Review: Archangel's Light by Nalini Singh

Archangel's Light by Nalini Singh 

Guild Hunter #14

Nalini Singh returns to the world of the Guild Hunters for the most highly anticipated novel of the beloved series—a love story so epic it’s been half a millennia in the making…

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.

ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT was an incredibly anticipated read for me due to my love of Bluebell and Sparkle, but not one I went into without a bit of trepidation as M/M is a departure from my preferred genre choice. However, as I absolutely adore these two characters and their bond, so I figured their story would be the perfect foray into a new style of romance. Ultimately though, a romance isn’t really what I got from this. Perhaps it could be called a slow burn, but that is almost an overstatement. It’s more a very establish friendship going through some rough growing pains, with misunderstandings and stubbornness thrown in. It’s not until the very end that any true romance starts to form, and then the story abruptly ends. Don't get me wrong, there are so many enjoyable moments in this book. I particularly loved all of the scenes from their past. I'm just anxious for more in the present. *g*

In many ways, this felt like part one in Sparkle and Bluebell’s story. Hopefully that is the case, because the romance side felt lackluster and unfinished if not. Time will tell, but it’s hard for me to ultimately decide on my feelings on this book without that answer. I, like many fans I’m sure, will be crossing our fingers for more books featuring this pair. There's just so much potential there, and I'm going to base my rating on there still being an opening for more.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
      Smexy Books
      The Brown Eyed Bookworm
      Dear Author

Previous Books:
     1. Angels' Blood
     2. Archangel's Kiss
     3. Archangel's Consort
     4. Archangel's Blade
     5. Archangel's Storm

     6. Archangel's Legion

     7. Archangel's Shadows

     8. Archangel's Enigma

     9. Archangel's Heart

     10. Archangel's Viper

     11. Archangel's Prophecy

     12. Archangel's War

     13. Archangel's Sun

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Review: Last Guard by Nalini Singh

Last Guard by Nalini Singh

Psy-Changeling Trinity #5

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to a world devastated by change in her award-winning Psy-Changeling Trinity series, where two people defined by their aloneness hold the fate of the Psy in their hands…

Termed merciless by some, and a robotic sociopath by others, Payal Rao is the perfect Psy: cardinal telekinetic, CEO of a major conglomerate, beautiful—and emotionless.

For Canto Mercant, family and loyalty are everything. A cardinal telepath deemed "imperfect" by his race due to a spinal injury, Canto cares for the opinions of very few—and ruthlessly protects those he claims as his own. Head of intel of the influential Mercant family, he prefers to remain a shadow in the Net, unknown and unseen. But Canto is also an Anchor, part of a secretive designation whose task it is to stabilize the PsyNet. Now that critical psychic network is dying, threatening to collapse and kill the entire Psy race with it.

To save those he loves, Canto needs the help of a woman bound to him by a dark past neither has been able to forget. A woman who is the most powerful Anchor of them all: Payal Rao. Neither is ready for the violent inferno about to ignite in the PsyNet…or the passionate madness that threatens to destroy them both.

I really enjoyed the deeper look into the Anchor designation. Prior to LAST GUARD, they were much of a mystery, and it was really nice to see the curtain pulled back a bit. With each new book in this series, the world only expands further, and I love every moment. I also really enjoyed that this book featured a Mercant, expanding on that family dynamic as well. There's nothing better than a tight knit, but cutthroat family, and the Mercants truly fit that bill.

In regards to the romance, the characters individually were fantastic, and they were easy to care about. Both of them stood out in their own right, and their uniqueness really added to the story. However, the two of them paired together just didn't have quite that spark of previous couples. I can't quite put my finger on why, but the two of them together just didn't quite wow like others. Luckily this series is so more than just the romance, so it didn't really detract, just worth a mention.

All in all, LAST GUARD is another enjoyable installment in the Psy-Changling world that is sure to please fans of the series.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
      Fresh Fiction
      The Brown Eyed Bookworm

      Booklovers for Life

Previous Books:
     1. Silver Silence
     2. Ocean Light
     3. Wolf Rain

     4. Alpha Night

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Review: Archangel's Sun by Nalini Singh

Archangel's Sun by Nalini Singh

Guild Hunter #13

 

A horrifying secret rises in the aftermath of an archangelic war in New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s deadly and beautiful Guild Hunter world...

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…

After the insane intensity of the prior book, I had wondered how ARCHANGEL'S SUN could possibly top that epic showdown. Well after reading this book, I can tell you it didn't "top" it, it didn't need to, and I'm so glad the author went this direction. After all the insane nailing biting intensity the series had been building to, and then came to fruition, afterwards this installment was the perfect palate cleanser and perfect beginning of a new world. It read like a new hope, and a new direction for the series, and I loved every bit of it. 

Now onto the romance pairing, if you had of asked me a few books ago if I would have predicted Titus and the Hummingbird pairing up, I probably would have laughed. And yet now after finishing ARCHANGEL'S SUN, I can't picture any other pairing for these two. Sharine seemed so fragile, and Titus so brutish, but there's so much more than meets the eye for both of them. Beneath Sharine's frail exterior lies an iron core will. I absolutely adored her and how she of all people didn't back down to Titus' booming roughness. For an Archangel being so used to his way or the highway, it was more than entertaining seeing her defy him and ultimately bring him to his knees.

ARCHAGEL'S SUN was everything I could have hoped for an then some. This series only gets better with each new installment, and I can't wait to see what comes next!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
      The Bookish Sweet Tooth
      The Brown Eyed Bookworm
      Books of My Heart

Previous Books:
     1. Angels' Blood
     2. Archangel's Kiss
     3. Archangel's Consort
     4. Archangel's Blade
     5. Archangel's Storm

     6. Archangel's Legion

     7. Archangel's Shadows

     8. Archangel's Enigma

     9. Archangel's Heart

     10. Archangel's Viper

     11. Archangel's Prophecy

     12. Archangel's War

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Review: Alpha Night by Nalini Singh

Alpha Night by Nalini Singh

Psy-Changeling Trinity #4

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to her breathtaking Psy-Changeling Trinity series with a mating that shouldn’t exist…

Alpha wolf Selenka Durev’s devotion to her pack is equaled only by her anger at anyone who would harm those under her care. That currently includes the empaths who’ve flowed into her city for a symposium that is a security nightmare, a powder keg just waiting for a match.

Ethan Night is an Arrow who isn’t an Arrow. Numb and disengaged from the world, he’s loyal only to himself. Assigned as part of the security force at a world-first symposium, he carries a dark agenda tied to the power-hungry and murderous Consortium. Then violence erupts and Ethan finds himself crashing into the heart and soul of an alpha wolf.

Mating at first sight is a myth, a fairytale. Yet Selenka’s wolf is resolute: Ethan Night, broken Arrow and a man capable of obsessive devotion, is the mate it has chosen. Even if the mating bond is full of static and not quite as it should be. Because Selenka’s new mate has a terrible secret, his mind surging with a power that is a creature of madness and death…

Some of the most enjoyable books in this series have been then ones where a long introduced hero finally gets their HEA. And then there are books like ALPHA NIGHT where a brand new hero is introduced and you find yourself falling in love with him right alongside the heroine. I'm talking that swept off your feet feeling of new love, and this book more than delivered with Ethan. It's definitely an insta-love situation, and yet it just... works... perfectly in this book. Many times insta-loves induce just a bit of eye-rolling, but there wasn't even one hint of that here. Trust me, even if you're not a fan of insta-love, you'll fall in love right alongside this pair without a hesitation.

One of my favorite things about this series is that each and every single book is a true experience. There's many enjoyable paranormal romance series out there, but so few feel like an actual experience while reading them. The characters and world are so rich, and the books so easy to become immersed in, and ALPHA NIGHT was no exception. Fans of the series will be more than pleased with this addition to this fantastic world and series.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
      The Brown Eyed Bookworm
      The Book Disciple

Previous Books:
     1. Silver Silence
     2. Ocean Light
     3. Wolf Rain

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Early Review: Archangel's War by Nalini Singh

Archangel's War by Nalini Singh 

Guild Hunter #12

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.

After the insane ending of the previous book, to say I couldn’t wait for ARCHANGEL’S WAR is an understatement. I actually was a bit miffed at Nalini Singh for the torturous ending, but this book made up for it and then some. It’s a longer read, and every single page was jammed packed, the action, and the stakes never left up, not even for a moment. All of the previous cascade events pale in comparison, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I made the mistake of starting this book later in the evening, and couldn’t put it down. There was no sleep to be had that night, but the next day exhaustion was more than worth it. It’s simply that good. All of the favorite main characters play an important role in this book, and things come to a head. I can’t really say much more for fear of spoiling, just trust me when I say this book was simply amazing!

Guild Hunter fans, RUN do not walk to your nearest bookstore and grab this one as soon as you can. A penultimate read of epicness, ARCHANGEL’S WAR was the best in the series yet. I can only imagine where things will go next. Bravo Ms Nalini, bravo!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:

Previous Books:
     1. Angels' Blood
     2. Archangel's Kiss
     3. Archangel's Consort
     4. Archangel's Blade
     5. Archangel's Storm

     6. Archangel's Legion

     7. Archangel's Shadows

     8. Archangel's Enigma

     9. Archangel's Heart

     10. Archangel's Viper

     11. Archangel's Prophecy

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Early Review: Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh

Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh

Psy-Changeling Trinity #3

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh takes us on a new adventure in this next novel of the Psy-Changeling Trinity series…

The end of Silence was supposed to create a better world for future generations. But trust is broken, and the alliance between Psy, Changeling, and human is thin. The problems that led to Silence are back in full force. Because Silence fixed nothing, just hid the problems.

This time, the Psy have to find a real answer to their problems–if one exists. Or their race will soon go extinct in a cascade of violence. The answer begins with an empath who is attuned to monsters–and who is going to charm a wolf into loving her despite his own demons.

Some stories in the Psy-Changeling world are very insular, but in a good way, focusing heavily on the romance and the world events take a back seat. Then other stories are very worldly with the couple's romance playing a large part, but the overall series arch really taking the reins. WOLF RAIN was the latter. Memory and Alexei are a fantastic pair, and their banter is very enjoyable. Memory in particular has a feisty, iron will and doesn't let Alexei do anything but toe the line, and it's rather hilarious. They of course have the majority of the page time in this book and I really enjoyed seeing their relationship progress. However, the overall series momentum and plot additions stole the show this time around. It really is amazing just how much depth can be continually added to this world even though we are so very many books into the series. Bravo, simply bravo.

Hands down, Nalini Singh is an incredible talent in the genre and the ever growing Psy-Changeling world never ceases to amaze me. Fans of the series will be delighted with this new installment! I enjoyed this book so much it inspired a re-read of the entire series. A serious delight!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
     The Alliterates
     Unstuck Pages

Previous Books:
     1. Silver Silence
     2. Ocean Light

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Early Review: Archangel's Prophecy by Nalini Singh

Archangel's Prophecy by Nalini Singh

Guild Hunter #11

Return to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s darkly passionate Guild Hunter world, where human-turned-angel Elena Deveraux, consort to Archangel Raphael, is thrust center stage into an eons-old prophecy....

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.

After finishing ARCHANGEL'S PROPHECY all I can say is wow, just wow. That was one heck of a nail-biting and gut-wrenchingly intense read that led up to the cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers. I feel like my insides were put on the puree setting. Honestly I had to wait on this review a good long while after finishing the book because I felt too raw to string coherent thoughts together. Even this far removed from reading, I'm still struggling, but I'll do my best. But the ending has me all out of sorts. In fairness the events of the book did continually warn the reader, but I held out hope until the bitter end that author would somehow put a twist and change things before the end. Don't get me wrong, I have high hopes for the next book for that much needed twist to come (I hope) but the wait will be agonizing. 

Getting past the ending. The book was utterly fantastic, simply put. Elena and Raphael are still dealing with all of the insane effects from the Cascade, but the stakes have been raised even higher with the advent of this horrible prophecy looming over their heads. It's a doozy and dominates a lot of the focus of the book, but there's so much more intertwined through out too. I truly have to give props to the author in her ability to masterfully craft such and amazingly emotional story that affected me so much. I truly adore these characters and each book feels like returning home to much loved family. 

All in all ARCHANGEL'S PROPHECY was one heck of a phenomenal read. I make have wanted to chuck my kindle at the end, but I loved every single moment of the book. My hat goes off to Nalini, and I will be counting down until I can get my hands on the next book. Bravo Ms. Nalini, Bravo!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
     Book Twins Reviews
     Steamy Reads
     Gizmo's Reviews

Previous Books:
     1. Angels' Blood
     2. Archangel's Kiss
     3. Archangel's Consort
     4. Archangel's Blade
     5. Archangel's Storm

     6. Archangel's Legion

     7. Archangel's Shadows

     8. Archangel's Enigma

     9. Archangel's Heart

     10. Archangel's Viper

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Release Day Review: Ocean Light by Nalini Singh

Ocean Light by Nalini Singh

Psy-Changeling Trinity #2

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh dives beneath the surface of her Psy-Changeling world into a story of passionate devotion and selfless love...

Security specialist Bowen Knight has come back from the dead. But there's a ticking time bomb in his head: a chip implanted to block telepathic interference that could fail at any moment--taking his brain along with it. With no time to waste, he should be back on land helping the Human Alliance. Instead, he's at the bottom of the ocean, consumed with an enigmatic changeling...

Kaia Luna may have traded in science for being a chef, but she won't hide the facts of Bo's condition from him or herself. She's suffered too much loss in her life to fall prey to the dangerous charm of a human who is a dead man walking. And she carries a devastating secret Bo could never imagine...

But when Kaia is taken by those who mean her deadly harm, all bets are off. Bo will do anything to get her back--even if it means striking a devil's bargain and giving up his mind to the enemy...

When I read the blurb for OCEAN LIGHT, all I could think was "Finally we get to see more of the elusive BlackSea!" I also was excited to see how a changeling could bring the anti-trusting, paranoid, hard, and rough, yet admirable for his fierce loyalties, Bowen to his knees. Kaia is exactly the playful but strong person he needed. Of course she doesn't make it easy on him and I really enjoyed the dance between them. The romance is sweet yet plenty hot, a deliciously fun combination. Bowen is a delicious hero that I wasn't expecting, and the combination of him with Kaia made for a fully satisfying read.

Nalini has a masterful way of crafting stories and situations that pull at your heartstrings from the first page, and OCEAN LIGHT is no exception. Bowen is on a life to death hair the entire book, and BlackSea people are disappearing right and left. Talk about intense circumstances! When you add those with the fascinating and masterful world, this is one heck of a combination. There's just something special about a story that gives you that perfect escape, and this is it.

All in all, with OCEAN LIGHT, Nalini Singh has yet again written an incredible story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Bravo!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
     Steamy Reads
     The Book Blog with a Twist
     La Crimson Femme

Previous Books:
     1. Silver Silence

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Early Review: Archangel's Viper by Nalini Singh

Archangel's Viper by Nalini Singh

Guild Hunter #10

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…

I absolutely loved the plot and storyline of ARCHANGEL'S VIPER. I really enjoyed seeing how the Uram issue played out as we've had those threads dangling for many books now. I have to admit the outcome was a bit of a surprise, not a bad one, but interesting all the same. And Holly? I really love her character, mini claws, vulnerability, and sheer will of determination combined. Uram sure did a number on her and as you can guess the outcome with him fully involved Holly, and I really enjoyed this progression. So plot-wise, this one was stellar.

Now onto the romance. Unfortunately this area was not one of the book's strong suits due to an undeveloped feel in the romance aspects. There's plenty of wit, banter, and overall antagonism between the two that left me laughing more often than not at their antics. And yet, they never really had a sexual tension feel. Venom and Holly could have just as easily been best friends rather than lovers by the end. I just feel like things were written tamer taking Holly's past into consideration, but it just went too tame in my opinion. I just needed something more of a build up to be invested in their romance at the end and unfortunately I just didn't get it.

Romance aside and getting back to the characters, as I said I loved seeing Holly's progression in this book. But the show stealer was Venom, much to my surprise. I have to admit he's never been my favorite of the seven, more of an antagonist to Elena. But we get to see a whole new side of him in this book, and I really loved the added depth to his character. There are reasons he is the way that he is, and it was enjoyable to see his layers get peeled back.

All in all, romance woes aside, ARCHANGEL'S VIPER was a very enjoyable installment in the fabulous Guild Hunter series!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
     Angel's Guilty Pleasures
     KT Book Reviews

Previous Books:
     1. Angels' Blood
     2. Archangel's Kiss
     3. Archangel's Consort
     4. Archangel's Blade
     5. Archangel's Storm

     6. Archangel's Legion

     7. Archangel's Shadows

     8. Archangel's Enigma

     9. Archangel's Heart

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Early Review: Silver Silence by Nalini Singh

Silver Silence by Nalini Singh

Psy-Changeling Trinity #1

Control. Precision. Family. These are the principles that drive Silver Mercant. At a time when the fledgling Trinity Accord seeks to unite a divided world, with Silver playing a crucial role as director of a worldwide emergency response network, wildness and chaos are the last things she needs in her life. But that’s exactly what Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater Bears, brings with him.

Valentin has never met a more fascinating woman. Though Silver is ruled by Silence—her mind clear of all emotion—Valentin senses a whisper of fire around her. That’s what keeps him climbing apartment buildings to be near her. But when a shadow assassin almost succeeds in poisoning Silver, the stakes become deadly serious…and Silver finds herself in the heart of a powerful bear clan.

Her would-be assassin has no idea what their poison has unleashed...

Oh my goodness! The Bears! I love the bears! As much as I've enjoyed reading the cat and the wolf books, there was just something so great about the bears. They still have that strong sense of pack and family that the others have, but there's just something... more about them. That and that the mating games they play by sneaking after their "prey" aka future mates, was just so yummy! The bears are so rowdy and full of trouble and yet everyone can't help but loving them. I found myself grinning from ear to ear the entire time reading this. Trust me, if you've enjoyed the pack dynamics of the other packs, the bears are going to instantly win your heart ten times over.

Onto the romance. Remember my love for the bears? Their traits made for one heck of a fun and hilarious mating dance. The shenanigans Valentin gets up to are nothing short of hilarious. But don't worry, Silver gives him more than a run for his money. Still it was incredibly enjoyable to watch him slowly break down her walls one by one. Their chemistry is off the charts from the first page despite her initial coldness. It truly made for an incredibly enjoyable read.

Simply put, Silver Silence is utter and completely fantastic. You cannot go wrong with a Nalini Singh book, but Silver Silence knocked it out of the park!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Unstuck Pages
     The Book Disciple

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