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Rogue Angel #11
Provenance
When a mysterious man orchestrates an attack on archaeologist Annja Creed and then offers her an assignment, Annja is baffl ed. But the mission is too intriguing for her to refuse. She must fi nd an object that possesses a sacred and powerful secret offering atonement to anyone who uncovers it—or wreaking havoc on the world.
Stolen from an ancient order of knights, the relic is now in the clutches of a band of pirates sailing the South China Sea. When a government leader threatens to destroy the pirate ship—along with the artifact—rather than let it get into the wrong hands, Annja must decide at what cost the sacred prize should be protected. Destroying it would defi le history. But saving it could bring about apocalypse.
Stolen from an ancient order of knights, the relic is now in the clutches of a band of pirates sailing the South China Sea. When a government leader threatens to destroy the pirate ship—along with the artifact—rather than let it get into the wrong hands, Annja must decide at what cost the sacred prize should be protected. Destroying it would defi le history. But saving it could bring about apocalypse.
348 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2008
15 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Alex Archer
99 books236 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 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 10, 2015
This is the first book of this series that I have ever read. It was action packed and kept my attention very well. I have to say the end was very disappointing that we don’t get to find out what the artifact is exactly. 339 pages leading up to Annja finally get to open the container and the author still leaves his readers hanging. Not very nice. In fact, it was huge let down. I was going to give this book 4 star until I got to the end and had the rug pulled out from under me, so to speak. I would now give it 2.5 stars, but since there aren’t half stars on Goodreads, it will get 3 from me.
I will probably try another book in this series and hope it not as anticlimactic as this one turned out to be in the end.
I will probably try another book in this series and hope it not as anticlimactic as this one turned out to be in the end.
December 29, 2009
This is another one of the better ones, even if her relationship with the Sultan was a little hokey. He was supposed to be young, but not that immature. And I guess he wasn't as immature as he was just naive. I don't know.. but I wish Annja would have gotten some! ;o) It makes me sad that she thinks she can't have a relationship of any kind because of her job. Not that there is any character development or anything.. whatever.
December 2, 2010
The one problem with this book was, it reminded me too much of the Templar series. Annya goes from being on a cruise liner that is suddenly hijacked by pirates who are looking to steal a valuable treasure (a coffin); to being attacked in her own home by ninja like warriors intent on capturing her because she was on that fated ocean liner; to Panama where she discoves that the coffin has been loaded onto a ship headed towards the Phillippines.
The nice thing about this story is, yes, there's a Garin sighting, but, it's only on the cruise ship. Then he disappears not following Annya around trying to take the artificat for himself. About time!
Annya has become some what of a protector now, vs an archeaologist in this book. The overall storyline is that there is a reliq that has been hidden since the 6th crusade and protected by a group of Knights. On the other side, there's a group of terrorists who want that reliq for themselves since they believe it weilds major power.
In between, Annya finds herself enamoured with a Sultan named Wira, and has to fend off numerous assassination attempts. The last battle scene when both sides, Knights and Sultants men, is well written. I look forward to reading the action when Annya is actually wielding her sword.
The one thing I hate from writers, is when they attempt to influence their political beliefs onto readers to get their views across. I don't care for it, and it forces me to skim over those parts of the storyline. If you want to write a political novel, do so at your own leasure. Just my opinion.
The nice thing about this story is, yes, there's a Garin sighting, but, it's only on the cruise ship. Then he disappears not following Annya around trying to take the artificat for himself. About time!
Annya has become some what of a protector now, vs an archeaologist in this book. The overall storyline is that there is a reliq that has been hidden since the 6th crusade and protected by a group of Knights. On the other side, there's a group of terrorists who want that reliq for themselves since they believe it weilds major power.
In between, Annya finds herself enamoured with a Sultan named Wira, and has to fend off numerous assassination attempts. The last battle scene when both sides, Knights and Sultants men, is well written. I look forward to reading the action when Annya is actually wielding her sword.
The one thing I hate from writers, is when they attempt to influence their political beliefs onto readers to get their views across. I don't care for it, and it forces me to skim over those parts of the storyline. If you want to write a political novel, do so at your own leasure. Just my opinion.
April 22, 2019
W0w this was bad. I have read the previous 10 books so am able to say with conviction that the characters, including Annja were flat. The story was thin (even for a series of books that are formulaic, if often enjoyable) and seemed to be an excuse to write an implausible number of fight scenes.
I know that a large part of the appeal of these books is the fiesty, powerful Annja and her skills with the broadsword. Usually however, the fights are key to the plot, not overlong and Annja is not invincible, merely skilled and courageous. In this story, because the characterisation is so sketchy, she comes off as not better than the pirates she is killing. The author's frequent reference to her remorse for this rings false as there is nothing to suggest remorse or dislike of killing in her actions.
Year 3 children are taught that they need to 'show not tell' in their writing and this is a lesson that Victor Milán needs to re-learn. Before looking at another in this series, I shall check that he is not the one being Alex Archer.
The ony reason that this dd not get 1 star is because, however unnecessary most of them were, the fight scenes were well written. Next time they just need a story to hold them together!
I know that a large part of the appeal of these books is the fiesty, powerful Annja and her skills with the broadsword. Usually however, the fights are key to the plot, not overlong and Annja is not invincible, merely skilled and courageous. In this story, because the characterisation is so sketchy, she comes off as not better than the pirates she is killing. The author's frequent reference to her remorse for this rings false as there is nothing to suggest remorse or dislike of killing in her actions.
Year 3 children are taught that they need to 'show not tell' in their writing and this is a lesson that Victor Milán needs to re-learn. Before looking at another in this series, I shall check that he is not the one being Alex Archer.
The ony reason that this dd not get 1 star is because, however unnecessary most of them were, the fight scenes were well written. Next time they just need a story to hold them together!
May 18, 2023
Like any well-written pulp novel, this moves along quickly and keeps the reader engaged. For me, that means when I go to pick up the next book in the pile each day to read a chunk, I don't skip over this one. Lots of fun. Interesting new characters. It's a bit broken up into segments that don't connect terribly well, and could probably start closer to the middle, but in spite of jumping around, it stayed entertaining.
Technically, this is a pretty bloody book and series, with lots of guns and swords and explosions, but it doesn't feel bloody--not like some grimdark books or terrifying thrillers of the Criminal Minds type. I suppose that is because it feels less realistic than such novels, with lower stakes. Cozy pulp.... (I kid.) I wouldn't say cartoony, but it is definitely pulpy. I suppose if the main character acted normal, if it was more like real life, she would NOT charge into so many dangerous situations so recklessly. But she knows there are a few dozen more novels in the pipeline, all about her, so she's gonna be fine.
Recommended for people who like this series.
Technically, this is a pretty bloody book and series, with lots of guns and swords and explosions, but it doesn't feel bloody--not like some grimdark books or terrifying thrillers of the Criminal Minds type. I suppose that is because it feels less realistic than such novels, with lower stakes. Cozy pulp.... (I kid.) I wouldn't say cartoony, but it is definitely pulpy. I suppose if the main character acted normal, if it was more like real life, she would NOT charge into so many dangerous situations so recklessly. But she knows there are a few dozen more novels in the pipeline, all about her, so she's gonna be fine.
Recommended for people who like this series.
May 19, 2019
Archeologist and television personality Annja Creed finds herself in the middle of a tug of war between several factions for a mysterious religious relic that was hijacked from a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. The relic, if brought to light by the wrong party, could have world shattering consequences. Annja must decide if she can trust the leader of a tiny Pacific country who has claims to the artifact as she wonders what his motives are toward the relic - and to her.
The author, one of a rotation of writers in the series, does a good job in capturing the essence of Annja, who is still struggling to deal with her destiny as the descendant of Joan of Arc and inheriting her mystical sword and her semi normal life as the television host of a History Channel like series exploring the paranormal.
I truly like this series, with its mix of action and globe trotting adventure and this edition, the eleventh overall, lives up to the potential of the series. Recommended for adventure fans!
The author, one of a rotation of writers in the series, does a good job in capturing the essence of Annja, who is still struggling to deal with her destiny as the descendant of Joan of Arc and inheriting her mystical sword and her semi normal life as the television host of a History Channel like series exploring the paranormal.
I truly like this series, with its mix of action and globe trotting adventure and this edition, the eleventh overall, lives up to the potential of the series. Recommended for adventure fans!
December 28, 2021
This is my first read by this author. I will have to read at least 1 of the earlier books to get an idea of the style. This is because I found the storytelling in this book disjointed. For some reason he felt that doing a flashback sequence after a few hours of cutting an action sequence would be loved by the reader.
The lead character is interesting, no doubt, and the Garin who seemed most interesting than any other character in the book, disappears after the first few chapters.
And while I do know that this book would come under fantasy fiction (love the idea of summoning a weapon when needed), there are certain realities of physics that would have to be obeyed in magical worlds too. For eg. using a broadsword with one hand requires tremendous shoulder and arm strength, and accuracy + movement would be compromised a lot.
Anyhow, I will look up some of the first books, but not as a "oh I gotta know more about this series" priority.
The lead character is interesting, no doubt, and the Garin who seemed most interesting than any other character in the book, disappears after the first few chapters.
And while I do know that this book would come under fantasy fiction (love the idea of summoning a weapon when needed), there are certain realities of physics that would have to be obeyed in magical worlds too. For eg. using a broadsword with one hand requires tremendous shoulder and arm strength, and accuracy + movement would be compromised a lot.
Anyhow, I will look up some of the first books, but not as a "oh I gotta know more about this series" priority.
July 21, 2019
3.5 stars.
This one has the tone of a romantic suspense as Annja develops "feelings" for the rich and handsome Sultan who's trying to recover a religious relic that can "change the balance in the world".
And we have a secretive Templar-like sword-carrying Brotherhood protecting the relic who are the Sultan's adversary. On top of that we have pirates and a fanatical Muslim terrorists group backed by a secret US government agent, all keen to get their hands on the relic and to overthrow the Sultan and rule the world.
But what I remember most about this episode is how Annja rejects the overtures of the Sultan because she's an "American" (and I deliberately used the capital) and he's a Muslim and a Sultan with "responsibilities". It's all a bit chessy. I am also peeved that we never actually found out what the relic was (at least not in the Graphic Audio version).
This one has the tone of a romantic suspense as Annja develops "feelings" for the rich and handsome Sultan who's trying to recover a religious relic that can "change the balance in the world".
And we have a secretive Templar-like sword-carrying Brotherhood protecting the relic who are the Sultan's adversary. On top of that we have pirates and a fanatical Muslim terrorists group backed by a secret US government agent, all keen to get their hands on the relic and to overthrow the Sultan and rule the world.
But what I remember most about this episode is how Annja rejects the overtures of the Sultan because she's an "American" (and I deliberately used the capital) and he's a Muslim and a Sultan with "responsibilities". It's all a bit chessy. I am also peeved that we never actually found out what the relic was (at least not in the Graphic Audio version).
October 16, 2021
Well, dang it, here we go again. Although the story seemed to bog down somewhere in the middle, near the ending it all picked up again and a decent little surprise happened.
Still, the gasping reveal was a...a...
Rats.
It's like at the end of Raiders if the List Ark....the ark is put into a warehouse to be forgotten about.
Anyway. Read the book. You'll see what I mean.
But...as this series progresses, with as many people as Annja is pissing off, I wonder if karma will be it's usual self soon?
We shall see. So, stay tuned, intrepid readers...there's about, what, 30, 40 more books in the series?
Still, the gasping reveal was a...a...
Rats.
It's like at the end of Raiders if the List Ark....the ark is put into a warehouse to be forgotten about.
Anyway. Read the book. You'll see what I mean.
But...as this series progresses, with as many people as Annja is pissing off, I wonder if karma will be it's usual self soon?
We shall see. So, stay tuned, intrepid readers...there's about, what, 30, 40 more books in the series?
July 22, 2017
I was kind of disappointed with this book. After all the trouble to find the coffin, we do not know what is in it. I was so excited throughput the whole book, then very let down. I was glad Aanja did not stay with the Sultan, their lives are too different to try and make a relationship work. On to the next book!
April 23, 2018
she really has a great characters and love every one of her adventures
July 4, 2019
This one started out a little rocky but had a good ending. Other than that plenty to like about this book! I'm not giving away spoilers.
June 2, 2015
Grrrr. Sometimes, Goodreads doesn't register the review and everything written goes up into ethereal cyberspace upon hitting the save button!
Once again, another adventure with Annja Creed. There is plenty to like here but not "really like". A relic is stolen and Annja is requested in a rather unusual way to recover this dangerous relic. Asia, Europe, the Middle East and America all hold a claim to this relic. Beginning with returning a favor for Garin and continued traveling around the world makes Annja one determined woman. I found her dealings with the Sultan rather silly. She acted more like a star struck young teen than a 20 something self confidant woman. I think however, my favorite point in the book was its self-deprecating humor. Where Annja tries reading a book and is not able to suspend her belief about (and I quote) "the romantic adventures of an intrepid, globe-trotting female archaeologist". I laughed and laughed when I read this paragraph! Talk about poking fun at oneself - clever! A fun escape read, not one of the better Rogue Angel books, but fun just the same.
Once again, another adventure with Annja Creed. There is plenty to like here but not "really like". A relic is stolen and Annja is requested in a rather unusual way to recover this dangerous relic. Asia, Europe, the Middle East and America all hold a claim to this relic. Beginning with returning a favor for Garin and continued traveling around the world makes Annja one determined woman. I found her dealings with the Sultan rather silly. She acted more like a star struck young teen than a 20 something self confidant woman. I think however, my favorite point in the book was its self-deprecating humor. Where Annja tries reading a book and is not able to suspend her belief about (and I quote) "the romantic adventures of an intrepid, globe-trotting female archaeologist". I laughed and laughed when I read this paragraph! Talk about poking fun at oneself - clever! A fun escape read, not one of the better Rogue Angel books, but fun just the same.
February 7, 2017
I like the Rogue Angel series. I've read many of them. Provenance was not one of the best, but it was far from the worst. Like many books in the series, Annja Creed got swept up in the action for almost no reason. The supporting cast was fairly one dimensional. And the book built up a romance that was obviously never going to happen.
While the book won't win any literary prizes, there were some good parts. There were plenty of funny lines, like near the end when assassins broke into the palace where Annja was staying and she goes to rescue the Sultan. After the battle she sees everyone staring at her because she's just wearing a tee shirt and underwear and is covered in blood and she quips that "it's the latest fashion".
I will add that the ending was both frustrating and proper. In true Pulp Fiction style, they never show you what's in the coffin. Does whatever it is really have the power to bring about the Second Coming?
While the book won't win any literary prizes, there were some good parts. There were plenty of funny lines, like near the end when assassins broke into the palace where Annja was staying and she goes to rescue the Sultan. After the battle she sees everyone staring at her because she's just wearing a tee shirt and underwear and is covered in blood and she quips that "it's the latest fashion".
I will add that the ending was both frustrating and proper. In true Pulp Fiction style, they never show you what's in the coffin. Does whatever it is really have the power to bring about the Second Coming?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2013
I really liked these books in the beginning..but they are definitely getting old. I really don't think that I can read all 40+ that exist. They are always the same format, infamous relic, cute guy who usually dies and a lot of bad guys. Annja always makes it through with scrapes and bruises while everyone else dies. I really wish that Annja could maintain a relationship with a man for longer than one book, and I would love that man to be Garin. I enjoy the books more when Garin and Roux are in them but this book was lacking them both. In this story very little happens because there is so much talking. You also never know what group of bad guys Annja is fighting because there are soooo many. It took me a long time to get through this book and it will be a long time before I pick up another.
October 31, 2010
It took a long while before I figured out the connection between the story and the title.
This particular story was different from the others in that there wasn't much of the paranormal. Oh, sure, Annja pulled the sword out a few times, but mostly she traveled around the Pacific chasing an extremely violently sought artifact. I'm rather annoyed at all the cryptic avoidance of what she was actually chasing.
Garin's appearance was very brief; no Roux at all. New love interest appeared though and Annja's interactions with officialdom was surprisingly benign...for her...
This particular story was different from the others in that there wasn't much of the paranormal. Oh, sure, Annja pulled the sword out a few times, but mostly she traveled around the Pacific chasing an extremely violently sought artifact. I'm rather annoyed at all the cryptic avoidance of what she was actually chasing.
Garin's appearance was very brief; no Roux at all. New love interest appeared though and Annja's interactions with officialdom was surprisingly benign...for her...
January 27, 2013
I picked up the original Rogue Angel book a number of years ago at a bookstore. The heroine of the story happened to have the same basic first name as someone I knew very well. The novels are a great action oriented read. They involve a beautiful sword wielding archaeologist. Annja knows martial arts and is very athletic. She takes on anyone in a fight whether it be a gun, fists and legs or a sword. The sword used to belong to belong to Joan of Arc. Therefore, there is a small supernatural element to the novels. Each story can stand alone as an adventure.
June 7, 2013
Meh. I have pretty low expectations of this series (they're the novel equivalent of the Tomb Raider movies, but they're generally enjoyably silly and fun)
This instalment just felt like action/fight scenes randomly strung together, with a half-hearted attempt at a romance thread (also? I get the impression that the writers don't actually know any real adult women and are writing Lara-sorry-ANNJA's thought processes as running the way they remember those of girls they knew at highschool)
NOT, I think, one of the better instalments in the series.
This instalment just felt like action/fight scenes randomly strung together, with a half-hearted attempt at a romance thread (also? I get the impression that the writers don't actually know any real adult women and are writing Lara-sorry-ANNJA's thought processes as running the way they remember those of girls they knew at highschool)
NOT, I think, one of the better instalments in the series.
January 22, 2013
She cried a lot in this book - she still seems to be adapting to her sword, emotionally. Still like her later adventures when she's worked that out. Liked the little bit between Braden & herself. Her later adventures keep up the idea of an economically challenged Annja - she sure hopped around in this book, belying that impression. Overall, it was decent; the worst bits were the Sultan situation that made me wanna face palm & the never identified relic was annoyingly vague.
May 4, 2008
This is the 11th book in the Rogue Angel series. I always find them a light, entertaining, quick read. The ending of this one was a bit lame. As for what happens to the the "artifact", well, it makes me think of the Indiana Jones movie. The one that ends with the Ark of the Covenant being put in some massive warehouse. Possibly never to be seen again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2014
This thing was pathetic, even for a formulaic fluff book such as this. At times the author's grasp of the English language is tenuous at best.Not to even mention the grammar errors. Do these guys not have an editor? The item the book revolves around is left unknown at the end of the book. This is a novel for recycling not reading.
Want to read
September 5, 2009I found it at Kmart and it looked interesting. If I like it I may go find the rest of the series.
I put it on hold. I started reading it a long while ago, but if I were to pick it up again I'd have to start over.
I put it on hold. I started reading it a long while ago, but if I were to pick it up again I'd have to start over.
January 12, 2010
I really REALLY enjoyed this book. I have to say its the best in the series so far! I thought it was well rounded, correctly paced, and just the right amount of action, mystery, and emotion. There was nothing wrong with this book in my mind!
May 5, 2011
It was a little hard to follow since there were so many different groups of people fighting one another. The main reason this gets 4 stars is because the sword is used a lot in this book. Annja didn't use the sword much in the last 4 or 5 books which was getting irritating.
May 27, 2012
Maybe I missed this, but what was in the coffin?
Either way, me not figuring that out does not diminish how much I enjoyed this book... although it took me so long to finish. (not saying it's a mighty long book though; just that things came up and prevented me from reading through, uninterrupted.)
Either way, me not figuring that out does not diminish how much I enjoyed this book... although it took me so long to finish. (not saying it's a mighty long book though; just that things came up and prevented me from reading through, uninterrupted.)
September 18, 2013
Great quick read, love the idea and love this story and plot line. A bit forced post 9-11 concept but it was well done. A bit wrong footed but almost there at the end. things tend to get a bit fake towards the end sum up dialogue but on the whole a good read! On to the next...
Read
May 25, 2014Once the action gets started I'm completely involved in the book. At times when the main character is in her "down time" it can get a bit tedious. But the action is all consuming. I find I must keep reading (ignoring all other real life chores)
August 20, 2016
Loved the action sequences - Rogue Angel at its best but had to take away a star for the ridiculous crush on the sultan - turned Annja from a confident capable woman into a 13 year old, hated it but loved the rest of the book.
May 15, 2008
Started out good, but then went sideways.
June 8, 2008
This was the best one so far - a distinction that is completely meaningless. Unfortunately I can't give it one and a half stars, so I'll just give it one instead.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews