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Showing posts with label Guild Hunters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Guild Hunters. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Review: Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh
Archangel’s Storm
Author: Nalini Singh
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2012
Publisher: Berkley
Guild Hunter #5
ISBN: #978-0425246580
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.
Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.
With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.
What I’m talking about:
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Archangel’s Storm opens with the memories of Jason, one of Archangel Raphael’s elite guard and his spymaster. It paints a gruesome picture of a terrifying event that shaped Jason’s entire life -something that created an angel of few words and full of a fierce darkness. Once we jump forward to present day, we discover these memories constantly haunt the warrior angel, continuing to mold his persona, and therefore, this story.
Taking place immediately after the previous novel, Archangel’s Blade, we find ourselves at the wedding of Dmitri (Raphael’s second) and Honor (the couple were the primary focus of the last book). While at the celebration, Jason discovers that Eris, the imprisoned consort and husband of Neha, one of the Ruling Archangels known as the Cadre of Ten, has been murdered. Jason is best suited to help solve this mystery, which is necessary to prevent Neha from complete madness and the needless destruction of any territory or loss or lives.
Right from the start I was intrigued by Jason, an angel we know little about. He has a sixth sense which helps him perfect his spying skills. He also has the ability to blend in with the shadows, making him nearly invisible. Through intermittent flashbacks, we find out that Jason was loved by his parents, but something went horribly wrong when he was young, leaving him on his own. He's is an enigma and a riddle worth solving.
The same can be said of Neha’s adopted daughter, the Princess Mahiya. Mahiya is Neha's niece, born of Neha's sister Nivriti, and her father is Eris (Neha’s husband). Although Neha raised Mahiya as her daughter, the betrayal of her sister and husband left Neha bitter and angry. Mahiya was hated by both Neha and Eris as a reminder of past sins and the reason Eris was imprisoned for over three centuries. Yet, Mahiya is unbroken, even after decades of torment and hatred from her powerful Archangel aunt. We learn early on that instead of falling victim to Neha’s mistreatment, Mahiya remains determined to find love and live free.
The pace and feel of Archangel’s Storm is different than the previous books in the Guild Hunter series. However, it is reflective of the main character, Jason. He's a shadow with force - a waiting storm. Instead of focusing most of the attention on our hero and heroine falling in love, the primary storyline that drives this book is the mystery of who killed Eris (and a few others) and what motives are behind the seemingly unrelated deaths. Although I correctly guessed early on who was behind the grisly murders, I was still drawn in and unable to put the book down. And thanks to Ms. Singh ability to write in a way (sentence structure, language, prose) that just feels so sensual, the book flows beautifully -- even the violent scenes.
The romance in this story is very subdued. The first hints of any sexual attraction between Mahiya and Jason didn’t even occur until after the 40% mark (according to my Kindle). But it’s okay. The mystery of who is killing off angels is completely captivating. Meanwhile, Jason and Mahiya play a carefully calculated game of chess, wondering who will break first--who will gain the advantage. Neither are cruel, but both have the skills to be. That’s what I love about the pair - they haven’t given into the darkness that surrounds them. And I enjoyed seeing both Jason and Mahiya recognize the spark of a greater person and purpose within themselves. It's about two people on two journeys of self-discovery that are tied to one another.
One part of the book that I wasn’t a big fan of is the side story of Honor and Dmitri as we follow her decision to become and begin the transition to a vampire. It is always interesting and exciting to find out what happens to favorite couples after their book ends, but in this case, their sections were disruptive to the intensity and flow of the primary storyline. I was hoping the two plots would come together in the end, but they remained as two separate stories.
I love that in the end, Jason is still Jason - no dramatic changes because he fell in love. And that Mahiya accepts this. The pair are so honest with one another. I love that both fought for goodness rather than falling into despair. It's not your typical HEA, but you know that in their way they have found "forever happy."
As I stated, the romance in this book was secondary to the murder mystery and subsequent battle. That may put off some, but I felt the romance infused the story with such subtlety that I unconsciously perceived it much of the time. The slower pace of the story resonated with the characters, and I was completely drawn into the plot. Archangel’s Storm did not blaze off the pages, but its quiet influence touched my inner being.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
"Angel's Wolf" (Book #4.5)
Labels:
Monday, September 5, 2011
Review: Archangel's Blade
Archangel’s BladeAuthor: Nalini Singh
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Guild Hunter #4
ISBN: #978-0425243916
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book: |
The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past…but Dmitri’s need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.
Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel’s right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality…the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.
As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting…and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more...
What I’m talking about: |
For the fourth (and possibly best) Guild Hunter book, Ms. Singh steers away from main characters Archangel Raphael and his Hunter Consort Elena, who were the primary focus of the first three books. Instead we follow Raphael’s second-in-command, the ancient vampire, Dmitri and recently abducted Hunter, Honor. Chronologically, this story follows the third book, Archangel’s Consort (review HERE, purchase info Archangel's Consort (Guild Hunter)
), and readers of the series will recognize several familiar faces.
), and readers of the series will recognize several familiar faces.With the change in character focus, I feel that readers new to this series *could* start with Archangel’s Blade, however, this is such an amazing series, I recommend starting at the beginning where readers witness how cold and cruel Dmitri is. Dmitri is near immortal and has lived a long life, completely loyal to no one except Raphael. The development of Dmitri’s character over the course of the first three books washes over and clings to you like I imagine his ability to manipulate scents to lure and trap his prey. She managed to draw me into Dmitri’s web, where I too became one of his “victims.” I love that Ms. Singh did nothing to change this truly complex and forbidding creature. Without softening Dmitri, Ms. Singh indulges us with glimpses into the psyche and heart of a man who will only weep before one woman.
Honor is a special woman as well. As a Hunter for the Guild (a group of trained individuals that help control errant vampires), she knows that her life is in danger at all times. She was abducted, tortured and raped by a dangerous vampire, and at the beginning of the book, is finally learning to conquer her fears and control her self-doubt. When she is paired with Dmitri to work on a case, her first case since the abduction, she isn’t sure she will survive, and she most likely would not have made it with any other man. Without missing a beat, Dmitri carefully pushes Honor, using a restraint he has never shown before, forcing her to face her fears and heal. Although she is frightened, Honor has always felt a bond and attraction to the mysterious Dmitri, and she pushes back, fighting and becoming whole.
I was a bit concerned about Honor and her recovery. It seems that lately there have been more storylines that use rape/recovery as a means for falling in love. I’m not here to comment on that fact, but rather note that some authors handle this and write a better story than others. In this case, Ms. Singh does, in my opinion, a good job. Honor does not go riding off into the sunset. She starts and stops many times before allowing herself to fall for Dmitri. Her character was developed in such a way that leaves little doubt in her desire and ability to survive and overcome. As Honor herself said she’s not a victim, she’s a survivor.
The characters make this book, but the story is equally intriguing. First, Dmitri and Honor search for her abductors, taking them down one and a time to find the mastermind. Second, Honor helps Dmitri track down an ancient foe, one that made Dmitri the vampire he is today. In addition, we read more about Holly (now known as Sorrow), the woman abducted and tortured by Archangel Uram in the first Guild Hunter book. (And maybe we are giving clues about a future pairing?!) All of these plots mingle and move at just the right pace to keep you glued to the pages.
Archangel’s Blade is a fabulous addition to the Guild Hunter series. With the difficult topic of rape/abduction, Ms. Singh gives the story grace and power. I grew to care about Dmitri and Honor and hope that we will see a lot more of them in the future.
My Rating: |
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Books in the series:
Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter, Book 1)
Archangel's Kiss (Guild Hunter, Book 2)
Archangel's Consort (Guild Hunter)
Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Review: Archangel's Consort
Archangel’s Consort Author: Nalini Singh
Release Date: January 25, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Group
Guild Hunter Series Book #3
ISBN: #978-0425240137
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (352 pgs), e-book
I received a ARC copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…
A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.
The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.
An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…
A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.
The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.
An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…
What I’m talking about:
Picking up shortly after the conclusion of second Guild Hunter book (Archangel’s Kiss) this story opens with Hunter-born-made-angel Elena Deveraux back in her home town of New York. She is a different person than when she left - now an immortal angel, and we are witness to the adjustments she must make as she reclaims her Guild Hunter life and reacquaints herself with old friends.
As vampires all over the world begin to rebel and take human lives, Elena and her Archangel mate, Raphael, must work together to determine if the cause is Raphael’s millennia-old mother rising from her 1,000 year hibernation. As they investing the growing crimes, Elena is torn between her loyalties to her human friends and her immortal lover.
One thing that I absolutely love about this story is that becoming an immortal does not give Elena a golden ticket to instantly transform into super-being. The newly-made angel did not gain super-power and an easy life when she was made immortal. She has to train and struggle, learn and overcome with each step. I also enjoyed Elena’s journey as she learned to balance her former ties with that of her loyalty to Raphael. We witness her emotional struggles knowing the choices she has made, learning when to hold her ground and where her heart truly lies.
Watching Raphael learn to adjust to having a consort and sharing his heart was also a joy. While remaining the tough alpha male from the first two books, he learned to compromise for Elena - and only Elena. I loved their banter, heated discussions, passionate love (wait until you read how angels dance!) and serious debate.
As much as I enjoyed Elena and Raphael, I found the overall story not quite as satisfying. The primary focus of the story - the awakening of Raphael’s mother - built for almost 300 pages, with hints of the evil and danger she would bring. Yet when the story finally climaxed, I was a bit let-down by how it played out. In addition, I felt that many of the side stories were left unresolved or had no apparent added value to the plot. I also got a bit annoyed with some of the redundant phrases and ideas that were often used in the story, things like Elena’s “mortal heart” and reminders of Elena’s horrible past.
Overall I was entertained by Archangel’s Consort, even with some of the issues I had with the book. This story is be a must-read for fan’s of the Guild Hunter series, however, I would recommend newcomers not start with the third book. This series revolves around the connections and love between Elena and Raphael, which began in the first book, Angels’ Blood, and I feel is more enjoyable read from the beginning.
My Rating:
Liked it, there were a few issues - recommend (B)
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday Snippets #21
From Angles’ Blood by Nalini Singh
Raphael dropped her lightly on the bed.
“Nice.” She sighed at the decadent feel of the sheets against her skin, her eyes locked with those of an archangel. His gaze was so hotly male, so proprietal that she wondered, for a fleeting second, if she’d made a mistake. What if he wanted to keep her? “Did you ever have a slave?” she asked.
His lips curved slightly, but it was an amusement tempered with sensual demand. “Many.” He gripped her ankles, spread her legs. “All very eager to serve--in every possible manner.”
She tried to kick out but he hauled her closer, face drawn in a way that was intrinsically sexual. “Some of them had spent years learning to drive a man to ecstasy. The vampires had had hundreds of years to practice.”
“Bastard.” A cutting denunciation, but her stomach was tight with anticipation, her breasts hot.
“However”--he pulled her up to meet his thrust as he buried himself inside her in one powerful stroke--"none of them did I forbid from taking other lovers.”
Her back arched as she tried to assimilate the impact of his entry into her body, the extreme fullness, the stretched ecstasy. When she could finally draw breath, she found him in the same position, as if he, too, was fighting for control. “You don’t strike me as the sharing type.” Her voice was raw.
“No. If one went to another man”--he began to pull out with slow deliberation--“there were dozens ready to take her place. It mattered little to me.”
She was almost beyond thought now, her entire being focused on the point where their bodies joined. What reason remained collapsed under the heady, seductive force of his words.
“If you take another lover, Elena”--he thrust back in, making her gasp--“what I do to him will become a nightmare etched in human memory.” And then there were no more words, only movement--the slick motion of body against body, the thrust and parry of male and female, the lush erotic explosion into ecstasy.
The last thing Elena remembered was thinking that maybe she’d underestimated the force of their combined hunger.
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And don't forget to enter my 300 Follower mini-giveaway for a chance to win a $10 online bookstore gift card. For entry and rules click HERE.
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And don't forget to enter my 300 Follower mini-giveaway for a chance to win a $10 online bookstore gift card. For entry and rules click HERE.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Kissed by an Angel
I want to start out by stating for the record: I *heart* Nalini Singh and her books! She is an amazing author. Her Psy/Changling series is in my Top 3 favorites and a must read/buy set. So just over a year ago when I saw that she was releasing a new series, I figured it had to be good. 
I was on vacation and found the closest bookstore. When I got there and the book wasn’t on the shelf, I made them pull Angels’ Blood from the back. I was NOT disappointed! I devoured the book in a day and from that point on was hooked!
I was on vacation and found the closest bookstore. When I got there and the book wasn’t on the shelf, I made them pull Angels’ Blood from the back. I was NOT disappointed! I devoured the book in a day and from that point on was hooked!Fast forward a year later and we have the second book of Ms. Singh’s Guild Hunter series, Archangel’s Kiss. This is the blub from the author’s website:
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find herself changed—an angel with wings the colors of midnight and dawn—but her fragile body needs time to heal before she can take flight. Her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, is used to being in control—even when it comes to the woman he considers his own. But Elena has never done well with authority…
They’ve barely begun to understand each other when Raphael receives an invitation to a ball from the archangel Lijuan. To refuse would be a sign of fatal weakness, so Raphael must ready Elena for the flight to Beijing—and to the nightmare that awaits them there. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan holds a power that lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena…
What I'm talking about:
The sophomore book of Ms. Singh's Guild Hunter Series is a wonderful story. The continued examination of primary couple, Archangel Raphael and Hunter Elena, is sensual and fulfilling. It is a rare treat for a romance novel to focus on the same couple for more than one book. But it works for a couple of reasons. First: Elena and Raphael did not have a “happily ever after” of the truest sense in the first book. Yes, he saved her and did something so rare - turned her into an angel - that it only happens when an angel feels true love, but that was it... no “ever after.” Second: now that Elena is an angel, things in her world are very different, and how she relates to her mate changes, too.
What I love about this story is that we watch Elena learn how to use her new wings, develop her skills and study the way of the immortal. 
I love how Elena's growth is "real." She doesn't wake up from a year of a coma and is able to walk out the door and fly. She has to struggle and we take that journey with her. In addition, we watch the love between Raphael and Elena blossom into something never seen in the world of the immortals. Each look, touch and kiss is amazing. Their relationship is truly unique and worth the extra time (a second book).
I love how Elena's growth is "real." She doesn't wake up from a year of a coma and is able to walk out the door and fly. She has to struggle and we take that journey with her. In addition, we watch the love between Raphael and Elena blossom into something never seen in the world of the immortals. Each look, touch and kiss is amazing. Their relationship is truly unique and worth the extra time (a second book). The overall story is interesting and full of action/adventure with great twists and turns. We feel for Raphael as he worries about his mate. We try to figure out what Lijuan is up to and capable of doing. In addition, there are some gruesome deaths and horrific (to the angel’s world) acts that occur, and Raphael is on a time crunch to figure out who is his adversary and how to prevent them from killing Elena. However, I felt the climax and ending fell short of Ms. Singh's storytelling abilities. The climax was somewhat predictable and fell a little flat for me. This is the only reason I give the story 4 instead of 5 stars. Overall a wonderful book and worth a read (or two).
Rating:
And for a very fun glimpse into Guild Hunter #3, please visit Nalini Singh’s blog! You won’t be disappointed!
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