The Oracle

A Sam and Remi Fargo Adventure, Book 11

By: Clive Cussler, Robin Burcell

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

The husband-and-wife treasure-hunting team of Sam and Remi Fargo return in a new adventure as they search for an ancient scroll - which carries a deadly curse - in this thrilling addition to Clive Cussler's best-selling series.

In AD 533, the last Vandal ruler in North Africa consults an oracle on how to defeat the invading Byzantine army. The oracle tells the king that a high priestess cast a curse upon the Vandal Kingdom after a sacred scroll was stolen. In order to lift the curse, the scroll must be returned to its rightful home. But the kingdom falls before the scroll is found, leaving its location a great mystery...until a current-day archaeological dig, funded by Sam and Remi Fargo, uncovers some vital clues.

The search for the ancient scroll is put on hold when the Fargos learn that a shipment of supplies intended for their charitable foundation's school has been stolen, and they travel to Nigeria to deliver new supplies themselves. But their mission becomes infinitely more complicated when they run afoul of a band of robbers. The group takes Remi and several students hostage, and there are signs that the kidnapping is related to the missing scroll. The Fargos need all their skills to save the lives of the young girls at the school before they uncover the hidden treasure...and lift the deadly curse.

©2019 Clive Cussler (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Witty dialogue and plenty of red herrings will delight Cussler fans. This entry may be the best yet in the series.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Burcell brings a fast-paced and engaging style to the enterprise that will not only please Cussler fans, but may also bring in new readers who love high-concept adventure.” (Booklist) 

“[A] thrilling addition to Clive Cussler’s bestselling series...Burcell gets stronger each time out, which means so does Sam and Remi Fargo, who are arguably Cussler’s best heroes going right now.” (The Real Book Spy)

Oddest of the Fargo series

I rarely write reviews but felt this book warranted at it just to kind of give people a heads up to what you’re getting yourself into with it.

This book does not follow the usual patterns of a Fargo novel in my opinion. From the jarring breaks with the proverbs before every chapter that have been mentioned in other reviews, to there being really no historical drama in this book, this book just felt odd and not really a true Fargo book.

Most of the books seem to be about 70% historical drama/treasure hunting and 30% Fargos in peril/danger, this one was just the opposite with 70% of the book being Fargos in peril/danger and only about 30% of it being historical drama/treasure hunting and I’m probably being generous with the 30%. It’s not a terrible book but it’s definitely one of the lesser books in the series for sure and definitely the weakest story. Thank the maker for Scott Brick whose narration as always was great and at least kept me with the book until the end. I’ll give the Fargos one more book, but another one like this and I may not return to them again.

meh

the book was flat. The "proverbs" were a misdirection and just plain stupid at times. "man who is sick will not rejection medicine". dud

Never been disappointed by a Cussler book before

This one kinda feels phoned in, 10% action and adventure 10% archeology and 80% feminism.

Worst. Cussler. Ever

Terrible, no real treasure hunt. 3/4 of the book was a series of uninspired action pieces.

Gave Up

Not sure what happened here. Most of the book deviated on typical plots. Spent the entire time SPOILER on the kidnapping or some aspect of it and literally reserved five minutes to the treasure hunt and nothing on the treasure once found. Please and try and find the roots of the Fargo’s in future books. I’ve read all your books and love them just don’t know why this one went south.

Skip this one

I was looking forward to another fast pace Clive Cussler thriller. When I got was a slow moving pod with poorly developed characters and after two hours of listening found I really didn’t care what happens to any of them

I usually love books by Cussler!

It was good enough that I finished it. that said I found myself falling asleep many times while listening to it having a hard time remembering what the last thing I heard was just didn't seem to hold my attention I could have gotten to formulary and I knew what was happening.

The biggest thing was the quote or the proverb at the beginning of each chapter after about 20 of them I had had enough for a decade and we're trying to find a place in the book trying to remember the proverb well was very frustrating and one of the reasons for the low score.

Another Great Sam & Remi Fargo Adventure

Great story. Kept me interested till the end. excellent characters. Scott Brick does an amazing job telling the story. With his accents and inflections, I could easily envision each character!!

Fargo let down

If you're only looking for action and far fetched feats from the Fargo's, you'll love this book. If like me, you like content and a deep plot line that normally comes from Mr. Cussler, you'll be disappointed. Historically these characters have been smart and the content intriguing, I felt this book dumbed them down. Another reviewer mentioned red herrings, and there were more than a few obvious ones; but these characters would typically have figured those out quickly. It's entertaining but not the best work from the authors .

Cussler keeps on thrilling us.

Clive Cussler keeps bringing new adventures and Scott Brick makes them come to life. Of course, I’d listen to Scott Brick read the telephone book!! But THE ORACLE gets my 5 star review 😀