Buy new:
-67% $9.14$9.14
FREE delivery February 28 - March 6
Ships from: Kuleli Books Sold by: Kuleli Books
Save with Used - Good
$7.84$7.84
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Books For You Today

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the authors
OK
Lost Empire: A Fargo Adventure (A Sam and Remi Fargo Adventure) Hardcover – August 31, 2010
Purchase options and add-ons
With Spartan Gold, a daring thriller that Publishers Weekly proclaimed "solidly in the Cussler tradition, [and] sure to please new fans and old," Clive Cussler introduced husband-and-wife treasure-hunting team Sam and Remi Fargo. In their electrifying new adventure, the Fargos make a startling discovery that others would kill to keep hidden...
While scuba diving in Tanzania, Sam and Remi Fargo come upon a relic belonging to a long-lost Confederate ship. An anomaly about the relic sets them off chasing a mystery-but unknown to them, a much more powerful force is engaged in the same chase. Mexico's ruling party, the ultranationalist Mexica Tenochca, is intent on finding that artifact as well, because it contains a secret that could destroy the party utterly.
Through Tanzania and Zanzibar, into the rainforests of Madagascar, and across the Indian Ocean to Indonesia and the legendary site of the 1883 Krakatoa explosion, the Fargos and their ruthless opponents pursue the hunt-but only one can win. And the penalty for failure is death.
Filled with the dazzling suspense and breathtaking action that are Cussler's trademarks, Lost Empire is a stunning new novel from the grand master of adventure.
- Print length416 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherG.P. Putnam's Sons
- Publication dateAugust 31, 2010
- Dimensions6.5 x 1.5 x 9.75 inches
- ISBN-100399156763
- ISBN-13978-0399156762
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more
Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
About the Author
Grant Blackwood caught the fiction-writing bug at the age of eighteen while reading Clive Cussler’s The Mediterranean Caper , and spent the next four years working in different styles of fiction before settling on novel-length work.
Mr. Blackwood is a U.S. Navy veteran, having spent three years active duty aboard the guided missile frigate USS Ford as an Operations Specialist and a Pilot Rescue Swimmer.
Two months after leaving the Navy in July 1987, Mr. Blackwood started the first draft of his first novel, which as he puts it, “wasn’t good enough to be published, but good enough to earn a spot in my sock drawer. It took me several more years of rewriting before I realized the publishers and agents who’d been saying ‘no’ were saying no for a good reason.”
Twelve years to the day after leaving the Navy, Mr. Blackwood received an offer from Penguin-Putnam/Berkley to buy his second novel, The End of Enemies, which hit the stands May 8th.
Mr. Blackwood is 36 years old and lives in Minnesota, where he is working on this next novel, the second in the Briggs Tanner series of thrillers, which is due out in Spring/Summer of 2002.
Product details
- Publisher : G.P. Putnam's Sons; First Edition (August 31, 2010)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 416 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0399156763
- ISBN-13 : 978-0399156762
- Item Weight : 1.35 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.5 x 1.5 x 9.75 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #95,122 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #7,528 in American Literature (Books)
- #13,782 in Action & Adventure Fiction (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
Clive Cussler began writing novels in 1965 and published his first work featuring his continuous series hero, Dirk Pitt(R), 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 is 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 have 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 September, 1998, NUMA - which turns over all artifacts to state and Federal authorities, or donates them to museums and universities - launched its own web site for those wishing more information about maritime history or wishing to make donations to the organization.
In addition to being the Chairman of NUMA, Cussler is also a fellow in both the Explorers Club of New York and the Royal Geographic Society in London. He has been 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, Black Wind, Treasure of Kahn and Arctic Drift (the last three with his son, Dirk Cussler) as well as The Chase; the nonfiction books The Sea Hunters, The Sea Hunters II and Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt (R) Revealed; the NUMA(R) Files novels Serpent, Blue Gold, Fire Ice, White Death, Lost City, Polar Shift, The Navigator and Medusa (written with Paul Kemprecos); and the Oregon Files novels Sacred Stone and Golden Buddha (written with Craig Dirgo) and Dark Watch, Skeleton Coast, Plague Ship and Corsair (written with Jack Du Brul).
Clive Cussler lives in Arizona.
The New York Times bestselling author of the Briggs Tanner series, (END OF ENEMIES, WALL OF NIGHT, and ECHO OF WAR) Grant Blackwood is also the co-author of the Fargo Adventure Series (SPARTAN GOLD, LOST EMPIRE, and THE KINGDOM) with Clive Cussler, as well as the co-author of the #1 NYT bestseller, DEAD OR ALIVE, with Tom Clancy, THE KILL SWITCH, with James Rollins.
A U. S. Navy veteran, Grant spent three years aboard a guided missile frigate as an Operations Specialist and a Pilot Rescue Swimmer.
Grant lives in Colorado, where he is working his own standalone series starring a new hero.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoyed the book and found it a good read. They found the plot interesting and thrilling, with a good mystery unfolding. They liked the characters and the author's writing style. The historical accuracy and research were appreciated. However, some readers felt the book was not worth their time and money.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoyed the book. They found it readable and kept their attention. The author kept the pace moving, though some felt the story got dull after a while.
"...I purchased a used copy and it was in excellent condition!" Read more
"...up right, full of character and fortitude, whereas the Fargo's seem genuinely good, they don't have some of the hesitancy to act forcefully that..." Read more
"While this wasn't my favorite Clive Cussler novel I still enjoyed the story that he and Grant put together...." Read more
"I am delighted to have discovered a new series of easy-reading Cussler books to enjoy...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's engaging plots and characters. They find it fun and exciting for escapist reading, with plenty of action and no dull moments.
"...This makes Cussler so much more enjoyable, because it is so easy to relate to the events, being able to put them into some historical timeframe...." Read more
"An action packed Fargo, with constant intrigue. I couldn’t put it down. I think this is the best Fargo adventure in the series." Read more
"The Fargo books include adventures, teamwork, imagination, and a great deal of both fun and danger! Selma, Wendy, and Pete round out the brain trust...." Read more
"...This a fun book to read and enjoy. It flows fast and held my attention." Read more
Customers find the plot interesting and thrilling, with a good mystery unfolding. They appreciate the action and historical aspects, as well as the unexpected twists and turns that keep them reading until the end.
"...This makes Cussler so much more enjoyable, because it is so easy to relate to the events, being able to put them into some historical timeframe...." Read more
"An action packed Fargo, with constant intrigue. I couldn’t put it down. I think this is the best Fargo adventure in the series." Read more
"The Fargo books include adventures, teamwork, imagination, and a great deal of both fun and danger! Selma, Wendy, and Pete round out the brain trust...." Read more
"...Avoid. It got two stars over one because the plot itself is interesting. It's just that the characters around it aren't, nor was the action...." Read more
Customers appreciate the characters and the writing style. They find the book engaging with a good cast of villains for Sam to outwit.
"...There is the usual cast of characters, the good guys, Sam and Remi Fargo and then the bad guys, Mexican President Quauhtl Garza and his batch of..." Read more
"...The Fargos are likable characters but still feel a bit flat. As other reviewers have noted we don't really have a good idea of what they look like...." Read more
"...The characters are forming and developing more in the series...." Read more
"...The formula is too obvious because the characters are too transparent and lacking any form of depth. Lastly, the action is poorly written...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's historical accuracy. They find it an interesting blend of history and fantasy, with colorful historical facts and anthropological research for a thriller. The travel to exotic new lands with rich histories is thought-provoking. Readers appreciate being able to put the events into some historical timeframe.
"...it is so easy to relate to the events, being able to put them into some historical timeframe. What's different?..." Read more
"...Nor was the dialogue. But the locations and the re-imagined history were quite good." Read more
"...The historical premise is interesting enough and I enjoy a good treasure hunt as much as the next guy...." Read more
"...bit of a reach but this is typical of Cussler and he is very good at suspending disbelief...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's depth. They find it easy to understand the descriptions of locations and characters. The book is described as well-researched and an enjoyable read with history mixed in.
"...Obviously, I'm biased. This an easy read; I finished it during a rare rainy day in Southern California...." Read more
"Easy read" Read more
"...too obvious because the characters are too transparent and lacking any form of depth. Lastly, the action is poorly written...." Read more
"Thoroughly enjoyed. Had not read early part of Fargo book series. Light, fun, thought provoking re Mexico history, and more." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the storyline. Some find it engaging and fun, with a good treasure hunt. Others find the plot over-the-top and difficult to follow. While the story is fictional, some readers feel it has a plausible tone.
"...I couldn’t put it down. I think this is the best Fargo adventure in the series." Read more
"...The magic of Dirk Pitt is gone and dead forever. Now books are manufactured with dead plots and superficial characters stuffed between the covers..." Read more
"Lost Empire was a quick read. The action flowed from one scene to the next and I found my self wanting to know what was going to happen next...." Read more
"...I am totally in love with Remi and Sam. I also love a good treasure hunt....trying to figure out the clues along with them as the mystery evolves...." Read more
Customers find the book dull and lacking in value for money. They describe it as boring, with poor execution and lack of character development.
"...Is it forgivable, though? How's the book? Empty. The characters do not exist. At all...." Read more
"A good read but not one of Cussler's best. Too much historical information between action sequences can tend to make reader lose track of the plot." Read more
"...This book was a total waste of time and money. If you are hoping that the Fargo's finally got it together I guarantee that it didn't happen here...." Read more
"...This novel is nowhere near his prior efforts at all. It's terrible! The plot meanders all over the place like so many novels do these days...." Read more
Reviews with images

I greatly enjoyed "Lost Empire" by Clive Cussler and Grant Blackwood
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2024I love everything Clive Cussler was ever attached to (except the movie Sahara). I purchased a used copy and it was in excellent condition!
- Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2018While a big Clive Cussler fan, this is my first Fargo Adventure - if all goes according to plan, the first series I will actually read in chronological order.
leave it to Cussler (writing with Grant Blackwood) to keep the reader riveted to the book. I don't typically have a lot of downtime at home, so I have largely relegated myself to Audible, while walking the dog, exercising and/or driving in the car - my escape time.
I enjoyed getting to know Sam and Remi Fargo a lot, and their adventure placed in some historical event is typical for any Cussler book. This makes Cussler so much more enjoyable, because it is so easy to relate to the events, being able to put them into some historical timeframe.
What's different? The Fargo's are actually treasure hunters! So Cussler, actually creates a forum for our heroes to be more believably in the adventure. Dirk Pitt and related Numa and Oregon files were all about happenstance, and accidental intrigue. While Isaac Bell being a detective, could logically be found in global intrigue, the Fargo's actually are treasure hunters, so them finding clues to some long lost, history changing event could be viewed as more plausible.
What else is different? Cussler' s other characters all seemed up right, full of character and fortitude, whereas the Fargo's seem genuinely good, they don't have some of the hesitancy to act forcefully that others have had. Pitt and Bell both seemed hesitant to cause physical harm, and never really wanted to kill (if they didn't have to). Sam, and Remi both seem to be a bit more bold as it relates to the morality and mortality of their situation (for example, in this book the couples main protagonist is allowed to fall to his death, despite the Fargo's ability to help him).
The story begins with some pleasant vacation related diving off the coast of Tanzania, and the discovery of a confederate ship (or at least its bell). This singular discovery takes them across the globe, in competition with and in defiance of a nationalistic Mexican ruling party who needs to prevent further discovery at any cost.
It seems that maybe the Aztecs (you know Montezuma and all them) perhaps aren't really Mexican in origin, and this secret could lead to the downfall of Mexico's ruling party. But first a geographical and historical romp through Africa, Indonesia and many other lands with plenty of vacation potential.
The Fargo's are backed by their team of trusted and highly intelligent friends and team members to help solve the riddles and mystery of "The Lost Empire"
I did love the story, and would normally give Clive and team 5 stars, but in this case I am still trying to figure out in my head whether I like the lesser character traits of our hero's . Time will tell, and perhaps after a few more stories, and a bit more character development, I will be able to come back and adjust my review and rankings.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2023An action packed Fargo, with constant intrigue. I couldn’t put it down. I think this is the best Fargo adventure in the series.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2023The Fargo books include adventures, teamwork, imagination, and a great deal of both fun and danger! Selma, Wendy, and Pete round out the brain trust. All-in-all a fast-paced adventure in the Cussler tradition!
- Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2010While this wasn't my favorite Clive Cussler novel I still enjoyed the story that he and Grant put together. There is the usual cast of characters, the good guys, Sam and Remi Fargo and then the bad guys, Mexican President Quauhtl Garza and his batch of thugs. What can these two groups have in common that brings them together?
Well, it seems as though just by chance the Fargo's while on vacation in Zanzibar happen to find a ships bell that holds a secret that will undo the nationalist government party that Present Garza heads up. If that secret comes to light, his party will fall apart and they will loose their grip on power.
So from the opening bell, yes thats a bad play on words, the Fargo's are being pursued by a group of hit men that want to end their adventure of finding and raising this ships bell from the shallows of the ocean off the island of Chumbe. What is the secret of the bell and why is it so important, that is the quest that the Fargo's find themselves on. It will take them to many exotic sites and bring them to the point of death on several occasions.
If you enjoy the types of adventure thrillers that Cussler has put together in the past you will enjoy this read. My biggest problem is that I can't wait for the next Clive Cussler novel to come out and then when it does I can't put it down, so I end of up finishing so quickly that I'm then disappointed because now I have to wait again.
If you are a Cussler fan you will enjoy the read, although I miss Dirk Pitt and the former cast of characters that always come along with him. Sam and Remi are not Dirk and Joe, but they will do for now.
Enjoy!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2013I've been reading Cussler books for years and collecting some of the different series he's co written with other authors.
Second in the "Fargo" series, Lost Empire would make a pretty good way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon. The second of 3 written with Grant Blackwood it isn't the best of them but still better tha # 4 "The Tombs", co written with Thomas Perry.
I'd put off buying for some reason but noticed Amazon offering the book for $1.30 for the hardcover (I always try to get the hardcover editions of a good book, more durable than paperback) vs. $8.99 for the paperback… I got a perfect copy so don't be worried that you'll get "shopworn"- if you don't like it, give or throw it away, you won't lose much
It's worth a try if you've read other Cussler books and a good gamble at this price if you haven't .
- Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2023I bought several books at the same time. My husband is a big fan of the Sam and Remi adventures. When he started this one, he realized it was a totally different book inside. The cover was right, but the book inside was ‘The Polaris Protocol’ by Brad Taylor. The return window had already closed. I gave it a 5 because I know he’d love the right book. But he was very disappointed.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2013I am delighted to have discovered a new series of easy-reading Cussler books to enjoy. The world travel history and the archaeological settings are believable, the cutting-edge technology is fun, and the normal Cussler bang 'em up is kept just shy of too much. Their bad guys and gals, rich or poor, are easy to hate. I enjoy the Mrs. and Mr. skills and their relationship. While the couple is too wealthy for my taste, Cussler and Blackwood do manage to insert a growing number of social service aspects to the Fargo stories to keep me reading them.
Top reviews from other countries
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on February 27, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Old friends have returned.
A new adventure with my favorite couple. A good read, and you learn some things along the way.
- Charles Dennis StapletonReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 9, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book.
I am really enjoying these books,but I am a big fan of Clive Cussler. Good story with plenty of action and twists to keep you wondering what next!!!
-
rosvepeReviewed in Germany on September 23, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Faszinierende Geschichte über den Ursprung der Azteken
Einmal quer durch die Welt mit den Fargos. Wie schon der erste Band, ein echtes Vergnügen! Manchmal überschlagen sich die Ereignisse, aber das hilft nicht ganz zu vergessen, dass es Fiktion ist.
- lindaReviewed in Australia on March 13, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Good
Exciting,well written
-
warrenReviewed in Italy on July 18, 2014
3.0 out of 5 stars Non sono un estimatore di Cussler; Il ciclo su Dirk Pitt e Al Giordino è migliore.
I libri di Cussler mi sembrano tutti uguali e un po' dozzinali.
Però alcune avventure con Pitt e Al mi sono piaciute.
Questo è il primo libro che leggo con i Fargo, e il mio giudizio è tiepido.
Non è un brutto libro, ma una volta finito non lascia molto, e mentre lo si legge non cattura l'interesse al 100%.
Se vi piace Cussler e l'avventura ha scritto di meglio.