I read this
book in three nights and looked forward to opening it each time. The plot is
well developed and cleverly woven. There are some unexpected twists but the
real highlight is the author's character development. They are full,
inspired and believable and they wear both black and white hats. I was
surprised by the degree of evil and eroticism that the author instilled in
the antagonist. I recommend this book to devotees of Clive Cussler and Ian
Fleming; many similarities in style and plot structuring. Have a look -
enjoy the fast read - and beware of Mr. K! My hats off to Ms. Schartz and I
look forward to the release of the sequel.
"Lavishly described,
expertly written with stirring descriptions that take one's breath
away." The Book Reader
Forgotten
truth: "only during the tenth century did illustrators start representing
angels with wings. In truth, they never had any..." Michael Tanner is the
last person in the world to believe in angels -- rough and ready, a drinker,
product of an abusive childhood, single father. And suddenly he is the
recipient of a message in sound and vision about a Blue Angel fathering him,
with the message: "Already your neural pathways are opening to allow access
to your paranormal abilities." Dismissing the message as hallucination,
Tanner finds his life going crazy as a result of negative forces. His
girlfriend is killed, his little daughter is in jeopardy -- and Tanner has
to come to terms with the terrible forces unleashed around him. But the
forces are also threatening the Earth, and he is the only one who can do
battle, if he accepts his fate, the truth of his powers. His enemy is
an evil reptile-like alien named Krastinios, and the psychic combats between
them is thrilling. And there is a cosmic love: "Forgetting all previous
restraints, he stepped forth to embrace the Blue Angel, feeling the need for
physical contact. The tide of warmth and love took him by surprise."
Lavishly described, expertly written with stirring descriptions tat take
one's breath away. Author Schartz has written a solidly absorbing,
old-fashioned science fiction novel of good and evil, yes and no, the one
and the many.
"...a mighty fine
tale primed to read through in one sitting."
Curled Up With A
Good Book
Michael Tanner does not have the easy life. Rather, it is
forever sparse good intertwined with numerous evils waiting for the opportune
moment to strike. His life has taken a downhill twist. At the bottom, Michael
believes nothing else could go wrong. But it has. He is beset with
hallucinations.
Real enough to be believable, Michael arrives at the
incantation resurrecting an immortal evil power focused only on destroying the
world. Flashback to the Blue Angel insistent on claiming him as his son.
Flash-forward to his current girlfriend in a fatal accident courtesy of
Michael's nemesis, Krastinios.
To ward off more catastrophes, Michael sends his daughter
Jennifer to France for protection. Little does he know: Jennifer has now entered
the evil domain. To save her, he must coerce Krastinios into a battle that
Michael must win. Otherwise Tori, Jennifer, and the entire world will forever be
in mortal danger. It is Michael's destiny to be the only one who can save the
universe from the hostile takeover, for his father, who is centuries old, does
not have the necessary attributes to prevent war. Neither does anyone else
living on this Earth.
From Michael's illustrious beginnings with a brutal
stepfather to his untimely death for the sake of Earth and all mankind, Michael
has many struggles amid the compassion burning within. Although he accomplishes
one goal, his struggles are only just beginning.
One man against one alien.
Only one can win.
The first book in the series, Archangel Crusader
tells an age-old tale of good versus evil. Excellent. This one is a true keeper.
Schartz pens a mighty fine tale primed to read through in one sitting.
A marvelous tale of
good and evil
The Charlotte Austin Review
This engaging and fast-paced
novel begins a new series focusing on Michael Tanner; regular guy turned
worldwide Crusader for peace and environmental harmony. Fans of Vijaya
Schartz's novel Ashes for the Elephant God will enjoy the author's same
light touch, though the struggles are more external, producing a more
action-oriented storyline.
In Archangel Crusader, Michael
Tanner is a soul in turmoil after an abusive childhood followed by a series
of short-term relationships. His addictive drinking habit does not help the
situation. The only forces keeping him sane are an intense love for his
daughter Jennifer and girlfriend Veronica, and a distinct feeling that he is
somehow different from the men and women around him. When veronica is killed
in a tragic car accident, Michael immediately recognizes an evil that
threatens not only his family, but also the world at large.
Michael's enemy, Krastinios,
comes in the form of a handsome young man who possesses powers beyond what
rational minds would deem possible. When Krastinios threatens Jennifer,
Michael knows that a confrontation is inevitable. With such a menace
looming, Michael finds strengths he did not know existed within him. Along
with his newfound power, Michael is overcome when he learns the truth of his
own existence, and that the fate of mankind may rest in his hands. Michael
takes the pseudonym of Crusader in order to mask his own controversial past,
and to guide the Earth toward its greatest challenge.
Archangel Crusader is a
harmonious mix of enticing story and important social commentary. Michael's
internal struggles are exemplified by his harrowing physical adventures,
allowing a balanced plot where real people do extraordinary things. Schartz'
style is humorous and hopeful, creating a fluid and entertaining reading
experience. Though the suspension of conventional logic is required for
certain parts of the story to unfold, this is a testament to Schartz'
independent and adventurous mind.
Combining many New Age
philosophies with the concentrated battles of old-fashioned westerns makes
this a marvelous tale of good and evil set in the modern world. Well defined
characters, quick and often droll dialogue, add an element of significant
personality that bodes well for future installments in this series.
Review
Excerpts
"A marvelous tale of
good and evil" - The Charlotte
Austin Review
"...Lavishly
described, expertly written with stirring descriptions that take one's
breath away. Author Schartz has written a solidly absorbing, old-fashioned
science fiction novel of good and evil, yes and no, the one and the many.
- The Book Reader Spring/Summer 2002
"...relationships,
angels, aliens and seduction... even Satanism... kept this reviewer riveted...
compelling fantasy... you won't want to put it down... superior... enthralls,
and, at the same time, awakens!" - Richard Fuller Reviews
"...enjoyable,
believable... very effective... a lot of suspense... fast and furious..."
- Writer's Digest
"Breakneck
speed... action thriller... cleverly woven... unexpected twists... full,
inspired, believable characters... evil and eroticism... my hats off to
Ms. Schartz!"
- Scott Fleischman review -
Amazon.com
"...engaging
and fast-paced... a harmonious mix of enticing story... where real people
do extraordinary things... humorous and hopeful... fluid and entertaining...
quick and often droll dialogue... a marvelous tale of good and evil..."
- The Charlotte Austin Review
"...Vijaya
Schartz is an accomplished and fully engaging story-teller..."
-
The Midwest Book Review
"...a
winner!" - Debbie and Pam - Book Crazy Radio
"..extremely
entertaining!" - Christine Rodriguez,
Editor
"...
a darn good tale..." - Rose Stadler, Literary
Agent
"...four-dimensional
characters... vivid and quite compelling fantasy novel..."
-
Batya Swift Yasgur, Editor
"...where
the paranormal meets science-fiction... you will have to unravel this fantasy!"
-
Alan Caruba - BookViews
Prologue
Navajo
Reservation
Thirty-four
years earlier
Behind the blue
Ouachita Mountains, the sunset bathed the reservation in cool shadows.
Sitting cross-legged on the ground of the sacred cave, the one with sienna
drawings of coyotes and rattlesnakes on the walls, Maria faced the warm
circle of rocks. The light of the flames caressed the copper skin
of her bare breasts and her flowing black hair as she swayed to the rhythm
of her monotone chant. Tonight, the young girl braved the spirits
alone with only White Eagle’s talisman for protection. The arrowhead
on a leather thong around her neck prevented evil intrusion from the Great
Snake. Hopefully, the Great Spirit would grant her secret wish.
After sprinkling dry
cedar twigs among the embers of the central fire, Maria poured water from
a calabash onto the fiery rocks. Steam hissed and billowed, filling
the cave. Mellowed by the peyote pipe, Maria surveyed the clouds
that changed shape and color with the incantation. She expected a
vision.
There, yes,
there... A gentle spirit had come. His blue radiance filled
her with serene rapture as she felt enveloped by the song of angels. When the vapors condensed, Maria welcomed the loving presence and closed
her eyes, heavy with peaceful oblivion... Losing track of the ritual,
she surrendered to the blue light, sinking deeper into nothingness, well
being, love... Ever so gratefully...
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Break neck speed sci-fi action
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