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Rogue Angel #4
The Chosen
Stunning events in New Mexico reveal secrets that may alter humanity's destiny...
Archaeologist Annja Creed believes there's more to the apparitions of Santo Niño—the Holy Child—luring thousands of pilgrims to Santa Fe. Other sightings of strange and anomalous creatures in the area indicate a mystery more profane than sacred—with links, perhaps, to Annja's own fate. But she is not alone in her quest to separate reliquaries from unholy minds who dare to harness sinister power. A dangerous yet enigmatic Jesuit, sworn to protect the Vatican at any cost, a brilliant young artist whose genius portrays a truth too potent for words and a famed monster hunter with a terrifying agenda are the keys to the secrets that lie in the heart of Los Alamos—and unlocking the door to the very fabric of time itself….
Archaeologist Annja Creed believes there's more to the apparitions of Santo Niño—the Holy Child—luring thousands of pilgrims to Santa Fe. Other sightings of strange and anomalous creatures in the area indicate a mystery more profane than sacred—with links, perhaps, to Annja's own fate. But she is not alone in her quest to separate reliquaries from unholy minds who dare to harness sinister power. A dangerous yet enigmatic Jesuit, sworn to protect the Vatican at any cost, a brilliant young artist whose genius portrays a truth too potent for words and a famed monster hunter with a terrifying agenda are the keys to the secrets that lie in the heart of Los Alamos—and unlocking the door to the very fabric of time itself….
350 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 9, 2007
22 people are currently reading
610 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 55 reviews
July 31, 2017
*** 4 ***
Weird winged creatures with red eyes are showing up at one of Annja's archaeological digs, while close by, in New Mexico, a mysterious child dressed in a costume of the 16th century appears to travelers and warns them of bad things to come... This was a much spookier addition to the series of the books up to now, but that made it even more interesting. On top of that, a supper-duper Catholic Priest begins following our magical Annja, and things go into religious myths and urban legends.
Loved the whole thing - nothing to amazing, just pure entertainment, as the series has set itself to be:):):) If you are looking for a fun read or listen during a long ride or an afternoon at the beach, this series should be it:) Have a great summer, everybody!!!
Weird winged creatures with red eyes are showing up at one of Annja's archaeological digs, while close by, in New Mexico, a mysterious child dressed in a costume of the 16th century appears to travelers and warns them of bad things to come... This was a much spookier addition to the series of the books up to now, but that made it even more interesting. On top of that, a supper-duper Catholic Priest begins following our magical Annja, and things go into religious myths and urban legends.
Loved the whole thing - nothing to amazing, just pure entertainment, as the series has set itself to be:):):) If you are looking for a fun read or listen during a long ride or an afternoon at the beach, this series should be it:) Have a great summer, everybody!!!
July 28, 2017
Another good instalment in the Rogue Angel series. Annja's chasing rumours about a holy child appearing and giving portents of doom all over the world. And as usual things are a bit more than they seem. At the same time she is constantly attacked wherever she goes and some of these kidnapping/assassination attempts are pretty brutal. I thought right up until the end that it's I proved wrong but this little scene made me deeply dislike said character.
Like in each book there was a new character introduced who plays a central role in the instalments plot. This time it was a Jesuit by the name of Father Godan (I think that's how it's spelled but since I listened to the audio I have no idea!). At first I was distrustful of him and for a while I was sure he is out to get Annja as one of the Catholic Church minions. But he slowly grew on me and I was quite sad to see him go. So far no one apart from the recurring crew has made a second appearance after "his" book ended. But hey a girl can hope! Because I really, really liked him by the end.
People who like action oriented UF that don't have long overarching story arcs should give this series a try.
Like in each book there was a new character introduced who plays a central role in the instalments plot. This time it was a Jesuit by the name of Father Godan (I think that's how it's spelled but since I listened to the audio I have no idea!). At first I was distrustful of him and for a while I was sure he is out to get Annja as one of the Catholic Church minions. But he slowly grew on me and I was quite sad to see him go. So far no one apart from the recurring crew has made a second appearance after "his" book ended. But hey a girl can hope! Because I really, really liked him by the end.
People who like action oriented UF that don't have long overarching story arcs should give this series a try.
August 4, 2017
Annja!!! You are so cool! 😁
In this book she tries to find out about a Holy Child who shows up in time to warn people away from danger. He's cool, but the creatures with red eyes that are killing people is not.
Excellent book!! Excellent graphic audio!! Thank you to my friend, Choko!!😁💕
In this book she tries to find out about a Holy Child who shows up in time to warn people away from danger. He's cool, but the creatures with red eyes that are killing people is not.
Excellent book!! Excellent graphic audio!! Thank you to my friend, Choko!!😁💕
July 5, 2011
Daft? Yes. Brain candy? Yes. But fun? Oh, hell yes.
Despite the fact that I keep referring to the protagonist as either Lara Creed or Annja Croft (and differentiate the two action-heroine, archaeology chicks as "the one with the magic sword" as opposed to "the one with the magic rack"), I'm really enjoying the series.
There's enough banter to keep my snark-connoisseur happy, enough action that I could be watching a Tomb Raider movie, enough plot to keep the entire story from dissolving into bubblegum, and there's even some reasonably internally-consistent characterisation and occasional character development (well, sometimes, anyway)
It's not, I grant you, cerebrally challenging by any stretch of the imagination. But sometimes brain candy is EXACTLY what you need.
Despite the fact that I keep referring to the protagonist as either Lara Creed or Annja Croft (and differentiate the two action-heroine, archaeology chicks as "the one with the magic sword" as opposed to "the one with the magic rack"), I'm really enjoying the series.
There's enough banter to keep my snark-connoisseur happy, enough action that I could be watching a Tomb Raider movie, enough plot to keep the entire story from dissolving into bubblegum, and there's even some reasonably internally-consistent characterisation and occasional character development (well, sometimes, anyway)
It's not, I grant you, cerebrally challenging by any stretch of the imagination. But sometimes brain candy is EXACTLY what you need.
July 12, 2019
3.5 stars.
Started off a bit disjointed but ultimately it's another simple story in which an off-the-books laboratory produced some creatures that became uncontrollable.
I feel all the mysticism and folklores became just red herrings. Garin's motives are quite murky and I'm not sure if this is because the books are written by different writers.
I actually liked Father Robert and wished he could have stuck around. Annja seems to be getting a lot more comfortable about using the Sword to kill.
All in all, Graphic Audio provided another action-packed episode.
Started off a bit disjointed but ultimately it's another simple story in which an off-the-books laboratory produced some creatures that became uncontrollable.
I feel all the mysticism and folklores became just red herrings. Garin's motives are quite murky and I'm not sure if this is because the books are written by different writers.
I actually liked Father Robert and wished he could have stuck around. Annja seems to be getting a lot more comfortable about using the Sword to kill.
All in all, Graphic Audio provided another action-packed episode.
August 11, 2018
Not a very good entry in this series. I really like Annja but this story had nothing to do with her destiny or mission. The plot was barely there and made little sense. Not recommended.
May 6, 2018
The Chosen (Rogue Angel #4)
by Alex Archer
I am sad that I read this book so late, although it had been sitting on my shelves for a bit. The reader can see Victor Milan's love of New Mexico, its people, places, and legends. I kept finding that the story was reminiscence of the place he lived. I wanted to ask him, were these places in the book places he loved, places he wanted to leave a legacy memory of. I can see how he wanted to be remembered how Victor wanted to go out passing the torch on to the next to take up the battle for good. This book was written before his illness, and long before we lost him, it is poignant and beautiful. Annja Creed is a great character, a cross between adventure archaeological characters and kick ass adventures. She is happenstance found in the middle of a mystery, and this one is farther than any other. She uses her intelligence and strength to come through this adventure, but it is the help of an old Jesuit priest that helps her survive. The lesson is we need to be careful and not play god. This is a great world trekking novel, with many cultural and legendary story lines.
by Alex Archer
I am sad that I read this book so late, although it had been sitting on my shelves for a bit. The reader can see Victor Milan's love of New Mexico, its people, places, and legends. I kept finding that the story was reminiscence of the place he lived. I wanted to ask him, were these places in the book places he loved, places he wanted to leave a legacy memory of. I can see how he wanted to be remembered how Victor wanted to go out passing the torch on to the next to take up the battle for good. This book was written before his illness, and long before we lost him, it is poignant and beautiful. Annja Creed is a great character, a cross between adventure archaeological characters and kick ass adventures. She is happenstance found in the middle of a mystery, and this one is farther than any other. She uses her intelligence and strength to come through this adventure, but it is the help of an old Jesuit priest that helps her survive. The lesson is we need to be careful and not play god. This is a great world trekking novel, with many cultural and legendary story lines.
December 16, 2024
🍷
Man, I like this series! Archeologist Annja Creed is on a dig in France when she stumbles across the final piece of Joan of Arc’s sword, shattered by the British and scattered when they put her to the stake. Now the sword becomes whole again, and Annja is charged with Joan’s mission to fight for justice for the oppressed. This isn’t a crusade she wants, and she’s not sure what it means, but she knows she can call the sword from the ether when in need - and this girl is often in need! This fourth in the series entertained me as much as the first three.
Working at a dig in New Mexico, the repeated sightings of Santo Niño come to her attention, but when she idly looks into them she’s set upon by some mighty bloodthirsty thugs - and she’s not sure if they want the sword or her life more; her ability to wield it allows her to keep both. But the attacks continue, and it seems Annja must learn why to end them.
Part fantasy, a little history and always some legend or folk tale, and plenty of action and adventure; great stuff!
Man, I like this series! Archeologist Annja Creed is on a dig in France when she stumbles across the final piece of Joan of Arc’s sword, shattered by the British and scattered when they put her to the stake. Now the sword becomes whole again, and Annja is charged with Joan’s mission to fight for justice for the oppressed. This isn’t a crusade she wants, and she’s not sure what it means, but she knows she can call the sword from the ether when in need - and this girl is often in need! This fourth in the series entertained me as much as the first three.
Working at a dig in New Mexico, the repeated sightings of Santo Niño come to her attention, but when she idly looks into them she’s set upon by some mighty bloodthirsty thugs - and she’s not sure if they want the sword or her life more; her ability to wield it allows her to keep both. But the attacks continue, and it seems Annja must learn why to end them.
Part fantasy, a little history and always some legend or folk tale, and plenty of action and adventure; great stuff!
Read
September 4, 2018I liked this story. As a ASIAN, I enjoyed the lush descriptions of New Mexico, an area steeped native american folklore and myth. It also has deep roots in the Catholic church and various mystical sightings of the Virgin Mary. Throw in Los Alamos nuclear research facility and you've got a lethal mix of ingredients. In short, a perfect setting for Annja Creed and the mystical sword of Joan d'Arc. Annja is a lapsed Catholic who still carries the lessons learned at the nun led orphanage of her formative years. Her hookup with the avenging Jesuit Priest from the Vatican and their joint pursuit of the evil befalling the area of her latest dig is very interesting. The priest initially believes she is an evil or wrong guardian of Joan's sword and tries to take her out. He gradually changes his mind so that by the end he passes the torch to her with the gift of his medallion of office.
July 3, 2017
This is an interesting series, but there are a lot of violent scenes that really don't need to be there. In my opinion, it detracts to have Annja in 3-4 bloody sword/gun fights in such a short book.
That being said, this particular volume was interesting from the standpoint of someone who lives in New Mexico. Author Victor Milan clearly knows the locales he describes and that makes for a good, quick read.
That being said, this particular volume was interesting from the standpoint of someone who lives in New Mexico. Author Victor Milan clearly knows the locales he describes and that makes for a good, quick read.
March 24, 2021
Hmm.
What to say?
How about... I'm reading to learn how to write and, from what I've heard, having a coherent story line makes for a good book.
This book appears to have a storyline written on a trampoline by three authors: one blind, one deaf, one...yeah, you get the picture.
Build up? No.
Cardboard characters? Yes.
What to say?
How about... I'm reading to learn how to write and, from what I've heard, having a coherent story line makes for a good book.
This book appears to have a storyline written on a trampoline by three authors: one blind, one deaf, one...yeah, you get the picture.
Build up? No.
Cardboard characters? Yes.
September 24, 2022
Somehow I didn't get my review posted.
As usual, this graphic audio was done exceedingly well. The story was fun. Urban Legends in the southwest.
Keeps me entertained on the long commutes from my current work.
As usual, this graphic audio was done exceedingly well. The story was fun. Urban Legends in the southwest.
Keeps me entertained on the long commutes from my current work.
May 27, 2019
I really liked this book! I was upset that one of the main characters for this story dies at the end.
October 14, 2019
A good addition to the series that advances the story.
Recommended for action heroine fans
Recommended for action heroine fans
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
August 29, 2020
An entertaining read.
June 30, 2021
This series is constantly full of action. Sometimes it gets a bit much, but I still enjoy the story behind each book, and the way it works out.
October 16, 2021
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous ones. She just continues to be 'searching'. Oh well.
September 11, 2016
I listened to the Graphic Audio (a movie in your mind!) production of the book after I listened to the third book. If you don't know about Graphic Audio productions of audio books, you are either missing something in your life or living life grandly. I say it like that because sometimes the voices are cheesy. Yes, from the slogan I stated earlier, the audio books are complete with different actors, background music, and sound effects. There is a narrator, but for the most part the books are like a movie in your mind. Granted, depending on the book, this could be a good or bad thing.
For The Chosen, it was iffy. I like the Graphic Audio version because that's what I've been listening to since the second book in the Rogue Angel series. The recurring characters have the same actors and it's easy to go back into the flow of things. However, I found this book to be boring.
It wasn't due to lack of action. Oh no, this book has a lot of that. It was more due to the action made little to no sense. Annja Creed is no stranger to death threats and terrible events. They happen in every book. But, the amount of threats and attacks in this one was beginning to feel silly. The effect of worrying about the main character basically ended after the third or fourth attack.
There was a cool new character, my brother and I dub him the Super Priest. He's strong, quick witted, and has an angle about him that I wish there was more of in the book. The basic storyline is convuluted and made little to no sense for me. Part of it had a spiritual edge, but then there was a scientific aspect too. It wasn't the type of joining like in Dan Brown's Angels and Demons. Instead, it felt like the author didn't know what to do with the story being crafted and put together a bunch of things.
No matter what the reason, I found myself confused and only caring for some moments in the book. It is my least favorite so far. I will continue with the series most likely, but I think that you could skip this book without any damage to the overall feel of the world.
For The Chosen, it was iffy. I like the Graphic Audio version because that's what I've been listening to since the second book in the Rogue Angel series. The recurring characters have the same actors and it's easy to go back into the flow of things. However, I found this book to be boring.
It wasn't due to lack of action. Oh no, this book has a lot of that. It was more due to the action made little to no sense. Annja Creed is no stranger to death threats and terrible events. They happen in every book. But, the amount of threats and attacks in this one was beginning to feel silly. The effect of worrying about the main character basically ended after the third or fourth attack.
There was a cool new character, my brother and I dub him the Super Priest. He's strong, quick witted, and has an angle about him that I wish there was more of in the book. The basic storyline is convuluted and made little to no sense for me. Part of it had a spiritual edge, but then there was a scientific aspect too. It wasn't the type of joining like in Dan Brown's Angels and Demons. Instead, it felt like the author didn't know what to do with the story being crafted and put together a bunch of things.
No matter what the reason, I found myself confused and only caring for some moments in the book. It is my least favorite so far. I will continue with the series most likely, but I think that you could skip this book without any damage to the overall feel of the world.
June 12, 2014
As some of my friends are already aware, I am a big fan of the Rogue Angel series. When coupled with GraphicAudio, its pure win. This fourth installment in the series is no exception to my love of either.
GIST
When Annja Creed starts looking into the sightings of a Holy Child and some monsters in New Mexico, she is put on the radar of a secret project. Whilst negotiating numerous murder attempts across the globe, she is also tailed by a church inquisitor on his final mission.
THOUGHTS
This novel features all of the action adventure stuff that you'd expect from a Rogue Angel book, that tying together of mystery, action and drama that will no doubt offer the listener/reader with lots of entertainment. The pacing is on the money as well, dishing out the clues and various sequences in a logical manner. The plot itself played out nicely, but also offered enough chaos to allow this feeling of reactionary behaviours from the characters therein.
Annja was also allowed to make some mistakes as well, which is quite refreshing. Having somebody just as good as she is was a nice contrast to the other books as well. It places her in an odd predicament, caught between fear and respect whilst at the same time wondering whether she can trust him. He takes up the role that her mentor seems to avoid as well, offering advice and support as needed. [Spoiler] However, their parting is foreshadowed from the first scene in which he is introduced.
CONCLUSION
I really liked this installment of the series and hope that the latter sequence has some lasting effect on the preceding novels. I really liked this one as it offered enough contrast with the previous. Whilst there is at least one unanswered question, it doesn't affect my enjoyment of the story itself. I highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys a touch of the supernatural or monsters with their action adventure.
GIST
When Annja Creed starts looking into the sightings of a Holy Child and some monsters in New Mexico, she is put on the radar of a secret project. Whilst negotiating numerous murder attempts across the globe, she is also tailed by a church inquisitor on his final mission.
THOUGHTS
This novel features all of the action adventure stuff that you'd expect from a Rogue Angel book, that tying together of mystery, action and drama that will no doubt offer the listener/reader with lots of entertainment. The pacing is on the money as well, dishing out the clues and various sequences in a logical manner. The plot itself played out nicely, but also offered enough chaos to allow this feeling of reactionary behaviours from the characters therein.
Annja was also allowed to make some mistakes as well, which is quite refreshing. Having somebody just as good as she is was a nice contrast to the other books as well. It places her in an odd predicament, caught between fear and respect whilst at the same time wondering whether she can trust him. He takes up the role that her mentor seems to avoid as well, offering advice and support as needed. [Spoiler] However, their parting is foreshadowed from the first scene in which he is introduced.
CONCLUSION
I really liked this installment of the series and hope that the latter sequence has some lasting effect on the preceding novels. I really liked this one as it offered enough contrast with the previous. Whilst there is at least one unanswered question, it doesn't affect my enjoyment of the story itself. I highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys a touch of the supernatural or monsters with their action adventure.
June 2, 2013
The Chosen is a definite improvement in the adventures of Anja Creed, she who bears the sword of St. Joan Of Arc. We still don’t know a lot about her origins, other than she was raised in a Catholic orphanage in New Orleans. Roux and Garin have little to do with the action, but they remain tangential to the story. But the novel builds to an ending which makes me wonder if the producers of Cabin in the Woods read this book while their movie was in pre-production.
Chosen begins with a Japanese tourist family being saved from sudden death in New Mexico by the appearance of Santo Nino, the Holy Child. Soon, tourists from all over the world are visiting the area, hoping for a visitation. But the Holy Child isn't the only supernatural creature who show up. Several demonic creatures make the scene too, causing havoc and blood shed. Of course, Annja Creed just happens to be in the same location on an archaeological dig when all the trouble starts.
An interesting development in the series is the introduction of a papal hitman: Father Robert Godin, Society of Jesus. Father Bob is 62, Belgian and a former mercenary. He’s the man called on by the Holy See to deal with special problems. The novel introduces him as he “retires” a monsignor who’s gone renegade. Eventually, Godin and Annja connect and blue sparks fly. I hope the Alex Arthur Collective can find some way to work him back into the series.
The cover is the weakest thing about this book. I ‘d like to believe Golden Eagle’s parent company, Harlequin, could find an artist who can generate decent cover paintings. The time constraints never seemed to bother the artists of the pulp era.
Chosen begins with a Japanese tourist family being saved from sudden death in New Mexico by the appearance of Santo Nino, the Holy Child. Soon, tourists from all over the world are visiting the area, hoping for a visitation. But the Holy Child isn't the only supernatural creature who show up. Several demonic creatures make the scene too, causing havoc and blood shed. Of course, Annja Creed just happens to be in the same location on an archaeological dig when all the trouble starts.
An interesting development in the series is the introduction of a papal hitman: Father Robert Godin, Society of Jesus. Father Bob is 62, Belgian and a former mercenary. He’s the man called on by the Holy See to deal with special problems. The novel introduces him as he “retires” a monsignor who’s gone renegade. Eventually, Godin and Annja connect and blue sparks fly. I hope the Alex Arthur Collective can find some way to work him back into the series.
The cover is the weakest thing about this book. I ‘d like to believe Golden Eagle’s parent company, Harlequin, could find an artist who can generate decent cover paintings. The time constraints never seemed to bother the artists of the pulp era.
June 19, 2012
I know Alex Archer is a pseudonym, but it didn't quite hit me until I read this installment of the continuing adventures of Annja Creed. Right away, you could tell this was a different author. The adventure was more edgy than the previous three. Annja the warrior greatly overshadowed Annja the archeologist. Garin got a brief cameo, while Reaux only received an occasional mention. I felt the plot was a little disjointed and somewhat vague, even when the "bad guy" attempted to explain it toward the apex of the story.
Maybe I'm being oversensitive. Had this been a premier offering of a new heroine to the action-adventure genre (which is what it felt like), I would have embraced it. I did enjoy it. I just had a picture in my mind based on the first trio of novels, that was frayed by this one. It hasn't, however, dissuaded me from continuing the series, as I am interested in seeing how the many other "Alex Archers" remold Ms. Creed according to their vision.
Maybe I'm being oversensitive. Had this been a premier offering of a new heroine to the action-adventure genre (which is what it felt like), I would have embraced it. I did enjoy it. I just had a picture in my mind based on the first trio of novels, that was frayed by this one. It hasn't, however, dissuaded me from continuing the series, as I am interested in seeing how the many other "Alex Archers" remold Ms. Creed according to their vision.
June 9, 2010
Another strong story in the Rogue Angel series. This time Annja Creed finds herself investigating mysterious sightings of a small child, believed to be the young Jesus, who is warning travellers of an impending disaster. Roux makes no appearance, and Garin's minor appearance suggests even more depth to his mystery and contradictions. I wasn't too sold on the first half of the book, however the hints of the greater purpose behind Annja's powers and the fact that despite proving the so-called mysteries are the results of genetic engineering there are still many mysteries out there that defy Annja's scientific logic.
June 1, 2012
In this instalation of Roque Angel series Annja investigates boy Jesus and demonic animals, which are in reality caused by a goverment black op research. And there is also Jesuit priest who tries to take Annjas sword, but in end Annja and priest will fight with deamons side by side.
This book is poorest in series so far. Setting is very unintresting, and black op goverment operations lead by mad sciencist and generals are nearly always bad plot twist.
This book is poorest in series so far. Setting is very unintresting, and black op goverment operations lead by mad sciencist and generals are nearly always bad plot twist.
January 21, 2013
Of the series, I enjoyed this one substantially due to its location and the church. It is a location and story well-loved, and I appreciate the author's ability to explain the folklore without ridicule but give it its due at the same time. Thankfully the plot outlined the character's growth in her new dimension, and not that she's simply wishy-washy. I still like the author's later works better though.
May 13, 2013
I like the series and the concept. I hate to say it I feel it is very slow and it takes some time to go through. But all in all it is a good book it just needs to really catch the readers attention, it does have some good action adventure but when there is no action the story lacks. I would read the series again but I am not sure how soon I would reread them.
August 31, 2010
Archer's tale is Saturday afternoon at the movies revolves around a centuries-old religious legend. A strong heroine with assorted external baggage, Annja battles perceptions and evils with, at times, blind luck as she pursues her career as an archeologist.
October 9, 2010
The 4th book in the Rogue Angel series finds our heroine investigating the bizzare sightings of a small boy in New Mexico. Since I have a fondness for NM, this book met my expectations. The only question NOT answered...the fate of the small boy.
November 4, 2010
Alex Archer Rogue Angel series reminds me of a title I've read on my younger days. it is not a particularly brilliant book, it is not very "heavy" and the plot is not that unusual. however, these books are light and enjoyable. a suitable companion for light reading after a tiring day.
June 7, 2011
These books are actually drawing me in. There is an overarching storyline. It's so subtle that I still haven't been able to figure out exactly what it is, but there are definitely hints of something bigger going on. I'm planning on reading more to see where they go.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews