You'd think that the ROGUE ANGEL series' primary mandate — bring a Lara Croft-esque character to live sans the cartoony excesses of video games — would be an impossible one. As it happens, the first book in the series, DESTINY, reads much better than it probably has any right to.
The novel wastes no time introducing us to Annja Creed, an international adventurer and archeologist whose involvement with one of those direct-to-cable "history's mysteries"-type shows has brought her to France. She's looking for answers to the mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan and quickly puts her foot right in the middle of two ongoing contemporary conspiracies.
If the series had decided to just go with the adventure-story aspect it would be nothing more than a distaff (and carnage-light) version of Gold Eagle's usual fare, but there's a strong element of the supernatural introduced involving Joan of Arc's sword, a pair of seemingly immortal men tied up with that sword and Annja's titular destiny as a heroine of stature.
The ending of DESTINY is a little shaky, but overall it makes for an entertaining read. Certainly it's a strong introduction to the series and worth seeking out.
Yes, Mel Odum is doing some of this series' writing, and a fine job at that. Especially with this first book of the series, a series that as I write now stands at 15 books.
The series is listed on the spine as 'science fiction' blending the times of Joan of Arc with our own contemporary ones, there are a couple of characters that are 500 years old, and there is the sword of the Maid, Joan of Arc, that Annja has inherited. But her inheritance does not come through the ordinary manner, it is more karma or destiny that gives her exclusive rights to Joan's, now reassembles, two-handed blade. This does not please the 2 men who knew Joan of Arc and feel they should be the ones with the rights to the sword. But these two help make this series more interesting. In a later book we have a character who seems to have known King Arthur! Is this a great series or what?
Each book tackles a different subject, from a beast in France, to a secret jar of Solomon, to Vikings, to Egyptian things, and eventually to King Arthur. I've skipped alot in between but you get the drift. I have all 13 volumes now with 14 out in September and 15 out in November. Two things account for my enjoyment of these books: my studies of archaeology in college and my interest in Joan of Arc. I truly enjoy this series, hoping it goes on for another 15 books or more.
I have read GOLD EAGLE novels for over 20 years and have never enjoyed a series as much, nor have I ever seen such a fine publishing product from GOLD EAGLE before. These books are well written, read well, and show well on the library shelf. Great job, GOLD EAGLE.
I wish Mel Odomhave stuck with his better written works in the Deathlands and Outlanders universe. This debut novel is pretty good, however. Just didn't shine as his other stuff.
But it seems to've found a solid reading audience. Good for him and his co-writer, Victor Milan. With a writing duo like this, it is small wonder why this exciting new series has quickly found an audience.
This is the type of genre that is hot right now.
