An insidious cabal has decided to change the direction of the United Alliance of Stars (UAS) with a coup d'état - but not through a military takeover. They have devised a subtler the manipulation of the Committee, the fifteen-star system that sets policy for the UAS. This group of terrorists, calling itself WEP - for "We the People" - have issued an revise the UAS Constitution, or they will kill those who oppose the change. True to their word, shortly afterward, Committee delegates are being killed. The UAS Committee enlists their de facto troubleshooter, Anna Paulus, to shut down the cabal, but they insist she leave the NIA and manage UAS Committee Security. For Anna it's a nightmare scenario, leaving her safe and comfortable world for a completely new environment dominated by macho men with years of combat experience. Adding to her concerns, she can imagine herself WEP's prime target. Anna soon realizes that things are not what they seem, and the cabal is quick to recognize her involvement as a potential problem. To make matters worse, the cabal is only months from succeeding - and only Anna and her red-headed krait stand in their way.
I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and joined the military right out of high school. I served twenty-two years in the United States Air Force as a certified internal auditor. While in the military service, I lived in seven states and two foreign countries, and obtained two degrees: a BS in mathematics and an MS in computer science.
After I retired from the Air Force, I secured a position with Digital Equipment Corporation, located in Bedford, Massachusetts, as a software course developer and instructor. I worked twenty-two years at DEC and held positions as a course developer, course development manager, software engineer, and software engineering manager.
Today, I’m retired and live in Tucson, Arizona, with my wife of fifty-three years. My daughter and two grandchildren live in Maryland. I began writing several years after I retired, when I was seventy. My first two attempts remain in my desk drawer—good ideas, but poorly written. Subsequently, I co-authored, with Jeanne Tomlin, three fantasy novels: Talon of the Raptor Clan, Scales of Justice, and All My Friends Have Wings (young adults). Talon of the Raptor Clan was sold to ePress-online Books and came out in July 2009. Since then I have written two additional novels: The Laughing Hounds (urban fantasy) and The Riss Gamble (science fiction).
My hobbies for the past forty years have been kung fu and tai chi.
While I have liked this series from the start, I'm beginning to get a little annoyed with how often she keeps repeating to herself how any man wouldn't want to get involved with her because of a snake. One, she's surrounded by men who, yes are wary of a venomous snake, but who also risk takers by nature. Two, they've all seen that the snake is "tame" if they aren't attacking- frequent hugs from various people now. Three- she has the antivenin if something did go wrong which- if she's right that Red isn't really a normal snake but one with a higher brain- would also figure out that if she allowed someone to try to kiss her, then he wouldn't strike.
Also, she's over 30 now, and has spent over half her life with Alexa, her mother. She shouldn't be always thinking that that'll go away when she's not fretting. Yes, I understand that her growing up years were unstable but she's had that stability for longer than she hasn't now... Plus, she knows she is constantly making the choices that put her in danger, with mostly positive outcomes, but she should start to be at peace with making them by now.
and thirdly, while I'm not a psychologist myself nor am I close to anyone who is, I don't think all psychologist would see her as a career making prize. Some sure- no one's perfect- but not every. single. one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have enjoyed all of C.R. Daems books. This series has been fun to read. All of his books have strong protagonists who work the the struggle of the life they living. There are no easy answers to the problems they have or are solving. Also there is a consistent theme of training studying, learning, attempting to learn, and being consistent keep up martial skills. All this blending to create an atmosphere of being professional which make one competent Then there is a love for doing the work well when doing your job.
I think that is why Anna hate change and therefore promotions. She love being knowledgable, problem solving, and what is expected of her. But she has learned to adapt which makes for a great character arc mainly showing how she adapts.👍
Another nice sequel in the Red Angel series. Anna is now the director of security for the executive committee of UAS. She shows her usual brilliance and quick thinking, but towards the end she uses extraordinary power of her position to effect a change for the better, and restore balance. The problematic legality of this is acknowledged by the characters, but ethical concerns do not get in the way of adventure.
I am a firm fan of this series and bought it immediately, then waited to read it when I had uninterrupted time. Sadly, I found this installment lacking in the warm friendships of previous novels and somewhat formulaic. It was assumed that Anna's back story was well known to the reader so no further interesting details were added. Even Red, Alexis and Dr. Renata only made cameo appearances.
I did like the book, but it is getting a little repetitious. Anna is again foisted into a new position but soon comes to like it. This time the 'evil men' are aware of her from the start but are continually frustrated. Anna's behind-the-back shots are interesting, if not over accurate. I couldn't say. Without some change in the routine I don't know if I'd read another; that said, I did like this book.
Anna takes a job as director of security for the committee that governs her collection of planets. This puts her in a position to unravel a conspiracy at a much higher level. Instead of theft, kidnapping or smuggling, this conspiracy is to take over the government.
I really enjoy these books and this one was no exception. Anna has transferred from the navy and is now involved in the political arena. The investigation into election fixing and assassination was fairly interesting, but the real action came from the attempts on Anna’s life. If possible I would have given 4.5 stars.
A nice continuation of the series. A new assignment bringing new people and problems. The writer didn't quite suspend my unbelief about the MC's overly impressive abilities - a little bit like the old Doc Savage books, but I still enjoyed the story and how the writer added in some investigative details.
An excellent mystery, with lots of excitement! Love the mc and how she works. Really liked the political stuff, it gave me some interesting insights to some other (real life) political stuff. The years can bring perspective, and Mr. Daems "brings it"! So enjoying this series! Looking forward to the next one!
In my humble opinion not as exciting as the previous book but a really good and interesting story. The action was believable and I enjoyed the fact that Paulus was accompanied by one of the 3 power brokers of the "parliament" during her trips. Made for some interesting scenarios.
I read 5 books in this series in 2-3 days. I paid $3.99 for each. I have Kindle Unlimited. I usually pay on $9.99 a month To read all I want. Yes I read that much to make it a great deal.
Mr daems manages time and again to bring fun reading into the table. The protagonist is likable and the story is moving mostly at the right speed. The plot is fun, not very deep but not stupid either, in short, fun read.
Action packed, puzzle solving and more. Anna Paulus has landed her self in another life changing situation due to he brilliance in puzzle solving and trouble shooting. Assassins wanting her dead around stop her. Must read!!!
If you’ve read the first few books in the Res Angel series you’ve read them all, but they still manage to be engaging. This one took 3x as long to read as the others - felt a little rote even the ending felt flat.
Favorite Line: A secret wasn’t a secret if more than one person knew
Great book, a good addition to the other 3 books in the Red Angel series. I have bought the last 2 books, Listened to the first 3 on YouTube. Finished reading; great ending.
This was fun. Updated: After reading all 5 books. Reminds me of E E Doc Smith's LENSMEN series. Enjoyable!
I enjoyed this book. It is the first book I've read by C R Daems, and I'm going to check out the first book in this series. This is an entertaining, formulaic romp. The main character is very interesting and I really enjoyed how she responded to situations and her investigative process. If I end up enjoying the series, I 'll append a note to this review.
Story was fine just a bit too much politics for me to really enjoy it and not sure that this being, what I presume, the final book lets the series down a bit.
I can't believe I'm at the end of this series already. Anne is a self effacing prodigy who succeeds by using common sense, deductive judgment and standing her ground no matter what, who or where, it has been such an enjoyable ride following her adventures. Anna's career jumps by leaps and bounds well beyond her comfort zone but she hangs on and surpasses expectation time and time again. Like all series by this author there has been room left for further adventures, I hope C.R obliges us with follow ups to all series, I for one will certainly buy them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.