*Genre* Fiction, Science Fiction
*Series synopsis*
Annja Creed is a world-traveling archaeologist with a penchant for adventure, lost cities, mysterious codes and puzzles, and shadowy history that was never recorded. Heir to Joan of Arc's mystic sword, Annja finds herself drawn into the webs of darkest villainy with lives on the line. As one of hosts of Chasing History’s Monsters, Annya is always on the lookout for strange and unusual happenings around the globe.
*The Story*
Restless Soul, Rogue Angel #28, begins in an unusual way for our heroine Annya Creed; she is actually trying to take a much needed vacation with an Argentinian archaeologist named Luartaro (Lu) Agustin who she may, or may not have feelings for.
After flying off on a whim to Thailand, Lu and Annya enjoy some much needed down time together. Naturally, one thing leads to another and they end up cave exploring. Annya and Lu end up stuck in the middle of large scale operation of relic traffickers who kill anyone who gets in their way. This after they discover vast amounts of relics and coffins.
What really gets Annya’s attention is the so called Human Skull bowl containing US military dog tags. They appear to be covered in blood and are at least 40 years old. (Obviously they are from dead US GIs that served during the Vietnam War).
Annya later learns that the markings are intended to keep the souls of the dead in the bowl and away from Voodoo legends Papa Glede, Kalfu, and Legba who guide them to the other side.
Naturally, Annya is a super heroine who refuses to allow the destruction of world’s artifacts and goes after those involved claiming she is reluctant to kill anyone for the sake of killing. She is also seemingly indestructible after being shot so many times, it’s hard to keep track.
This installment has no appearances by either Garin or Roux.
The writer of this story is definitely a person that lives for the fact that we should be careful of our environment and not leave heavy footprints that damage the planet. I don’t disagree with this principle. But, I rather not have writers put their personal views into their story telling when a particular character is in the middle of being of chased by bad guys out to KILL HER!
*Final Thoughts*
This book is unusual in that Annya’s so called love interest, Lu, actually survives to see another day. Obviously there is some truth behind this story of relic hunters in the former Opium Triangle known as Laos, Burma, Thailand, and Vietnam. There is also the correlation between Voodoo, Hoodoo, and Catholics that is once again played out in a story.
I wouldn’t say this was either the worse, or the best in the series.
To me, I’m hesitant to read about the destruction of natural and national treasures like what happened in Iraq during the war. I’m not surprised to see a writer belittle the American GI’s in Vietnam for stealing treasures and killing arbitrarily. At the same time, the Viet Cong weren’t angels and did their share of atrocities as well. War is hell. People are people and they make bad choices.
Next for me in this series: Tears of the Gods (published July 5, 2011)
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