Books

Average customer rating:

Non-stop action, a sexy protagonist, magic, and China. A great mix
Another good one!
Definitely more like 4 1/2 stars!!
A fast, fun read

Forbidden City (Rogue Angel)
Alex Archer
Manufacturer: Gold Eagle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Similar Items:

The Chosen (Rogue Angel)
The Lost Scrolls (Rogue Angel)
The Spider Stone (Rogue Angel)
Solomon's Jar (Rogue Angel)
Destiny (Rogue Angel)

ASIN: 037362123X

Book Description

A stunning artifact holds the key to an untapped power of global destruction—

While working on a dig in the California wilderness, archaeologist-adventurer Annja Creed uncovers evidence of a tragedy that's linked to Chinese miners during the days of the Gold Rush. A sudden attack on the site by shadow if gures drives Annja to if nd the connection to a mysterious buried city in China. Lured by legends of gold, betrayal and the vengeance of a Han Dynasty overlord, Annja travels on the Orient Express, battling avaricious treasure hunters and a modern-day descendant of an ancient league of assassins. Her adversaries will stop at nothing to stake their claim on the fabled lost city, where a Han leader's dark past promises doom for those who dare to reveal its evil power.

Customer Reviews:

Non-stop action, a sexy protagonist, magic, and China. A great mix.......2007-03-18

It seemed like a great job offer. Archeologist Annja Creed takes some time off of her TV career to help a Chinese businessman look for the bones of his relatives who were lost in a racist incident during the California Gold Rush. When she discovers bones--along with an ancient artifact, though, Annja's client attempts to kill her. Annja doesn't think the bones are worth that fuss--which means that the artifact--something that appears to be of Sythian design, must be important.

Annja is not unfamiliar with important artifacts. She is the current carrier of a sword which once belonged to Joan of Arc. This weapon has the handy ability to be summoned from thin air--useful if you're being attacked, which Annja frequently is.

The Chinese gangster looking for the artifact is also seeking other clues--clues that might lead him to the rediscovery of an ancient city of assassins along the silk road in China. This lost city may be full of treasures, but it may also be subject to ancient curses, including the curse of the Fox Spirit Woman. What he doesn't realize is that he's stirring up a lot of trouble. Annja is a lot more dangerous than he'd anticipated and he also makes an enemy of a Chinese-American CIA assassin. But making an enemy out of Annja comes with one positive result--from his perspective. Annja has powerful enemies including a man who fears his immortality is threatened by Annja's sword.

Author Alex Archer continues his ROGUE ANGEL series with an exciting thriller. CIA Assassin Kelly Swan is an intriguing new character to the series--one I hope we see more of in the future, and the Chinese setting and the Chinese legends underlying this investigation give the story an exotic feel--but also remind us of race problems in American history--problems that are too-frequently ignored in popular history books.

I've found the ROGUE ANGEL series to be of consistently high quality and FORBIDDEN CITY is definitely a welcome addition. If you enjoy kick-butt female protagonists, non-stop action, magic, exotic locations, and powerful shadowy underworld villains (and who doesn't), you'll definitely want to grab FORBIDDEN CITY.

Another good one!.......2007-03-14

Another installment in the adventures of Annja Creed. Annja is up to her neck in murder, mystery and mayhem again, this time from California's gold rush ghost town to the desert of Eastern China.
Annja is asked by Huangfu Cao to help find the remains of a Chinese immigrant who was murdered in Volcanoville, a gold rush shanty town in the hills around San Francisco.
Cao claims he is searching for the remains of an ancestor to return him home for burial. Annja agrees to help, because that ancestor happened to own an ancient plaque carved by the Scythian people thousands of years ago. When Annja finds the plaque she is targeted for murder by Cao. It seems no one is what they seem.
Huangfu Cao fails to kill her, leading to a chase through the forested hills. Annja'a knack for survival, not to mention the Sword of Joan of Arc, keep her alive an one step ahead of death. Annja escapes the killers and is rescued by park rangers.
The police try to protect her, but fail and she loses the plaque, but our girl is smart, she took pictures. Her investigation leads her to a local historian who knows something about the plaque and its curse.
No good Rogue Angel story is complete without Roux, who puts in an appearance. He wants the plaque also. The plaque is the key to an ancient city in China, the City of Thieves. The City of Thieves was home to a group of assassins that worked for the ancient Emperor of China, Qin. Qin fought and won wars and eventually forged the nation that is now China. He was a great warrior, who had the services of these assassins and their leader, Sha Wu Ying.
Sha Wu Ying betrayed Qin, but in doing so, led to his own destruction. His cabal of assassins died with him and the City of Thieves disappeared into history and mythology. Enough hints have survived that can lead back to the treasure of the thieves and Cao works for a ruthless Chinese crime lord, Ngai, that wants that treasure for himself. Roux wants the treasure also, but only to keep another mystic talisman from falling into Garin's hands. Garin aligns himself with Ngai and the hunt is on.
Another new character is Kelly Swan. Kelly is the daughter of a poor Chinese fisherman who is murdered by Ngai and she is out for revenge. Lucky for her, she is a CIA trained assassin who has the skills and drive to go for it. Her character is interesting. Interesting enough to warrant her own book or at least further appearances in the Rogue Angel series.
The only negative comment I have is the cover. It is spectacular artwork, but it shows Annja submerged in water, her head and sword barely peaking above the surface. But nowhere in the book is there a scene like that. As a matter of fact, the climax of the book is in a desert! Other than that one little thing, I loved the book. Good job,Alex.

Definitely more like 4 1/2 stars!!.......2007-03-12

Nothing is ever easy with archaeologist Annja Creed. She sets out for a deserted Chinese mining town in California to help Huangfu Cao recover the bones of his ancestor while seeking an unusual belt depicting Scythian art. Soon she finds herself embroiled in a deep archaeological mystery with roots in China. When Roux joins in on the search, Annja realizes that the stakes are much higher than a mere belt. Annja's most recent adventure may be her deadliest one yet.

Rogue Angel is a series that only deepens with each ensuing book. FORBIDDEN CITY takes readers into the heart of Chinese mythology and history. Once again, the history is provided through a series of flashbacks, internet postings, and dialogue between the characters, all of which makes the complexity of the storyline much more palatable than one would expect. Normally, one would not expect a story about Chinese miners to be entertaining but when you throw in assassins and a possible treasure, well, what more can you ask for?

The strength of the Rogue Angel series rests solely on the phenomenal combination of action and superb character development. Annja's role as a modern day Joan of Arc continues to take some unusual twists and turns as new revelations are made in the relationship between Annja, Roux, and Garin. Kelly Swan is a fantastic secondary character and one hopes she makes a reappearance in future Rogue Angel books.

FORBIDDEN CITY is another powerful addition to what is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. Annja Creed is an almost superhero-like female heroine but yet she manages to remain likeable and realistic, despite being the reincarnation of Joan of Arc. FORBIDDEN CITY is one thrill-packed adventure in this highly addictive series!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

A fast, fun read.......2007-03-07

"Rogue Angel: Forbidden City" is a brisk, no-nonsense adventure and mystery double play. It's got everything you expect from the Rogue Angel franchise and whole lot more.

The action in the first sixty pages is some of the best in the Rogue Angel series. It starts with a bump in ancient China and sweeps on to forested goldfields of California. There is a host of bad guys, dazzling chase sequences, and the flashing sword of Saint Joan of Arc, and that is just for starters. The rest of the story is a compelling turn toward adventure and mystery. With a strange heirloom belt plaque as a guide, Annja unravels a mystery that leads her beyond the Silk Road in search of a lost treasure city that was built by assassins and thieves ages ago.

"Forbidden City" explores a theme of possibility and the likelihood of change. China, with its thousands of years of tradition and current headlong plunge into modernity, is the perfect canvas for the story. When the clues don't make sense, the pitch of battle sharpens to a razors edge, and events turn their darkest, Annja is forced to grow as a character. This isn't a teaser, this is meaty and substantial. Then Annja allies with Kelly Swan, a trained assassin on a mission to even the score with those who murdered her father. Kelly is so richly drawn that she's a perfect counterweight to Annja. Kelly is a character fully deserving of a spin-off novel of her own.

For the first time since the beginning of the Rogue Angel franchise, we really dig into the inner workings of Roux and Garin Braden. The theme rings true even in the smallest details when Garin partners with the villain. While bowing only once to its own mythology, this story very cleverly does more than has ever been done before to deepen and broaden its principal characters. Alex Archer's commitment to plain prose drives this point home and makes this story a fast, fun read.

The greatest strength of this story is in its telling. The pacing is spot on. The author's expert use of action and language makes this a fun read for all readers. Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

great first book in a great series
reads like a video game
Great story line
I liked it in spite of myself
Lame, Unoriginal, Not Even Fun as a Pulp Adventure

Destiny (Rogue Angel)
Alex Archer
Manufacturer: Gold Eagle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Similar Items:

Solomon's Jar (Rogue Angel)
The Spider Stone (Rogue Angel)
The Chosen (Rogue Angel)
Forbidden City (Rogue Angel)
The Lost Scrolls (Rogue Angel)

ASIN: 0373621191

Book Description

An ancient order tied to the Vatican...

A blood fortune buried in the caves of France...

A conspiracy of power, greed and darkest evil...

Archaeologist and explorer Annja Creed's fascination with the myths and mysteries of the past leads her to a crypt in the caves of France, where the terrifying legend of the Beast of Gevaudan hints at the unimaginable. What she discovers is shattering: an artifact that will seal her destiny; a brotherhood of monks willing to murder to protect their secret; and a powerful black-market occultist desperate to put his own claim to centuries-old blood money. Annja embarks on a high-tension race across Europe and history itself, intent on linking the unholy treachery of the ages with the staggering revelations of the present. But she must survive the shadow figures determined to silence her threat to their existence.

Customer Reviews:

great first book in a great series.......2007-03-15

I'm not going to rehash the plot premise, everyone else has done that. Intense, thought provoking, social diatribe this isn't. It's a nice light read that is akin to a more modern day indiana jones meets murder mystery adventure with a little superpower type flare thrown in for originality. The writing is smooth, flows very well, graphic descriptions and well designed scenes and settings make this easily imagined and plays movie-like in the mind as it's being read. Annja is interesting and sardonic as the heroine, which makes her encounters quite amusing and grounded. I'm several books into this series, and highly recommend any of them so far. I would start with this one, though, as it gives a lot of good background information that helps understanding in future story arcs (but not necessary, you could follow along no matter what book you read first)

reads like a video game.......2007-01-10

The first portion of this book is all run, rush, chase, fight and the reader isn't sure just why into much further into the story. Basically, Annja Creed is a serious archeologist with a mysterious background (orphan raised by nuns) and a TV- gig reminiscent of In Search Of mixed with Fear by MTV that helps her to fund her serious work. While hunting down a mysterious serial killer/monster that plagued the French countryside hundreds of years before, Annja finds herself mixed up in a tale that reminds me a bit of Christophe Gans' Brotherhood of the Wolf (2002). It also involves Joan or Arc, some odd monks, 2 probable immortals, some gangster-like criminals and the truth behind the beast Annja seeks. I just wish that more time was spent on the support plots and a little less time was spent playing cat and mouse. It is also a very quick read. Don't expect to have to think a lot to enjoy it.

Great story line.......2007-01-09

I started the series with book three. Liked it so well I had to work backward to the beginning. Not the way you want to go, but still great reading.

I liked it in spite of myself.......2006-12-19

Destiny, the first book in Alex Archer's Rogue Angel series, caught my eye at the bookstore, as did its interesting premise. I don't usually read novels that are part of a massive (read: over three, like Forgotten Realms or something) series, but I thought I would give it a try.

Destiny focuses on 20-something archaeologist Annja Creed and her adventures while on assignment for the fictional TV series, "Chasing History's Monsters." While Annja is in Lozere, France, searching for information about the Beast of Gevaudan for the show, she finds that several ominous men are stalking her, representing various groups interested in her research.

The book actually contains two different storylines. There's the research on the Beast that Annja is conducting, the people interested in it (or stopping it) and how she deals with them. There's also the finding of Joan of Arc's sword and how Annja is drawn to it and the only one who can wield it. The Joan of Arc connection is Annja's "destiny" and introduces several characters who will probably show up in later books.

The book is non-stop action, and that's not necessarily a good thing. The first 150 pages or so are completely devoted to the different groups pursuing Annja. It's not until the last third of the book that she even learns why she is being hunted. It sort of feels like that the author remembered to include the plot and needed to wrap it up quickly, as the last third of the book wraps up all the ends from the first few pages that are introduced and then quickly put aside.

Destiny reminded me of Tomb Raider with a bit of the Bourne Identity thrown in. All action, all mystery, with few plot points thrown in until the last minute. I found some of the fighting scenes a bit hard to believe (and a bit hard to follow) - I think I prefer my action/adventure with more adventure and less action.

But once the plot came back, it was solid. There were a few things that I think the author missed (why did Lesauvage pick the Wild Hunt as the persona for his gang of thugs?), and some parts felt like they were wrapped up a little too neatly (a brief introduction to the inspector, then he disappears until the epilogue where his storyline is tied up in a few sentences). But overall, it was an interesting read.

I think it will be interesting to see what the author does with the open characters (Annja, Roux, Garin), if he'll introduce a love interest, and if he'll start explaining Annja's mystical and historical connection to the sword. That alone should make the other books worth reading.

Lame, Unoriginal, Not Even Fun as a Pulp Adventure.......2006-12-16

I picked up this the first volume of this series, read it in two days, and trash-canned it, something I think I have done with a novel twice in thirty years. The whole thing is so lame and unoriginal I was embarrassed to have it on the shelf. Good potboilers and good pulp fiction feel original even when they are not. If it were not for the perfect diction and grammar in this story, I'd swear it was written by a 12 year-old who knew nothing of violence and adventure save for what he'd seen on TV and read in comic books.

Examples: not once, but twice, motor cycles are struck by bullets and go up in a ball of flame, just like on The A-Team. A prime character lays hands on what may be the most lethal bladed weapon on earth and refuses to cut anyone with it, even in desperate gun battles where many lives are on the line. Like an old-fashioned super-hero, she feels that shedding blood is morally repellant---with a sword, anyway, as she blows away several people with pistols. Also, the hero refuses to kill one of the villains even after watching him brutalize and murder a dozen people. She is well aware that he is immune to police prosecution and will, most likely, come back to try and kill her again as soon as he gathers up a fresh gang of thugs. No doubt she expects he will take time off playing a few rounds of cards with Lex Luthor, Victor Von Doom, and the Joker before he comes back for another issue . . . another episode . . . . er, another attempt on her life.

The subplots in the book are irrelevant to the main storyline, the action scenes are overwrought, and the blindness of various police agencies to the slaughter of dozens of thugs and cultists in their midst is laughable. The various martial arts moves and blatant TV stunts the hero uses to defeat her enemies are pulled right out of the air. She fights like someone with decades of experience in Special Forces ops and martial arts gang wars, but as near as I can tell from her background, this is the first actual killing she has ever done.

The reviewer who compared this hero to those from Tomb Raider and Witchblade is close to the mark. The lack of strong emotional reaction to the brutal conflict that rages around the hero and the sword seems very much derived from video games and comic books. Bad comic books, I should say, as the good ones show much more emotional depth than this story can manage.

A note for the historically illiterate, including, apparently the writer and editors of this novel. Key events in the history of the artifacts described in the story are set in 1767. This is a hundred years after the time of The Three Musketeers (to offer a pop culture reference) and more than two hundred years after the age in which French knights would go chasing monsters through the woods wearing armor and brandishing swords.

The scenes in New York, particularly the one in the training gym, are the only hint of originality anywhere in the novel. Overall, very derivative, very exploitative, and a very, very lazy and cynical writing job. Of interest only to dedicated and pulp adventure fans with very low standards.

Average customer rating:

Very disappointing
Not my favorite in the series...
My review is...
Lesser light.
Rogue Angel: The Lose Scrolls review

The Lost Scrolls (Rogue Angel)
Alex Archer
Manufacturer: Gold Eagle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Similar Items:

Forbidden City (Rogue Angel)
The Chosen (Rogue Angel)
God Of Thunder (Rogue Angel)
The Spider Stone (Rogue Angel)
Solomon's Jar (Rogue Angel)

ASIN: 0373621248

Customer Reviews:

Very disappointing.......2007-06-04

I very seldom review things but this book offended me in that I paid good money for it yet didn't get any of the value/entertainment I got out of the previous books.

Though lightweight reading I have very much enjoyed the Rogue Angel series. This book though was very disappointing. I wonder that the publisher even accepted the manuscript. To be honest I consider this book to be as much the publishers fault as the authors as the publisher shouldn't have accepted it or printed it. The plot is confusing and lacking in cohesiveness. The story is disjointed and jumps from scene to scene with little to no continuity. It has none of the sense of identity and character for Annja that you get from the earlier books. It's as if someone else wrote this book other than Alex Archer and that they are not a particularly good writer.

I like the earlier books and would recommend them but this one is not worth the price. To be honest it wasn't even worth the time it took to read it. The only reason I finished it was that I kept hoping it would suddenly pull it together and reflect the earlier books.

Not my favorite in the series..........2007-06-01

An archaeology team has uncovered THE LOST SCROLLS from the Library of Alexandria. According to linguistics expert, Dr. Jadzia Arkadczyk, these scrolls are from Atlantis and detail information that could disrupt the balance of power regarding the world's energy. Annja Creed is skeptical until the archaelogical site is attacked and she and Jadzia barely escape with their lives. Now Annja and Jadzia find themselves on the run where nowhere is safe....

THE LOST SCROLLS is definitely one action packed tale. The action is almost nonstop throughout the book as Annja and Jadzia are fleeing for their lives. Their trail leads them to a series of unlikely comrades in a variety of international locales. The action is of course quite entertaining but almost a bit overwhelming at times.

Annja Creed is a character I have grown to love. As a modern day reincarnation of Joan of Arc, her selflessness and heroism have shined through each of the previous books. In THE LOST SCROLLS, however, her character appeared almost shallow at times and frequently insecure. In contrast, Jadzia has the distinction of being possibly the most annoying character I have ever encountered in a story. Her constant whining and arrogant attitude were distracting, to say the least. One aspect that made this book less appealing that the previous Rogue Angel books was the superficiality exhibited by both female characters.

The frequent leaps of logic were a bit confusing as Annja and Jadzia fled from one place to the next. The overall plot is quite exciting and I like the conspiracy involving Atlantis but the storyline seemed a bit jagged at times as the flow was a bit uneven. While it is fairly well known that Alex Archer is a pseudonym used by several authors, the changing of authors from book to book has never really been apparent as the stories have flowed smoothly together until THE LOST SCROLLS.

THE LOST SCROLLS is yet another addition to the generally superb Rogue Angels series. This tale is easily a stand alone as THE LOST SCROLLS almost reads as if it is separated from the rest of the series. Many of the underlying aspects and themes seem lost or forgotten as the book appears to focus more on the conspiracy of big oil. Perhaps the next book will return to the style and substance that have made the Rogue Angel series so entertaining.

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

My review is..........2007-05-24

My review of this book is:
If you want to read a good book about Atlantis you can read:

Fatal Tide by Iris Johansen

Lesser light........2007-05-19

In general, Rogue Angel falls into my category of escapist reading. I really enjoy the series concept - - strong ethical and moral female (of course she is pretty because an ugly or even plain heroine is just unthinkable) archaeological myths examined, supernatural historical Karmic balancing, immortals with issues, and plenty of action. The best stories in this series contain a religious, family or cult force which is racing to discover/secure/steal something that Annja stumbles into during her regular work as an archaeologist. The construction of Archer's good stories is fairly simple: the preface is innocent with unexpected twists, the denouement based upon investigation, revelation and knowledge, and the resolution explosive. This particular episode was one of my least favorite because the history was slighted, the premise of unlimited power from gems was never fleshed out into any plausible concept, nor was the villain's reasoning concerning the new power sensible; relegating this story into just escape and evade the all-knowing and ever-present bad guys. The Lost Scrolls (Rogue Angel)

Rogue Angel: The Lose Scrolls review.......2007-05-12

I love this series. The heroine reminds me of one of my favorite heroines of all time. Annja Creed and Buffy Summers could both kick butt and take names. The only thing Buffy was missing was a sword that had once belonged to Joan of Arc. If Buffy had had this particularly sword she could have called it to her by her will. This would eliminate any embarassing episodes of being caught out without a stake. Annja is a sassy, strong fighter. She is a force for good in a world filled with poeple trying to do bad . She is able to discover ancient artifacts. She flies all over the work looking for antiquity. She ofter runs afoul of bad people who wish to steal and make money off of what she has recoved for scientific study and display. She can go toe to toe with the biggest and baddest of her aggressors. I love to read every word. I feel as if I am fighting, fleeing and discovering right there by her side.

Average customer rating:

even better than previous books
Another excellent book
Sort of a Flintstone's Vitamin of literature. Good stuff.
An old fashioned highball
Clean Writing

The Spider Stone (Rogue Angel)
Alex Archer
Manufacturer: Gold Eagle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

The Chosen (Rogue Angel)
Solomon's Jar (Rogue Angel)
Destiny (Rogue Angel)
Forbidden City (Rogue Angel)
The Lost Scrolls (Rogue Angel)

ASIN: 0373621213

Book Description

In the crumbling remains of a tunnel that was part of the Underground Railroad, a mysterious artifact reveals one of the darkest secrets of Africa's ancient past. Intrigued by the strange, encrypted stone, archaeologist Annja Creed opens a door to a world--and a legend--bound by a fierce and terrible force. She is not alone in her pursuit of the impossible.

A bloodthirsty African warlord, and an international corporate magnate exploiting a land, a culture and a people, are equally anxious to stake their claim on the relic's unknown power. Annja's odyssey deep into the primeval jungles of Senegal becomes a desperate race to stop those eager to unleash the virulence of the Spider God….

Customer Reviews:

even better than previous books.......2007-03-15

This installment in the Rogue Angel series shows that "Alex Archer" has really gelled with the Annja character and the story process. So far, this one has flowed better than the others, and those were well-done as well. Another little archaeological adventure has Annja getting to use her sword, of course, and reflect more on the repercussions of her actions and seemed a little more introspective than previous story arcs. The action flowed and this story progressed faster, probably because by now "Archer" doesn't have to rehash as much character history and can just get on with storytelling. I just finished this book and couldn't wait for the next installment.

Another excellent book.......2007-02-21

This book follows in the vein of Destiny. A pleasant blend of action, high adventure and history. Alex does a wonderful job with the characters. The good guys are people who you like and root for and the bad guys are, well, bad as they can be.
The premise behind the story is great. The mix of religion, mysticism and mystery blend well with the action and history.
Annja yet again is called upon to defend the weak against the agression of evil. I recommend this book.

Sort of a Flintstone's Vitamin of literature. Good stuff. .......2007-01-28

"The team failed," a slim warrior with an eye-patch told Tafari.
"How?"
"They went after the woman. They thought she would be the easiest to capture. Instead she killed three of them."
In Alex Aracher's, "Rogue Angel: The Spider Stone," that's pretty much how it goes for the bad guys who go after Annja, the story's hero, an archeologist with a secret weapon - the reassembled mystical sword that once belonged to Joan of Arc. The sword awakens a warrior's fighting ability within Annja (to nothing less than superhero proportions) and it's a good thing since her latest excursion into an archeological mystery eventually causes her to cross paths with an African warlord.
That poor warlord didn't even know what he was getting himself into.
I was unfamiliar with the Rogue Angel series and only read it at the suggestion of a friend. I'm glad I did because not only was it designed to be a quick read that throws you into the fast-paced action sequences, but it also brought the brutality of slavery and the horrendous economic conditions that plague Africa alive for me in a way that history books and news articles don't. That's what good storytelling is, I think, it entertains, but also opens your eyes to something you might not have seen before (without getting preachy in the process).
The book itself is a relatively quick read, by design, and is broken up into brief chapters for people on the go - read a little here and there, stop, then pick it back up later - the type of book that satisfies the reader on the go. (The writer seems to have understood who today's readers might be.)
I recommend this book for the action lovers out there who read sporadically, love history and world events, but don't have the time to become completely immersed in them - sort of a Flintstone's Vitamin of literature. Good stuff.

An old fashioned highball.......2007-01-26

"Rogue Angel: The Spider Stone" is an old fashioned highball. It's a big shot of action in an ice cold world, lightning fast pacing to fill and garnished with a sacred stone from the heart of Africa. It's intoxicating and fun.

The action in this story is positively breathtaking. An experienced hand wrote this book and it shows. That hand has been in the dojo, doubled into a fist and smashed through some bricks. That hand recognizes the feel of steel, has cradled a blade and known a sword as weapon and a friend. That brings an edgy reality to the action sequences that pop right off the page.

Annja Creed is a heroine with a mission from the highest power. She's definitely not one of Alcott's little women "taught by weal and woe to love and labor ..." She's on the other end of the pendulum's arc with Laura Croft and Electra. She is a hero in the ultramodern sense, and that is the story's only flaw. She is unshackled by uncertainty, romantic interest, or existential introspection. I missed the depth that would have brought to her character. But this isn't a tea and crumpets romance, it is an unapologetic action thriller, and it earns its chops.

"Rogue Angel: The Spider Stone" stays true to its theme rooted deep in a constant opposition of light and shadow. Alex Archer's commitment to plain prose makes this story read fast and sure.

Annja Creed has the avenging sword and social compass of Saint Joan of Arc. And that's just for starters. This story takes Annja Creed across the world on a quest to protect a sacred stone. Yes, the trail is bumpy, dangerous and littered with plenty of bad guys. I'm glad I went Annja on this adventure. You will be glad too. Highly recommended.

Clean Writing.......2006-11-25

This book is the third in a new series, featuring as the lead character a young female archeologist. Anja Creed. The story is action-adventure with a mix of fantasy and mystery. Alex Archer is a pen name under which several authors will write, and this entry is by Mel Odom. I found the pacing to be just right. Odom is especially good at establishing a sense of place, and this was an enjoyable page-turner. Odom must have done some good research for this book, for he has woven interesting bits of knowledge here and there into the story. I also enjoyed how well the characters were delineated. With deft, clean writing, the novel pulled me in with its strong story line, entertained me with bits of knowledge, and captured my attention with its interesting characters.

Average customer rating:

Nice action beach read
The Chosen (Rogue Angel)
Hire an Editor!
Chosen
Demons, Monsters and Mother Church

The Chosen (Rogue Angel)
Alex Archer
Manufacturer: Gold Eagle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Forbidden City (Rogue Angel)
The Spider Stone (Rogue Angel)
Solomon's Jar (Rogue Angel)
The Lost Scrolls (Rogue Angel)
Destiny (Rogue Angel)

ASIN: 0373621221

Book Description

Archaeologist Annja Creed believes there's more to the apparitions of Santo Niño--the Holy Child--luring thousands of pilgrims to Santa Fe. Other sightings of strange and anomalous creatures in the area indicate a mystery more profane than sacred--with links, perhaps, to Annja's own fate. But she is not alone in her quest to separate reliquaries from unholy minds who dare to harness sinister power. A dangerous yet enigmatic Jesuit, sworn to protect the Vatican at any cost, a brilliant young artist whose genius portrays a truth too potent for words and a famed monster hunter with a terrifying agenda are the keys to the secrets that lie in the heart of Los Alamos--and unlocking the door to the very fabric of time itself….

Customer Reviews:

Nice action beach read.......2007-06-05

I've been into this series from the first book and am enjoying it more and more with every book. I'm pretty much hooked now and enjoy every adventure Annja has, even though I agree with others, "Alex Archer" really needs a good editor.

The Chosen (Rogue Angel).......2007-05-30

I've enjoyed this serious from the beginning. To me its an action adventure in line with the likes of Indiana Jones. I like that the lead character is female and takes care of herself. I enjoy the fact she has to reconcile some of her own beliefs to what she does now. All in all I have found the books to be a fun romp mixed with historical issues that pique my interest to go look up the real story.

Hire an Editor!.......2007-05-21

I started seeing typos on page two and it only got worse from there on in. Hire and editor or at least let someone check your spelling before printing the book! As for the story, the action scenes were very good and entertaining, but the plotline seemed to jump all over the place and dragged in places. I can't believe there are this many books in the series, can't imagine wanteing to read more than one of these...

Chosen.......2007-04-28

This was the first book I read of the Rogue Angel series. I was amazed at the ease I swept from page one through 347. Although there were a lot of typos, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. An extraordinarily positive with this series is the certainty that the sequel comes out every few months - where many other series make us wait a whole year to get on with the storyline.

Demons, Monsters and Mother Church.......2007-03-13

Annja Creed is on a dig in the Southwest when she and team members see a strange red-eyed creature take flight without flapping its wings. This sighting coincides with local sightings of the legendary Holy Child who appears to travelers, warns them of some impending danger, and then vanishes. While Annja is a little spooked by her sighting she winds up investigating the Holy Child sightings. Meanwhile, the Vatican has dispatched a Jesuit to look into Annja and her relic sword. But no sooner does Annja get involved in her investigations than her life keeps getting threatened. It seems no matter where she goes there is some sort of effort to do her in.

As Annja continues her investigations and avoids imminent demise, she keeps running into the Jesuit. Is he friend or foe is not an easy question to answer. But somehow the two keep getting closer and closer to what is going on. The Holy Child keeps being seen and more monsters put in appearances. The plot threads all reach satisfactory conclusions and loose ends are all tied up nicely.

This volume of Rogue Angel reads a little differently that the others. I do not know if they have been released in proper order or not or if this was written by a different author. The books hints at Annja having had her sword for a while but never mentions events of previous books. At on point she scoffs at the idea of demons being real and yet she faced one in SOLOMON'S JAR. But as a stand-alone adventure the book holds togther quite well with good pacing and action although there are a rather high number of typos still in the text. All in all I am still a fan of the series and looking forward to future volumes.

Average customer rating:

Solomon's Jar Has Cracks...
loved it, nice read
Beware Kabbalists with Guns
Excellent Sequel
excellent

Solomon's Jar (Rogue Angel)
Alex Archer
Manufacturer: Gold Eagle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0373621205

Book Description

Rumors of the discovery of Solomon's Jar--in which the biblical King Solomon bound the world's demons after using them to build his temple in Jerusalem--are followed with interest by Annja Creed. An archaeologist intrigued by the arcane, Annja pursues the truth about the vessel and its ancient origins.

Her search leads her to a confrontation with a London cult driven by visions of a new world order; and a religious zealot fueled by the insatiable desire for glory. Across the sands of the Middle East to the jungles of Brazil, Annja embarks on a relentless chase to stop humanity's most unfathomable secrets from reshaping the modern world.

Customer Reviews:

Solomon's Jar Has Cracks..........2007-06-19

With the huge outpouring of this new genre of mixed genres in the supernatural/occult/romance/fantasy-sci-fi we have Gold Eagle's Rogue Angel series, written by two of the best writers that Gold Eagle has in their store of writers, Mel Odom and Victor Milan. Both are respected writers for the past 20-years-plus, having written for several publishing houses and giving us everything from post-holocaust action/adventure to excellent sci-fi & fantasy series.

Mel Odom wrote the first one and now here we have Vicor Milan lending his tremendous talent in the 2nd book in Annja Creed's continent-jumping latest adventure, searching out a jar that is known to be holding demons locked in a jar.

In Victor Milan's well-known and great style, we have a very exciting beginning with Annja running from a group of mercs through the Amazon jungle. What then ensues is a continent-spanning adventure from the Amazon basin to Amsterdam to Egypt and beyond, filled with everything from demon-possessed baddies to Russian mafia hit-men to magical swords that slice and dice the reader through pages of exciting fun.

It is no wonder why this series has taken off like wildfire! And with two of the most respected adventure writers onboard, readers have tons of fun and exciting reading experiences in front of them.

But in regards to this particular novel, my husband and I thought that even though it was a solid entry, and Milan wrote Annja as a newly-grown adventurer not yet used to loads of bloodshed, we felt some elements of the reactions to her bloodletting were not wholly believable. We know in such novels you must suspend belief, but when Milan did write her abhorance to her killing, it was like after the third battle sequence or so.

Being martial artists, my husband and I like to read an author who knows the basics of hand-to-hand combat, therin creating more believable action sequences that make the reading experience that much more enjoyable. Milan does that.

But we had to wonder why Annja Creed doesn't get a license to carry a gun, since a hidden magical sword isn't as good as an AK-47. After being chased and attacked by so many bad guys, hopefully in future volumes she will learn this lesson.

Great work, Mr. Milan! Keep up the high level of suspence and adventure.

loved it, nice read.......2007-03-15

Again, not going to rehash the entire plot like others have done already. It's a nice read, easy to pick up and put down (such as lunch time reading)and interesting enough to keep me wanting to continue with the other stories in the series.

Beware Kabbalists with Guns.......2007-01-05

One of King Solomon's lesser known legendary acts was the capturing of the demons of his realm and placing them under seal for eternity. Whether this was in a cave or a bottle is unclear, but it is the root of many other tales such as Aladdin's lamp and Pandora's box. Now Alex Archer has resurrected the tale once again, clad it in slightly different clothes, and served it up as a new challenge for Annja Creed, the beautiful archeologist who just might also be Joan of Arc.

This is no trivial situation. If there was a Solomon's jar it would be one of the most important magical artifacts in the world. Annja quickly finds that everyone from Russian undercover agents to militant naturalists, are after the vessel, most with some plan that involves changing the entire world. Not for the better, either. It's up to Annja to put a stop to the crisis, with the unexpected help with the occasional lady Kabbalist.

All the Rogue Angel series requires some willing suspension of disbelief. Reincarnations of Joan of Arc who can pull swords out of dimensional loopholes and leap tall villains with a single bound are pushing the edge. Especially when they make their living doing monster programs for the weird science set. Once you get over the three impossible things before breakfast shock the story turns out to be quite readable. There's a lot of chasing around, plenty of confrontations and conflagrations and a beautiful girl with a sword on the cover.

Now truthfully, who could ask for anything more?

Excellent Sequel.......2006-12-27

Annja creed is slowly coming to accept her role in fighting evil as Joan of Arc's successor. In Solomon's Jar, Annja learns that the jar in which King Solomon (of biblical times) had captured/held demons in had been found. The problem is everyone wants the jar! Annja goes off to find the jar to discover if it really does exist, are demons still inside it and who will get to it first. A very exciting sequel to Rouge Angel: Destiny.

If you have not read Rouge Angel: Destiny you will still be able to read this book as a stand alone. Alex Archer does a good job in recapping what you may have missed from book 1. I think that this is going to be a great series as we follow Annja and she learns more about her powers and how to use them for good.

excellent.......2006-12-24

maybe not 5 stars, but darn close. Very well done, with an interesting and pragmatic view of good, evil, and religion.

Time to go order the rest in the series.

(says the guy that's literally read thousands of books - I very rarely bother to write a review, much less simply give a few stars)

Read and enjoy.

Average customer rating:

A wonderfull and troubled hero, strong heroine, with a great sub-plot romance.

Angel Rogue
Mary Jo Putney
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0451219929

Book Description

To the delight of readers everywhere, here is the final book in Mary Jo Putney's acclaimed Fallen Angels series-about a master spy who appoints himself the guardian of a beautiful half-Mohawk on her way to London. As they evade pursuers and circle each other in a dance of desire, they will discover that only love has the power to heal the past.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderfull and troubled hero, strong heroine, with a great sub-plot romance........2007-06-02

We first met Robin Andreville in Petals in the Storm. It was so hard to read about how he lost his longtime lover (and best friend) to a man who treated her poorly and betrayed her a dozen years before. Robin was dedicated, kind and caring, but was willing to let Maggie go to be with the man she loved (deserving or not, but that's a debate for THAT book). He was noble, honorable, good, and (as Rafe pointed out in PitS), he must be a very kind and compassionate lover to have been able to help Maggie overcome her past. But even then we knew he was troubled and I just longed for him to find happiness.

Which leads us to Maxima (don't like the name, but so be it). Maxie is the half-Mowhawk, half-english daughter of a younger son of a noble family who grew up peddling books in the New England area of America. She is petite and exotically pretty, but treated as a "savage" by bigots who assume that all "Red Indians" are easy, immoral women. After the death of her father, she feels even more alone than she did as a motherless child with an irresponsible father. After overhearing a troubling conversation regarding the her father's death, she decides to go to London to investigate. Given that she has no money, she is willing to trek 200 miles on foot to get there (since she'd done things like that in America, it wasn't such a stretch for her).

Robin and Maxie meet up almost immediately while he's resting on Wolverhampton land (his family's estate). He's been searching for meaning, for direction, to a way to end his melancholy and black spells that have been increasing since he returned to England after 13 years of spying against France. Maxie (literally) falling into his lap seems like the answer to his problems, or at least a distraction from them.

Maxie doesn't really need a companion, but Robin is so charming and likable, that she can't help but enjoy his company. And it eventually becomes clear that he's an honorable man and will stick out the entire trip with her. He's actually pretty honest with her about who he is, but he allows her to believe that he's lying and that he is a thief or a wanderer, or a con-man, or something, despite his noble behavior.

I really love the dynamics of this book. While there is attraction from the beginning, and passion in the early kisses, there is also respect and caring, even when there's still a small level of distrust/suspicion as to who Robin is and why he is the way he is. But then again, after so many years undercover, true honesty is hard to present. Maxie doesn't have the "missish" hangups of the English upper classes. She respects the more relaxed beliefs of her mother's people. So her behavior toward Robin is reasonable under the circumstances. I love that Robin isn't a stereotypical "tall dark and handsome" hero. He's average height, slightly built, a blond man with a distinctive reddish tint to his facial hair, and on a whole he looks pretty harmless. We soon find out THAT isn't true. :)

I love how they genuinely get to know each other, how they LIKE each other. Unlike a lot of books where the characters fall into "love" for no apparent reason, there's a bond being forged between them that makes sense and is nice to view unfolding. When they finally come together, it is emotionally charged due to Robin's confessions of his past and facing the demons of what he had to do to be an effective spy. Maxie recognizes that even in that Robin is good and honorable. There is a tenderness to their sex, and especially in its aftermath when Robin confides even more.

I love how Maxie, when confronted with the truth of Robin's station in life and his wealth, she's angry that he hid it from her more than that he "betrayed" her or some such nonsense. They quickly address their problems and remain friends. There is, of course, some misunderstanding between them, but it stems from caring and fear, not from being TSTL.

I just really liked this book. I ached for Robin, I understood Maxie's hesitance. And I LOVED the sub-romance of Desdemona and Giles. Basically, I just loved the romance of this book. I longed for everyone to be happy, I felt for everyone's insecurities, and I rooted for them all. I even liked Rafe better in this book!

Once again Ms. Putney takes emotional topics (depression, guilt, bigotry and grief) and weaves them into a story about real people with real flaws, real feelings, and real emotions.

Rogue Angel: The Spiritual Journey of One of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted

Average customer rating:

A Page Turner!
Great Account of Mary Kay Beard's Transformed Life
Rogue Angel is engaging, inspiring, compelling!!
Fascinating!
Leadership from imperfect people

Rogue Angel: The Spiritual Journey of One of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted
Jodi Werhanowicz
Manufacturer: Ezekiel Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0977429407

Book Description

Now you can read the whole remarkable story of Mary Kay Beard who started Angel Tree, a ministry of Prison Fellowship.

As a young woman, Mary Kay Beard let the pain and anger from an abusive childhood drive her into a life of crime and danger. By the time she was 27, she was on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List, wanted in four states, and was the target of a mafia contract. Finally captured, convicted of armed robbery, sentenced to 21 years, and thrown into solitary confinement in an Alabama prison, Mary Kay took stock of her life. She started reading the Bible. Thus began God's amazing transformation of a broken, bitter criminal into a beautiful woman of faith and service.

Customer Reviews:

A Page Turner!.......2006-08-20

Very well written. A true story of God's amazing grace & mercy. A wonderful tribute to those involved with the Gideon's and Prison Fellowship and all who obey God's leading. A wonderful book of encouragement for all of us. Thank you, Jodi.

Martha J. Craig

Great Account of Mary Kay Beard's Transformed Life.......2006-07-28

A great biography, I read this book in about 4 days. It is a fascinating story that shows the power of God's love and grace in a person's life. Below are four main points about this book, two negative and two positive.

On a negative note, I always am bothered by biographies and non-fiction books that quote 30 or 40 year old conversations as if they were word-for-word fact. I have a hard time believing that things happened just as they happened. The skeptic in me imagines the exaggerations and the "fill in the blanks" that have to occupy many nonfiction books. Secondly, I sometimes cringe at the continual use of phrases like "God told me...." God has talked to people in the past (the Bible records such divine exchanges), but I don't think this is the standard today. I personally have never been talked to by God (outside of His Word) and I think that many Christians feel discouraged about their relationship with God when they hear of some people getting "talked to" and then they never experience anything like that.

OK, on a positive note, I loved reading of how a life was changed by God. Mary Kay's story is amazing and it is always encouraging to see how people can go from a life of complete selfishness and then after becoming a Christian their lives take a turn towards love and service. Even the staunchest unbeliever has to be impressed by the change that comes over Christians. In this case a dishonest, thieving, deadbeat mother is transformed into a honest, serving, selfless citizen. Also encouraging about this book is the way that it shows the effectiveness of prison ministry. Mary Kay's life was changed because of the people who gave up their time and comfort to love people in prison. People in prison have often come to the end of themselves and are eager to start a new, different life. Christians who teach the bible, encourage, and spend time with prisoners have an amazing opportunity to see lives be changed for the better as Mary Kay's life was changed. This book serves as a reminder to all Christians that those who serve and love prisoners actually are serving and loving Christ himself (Matthew 25:36).

Rogue Angel is engaging, inspiring, compelling!!.......2006-06-27

A compelling story of an amazing, transformed life. This is one of those books that you must share with your friends, family, and everyone that you know! "Rogue Angel" demonstrates the incredible power of God to take a life most of us would consider "unredeemable", and a person many would describe as "unlovable" and mold them into one of His great instruments of truth and love. Mary Kay's story is engaging and inspiring (Once on the FBI's Most Wanted list, she is the founder of Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree Ministry to the children and families of prisoners). Do yourself a favor and warm your heart with this highly recommended true story of redemption and how the power of God's love works in our lives!

Fascinating!.......2006-05-30

This book held my attention, uninterruptedly until I manufactured time to finish it. It is hard to imagine such a tremendous change in one individual from the bottom of the pile to the top. Reading Rogue Angel is time well invested.

Leadership from imperfect people.......2006-05-29

What a compellimg story, told in masterful way. The fact that by the Grace of God, such an individual as Mary Kay was chosen to spearhead such a marvelous ministry gives me renewed strength. This inspiring story touched my heart!

Angel Rogue: Revised Edition (Fallen Angels)

Average customer rating:

I expected better from an MJP novel
Really, all the "Fallen Angels" books are excellent.
The Indian and the Spy
Must add to your collection
mjp at her best

Angel Rogue: Revised Edition (Fallen Angels)
Mary Jo Putney
Manufacturer: Topaz
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0451405986

Customer Reviews:

I expected better from an MJP novel.......2006-06-03

I know I'm in the minority here, but I didn't get what I expected from ANGEL ROGUE, and not in a good way. Up until recently MJP was an auto-buy author, but no more. Though I may read more of her books in the future, I'm going to borrow, not buy. There were no big glaring problems with this book, just a bunch of little complaints that added up to a big negative by the end of the book.

While MJP does create well-rounded characters, I didn't really feel like I connected with them by the end of the book. I knew what drove them, what their inner fears and desires were...and yet for some reason, I didn't really care. I felt like I was far removed from the story, as if I was only catching glimpses of their lives, rather than an inside look. This might have something to do with the fact that ANGEL ROGUE used to be a shorter Regency romance, entitled THE ROGUE AND THE RUNAWAY. Regardless of the author, revamped books usually do not work as well as books that were never in a short from to begin with. (An exception to this is of course MJP's very excellent THE RAKE, which used to be THE RAKE AND THE REFORMER.)

I just didn't feel the romance between the two characters, especially on Robin's part. I just couldn't really see why he should fall in love with Maxie. I kind of wondered if he only thought he was in love with her because they spent so much time together, not for compelling reasons. It felt like more of a rebound thing, since when the book started he was still pinning for his lost love Maggie from PETALS IN THE STORM. And since I'd felt in that book that Maggie should have chosen Robin instead of Rafe, it was hard to cheer for Robin to be with Maxie.

There was a secondary romance, involving Maxie's aunt, Desdemona, and Robin's older brother, Giles. It was not very well developed, either. It felt very tacked-on. While I never read the book in its original form, it left me to wonder if this secondary romance was one of the things that had been added to expand the book.

After the first half, the story really dragged, and I started skimming and skipping as much as I could. I finally gave up 50 pages from the end. Both romances were boring, and the mystery just wasn't compelling enough to keep me reading.

If you must complete the Fallen Angels series, borrow this book rather than buy it. It's not MJP's best effort. For something truly excellent by Putney, I recommend THE WILD CHILD, SILK AND SHADOWS, or THE RAKE. Those were all five-star books. Sadly, ANGEL ROGUE is not.

Really, all the "Fallen Angels" books are excellent........2004-08-15

I don't know how I had not discovered this author sooner. I have been reading romance novels for about 3 years now and never before had I read a book by Mary Jo Putney. The first one I read "Dearly Beloved", was so beautiful that I went back for more, and after reading "One Perfect Rose" which is part of the Fallen Angels series, I was hooked. I knew I had to read the whole series, and so far none of the books I have read have dissapointed me.

In the case of this book, I have not yet read "Petals in the Storm", so I did not have any background knowledge about Lord Robert Andreville, but he is a fascinating character. His dazzling personality was so well portrayed that it leaps from the pages and you feel like you know him. I loved his sense of humor, his charm, his varied and amusing talents, the fact that under all that fancy facade there was a core of steel. Maxima was an exceptional heroine too, even though I can't really say that I feel a strong conection with her (I would never even dream of embarking on a trip of over 200 miles on foot, on a strange land and with almost no money) But that is what makes her extraordinary besides, she is also very kind, courageous and intelligent and those are qualities I admire.

The only thing that I found that was a little unbelievable and incomprehensible is the fact that Robin would embark on this trip with her with no money, and no provisions whatsoever. That he felt the need to accompany her, I can understand, but why didn't he make a small detour to the house first to fetch money, and two horses or a carriage to make the trip more confortable? I know he is an adventurer and an excentric, but my practical and comfort-liking mind just rebelled at the thought that someone would deliberately choose the hard path when there was an easier and more efficient way to accomplish things. I guess I'm not very adventuresome.

I connected more with Robert's brother Giles (which doesn't mean that I liked him better than Robin, just that I find his personality easier to relate to) He and Maxima's aunt Desdemona are great secondary characters. I wish they had gotten their own novel instead of just being a sub plot of this one. But their story definitely enriched this book.

All in all, I think this book is excellent. I would recommend this and all the books in this series to anyone who likes a well written story, with strong lovable characters and a mix of passion and adventure to make it all more interesting.

The Indian and the Spy.......2003-03-26

This is a great story, Maxie and Robert are two of the best characters Ms. Putney has ever created! A story of east meets west and the differences that make each other fall in love with the other. This is also a very humorous story, a chase a crossed the length of England and two lovers who don't want to be found. This story has all the makings of a good merry romp! Curl up in you favorite blanket, and let Ms. Putney sweep you away!! Definately worth the reading time!

Must add to your collection.......2002-08-06

The third in the Fallen Angel Series, we finally see Robin enjoy happiness. Robin was such a sweetheart to Margot in Petals on the Wind, you really did feel bad that Rafe ended up with her. However, while Maxima is strong like Margot, she has the determination needed to help Robin deal with his demons over what he has done in the name of loyalty for his country. Together as the two of them travel by foot to London while avoiding hitmen and their own families, they become more passionate and the healing of both their wounded hearts enhanced by their growing love for one another. This book again is not as good as the first in the series, but has an emotional quality that the others don't have in that we see many character reuniting and healing over past hurts than we saw in others. This books is the turning point in which Lucien (one of the actual Fallen Angels) begin to understand the torture his soul has endured by his part in the spy ring. Robin while not part of the Fallen Angels (Nick, Rafe, Lucien and Michael), is a worthy character and one that I liked immensely. It's really his character that pulls this book into the level of romance reading that I enjoy.

mjp at her best.......2002-06-20

I have never read a MJP book that wasn't simply wonderful. Even her contemporaries (which I don't really care for) deserve five stars. Angel Rogue is no exception, it is an unusual, beautiful love story that will leave you sighing long after you turned the last page.

Lord Robert Andreville (Robin) has returned to England after a dozen years of spying for the British crown in the fight agaisnt Napoleon. He is weary in mind and spirit and tortured by memories of the past when he meets Maxima Collins. Maxie is an American with an unique heritage: she's half Mohawk and half English and she has come to England with her father who died shortly afterward. Maxie feels all alone in the world, she feels like an alien among her aristocratic English family. She also has reason to suspect foul play in her father's sudden death. So she decides to leave the country manor where she was staying with her uncle and travel to London masquerading as a boy to learn what she can about her father's last hours. She meets Robin on the way by literally falling over him. He is immediately taken by her exotic looks and unconventional ways. He decides to appoint himself her guardian and together they embark on a perilous journey during which Maxie teaches Robin to trust and let go of the past while falling irrevocably in love with him.

Maxie is a delightful heroine, she is strong,intelligent and independent. No chin lifting, blushing, simpering heroines for MJP. She creates characters that are real, with credible issues and feelings that the reader can relate to. Robin is adorable and
even though he's extremely drool-worthy I found it interesting that he's of average height. I had never before read about a hero in a romance novel that was less than a six footer so this was a refreshing change and made him seem more real to me.

In short, this a great book and certainly another winner in MJP's long list of excellent romances. :)

God Of Thunder (Rogue Angel)
Average customer rating:
God Of Thunder (Rogue Angel)
Alex Archer
Manufacturer: Gold Eagle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0373621256

Book Description

Archaeologist Annja Creed narrowly escapes an attack by unknown fi gures when she tries to collect a package near her loft. She later learns that the sender—an old colleague named Fellini—has been brutally murdered.

Fellini had been researching the Hammer of Thor, the Norse god of thunder, and had linked it to a Viking warrior and a twelfth-century Latvian village. A coded message in Fellini's package leads Annja on a wild chase along the canals of Venice to Latvia for more clues to an ancient treasure. Rumored to be hidden deep in the forests of Latvia for nine hundred years, this fabled prize is also sought by a ruthless corps of mercenaries. And they will do anything to fi nd it. Including killing Annja Creed.

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