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Rogue Angel #28
Restless Soul
Deep in the mouth of darkness something calls for help...
In 1966, a group of battle-weary American GIs trekked through the Vietnamese jungle knowing each step could mean facing the enemy's guns. But instead of ambush, they stumbled upon a hidden treasure beyond their wildest dreams. It was a discovery that exacted a terrible cost.
A vacation spot picked at random, Thailand is intended to provide relaxation time for globe-trotting archaeologist Annja Creed. Yet the irresistible pull of the country's legendary Spirit Cave lures Annja and her companions deep within a network of underground chambers--nearly to their deaths. The ancient burial sites have slumbered through the ages. Yet no rest is found there--just the voices of the dead. When the dead speak, will they help Annja uncover the perplexing past of a remarkable find or will they call her to join them?
In 1966, a group of battle-weary American GIs trekked through the Vietnamese jungle knowing each step could mean facing the enemy's guns. But instead of ambush, they stumbled upon a hidden treasure beyond their wildest dreams. It was a discovery that exacted a terrible cost.
A vacation spot picked at random, Thailand is intended to provide relaxation time for globe-trotting archaeologist Annja Creed. Yet the irresistible pull of the country's legendary Spirit Cave lures Annja and her companions deep within a network of underground chambers--nearly to their deaths. The ancient burial sites have slumbered through the ages. Yet no rest is found there--just the voices of the dead. When the dead speak, will they help Annja uncover the perplexing past of a remarkable find or will they call her to join them?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
472 people want to read
About the author
Alex Archer
99 books238 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.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 17, 2011
I've felt like they've been grasping for straws for some time now as far as treasures and mischief that Annja can get into, but this one exceeds all the others. First it starts with Annja being off on vacation with Lu - another archaelogist that she's just met and decided to go shack up with for a week's vacation. Bringing in Lu right off the top as her lover, when she's been exceedingly cautious in the past and controlled herself when it comes to men because she doesn't want to involve them in her crazy life, seems completely out of character for Annja. I could almost understand if there were tons of sparks like she's had with some guys in the past, but they inspired nothing. Then the treasure in this is a cave they stumble upon that results in them being pursued by the smugglers who put it there. The mystery of this book is really a skull bowl that Annja is "led" to by the souls trapped inside, but other than one part where she looks some stuff up on line about it, they really don't get into the "magic" behind it. Then in a couple of the fights, Annja gets shot in the leg and then again in the arm and she keeps going. I realize that the sword gives her super healing skills and stamina, but this is ridiculous. Overall a really big disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 25, 2015IN case you were wondering, no, I didn't forget to click the stars; I am just happy goodreads apparently lets me assign zero stars as a rating. And even so, because people might think it was just an error, I feel like maybe zero stars is at least two too many.
Literally the worst book I have ever read start to finish. I only did because I got 100 pages in waiting for it to get better, then realized it wouldn't, but at least wanted to check it off for the year after I wasted that much time to begin with.
I cannot believe they have made dozens of these. I would sooner read (and actually have probably read and better enjoyed) a bunch of Sweet Valley High books than this. (Just to show it isn't the pseudonymous serial aspect that's bad about them.)
Before this book, I think maybe the worst thing I read start to finish was Bridges of Madison County. But this makes that look like, Bronte or Austen by comparison.
Actually, the closes comparison I can make for this book, in expectation and execution, is, if you've seen it, the recent 'action' movie Lucy. (Caution: IF you have not seen it, *do not* even though it will make you understand this review that much better.) IN that, you figure.. all the elements are there, something good or at least entertaining, will happen... and then you start, and you're waiting.. and it's horrible, but you're like, come on, nothing is *that* horrible, forever... with no redeeming qualities, but it keeps going, and, I mean, stuff keeps happening, constantly, you're moving along, and yet, none of it has any noticeable effect on you, or is of any interest, nor are the characters, nor is the story, nor is there a theme, or a big idea, or a little idea, or cleverness, or....
anything.
I cannot, absolutely cannot, DIS-recommend this book enough.
Literally the worst book I have ever read start to finish. I only did because I got 100 pages in waiting for it to get better, then realized it wouldn't, but at least wanted to check it off for the year after I wasted that much time to begin with.
I cannot believe they have made dozens of these. I would sooner read (and actually have probably read and better enjoyed) a bunch of Sweet Valley High books than this. (Just to show it isn't the pseudonymous serial aspect that's bad about them.)
Before this book, I think maybe the worst thing I read start to finish was Bridges of Madison County. But this makes that look like, Bronte or Austen by comparison.
Actually, the closes comparison I can make for this book, in expectation and execution, is, if you've seen it, the recent 'action' movie Lucy. (Caution: IF you have not seen it, *do not* even though it will make you understand this review that much better.) IN that, you figure.. all the elements are there, something good or at least entertaining, will happen... and then you start, and you're waiting.. and it's horrible, but you're like, come on, nothing is *that* horrible, forever... with no redeeming qualities, but it keeps going, and, I mean, stuff keeps happening, constantly, you're moving along, and yet, none of it has any noticeable effect on you, or is of any interest, nor are the characters, nor is the story, nor is there a theme, or a big idea, or a little idea, or cleverness, or....
anything.
I cannot, absolutely cannot, DIS-recommend this book enough.
August 14, 2011
I like the Rogue Angel series a lot (I have a subscription from Harlequin/Gold Eagle), but this volume was definitely a sub-par installment in the series.
Annja has just met a gorgeous guy. On a whim, they travel to Thailand for a sexy vacation (which doesn't fit what I know of the character in the previous 27 volumes. While there, they manage to stumble onto a smuggling ring.
The first half of the book cover what is basically one long chase scene. Then we dump the guy, and head off on a hunt across countries.
My main complaint is the massive infodumps. Various character spout pages of details about countries and histories, as well as personal information, for no apparent reason. At times it started to feel more like a tour guide than an adventure novel. It creates stumbling points, and felt like they were there mainly to pad the book out to the required word count.
As well, in places the characterization seemed off. Despite her long list of people she's had to kill over the previous volumes, Annja agonizes way too much over killing people who want to kill her, and does some pretty stupid things as a result (such as releasing a young man who has said he hates her, and who knows where she's going, only to have him promptly call the chief bad guy and tell him where she is.)
All in all, read this if you're a completest of the series, but otherwise, skip it and go on to one of the better books in the series.
Annja has just met a gorgeous guy. On a whim, they travel to Thailand for a sexy vacation (which doesn't fit what I know of the character in the previous 27 volumes. While there, they manage to stumble onto a smuggling ring.
The first half of the book cover what is basically one long chase scene. Then we dump the guy, and head off on a hunt across countries.
My main complaint is the massive infodumps. Various character spout pages of details about countries and histories, as well as personal information, for no apparent reason. At times it started to feel more like a tour guide than an adventure novel. It creates stumbling points, and felt like they were there mainly to pad the book out to the required word count.
As well, in places the characterization seemed off. Despite her long list of people she's had to kill over the previous volumes, Annja agonizes way too much over killing people who want to kill her, and does some pretty stupid things as a result (such as releasing a young man who has said he hates her, and who knows where she's going, only to have him promptly call the chief bad guy and tell him where she is.)
All in all, read this if you're a completest of the series, but otherwise, skip it and go on to one of the better books in the series.
August 17, 2019
3 stars.
Again, I find it hard to swallow the inconsistencies in Annja's character.
All in all, this was a bit of a frustrating read.
Again, I find it hard to swallow the inconsistencies in Annja's character.
All in all, this was a bit of a frustrating read.
February 15, 2024
Not terrible. But not great. Better than 27 by leaps and bounds.
February 19, 2012
*Rating* 3.0
*Genre* Fiction, Science Fiction
See my review--->http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/
*Series synopsis*
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. As one of hosts of Chasing History’s Monsters, Annya is always on the lookout for strange and unusual happenings around the globe.
*The Story*
Restless Soul, Rogue Angel #28, begins in an unusual way for our heroine Annya Creed; she is actually trying to take a much needed vacation with an Argentinian archaeologist named Luartaro (Lu) Agustin who she may, or may not have feelings for.
After flying off on a whim to Thailand, Lu and Annya enjoy some much needed down time together. Naturally, one thing leads to another and they end up cave exploring. Annya and Lu end up stuck in the middle of large scale operation of relic traffickers who kill anyone who gets in their way. This after they discover vast amounts of relics and coffins.
What really gets Annya’s attention is the so called Human Skull bowl containing US military dog tags. They appear to be covered in blood and are at least 40 years old. (Obviously they are from dead US GIs that served during the Vietnam War).
Annya later learns that the markings are intended to keep the souls of the dead in the bowl and away from Voodoo legends Papa Glede, Kalfu, and Legba who guide them to the other side.
Naturally, Annya is a super heroine who refuses to allow the destruction of world’s artifacts and goes after those involved claiming she is reluctant to kill anyone for the sake of killing. She is also seemingly indestructible after being shot so many times, it’s hard to keep track.
This installment has no appearances by either Garin or Roux.
The writer of this story is definitely a person that lives for the fact that we should be careful of our environment and not leave heavy footprints that damage the planet. I don’t disagree with this principle. But, I rather not have writers put their personal views into their story telling when a particular character is in the middle of being of chased by bad guys out to KILL HER!
*Final Thoughts*
This book is unusual in that Annya’s so called love interest, Lu, actually survives to see another day. Obviously there is some truth behind this story of relic hunters in the former Opium Triangle known as Laos, Burma, Thailand, and Vietnam. There is also the correlation between Voodoo, Hoodoo, and Catholics that is once again played out in a story.
I wouldn’t say this was either the worse, or the best in the series.
To me, I’m hesitant to read about the destruction of natural and national treasures like what happened in Iraq during the war. I’m not surprised to see a writer belittle the American GI’s in Vietnam for stealing treasures and killing arbitrarily. At the same time, the Viet Cong weren’t angels and did their share of atrocities as well. War is hell. People are people and they make bad choices.
Next for me in this series: Tears of the Gods (published July 5, 2011)
*Genre* Fiction, Science Fiction
See my review--->http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/
*Series synopsis*
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. As one of hosts of Chasing History’s Monsters, Annya is always on the lookout for strange and unusual happenings around the globe.
*The Story*
Restless Soul, Rogue Angel #28, begins in an unusual way for our heroine Annya Creed; she is actually trying to take a much needed vacation with an Argentinian archaeologist named Luartaro (Lu) Agustin who she may, or may not have feelings for.
After flying off on a whim to Thailand, Lu and Annya enjoy some much needed down time together. Naturally, one thing leads to another and they end up cave exploring. Annya and Lu end up stuck in the middle of large scale operation of relic traffickers who kill anyone who gets in their way. This after they discover vast amounts of relics and coffins.
What really gets Annya’s attention is the so called Human Skull bowl containing US military dog tags. They appear to be covered in blood and are at least 40 years old. (Obviously they are from dead US GIs that served during the Vietnam War).
Annya later learns that the markings are intended to keep the souls of the dead in the bowl and away from Voodoo legends Papa Glede, Kalfu, and Legba who guide them to the other side.
Naturally, Annya is a super heroine who refuses to allow the destruction of world’s artifacts and goes after those involved claiming she is reluctant to kill anyone for the sake of killing. She is also seemingly indestructible after being shot so many times, it’s hard to keep track.
This installment has no appearances by either Garin or Roux.
The writer of this story is definitely a person that lives for the fact that we should be careful of our environment and not leave heavy footprints that damage the planet. I don’t disagree with this principle. But, I rather not have writers put their personal views into their story telling when a particular character is in the middle of being of chased by bad guys out to KILL HER!
*Final Thoughts*
This book is unusual in that Annya’s so called love interest, Lu, actually survives to see another day. Obviously there is some truth behind this story of relic hunters in the former Opium Triangle known as Laos, Burma, Thailand, and Vietnam. There is also the correlation between Voodoo, Hoodoo, and Catholics that is once again played out in a story.
I wouldn’t say this was either the worse, or the best in the series.
To me, I’m hesitant to read about the destruction of natural and national treasures like what happened in Iraq during the war. I’m not surprised to see a writer belittle the American GI’s in Vietnam for stealing treasures and killing arbitrarily. At the same time, the Viet Cong weren’t angels and did their share of atrocities as well. War is hell. People are people and they make bad choices.
Next for me in this series: Tears of the Gods (published July 5, 2011)
October 14, 2011
Twenty-eighth in the Rogue Angel urban fantasy series revolving around a sexy archeologist, Annja Creed. By night, Annja wields the broadsword of Joan of Arc, by day she alternates between serious archeology and acting as one of two hosts for a cheesy television series, Chasing History's Monsters.
The Story
Annja takes a real vacation with Luartaro in Thailand and on one of their last few days, they pay for a personal tour of a spirit cave in which they find treasure---real and archeological. A smuggler's hoard which the smugglers are very active about keeping a secret.
It's chases up the wazoo on foot and by car with Annja accepting the need to use her sword as she fights to shut down their smuggling ring.
The Characters
Annja Creed is a serious archeologist but is not attached to any one museum or university so if she wants to be on a dig, she either needs an invitation or must finance it herself. Between what she gets paid by the television studio and the hope the studio will be interested in a particular site they can "enhance" for their audience, Annja does okay.
Luartaro Agustin is an archeologist whom Annja met in Argentina while Chasing History's Monsters was filming a segment on penguin-like fossils.
No Garin or Roux.
My Take
Color me surprised! Usually, if Annja has a love interest, he gets killed off in the story! Or, he's a bad guy. Other than that, this particular installment in the series is a bit formulaic without the usual tension. And, no, that does not mean that I wanted Luartaro to die! It's just that the early excitement with the chase down the side of the mountain and escaping the gun-toting bad guys slid down into an easy car chase and a simple capture. Well, simple for Annja.
The usual gold and jewels that the everybody wants for their own and, what Annja sees as the true treasure, carved teak coffins older than dirt.
I did like several quotes in the story:
The Cover
The cover is a bit weird. Her long hair floating behind her, Annja is pacing toward us in rainboots, coming down the stone steps out of the light in a short, black, flirty skirt---hey, its decorated with three sexy buckles on the side!---and a khaki green tank top, weight-lifting gloves on her hands as she holds her sword out in front of her. Gold and jewels are piled next to the steps glistening in the light shining in from the cave opening behind her.
The title is oh-too-true as it is those Restless Souls that catch Annja's attention and set off the firestorm.
The Story
Annja takes a real vacation with Luartaro in Thailand and on one of their last few days, they pay for a personal tour of a spirit cave in which they find treasure---real and archeological. A smuggler's hoard which the smugglers are very active about keeping a secret.
It's chases up the wazoo on foot and by car with Annja accepting the need to use her sword as she fights to shut down their smuggling ring.
The Characters
Annja Creed is a serious archeologist but is not attached to any one museum or university so if she wants to be on a dig, she either needs an invitation or must finance it herself. Between what she gets paid by the television studio and the hope the studio will be interested in a particular site they can "enhance" for their audience, Annja does okay.
Luartaro Agustin is an archeologist whom Annja met in Argentina while Chasing History's Monsters was filming a segment on penguin-like fossils.
No Garin or Roux.
My Take
Color me surprised! Usually, if Annja has a love interest, he gets killed off in the story! Or, he's a bad guy. Other than that, this particular installment in the series is a bit formulaic without the usual tension. And, no, that does not mean that I wanted Luartaro to die! It's just that the early excitement with the chase down the side of the mountain and escaping the gun-toting bad guys slid down into an easy car chase and a simple capture. Well, simple for Annja.
The usual gold and jewels that the everybody wants for their own and, what Annja sees as the true treasure, carved teak coffins older than dirt.
I did like several quotes in the story:
"We will be known forever by the tracks we leave "
"We do not inherit the land from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
-- Native American proverbs
The Cover
The cover is a bit weird. Her long hair floating behind her, Annja is pacing toward us in rainboots, coming down the stone steps out of the light in a short, black, flirty skirt---hey, its decorated with three sexy buckles on the side!---and a khaki green tank top, weight-lifting gloves on her hands as she holds her sword out in front of her. Gold and jewels are piled next to the steps glistening in the light shining in from the cave opening behind her.
The title is oh-too-true as it is those Restless Souls that catch Annja's attention and set off the firestorm.
January 21, 2017
I carry a paperback book in my purse for the rare occasions that I have to wait, like at the DMV or the doctor's office. Because there may be weeks between times I pull the book out to read, I need a book in a series that is easy to get back into. Rogue Angel is just the series for me. The books are interesting and highly formalized. The main character, a woman with Joan d'Arc's sword, is an archaeologist, which provides us with many possible exotic locations and many relic thieves for her to fight. The formula is light and entertaining, making the books comfortable.
January 14, 2011
I marked this as ok..maybe I just wasn't in the mood or just not feeling Annja. I really do like this seris and all the artifacts Annja finds, the choices she makes and dealing with her sword. This book and the last that was out just not feeling like the earlier books. Will have to see how next book is.
September 7, 2013
This doesn't happen often with this series, but I really felt there were a page quota met and then the book was rushed to an end/cut off. I really felt there were loose threads of the story at the end that were never woven shut.
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July 17, 2014enjoyed it. Liked the Voodoo reference. As much as I like them I still have a hard time getting past her always getting so beat up even tho she is such a martial arts expert. Makes me say OH PUHLEASE. Parts are very funny and most is good and action packed.
December 29, 2011
One of the better parts of this series for me. Fairly deep background with history and archaeology puts it above some others. And other than the magic sword it's pretty much believable.
March 26, 2012
Enjoyed the book, Another good book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews