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Rogue Angel #8
Secret of the Slaves
The city of Promise holds the key to eternal life for some. Death for others.
When archaeologist Annja Creed is hired to find the lost city of Promise in Brazil, she is more than intrigued. Legends abound of a magical place where slaves were rumored to have discovered the secret to eternal youth and life. But strangers are not welcome in Promise.
Annja soon learns that the residents have gone to extreme lengths to guard their precious secret. Making her way from the steamy port of Belem to the brutal slums of Northeast Brazil, Annja faces unexpected peril, from poisoned arrows to Amazonian anacondas. As she navigates through a land where spirituality collides with the material world, Annja must distinguish between what is real and what is imagined for fear of making a wrong move. Because anyone or anything could be her enemy.
And she's getting too close....
When archaeologist Annja Creed is hired to find the lost city of Promise in Brazil, she is more than intrigued. Legends abound of a magical place where slaves were rumored to have discovered the secret to eternal youth and life. But strangers are not welcome in Promise.
Annja soon learns that the residents have gone to extreme lengths to guard their precious secret. Making her way from the steamy port of Belem to the brutal slums of Northeast Brazil, Annja faces unexpected peril, from poisoned arrows to Amazonian anacondas. As she navigates through a land where spirituality collides with the material world, Annja must distinguish between what is real and what is imagined for fear of making a wrong move. Because anyone or anything could be her enemy.
And she's getting too close....
348 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2007
16 people are currently reading
606 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 45 reviews
November 27, 2010
The 8th book in the Rogue Angel series finds our heroine archaeologist Annya Creed being asked by a billionaire, Sir Iain Moran, to help find the lost city of Promise and a tribe that is supposingly hoarding technology from the world in the Amazon Jungle including the secret to immortality.
Naturally, Annya doesn't believe him to be an evil, sick, manipulative son of a basket case, so she agrees to fly to Brazil to look for clues. You would think after so many adventurers both on her own, and with a partner, she would be a little less trusting of others. Especially those with billions; think Garin and Roux.
During every turn in her investigation, a group called the Promessians, stand in her way. They have advanced technology and shoot what appear to be ray guns at her and her partner Dan. Their one lead is killed to prevent her from leaking more information out. Annya notices her bed cover moving and finds a snake within. She is constantly attacked and left to defend herself with her skills and her swords. Of course, another one of Annya's partners ends up dead and there's the whole Iain and a bunch of nasty Mercs who want to destroy the city of Promise and everything it stands for.
In this novel, Annya doesn't have any regrets in taking out her sword and using it to defend herself and Dan. It's not until she finds out that Iain is a lying scumbag and she is shot, left for dead and then brought back to life by the Promessians, that she realizes the errors of her ways and her regrets at killing innocents along the way. She is supposed to be a defender, and yet in this book, she becomes the antagonist.
The one thing I liked about this novel; Garin and Roux don't show up anywhere trying to steal the artificat that Annya has worked so hard to find. Onwards and upwards to book 10 in the series, since I already read number 9.
Naturally, Annya doesn't believe him to be an evil, sick, manipulative son of a basket case, so she agrees to fly to Brazil to look for clues. You would think after so many adventurers both on her own, and with a partner, she would be a little less trusting of others. Especially those with billions; think Garin and Roux.
During every turn in her investigation, a group called the Promessians, stand in her way. They have advanced technology and shoot what appear to be ray guns at her and her partner Dan. Their one lead is killed to prevent her from leaking more information out. Annya notices her bed cover moving and finds a snake within. She is constantly attacked and left to defend herself with her skills and her swords. Of course, another one of Annya's partners ends up dead and there's the whole Iain and a bunch of nasty Mercs who want to destroy the city of Promise and everything it stands for.
In this novel, Annya doesn't have any regrets in taking out her sword and using it to defend herself and Dan. It's not until she finds out that Iain is a lying scumbag and she is shot, left for dead and then brought back to life by the Promessians, that she realizes the errors of her ways and her regrets at killing innocents along the way. She is supposed to be a defender, and yet in this book, she becomes the antagonist.
The one thing I liked about this novel; Garin and Roux don't show up anywhere trying to steal the artificat that Annya has worked so hard to find. Onwards and upwards to book 10 in the series, since I already read number 9.
April 2, 2018
While I cannot say that I did not like the book it was not my favorite. I say this because the book seems to go from several significant events to just page filling dialog and action that do not really lend to the story all that well. I also do not feel that the main character in the story acted in a way that she has in past stories. While she does not hesitate to kill if need be, she has not displayed the blood lust in past books that she does in this one. I found this to be a little off putting that and the fact that many of the characters that made the other books so good were not in this one there was not Gavin of Roux or even her producer from the show that she is in. these were the things that made the other story so entertaining and were absent in this one. If you are a long time reader of the series read this one so you can check it off. But if you are looking for the first book to read in this series do not make this your first one.
August 28, 2015
I was disappointed in this one. Annja (the heroine of the series) falls for the bad guys story, hook, line & sinker. For most of the book. Up to this point, she's been much too smart to do so. I kept hoping the author was going to give me some reason, however flimsy, explaining why she was suddenly so gullible. Alas, it was not to be. This series is pure fluff and I don't expect much from them aside from a quick and enjoyable read. This one was quick enough, but somewhat lacking in entertainment value.
June 25, 2019
Good book. I didn't like all the killing of minor characters, and some other things that went on. That is why it only got 3 stars.
March 8, 2018
This is one of my favorite series, dealing with Annja Creed, host of a History Channel-like tv series who has come into the possession of the mystical sword of Joan of Arc. This is one of the early entries in the series, dealing with Annja's involvement with a billionaire pop star/humanitarian who is seeking a lost city in Brazil that reportedly houses a civilization with advanced technology. The story moves along quickly, through several Brazilian cities and heading deep into the Amazon and there is plenty of action. However, this being one of the early efforts, the plot is thin and more and more action is used to try and cover it up. Also there are several gaps that could have been explained a lot more better but looks like the story was pushed ahead to try to wrap it up faster. If you like the series, and I love it, this book is not one of the best but it is a fast paced adventure that has a few plot twists you don't see coming.
February 15, 2012
This book was definitely not my favorite. Roux and Garin make no appearances at all. I don't know why the author does not include them in every book, they are very interesting characters and add a lot to the story. Also why is it that whenever Annja goes away with a male on a expedition she ends up sleeping with said male and then said male ends up getting killed. She has a really bad track record with men. I do find the historical aspects of the books interesting so I will continue to read the rest.
June 8, 2008
This was one of the worst ever
June 4, 2018
Secret of the Slaves (Rogue Angel #8)
by Alex Archer
I miss Victor Milan, I love reading these books and seeing more of his works, but not being able to talk with him makes reading these books hard. Secret of Slaves is a South American mystery on the Amazon. The idea that escaped slaves were able to make a society not only protected but thriving is something that modern Black Panther fans are thrilled by. The fact that that society is formed by a group of people that were oppressed, and subjugated is the story of an underdog. Which is more popular than ever at this time. Another book to share and try to understand how the struggle is and how it can be turned around. Annja Creed is asked by a Philanthropist Rock star to find this mysterious society, that is denying the world their secret knowledge. He claims that they are costing people their lives because of their diabolical machinations. What Annja finds is that more than one person is hiding their own secrets. A great story of mystery, and intrigue. This story brings out more of Annja's character and shows her personal strength.
by Alex Archer
I miss Victor Milan, I love reading these books and seeing more of his works, but not being able to talk with him makes reading these books hard. Secret of Slaves is a South American mystery on the Amazon. The idea that escaped slaves were able to make a society not only protected but thriving is something that modern Black Panther fans are thrilled by. The fact that that society is formed by a group of people that were oppressed, and subjugated is the story of an underdog. Which is more popular than ever at this time. Another book to share and try to understand how the struggle is and how it can be turned around. Annja Creed is asked by a Philanthropist Rock star to find this mysterious society, that is denying the world their secret knowledge. He claims that they are costing people their lives because of their diabolical machinations. What Annja finds is that more than one person is hiding their own secrets. A great story of mystery, and intrigue. This story brings out more of Annja's character and shows her personal strength.
January 6, 2023
I prefer the books in this series written by Mel Odom. They are typically more focused on history and less on fantasy/sci-fi. This is not by Mel Odom so it does have heavily fantastical elements, however I would say I preferred it to the books like The Chosen or The Lost Scrolls or Solomon’s Jar which also err on the side of fantasy.
These also characterize Annja inconsistently with the others, and since Destiny is where we first meet her, that is how I believe she truly is. These books also have Roux and Garin appear infrequently so if you like them, then the ones not by Mel aren’t for you.
All in all, if you don’t like the fantasy aspect but approach this knowing it is more fantastical, this book is better than the others that came before it.
These also characterize Annja inconsistently with the others, and since Destiny is where we first meet her, that is how I believe she truly is. These books also have Roux and Garin appear infrequently so if you like them, then the ones not by Mel aren’t for you.
All in all, if you don’t like the fantasy aspect but approach this knowing it is more fantastical, this book is better than the others that came before it.
July 15, 2019
3 stars.
So in this episode, we have a Bob Geldof type character, asking Annja to investigate the rumours of a mysterious city in the Amazon. The city is like the Black Panther's Wakanda with advanced technologies that he believes will help humankind.
Of course, nothing is that simple as the truth is gradually revealed. We get an insight into the devastation to the Amazon and its people during Annja's travels and I have to admit, it sounds horrific!!
As usual, lots of action and another really high dead count. I have to say, if I was a man, I'd stay well away from Annja since anyone travelling with her seem to die! (Except for Roux and Garin, so far.)
So in this episode, we have a Bob Geldof type character, asking Annja to investigate the rumours of a mysterious city in the Amazon. The city is like the Black Panther's Wakanda with advanced technologies that he believes will help humankind.
Of course, nothing is that simple as the truth is gradually revealed. We get an insight into the devastation to the Amazon and its people during Annja's travels and I have to admit, it sounds horrific!!
As usual, lots of action and another really high dead count. I have to say, if I was a man, I'd stay well away from Annja since anyone travelling with her seem to die! (Except for Roux and Garin, so far.)
July 5, 2021
Actually not too bad. Or, really, it's pretty good, for what it is...an urban fantasy novel that seems to want to feature "magic" but then again, is gunshy of the topic. It's a weird dance.
Plot wise: Better than the last few.
Topic wise: Interesting. The book features some discussion of the poverty of Brasil and the extreme destructive capitalism going on in the jungle but...it's a novel. I was surprised by the medium depth of the topic. As with much of the topic, I have to wonder if the author has been there or where did they get their research?
NPCs: easy come, easy go, apparently.
Plot wise: Better than the last few.
Topic wise: Interesting. The book features some discussion of the poverty of Brasil and the extreme destructive capitalism going on in the jungle but...it's a novel. I was surprised by the medium depth of the topic. As with much of the topic, I have to wonder if the author has been there or where did they get their research?
NPCs: easy come, easy go, apparently.
April 23, 2020
This novel was one of the best Rogue Angel books so far. It was like Heart of Darkness meets Lost Horizon. Annja does some legitimate thinking about where she stands morally and there is more complexity to the character relationships than in the past seven installments.
This is a great one to read as a stand-alone, as neither Roux nor Garin appear in the novel, and there is very little of the series' ongoing television show plot.
This is a great one to read as a stand-alone, as neither Roux nor Garin appear in the novel, and there is very little of the series' ongoing television show plot.
July 25, 2018
Voice acting is good, but I think there should be a special place in hell for those that make music and background sounds so loud that you cannot hear the dialog. 0/5 for horrible graphic audio choices!
August 26, 2020
Action and a little history
I love stories of the Maroons,there are so few. The action here was good,as usual,but I found the characters more developed than in other Rogue Angel books,The premise of the tribe still existing was entertaining.
I love stories of the Maroons,there are so few. The action here was good,as usual,but I found the characters more developed than in other Rogue Angel books,The premise of the tribe still existing was entertaining.
July 8, 2017
Another book filled with adventure and action. This woman is bad a$&@! She finds stuff then has to defend items from those who want then for their own purpose. On to Warrior Spirit!
February 21, 2020
A really good series
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
Read
January 10, 2021entertaining. still more beat-em-up kill-em-dead violence than i'd like.
multi-author series, victor milan
multi-author series, victor milan
September 19, 2025
To be honest, this book was cruising along at a solid 3 stars until about and hour and a half before the end, then it dove into the depths of ridiculousness. I listen to audiobooks so I don't know what chapter/page but it's right about the time that Sir Ian is revealed to be a maniacal comic book villain. As a bad guy, he makes no sense. Even if we leave off the fact that he shows no signs what-so-ever of being the bad guy the very end (which seem like less of a surprise and more completely random), how does an Irish rock star know about a hidden tribe in the amazon? As if South America didn't have enough bad guys of their own, they needed to import some random white guy? And what was up with that 'evil council' they were literally only in one scene in the entire book and it was a scene that a) made no sense and b) wasn't linked to anything else in the book.
Then there's Dan, Anya's companion on this adventure, who dies by the end, of course. After all, what's a sidekick for if not to die heroically, do they make them wear red shirts too? True, I didn't like him very much given that he was a holier-than-thou socialist eco-warrior but still. Oh, and apparently he was soulless assassin too. How do we know, because the Promessians told us so of course.
This leads me to an issue I had with Anya in this book. She is so freaking gullible! First she swallowed Sir Ian's story hook-line-and-sinker, then, instead of learning her lesson, she does the same thing with the Promessians, just believes everything they say no questions asked. She's supposed to be intelligent!!! Then they have the nerve to guilt trip her for not knowing they were the good guys right from the start. They popped into the hotel room and gave her cryptic warnings and threatened her, then tried to kill her on several occasions of course she should have known they were the good guys! After all, it's not like they're members of an advanced civilization that could sit down and talk with her like rational human beings or anything.
Then there is the Promessians, I think the author went a little overboard with how they hammered on the whole 'noble savage' stereotype. Nearly an hour of the book was spent illustrating how perfect their society is with them gently sneering at the 'misguided' white woman. I get it that they are supposed to be Wakanda in the Amazon, with advanced technology, mental abilities and healing skills, but it's never really explained where they came from or how they got them. The closest we get to an explanation is that they 'gathered all knowledge from around the world'. But the internet contains knowledge from around the world too and it doesn't seem to be making people that much smarter or more noble.
Speaking of nobility, I'm not sure I would call the Promessians all that noble. They think nothing of killing or mind wiping anyone who threatens them. They excuse their unwillingness to share their knowledge with the world but saying that they need it to trade with. (How is that any different from a pharmaceutical company who invents a live saving drug but makes it so expensive that most people can't afford it so they can make more money instead of saving more people's lives?) They also intentionally set their own people up to be killed by Anya as a kind of test - and feel no remorse for doing so. At one point the leader of the Promessians says "Those who believe they know best always commit the greatest crimes". I can't help but wonder if she was looking in a mirror when she said it.
Overall, I've noticed that my rating for this series are getting lower and lower. I'm probably still going to read the next book but I'm starting to feel less enthusiasm. I would like to learn more about the sword, and why it was given to Anya and what she is supposed to do with it. It's rather the elephant lurking in the background without ever really being explained.
Then there's Dan, Anya's companion on this adventure, who dies by the end, of course. After all, what's a sidekick for if not to die heroically, do they make them wear red shirts too? True, I didn't like him very much given that he was a holier-than-thou socialist eco-warrior but still. Oh, and apparently he was soulless assassin too. How do we know, because the Promessians told us so of course.
This leads me to an issue I had with Anya in this book. She is so freaking gullible! First she swallowed Sir Ian's story hook-line-and-sinker, then, instead of learning her lesson, she does the same thing with the Promessians, just believes everything they say no questions asked. She's supposed to be intelligent!!! Then they have the nerve to guilt trip her for not knowing they were the good guys right from the start. They popped into the hotel room and gave her cryptic warnings and threatened her, then tried to kill her on several occasions of course she should have known they were the good guys! After all, it's not like they're members of an advanced civilization that could sit down and talk with her like rational human beings or anything.
Then there is the Promessians, I think the author went a little overboard with how they hammered on the whole 'noble savage' stereotype. Nearly an hour of the book was spent illustrating how perfect their society is with them gently sneering at the 'misguided' white woman. I get it that they are supposed to be Wakanda in the Amazon, with advanced technology, mental abilities and healing skills, but it's never really explained where they came from or how they got them. The closest we get to an explanation is that they 'gathered all knowledge from around the world'. But the internet contains knowledge from around the world too and it doesn't seem to be making people that much smarter or more noble.
Speaking of nobility, I'm not sure I would call the Promessians all that noble. They think nothing of killing or mind wiping anyone who threatens them. They excuse their unwillingness to share their knowledge with the world but saying that they need it to trade with. (How is that any different from a pharmaceutical company who invents a live saving drug but makes it so expensive that most people can't afford it so they can make more money instead of saving more people's lives?) They also intentionally set their own people up to be killed by Anya as a kind of test - and feel no remorse for doing so. At one point the leader of the Promessians says "Those who believe they know best always commit the greatest crimes". I can't help but wonder if she was looking in a mirror when she said it.
Overall, I've noticed that my rating for this series are getting lower and lower. I'm probably still going to read the next book but I'm starting to feel less enthusiasm. I would like to learn more about the sword, and why it was given to Anya and what she is supposed to do with it. It's rather the elephant lurking in the background without ever really being explained.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2017
I liked the harder edged Annja but the surrounding story and characters did not quite live up to the standard of the character. Still an enjoyable book.
March 12, 2012
Wow. This really was every bit as bad as previous reviewers said it was.
I strongly suspect the author/s has/ve a bee in their bonnet about Bono, given how close their bad guy appears to resemble the man - something I giggled about far more than I should have every time said bad guy got any page time.
You can definitely tell this is where the author/s in the series change though - suddenly Lara... I mean Annja... changes character completely - discovers she's missing a relationship and/or sex - gets a relationship AND sex - seems obsessed with the way other people are dressed (and other women's breast sizes / flat bellies) - and ends up dealing with attempted rape.
I'll probably keep reading the series despite... or maybe just give it another book or two to recover from the change of author.
But really. Wow. Rogue Angel was never an erudite series to start with, but this took it to new and unplombed lows.
I strongly suspect the author/s has/ve a bee in their bonnet about Bono, given how close their bad guy appears to resemble the man - something I giggled about far more than I should have every time said bad guy got any page time.
You can definitely tell this is where the author/s in the series change though - suddenly Lara... I mean Annja... changes character completely - discovers she's missing a relationship and/or sex - gets a relationship AND sex - seems obsessed with the way other people are dressed (and other women's breast sizes / flat bellies) - and ends up dealing with attempted rape.
I'll probably keep reading the series despite... or maybe just give it another book or two to recover from the change of author.
But really. Wow. Rogue Angel was never an erudite series to start with, but this took it to new and unplombed lows.
July 1, 2014
Though this was a good action tale, I don't think it followed the background story well.
The Annja Creed of this installment of the series displayed a very different personality than in any of the previous novels. She seemed more aggressive, and short-tempered. Where was the healing power and energy associated with her possessing the sword? And there were things that went on that were in direct conflict with her Destiny, and the spirit that still, supposedly, resides in a corner of her mind.
Also, there were a few passages where the author tended to belabor a point, or ramble on a little more than seemed necessary, as if trying to fill white space with useless fluff.
Were this not supposed to be another installment in a series, I don't think I would have been as critical. But some consistency is required if the main character is to live on.
I believe this should be retitled, "Annja Through The Looking Glass."
The Annja Creed of this installment of the series displayed a very different personality than in any of the previous novels. She seemed more aggressive, and short-tempered. Where was the healing power and energy associated with her possessing the sword? And there were things that went on that were in direct conflict with her Destiny, and the spirit that still, supposedly, resides in a corner of her mind.
Also, there were a few passages where the author tended to belabor a point, or ramble on a little more than seemed necessary, as if trying to fill white space with useless fluff.
Were this not supposed to be another installment in a series, I don't think I would have been as critical. But some consistency is required if the main character is to live on.
I believe this should be retitled, "Annja Through The Looking Glass."
October 4, 2010
Okay, history is not something I had thought of categorizing the Rogue Angel series under but this novel made me think of it. It's part of the attraction this series has for me...besides all the mystery and the strong heroine in action!
I hadn't realized the Maroon culture had also been in Brazil although it really was rather stupid to think it was limited to the Caribbean... The bad guy in this was rather typical...and I'd had such hopes after the initial few pages...sigh... I'd like to know what he was on...
I hadn't realized the Maroon culture had also been in Brazil although it really was rather stupid to think it was limited to the Caribbean... The bad guy in this was rather typical...and I'd had such hopes after the initial few pages...sigh... I'd like to know what he was on...
June 5, 2012
Once again this series is a fun escape. Nothing deep, perhaps just a twinge of thought provoking insight.
Amazon rainforest, dangerous slum adventure, Rock star magnetism and ego to go with it. Old world colony with new world technology and a touch of mysticism. And as always, a kick ass girl with morals! Yea!
Not my favorite Rogue Angel book but fun just the same.
Spoiler:
My main pet peeve... why must the new guys (whether good or bad) always die? Oh well - next!
Amazon rainforest, dangerous slum adventure, Rock star magnetism and ego to go with it. Old world colony with new world technology and a touch of mysticism. And as always, a kick ass girl with morals! Yea!
Not my favorite Rogue Angel book but fun just the same.
Spoiler:
My main pet peeve... why must the new guys (whether good or bad) always die? Oh well - next!
December 23, 2009
This one was pretty good, but that Sir Ian dude sucked. Glad he got what he deserved. I really don't feel like these books ever come to a good close. This one at least had a finale, but no real answers. Maybe not good ones I guess. And I'm getting sad that all of her companions are going the way of heaven.. :o(
Read
December 31, 2010These books are pretty formulaic, but not really a bad read. This one, the villian was pretty obvious to me. It just didn't feel right and you'd think after whats she's been through she'd have seen things a little faster/clearer.
But I do have to say that the history aspects really interest me, and the fantasy/myth lover in me is enjoying the books.
But I do have to say that the history aspects really interest me, and the fantasy/myth lover in me is enjoying the books.
February 3, 2012
Compared to Serpent's Kiss( Which is the best so far) this is the worst book I have read in this series..It was boring, I just couldn't get interested in it.I've noticed sometimes the back of these books sound way better then they actually are..So Rogue Angel readers Just skip this one..Pick some other ones up instead..
October 20, 2012
The story revolves around the search for a Lost tribe who are rumored to have discovered the secret to eternal life. The main character is an archaeologist Annja Creed who can summon out of thin air Joan of Arc's sword. There's lots of action and adventure. If you liked the tv show Relic Hunter you will love this.
June 22, 2015
I liked this one a lot. Non-stop action and a bit of the mystical thrown in for fun. I would have liked to see more of Moran and the WSC (as I call them). The how and the why would have been interesting to know.
The end was pretty solid, all those lose ends neatly tied up. That last paragraph though I felt was very unnecessary.
The end was pretty solid, all those lose ends neatly tied up. That last paragraph though I felt was very unnecessary.
May 8, 2011
This one is a little different than most of the Rogue Angel books. Annja is a bit more gullible and there's considerably less archeology. The book did not suffer from a lack of action though. Not a bad addition to the Rogue Angel series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews