Rogue Angel Book 3: The Spider Stone by Alex Archer

Performed by Full Cast Dramatization
Harlequin Enterprises/Gold Eagle/Graphic Audio
Action/Adventure
Thriller
Mass Market Paperback and Unabridged Audio Book
Rating: 4

While in Georgia exploring a tunnel involved in the Underground Railroad, Annja Creed, archeologist extraordinaire and successor to Joan of Arc, finds a strange artifact that dates back long before the Railroad. This odd stone is believed to be the ancient Spider Stone, a gift to a small African tribe by the god Anansi meant to see the tribe never dies as long as the stone is in Africa.

Intrigued by the legend attached to the stone, Annja ventures to Africa. She is accompanied by an agent from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who believes the stone to be tied to drug lords plaguing the US. Along the way, enemies abound as always in a Rogue Angel story and Annja finds herself facing off against African Warlord Tafari while helping a young single mother who works for an oil company mining in Senegal. Then there are the concerns of a curse on all not of the protected tribe who touch the stone...

The legend of Joan of Arc’s sword lives on with Annja Creed and she is creating her own legends now. Annja, who strikes me as a cross between Indiana Jones and Sydney Bristow, has grown and changed much since discovering her Destiny, and here in The Spider Stone that personal journey continues. She has gained much from her possession of the sword physically and mentally. She’s attracting lots of attention too since wherever Annja goes trouble is sure to follow on her heels. Annja is also attracting some romantic attention as well and the hint of something blooming between Annja and Agent Andrew McIntosh of DHS adds appeal to the story.

As is typical of the Rogue Angel, there are many enemies after the archeological treasure Annja has found. From African drug lords to insanely wealthy oil business corporations, there is no lacking for action and excitement with the danger. Our journey with Annja takes us across the United States and deep into the heart of the Senegalese jungles as she follows the legend of the stone and the rumored curses attached to it all while trying to outthink and outlast her enemies. Still though, I really wish there’d be a little more focus on the Joan of Arc connection rather than just as the reason Annja has her sword. Two of my favorite secondary characters, Braden and Roux make appearances again in The Spider Stone and they steal the show every time they’re around.

I love the tidbits about the responsibility and career of an archeologist that we glean from every book. This adds a special touch that readers can enjoy. The Spider Stone is yet another fine installment in the Rogue Angel series and I look forward to the next book.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, May 2008. All rights reserved.

The D2K Paranormal Junkies

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