Review: Archangel's Enigma (Guild Hunter #8) by Nalini Singh

Title: Archangel's Enigma
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #8

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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Naasir is the most feral of the powerful group of vampires and angels known as the Seven, his loyalty pledged to the Archangel Raphael. When rumors surface of a plot to murder the former Archangel of Persia, now lost in the Sleep of the Ancients, Naasir is dispatched to find him. For only he possesses the tracking skills required—those more common to predatory animals than to man.
Enlisted to accompany Naasir, Andromeda, a young angelic scholar with dangerous secrets, is fascinated by his nature—at once playful and brilliant, sensual and brutal. As they race to find the Sleeping archangel before it’s too late, Naasir will force her to question all she knows...and tempt her to walk into the magnificent, feral darkness of his world. But first they must survive an enemy vicious enough to shatter the greatest taboo of the angelic race and plunge the world into a screaming nightmare…

I have been (not so) patiently waiting for Naasir’s story. Ever since we met him, almost from the beginning of the series, I was curious about his origins. Who and what is Naasir really?

Naasir is one of Raphael’s seven and the best hunter there is. After thousands and thousands of years, Naasir has decided to look for his mate. He is tired of the loneliness and eager to experience what Raphael and Dmitri have with their mates, to share secret rules with her. So when Raphael asks him to find Alexander, Naasir’s search for his mate is put on hold. But finding Alexander won’t be as easy as it sounds and the only one who can help in his mission is Andromeda, an angelic scholar with as many secrets as him.

Archangel’s Enigma was everything I've been waiting and more. Naasir was the most perfect hero in the series. He wasn't civilized but he made an effort to appear, he was strong, a true hunter at heart, playful, secretive, he was truly an enigma. Nobody except Raphael and few others knew his origins so it was fun to watch Andromeda join the club along with Elena, Honor (Dmitri’s mate) and us. Thank God Singh takes pity on us and we finally get answers.

Andromeda was a unique character as well. She may have been a scholar but she was nothing like the average librarian. She was well trained, actually she was like a ninja with her sword, she had so many secrets, she was intelligent and she never backed down from an argument she knew she could win.

I loved the scene where Naasir firstly realized that Andromeda could be his mate. Naasir and Andromeda’s journey brought them closer but it also picked up the pace of the series. We finally see action, a lot of it. Two ancient archangels are awake and a new archangel is about to ascend.

We also got to see some scenes with Raphael and Elena, Jessamy and Galen, Dmitri and Honor, Venom, Illium and Aodhan. Expect a huge surprise coming regarding Illium.

I loved Archangel’s Enigma so much. I feel that the series is finally heading somewhere, it definitely progresses. I hope the next book will be either Illium or Venom’s book. I really want to read their stories and watch them get their HEAs.

This book is for all the series lovers.

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WAITING ON WEDNESDAY #52 Archangel's Enigma (Guild Hunter #8) by Nalini Singh

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine and is where we can talk about books we are looking forward to being released.

Title: Archangel's Enigma

Author: Nalini Singh

Series: Guild Hunter #8

Expected publication: September 3rd 2015

Goodreads

Naasir is the most feral of the powerful group of vampires and angels known as the Seven, his loyalty pledged to the Archangel Raphael. When rumors surface of a plot to murder the former Archangel of Persia, now lost in the Sleep of the Ancients, Naasir is dispatched to find him. For only he possesses the tracking skills required—those more common to predatory animals than to man.
Enlisted to accompany Naasir, Andromeda, a young angelic scholar with dangerous secrets, is fascinated by his nature—at once playful and brilliant, sensual and brutal. As they race to find the Sleeping archangel before it’s too late, Naasir will force her to question all she knows...and tempt her to walk into the magnificent, feral darkness of his world. But first they must survive an enemy vicious enough to shatter the greatest taboo of the angelic race and plunge the world into a screaming nightmare…

I really can't wait for this one! I -L-O-V-E Nalini Singh! 

What are you waiting on Wednesday??? 

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Review: Archangel's Legion (Guild Hunter #6) by Nalini Singh

Title: Archangel's Legion
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #6

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

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Angels are falling from the sky in New York, struck down by a vicious, unknown force.
Vampires are dying impossibly of disease.
Guild hunter Elena Deveraux and the Archangel Raphael must discover the source of the wave of death before it engulfs their city and their people, leaving New York a ruin and Raphael’s Tower under siege by enemy archangels.
Yet even as they fight desperately to save the city, an even darker force is stirring, its chill eyes trained on New York…and on Raphael. Rivers of crimson and nightmares given flesh, the world will never again be the same…

I know what you’re thinking, that’s what I thought as well, “another Raphael and Elena book?” Apparently yeah…

When I finished Archangel’s storm (which I loved) I expected another of the seven to follow. Instead what we get is another book about the never ending drama that is Raphael and Elena’s relationship. Don’t get me wrong. I like the couple but I believe that the first three books in the series plus one more now, is simply too much. Even the third book was too much! The first two books, I loved! The third , not so much! (there was a point I dnf-ed the book and even considered abandoning the series if it continued thus) and now this…

This book was a torture! The only reason I read it, was because I didn’t want to lose any major changes (not that there were any besides the legion)

Just like the third book in the series this book was so unnecessary. Elena’s job and family drama goes on like usual. Hunting, investigating, fighting with her dad, having nightmares about her past and later crying about them to Raphael. This is the book in one sentence. I can’t believe this is the Elena we met in Angel’s blood. The same goes to Raphael as well. His mother is back (and despite what they are saying, she seems to be the most stable and sane of all the archangels) he’s the youngest archangel ever, he has found his soul mate, he has all the money he could ever need and humans think he is a God. How can someone have all that and yet be so lifeless? In contrast with Elena though, I felt like Raphael had improved. His powers continue to change and he acting more like the leader he is (but don’t get your hopes up yet)

On the other hand, once again drama, drama and more drama (that’s actually a line I borrowed from my review of the third book in the series). How is it possible that all of the seven men in Raphael’s league, with Raphael included, have a hunted past?! That’s just absurd! And what’s wrong with all the women in this book! I felt like this book was a battle between men vs women and it’s really not hard to guess who’s the winner (hint- 3 letters). All of the female archangels are so crazy (in a bad way), Elena’s sister, Beth was such a fool for taking Harrison back! He apparently didn’t care for Beth since he decided to become a vampire without checking if Beth could be turned as well. What makes her believe that he’ll care for the baby?! And don’t let me start with Elena.

There was however, one bright spot (maybe two) in the book. The legion and the big fight (ok, that one may not have been a bright spot but after being so bored , believe me you are doing to enjoy this one). Birds falling from the sky, rivers turning red, legions awaking! Fun stuff! Although, I felt like things got more complicated with them, I loved this new addition.

Who’s next? Maybe Illium, Venom or Aodhan (or even Naasir! I don’t know why but I feel that I’m going to love his story). Anyway, I’m a bit hesitant about Illium. In every book the author keeps mentioning his fixation with Elena and the fact that he was once in love with a mortal and never quite got over her. If we get another book like Dmitri’s, I’m definitely abandoning the series. How can a book be romantic when the male can’t truly devote himself to the heroine? If Illium doesn’t get the book he deserves, then that’s the end of the series for me!

Hopefully, the next Raphael and Elena book will be after everyone else gets their own story.

I'm sorry!!! I should have posted this one on Monday but I got distracted by other projects!

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Review: Archangel's Storm (Guild Hunter #5) by Nalini Singh

Title: Archangel's Storm
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #5

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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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.

“I’ll be home soon, princess.”

Jason story!!! :)

Before starting, let me tell you that Jason has always been a mystery to me. I couldn’t quite understand if he was a good or a bad guy. Even after finishing his own story, I still feel that there is much more to Jason than he lets on.

Raphael needs a spy inside Neha’s region to help solve the mystery surrounding the murder of Neha’s consort. Neha, of course, would be a fool to accept a spy in her region without a blood bond (a bond with someone of Neha’s line that would oblige Jason to keep the family secrets). Although Raphael is a bit hesitant about the blood bond, Jason finally accepts. But who is he going to bond with?

*drums*

Mahiya, Neha’s “niece” is just as mystery as Jason is. She’s a woman who will do anything to gain her freedom but who in the meantime remain a puppet to Neha’s plans. She follows her orders obediently and knows her place in the palace. When she first meets Jason, she thinks he’s no threat but as they begin spending more time together she begins to understand that Jason could be the man to steal her heart. For he, sees the woman behind the mask, the woman whose heart remains pure despite, living all these years with Neha.

Jason got to me. He was so different from the other males we have seen in the series. Well not that different actually. He had a rough start in life too but he’s the only one who truly knows and acknowledge where the problem lies. I was really sorry for what happened to him, especially in such a tender age.

This was a true Nalini book. I really, really loved this one. Jason and Mahiya were incredible characters. They were so alike but yet, each other had his/her own way in expressing their feelings. Since I loved this book so much, I expected their HEA to be incredible as well. They do get a HEA but to me it wasn’t an appropriate one. How can it be a HEA when one of them will be always missing?

In this book we don’t get to see much of the other characters/couples, which I think was expected since Jason is no longer in Raphael’s region and therefore can’t be in contact with all the others. I should point out though that there were many glimpses of Dmitri and Honor’s life.

In my opinion, this was the best book in the series. Maybe the romance and the action and the suspense even the drama weren’t so obvious, but that’s what kept me going. Archangel’s storm mesmerized me.

Totally recommended!

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Review: Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter #4) by Nalini Singh

Title: Archangel's Blade
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #4

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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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...

“I will love you even when I am dust on the wind.”

*Beware: Spoilers ahead*

Finally!!

After reading Archangel’s consort, I was so disappointed. So, after reading this one, I can say that I’m ready for more.

First thing first, some background story. As most of you may know, Dmitri is one of the seven of Raphael’s. Raphael’s league of seven consists of seven powerful and trusted angels and vampires (Aodhan, venom, Jason, Dmitri, Illium, Galem and Naasir). Dmitri is one of the oldest vampires and Raphael’s second hand. But what many of you don’t know is that Dmitri never wanted to be a vampire.

After brutally losing his wife and two children, Dmitri wants nothing but to join his family. When Raphael gives him the opportunity to join his then forming seven, Dmitri finds some hope. Needless to say, Dmitri accepts.

Now, years later, Dmitri hasn’t changed a bit. Dark, edgy and dangerous, he dominated the streets of New York. I have to admit that in the beginning of the series, Dmitri wasn’t my favorite one but after witnessing his past, I understand why he’s the man he is now.

As long as the romantic part of the book, I can say that I was disappointed. Honor was a great heroine with a hunted past of her own. How she managed to maintain her humanity id beyond me. But she did and that’s what matters in the end.

My problem was with neither Honor now Dmitri. I can’t say I loved them but I can say that I liked them. They just didn’t work out for me. Honor needed a patient, sweet man while Dmitri needed his wife. He couldn’t be with Honor because he couldn’t give her what she needed the most, help. He was stubborn, adamant, always did what he wanted and never discussed anything with Honor. I get it. He was in love with his long gone wife all these years and I can’t judge him. But since you know you cannot love someone else then why are you giving hope to them! Honor had been through much, she didn’t need Dmitri’s pity.

So yeah, all the while I kept thinking that maybe the author was going to bring his wife back to life and give Honor a better match.

What was really weird was seeing Raphael and Elena from Dmitri and Honor’s point of view. After three whole books about them, I didn’t think I could handle their “relationship” any more. But I did miss them a little (weird I know!). we also go to see Illium (who I love), venom (who I’m beginning go like) and Jason (who I’m not sure how I feel about).

In the end, I believe, everything worked out. Both Dmitri and honor got what they were looking for and had their HEA.

Once again, I can’t say that I loved this book but truth is, I enjoyed it! 

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Review: Archangel's Consort (Guild Hunter #3) by Nalini Singh

Title: Archangel's Consort
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #3

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Nalini Singh steps back into the shadows of her heartbreakingly original world where angels rule, vampires serve, and the innocent can pay the greatest price of all ...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 ...

“Our memories make us... even the darkest of them all.”

Well this book wasn’t for me!

After finishing Archangel’s kiss, I expected this book to be about one of the seven but what we got was another Raphael and Elena book. It’s not that I don’t want to read more about them but I think that three books in a row about them is too much. Despite that, I really tried to get into the story but I just couldn’t. I felt like there was no plot and even if there was, it was progressing very slowly.

From the beginning of the book it ws clear who was the cause of the crimes. Drama, drama and more drama.

What I did enjoy was the changes in Raphael and Elena's relationship. Although, the book was too sweet for me, I did notice that their relationship had changed (for the better). They were more aware of each other and I guess that the more time you spend with someone, the more attached you become.

Dmitri and Illium, of course, were an integral part of the book. The only reason I didn’t dnf-ed the book was them. It was so invigorating reading about them. I’m so curious about Dmitri’s past. What happened to him? What made him the man he is now? I hope that both Dmitri and Illium get their own story!

Wondering who’s good enough for Illium though…

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Review: Archangel's Kiss (Guild Hunter #2) by Nalini Singh

Title: Archangel's Kiss
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #2

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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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—especially 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.

“They didn't understand that she held his heart, held it so utterly that there was nothing he wouldn't do, no line he wouldn't cross to keep her safe.”

Archangel’s kiss is the second book in the Guild hunter series and it picks up exactly were the previous left off.

After almost dying Elena wakes up from a year long coma to find herself altered. Elena has become an angel. Raphael has made her the impossible. The first angel ever to be made.

But with Elena’s new powers she’s in more danger than ever. In order to keep her safe, Raphael takes her to the refuge (a place where all the baby angels are brought up) so that she can regain her powers. Strange things begin to occur to the refuge and so Elena and Raphael must find the one threatening the refuge’s peace.

Once again, I was surprised by Nalini’s angels. The eldest of the archangels, Lijuan, was so corrupted by her growing powers that she even started raising the dead. After finding out about Elena, the first angel to be made, she decides to throw a ball in her honor in Beijing. That actually is what urges Elena to learn to control her powers asap.

Raphael, who I didn’t quite like that much, was actually very supportive to Elena that even ordered his sever (a group of seven powerful and trusted warriors consisted of both angels and vampires) to train her. On the other hand, Elena was so stubborn. She overestimated her powers and put everyone in grave danger.

Besides that though, she was a strong character who was hunted by her past. I felt so bad for her. She had to endure horrible things and the only parent she had, treated her like a stranger. It was so painful reading her flashbacks but I think that her past made her the person she’s now. Deep down she was the vulnerable child that had just lost her mother and sisters. Raphael was the perfect match for her. Partly because he had the same horrible past as Elena and partly because he truly cared for her. They respected each other and acknowledged each other’s feelings.

One thing I really liked was the action. I loved the flying and fighting lessons, the history and political lessons by both Raphael and Jessamy. Were very helpful in understanding the archangels world.

Filled with romance, vampires, angels, hunters and two incredible main characters, archangel’s kiss will definitely capture your attention.

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Review: Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter #1) by Nalini Singh

Title: Angels' Blood
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #1

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she is the best- but she does not know if even she is good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, Elena knows failure is not an option—even if the task is impossible.
Because 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 does not destroy her, succumbing to Raphael’s seductive touch just might. For when archangels play, mortals break.

“How long have you been with Raphael?”
“You ask a lot of questions for a dead woman.”
“What can I say? I prefer to die well-informed.”
-Venom and Elena”

I’ve been a fan of Nalini’s for so long and yet I was so afraid to begin this series. I’m in love with Nalini’s Psy/ changeling series and I thought if I read and hated this series then I’d stop reading any book by the author. But none of this thankfully happened. I can’t say that I loved this series as much as I do the Psy/ Changeling or the Rock Kiss series but I definitely enjoyed it.

I’ve read a few books about angels and every book describes them differently. Nalini’s angels were no different. Nalini has created this whole new world. Her angels were unique. They were human-like, very sexual creatures but they were also dark and sometimes even evil, they ruled the world. The angels were at the very top of the pyramid, while the vampires followed and at the bottom were the humans. If you actually consider it, it makes sense. The angels were always high up the sky, the humans were down to the earth while the vampires were in between. Not quite humans but not angels either.

Raphael, the archangel of New York, is in need of the best vampire hunter. So, who’s better to do the job than Elena, a hunter with the ability to sense vampires? I really liked Elena. She was independent, strong, a survivor but above everything else she had a great sense of humor. She was very dedicated to her job and determined to see it through. On the other hand, Raphael was ruthless and as a member of the Cadre (a group of ten powerful archangels who ruled the world) he had to be. When he met Elena for the first time, he wasn’t sure whether to keep her or kill her. But somehow he fell for her. All Raphael saw in Elena was a strong warrior and a woman who hid behind a mask. A mask that Raphael wanted to remove. He wanted to see the real Elena, the person she never let anyone see.

I loved this couple.

The author managed to take their attraction to the next level and show us what they can become. They were so many twists and turns and the end was an unexpected one. I never saw it coming. Thankfully the second book is already out so we don’t have to wait to see what’s going to happen next.

Totally recommended!

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STACKING THE SHELVES #15

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. It gives us a chance to share with readers what we bought, borrowed, swapped, won or got for review each week.

This week I read:

Books I loved:

Click on cover for Goodreads link:

  

Currently Reading:

For those who know me, you already know that I looooove Nalini Singh. I'm in love with her 

Psy-Changeling series and her brand new Rock Kiss series. I was a bit hesitant about reading her Guild Hunter series becasue it was so different from the Psy/Changeling and I didn't want to be dissapointed but... I just got addicted! I read the first 4 books this week and I'm currenly reading the 5th.  I don't want to start the 6th and 7th because the 8th book comes out next year (September 2015)

 :( 

However, I don't think that I'll be able to control myself... 

What did you read this week???

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