Archangel's Consort: Nalini Singh

I was very much anticipating the third book in Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series (after Angel’s Blood and Archangel’s Kiss) and felt especially happy about the book’s release since it came out just before my birthday. I’ve enjoyed this series immensely so far, and hoped I wouldn’t be disappointed with Archangel’s Consort. And of course, I wasn’t.

Archangel’s Consort is exactly mine kind of book–a book filled with people whom I would dearly love to meet (Yes, even the vampires. Perhaps especially so), people with unique personalities that come with mysterious and interesting pasts. Being a romance novel, there is plenty of steam, but not gratuitous steam. This is the steam that comes from two people who love each other deeply. It is not always so in romance novels–sometimes, you only get the steam, and no substance. Raphael and Elena have a relationship with substance–one I hope to follow through many more books.

This installment of the series involves the awakening of an ancient archangel, who may or may not be Raphael’s mother, and this awakening causes all kinds of chaos throughout the world, but most particularly, with Raphael, and with vampires in the LA area. Elena, as a hunter and as Raphael’s lover, is able to help in both situations. Through the course of the story, we get to meet Illium’s mother and see a bit of the depth of the friendship between Raphael and Dimitri. At the end, I found myself wishing that the fourth book was ready for release. Maybe next year, for my birthday, eh?

Summary: Highly recommended.

Archangel’s Consort
Publisher: Berkley
ISBN: 978-0425240137
Available in Kindle, Nook and paperback versions.

"Archangel's Kiss," by Nalini Singh

From Amazon.com:

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find that she has become an angel-and that her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, likes having her under his control. But almost immediately, Raphael must ready Elena for a flight to Beijing, to attend a ball thrown by the archangel Lijuan. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan's power lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena... 

I only recently read "Angel's Blood," by Nalini Singh, and I found myself wondering why I hadn't read any of her books before. Well, I thoroughly enjoyed "Angel's Blood," and so I snapped up "Archangel's Kiss" the moment it was released.

All I can say is that "Archangel's Kiss" was a very satisfying continuation of the story of Elena and her archangel, Raphael. Not only must they face off against Lijuan and her growing army of reborn, but they must contend with the threat posed by murderous power-play of an unknown, but powerful angel.

I love the characters and world that Ms. Singh has created here. I think I actually liked the second book better than the first one, as Elena and Raphael are past many of the "where are the relationship boundaries?" part of of their relationship, and now present a united front against their enemies.

I also very much enjoy the cast of secondary characters. In addition to Dimitri, Venom, and Illium, we now have Galen, Jason, and Aodhan. All of them have pasts that beg to be explored, and I look forward to learning more about them all. I suspect that we'll also explore more of Raphael's past, and I am anticipating a future visit from his absent mother.

I'm starting in on Ms. Singh's Psy-Changeling series shortly. I am grateful to have discovered Mr. Singh's wonderful work.

Rating: 5 stars

"Angel's Blood" and "Angel's Pawn" by Nalini Singh

From Amazon.com:

FIRST IN THE GUILD HUNTER SERIES from -a major new talent- (CHRISTINE FEEHAN).Nalini Singh introduces readers to a world of beauty and bloodlust, where angels hold sway over vampires.Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux is hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael. But this time, it-s not a wayward vamp she has to track. It-s an archangel gone bad.The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other-and pull her to the razor-s edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn-t destroy her, succumbing to Raphael-s seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break.

I've not read Nalini Singh's work before, though I had heard of her Psy-Changeling series, recommended by other reader friends. I chose to pick up "Angel's Blood," as well as the companion novella, "Angel's Pawn," because this was the start of a new series, and a good jumping on place for me.

I'll admit, when a story involves heavenly characters--angels and demons, that is--I am always a bit wary. If an author writes the characters like they could have appeared in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, all is good. If they try to mold their story a more Biblical mold, it's not for me. I take my faith very seriously.

Having said that, Ms. Singh writes "angels" in the Buffy mold. (As in, excellent characters, in interesting situations, with some deeper moral and ethical questions motivating them through it all.) These are excellent tales, and I will certainly snap up "Archangel's Kiss" come Feb. 2.

No spoilers, but I found all of the characters to be fascinating, and I very much enjoyed how Ms. Nalini illustrated what might happen to immortals who lose more of their humanity (as much as they had, anyway) every passing year. Very well done.

A couple of comments--Ms. Singh told us what the vampires wore, and what Elena wore, but the angels--I would have liked to know more of what these fine feathered folks were wearing. Michaella's clothing was described, yes. But  what does an angel wear when flying around the city? Some of us humans would really like to know. Also, where did angels come from in the first place? (I hope this is something we discover in future books.) I'd love to know the mythology of the race, and a bit more of their history.

My rating: 5 stars