Book Review: The Kingdom (Fargo Adventure #3) by Clive Cussler and Grant Blackwood
Two Stars
“Place names are trivial. It’s the meaning we attach to them that counts.”
At some point successful authors conclude they can sell books based on their name rather than the content. Apparently Clive Cussler reached that point when writing this book. It is the kind of fast-paced Indiana-Jones-type adventure readers expect from Cussler, with all the technobabble and product placement appropriate to the genre.
I’m sure Grant Blackwood is a capable person, but someone should have proofread the text. It is rife with howling non sequiturs, of which a few are offered: “razed to the ground,” “cantering slowly,” “a sheaf of blueprints,” and “a scientist by nature and training” (both in 1677). My favorite paragraph included: “The single-engine Piper Cub …. Sitting on opposite sides of the aisle…. The engines began to wind down.” And that doesn’t touch the logical and plot contradictions.
“We won’t stumble into the hands of [redacted], I can assure you.” We know what will happen next.
As a Matter of Fancy 
I get the razed one, but what is it about a sheaf of blueprints? I know nothing about blueprints…
Blueprints would not be invented for another 200 years.
Thanks!