Tag Archives: Guild Hunter

Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Raphael and Elena are experiencing their first ever year of true peace. No war. No horrors of archangelic power. No nightmares given flesh. Until…the earth beneath the Refuge begins to tremble, endangering not only angelkind’s precious and fragile young, but the very place that has held their most innocent safe for eons.

Amid the chaos, Elena’s father suffers a violent heart attack that threatens to extinguish their last chance to heal the bonds between them and make sense of the ruins of their agonizing shared history.

Even as Elena battles grief, Raphael is torn from her side by the sudden disappearance of an archangel. But worse yet is to come. An Ancestor, an angel unlike any other, stirs from his Sleep to warn the Cadre of a darkness so terrible that it causes empires to fall and civilizations to vanish.

This time, even the Cadre itself may not be able to stop a ticking clock that is counting down at frightening speed…

••••••••

Barb’s Review:
Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh is the 16th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series. Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series.  It has been ten years since Lijuan died, with the destruction having been rebuilt, and peace around the world. But now all over the world, the land begins to quake under the refuge, with buildings being destroyed, and other violent natural disasters. Jessamy and Vivek work together to uncover what is happening, as they find an old ancient language that might give them answers.

When an Ancient ancestor seems to be awakening from his sleep, Raphael will meet an archangel older than any of them; Marduk. He will explain his thoughts on why the world is falling apart.  Marduk will warn Rapheal and all of the Cadre of a darkness that needs to be fixed, or the future may not survive. All the archangels must work together to find the clues left behind by the old angelic ancestors and how to fix it.

The other part of this story revolves around Elena, whose father has a major heart attack, and may not survive.  She rushes to his bedside, spending time with her stepmother, and their kids, including her own sister, Beth. Elena begins to see signs, such as Beth’s hair turning grey, and the other kids growing up, and realizes that she will outlive all her mortal family and friends.  She is in the middle of keeping an eye on her father, but also dealing with Marduk and his suggestions to stop the destruction.

I love seeing Raphael and Elena together, as I loved their spicy scenes; as well as the love they have for each other.  It was also great to see many of our favorites, such as Illium,Aodhan, Dmitri, Jessamy, Keir, Sharine, Titus, just to name a few;  not to mention all the archangels (Cadre) who must work together to save the world.  Vivek, who is working with Jessamy, seems to play a big part in finding information on the destruction, as he also has help from a very old female vampire underworld leader, Katrina.  Where will this lead in future books?

All of the Cadre, including Elena will need to find the clues for each of them that was once used all those many years before. Marduk only knows so much, but they all will need to bring the parts together, and then Elena with help from Keir to hope that they all will survive. I will not give spoilers, so not to ruin it for you.

What follows was an exciting, intense and emotional last third of the book, with everyone pulling together.  As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down.  I loved having so much time with Elena, with her family, as well as the love between her and Raphael.  As always, Archangel’s Lineage was so very well written by Nalini.  If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.

______

Sandy’s Review: ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE is the sixteenth instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal, urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE follows several pathways including the ongoing relationship between Archangel Raphael and his consort Elena, as well as the collapsing infrastructure of the Refuge; a worldwide series of environmental disasters; the early sleep of a troubled Archangel, a the awakening of another, too early in time, and crumbling bonds of Elena’s human family. ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE should not be read as a stand alone as there are numerous references to previous events and disasters.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives ( Elena and Raphael) ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE follows in the wake of a series of environmental disasters in each of the Archangel’s strongholds around the globe. It has been approximately ten years since the last war and the events of the Cascade (an event that causes massive power fluctuations and other changes among the members of the Cadre), and in this, reparations and rebuilding have been at the forefront for Raphael and Elena but a meeting of the Cadre reveals an Archangel has chosen to sleep, and another may be responsible for the chaos around the world.

Meanwhile, Elena’s estranged father has suffered a life-threatening heart attack, and our heroine is battling between heart break and remorse. Elena’s father has struggled in the years since the murder of his children, and the death of his beloved wife, and in this, Elena has felt the brunt of her father’s grief, and rejection.

The world building is complex and complicated as the story line references numerous past events, and the possible connections to the current time line. All is not well with Angelkind, and in this, the Cadre of Archangels is struggling to maintain control of the vast territories, and betrayal by some of their own.

The relationship between Elena and Raphael continues to be loving , passionate and seductive. Elena is mortal yet not-Raphael sacrificed himself to save his beloved, a sacrifice that now connects our heroine to the past. The $ex scenes are limited but intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and energetic secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in previous story lines. We are reintroduced to Elena’s extended family, as well as the introduction of Archangel Marduk.

ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, desperation and devotion, love and acceptance, family and love. The premise is dramatic, detailed, intricate and impassioned; the romance is heated and sentimental; the characters are compelling, authoritative, and dynamic.

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of Archangel’s Lineage   to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and follow THE READING CAFE on FACEBOOK .

4. Please FOLLOW and follow THE READING CAFE on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Like and Follow NALINI SINGH  on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to USA  only

8. Giveaway runs from April 23 – 27, 2024

 

 

 

 

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Archangel’s Resurrection by Nalini Singh-Review & Giveaway

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Archangel’s Resurrection by Nalini Singh-Review & Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 25, 2022

For thousands of years, the passion between Alexander, Archangel of Persia, and Zanaya, Queen of the Nile, burned furious and bright, seemingly without end. But to be an archangel is to be bound to power violent and demanding. Driven by its primal energy, Alexander and Zanaya fought as fiercely as they loved. Locked in an endless cycle of devotion and heartbreak, it is only Zanaya’s decision to Sleep that ends their love story.

Eons later, it is the Cascade of Death that wakens them both. The passion between them a flame that yet burns, Alexander and Zanaya stand together in one last battle against the ultimate darkness. But even a warrior archangel cannot win every war. Alexander’s scream shatters the world as Zanaya falls, broken and silent…only to rise again in a miracle that may be a devastating curse. For is it truly the Queen of the Nile who has been resurrected?

Only one thing is clear: this is the last beat of their passionate, angry dance. The final song for Alexander and his Zani…

•••••••

Sandy’s Review: ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION is the fifteenth instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is Archangel of Persia Alexander, and Queen of the Nile, Archangel Zanaya’s story line. ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and history regarding the Cascade.

Told in four parts, overlapping with several previous story line premises, covering thousands of years, using third person perspective ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION follows the life, the death and the life again of Archangel of Persia Alexander, and Queen of the Nile, Archangel Zanaya. Alexander and Zanaya have a colorful, riotous, and volatile history, and throughout the eons, separation would always rekindle with a violent clash as Archangel’s were not meant to be together for extended periods of time-too much power, too much ego, too many wars to protect or destroy but the time had come, Zanaya had chosen the ‘Sleep’ of the Archangel’s, leaving an embittered and heartbroken Alexander behind. Thousands of years would once again pass, bringing with it the Cascade (an event that causes massive power fluctuations and other changes among the members of the Cadre) brought about by Archangel Lijuan’s descent into madness. A prophecy of death and destruction, resurrection and renewal, as well as the rise and fall of Archangels would be the Cascade, an imbalance that would see the death and injury of many angels and Archangels including the awakening , the fall, and the rebirth of the woman Alexander loved, Zanaya, destroyed by the madness of Lijuan.

ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION looks at Alexander’s brother Osiris’ decline and plummet into madness and fanaticism; Cassandra’s sight revealing pathways that converge and divert; Antonicus, Archangel of the lost city of Elysium, who had dared to cross Lijuan’s black fog, is alive yet not, rising to take over where Lijuan left off.

ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION is a slow moving, complex, and detailed story line of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and madness, love and understanding. The premise is intricate, startling and enchanting; the romance is complicated and resilient; the characters are powerful, charismatic and strong.

———

–Barb’s Review: Archangel’s Resurrection by Nalini Singh is the 15th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series.  Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series. Archangel’s Resurrection is centered on two wonderful heroes, as we learn everything about two ancient Archangel’s and their fantastic love over thousands of years. 

Alexander, the Archangel of Persia and Zanaya, the Queen of the Nile is a love story that lasts through eons, continuing to burn brightly, even at times when they separated over years, only to return to their true love.  Alexander is older, and when he became an Archangel, he knew he was attracted to the young Zanaya, but was determined to allow her to grow, until she became a General for her Archangel, and now Alexander claimed the woman he loved.  The relationship was strong and sizzling, but also tumultuous, causing disagreements that would last for a number of years, until they made up and resumed their deep loving relationship.  

Zanaya, after so many millenniums, decided to Sleep, leaving Alexander to live without her; temporarily shattering their love story.   When the evil Lijuan’s war happened, the cascade woke many ancient Archangels, with Zanaya waking up.  The passion between them still burns, as they stand together with other Archangels to fight Lijuan; and Alexander’s scream shatters the world as Zanaya falls being attacked by Lijuan.  Gravely injured in the battle, Zanaya is taken by Cassandra to heal; when she awakes after only ten years; she does feel a bit different, worried that she carries a small part of Lijuan. 

I loved seeing many of the other Archangels we have come to love.  In this story I loved Zanaya’s friendship with Auri, who became her best friend and her second; as well as Meher.  Avelina was also great as Alexander’s second.

Archangel’s Resurrection was a monumental love story over millenniums that was very romantic and very emotional throughout, which was a fabulous addition to this series.  I really loved Alexander and Zanaya together.

As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down.  Archangel’s Resurrection was fantastic, taking us through millenniums with war, peace, tragedy, destruction, and a magnificent love.   If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.

 

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a paper copy of ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and follow THE READING CAFE on FACEBOOK .

4. Please FOLLOW and follow THE READING CAFE on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. like and FOLLOW Follow NALINI SINGH  on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to USA and CANADA only

8. Giveaway runs from October 25-29, 2022

 

 

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Archangel’s Light (Guild Hunter 14) by Nalini Singh-dual review

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Archangel’s Light (Guild Hunter 14) by Nalini Singh-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 26, 2021

Illium and Aodhan. Aodhan and Illium. For centuries they’ve been inseparable: the best of friends, closer than brothers, companions of the heart. But that was before—before darkness befell Aodhan and shattered him, body, mind, and soul. Now, at long last, Aodhan is healing, but his new-found strength and independence may come at a devastating cost—his relationship with Illium.

As they serve side by side in China, a territory yet marked by the evil of its former archangel, the secret it holds nightmarish beyond imagining, things come to an explosive decision point. Illium and Aodhan must either walk away from the relationship that has defined them—or step forward into a future that promises a bond infinitely precious in the life of an immortal…but that demands a terrifying vulnerability from two badly bruised hearts.

•••••••

SANDY’S REVIEW

ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT is the fourteenth full length instalment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is angels Illium aka Bluebell, and Aodhan aka Sparkles’ story line. ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as Illium and Aodhan’s story line has been building throughout the series.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several third person perspectives including Illium and Aodhan, using present day and memories from the past ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT follows the life long friendship to lovers relationship between angels Illium aka Bluebell, and Aodhan aka Sparkles. Illium and Aodhan’s friendship has been damaged by demons from the past. For close to two years, Illium struggled with his best friend’s disappearance, a disappearance that resulted in the torture and abuse of the friend/man/brother that he loved but with Aodhan’s rescue and return, the resulting pain left Aodhan a changed man-a broken Angel- and in this, Illium battled with their friendship going forward. Now that Aodhan was helping to rebuild LiJuan’s former stronghold in China, Illium has been tasked by Raphael to aid the reformation wherever he is needed but coming face to face with Aodhan pushed our couple to revisit the past, not only their childhood but the demons that broke the man that he loved. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Aodhan and Illium, and the potential fall out as LiJuan’s previous control and hold on China continues to reveal the extent of her destruction, and the resulting evil that cannot be ignored. As Illium and Aodhan continue to unearth the damage, a surprise discovery has everyone on edge, including the most powerful beings in the world.

Nalini Singh reveals the background and history between our story line couple: the years spent as childhood best friends-their pain at parental loss both physical and emotional, as well as their connection to Archangel Raphael, the Cadre, and the Seven but Nalini also pulls the reader into the dark, raw and ugly side of a world controlled by Archangels and Angels, as the reader bears witness to the tragic events, abuse and torture of an Angel so coveted for what he is, that the resulting harm has left a damaged and broken man.

The relationship between Aodhan and Illium is a best friends to lovers relationship wherein Aodhan struggles with his attraction to a man whom he believes continues to hold a torch for someone else. As Aodhan battles between head and heart, Illium must come to terms with the potential loss of both the friendship and love of the man he has protected all of his life. There are no $ex scenes.

ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, abuse and torture, recovery and love. The premise is heart breaking, emotional, and raw; the characters are energetic, broken, struggling but recovering; the romance is impassioned but is damaged by perception and misunderstanding.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Angel’s Blood
Archangel’s Kiss
Archangel’s Consort
Archangel’s Blake
Angel’s Flight anthology
Archangel’s Storm
Archangel’s Legion
Archangel’s Shadows
Archangel’s Enigma
Archangel’s Heart
Archangel’s Viper
Archangel’s Prophecy
Archangel’s War
Archangel’s Sun

 

BARB’S REVIEW:
Archangel’s Light by Nalini Singh is the 14th book in her fantastic Guild Hunter series.  We have been waiting a long time for Illium (Bluebell) and Aodhan’s (Sparkle) story, and once again, Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series.  Archangel’s Light was a wonderful story dedicated to two of our favorites.

Illium and Aodhan have been friends since childhood (over 500 years), with both growing up to be extremely close, but also very powerful.  The story picks up with Aodhan in China, as Archangel Suyin’s temporary second to help recover the horrific mess created by the deceased and evil LiJuan.  With so much to be done, and a year has passed, Raphael decides to send Illium to China to help Suyin and Aodhan.

The story goes back and forth between two timelines, Today and Yesterday. Yesterday gives us glimpses how their friendship and bond developed over the years, as toddlers, teenagers and how Sharine’s love for both boys were instrumental to how great they became.  Today follows Aodhan, Illuim, Suyin in there aim to move to a new area to be the home front, and destroy any horror left by LiJuan.   With both working together, there will be some discoveries that were horrific, proving what a nightmare LiJuan was.  I loved seeing how Raphael, Dmitri, other members of the Seven interacted with Illium and Aodhan as they grew up; as well as Elena’s fun relationship with them.  

With a year having passed, both Aodhan and Illuim had issues that needed to be resolved, especially with Aodhan now healed from his two year torturous captivity.  We have loved both Illium and Aodhan for a long time and in Archangel’s Light, their inseparable relationship borders on falling apart with each going their separate ways, or to repair their bruised hearts to become the true soulmates they were meant to be.   

Archangel’s Light was a tense, emotional and fantastic story, revolving around the disaster from the deceased archangel, and the impaired relationship of two people we have always loved.  To say too much more would be wrong, as you need to fully read Illuim and Aodhan’s story.  As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down.    If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.

Copy supplied for review

 

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Archangel’s Sun (Guild Hunter) by Nalini Singh – Dual Review

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Archangel’s Sun (Guild Hunter) by Nalini Singh – Dual Review

 

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Description:
The Archangel of Death and the Archangel of Disease may be gone but their legacy of evil lives on—especially in Africa, where the shambling, rotting creatures called the reborn have gained a glimmer of vicious intelligence.

It is up to Titus, archangel of this vast continent, to stop the reborn from spreading across the world. Titus can’t do it alone, but of the surviving powerful angels and archangels, large numbers are wounded, while the rest are fighting a surge of murderous vampires.

There is no one left…but the Hummingbird. Old, powerful, her mind long a broken kaleidoscope. Now, she must stand at Titus’s side against a tide of death upon a discovery more chilling than any other. For the Archangel of Disease has left them one last terrible gift…

•••••••••••

Sandy’s Review: ARCHANGEL’S SUN is the thirteenth full-length instalment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/ paranormal/ urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is the archangel of Africa Titus, and Angel Lady Sharine, aka the Hummingbird’s story line ARCHANGEL’S SUN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order. For followers and fans, the Hummingbird is Illium aka Bluebell’s mother.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Titus and Sharine) ARCHANGEL’S SUN picks up in the aftermath of the Cascade that destroyed many of the Archangel’s strongholds and cities throughout the world. At the request of New York’s Archangel Raphael, Lady Sharine has been tasked with helping archangel of Africa Titus in his struggle to rebuild but the war continues in Africa as Lijuan and Chrisemnon’s creations-the reborn- are terrorizing and destroying everything and everyone in their path but a more dangerous weapon and heinous creature is about to be revealed, and with it the possibility of the destruction of angelkind. What ensues is the continued battle with the reborn, and the building romance and relationship between our leading couple.

Lady Sharine is an artist among the angels, the mother to Illium, and a mother –like figure to Archangel Raphael but Sharine’s past is shrouded in heart break and despair, and our heroine has struggled with the knowledge that everyone she has loved has been taken from her or destroyed her faith in the world. Believed to have been wounded, insane and broken, Lady Sharine is a strong woman, and an even stronger ‘warrior’ with a hidden ability of which nobody is aware. Titus knows he comes off as obnoxious and loud, preferring to yell rather than coddle his warriors but with the arrival of Lady Sharine something softens within our story line hero, as they work together to rid his holdings of the zombie-like reborn, and in doing so, search for a possible link and antidote to the flesh eating virus.

The relationship between Titus and Shirane begins acrimoniously as Titus believes Shirane is too frail and sickly to help with the rebuild. Centuries of rumors and innuendo regarding Shirane’s mental and emotional health have weighed heavily amongst the angels and Archanges but Shirane is about to surprise Titus with her abilities and powers, not only as an artist, but an angel worthy of being a consort. The lone $ex scenes is passionate but mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of virtual secondary and supporting characters most of whom we have met in the previous instalments: Archangel Raphael, Sharine’s ex and Illium’s father Archangel Aegaeon, Raphael’s mother Archangel Caliane; Archangels Suyin, Neha and Alexander; vampire Trace; Titus’ spymaster Ozias; angels Tanae, Tzadiq, Orios; as well as Titus’ sisters Zuri, and Nala.

ARCHANGEL’S SUN is a story of betrayal and revenge; recovery and revelations; friendships, relationships and love. The premise is edgy and tragic ; the characters are energetic, colorful, captivating and strong; the slow building romance is sensitive. Another wonderful addition to Nalini Singh’s GUILD HUNTER series.

______________

 

Barb’s Review:
Archangel’s Sun by Nalini Singh is the 13th book in her fantastic Guild Hunter series.  Once again Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series.  The last book was so intense, exciting and mindboggling from start to finish, and I thought perhaps Archangel’s Sun would be at a slower pace; but even though this book was not as epic, it was an amazing wonderful story that also kept the flow continue to be seamless.

With all the world affected, the Archangels are all working overtime to fight the horrific situations throughout.  Titus, our hero, has taken over as the Archangel of Africa, where the evil now deceased Lijuan, created the horrible reborn (rotting creatures/crazed vampires).  Titus has his hands full, with all of his angels and warriors struggling and working night and day to kill the reborn; as well as trying to stop the other deceased Archangel Charisemnon’s (Archangel of Disease) creations that could be even worse.   To his surprise, Raphael sends help in the form of the infamous Hummingbird (Sharine); which he isn’t too pleased about, since she is a well-loved woman with gifts, but not someone who is able to help in this battle.  Of course, he will be in for a big surprise

Sharine, our heroine, (Illium’s mom, as well as Aodhan’s adopted mom) has been helping run Lumia, but accepts Raphael’s decision to go to Africa.  Sharine has spent many years slowly putting herself back together (recovering from her tragic fractured mind, and from a deep slumber),  to rise up become what she was meant to be.  I absolutely loved Sharine, her confidence, toughness, and her learning the powers she had fully forgotten about.  She was such a delight, and it was so much fun to watch her early on stand up to Titus, and his shock at her behavior, as she was supposed to be a quiet gifted and fragile woman who people adored, not someone constantly answering him back. 

Titus is a well-respected and fierce 3000 year warrior, who found himself after a rough beginning falling for the wonderful Sharine.  I loved watching them together, as she managed to bring him down a peg or two, especially when their feelings for each other became apparent.  Together they worked to find clues as to what Charisemnon was hiding, and we also got to see Sharine learn to use her powers to help Titus and his team.

Archangel’s Sun was a wonderful, sweet, fun, romantic, as well as emotional story that made this into a fabulous addition to this series.  Both Titus and Sharine were a fantastic couple that had us rooting for them from the start.   As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down.  Though enough details are given through the book, I do suggest you read the previous book for cohesion.  If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Bravo to Nalini for giving us a fantastic couple in Titus and Sharine.    Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.

 

Copies provided by Publisher

 

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Archangel’s War by Nalini Singh – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Archangel’s War by Nalini Singh – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Wings of silver. Wings of blue. Mortal heart. Broken dreams. Shatter. Shatter. Shatter. A sundering. A grave. I see the end. I see. . .

The world is in chaos as the power surge of the Cascade rises to a devastating crescendo. In furiously resisting its attempts to turn Elena into a vessel for Raphael’s power, Elena and her archangel are irrevocably changed. . .far beyond the prophecy of a cursed Ancient.

At the same time, violent and eerie events around the world threaten to wipe out entire populations. And in the Archangel Lijuan’s former territory, an unnatural fog weaves through the land, leaving only a bone-chilling silence in its wake. Soon it becomes clear that even the archangels are not immune to this deadly evil. This time, even the combined power of the Cadre may not be enough. . .

This war could end them all.

 

Sandy’s Review:

ARCHANGEL’S WAR is the twelfth instalment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/ paranormal/ urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. ARCHANGEL’S WAR is the continuing story of New York’s Archangel Raphael, and his consort, human turned angel Elena Deveraux. ARCHANGEL’S WAR should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff-hanger of Archangel’s Prophecy wherein the Archangel’s are preparing for war against two of their own.

Told from several third person perspectives including Raphael and Elena ARCHANGEL’S WAR focuses on the prophecy having revealed death and destruction, resurrection and renewal in the wake of Lijuan’s madness, the Archangel of India, as she prepares to take over the world. With fellow Archangel Charisemnon by her side, Lijuan amasses an army of the undead as she slowly destroys the very people she protects, while making preparations to take down the Archangel of New York. Lijuan’s actions have triggered the Cascade (an event that causes massive power fluctuations and other changes among the members of the Cadre) but also an event that will see Raphael and Elena’s powers merge in an effort to protect the people they love. Lijuan’s growing power awaken the ancient Archangel’s from their ‘Sleep’ but an awakening that brings together Archangel’s from around the world.

ARCHANGEL’S WAR is an action-packed, spirited and edgy story about the madness for, and of, power; the dramatic actions of a psychotic and powerful mind; and the desperate fight to protect the innocent and the damned. Nalini Singh pulls the reader into an animated and forceful sequence of events; a character driven tale with epic results; and the mind numbing chaos and capability of the supernatural.

Barb’s Review:
Archangel’s War by Nalini Singh is the 12th book in her fantastic Guild Hunter series.  WOW!   That is all I can say, as I kept thinking about this book all through the night.   Nalini Singh is such an amazing author, and she has outdone herself with this book.  I can’t get over the mind-boggling action from start to finish, and that she keeps the flow going so seamlessly.  Bravo…Archangel’s War was an epic fantastic exciting, action pack thrill a minute.  I have always loved Elena and Raphael, but in Archangel’s War they have fully taken my heart. 

We have been waiting for this war, as it has been leading up to this for a while, and we begin months after the last book left off, with Raphael and Elena being woken up by the havoc of the Cascade going wild.  All of the countries are being violently affected, with total chaos (earthquakes, horrific storms, terrible lightening, etc), which is also waking up ancients who have been asleep for many years. 

But they also discover something weird happening in China, which has all the Archangels working together to stop what is coming.  Lijuan, the Archangel of Death, has become the ultra-powerful mad woman all the other archangels feared, and war is closer than they thought.  In a short time, all hell breaks loose, with all suffering; but New York (Raphael’s territory) is severely taking a beating that had me holding my breath throughout the entire book. Who will survive is the big question? Can Lijuan be stopped?

Because this is a masterpiece, I cannot tell too much more, as the whole book is filled with spoilers.   Archangel’s War is an intense, emotional, suspenseful roller coaster of a ride that is not to be missed.  I could not put this book down, constantly on the edge of my seat.  Nalini, I bow down to you, as you are a master story teller.   If you have not read this series, do not start with this book.  Do yourself a favor and start at the beginning.  For those who have read this series, you are in for a fantastic read.  Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.  No one does world building & fantastic characters better than Nalini Singh.

 

 

Free of any angelic oversight, vampires across China would inevitably give in to bloodlust. They would torture and murder, rend and tear. They would become a horde that spilled over into neighboring territories. The Cadre would execute every single living being in China, stain its soil a permanent red, to prevent that outcome.

“Kill it. Burn the entire territory down to the ground.” Charisemnon bit out the words, but even the Archangel of Northern Africa had a grim look on his handsome face at the idea of such a death toll.
“If only that were a viable choice,” Astaad murmured. “It will not end the threat posed by Lijuan.”
“And death on such a scale?” Neha’s sari was a deep yellow with a rich pink and gold border and the silk of it whispered as she moved a hand in a strong negative. “It will leave a stain across eternity.”
“You are all being very careful not to look at me,” Caliane murmured in a quiet voice that held the echoes of hundreds of crying children; they were ghosts of the dead that his mother carried within and would into her final Sleep. “But of all those here, I am the only one who understands the toll it takes to wipe out thousands of innocent lives—I cannot be permitted to hide from my knowledge.”
It was a bleak truth. Alexander had killed in battle, as had Raphael and many of the others. Some of their number had murdered in cold blood, but none had unleashed wholesale slaughter. Caliane had wiped out the thriving populations of two cities.
She’d spared the children, but their fragile hearts had broken under the trauma. Most had simply curled up and died. Angelkind had fought to save those tiny human lives and failed. Raphael’s palms curled inward, his skin remembering the calluses that had formed from digging grave after grave.
It hadn’t been in penance for his mother’s horrific crime. Nothing could be penance enough for that.
“Such an action is a burden that will haunt you through time.” Caliane spoke with no self-pity, with potent directness. “Atonement is an impossibility. The ghosts of the lives I took have become my constant shadows. I hear them in the gray hours before dawn, when the world is quiet, and I have no answers for them when they ask me why they had to die.”
Raphael’s shoulders bunched, his gut tight. This was the first time he’d heard his mother speak of her terrible act, the first time he’d understood that she’d not only come out sane after her long Sleep, but with all her memories intact. In the bleak lines of her face, he saw the truth: his mother remembered each and every soul she had condemned to the pitiless ocean.
“But what I did,” she continued without mercy to herself, “would pale in comparison to eliminating the people of an entire territory. We would not survive the weight of the dead on our conscience. The Cadre will fall and Lijuan will rise again from beneath the bones of her dead.”

© Copyright 2019 by Nalini Singh


 

Nalini’s publisher, Berkley, is offering winner’s choice of one book from Guild Hunter series (except Archangel’s War) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Archangel’s Prophecy (Guild Hunter #11) by Nalini Singh – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Archangel’s Prophecy (Guild Hunter #11) by Nalini Singh – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY
Guild Hunter #11
by Nalini Singh
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, Urban Fantasy, paranormal

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes / Google Play / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Midnight and dawn, Elena’s wings are unique among angelkind…and now they’re failing. The first mortal to be turned into an immortal in angelic memory, she’s regressing. Becoming more and more human. Easier to hurt. Easier to kill.

Elena and Raphael must unearth the reason for the regression before it’s too late and Elena falls out of the sky. Yet even as they fight a furious battle for Elena’s very survival, violent forces are gathering in New York and across the world.

In China, the Archangel Favashi is showing the first signs of madness. In New York, a mysterious sinkhole filled with lava swallows a man whole. In Africa, torrential monsoon rains flood rolling deserts. And in Elena’s mind whispers a haunting voice that isn’t her own.

This time, survival may not be possible…not even for the consort of an archangel.

 

Sandy’s Review:

ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is the eleventh instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/ paranormal/ urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is the continuing story of New York’s Archangel Raphael, and his consort, human turned angel Elena Deveraux. ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY should not be read as a stand alone as the story line continues the series arc focusing on the Cascade, and the growing evil surrounding two of Cadre.

Told from several third person perspectives including Raphael and Elena ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY follows Elena as she tasks herself with uncovering the truth behind a series of attacks and dismemberment against vampires and humans including the near fatal attack against her sister’s mate. As Elena begins to dig deeper into everyone connected with Harrison’s past, strange phenomena and environmental disasters begin to wreak havoc in Raphael’s New York territory, phenomena that directly affects our story line heroine. Slowly reverting back to her mortal self, Elena sees apparitions and warnings of impending danger and doom, doom that the Archangel Raphael is powerless to prevent or defeat.

ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is a love story wherein one of the most powerful beings is unable to prevent the fall-out of power, death, rebirth and the prophecy. Struggling to stay one step ahead of the approaching destruction of his heart and his soul Raphael learns that the ultimate sacrifice is only the beginning of a new awakening and his chance for a future.

Nalini Singh’s ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is a captivating story of unimaginable conflict; of pain and loss, of heartache and grief. As our couple battle that which they cannot see, others must battle that which remains to be seen. ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY is a raw, real and powerful story; a startling and staggering look at devotion, love, sacrifice and the helplessness in the inability to stop the inevitable fall.

•••••••••••••

Barb’s Review:
Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh is the 11th book in her fantastic Guild Hunter series.   Raphael and Elena take center stage once again in Archangel’s Prophecy.  It is always great to be able to spend a lot of time with Raphael and Elena, as they are a great couple…the Archangel and his Consort.

But things are changing, as the cascade threatens again.  In China, a major threat to other Archangels threatens all. In New York, Elena is on a case to find out who attacked her brother-in law, thereby putting her sister and niece’s lives in danger. Slowly, Elena begins to notice things happening to her body.  She is losing her feathers on her wings, one at a time; cuts do not heal, and each day she becomes weaker.  Being the first mortal turned to immortal, Elena realizes that slowly she is losing her immortality.  The question is why?  No one has any answers.

Elena also hears voices from an ancient long asleep, warning her about the prophecy where she must give her life for another. Raphael is desperate to find the cause that is harming Elena, and brings his ‘seven’ to help.

In the midst of this, is the mystery as to who is killing vampires, including the attack on her brother-in-law.  These are the two main storylines that Archangel’s Prophecy centers on; with Elena pushing herself beyond to do what she can to stop this killer, in order to protect her family.  Her body continues to weaken, losing part of her immortality and powers along the way. Elena is determined to ignore the prophecy and using her will to try and force it to change to a different future.  Raphael was amazing throughout, showing how much he loves Elena, and knowing if he loses her, he will become the monster he always feared.  He also knows that an ancient archangel more powerful than any of the other archangels will eventually wake up, casusing a catastrophic war that could destroy them all.

I can’t say too much more, as you really need to read this book.  Archangel’s Prophecy was an emotional wild ride that had me rushing through the pages so that I can find out what happens, which of of course made me go back and reread the last 1/3 again.  It was great to spend time with Raphael and Elena, and I enjoy their love for each other; but there was anguish, fear, worry as we watched them desperately holding on to hope.  I loved seeing all the ‘seven’ and many of their mates.  I love Illium, and look forward to whenever we get his story.  The Legion was also very good, especially with them watching over Elena and Raphael.

Just so you know, the book ends with cliffhanger, and I cannot imagine waiting another year to find out what happens.  Will Raphael and Elena find a way change the direction of the prophecy?  What exactly happens to Elena if the prophecy holds true?  Too many questions, and too long to wait.  Nalini Singh once again gives us a sensational and maybe game changing story.  Archangel’s Prophecy is a must read.

 

Copies provided by Publisher

 

Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © Nalini Singh, 2018.

 

(Elena is in Raphael’s arms as he flies them across the night sky.)“I can almost understand what Jeffrey’s become,” Elena said. “The way he is now.” She ran her fingers through Raphael’s hair as the two of them flew on into the night. “It’d be as if you chose to leave me. I’d spend the rest of my life wondering why you couldn’t come to me, why you couldn’t trust me with your hurt and sorrow.”
I would never leave you, Elena. A lethal edge in every word. Such a thing is an impossibility.
“I know you’d never leave me, not by choice.” The Cascade shoving him full of power, other forces in the immortal world, sought to steal him from her, but Raphael would never make the choice Marguerite had made. “I was just using it as an example.”
Find another example.
Laughter burst through the anger, shattering it into icy shards that melted in the heat between them. Sinking into the force of his love and commitment, she used her most penitent voice to say, “I apologize for even using it as a hypothetical example.”
He gave her a stern look, before nodding downward. “See there.”
Following his gaze, she spotted a jetboat scything through the water. It was a sleek black thing with what might’ve been flames licking up the sides. It was hard to see in the darkness, the only light coming from the boat itself. “Fancy.”
“Look closer.”
She squinted as he dropped lower, but it was a wisp of scent that floated into the air—chocolate and fur and champagne—that gave her the identity of the man at the helm. “Dmitri? I didn’t know he had a boat.”
“That’s the Honor, Dmitri’s new personal launch.” A pause before he said, “Shall I name something after you?”
Elena pretended to think about it. “Maybe the next time you buy a jet,” she said solemnly.
“I will call it the Hunter Angel.”
Elena threatened to punch him. He laughed until his eyes were pure light and white fire danced over his primaries and it felt like intoxication. His kiss was food to her parched soul, the angel dust that coated her lips without warning luscious and erotic, delicious and addictive.


 

Nalini’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

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Archangel’s Viper
Guild Hunter series – Book #10
by Nalini Singh
Release Date: September 26, 2017

Archangel's ViperAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
Once a broken girl known as Sorrow, Holly Chang now prowls the shadowy gray underground of the city for the angels. But it’s not her winged allies who make her a wanted woman—it’s the unknown power coursing through her veins. Brutalized by an insane archangel, she was left with the bloodlust of a vampire, the ability to mesmerize her prey, and a poisonous bite.

Now, someone has put a bounty on her head…

Venom is one of the Seven, Archangel Raphael’s private guard, and he’s as infuriating as he is seductive. A centuries-old vampire, his fangs dispense a poison deadlier than Holly’s. But even if Venom can protect Holly from those hunting her, he might not be able to save himself—because the strange, violent power inside Holly is awakening…

Sandy’s Review:

ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is the tenth full-length installment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/UF/paranormal series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is vampire Venom, one of the Seven, Raphael’s private guard, and newly Made ‘vampire’ Holly Chang. ARCHANGEL’S VIPER can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for background and cohesion as many events in the current time line are as of a direct result of previous happenings and premises.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Venom and Holly) ARCHANGEL’S VIPER focuses on the search for the person(s) responsible for placing a five million dollar bounty on our heroine’s head. With the Cascade-an event that causes massive power fluctuations and other changes among the members of the Cadre- in motion, the Archangel Uram’s bloodlust was out of control, and Holly Chang became one of his victims to survive. Although destroyed by the Archangel Raphael, the fallout of Uram’s mindless brutality has left our heroine lost; without direction; not knowing the who or what of her newly ‘made’ body, Enter Venom, one of Raphael’s private guards known as the Seven, and the man with whom Holly will fall in love. As Holly and Venom struggle to uncover the truth behind the five million dollar bounty, Holly is pulled in another direction-a pull she is unable to ignore.

The relationship between Venom and Holly is acrimonious; a love-hate relationship that pushes the boundaries of mentor and friend. Their back and forth snarky banter is sexually charged but Venom doesn’t do relationships believing himself too damaged to fall in love towards a happily ever after. Venom’s Maker gifted our hero with a lethal poison that few can survive and finding a kindred spirit in newly made Holly Chang gives our hero a potential prospect for the future-a future with an unknown expiry date due to inexplicable talents and powers of our story line heroine. Holly Chang’s Maker was killed by the Archangel Raphael but what remains behind has taken control of its’ victim, leading her on a journey to the other side of the world. With Raphael sequestered with the meeting of the Cadre of Archangels, Holly and Venom follow the pull of the darkness within.

Unlike many of the other story lines in the series ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is limited in the amount of action; there are no battles or fight scenes except the internal battle Holly wages with herself and the ‘other’.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the leader of the group of Seven Dimitri, Jason, Janvier, Ashwini, Illium, Guild Hunter Vivek Kapur, Angel Kanasha, Archangel Michaela, several members of The Legion, and a number of lesser known vampires including Daisy, Holly’s acquaintances Magnus, Zeph and Arabella as well as Holly’s human sister Mia, and their parents Allan and Daphne Chang. Raphael makes a cameo appearance as Holly battles the other for control.

ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is a fantastic story of friendship, family, power and control. Holly Chang is a woman desperate to understand the who and what of her growing power-every day her abilities begin to mimic Archangelic abilities and the only explanation is no longer alive. The premise is spirited and energetic; the characters are passionate and inspiring; the romance is passionate but slow to build-the $ex scenes are limited and mostly implied. ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is a compelling and enticing story line where one of Raphael’s Seven finds his heart and his happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Barb’s Review:

Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh is the 10th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series. I say this quite often; Nalini Singh is one of the best authors around, and the fact I love both her Psy/Changeling and Guild Hunter series proves how good she is.  Nalini writes fantastic stories in different worlds that flow so seamlessly, and each book just grabs hold of you at the start and never lets go till the very end.  I do feel bad for those of you who do not read Nalini Singh, as you are missing an amazing author. On to my review.

We met both Venom and Holly, our heroes in this book, early in this series when he saved her from sure death.  Holly had been tortured by an insane Archangel, Uram; and she had witness the horrifying deaths of her friends.  Though she is considered human, Holly was left with abilities she gained from Uram’s vampire blood coursing in her body.  Her acid green eyes; ability to mesmerize others; has a poisonous bite (which Venom also has, but he is immune to Holly’s bite); and does require blood, which she minimizes as much as she can.

Venom, is one of Rapheal’s Seven, and very dangerous, but loyal to the Seven, as well as being different from the others.   After being away for two years,  he returns  and Holly was sent to pick him up.  Venom not only was the one who saved Holly, but he also is the one who tries to teach her to control the violent impulses she has.  However, they have never gotten along, both always antagonizing each other. Venom enjoys pushing Holly’s buttons, and she just hates him.  Holly has changed since she was first rescued, and Honor (Dimitri’s mate), has worked with her on her emotional stability, as well as Janvier and Ash training her how to fight as a warrior.  She is tough, smart, and fights off an inner voice that wants to control her.  When Venom and Holly drive to the tower, someone attacks them trying to kidnap Holly.  It seems that someone has a bounty on her head. Dimitri and Venom begin to worry what is it about Holly’s blood that warrants a 5 million dollar bounty?

When Venom and Holly start working closely together to find out who is trying to kidnap her, they begin to see each other in a different light.  They were the same in many ways, allowing them to be their normal self in front of each other, and in a short time their relationship will escalate in an unexpected romance.  Venom sees that Holly is fighting something deep inside her, and she will tell him the truth about an otherness she feels.  Besides the mystery of who is trying to kidnap her, the main focus of this story is finding out what/who is trying to control Holly.

What follows is an addictive and captivating story with Venom and Holly following the trail that is pulling her into the lands of another Archangel.  Venom and Holly surprised me how much I fell in love with this fantastic couple, and they sizzled together. The last half of the book was such a thriller, with many twists and turns right to the very end.  I can’t tell too much more, as I do not want to ruin this for you,  but I loved Archangel’s Viper, as well as a couple that totally won me over. 

Nalini Singh once again gives us a wonderful addition to this fantastic series.  She is an author whose flawless skilled writing simply has me in awe. I have never failed to love every single one of her books in both series. If you have not read the Guild Hunter series, what are you waiting for?

Copies provided by Publisher

About the Author

Nalini Singh

I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I spent three years living and working in Japan, where I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page.

I’ve worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher, but not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency, but I call it grist for the writer’s mill.

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. All of my stories held a thread of romance, even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes. Creating unique characters and giving them happy endings is my favorite thing. I even love the voices in my head, so there’s no other job I’d rather be doing. When I got the call in September 2002 that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.

To learn more about Nalini Singh, you can follow her on the following links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

giveaway

Nalini’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of ARCHANGEL’S VIPER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

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4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

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8. Giveaway runs from September 26 to October 1, 2017

 

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Archangel’s Heart by Nalini Singh – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Archangel’s Heart by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Archangel's Heart

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Description:
One of the most vicious archangels in the world has disappeared. No one knows if Lijuan is dead or has chosen to Sleep the long sleep of an immortal. But with her lands falling into chaos under a rising tide of vampiric bloodlust, a mysterious and ancient order of angels known as the Luminata calls the entire Cadre together to discuss the fate of her territory.

Accompanying her archangelic lover Raphael to the Luminata compound, guild hunter-turned-angel Elena senses that all is not as it seems. Secrets echo from within the stone walls of the compound, and the deeper Elena goes, the uglier the darkness. But neither Raphael nor Elena is ready for the brutal truths hidden within—truths that will change everything Elena thinks she knows about who she is…

Nothing will ever be the same again

Barb’s Review:

Archangel’s Heart by Nalini Singh is the 9th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series. I loved this book, but no surprise, as Elena and Raphael were the focus of this story.  I always love anything about them, as they are a fantastic couple. 

In Archangel’s Heart, all the members of the Cadre (ruling Archangels) are summoned by the Luminata, an ancient group of angels, to a meeting they cannot refuse.  As we already know, Lijuan, one of the most powerful archangels, is either missing or dead.  The meeting in Morocco will force the Cadre to determine the fate of Lijuan and her territory.

Raphael and Elena with Aodhan for support head for Lumina.  Elena knows that the Luminata have stored records that cover just about everything from the beginning of time, and she is determined to use her free time to learn the truth about her family.   Raphael, Elena and Aodhan can tell from their arrival that things are not as they seem; something isn’t right.  What follows is an exciting story filled with details that flawlessly continue the world building that Nalini is a master at. 

It was fun to see all the Archangel’s together again in one place, as they try to decide how to handle Lijuan’s title, and determine if she is dead or alive. They know the situation could be volatile,  if they have to battle a crazed, but ultra powerful ancient archangel.  I also enjoyed seeing more of Aodhan, and watching him become more confident in bringing himself to be more visible again.  There is so much more we can learn about Aodhan, and I look forward to the time he will have his own book. 

While the Archangel’s meet, Elena and Aodhan visited the huge multilevel library of records.  Elena will begin to learn a little, until she senses that something bad is hidden deep in the dungeons of the library.  Elena is also not comfortable around the Luminata leader, who seems to be enamored by her.  As the hidden secrets of Luminata are revealed, the danger escalates, revealing terrible truths.  To tell too much more would be spoilers.  All I will say is that Nalini Singh has once again given us a wonderful addition to this fantastic series.  I could not put the book down, with the last half of the book totally mesmerizing me.  Needless to say, Nalini always continues to wow me with every book in both of her super fantastic series.  If you have not read this series or anything by Nalini Singh, you are missing one of the best authors in the literary world that never fail to give you fantastic continued world-building,  exciting, great characters &  sexy stories. 

 

Sandy’s Review:

ARCHANGEL’S HEART is the ninth full-length installment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/UF/paranormal series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is Archangel Raphael, and his consort Elena’s continuing story with a little bit of Aodhan aka Sparkle thrown in for some good measure. ARCHANGEL’S HEART can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for background and cohesion as many events in the current time line are as of a direct result of previous happenings and premises.

Told from third person perspective ARCHANGEL’S HEART follows Elena and Raphael as they journey to Morocco, Elena’s maternal grandmother’s homeland. The Luminata have called a meeting of the Cadre of Ten-the most powerful Archangels in order to make a decision about Lijuan’s lands. With the vampiric blood lust increasing, and villages destroyed by the marauding vampires, Lijuan’s lands must come under control. As the Cascade approaches (an apocalypse of sorts that will see the Archangels at war and the destruction of mankind), and Lijuan all but dead or chosen Sleep, the Luminata have demanded something be done. But not all is well in the Luminata stronghold, and something evil lurks within the walls and the hierarchy of controlling angels. Secrets, lies, betrayals and revenge haunt the halls and hidden rooms of the Luminata.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Aodhan aka Sparkle who accompanies our leading couple as Elena’s guard. Aodhan and Illium aka Bluebell have had a falling out, and their friendship struggles as Illium worries about the once-broken man. The action is limited; there are no wars or mid-air fights but we do see the tense negotiations between the Cadre of Ten, and learn a little bit about the tempestuous relationship between the Archangels in charge.

ARCHANGEL’S HEART reveals our heroine’s family history- Morocco holds the secrets to Elena’s past-a past that is haunted by hatred and betrayal. Elena and Raphael’s relationship continues to build-their love for one another an unbreakable bond. The premise is wondrous and enchanting; the characters are spirited, energetic and charismatic; the romance continues to blossom and build-Raphael and Elena’s love is passionate and intense- our heroine is strong and resilient as Raphael’s consort. Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series is a wonderful and breathtaking look at the power of the Archangels and the people they rule.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Excerpt beige

 

Raphael’s response was silent, his wing brushing hers as he . . .

“Raphael!” The damn archangel had dusted her.

Glittering, sparkly stuff stuck to her, delicious beyond compare when she parted her mouth and it licked onto her tongue. Her thighs clenched. “This is not funny!” She glared at him even as arousal flooded her system, but he was laughing too hard to care.

Her heart, it just stopped.

Even now, the Archangel of New York rarely laughed and never like this. Until she could see the youth he must’ve once been, with eyes of a wild, astonishing blue that asked a woman to laugh with him. She’d never before seen him as truly young. How could she? He had so much power that it pulsed in his every touch, burned in his skin.

Hauling him close to her with her hands fisted in the cream linen of his shirt, she took a kiss, took him. He sank into her, his wings sweeping up to wrap around her until all she could sense was Raphael, all she could taste was him. And angel dust. The special blend he’d created just for her.

He pushed one hand into her hair, fisting it as he wrapped his other arm around her waist and backed her up against a wall. Something fell with a dull thud. Maybe the vivid painting of wildflowers that had just been put up, all the art having been taken down during the repainting.

Elena loved that simple piece Honor had found in a thrift shop, but right now, it could’ve been a priceless artwork by the Hummingbird and she wouldn’t have cared. She was far too happy to be pressed up against the hard warmth of her archangel tip to toe after spending the previous night on watch. No time for shenanigans with Dmitri away and Illium off-shift, Aodhan assigned to patrol the sea border, and Raphael dealing with the overall security situation.

She’d flown a proper defense grid, both to stay in practice and because none of them could afford to be blasé with the Cascade an unpredictable foe that could unleash itself at any moment, smashing the world back into chaos and, possibly, war.

Today, however, the others were on‑shift and she could kiss her lover. He burned hot, Raphael, but he was a crashing sea in her mind, a tumultuous, passionate storm that swept her up and thundered through her veins.

We can talk to Dmitri later, she sent to Raphael, sliding her hands up the ridges and valleys of his chest. Let’s go upstairs to our suite.

“A‑hem.”

She tried to ignore that pointed cough that held a biting amusement.

Raphael’s lips smiled against hers. I think my second has other ideas.


 

 

About The Author beige

Nalini SinghNalini Singh is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling, Guild Hunter, and Rock Kiss series. She lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing.

If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts and free short stories on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. The Rock Kiss books are all stand alone and can be read in any order.

STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway beige

Nalini’s publisher is offering a paper copy of ARCHANGEL’S HEART to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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