Trident so that they may whisper in Poseidon's ear to send their recently deceased father home. Their innocent quest is stopped short by Drakon, a Samian pirate, who fears they are seeking out the great treasure that is said to be in the caves at this location. Our step back into the past ends with none of the parties involved accomplishing their goals or finding any hidden riches.
We then return to present day, with Sam and Remi Fargo in Washington, D.C. Their visit to the Georgetown area involves having dinner with St. Julien Perlmutter, a striking character standing at 6’4”, fully bearded in the manner of King Henry VIII, and a renowned authority on maritime history. They quickly get to the heart of the matter --- a cache of gold stolen from King Cyrus II in 546 B.C. after he conquered King Croesus. This subject matter makes the husband-and-wife team step back into their own timeline to a point 10 years earlier. The moment in question is the night they met, which would soon tie into the very treasure to which Perlmutter is referring.
For Sam and Remi, it is pretty much love at first sight. One evening at their favorite bar/restaurant --- the Lighthouse Café in Redondo Beach --- Sam sends a bottle of Sangria to Remi's table of four because they are obviously celebrating something. He announces that he is on his way out but that they should enjoy the bottle on him. Remi immediately recognizes him because he is sort of a local hero who had just saved the life of a surfer the day before. A shelf stocker at a local market, Sam is quite enthusiastic about anything involving maritime history and antiquarian searches for treasure. The two of them ultimately combine their individual hobbies and converge somewhere in the area of Greece.
Remi is planning to go diving for treasure in the same spot where a dangerous billionaire is also focused: Fourni Korseon, Greece. Adrian Kyril has made his wealth and reputation from importing and exporting more than merely olive oil. Remi and her friend, Dimitris, get too close for comfort as far as Kyril is concerned, and they are forcibly taken from their dive boat and placed on a speed boat where they are whisked away to parts unknown. Initially, they think that their captors are pirates. During their time with these “Greeks with guns,” Remi sends out some messages for help. One is to Sam, who leaves his job at the supermarket and jets over to Greece to come to the aid of his soon-to-be forever love.
Guided by Dimitris' father, Nikos, Sam eventually finds the two captives, who manage to slip away from the partying Mirage yacht on which they were being held. Now, with time to reconvene, the four of them realize that they must learn everything they can about Kyril as he looks to be a major threat they will not be able to easily shake. Sam reaches out to an old Hungarian woman, Ms. Wondrash, who provides him with everything she can turn up on Kyril. He bears all the traits of a modern-day pirate, or at least he has the wealth to act as such by way of the billions he has acquired in his role of mob boss. Sam and Remi learn about a casino fundraiser that Kyril is hosting, and they infiltrate it to see what they can find out. Of course, not being James Bond or anywhere close to a professional spy, their cover is quickly blown and they have to flee for their very lives. They have now made themselves quite well known to Kyril, and he has made eliminating Sam and Remi part of his primary to-do list.
During one of their self-guided missions, Dimitris is taken. Are actual modern-day pirates or Kyril behind this? A good portion of the novel finds Sam, Remi and company in and out of trouble as they try to get close to Kyril and his organization. Through some amazing stroke of luck, they are able to take photos of some of Kyril's “product,” which makes Interpol very happy. Kyril is apprehended and put away based on the information that Sam and Remi uncover. Now, with him temporarily out of the way, they can focus on finding the hidden treasure that Remi came to Greece to locate.
All the while, the eventual return of Kyril or some of his cohorts looms over the entire story and provides tension that remains right up until the breakneck finale. WRATH OF POSEIDON is written in compact chapters ala James Patterson, as Cussler and Burcell end each one with some sort of cliffhanger or effective plot twist that keeps the pages turning.
I confess that I was not very knowledgeable about Robin Burcell before delving into this story. Many years ago I had read one of her novels, THE BONE CHAMBER; it was good, but her name just slipped back into the plethora of authors writing in the genre that emerged after Dan Brown came on the scene. Well, it seems that the late, great Clive Cussler infused Burcell with his swaggering, pirate-like spirit because the literary pairing works. It's a shame that we won't see any more from Cussler. Readers can only hope that Burcell, having now co-authored five of these adventures, will keep the series going on her own.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
This tale, like many from Cussler, is rooted in the annals of history --- in this case, both oceanic and world history. It begins in the year 546 B.C. at Sardis, which is part of the Persian Empire. A small uprising that may have involved Samian pirates is squashed by King Cyrus II. We then switch our gaze to Korseai off the coast of what we now know to be Greece. There, two young boys are boating out to Poseidon's Trident, two sculpted carvings that reach up from the sea like part of the ocean god's famous weapon. Their purpose is to land on the island by the Trident so that they may whisper in Poseidon's ear to send their recently deceased father home. Their innocent quest is stopped short by Drakon, a Samian pirate, who fears they are seeking out the great treasure that is said to be in the caves at this location. Our step back into the past ends with none of the parties involved accomplishing their goals or finding any hidden riches.
We then return to present day, with Sam and Remi Fargo in Washington, D.C. Their visit to the Georgetown area involves having dinner with St. Julien Perlmutter, a striking character standing at 6’4”, fully bearded in the manner of King Henry VIII, and a renowned authority on maritime history. They quickly get to the heart of the matter --- a cache of gold stolen from King Cyrus II in 546 B.C. after he conquered King Croesus. This subject matter makes the husband-and-wife team step back into their own timeline to a point 10 years earlier. The moment in question is the night they met, which would soon tie into the very treasure to which Perlmutter is referring.
For Sam and Remi, it is pretty much love at first sight. One evening at their favorite bar/restaurant --- the Lighthouse Café in Redondo Beach --- Sam sends a bottle of Sangria to Remi's table of four because they are obviously celebrating something. He announces that he is on his way out but that they should enjoy the bottle on him. Remi immediately recognizes him because he is sort of a local hero who had just saved the life of a surfer the day before. A shelf stocker at a local market, Sam is quite enthusiastic about anything involving maritime history and antiquarian searches for treasure. The two of them ultimately combine their individual hobbies and converge somewhere in the area of Greece.
Remi is planning to go diving for treasure in the same spot where a dangerous billionaire is also focused: Fourni Korseon, Greece. Adrian Kyril has made his wealth and reputation from importing and exporting more than merely olive oil. Remi and her friend, Dimitris, get too close for comfort as far as Kyril is concerned, and they are forcibly taken from their dive boat and placed on a speed boat where they are whisked away to parts unknown. Initially, they think that their captors are pirates. During their time with these “Greeks with guns,” Remi sends out some messages for help. One is to Sam, who leaves his job at the supermarket and jets over to Greece to come to the aid of his soon-to-be forever love.
Guided by Dimitris' father, Nikos, Sam eventually finds the two captives, who manage to slip away from the partying Mirage yacht on which they were being held. Now, with time to reconvene, the four of them realize that they must learn everything they can about Kyril as he looks to be a major threat they will not be able to easily shake. Sam reaches out to an old Hungarian woman, Ms. Wondrash, who provides him with everything she can turn up on Kyril. He bears all the traits of a modern-day pirate, or at least he has the wealth to act as such by way of the billions he has acquired in his role of mob boss. Sam and Remi learn about a casino fundraiser that Kyril is hosting, and they infiltrate it to see what they can find out. Of course, not being James Bond or anywhere close to a professional spy, their cover is quickly blown and they have to flee for their very lives. They have now made themselves quite well known to Kyril, and he has made eliminating Sam and Remi part of his primary to-do list.
During one of their self-guided missions, Dimitris is taken. Are actual modern-day pirates or Kyril behind this? A good portion of the novel finds Sam, Remi and company in and out of trouble as they try to get close to Kyril and his organization. Through some amazing stroke of luck, they are able to take photos of some of Kyril's “product,” which makes Interpol very happy. Kyril is apprehended and put away based on the information that Sam and Remi uncover. Now, with him temporarily out of the way, they can focus on finding the hidden treasure that Remi came to Greece to locate.
All the while, the eventual return of Kyril or some of his cohorts looms over the entire story and provides tension that remains right up until the breakneck finale. WRATH OF POSEIDON is written in compact chapters ala James Patterson, as Cussler and Burcell end each one with some sort of cliffhanger or effective plot twist that keeps the pages turning.
I confess that I was not very knowledgeable about Robin Burcell before delving into this story. Many years ago I had read one of her novels, THE BONE CHAMBER; it was good, but her name just slipped back into the plethora of authors writing in the genre that emerged after Dan Brown came on the scene. Well, it seems that the late, great Clive Cussler infused Burcell with his swaggering, pirate-like spirit because the literary pairing works. It's a shame that we won't see any more from Cussler. Readers can only hope that Burcell, having now co-authored five of these adventures, will keep the series going on her own.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
October 1, 2020
I will usually read a Clive Cussler book, even though the quality of the books seems to go up and down. I liked that this book is the origin story of Sam and Remy Fargo telling how they fell in love with, of course, a treasure hunt. Although I've not always liked Remy's character, her younger self came across as really annoying to me as well as Dmitri's character. For supposedly smart characters they seemed to make every dumb decision they could. If this book had been my introduction to the characters, I don't think I would have read any further.
March 1, 2021
A low powered entry in the series. Told mostly in flashback as an origin story, I bogged down in the middle and despite repeated attempts couldn't get back into it for months.
October 27, 2025
My favorite Fargo adventure, I think I’ve read all of them except maybe 2
July 17, 2020
You always know that you will get a great adventure and lots of action in these stories!
This one is a bit different as it tells the story about Remi and Sam Fargo and how they met in a cafe in Redondo Beach and started their adventures.
If you are not familiar with the series, it is a husband and wife team that have adventures while searching for lost archeological treasures, ships, ancient cities and so on, but always with some action and adventure. I like these because there are bad guys but it's a bit more on the lighter side.
Remi goes to Greece and runs into trouble because the bad guys think she may have seen something they didn't want her to see.
Sam comes to the Remi's rescue.
Meanwhile, they end up searching for the lost treasure of stolen gold of King Croesus. But someone else is searching for this same treasure and Sam and Remi are in the bad guys sights.
At the same time they run into a drug running operation but manage to survive.
But, they gave up on searching for the treasure until years later they decide to come back to Greece and give it another try.
Unfortunately the drug runners they sent to prison are out of prison and are looking for the treasure again as well. One last showdown and one last try for the treasure. Sam and Remi know that anyone connected to the treasure is in danger until its found, including friends in Greece.
Exciting and fun!
This one is a bit different as it tells the story about Remi and Sam Fargo and how they met in a cafe in Redondo Beach and started their adventures.
If you are not familiar with the series, it is a husband and wife team that have adventures while searching for lost archeological treasures, ships, ancient cities and so on, but always with some action and adventure. I like these because there are bad guys but it's a bit more on the lighter side.
Remi goes to Greece and runs into trouble because the bad guys think she may have seen something they didn't want her to see.
Sam comes to the Remi's rescue.
Meanwhile, they end up searching for the lost treasure of stolen gold of King Croesus. But someone else is searching for this same treasure and Sam and Remi are in the bad guys sights.
At the same time they run into a drug running operation but manage to survive.
But, they gave up on searching for the treasure until years later they decide to come back to Greece and give it another try.
Unfortunately the drug runners they sent to prison are out of prison and are looking for the treasure again as well. One last showdown and one last try for the treasure. Sam and Remi know that anyone connected to the treasure is in danger until its found, including friends in Greece.
Exciting and fun!
August 8, 2020
Typical Cussler book. Lots of inconsistencies and over the top action. But overall, enjoyable.
December 5, 2020
A kind thank you to Penguin Random House SA for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Readers who are familiar with the Fargo Adventure series will be thrilled to read the newest book, Wrath of Poseidon by the world's No.1 adventure writer Clive Cussler.
This is my first time reading a book by Clive Cussler and I wasn't disappointed. There are two timelines in this book, the book starts with the present day and then we are taken back to ten years ago. We are taken back to the day where Sam and Remi met and their adventure peppered with danger. Sam and Remi are from two different worlds, yet when she is kidnapped in Fourni Korseon, Greece, Sam flies all the way from California to find her after he receives a mysterious voicemail from her. Sam and Remi are caught up in dangerous situations and the danger has a name: Adrian Kyril. The Kyril's are known for their olive oil exports, but there are rumours going around that they are part of drug smuggling. The level of danger went up a notch.
Adrian Kyril was in search of finding the treasure, Poseidon's Trident. He had the means and the connections and didn't care who he needed to kill to find it. Sam and Remi got personally involved in the search of Poseidon's Trident and we are taken on a thrilling adventure laced with romance. Yet this legendary treasure evades everyone. Years later, Sam and Remi returns as husband and wife to Fourni to find Poseidon's Trident, but Adrian Kyril is also on the hunt for it. Sam and Remi wants to prove for once and for all whether the treasure is an old fisherman's tale or whether it actually exists.
I was a bit disappointed that the treasure hunting took place near the end of the book. But everything that took place during the book is necessary so that the reader can understand the importance of Poseidon's Trident. I found the CAST OF CHARACTERS list at the beginning of the book useful. It's interesting to 'meet' the characters before starting the story. The chapters were kept short and I find it easier to read than chapters that are the length of 20 pages. There is a certain thrill to treasure hunting and the reader experiences that thrill while reading the book.
If you enjoyed The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett or any book by Clive Cussler, you will enjoy Wrath of Poseidon.
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.c...
Readers who are familiar with the Fargo Adventure series will be thrilled to read the newest book, Wrath of Poseidon by the world's No.1 adventure writer Clive Cussler.
This is my first time reading a book by Clive Cussler and I wasn't disappointed. There are two timelines in this book, the book starts with the present day and then we are taken back to ten years ago. We are taken back to the day where Sam and Remi met and their adventure peppered with danger. Sam and Remi are from two different worlds, yet when she is kidnapped in Fourni Korseon, Greece, Sam flies all the way from California to find her after he receives a mysterious voicemail from her. Sam and Remi are caught up in dangerous situations and the danger has a name: Adrian Kyril. The Kyril's are known for their olive oil exports, but there are rumours going around that they are part of drug smuggling. The level of danger went up a notch.
Adrian Kyril was in search of finding the treasure, Poseidon's Trident. He had the means and the connections and didn't care who he needed to kill to find it. Sam and Remi got personally involved in the search of Poseidon's Trident and we are taken on a thrilling adventure laced with romance. Yet this legendary treasure evades everyone. Years later, Sam and Remi returns as husband and wife to Fourni to find Poseidon's Trident, but Adrian Kyril is also on the hunt for it. Sam and Remi wants to prove for once and for all whether the treasure is an old fisherman's tale or whether it actually exists.
I was a bit disappointed that the treasure hunting took place near the end of the book. But everything that took place during the book is necessary so that the reader can understand the importance of Poseidon's Trident. I found the CAST OF CHARACTERS list at the beginning of the book useful. It's interesting to 'meet' the characters before starting the story. The chapters were kept short and I find it easier to read than chapters that are the length of 20 pages. There is a certain thrill to treasure hunting and the reader experiences that thrill while reading the book.
If you enjoyed The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett or any book by Clive Cussler, you will enjoy Wrath of Poseidon.
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.c...
June 10, 2020
Interestingly, the last "Fargo Adventure" to come out with any real input from adventure-novel kingpin Clive Cussler turns out to be the origin story of the couple, collaborating with his co-author for the last several Fargo books, Robin Burcell. And you can make a good case that none of the other writers that Cussler, who passed away in February, worked with could have made this story work half so well as it did, since it involves the protagonists, Sam and Remi Fargo, meeting and falling in love while they (naturally) search for treasure and thwart a baddie.
Burcell has been the Cussler co-author most able to give his very much stock characters depth and dimension, and Wrath of Poseidon's central adventure will require every bit of her ability in that area to work. It also requires her much-better-than-any-other-co-author hand at writing female characters to make Remi Longstreet's pathway to Remi Fargo believable.
The Fargos learn an old enemy is out of jail, reminding them of their meeting and first escapade together -- one of the few where they didn't manage to track down the ancient treasure they sought. They consult St. Julien Perlmutter, maritime historian par excellence and familiar figure to Cussler's Dirk Pitt novel readers. He helps them uncover new clues to a great wealth of Persian treasure lost forever in 546 BC, but before he will share them he wants to know how they came to hunt this particular legend. They tell him, including the details of their first meetings and how their by-now solid partnership began -- as well as how it almost didn't.
As mentioned above, it's doubtful any of Cussler's other co-authors -- and certainly none of his previous Fargo co-authors -- could have managed to make the human and relational elements of this origin story work. Burcell does, whether because as a woman she writes Remi far more convincingly and without that part of the story the whole thing falls apart or because she's a better writer, or both. The actual hunt for the treasure and clash with the spoiled rich-boy criminal Adrian Kyril meanders more than is good for it and sometimes gets almost too fuzzy to follow; it could have used about 20 percent less twist and a dash less turn. The set pieces are fun, though, as both Sam and Remi learn about each other's strengths in a crisis and develop the sang-froid that's their trademark. It's hard to imagine any modern publisher willing to turn off a cash spigot like Cussler's varied series of novels, so perhaps the Fargo stories will continue. As long as Burcell is at the helm, that's not a bad deal for readers at all.
Original available here.
Burcell has been the Cussler co-author most able to give his very much stock characters depth and dimension, and Wrath of Poseidon's central adventure will require every bit of her ability in that area to work. It also requires her much-better-than-any-other-co-author hand at writing female characters to make Remi Longstreet's pathway to Remi Fargo believable.
The Fargos learn an old enemy is out of jail, reminding them of their meeting and first escapade together -- one of the few where they didn't manage to track down the ancient treasure they sought. They consult St. Julien Perlmutter, maritime historian par excellence and familiar figure to Cussler's Dirk Pitt novel readers. He helps them uncover new clues to a great wealth of Persian treasure lost forever in 546 BC, but before he will share them he wants to know how they came to hunt this particular legend. They tell him, including the details of their first meetings and how their by-now solid partnership began -- as well as how it almost didn't.
As mentioned above, it's doubtful any of Cussler's other co-authors -- and certainly none of his previous Fargo co-authors -- could have managed to make the human and relational elements of this origin story work. Burcell does, whether because as a woman she writes Remi far more convincingly and without that part of the story the whole thing falls apart or because she's a better writer, or both. The actual hunt for the treasure and clash with the spoiled rich-boy criminal Adrian Kyril meanders more than is good for it and sometimes gets almost too fuzzy to follow; it could have used about 20 percent less twist and a dash less turn. The set pieces are fun, though, as both Sam and Remi learn about each other's strengths in a crisis and develop the sang-froid that's their trademark. It's hard to imagine any modern publisher willing to turn off a cash spigot like Cussler's varied series of novels, so perhaps the Fargo stories will continue. As long as Burcell is at the helm, that's not a bad deal for readers at all.
Original available here.
June 21, 2022
Having just gotten back from Greece, I loved the setting of this book! I always forget how the prologue sets the setting and history about the treasure and area. I love how he sometimes even uses 3 or 4 time periods to set the tone and give background.
The overview was a bit misleading because 95% of the book is the origin story of the romance and original treasure hunt and only maybe a chapter or two of them going back to Greece, eventually finding the treasure and running into the bad guy again.
The story was an overview of how they met and their first adventure together.
Remi is due to spend three weeks in Greece with the Fourni Underwater Archeological Preservation Society on a mapping project. In California, Sam plans to present potential investors with his project to create an argon laser scanner. The attraction between Sam and Remi builds as they spend time with each other before Remi leaves.
In Fourni Korseon, Greece, treasure hunting Adrian Kyril, along with his associate Fayez, check out the cave Tassos claims matches Adrian’s description. As soon as Tassos confirms this is the right cave, Adrian pushes him into cave opening to his death. As Fayez and Adrian are leaving, Fayez spots Remi and her friend Dimitris on the cliff above them, taking pictures. Worried they might be witnesses, Fayez arranges to steal the camera and then kidnap the two.
While being forced into a boat with Dimitris, Remi leaves a cryptic message for Sam that includes a phrase Sam interprets as a plea for help. Within 24 hours, Sam is in Greece, meets with Dimitris’ father Nikos, and plans a rescue when they determine Remi and Dimitris are on Adrian’s ship, Mirage.
After the successful mission frees Remi and Dimitris, a few alarming events reveal the impetus behind all this activity is Adrian’s obsession with finding the gold stolen from King Cyrus in 546 B.C. First, they find Tassos’ body in the cave. Then, Sam, Remi, Dimitris, and Nikos attempt to find evidence that Adrian murdered Tassos and kidnapped Remi and Dimitris. In desperation, Dimitris sneaks onto Adrian’s family island by himself and discovers evidence that the family business involves illegal activity.
As the narrative circles back to the present day, Sam and Remi visit Dimitris and Nikos in Greece and confront Adrian as all are once again seeking the treasure of gold – rumored to be hidden near Poseidon’s Trident.
The overview was a bit misleading because 95% of the book is the origin story of the romance and original treasure hunt and only maybe a chapter or two of them going back to Greece, eventually finding the treasure and running into the bad guy again.
The story was an overview of how they met and their first adventure together.
Remi is due to spend three weeks in Greece with the Fourni Underwater Archeological Preservation Society on a mapping project. In California, Sam plans to present potential investors with his project to create an argon laser scanner. The attraction between Sam and Remi builds as they spend time with each other before Remi leaves.
In Fourni Korseon, Greece, treasure hunting Adrian Kyril, along with his associate Fayez, check out the cave Tassos claims matches Adrian’s description. As soon as Tassos confirms this is the right cave, Adrian pushes him into cave opening to his death. As Fayez and Adrian are leaving, Fayez spots Remi and her friend Dimitris on the cliff above them, taking pictures. Worried they might be witnesses, Fayez arranges to steal the camera and then kidnap the two.
While being forced into a boat with Dimitris, Remi leaves a cryptic message for Sam that includes a phrase Sam interprets as a plea for help. Within 24 hours, Sam is in Greece, meets with Dimitris’ father Nikos, and plans a rescue when they determine Remi and Dimitris are on Adrian’s ship, Mirage.
After the successful mission frees Remi and Dimitris, a few alarming events reveal the impetus behind all this activity is Adrian’s obsession with finding the gold stolen from King Cyrus in 546 B.C. First, they find Tassos’ body in the cave. Then, Sam, Remi, Dimitris, and Nikos attempt to find evidence that Adrian murdered Tassos and kidnapped Remi and Dimitris. In desperation, Dimitris sneaks onto Adrian’s family island by himself and discovers evidence that the family business involves illegal activity.
As the narrative circles back to the present day, Sam and Remi visit Dimitris and Nikos in Greece and confront Adrian as all are once again seeking the treasure of gold – rumored to be hidden near Poseidon’s Trident.
August 24, 2020
First off, I love the Sam and Remi Fargo books but....this one is a little different. It takes you back ten years to when they first met and had their first adventure. They were not married and Sam was just looking for investors for his argon laser device. About two weeks after they met and had their first date, Remi took off for Greece, something she had scheduled way before she met Sam. She and her friend got kidnapped when they witnessed a murder, and when Sam heard she was missing, he came looking for her. Before everything was all solved, they had uncovered a drug deal and where in the middle of a search for hidden treasure. They never found that, but did put the drug dealer away for ten years.
Fast forward, they are now married and have decided to go back and look for the treasure. At the same time, the drug dealer is now free and after the same treasure, and Sam and Remi. Who will win this time?
The first part of the book is the story of their earlier life and only the last 35 pages are about them now. I felt like I had already this book, although I know I have not. Probably because so many of the things were mentioned in previous books. This is almost like a prequel, and not a real new story.
Fast forward, they are now married and have decided to go back and look for the treasure. At the same time, the drug dealer is now free and after the same treasure, and Sam and Remi. Who will win this time?
The first part of the book is the story of their earlier life and only the last 35 pages are about them now. I felt like I had already this book, although I know I have not. Probably because so many of the things were mentioned in previous books. This is almost like a prequel, and not a real new story.
June 17, 2020
Sam and Remi Fargo are again up to their necks in turmoil as they search for a hidden treasure. But what is interesting about this particular story is that it will travel back in time to the day that Sam first met Remi and fell in love.
It will give us the back story to their meeting, their dating, their unraveling of a mystery and murder together and then eventually their realizing that Romance was their future.
That will be the bulk of the novel and it is a highly entertaining gallop through their falling in love while solving a huge mystery.
But it will also give a fast paced story about the antagonist from their first meeting and the mystery on the Greek Isles and a current problem. The antagonist from that first meeting is finally getting out of prison and he is back to cause pain and friction in the Fargo’s lives.
So, to deal with this antagonist also means that they will eventually solve a long lost mystery. Is there truly lost treasure to be found, or is it just a myth. That is the question and it will cause lots of pain for everyone.
Enjoy!
It will give us the back story to their meeting, their dating, their unraveling of a mystery and murder together and then eventually their realizing that Romance was their future.
That will be the bulk of the novel and it is a highly entertaining gallop through their falling in love while solving a huge mystery.
But it will also give a fast paced story about the antagonist from their first meeting and the mystery on the Greek Isles and a current problem. The antagonist from that first meeting is finally getting out of prison and he is back to cause pain and friction in the Fargo’s lives.
So, to deal with this antagonist also means that they will eventually solve a long lost mystery. Is there truly lost treasure to be found, or is it just a myth. That is the question and it will cause lots of pain for everyone.
Enjoy!
June 11, 2020
Good but others have been better.
This book was a kind of flashback to how the Fargos met and while interesting and enjoyable with the requisite in and out of perilous situations, the adventure felt a bit flat. Plus I seem to recall Sam and Remi contacting the naval authority, Perlmutter, in another story, yet when this story returned to the 'present day' it was apparently their first meeting.
This book was a kind of flashback to how the Fargos met and while interesting and enjoyable with the requisite in and out of perilous situations, the adventure felt a bit flat. Plus I seem to recall Sam and Remi contacting the naval authority, Perlmutter, in another story, yet when this story returned to the 'present day' it was apparently their first meeting.
June 13, 2020
Lovely Greek vacation
I love the Sam and Remi novels.
I'm missing Mr. Cussler.
If there's a better place I know you're there. When it's my time I'll go there and read more of your novels.
I love the Sam and Remi novels.
I'm missing Mr. Cussler.
If there's a better place I know you're there. When it's my time I'll go there and read more of your novels.
June 14, 2020
Really good read.
This is the first time they tell how Remi and Sam actually got together. It was a fun read. I always enjoy any of the Cussler books. I've been reading him from the begining.
This is the first time they tell how Remi and Sam actually got together. It was a fun read. I always enjoy any of the Cussler books. I've been reading him from the begining.
June 13, 2020
A fun book. Happy to read how Sam and Remi met and got together. Unhappy that Mr. Cussler passed away. Still happy he had more books in the pipeline.
This series is one of my favorites.
This series is one of my favorites.
September 4, 2020
My first Clive Cussler! I loved it! It was amazing and super fun! I highly recommend it!
September 16, 2021
The much needed backstory to the Fargos. Really well written and surprisingly deep considering this is book twelve and their history has been referenced in other books. A big plus is no annoying secondary characters (Pete, Wendy, Paul, Gamay, Summer....so many unnecessary people in the Cussler universe). By far my favorite of the twelve in the series.
October 17, 2022
A fun book to read... action with a little historic romance. Also fun to read about places that I know.. Spent many nights listening to jazz at the Lighthouse while at USC.
June 12, 2020
Probably one of his best, in my opinion.
I throughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
I throughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
Read
June 12, 2020Great read
Now we know the start of San and Remi Fargo. The last of a really great series. We are going to miss Clive Cussler and all the stories he brought to life.
Now we know the start of San and Remi Fargo. The last of a really great series. We are going to miss Clive Cussler and all the stories he brought to life.
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