What do you think?
Rate this book
Rogue Angel #30
The Other Crowd
One by one, they disappear...
In a remote part of Ireland, two archaeological teams dig for the find of a lifetime--the legendary Spear of Lugh. Folklore claims the magical weapon was forged in the time of the ancient Tuatha de Danaan. But as the search intensifies, people begin disappearing from the dig. "Faeries," whisper the locals. The Other Crowd...
Instructed to travel to Ireland and return with faerie footage, archaeologist Annja Creed figures it's a joke assignment. But people have vanished and she soon realizes there's more in play than mythical wee folk. With the unsettling notion that something otherworldly is in the air, Annja is torn between her roles as an archaeologist and a warrior. But can her powerful sword protect her from the threat of violence...or the Other Crowd?
In a remote part of Ireland, two archaeological teams dig for the find of a lifetime--the legendary Spear of Lugh. Folklore claims the magical weapon was forged in the time of the ancient Tuatha de Danaan. But as the search intensifies, people begin disappearing from the dig. "Faeries," whisper the locals. The Other Crowd...
Instructed to travel to Ireland and return with faerie footage, archaeologist Annja Creed figures it's a joke assignment. But people have vanished and she soon realizes there's more in play than mythical wee folk. With the unsettling notion that something otherworldly is in the air, Annja is torn between her roles as an archaeologist and a warrior. But can her powerful sword protect her from the threat of violence...or the Other Crowd?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
9 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Alex Archer
99 books237 followersA house name for the Rogue Angel series, published by the Harlequin Publishing's Gold Eagle division.
The first eight novels were written by Victor Milan and Mel Odom. New writers joining the series starting with book nine include Jon Merz and Joseph Nassise.
The first eight novels were written by Victor Milan and Mel Odom. New writers joining the series starting with book nine include Jon Merz and Joseph Nassise.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 25, 2012
*Rating* 3.0
*Genre* Science Fiction/Fantasy
*Review*
Annja Creed is a world-traveling archaeologist with a penchant for adventure, lost cities, mysterious codes and puzzles, and shadowy history that was never recorded. Heir to Joan of Arc's mystic sword, Annja finds herself drawn into the webs of darkest villainy with lives on the line.
*The Other Crowd*, Rogue Angel #30, brings Annya to Ireland after Doug Morrell, her producer on the TV show Chasing History's Monsters, reads about fairies kidnapping several people from an archaeology site where they are searching for a legendary spear of Lugh. Doug believes in everything from vampires, to werewolves and is also handy at finding the money to send Annya around the world on assignments.
The one part I found most interesting about this story was the search for the legendary Spear of Lugh or the Tuatha Dé Danann’s gift from the goddess Danu and a little old lady who may have it in her possession. The sword is said to be deadly accurate at killing the thing for which it is thrown. There is a catch however. If the thrower somehow misses, the spear kills the bearer.
Of course, the story basically takes a nose dive into various conspiracy theories, found diamonds from a missing heist in the 19th century, illegal arms dealing, as well as a true factual look at Ireland during the Potato famine. There is also the fact that nobody knows who is really in charge of the archaeological digs, and why they have been separated into two camps.
Another aspect of The Other Crowd is Roux and Garin’s ability to work together to surprise Annya with an amazing birthday present. Once colleague in arms who watched their heroine die in fire, they have been at each other’s throats for 500 years.
Garin has made it is mission in life to seize the sword from Annya, without killing her, and smashing into a million pieces. As he and Roux were given immortality when the sword was originally smashed to pieces by the British, he doesn’t want that to end.
Roux has, from the first book on, been more of a father figure to the once orphaned Annya than anyone else. He has taught her how to fight, and how to use the weapon she now carries like a blanket to keep her from harm.
Then there is the thrown in aspect of Annya’s relationship with NYPD Detective Bart McGilley that has never crossed the line into anything more than friendship and best friends. I am one of those that wants to see Annya and Bert get their HEA on.
The Rogue Angel series is like a box of chocolate covered cherries. I can't eat just one. I have to see this series through to the end even if kills me. I like the fact that Annya hasn't been changed to be something totally different than what she was from the first 10 books UNLIKE Anita Blake. This is EVEN with several writers getting together to write this series.
I like Annya but at times she is one of those who is TSTL. Annya never really finds a love interest in this book, but not for the lack of beefy men.
Overall, a satisfactory story, but it definitely has room for major improvements. Several questions went unanswered, including, Annya's dream sequence in the beginning of the book. What does it all mean?
*Genre* Science Fiction/Fantasy
*Review*
Annja Creed is a world-traveling archaeologist with a penchant for adventure, lost cities, mysterious codes and puzzles, and shadowy history that was never recorded. Heir to Joan of Arc's mystic sword, Annja finds herself drawn into the webs of darkest villainy with lives on the line.
*The Other Crowd*, Rogue Angel #30, brings Annya to Ireland after Doug Morrell, her producer on the TV show Chasing History's Monsters, reads about fairies kidnapping several people from an archaeology site where they are searching for a legendary spear of Lugh. Doug believes in everything from vampires, to werewolves and is also handy at finding the money to send Annya around the world on assignments.
The one part I found most interesting about this story was the search for the legendary Spear of Lugh or the Tuatha Dé Danann’s gift from the goddess Danu and a little old lady who may have it in her possession. The sword is said to be deadly accurate at killing the thing for which it is thrown. There is a catch however. If the thrower somehow misses, the spear kills the bearer.
Of course, the story basically takes a nose dive into various conspiracy theories, found diamonds from a missing heist in the 19th century, illegal arms dealing, as well as a true factual look at Ireland during the Potato famine. There is also the fact that nobody knows who is really in charge of the archaeological digs, and why they have been separated into two camps.
Another aspect of The Other Crowd is Roux and Garin’s ability to work together to surprise Annya with an amazing birthday present. Once colleague in arms who watched their heroine die in fire, they have been at each other’s throats for 500 years.
Garin has made it is mission in life to seize the sword from Annya, without killing her, and smashing into a million pieces. As he and Roux were given immortality when the sword was originally smashed to pieces by the British, he doesn’t want that to end.
Roux has, from the first book on, been more of a father figure to the once orphaned Annya than anyone else. He has taught her how to fight, and how to use the weapon she now carries like a blanket to keep her from harm.
Then there is the thrown in aspect of Annya’s relationship with NYPD Detective Bart McGilley that has never crossed the line into anything more than friendship and best friends. I am one of those that wants to see Annya and Bert get their HEA on.
The Rogue Angel series is like a box of chocolate covered cherries. I can't eat just one. I have to see this series through to the end even if kills me. I like the fact that Annya hasn't been changed to be something totally different than what she was from the first 10 books UNLIKE Anita Blake. This is EVEN with several writers getting together to write this series.
I like Annya but at times she is one of those who is TSTL. Annya never really finds a love interest in this book, but not for the lack of beefy men.
Overall, a satisfactory story, but it definitely has room for major improvements. Several questions went unanswered, including, Annya's dream sequence in the beginning of the book. What does it all mean?
December 14, 2018
Annja is back and in Ireland searching for faeries or the Fair Folk who might or might not have been spiriting away people from a local archaeological dig. It would make for a good episode of the cable television show she works for, and she shouldn't need Joan of Arc's sword. Well, it does make for good television, but there are no faeries and the sword gets used. There are villains and almost villains and other magical objects and diamonds and gun runners. Annja has a birthday party. So much in one little book. I loved it.
January 6, 2018
I love Annja!
Another great yarn from the many pens of Alex Archer. This one even takes place in Ireland, a place often visited in my own books. Does Annja find the Fae Folk? After a dozen adventures, you'll just have to read it to see.
Another great yarn from the many pens of Alex Archer. This one even takes place in Ireland, a place often visited in my own books. Does Annja find the Fae Folk? After a dozen adventures, you'll just have to read it to see.
August 21, 2019
3 stars.
I got to say,
I got to say,
June 24, 2021
Liked it, a favorite author penned this adventure.
November 23, 2016
.... This is the first of this series I've read! Now I must go back and get them all!!!
December 13, 2017
Thirtieth in the Rogue Angel urban fantasy series about an archeologist/TV host who "inherited" the broadsword of Joan of Arc.
My Take
This story was all over the place and doesn't really hold together. Supposedly NewWorld is running this dig but Pierce has made so many phone calls to them protesting, attempting to inform them of Michael's actions, and gotten nothing back from them. Does he pursue it any further than this? No. Why not??? This is pretty serious business. Annja has remarked on how stringent Irish laws are on archeological artifacts so why are they letting this slide?
Three people have gone missing and everyone is willing to let is slide? Including the gardia?
This is the first story, that I can remember, which opens with a Joan of Arc sequence. It does turn out to be a nightmare Annja is having, but still… The message Annja picks up from this dream is that the power is not hers. Annja's not sure if the sword is warning or threatening her.
I dunno, this particular story felt even more made up than the others as though Archer didn't have his heart in it. Although, I do appreciate Garin letting us know his true thoughts about Annja!
The Story
It's just another jaunt to film a really lame episode for Chasing History's Monsters, and Doug Morrell, the producer, had just the bait to dangle to induce Annja to accept. Fairies are kidnapping humans from an Irish archeological dig, and Doug knows Annja will do anything to get her hands in the dirt!
Once Annja gets onsite, nothing is right. There are two camps from the same "supposed" company and the guy in charge of the "enemy" camp is running around brandishing a gun, being too secretive, fighting at the drop of a hat, and getting on everyone's nerves. Nothing loath, Annja steps up and pushes right back even as she befriends others.
In the meantime, Garin and Roux are plotting on a particular gift for Annja. A little something to welcome her to the family.
The Characters
Annja Creed is a serious archeologist, but is not associated with any institution that would pay her way onto a dig site, so she uses her income from Chasing History's Monsters for sites that she can't manipulate the show's producer, Doug Morrell, into using for the show. Annja is not the only host for the show, but she is the scientific one.
Eric Kritz, Annja's cameraman for the shoot, got his dad to pay for it, and he's using it to boost his résumé as well as for a class project. Yeah, he's not even out of high school yet! The further we go in the story, the more Annja starts to question just who his dad is and what kind of side jobs he may pursue.
Wesley Pierce was the original leader for the dig but he got supplanted by Michael Slater who later divided the camp into two. Pierce is certainly an archeologist but Annja has some major doubts about Slater who has more of a military feel to him. Frank Neville is quite ominous sounding until we meet him. Then we know he's a bad man! Daniel Collins is their guide for the area. A most curious man who collects incredible wines but doesn't seem to have any money or a job. His mother, Rachel Collins, is certainly interesting with all her little treasures…including the spear of Lugh…read the last few paragraphs…Annja might have competition!
The Cover and Title
Looks like they got a new cover model to stand in for Annja. She's got her battle stance ready, sword raised about to unleash hell on earth in front of a pretty marked-up standing stone. Pretty weird reflections on that sword although I do like the reddish-brown leather jacket Annja's wearing over her black jeans and brown, lace-trimmed tank top.
The title refers to the topic of this installment, the wee folk, the fair folk, little people, The Other Crowd.
My Take
This story was all over the place and doesn't really hold together. Supposedly NewWorld is running this dig but Pierce has made so many phone calls to them protesting, attempting to inform them of Michael's actions, and gotten nothing back from them. Does he pursue it any further than this? No. Why not??? This is pretty serious business. Annja has remarked on how stringent Irish laws are on archeological artifacts so why are they letting this slide?
Three people have gone missing and everyone is willing to let is slide? Including the gardia?
This is the first story, that I can remember, which opens with a Joan of Arc sequence. It does turn out to be a nightmare Annja is having, but still… The message Annja picks up from this dream is that the power is not hers. Annja's not sure if the sword is warning or threatening her.
I dunno, this particular story felt even more made up than the others as though Archer didn't have his heart in it. Although, I do appreciate Garin letting us know his true thoughts about Annja!
The Story
It's just another jaunt to film a really lame episode for Chasing History's Monsters, and Doug Morrell, the producer, had just the bait to dangle to induce Annja to accept. Fairies are kidnapping humans from an Irish archeological dig, and Doug knows Annja will do anything to get her hands in the dirt!
Once Annja gets onsite, nothing is right. There are two camps from the same "supposed" company and the guy in charge of the "enemy" camp is running around brandishing a gun, being too secretive, fighting at the drop of a hat, and getting on everyone's nerves. Nothing loath, Annja steps up and pushes right back even as she befriends others.
In the meantime, Garin and Roux are plotting on a particular gift for Annja. A little something to welcome her to the family.
The Characters
Annja Creed is a serious archeologist, but is not associated with any institution that would pay her way onto a dig site, so she uses her income from Chasing History's Monsters for sites that she can't manipulate the show's producer, Doug Morrell, into using for the show. Annja is not the only host for the show, but she is the scientific one.
Eric Kritz, Annja's cameraman for the shoot, got his dad to pay for it, and he's using it to boost his résumé as well as for a class project. Yeah, he's not even out of high school yet! The further we go in the story, the more Annja starts to question just who his dad is and what kind of side jobs he may pursue.
Wesley Pierce was the original leader for the dig but he got supplanted by Michael Slater who later divided the camp into two. Pierce is certainly an archeologist but Annja has some major doubts about Slater who has more of a military feel to him. Frank Neville is quite ominous sounding until we meet him. Then we know he's a bad man! Daniel Collins is their guide for the area. A most curious man who collects incredible wines but doesn't seem to have any money or a job. His mother, Rachel Collins, is certainly interesting with all her little treasures…including the spear of Lugh…read the last few paragraphs…Annja might have competition!
The Cover and Title
Looks like they got a new cover model to stand in for Annja. She's got her battle stance ready, sword raised about to unleash hell on earth in front of a pretty marked-up standing stone. Pretty weird reflections on that sword although I do like the reddish-brown leather jacket Annja's wearing over her black jeans and brown, lace-trimmed tank top.
The title refers to the topic of this installment, the wee folk, the fair folk, little people, The Other Crowd.
December 15, 2011
Well, the latest installment in the Rogue Angel was a solid entry.
Annja Creed gets dragged out of her bed and sent to Ireland by her producer to cover the story of people being abducted from an archaeological dig, with rumor saying that it was Faeries (aka The Other Crowd). Oh yeah, and her cameraman for the trip is the son of a major funder, who turns out to still be in high school
It's nice to see Annja actually doing the job that presumably pays the bills (the television show Chasing Histories Monsters), since most of the time she seems to be jetting around the world on a whim or because a friend called, while maintaining a decent sized apartment in New York City.
It was also nice to have a brief cameo from Bart, her cop friend who figured strongly in the early books. Unfortunately, that turned out to be a dropped thread, since she calls to ask him to check up on a couple of the players in the story, then never gets around to calling him to see if he actually found out something.
There's also a b-plot where Roux calls up Garin and asks him to obtain a painting of the burning of Joan of Arc to give Annja as a birthday party. That was amusing. Also, Garin turns out to have connections to the a-plot, at least peripherally.
Like I said, solid, if not overly thrilling, and with a tiny hint of actual supernatural elements. And I wouldn't mind seeing Eric (the teenaged cameraman) turn up again.
Annja Creed gets dragged out of her bed and sent to Ireland by her producer to cover the story of people being abducted from an archaeological dig, with rumor saying that it was Faeries (aka The Other Crowd). Oh yeah, and her cameraman for the trip is the son of a major funder, who turns out to still be in high school
It's nice to see Annja actually doing the job that presumably pays the bills (the television show Chasing Histories Monsters), since most of the time she seems to be jetting around the world on a whim or because a friend called, while maintaining a decent sized apartment in New York City.
It was also nice to have a brief cameo from Bart, her cop friend who figured strongly in the early books. Unfortunately, that turned out to be a dropped thread, since she calls to ask him to check up on a couple of the players in the story, then never gets around to calling him to see if he actually found out something.
There's also a b-plot where Roux calls up Garin and asks him to obtain a painting of the burning of Joan of Arc to give Annja as a birthday party. That was amusing. Also, Garin turns out to have connections to the a-plot, at least peripherally.
Like I said, solid, if not overly thrilling, and with a tiny hint of actual supernatural elements. And I wouldn't mind seeing Eric (the teenaged cameraman) turn up again.
December 2, 2012
Listening to an audio book by GraphicAudio and HATE it. Cheesy accents, the mixing of British, Irish, and Australian accents, over loud celtic music so you can't even hear the readers... wish I could find a different audio book producer because I like listening to the stories when I drive.
Now about the book... interesting. Sad that one of main characters dies,but nice that the author doesn't always give the reader what they expect.
Now about the book... interesting. Sad that one of main characters dies,but nice that the author doesn't always give the reader what they expect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2013
Audio book I picked up last summer when I had a long drive on vacation. Very much enjoyed it and it was my introduction to the Rogue Angel series. SO glad I picked it up, have since listened to 2 others in the series and love them! I love Annja Creed and the world she lives in. Would recommened it to people have long car rides or even that love books. To those that don't like it? It's fiction people, read it, listen to it, enjoy it for what it's worth :)
May 14, 2011
Thought this book was brilliant. Really loved the character Annja Creed. As soon as i got it and started reading i really liked the theme about the archeaology side. Can't wait for the next book.
October 20, 2011
Felt like there were a lot of loose ends in this one and the bad guy got away! At this point, I'm just hanging on because Annja is so cool.
May 19, 2011
I love this series, this one is about fairies! Annja the skeptic is on the hunt for the other folk in this one set in Ireland.
December 12, 2011
I found the ending to be a bit of a letdown; maybe it's because it's part of a huge series and this is the only one I've read
October 15, 2018
By this time in the series, the books have become so-so. With this book, I didn't read all of it and skipped about forty pages in the middle.
May 21, 2012
Enjoyed the book but was a little dissapointed the fairies were only hinted at and didn't really make an appearance. Still a pretty good book tho.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2014
Enjoyed this one so much more. Felt like the main character eas on top of her game finally. Loved seeing Roux and Garin again. I do so enjoy them.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews