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Rogue Angel #2
Solomon's Jar
The Barnes Noble Review
In the second installment of Alex Archer's Rogue Angel saga, which features protagonist Annja Creed (spiritual descendant Joan of Arc and her fated successor as "champion of the good"), the intrepid archeologist sets off to find Solomon's Jar, an invaluable biblical artifact that King Solomon allegedly used to entrap the numerous demons he used to build his temple in Jerusalem.
With the help of her enigmatic mentor, a centuries-old man named Roux, Creed sets off to verify if the Jar -- believed to be forever lost at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea -- was in fact recovered. Following leads from Peru to the Netherlands to Israel to Brazil, Creed struggles to stay one step ahead of gun-toting factions (including Russian mobsters, English cultists, and the fanatical followers of a charismatic kabbalist) bent on finding and exploiting the Jar's supernatural powers. But once Creed locates Solomon's Jar, will its intrinsically evil powers influence her resolve to do God's will?
In the second installment of Alex Archer's Rogue Angel saga, which features protagonist Annja Creed (spiritual descendant Joan of Arc and her fated successor as "champion of the good"), the intrepid archeologist sets off to find Solomon's Jar, an invaluable biblical artifact that King Solomon allegedly used to entrap the numerous demons he used to build his temple in Jerusalem.
With the help of her enigmatic mentor, a centuries-old man named Roux, Creed sets off to verify if the Jar -- believed to be forever lost at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea -- was in fact recovered. Following leads from Peru to the Netherlands to Israel to Brazil, Creed struggles to stay one step ahead of gun-toting factions (including Russian mobsters, English cultists, and the fanatical followers of a charismatic kabbalist) bent on finding and exploiting the Jar's supernatural powers. But once Creed locates Solomon's Jar, will its intrinsically evil powers influence her resolve to do God's will?
346 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 12, 2006
43 people are currently reading
671 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 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 17, 2017
*** 4 ***
A movie in your mind indeed!!!
Annja Creed, our adventurer archaeologist who also wilds the sword of Joan of Ark for the "Good", has come to believe that the rumors of the discovery of Solomon's Jar are for real. This fabled jar is the one in which the biblical King Solomon bound the world's demons after using them to build his temple in Jerusalem, according to some traditions. So, she sets on its trail, but ever since she has been chosen to be a warrior for the Good, she seems to be a beacon for bad guys and evil doers, who would love nothing more than to erase her from existence. However, our young lady is much more resilient than she should be, having something to do with the magic sword giving her some more strength, endurance and some luck:)
There are some pretty gruesome scenes, a lot of action and the requisite myths and legends, which the authors get to spin their way eventually. I love it and would recommend it to all who want just some fun and entertainment, no angst, deep characters or very much to ponder over. :):):)
I wish you all happy listening - if you are going to do audio books, it does not get any better than the Graphic Audio Productions:)
A movie in your mind indeed!!!
Annja Creed, our adventurer archaeologist who also wilds the sword of Joan of Ark for the "Good", has come to believe that the rumors of the discovery of Solomon's Jar are for real. This fabled jar is the one in which the biblical King Solomon bound the world's demons after using them to build his temple in Jerusalem, according to some traditions. So, she sets on its trail, but ever since she has been chosen to be a warrior for the Good, she seems to be a beacon for bad guys and evil doers, who would love nothing more than to erase her from existence. However, our young lady is much more resilient than she should be, having something to do with the magic sword giving her some more strength, endurance and some luck:)
There are some pretty gruesome scenes, a lot of action and the requisite myths and legends, which the authors get to spin their way eventually. I love it and would recommend it to all who want just some fun and entertainment, no angst, deep characters or very much to ponder over. :):):)
I wish you all happy listening - if you are going to do audio books, it does not get any better than the Graphic Audio Productions:)
July 19, 2017
Very entertaining and untaxing story. In short it's perfect for a summer read :)
Annja is fun and courageous but still unsure in her newfound role. In that she reminds me even more of Buffy from the beginning of the show. The action sequences are well balanced by slower but in no way boring scenes that further the progress of the story. So if you're looking for something to help you unwind you should give Rogue Angel a try.
Annja is fun and courageous but still unsure in her newfound role. In that she reminds me even more of Buffy from the beginning of the show. The action sequences are well balanced by slower but in no way boring scenes that further the progress of the story. So if you're looking for something to help you unwind you should give Rogue Angel a try.
July 4, 2017
Graphic audio? So cool! Thank you, Choko!!
Annja Creed is settling into her role as the new Joan of Arc. She is such a kick ass character!
In this book we have King Solomon's story entering. In the Tales of the Arabian Knights there are lots of stories about the jins and demons he trapped forcing them to do his bidding. Now Annja is trying to get to a jar o' demons before the Bad Guys get it.
Meanwhile she gets a new bit of romance.
Excellent book and I am so excited to hit the next one!
Annja Creed is settling into her role as the new Joan of Arc. She is such a kick ass character!
In this book we have King Solomon's story entering. In the Tales of the Arabian Knights there are lots of stories about the jins and demons he trapped forcing them to do his bidding. Now Annja is trying to get to a jar o' demons before the Bad Guys get it.
Meanwhile she gets a new bit of romance.
Excellent book and I am so excited to hit the next one!
February 18, 2013
The Rogue Angel series continues with Solomon's Jar. In this episode, It begins with Annja Creed outrunning mercenaries in South America. The novel opens with her archaeological research in an isolated village near the Amazon. Men With Guns show up and threaten to kill the entire village unless they reveal Annja's location. Before the desperadoes can get to work, Annja summons her sword and swings into action. Plus points for coming up with the most disgusting mercenaries this side of the Katanga succession. Naturally, Annja escapes and carries on her work.
After a brief meeing with her mentor Roux, she's off to Isreael in search of the legendary Jar of Solomon. Legend has it that King Solomon imprisoned a group of demonic beings in a magical jar and forced them to build his temple. Irregardless of the truth of it, someone has found a jar which resembles the one of history and someone else is willing to kill to get the artifact. Annja soon ends up in Amsterdam, where she meets an Englishman named Aidan Pascoe who spends the rest of the book with her running after/from the bad guys.
The book turns into a splatterpunk novel at a few points with gruesome descriptions of the killings carried out by the adversaries. Annja is in the thick of it again. She's threatened by Deep Ecological Extremists, pursued by Russian Mobsters, and squares off against New Age Zionists. In the middle of the book, we are introduced to a kabbalistic Jewish lady named Tsipporah from New Jersey, who just happens to be residing in Israel. She serves as the commentator for the action at the middle point.
Solomon's Jar wraps in a Brazilian metal fooundry. All the major factions introduced manage to end up in one location and shoot it out. The action is so over the top that it saves the novel. Just as one faction gains an upper hand, another shows to supplant it. I have to give the "Alex Archer" collection plus points for creativity in the remaining few chapters.
The second novel in the Rogue Angel series breaks no new ground, but it is a fun read. Exactly what was intended.
After a brief meeing with her mentor Roux, she's off to Isreael in search of the legendary Jar of Solomon. Legend has it that King Solomon imprisoned a group of demonic beings in a magical jar and forced them to build his temple. Irregardless of the truth of it, someone has found a jar which resembles the one of history and someone else is willing to kill to get the artifact. Annja soon ends up in Amsterdam, where she meets an Englishman named Aidan Pascoe who spends the rest of the book with her running after/from the bad guys.
The book turns into a splatterpunk novel at a few points with gruesome descriptions of the killings carried out by the adversaries. Annja is in the thick of it again. She's threatened by Deep Ecological Extremists, pursued by Russian Mobsters, and squares off against New Age Zionists. In the middle of the book, we are introduced to a kabbalistic Jewish lady named Tsipporah from New Jersey, who just happens to be residing in Israel. She serves as the commentator for the action at the middle point.
Solomon's Jar wraps in a Brazilian metal fooundry. All the major factions introduced manage to end up in one location and shoot it out. The action is so over the top that it saves the novel. Just as one faction gains an upper hand, another shows to supplant it. I have to give the "Alex Archer" collection plus points for creativity in the remaining few chapters.
The second novel in the Rogue Angel series breaks no new ground, but it is a fun read. Exactly what was intended.
June 12, 2014
This seemed more disjointed then the first book in the series. At times I wondered how Annja knew where to go next on her quest because there would not be information given. She'd be one place. Something would happen. Then she'd be at another location with no explanation of how she knew that's where she needed to be.
June 18, 2021
The second novel in the Rogue Angel series finds Annja on the trail of rumors about Solomon’s Jar. Legend has it that King Solomon had bound the demons of the world in this jar after he used them to build his temple in Jerusalem. Annja meets a potential ally in fellow archeologist Aiden Pascoe, an Englishman who serves in the “is he a good guy trying to help or a bad guy trying to infiltrate and thwart Annja’s plans” role. Their journey takes them from the US to Peru, the Netherlands, Jerusalem and on to Rio de Janeiro. Along the way they encounter all sorts of obstacles in their path because, after all, an artifact like that is valuable in all sorts of ways to all sorts of people…and many are willing to die for their cause.
This was another action-packed adventure in the series. It was penned by Victor Milán, a fairly regular contributer behind the Alex Archer pseudonym, at least in the earlier parts of the series. The action was well balanced with plot development and Annja’s personal growth as she settles into her role as the heir to Joan of Arc. There were a few places where the plot seemed a little thin, especially near the end. But overall it was a pretty solid effort.
This was another action-packed adventure in the series. It was penned by Victor Milán, a fairly regular contributer behind the Alex Archer pseudonym, at least in the earlier parts of the series. The action was well balanced with plot development and Annja’s personal growth as she settles into her role as the heir to Joan of Arc. There were a few places where the plot seemed a little thin, especially near the end. But overall it was a pretty solid effort.
December 4, 2019
I disliked this one compared to the first one.
Mostly because there was too much done off page as it were. She would jump from place to place, without any idea to us listeners as to why she was going there.
How did she end up in England after Amsterdam? There was no explanation of why she was there.
England to the Riveria was literally just a cut scene to a new location.
Also... the author has obviously never been to England. We are not at altitude. We are literally below sea level in some places.
Adian is constantly being called 'young' but the voice actor is WAY too old sounding.
The violence was definitely more graphic.
I will continue to listen.. but this one felt too much like she was wanting to be Lara Croft.
Mostly because there was too much done off page as it were. She would jump from place to place, without any idea to us listeners as to why she was going there.
How did she end up in England after Amsterdam? There was no explanation of why she was there.
England to the Riveria was literally just a cut scene to a new location.
Also... the author has obviously never been to England. We are not at altitude. We are literally below sea level in some places.
Adian is constantly being called 'young' but the voice actor is WAY too old sounding.
The violence was definitely more graphic.
I will continue to listen.. but this one felt too much like she was wanting to be Lara Croft.
August 30, 2021
Given that I was able to get through this entire book in one day, I feel like 4 stars isn't fair. I really enjoyed this book, especially all the Biblical references. That said, the story itself seemed to be missing a certain flow that was present in the first book. I don't know if it was because the sword was a bit more tangible than the jar or maybe just the way it was used in the narrative.
Regardless, I still found this book exciting. I love the characters, the lore, the secret societies, all of it. I'm really looking forward to starting book 3.
Regardless, I still found this book exciting. I love the characters, the lore, the secret societies, all of it. I'm really looking forward to starting book 3.
July 9, 2019
3 stars.
Heaps of action and bad guys galore that I just lost track of who's who.
I still think the Sword needs a cool name.
The number of people who knows about Annja's magic sword seems to be growing!!
And I'm not sure about the "love interest" Aidan, he sounds a bit too young.
Graphic Audio does good job... so on to the next episode!
Heaps of action and bad guys galore that I just lost track of who's who.
I still think the Sword needs a cool name.
The number of people who knows about Annja's magic sword seems to be growing!!
And I'm not sure about the "love interest" Aidan, he sounds a bit too young.
Graphic Audio does good job... so on to the next episode!
July 21, 2013
Given my appreciation for the first book in the series and desire to read an action/adventure with mild supernatural themes, I figured that it was time to read the second Rogue Angel book.
GIST
Annja Creed has been the newest avatar of good for the past few months, but is still getting used to the workload associated with her destiny. When she learns that a bunch of morally questionable folk (including some nasty demons) are looking for King Solomon's Jar, the means to bind demons to one's will, the dangers will go beyond the physical.
THOUGHTS
As with the first book, Solomon's Jar is fast-paced and filled with its share of action sequences. This time around, the fights get more bloody and often fatal for those involved. Annja is posed with numerous moral dilemmas as a result, with the added involvement of Demons (new territory for her) allowing her to perceive levels of evil.
Annja is also accompanied by a well-spoken English Archaeologist for a good portion of the story, offering up a love interest and allowing her to see that one's attempts to work good in the world can often cause more harm. We also meet Sappora, a rather cool New Jersey Qabalist woman living in Jerusalem. She helps answer some of Annja's questions and offers put into perspective the words of wisdom that her immortal mentor Roux had offered soon after starting on her search for the jar. We also get the first glimpse into what Roux's former male apprentice is up to since Annja put the sword back together in the first novel.
I have very few criticisms of the book, but these were over-shadowed by the quick pace of the novel which never allowed me to feel bogged down. Some reviewers have complained about some gaps in the story, but I would suggest that these apparent "gaps" were simply a means for the author to avoid bogging the story down with rather boring scenes in what is supposed to be an action/adventure story. The pace also allowed for mild breathers to avoid combat fatigue as well oddly enough.
CONCLUSION
Folks looking for a fast-paced action/adventure book with mild supernatural themes will get their fill with this novel. There is more than enough threats for Annja to negotiate including the moral ones. We get character development, gun-play, melee and hand-to-hand combat, possession, Russian mafia (complete with idiotic minions), power-crazed Kabalist wizards, a smidge of romance, and more. It may not be immediate gratification, but it is one heck of a ride up until the conclusion.
GIST
Annja Creed has been the newest avatar of good for the past few months, but is still getting used to the workload associated with her destiny. When she learns that a bunch of morally questionable folk (including some nasty demons) are looking for King Solomon's Jar, the means to bind demons to one's will, the dangers will go beyond the physical.
THOUGHTS
As with the first book, Solomon's Jar is fast-paced and filled with its share of action sequences. This time around, the fights get more bloody and often fatal for those involved. Annja is posed with numerous moral dilemmas as a result, with the added involvement of Demons (new territory for her) allowing her to perceive levels of evil.
Annja is also accompanied by a well-spoken English Archaeologist for a good portion of the story, offering up a love interest and allowing her to see that one's attempts to work good in the world can often cause more harm. We also meet Sappora, a rather cool New Jersey Qabalist woman living in Jerusalem. She helps answer some of Annja's questions and offers put into perspective the words of wisdom that her immortal mentor Roux had offered soon after starting on her search for the jar. We also get the first glimpse into what Roux's former male apprentice is up to since Annja put the sword back together in the first novel.
I have very few criticisms of the book, but these were over-shadowed by the quick pace of the novel which never allowed me to feel bogged down. Some reviewers have complained about some gaps in the story, but I would suggest that these apparent "gaps" were simply a means for the author to avoid bogging the story down with rather boring scenes in what is supposed to be an action/adventure story. The pace also allowed for mild breathers to avoid combat fatigue as well oddly enough.
CONCLUSION
Folks looking for a fast-paced action/adventure book with mild supernatural themes will get their fill with this novel. There is more than enough threats for Annja to negotiate including the moral ones. We get character development, gun-play, melee and hand-to-hand combat, possession, Russian mafia (complete with idiotic minions), power-crazed Kabalist wizards, a smidge of romance, and more. It may not be immediate gratification, but it is one heck of a ride up until the conclusion.
January 12, 2011
I thought this series had everything: mystery, action, intrigue, and strong characters. I couldn't have been more wrong. Solomon's Jar is full of action, and that is it. There is a plot, but it is so thin it can barely be considered a plot. Solomon's Jar surfaces, the main character goes to find it and keep it safe. Along the way people try to kill her. That's it. No mystery about ancient civilizations, no character growth, just one long chase scene. I was bored from the first 5 page long action sequence. Beating up bad guys is not enough to make a novel, not by a long shot, and I am extremely disappointed after loving the first book so much. This novel just feels like a cheap imitation of Destiny. Actually, it barely even feels like the same series. I see that there are more books in the series, but I will not give it another chance.
October 20, 2023
When Annja Creed comes into possession of the sword of Joan of Arc (do read #1 first, the story of that acquisition is a humdinger, the others can be read in any order) she also takes on the mantle of doer of good and conqueror of evil as Joan’s successor. She’s uniquely qualified to wield that sacred sword and perform those duties.
Here we find her attempting to secure Solomon’s Jar purportedly recovered by Greek fishermen after having been thought lost forever in the Mediterranean Sea. Many others want it for the powers it confers on its possessor, Annja for a far nobler purpose. Her journey to secure the artifact takes her from Amsterdam to London, to the Riviera for a consultation with her mentor Roux, Tel Aviv, Corfu, back to Israel and finally to the metal foundries in the hills above Rio de Janeiro, where the final showdown with the Russian Mafiya, a rapacious British cultist and a charismatic Kabbalist takes place.
There are so many harrowing adventures to get here and many narrow escapes as well, but in the end, the “Rogue Angel” succeeds and the Jar is preserved in safety. Great read!
Here we find her attempting to secure Solomon’s Jar purportedly recovered by Greek fishermen after having been thought lost forever in the Mediterranean Sea. Many others want it for the powers it confers on its possessor, Annja for a far nobler purpose. Her journey to secure the artifact takes her from Amsterdam to London, to the Riviera for a consultation with her mentor Roux, Tel Aviv, Corfu, back to Israel and finally to the metal foundries in the hills above Rio de Janeiro, where the final showdown with the Russian Mafiya, a rapacious British cultist and a charismatic Kabbalist takes place.
There are so many harrowing adventures to get here and many narrow escapes as well, but in the end, the “Rogue Angel” succeeds and the Jar is preserved in safety. Great read!
December 7, 2020
Ok, so, I finally picked up the entire series. All of them. And, hey, guess what, I'll be posting about all of them.
Why?
There was actually interesting dialogue in this book!
And the plot...well...hmm...ok, so the plot had so many...umm..."where are they going and why and on a hunch that is so loosely supported..." Okay, I get it. The book, the series, "a million monkeys on keyboards," like those old Mack Bolan books I used to read, quickly produced, quickly printed, quick to read, but the details are often left out...of the book.
Still, Annja is getting slightly more interesting to read. Slightly. She's still some super dooper kick butt karate expert that can apparently dodge bullets...but hey, I'll start on the next one.
Have to say that the author(s) did at least appear to do some research into some topics.
Why?
There was actually interesting dialogue in this book!
And the plot...well...hmm...ok, so the plot had so many...umm..."where are they going and why and on a hunch that is so loosely supported..." Okay, I get it. The book, the series, "a million monkeys on keyboards," like those old Mack Bolan books I used to read, quickly produced, quickly printed, quick to read, but the details are often left out...of the book.
Still, Annja is getting slightly more interesting to read. Slightly. She's still some super dooper kick butt karate expert that can apparently dodge bullets...but hey, I'll start on the next one.
Have to say that the author(s) did at least appear to do some research into some topics.
February 7, 2026
Second book in the series, and I think it's still trying to work out what it is. Annja is able to wield Joan of Arc's sword, and is her supposed successor fighting evil in the world. As she is a trained archaeologist, she hears a rumour that King Solomon's jar has been found, and decides to track it down. She bounces from place to place without much explanation as to why she is doing so, and also how she does so, encountering (and quite often killing) Russian Mafiya, Environmental Cultists, and Right Wing Jews, and quite often, Aiden, an Englishman who turns into a partner and eventually, lover. The jar is eventually found in Brazil, where the various groups all appear ready to kill each other in order to possess the jar, and Annja saves Aiden when he comes under it's influence and stops the evil from leaking into the world.
September 24, 2020
So, 2.5 rounded to 3. I’m reminded of reading Man from UNCLE novels in my teens. Lots of physical confrontations, exotic locations, over-the-top villains, a gorgeous main character. Pretty much brainless fun.
Annja Creed receives information about the powerful jar Solomon created to contain demons. Numerous folks are fascinated by the possible power available in the item. Lots of blood and gore. I’m glad I got it at a reduced price. I wish my library would have carried it, rather than paying for it.
Annja Creed receives information about the powerful jar Solomon created to contain demons. Numerous folks are fascinated by the possible power available in the item. Lots of blood and gore. I’m glad I got it at a reduced price. I wish my library would have carried it, rather than paying for it.
July 12, 2018
Pretty much a simple plot. Annja wields the sword of Joan of Arc so she fights evil. Chasing after Solomon's Jar for no apparent reason. People stand in her way, some she kills, some she doesn't. Fun pseudo-history and throw-away villains.
Again the Graphic Audio stuff is annoying with their loud, obnoxious, background noises. Fight scenes are especially bad with generated people yelling in the background and music adding to the idiocy. Seriously, stop!
Again the Graphic Audio stuff is annoying with their loud, obnoxious, background noises. Fight scenes are especially bad with generated people yelling in the background and music adding to the idiocy. Seriously, stop!
February 12, 2020
2020 Book Nerd Your Way
Did not fit an available category for the EBN Challenge.
Book #2 of the Rouge Angel series. This one felt a little all over the place versus the controlled story of the first book. Really not sure how I felt about it all. I will have to read the 3rd book to see if the author pulls the story back together.
But the fight scenes were awesome!
Did not fit an available category for the EBN Challenge.
Book #2 of the Rouge Angel series. This one felt a little all over the place versus the controlled story of the first book. Really not sure how I felt about it all. I will have to read the 3rd book to see if the author pulls the story back together.
But the fight scenes were awesome!
July 13, 2020
Not the best of the very large series. It is early on and still finding the true Annja Creed at this point and her relationship with her sorta mentors. Nice or a quick read to keep going on as they are all good as a single book and don't need to be read in order. Find it enjoy it and then look at the later ones as she gets her stride as the heir to Joan's sword.
January 30, 2018
His second in the series. Lots of exciting fights, including a fight with a six-foot tall, hypnotized, blonde super-model. Oh, and she "beat up nerds." The end is corn, but the action is totally fun.
September 17, 2021
The acting from GA is spot on for this. I'm still amazed that this was not a series I was interested in at all because other novels by the author I do not enjoy. This one is really good and has a very Tomb Raider vibe going on, great stuff.
January 21, 2023
I didn't like this one quite as much as the first one. There didn't seem to be much of a story to it, just one gun battle after another, after another, and another. Plus, the blood and gore was much more graphic in this one than in the first one.
That's one thing I don't really like about series written by 'house authors'. Since the real author changes from book to book the quality/style of the writing changes too. This means that the books can really be hit or miss.
That's one thing I don't really like about series written by 'house authors'. Since the real author changes from book to book the quality/style of the writing changes too. This means that the books can really be hit or miss.
February 27, 2023
Easy read and some great history lessons. This to me is an entertainment book that one doesnt need to take seriously but still has a great well done story to it. Its fun. Very tomb raider like with a magic sword.
May 16, 2019
A little slower than the first book, but still a fun read! Annja Creed is a great character!
July 18, 2019
A thrilling read. Highly entertaining.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
Read
November 22, 2020Great book. I love Alex Archer's Rogue Angel series. Interesting plot and characters and fun to read. This is a page-turner.
April 28, 2021
I wanted the couple to become one. damn
May 24, 2021
A little disjoint, but a worthwhile read anyway.
August 27, 2021
Nice start to the series but it may be showing signs of being formulaic. I did enjoy it.
September 20, 2021
I loved the first one but wasn’t as impressed with this one. Maybe it’s just me this time. I do love the Graphic Audio presentation :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews