Mystic Warrior

Rogue Angel #57

by Alex Archer

Archaeologist and TV show host Annja Creed trades in her dig tools and dirty excavations for the sunny climes of Hollywood. Serving as a prop consultant for a popular TV fantasy series, Annja's enjoying the lights, camera and much less action. Until a scrying crystal is stolen off the set…and it turns out to be something more than a prop.

The crystal, in fact, is a priceless artifact from the period of the Crusades. But in the process of recovering it, Annja discovers something far more valuable: an ancient document that could lead to the lost treasure of the Merovingian kings. Rulers of France's oldest dynasty during the third century AD—predating even Charlemagne—the Merovingians were said to be mystic warriors, armed with the power of God.

But Annja isn't the only one who knows about the document. And now she must face down a malevolent group that's far too familiar with Garin, one of her closest allies. Good thing she shares far more with these mystic warrriors than even she could possibly imagine.

Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Audiobook, Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, Action

Audio CD

First published November 1, 2015

About the author

A 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.

Reviews

[Craig]

This is the fifty-seventh and last Rogue Angel paperback Gold Eagle adventure and was the tenth that was written by Mel Odom (who had written six of the first thirteen, including the very first one, all under the house pseudonym Alex Archer, of course. Annja Creed is an archaeologist and historian who appears on a syndicated television program called Chasing History's Monsters. She's also the heir to the blade and power of Joan of Arc. This one has some nice participation from both of the two Joan-adjacent guys, Roux and Garin, though it doesn't have much of a wrapping-up aspect or a farewell Annja vibe. The adventure kicks in pretty swiftly when she's called in to be a prop consultant in Hollywood for a television fantasy series. I pictured her giving tips to Buffy Summers on sword wielding. The action starts when one of the props turns out to be a real-deal magical artifact from the Crusades and with it is an ancient document that may point the way to the lost treasures of the Merovingian kings. It's a wild ride. The settings are all quite well described, and it's a fast-paced adventure. As per usual, in between all of the Lara Croft/Indiana Jones/Sara Pezzini trappings there's some good character development, interesting historical speculation, and a fast-paced and interesting story. Another of my favorites of the Annja adventures. The Tim Bradstreet cover is another good one, with Annja glaring straight at you behind her sword with an I-dare-you glare.

[Lianne Burwell]

Sigh. The last book of the series. But they also brought back one of the two original authors of the series to finish things off.

Basically, Annja is working as a consultant on a cheesy-sounding movie, but one of the props turns out to be an actual artifact that can lead to a historical treasure. A lot of people are after it, and she is in the crossfire, so she calls on Roux for help. She recruits a history professor, and the three of them go on the hunt, with Garin involved with one of the other interested parties.

There were a couple of little bobbles (a recent book established Roux as healing incredibly fast, but that healing in gone in this book, for both him and Garin), but it was a satisfying conclusion to the series, with everything left in a place that it could be continued in the future if the publisher desires. It would be nice if they did, but I'm not really holding my breath for it.

[Valerie Davis]

This is an excellent book. I really enjoyed listening to it through the Graphic Audio production.

[Hans Erdman]

This is a really good Annja Creed adventure. I listened to it on CD, but it was also the last of the printed stories before Harlequin gave up on their action-adventure franchise. (There are two new audio-only books since then.) Some of the previous 56 Rogue Angel tales have been pretty formulaic. This one is not. You also learn a bit more about her two 500-year-old comrades, Garin and Roux, and how they actually relate to each other and to Annja. There's a lot of good, edge-of-your-seat scenes, car and plane chases, gunfights, and, of course, the sword of Joan of Arc that only Annja can wield. If you have lost interest in the series, try this one. It's good!

[Kerri]

Good read

If you have previously read about Annja a d her "old" friends. You will enjoy this story. Good vs Evil. Name of the game. Especially if you have the money to follow the leads

[Ginny]

Being number 57 in a series, I didn't expect much, but I really liked it! Lots of action, interesting characters, some history and world travel! What's not to like? I would read more of these.

[Aleta Cleary]

Anya is at it again!

Anya Creed is always in the midst of chaos. This book will guickly catch you up in intrigue and adventure. I love this series!

[Joey De La Torre]

See, Deathlands review.

[John Hanscom]

Maybe 3 1/2. Every once and awhile, the protagonist has a "personality transplant." The person who usually kills ver reluctantly and only in self-defense suddenly kills willy-nilly. The person whose primary weapon is a sword suddenly uses guns and rifles. This was one of those. I prefer the others.

[Carolyn Jenkins]

Too Many Treasure Hunters

When Annja Creed is asked to consult for a movie, she discovers clues to an ancient treasure. Unfortunately, a murderer, a dealer in illegal antiquities , and a security expert also want the treasure. She is followed and attacked wherever she goes. This story is filled with danger and suspense.

[Sharon]

Lots of action! We all know this wouldn't happen...but I like these stories because of action, adventure and historic artifacts. The good books have that all woven together to tell the tale of the object Annja is looking for. This one doesn't get into all of that but it's a well written tale and Annja is kicking & swinging her sword!

[Patty Cicoria]

This was a lot of fun to read. It made me think of Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones - and not just from the archeological subject matter, but the unapologetic pulp novel aspect. This was the first one I've read and can't wait to read some of the others!