Day of Atonement

Rogue Angel #54

by Alex Archer (pseudonym)

A reckoning that will destroy them all

Trials, persecutions, false accusations, the Inquisition; for archaeologist and TV host Annja Creed, the current episode they're taping for her show is a fascinating one. But while Annja is filming the last segment in France, a vicious accident nearly kills her. It looks to be unintentional until a man calling himself Cauchon claims responsibility.

The name Cauchon strikes a chord in the exceptionally; some might say unnaturally long memory of Annja's friend and mentor Roux. Discovering the old man's secret years ago, Cauchon wanted to blackmail Roux before fate put the matter to rest. Or so Roux thought. Now this powerful fanatic has turned from seeking out the divine to meting out justice. Vengeance. And he will single-handedly resurrect the violence of the Inquisition to ensure that Annja and her friend are judged and found guilty. With so much at stake, Annja may soon find that friendship can be fatal.

Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Audiobook, Action, Urban Fantasy

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

A 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.

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fifty-fourth Rogue Angel adventure and was the fourth that was written by Steven Savile, who wrote five of the last ten of the paperbacks, all under the house pseudonym Alex Archer, of course. Annja Creed is an archaeologist and historian who appears on a syndicated television program called Chasing History's Monsters. She's also the heir to the blade and power of Joan of Arc. This one has major input from both of the two Joan-adjacent guys, Garin and Roux, though their happy teamwork is a little hard to buy after the secret we learned a couple of volumes prior. Annja is in France, working on an episode of her television show about the Inquisition. Given twenty-four hours to find the lost mask of Torquemada, cast by the Grand Inquisitor during the Spanish Inquisition. She's nearly killed by what appears to be an accident until someone claims to be responsible. The past of Roux and Garin has come back to haunt them, and a trial is held for vengeance. Lots of chasing and fighting ensue... Never trust religious fanatics. The settings are all quite well described, as usual, and it's a fast-paced adventure. In between all of the Lara Croft/Indiana Jones/Sara Pezzini trappings there's some good character development and interesting historical speculation, as always. Annja appears on the Tim Bradstreet cover with her sword at the ready looking very chic in a ski jacket; CHM must've upped her wardrobe budget.

[Lianne Burwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Annja is back in France, filming a segment for her television show (although did she ever finish it?), when she gets pulled into a madman's vendetta against Roux.

I had some quibbles about this volume. First of all, Annja is becoming a little too super-human (since when can she deflect a hail of bullets with the sword? Very Wonder Woman of her). Secondly, Garin should have been too paranoid to be so easily trapped (and since when is he a thief for hire?). I really hate people doing out of character stupid things just to advance the plot. And some plot elements (a murder, for example) are introduced and then completely forgotten about.

So, while I enjoyed the adventure of the story (even a bad Rogue Angel book tends to be entertaining), it was one of the weaker books, plot-wise.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good installment in this series. Nice mix of action and Lara Croft...the usual suspects. I think, however that this book didnt have as much of an archeological focus as usual...but thats ok, its good to shake things up a bit.

[Hans Erdman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Better Annja Adventures

This was good. All three, Roux, Garin and Annja end up helping each other. Good action, some interesting plot twists that make you think of Indiana Jones. I read Rogue Angel for enjoyment, and #54 delivers with a roar!

[John Hanscom · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better of this rather silly but fun series. "Alex Archer" is actually a stable of authors. This author has, at the beginning, Annja being more flirtatious than usual, and, at the end, a little more "in your face," but, basically, it was a fine example of why I enjoy these.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of the Rogue Angel books are easy fast to read diversions.